The Gender Solutions High-Flex Knee, the first kneee implant designed for women, has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. The knee implant, developed by orthopedic surgeons and manufactured by Zimmer, Inc, is different from currently available knee implants in that it the shape better fits that of women: narrower and thinner shape, and allows more natural motion. Considering that two thirds of patients needing knee implants are women, a knee replacement suitable for women's anatomy is long overdue.

The Gender Solutions High-flex Knee was designed based on three distinct and scientifically documented shape differences between women's and men's knees, and a sophisticated and highly detailed map of the joint created using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging. The implant's goals include alleviating knee pain and restoring mobility, while offering fit and function that is optimized for the characteristics more commonly seen in female patients.

"Knee implants have been functioning very well for men and women, but we want to meet women's unique needs by making knee replacements that feel, fit and function even better. The Gender Solutions Knee is the best of both worlds. It's based on the NexGen® Knee, a highly successful implant with great mechanics and 10 years of clinical success. Only the shape is different, to make it feel more natural."

The new implants will find their way onto patients' knees shortly and is expected to be available worldwide later this year. Zimmer may also begin distributing the implant to U.S. orthopedic surgeons and hospitals as part of Zimmer's NexGen Complete Knee System.
For more info, see Zimmer's press release, THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: Gender Solutionsâ„¢ High-Flex Knee is the First Knee Replacement Shaped to Fit a Woman's Anatomy and the company's info page on the Gender Solutions High-Flex Knee.