What is a mobile/fixed bearing implant?
The partial knee replacement usually consists of essentially three pieces, the two metal alloy pieces that are attached to the bone and a very strong plastic insert that serves as the ‘bearing’ to help the knee turn. In a fixed-knee prosthesis, the plastic insert is held in place by a metal locking system attached to the metal piece on the lower leg (tibia). In a mobile bearing system the plastic insert is able to rotate for potentially longer performance with less wear. Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.
