We understand that making sure you know what to expect from the Triathlon
Knee Replacement experience is important to you. If you have additional questions as you
are reading through this material, please reach out to us to discuss.
Diagnosis and treatment of knee pain
Each patient is unique, and can experience knee pain for different reasons.
It’s important to talk to us about the reason for your
knee pain so you can understand the treatment options available to you.
Arthritis, one possible reason for knee pain, can affect one or more of
the three compartments of the knee. Take a look at the different areas
where arthritis can affect the knee joint:
the inside of the knee, or medial compartment
the outside of the knee, or lateral compartment
the top of the knee is also known as the kneecap, or patella compartment
Pain from arthritis and joint degeneration can be constant or come and
go, occur with movement or after a period of rest, or be located in one
spot or many parts of the body. If you haven’t experienced adequate
relief with medication and other conservative treatments, total knee replacement
may provide you with relief from your arthritis.
Total knee replacement surgery
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased or
damaged area of all three compartments of the knee is replaced with an
artificial joint called an implant. The Triathlon Knee is different from
traditional knee replacements because the single radius design of the
Triathlon Knee means that as your knee flexes and extends, there is a
constant center of rotation, like a circle. Take a look at how it works:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Knee Replacements
General Indications: Total knee replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease
resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis,
and for moderate deformity of the knee.
Contraindications: Knee replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain
types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would
create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation
failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock,
skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the knee, or excessive body weight.
Common Side Effects of Knee Replacement Surgery: As with any surgery, knee replacement surgery has serious risks which
include, but are not limited to, peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage),
circulatory compromise (including deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in
the legs)), genitourinary disorders (including kidney failure), gastrointestinal
disorders (including paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal digestive movement)),
vascular disorders (including thrombus (blood clots), blood loss, or changes
in blood pressure or heart rhythm), bronchopulmonary disorders (including
emboli, stroke or pneumonia), heart attack, and death.
Implant related risks which may lead to a revision include dislocation,
loosening, fracture, nerve damage, heterotopic bone formation (abnormal
bone growth in tissue), wear of the implant, metal sensitivity, soft tissue
imbalance, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), and reaction
to particle debris. Knee implants may not provide the same feel or performance
characteristics experienced with a normal healthy joint.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your
doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is right for you. Individual
results vary and not all patients will receive the same postoperative
activity level. The lifetime of a joint replacement is not infinite and
varies with each individual. Your doctor will help counsel you about how
to best maintain your activities in order to potentially prolong the lifetime
of the device. Such strategies include not engaging in high-impact activities,
such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. Ask your doctor
if the Triathlon knee is right for you.
Stryker Corporation or its other divisions or other corporate affiliated
entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service
marks: Stryker, Triathlon. All other trademarks are trademarks of their
respected owners or holders.