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The R.B.K (Rotating Bearing Knee) Total Knee Replacement The most significant issue facing the long
term survival of a knee replacement procedure
remains the wear properties of the plastic insert which is inserted
to create a buffer between the two metallic implants for the femur
(thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). As younger and younger patients seek relief from crippling arthritis, they are, understandably, concerned about the longevity of their implant.
The R.B.K total knee replacement was designed in this country by a team of surgeons, engineers and material scientists who used, as their model, a well known design that is still functioning well at 25 years post operation.
The R.B.K mimics the anatomy of the normal knee in that it allows a degree of rotation which is an important function. The rotating bearing has been proven to cause less wear and also allows the implant to more evenly distribute the bodies weight load through the implant. The end result is a knee replacement that lasts much longer.
The designers have added a "biological bone stimulating agent" to the underside of the tibial (shin bone) implant in order to promote rapid bone growth to the necessary areas of the implant. Coupled with this, some added mechanical fixation and precise instrumentation to aid the surgeon to implant this device, the designers are hopeful that the replacement may last 30 years or more.
The individual components which make up a TKR Saw-Bones Demonstration of a TKR Fixation of the components of the TKR
If you are having an operation, click here to find out about the operating theatre and all the people in it. |
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