Physica ZUK: 20 years of clinical heritage

For surgeons, the choice of a knee implant is not just about functionality. Above all, it is a commit-ment to providing patients with long-term success backed by a proven track record. This is where the Physica ZUK (Lima Legacy) shines.

Physica ZUK can look back on 20 years of clinical success. The unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has proven its worth in practice, and extensive clinical data confirm its effectiveness. The proven track record inspires confidence in both surgeons and patients.

This meticulous approach ensures precise bone resections, minimizing the risk of complications and ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes for patients.

Dr. Nicolò Castelnuovo

Despite being around for two decades, Physica ZUK's design remains relevant thanks to its PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) coating, which is sprayed on the back surface of the femoral and tibial components.
This coating improves both durability and fixation, and thus contributes to long-term success for patients. 

The intelligently crafted instruments are designed to simplify surgical procedures and minimize the risk of errors. For we know that precision is crucial in joint surgery.

What do your colleagues say about the Physica ZUK knee implant?

The concept of "proven clinical heritage" signifies “an implant with extensive real-world use and a data demonstrating its effectiveness over time. This is exactly what surgeons value.

Dr. Alexander Beier (Berlin, Germany) highlights Physica ZUK’s established reputation: "Physica ZUK is a tried and tested implant for the treatment of medial and lateral gonarthrosis. I have been a convinced user for many years with many satisfied patients." 
Surgeons prioritize evidence-based decisions.

Prof. Thomas Luyckx (Roeselare, Belgium) emphasizes the importance of robust and established data: "As a surgeon, I believe the most important thing is to use implants with a proven track record. You shouldn't experiment on your patients... That's where the Physica ZUK truly shines. With its long-lasting heritage and, in my opinion, best-in-class survival rates, it's one of the main reasons I choose Physica ZUK for my medial compartment procedures."

Dr. Nicolò Castelnuovo (Milano, Italy) stresses Physica ZUK’s clinical leadership: "Undoubtedly, Physi-ca ZUK is the unicompartimental knee prosthesis with the best performance at 15 years. It is the gold standard due to its universal compatibility between femoral and tibial components. Another ad-vantage is the possibility to use the same implant for medial and lateral knee surgeries, increasing familiarity when carrying out infrequent lateral procedures."

Physica ZUK’s clinical heritage translates to real-world benefits for surgeons and patients. Surgeons gain confidence from the knowledge they are using a reliable implant backed by extensive data. Patients benefit from long-lasting results and a proven track record of success [2,3,11]. As Enovis celebrates 20 years of Physica ZUK, this tradition of clinical excellence continues to shape the future of knee replacement surgery.

Optimizing Function for a More Active Life 

When it comes to optimizing function, particularly that of the knee joint, a key question arises: how can we restore a patient’s mobility and quality of life?
The Physica ZUK UKA emerges as a compelling answer, backed by its success in achieving this goal. 
Dr. Alexander Beier highlights the unique advantage of UKA over total knee arthroplasty. Unlike total replacements, UKA has the potential to nearly completely restore the natural function of the knee joint. This translates to a more naturally-feeling knee and potentially faster recovery for patients. 
Prof. Thomas Luyckx emphasizes the dual focus of Physica ZUK: “long-term implant survival and improved patient function. This two-pronged approach ensures that the implant not only lasts, but also empowers patients to regain their active lifestyles.” 
Dr. Nicolò Castelnuovo contemplates the design aspects of Physica ZUK. He commends its userfriendly nature, prioritizing function over unnecessary complexity. This focus translates to a smoother surgical experience and potentially faster recovery times.

Despite having been around for two decades now, Physica ZUK’s design remains relevant thanks to its PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) coating, which is sprayed on the rear surface of the femoral and tibial components. This coating enhances durability and fixation, contributing to long-term success for patients [2,3,11]. 

Physica ZUK stands out as a UKA solution that optimizes function [8–10] for a more active life. Its combination of user-friendly design, long-term durability, and proven clinical success [1–7] makes it a compelling choice for surgeons and patients seeking restoration of natural knee mechanics [12] and improved quality of life [13]. 

Precision-Engineered for Optimal Outcomes in Knee Surgery 

Precision is paramount in knee joint surgery. The slightest misstep can significantly impact a patient’s recovery and long-term outcomes. Physica ZUK, a system for UKA, stands out for its commitment to achieving the highest level of surgical precision.

Physica ZUK, with its unwavering focus on precision execution, offers a compelling choice for surgeons seeking to optimize patient outcomes in UKA procedures. The combination of a well-designed implant, innovative instrumentation, and a focus on ease of use during surgery empowers surgeons to achieve precise results, leading to faster recoveries and improved quality of life for patients [13].

List of references

[1] National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR). Implant Summary Report on Physica ZUK. Hemel Hempstead (UK): NJR Centre. 2022 Feb.

[2] Gill JR et al. Clinical results and 12-year survivorship of the Physica ZUK unicompartmental knee replacement. Knee. 2019 Jun;26(3):750-758.

[3] Vasso M et al. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is effective: ten-year results. Int Orthop. 2015 Dec;39(12):2341-6.

[4] De Grave P et al. Outcomes of a Fixed-Bearing, Medial, Cemented Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Design: Survival Analysis and Functional Score of 460 Cases. J Arthroplasty. 2018 Sep;33(9):2792-2799.

[5] Biswas D et al. Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients less than 55 years old: minimum of two years of follow-up. J Arthroplasty. 2014 Jan;29(1):101-5.

[6] R.I.P.O. (Register of the Orthopaedic Prosthetic Implants) Annual report 2019, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.

[7] Servien E et al. Lateral versus medial tibial plateau: morphometric analysis and adaptability with current tibial component design. KSSTA. 2008 Dec;16(12):1141-5.

[8] Kim Tae K et al. Clinical Results of Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. CIOS. 2016 Dec;8(4):386-392.

[9] Gill JR et al. Forgotten Joint Score: Comparison between total and unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Knee. 2021 Mar;29:26-32.

[10] Ohashi KL, Dauskardt RH. Effects of fatigue loading and PMMA precoating on the adhesion and subcritical debonding of prosthetic-PMMA interfaces. J Biomed Mater Res. 2000 Aug;51(2):172-83.

[11] http://www.odep.org.uk/products.aspx

[12] Volpi P et al. High accuracy in knee alignment and implant placement in unicompartmental medial knee replacement when using patient-specific instrumentation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23:1292–1298.

[13] Balaji A et al. Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Severe Osteoarthritis and Pseudarthrosis in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis. Orthop Res Rev. 2021 May 14;13:63-71.

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