From the Guidelines
The main difference between right and left DePuy Attune femoral knee implants is their anatomical design, which mirrors the natural asymmetry of human knees, with each implant specifically shaped to match either the right or left knee's unique anatomy. The right implant is contoured to fit the right knee's natural geometry, while the left implant is designed for the left knee. These side-specific designs include differences in the trochlear groove angle (where the patella tracks), the medial and lateral condyle shapes, and the overall curvature of the component. Using the correct side-specific implant is crucial for proper knee biomechanics, as it helps ensure optimal patellar tracking, better range of motion, and more natural knee function. The DePuy Attune system's side-specific design aims to replicate the knee's natural kinematics, potentially improving patient satisfaction and functional outcomes after total knee replacement surgery. Implanting the wrong side could lead to abnormal wear patterns, instability, pain, and potentially early failure of the knee replacement. According to the most recent study 1, patient satisfaction rates for TKA are relatively high, ranging from 75% to 89%, and using the correct implant is essential to achieve optimal outcomes.
Key differences between the right and left DePuy Attune femoral knee implants include:
- Trochlear groove angle: The angle at which the patella tracks is different between the right and left implants to accommodate the natural anatomy of each knee.
- Medial and lateral condyle shapes: The shapes of the condyles, which are the rounded ends of the femur, are specific to each knee and are designed to match the natural geometry of the right or left knee.
- Overall curvature of the component: The curvature of the implant is designed to replicate the natural curvature of the femur in each knee, ensuring proper fit and function.
It is essential to use the correct side-specific implant to minimize the risk of complications, such as loosening, infection, and instability, which are common causes of TKA failure, as reported by Sharkey et al 1. By using the correct implant, surgeons can help ensure optimal outcomes and improve patient satisfaction after total knee replacement surgery.
From the Research
Difference between Right and Left DePuy Attune Femoral Knee Implant
- The provided studies do not specifically discuss the differences between right and left DePuy Attune femoral knee implants 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on various aspects of knee arthroplasty, including revision surgery, bone defect management, and diagnosis of loosening, but do not provide information on the specific differences between right and left DePuy Attune femoral knee implants.
- Study 6 discusses patient-specific templating total knee arthroplasty, which may be relevant to the implantation of DePuy Attune femoral knee implants, but does not provide information on the differences between right and left implants.
Implant Alignment and Fixation
- Study 6 highlights the importance of accurate alignment and fixation of total knee arthroplasty implants, which may be relevant to the DePuy Attune femoral knee implant 6.
- However, the study does not provide specific information on the differences between right and left DePuy Attune femoral knee implants.