IMPLANTS & TECHNOLOGY
Understanding Your Knee Implant — What Goes Inside Matters
Not all knee implants are equal. The implant inside your knee determines how long it lasts, how natural it feels, and whether you ever need revision surgery. At Gini Hospital, Dr. Harjoban discusses implant options transparently at your pre-operative consultation — the choice is made together based on your age, activity level, bone quality, and anatomy. You will receive a complete written cost breakdown before deciding anything.
Part A — What a Knee Implant Consists Of
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Femoral Component
Caps and resurfaces the thigh bone end
Cobalt-Chrome alloy or Oxidised Zirconium
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Tibial Baseplate
Fixed to the top of the shin bone
Titanium alloy
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Polyethylene Insert
The bearing surface between metal components — replaces your cartilage
Standard, Highly Cross-Linked, or Mobile Bearing
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Patellar Button
Resurfaces the back of the kneecap
Polyethylene (not always used)
Part B — The Bearing Surface: The Most Important Choice
The polyethylene insert is the wearing surface of your knee. Its quality is the single biggest factor in how long your implant lasts.
Budget / Elderly
Standard Polyethylene
Older technology with a higher wear rate over time. Wear debris from the plastic is the primary cause of implant loosening and revision surgery over decades. Suitable for elderly, low-demand patients where cost is the primary constraint.
When usedOlder patients with low activity levels, budget-sensitive cases.
✅ Current International Standard
Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene (HXLPE)
The current global standard of care. Cross-linking dramatically reduces wear rate compared to standard poly. Excellent 20+ year performance data across millions of patients worldwide. Recommended for most patients as the baseline bearing choice.
When usedMost primary knee replacement patients — the default recommendation at Gini Hospital.
⭐ Premium — Maximum Longevity
Oxidised Zirconium Femur + HXLPE
The premium bearing combination. The femoral component is made from oxidised zirconium — a ceramic-like surface significantly harder and smoother than cobalt-chrome metal. Far less wear against the polyethylene over decades. 30-year wear simulation data published. Available in selected Smith & Nephew systems.
When usedPatients under 60, active patients prioritising the longest possible implant lifespan, and patients with metal sensitivity.
Part C — How the Implant Is Fixed
Cemented Fixation
Bone cement locks implant components immediately into position. Most reliable and widely used globally. Preferred for elderly patients and those with softer bone quality. Immediate stability — you walk on Day 1. Decades of proven long-term data.
Cementless Fixation
The implant surface is porous or coated — your own bone grows into it over 6–8 weeks, creating a permanent biological bond. More natural long-term fixation. Preferred for younger, more active patients with good bone density. Avoids cement — important for patients who may need revision surgery decades later.
Part D — Implant Systems Used at Gini Hospital
Dr. Harjoban uses implant systems from the world's leading orthopaedic manufacturers — selected for evidence, longevity, sizing range, and suitability for Indian patient anatomy.
Zimmer Biomet 🇺🇸
Global leader in joint replacement
Persona Knee System
One of the most anatomically designed systems available — 12 sizes per component ensure the closest possible fit to your individual anatomy, reducing edge loading and implant overhang. Available in cemented, cementless, and posterior-stabilised versions.
NexGen Complete Knee Solution
A long-established, highly reliable system with 25+ years of clinical follow-up data. One of the most studied knee implants in the world.
Oxford Partial Knee
The world's most implanted partial (unicompartmental) knee system — 30+ years of data. Used when only one compartment of the knee is damaged and healthy bone and ligaments remain in the rest of the joint.
When we use itWide range of patients — from partial knee replacement through to complex revision cases. Our most versatile system.
Stryker 🇺🇸
Known for natural knee kinematics
Triathlon Knee System
Designed so the tibia rotates naturally as the knee bends — closer to how a normal knee actually moves. Single-radius design provides consistent quadriceps muscle force throughout the full range of motion. Good high-flexion performance — important for Indian patients who squat, sit cross-legged, or kneel for prayer.
When we use itActive patients, patients who prioritise a natural knee feel, and those who need high flexion in daily life.
DePuy Synthes — Johnson & Johnson 🇺🇸
Designed with Asian patient demands in mind
ATTUNE Knee System
Specifically engineered to address mid-flexion instability and achieve high flexion angles. Graduated femoral geometry provides smooth, stable movement through the full arc of bending. Available with a rotating platform insert for patients needing additional stability.
PFC Sigma
A time-tested system with 20+ years of proven outcomes and one of the most published long-term datasets in orthopaedics.
When we use itATTUNE for patients prioritising stability and high flexion. PFC Sigma for standard cases where long-term evidence is the priority.
Smith & Nephew 🇬🇧
Best-in-class bearing technology
Journey II BCS (Bi-Cruciate Stabilised)
The most anatomically faithful knee implant available anywhere. Designed to reproduce the function of both cruciate ligaments — giving the most natural knee feel and kinematics of any system currently available.
Verilast Technology
Oxidised Zirconium femoral component paired with highly cross-linked polyethylene — the lowest-wear bearing combination available. Backed by 30-year wear simulation data. The premium bearing choice for patients under 60.
When we use itJourney II for active younger patients wanting the most natural-feeling knee. Verilast for patients under 60 who want the bearing surface that lasts the longest.
Meril Life Sciences 🇮🇳
India's largest orthopaedic manufacturer
Fit More / Adagio Knee System
Designed with input from Indian orthopaedic surgeons for Indian patient anatomy. CE marked and ISO certified to international quality standards. HXLPE bearing as standard. Good size range for Indian anatomy.
When we use itCGHS and ECHS patients at government-approved rates, and cases where a reliable Indian-manufactured implant is the appropriate choice.
Part E — How We Choose Your Implant
01
Assessment
Dr. Harjoban reviews your X-rays, MRI, age, activity goals, bone quality, and anatomy.
02
Discussion
At your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Harjoban explains the implant options suitable for your case — including the evidence, the trade-offs, and the cost for each. You decide together.
03
Written Estimate
You receive a complete written cost breakdown before signing anything. No surprises on your final bill.
💛 CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries receive government-approved implant rates. Our billing team handles all documentation and cashless processing with your insurer.
