Rotating Platform Knee Technology

One of the truly exciting developments in knee replacement is the rotating platform technology. To understand its significance, the design of the standard total knee must be considered.
Knee joint implants work as a system and consist of the femoral, tibial and patellar components. The femoral component is the uppermost part of the knee system and is made of a strong, polished metal called cobalt chrome. It covers the end of the thighbone, the femur. The patellar component replaces the back of the kneecap. The tibial component covers the top end of the tibia or shinbone.
In a fixed knee prosthesis, the tibial component is designed to securely hold the polyethylene insert or spacer. When the knee is in motion and the femoral component glides across the polyethylene insert, different degrees of stress are placed on the insert. Over time, this movement can lead to wear of the plastic insert and in some cases, after years of
wear, it must be replaced.
The difference between the rotating platform knee implant and the more traditional fixed
bearing implant is mainly in the design of the tibial component. The rotating platform knee’s unique design spreads the weight of the body over the largest area possible while allowing the polyethylene insert to rotate in the tibial tray. These design characteristics reduce stress or force on any one area of the knee implant. This reduction in stress may potentially lead to
extended implant longevity. The rotating platform knee more closely mimics the motion of a natural knee, allowing it to slightly twist and turn, move back and forth as well as flex and extend. Because many of the components of the rotating platform knee are identical to fixed knee implants, the same surgical procedures can be used for implanting the device. Additionally, the current preoperative and postoperative routines for the patient are also the same.
The majority of total knees implanted in this country are the clinically successful fixed bearing.

The right design for you depends on your age, health status and the condition of your knee.