Joint Replacement Options For Women

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

New Joint Replacement Options For Women (NAPSA)—No matter how much progress is made in promoting gender equality, there are certain fundamental differences between women and men that affect how both sexes live—and how healthy thoselives are. For example, women are disproportionately affected and disabled by joint diseases such as arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia, according to a report in Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. In fact, women suffer from severe arthritis at three times therate of men, and according to a study from the New England Journalof Medicine, are twice as likely to need total joint replacements. Cindy Goodfellow from Temple, Texas, experienced this inequality firsthand. An active senior with six grandchildren, Goodfellow’s arthritis affected her so severely in her knees that she had trouble performing routine activities. “Every time I climbed, stood or even sat in one place for a while, the pain was excruciating,” said Goodfellow. “I felt like I was living a part-timelife.” She knew that she needed to take action before her pain forced her to miss the things she enjoyed most. But hundreds of thousands of women are not seeking the treatment they require. While the need for total joint replacement may be greater for women, studies show they are less likely to receive treatment. There are a numberof theories why, from relentless schedules to uncertainty about joint replacements themselves. After consulting with her physi- the recovery period and how quickly they recover their range of motion andperform activities that were difficult prior to surgery.” One of the key componentsof a knee system is its bearing technology. Not only does the Triathlon system provide an improved fit for women, but its Stryker bearingsurface technology will give ease of mind to patients like Goodfellow for many years to come. “At first, knee replacement surgery seemed like a scary proceWomen are twice as likely to need total joint replacements— and nowthere are replacement options just for them. cian on possible treatments, Goodfellow decided to undergo surgery and receive a Stryker Triathlon knee replacement, the first knee system designed with women in mind. Based on years of research, the Triathlon Knee System has a more narrow design than traditional knee implants, helping to provide improved fit and function for the female anatomy. Dr. Kirby Hitt, a leading orthopaedist from Temple, Texas, performed the surgery on Goodfellow andis one of the first surgeons in the world to use the Triathlon Knee System at his practice. “With the demand for joint replacement treatment increasing, I want to be sure my patients receive a knee system that has the potential to meet their specific needs, regardless of their gender,” said Dr. Hitt. “With the Triathlon, my patients are consistently surprised with the shorter length of dure,” said Goodfellow. “But after receiving the Triathlon and having the ability to do thingslike kneeling in the garden and playing with my grandkids, I can’t envision mylife any other way.” For more information on knee replacement surgery, visit www.aboutstryker.com/betterfit. Increased Knee Motion: How Much Flexion Do You Need? Restoring motion in the knee is one of the reasons many people consider knee replacement. The Triathlon Knee System allows for natural knee motion and up to 150 of flexion. Walking 0-67 (Climbing stairs 0-83 Descending stairs 0-90 Sitting down 0-93 Tying shoe 0-106 e Lifting your grandchildren 0-117 Gardening 0-125 Triathlon provides 150 Individualresults vary, including recovery time and postoperative activity levels.

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