Kinematic Alignment is the technique where the anatomical position of the knee replacement is matched to a patients own anatomy. This means that the alignment for each and every person is unique – even the alignment between two knees on the same person! The technique is not new, and has been tried and tested and studied for over 2 decades. The technique is coupled with a medial pivot designed implant with the aim of providing amazing function, no pain, and a higher level of functional capabilities than ever before. Please watch, and feel free to ask questions on our YouTube channel, or Facebook page. We will answer them below
What is the prosthesis made of
All of our knee replacements are Cobalt Chromium. The plastic is a highly specialised polyethylene. The composition of the implant is designed to increase longevity. Under an electron microscope, the surface of a CoBalt Chromium implant is extremely smooth. In a knee replacement, there is no metal touching metal, as the plastic sits between it.
For more information of knee replacement composition – visit this link.
What movements can this knee replacement perform
Unlike a standard hinge, a normal knee bends, straightens, opens and closes (laterally), is tighter medially, and also rotates. This is what the implant design is for – the medial pivot design mimics the behaviour of a normal knee. When coupled with kinematic alignment, this is designed to increase the natural feeling of a knee. To achieve kinematic alignment, patient specific technology is used. For all of our total knee replacements, a disposable instrument set is used so it is brand new for each and every knee that is performed.
Will my knee be stable after a kinematic knee
Yes, the aim of a kinematically aligned knee is to not cut or detach any of the surrounding ligaments, tendons or capsular structures. Like with all knee replacements with a medial pivot design, the ACL and PCL, which reside within the knee, are removed, in order to position the prosthesis. The surrounding ligaments, the LCL and MCL, including the Popliteus, ITB and capsular structures are not damaged or released.