Parts of the Biomet Vanguard Knee

The Biomet "Vanguard® Complete Knee System" is a total knee replacement system produced by the Biomet Orthopedics, introduced into the market in 2003. Biomet is one of three major orthopedic joint replacement companies all headquartered in Warsaw, Ind. The Vanguard system boasts a uniquely designed kneecap track or groove which allows for greater mobility and decreased loss of healthy bone during the replacement process. The product comes in 90 different size combinations to create a custom fit. There are three basic components to the implant--the femoral component, the tibial component and the patellar component.

Tibial Component

• The tibial component is a polyethylene (plastic) and metal pad which replaces "damaged cartilage at the top of the tibia (shinbone)," cushioning knee impact and allowing for a normal range of daily activities, according to the Biomet website. The company states that the part is "direct compression molded"... a manufacturing method designed to increase durability and decrease wear.

Femoral Component

• The femoral component, according to the Biomet website, is "a metal (titanium) alloy on the end of the femur (thighbone)" which replaces the damaged portion of the bone, creating a new surface and track upon which the joint can operate. This eliminates the pain caused by damaged fragments of bone rubbing against each other.

Patellar Component

• The patellar component replaces the patella, a triangle-shaped bone which protects the knee joint. It is often referred to as the kneecap. This component is made of a stainless steel-titanium alloy.