Nearly half a million hip and knee replacements are performed each year in the U.S. using conventional metal/plastic prostheses. Although these procedures have yielded positive results, over the years, the artificial joints can become loose and unstable, requiring a revision (repeat) surgery.
These issues, coupled with the facts that increasing numbers of younger and more active patients are receiving total joint replacements and that older patients are living longer, have challenged the orthopaedic industry to try to extend the life cycle of total joint replacements.
Recent improvements in surgical techniques and instrumentation will help to further the success of your treatment. The availability of advanced materials, such as titanium and ceramic prostheses and new plastic joint liners, provides orthopaedic surgeons with options that may help to increase the longevity of the prosthesis.
Orthopaedic surgeons have the ability to navigate joint replacement procedures with more accuracy than ever before. Click here to learn why
Platelet rich plasma (abbreviated PRP) is a new treatment used for some common orthopaedic conditions. PRP is a concentration of platelet cells taken from your blood, and these platelets have growth factors that may help in the healing process of chronic injuries. Growth factors are chemicals that signal the body to initiate a healing response. By injecting PRP into areas of an injury, the hope is to stimulate and optimize your body’s ability to heal the chronic conditions such as knee arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and tennis elbow.
The durability of hip implants depends on many things including patient weight and activity level, as well as the implant’s bearing surface technology.
The bearing surface is defined as the two parts of the hip that glide together throughout motion. Stryker’s new, advanced bearing technology, called X3®, has demonstrated up to 97% decrease in wear in laboratory testing.* This decrease in wear may extend the life of your hip implant. This new technology is particularly important for younger patients.
Ask your doctor if X3® technology is right for you.
The durability of hip implants depends on many things including patient weight and activity level, as well as the implant’s bearing surface technology.
The bearing surface is defined as the two parts of the hip that glide together throughout motion. Stryker’s new, advanced bearing technology, called X3®, has demonstrated up to 97% decrease in wear in laboratory testing.* This decrease in wear may extend the life of your hip implant. This new technology is particularly important for younger patients.
Ask your doctor if X3® technology is right for you.
If you’re reading this website, chances are you (or a loved one) are considering or preparing for joint replacement surgery.
As you read, make a note of anything you don’t understand. Your doctor will be happy to answer your questions so that you’ll feel comfortable and confident with your chosen treatment plan.
Leading Technology
During a joint replacement procedure, your surgeon will strive to ensure that everything is aligned properly. Accurate alignment of the hip or knee components is critical to the overall function of your new joint. A well-aligned hip or knee replacement is less likely to dislocate and may last longer.
Orthopaedic surgeons have the ability to navigate joint replacement procedures with more accuracy than ever before.
Stryker’s computer-assisted technology can help your surgeon work more efficiently with less invasive techniques and help align implants to your unique anatomy.
What are some of the reasons orthopaedic surgeons choose computer-assisted technology?
- Provides your surgeon with comprehensive data about your anatomy which may help determine proper placement of your joint replacement
- Ability to plan for surgery with a computer generated model of your hip or knee
- Provides the surgeon with feedback and the ability to correct potential misalignment during the surgery
- Allows for better visualization of anatomy, which is particularly important when minimally-invasive techniques are used
Tritanium is a three-dimensional surface on the acetabular cup that helps hold the implant into the bone. The new Tritanium technology was designed to resemble trabecular bone, a type of spongy bone tissue that provides skeletal support. Tritanium technology allows for bone to grow into the component providing enhanced fixation.
Tritanium is made from high-quality, commercially pure Titanium. Studies have shown that it improves bone ingrowth when compared to other alloys. This technology may be especially beneficial for patients with low bone density and the 55% of Americans age 50 and older diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Ask your doctor about Tritanium Advanced Fixation Technology.
