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Design
Rationale
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Femoral
The anatomic femoral condyles converge
from posterior to anterior with the medial borders of the medial
and lateral condyles recessed in relationship to the lateral aspect
of the condyles. The Repicci II femoral component is anatomically
designed to replace the natural contours and thickness of the
articular cartilage while confirming to the underlying sclerotic
supportive bone (Fig.4)
This anatomic shape of the femoral component
necessitates separate right and left configurations that are available
in four sizes of 45, 48, 54 and 60mm for complete femoral condyle
coverage. Chronium cobalt has been utilized for the femoral component
for maximum strength and proven wear resistance. The articular
surface of the femoral component is rounded throughout the radius
of the prosthesis to minimize tibial polyethylene edge wear and
point loading (Fig.5).
The edges of the femoral component have
been tapered to encourage smooth adaptation with adjoining cartilage
and to avoid patellar impingement (Fig.6).
A central keel and post configuration is
incorporated for enhanced prosthetic support, maximum strength
and ease of insertion. (Fig.6)
Tibial
The Repicci II tibial component utilizes
direct compression molded ArCom polyethylene. An all-polyethylene
component has been designed for maximum thickness of polyethylene
throughout the component and improved wear characteristics. The
tibial implant thicknesses are 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5mm and they
are available in three diameters of 32, 37 and 42mm for greater
tibial surface area coverage. (Fig. 7).
The tibial articular surface is radiused
to confirm to the femoral component radius (Fig. 8). This conformity
helps to reduce contact stresses and consequent polyethylene wear.
Indications
The Repicci System is a surface restoration
technique that is designed for use in younger, osteoarthritic
patients. This technique utilizes the sclerotic bone of osteoarthritis
for prosthetic support. The sclerotic process does not develop
until complete loss of articular cartilage has occurred on both
opposing articular surfaces. The resurfacing procedure must be
withheld until complete loss of joint space can be visualized
on standing weight bearing X-rays of the affected compartment.
The Repicci II unicondylar program has
been designed for serial replacement to preserve functional capacity
and will allow for conversion to primary total knee replacement.
This serial replacement will help extend the survivability of
all prosthetic systems (Fig. 9).
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