Health Sciences · Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy
A total knee replacement that was likely removed from a patient given wear on bearing surfaces and traces of remaining adhesive. This Item consists of four components:
2025.JAC.285.1 – A metal femoral component shaped like the part of the femur that forms the upper portion of the knee joint. The inner portion of each condyle has a smooth peg to secure the prosthetic to the femur bone.
2025.JAC.285.2 -A metal tibial component (tray) with an unusual black plastic bearing surface of carbon-infiltrated polyethylene. The lower portion of this component that interfaces with the tibia has a longer central peg (keel) with two smaller pegs to either side.
2025.JAC.285.3 – A dome-type white plastic patellar prosthesis with a metal wire insert for x-ray detectability.
2025.JAC.285.4 – A metal staple of a kind used for osteotomy operations involving the realignment of the knee. This is not part of the knee prosthesis, but was likely removed along with it.
Accession Number: 2025.JAC.285.1-4
Alternative Name: Total Knee Arthroplasty
Cobalt-Chromium Alloy (Zimaloy), Polyethylene, Carbon Infiltrated Polyethylene
Etched into the inner surface of the femoral component: “[Zimmer logo] 47-1348-05// ZIMALOY REG LEFT// 513419”
Etched into the keel of the tibial component: “[Zimmer logo] 5006-08// 680931”
2025.JAC.285.1: Height = 4, Width = 6, Length = 6.5; 2025.JAC.285.2: Height = 5.5, Width = 6.6, Legth = 4.
A total knee replacement (TKR) is used to restore function to a heavily damaged knee, typically through advanced arthritis or other injury. It involves removing bone from the femur, tibia, and patella, and replacing the entire knee joint with artificial components. A partial knee replacement, by contrast, replaces either the lateral or medial compartment (condyle) of the knee joint.
This is a modern unconstrained knee replacement, meaning that there is no hinge between the femoral and tibial component. The black bearing surface of the tibial component is of carbon-infiltrated polyethylene.
The artifact is intact and complete. The femoral and especially the tibial components have traces of adhesive residue. The bearing surfaces have light signs of wear.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Zimmer Biomet. Warsaw, Indiana, USA
Date of Manufacture: c. 1980s
The Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy Collection was acquired by the University of Toronto from Dr. Jackson’s family on November 12th, 2020.
Additional Information and References:
This artifact incorporates a bearing insert of carbon-infiltrated polyethylene. This material was introduced in c. 1980s in the hope that it would prove more durable than existing polyethylene inserts. The material was withdrawn when it showed no benefit.