Results of Gender-Specific Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparative Study with Traditional Implant in Female Patients

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of overhang between two distinct femoral components and whether there is clinical and radiological benefit of gender-specific implants in short-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and four knees in consecutive 66 female patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty due to primary osteoarthritis were included in this study. Overhang was measured and recorded in every cut surface of femur with both gender-specific and traditional trial femoral components respectively in every patient. Then, the knees were divided into two groups according to the type of the permanent femoral component they received. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared between 2 groups at minimum 3 years after operation. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 41.3 months (range, 36 to 50 months). Sixty two knees (59.6%) showed femoral overhang at least in one area with a traditional trial component, while 26 knees (25.0%) did with a gender-specific trial component (p<0.001). In terms of range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery knee score, radiographic result, patella tilt angle and displacement, no significant difference was observed between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of gender-specific implants substantially reduced the incidence of femoral overhang but did not demonstrate any clinical, functional or radiologic benefit in short-term follow-up.