Super-specialist orthopaedic surgeons have now begun to offer knee replacement surgeries with artificial joint implants that are specifically designed for the female anatomy. Called the 'Gender Knee', the first exclusive artificial joint for arthritic women is offering optimistic results, according to the expert, Dr Hemant Wakankar, who is among the firsts to launch the artificial female knee in India over three years ago.

Ever since, Dr Wakankar of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune has used 'Gender-Knee' to a large extent and he says his team has significant numbers to prove it. "Gender knee, should give a giant leap for the fairer sex to manage knee joint problems more effectively."

Though it has long been known that there were marked differences in the skeletal structure of men and women, it has only been realized recently that there are significant differences in the knee joint between men and women. With more and more arthritic women seeking joint replacement surgeries around the world, there have been higher incidences of adjustment problems after surgical replacements of the artificial knee which was hitherto, designed based on the average size of both women's and men's knees combined.

With the latest Gender Knee, however, there are distinct differences in the shape and size from side to side so as to suit the thinner profile of the female knee. Skilful replacement of the Gender Knee ensures a natural fit, more flexible movement of the knee cap and a better range of motion overall, quite like a natural knee. Such contouring provides for a more precise fit and prevents the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially pressing on or damaging surrounding ligaments or tendons.

Pleased with the outcome, Dr Wakankar says, "Patients who had full mobility before surgery can maintain it, and can also manage to squat down or sit cross-legged (though not advisable on a regular basis). There has been significant progress on the post-treatment front since mobilization is faster. In fact, when we do a single knee, we can make the patient stand on the same day or next day itself. Many patients go home on the fourth or fifth day."

Given that traditional implants have been modified only in shape and size, orthopaedic technicians look at the differences between the implants to be relatively minor. According to them, "In the case of female patients seeking Gender Knee implants, it is therefore very important to find a skillful surgeon. It is the skill and the technique of the surgeon who implants such joints is what matters." This also explains why there are only a few super specialist joint replacement surgeons adept to handle successful Gender Knee implants in India.

Gender Knee replacement is also a less invasive technique that can be carried out with smaller incisions than those required for traditional implants. "The technique needs to be used rather selectively. In the case of obese patients, you need to make a longer incision. In the case of thin patients, you can complete the procedure of knee replacement by using an 8-10 cms incision. This typically offers smaller scars, shorter hospitalization and quicker rehabilitation. But ultimately, the patient has to take care of the new joint in order to reduce the wear since it remains to be an artificial joint that has been implanted," Dr Wakankar points out.

Although total knee replacement surgeries are advised for appropriately screened patients, it should not be looked at as the last resort for one's debilitating condition, says the doctor. "No one must wait till he/she gets practically bed-ridden. Generally, there is a fear of surgery and nobody wants to go in for it. But then there does reach a stage when you have no choice left, especially if you become home-bound or maybe even room-bound. That's when most patients agree to go in for surgery. Patients should consider surgery when they are mobile because the recovery time is lesser."

In the Pune region, Dr Wakankar has conducted more than 400 double knee joint replacements as well. "I handled the first case of double replacement in India in the year 2000 after I returned from UK. The patient now at 75, more than nine years after surgery, is managing very well," he recalled. Scores of arthritic patients from Sangli, Kolhapur, Miraj, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati and Mumbai seek consultation with Dr Wakankar at Pune's Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.