Fixed Bearing Knees
Function with Wear Resistance
Today’s surgeons demand a knee system that can
react to the needs of the individual patient. The
Sigma® Knee System brings together function with
wear resistance to match the needs of a diverse
patient population.
Regardless of the size, shape or activity level of
patients, surgeons can feel confident that with the
Sigma Knee system, they can choose the procedure
and implant to meet their patients’ demands.
Sigma Knee System
The Sigma Knee System offers one of today’s most comprehensive, integrated knee systems. It embraces a wide
variety of philosophies and surgical techniques and continues to develop with the addition of further implant
options and instrumentation.
The Sigma Fixed Bearing Knee Portfolio
Posterior Lipped (PLI) Curved (CVD) Curved Plus (CVD+) Stabilized (STB)
Polished CoCr Keeled Ti Ti Porocoat
Tibi
al T
ray
Poly
ethy
lene
Inse
rt
1- Post (Round and Oval)
3-Post (Round and Oval)
Inset
CR CR150 PS PS with LugsCR PorocoatFem
oral
Com
pone
ntPa
tella
Sigma Fixed Bearing KneesFunction with Wear Resistance
Femoral Components
Rounded coronal geometry maximizes contact area while minimizing contact stresses1
Accommodates high flexion with Sigma CR150
Highly Polished Cobalt Chrome Tibial Tray
Reduces backside polyethylene wear (as compared to titanium trays) by providing a smooth surface2
Retrieved CoCr trays show no locking mechanism erosion3
XLK Polyethylene
Moderately cross-linked to provide increased wear resistance versus standard polyethylene4,5
Remelted to create an oxidatively stable material
i2 Locking Mechanism
Integrity of locking tabs maintained with anterior bumper
Interference fit between the insert and the tibial tray reduces potential for micromotion
Wea
r Re
sist
ance
Func
tion
Sigma Femoral Components
The Sigma femoral components are designed to provide optimal function for high demand patients. The main
benefits of the femoral components are:
Rounded Coronal Geometry
By utilizing a round-on-round geometry, the system allows a larger contact area and lower contact stresses, both in
neutral alignment and varus or valgus lift-off , compared to flat-on-flat designs. This optimizes the trade-off between
maximal contact area and constraint of the implant.1
In contrast, lift-off of the femoral component in a flatter condylar design can lead to edge loading on the opposite
side. This may cause high concentrations of contact stresses on the polyethylene.
High Flexion
The clinically proven Sigma J-curve with extended posterior condyles
provides conforming contact through 150 degrees of flexion,
reducing the risk of point contact stress.
At 135 degrees of flexion, the Sigma CR150 knee system provides
a 31 percent increase in contact area resulting in a 19 percent
decrease in contact stress compared to the Sigma CR femoral
component. This helps to protect the tibial insert and reduce
polyethylene wear.6
To increase congruency and conformity in high flexion, the J-curve of the Sigma CR150 is extended beyond 120
degrees. In order to achieve this, Sigma CR150 requires a posterior bone resection of an additional 2 mm when
compared to the existing Sigma CR.
Optimal Function
Edge Loading
“J” Curve for Sigma CR150
120º Min
“J” Curve for Sigma CR
A highly polished Cobalt Chrome (CoCr) fixed bearing tibial tray is a unique product from DePuy Orthopaedics with
features not offered by any other competitor on the market. The main benefits of this tray are:
Highly Polished Surface
The polyethylene friendly, highly polished CoCr tray creates a smooth surface, minimizing abrasion.2
The Ra value (a measure of surface roughness) of the CoCr tray surface has been reduced by 95 percent compared to
the older Titanium tray.2
Proven Design
The CoCr tray uses the same design that was used by the original and successful P.F.C.® tibial trays. It utilizes the
same tray thickness, stem and keel, design as well as the same undersurface finish.
In essence, the highly polished cobalt chrome tray provides a more polyethylene friendly environment than titanium
with no compromise in material strength or fixation. It has been demonstrated that:
• Becausemotionbetweentheinsertandmetalbackingmaybeinevitable,thewearcharacteristicsoftheinnertray
surface should be optimized to minimize debris production.7
• Polishingthetrayhasbeenshowntoimprovethewearcharacteristicsofthearticulation.7
Wear ResistanceHighly Polished Cobalt Chrome Tray
The main goal of cross-linking is to improve polyethylene’s wear properties. Improving the
wear properties of the polyethylene material is important in fixed bearing knees because of
the multi-directional stress that the insert experiences.
Gamma irradiation is a proven method for cross-linking the
polyethylene. As the dose of gamma radiation increases,
the material’s wear properties also improve.5
But higher doses of gamma irradiation have a drawback
-- gamma radiation adversely affects polyethylene’s
mechanical properties.8 Therefore, it is not advisable to
increase the dose indiscriminately. A balance needs to exist
between the amount of wear reduction that is achieved
and reduction in mechanical properties. Sigma XLK finds
that balance with the following characteristics:
GUR 1020 Resin
Sigma XLK polyethylene is made from GUR 1020 resin
which has tougher mechanical properties relative
to GUR 1050.
Moderately cross-linked
DePuy Orthopaedics uses the 5 Mrads dose as it gives the desired amount of wear
reduction without a significant drop in mechanical properties. Moderate cross-linking of
the polymer chains provides increased resistance to the multidirectional wear generated by
fixed bearing designs.9
Oxidatively Stable
Sigma XLK is remelted above the melting point of polyethylene after it is exposed to gamma
radiation to make it oxidatively stable.8
Bottom line:
Sigma XLK is remelted to eliminate free radicals and therefore is oxidatively stable –
both on the shelf and in vivo.8
10
20
30
40
50
60
0
0
5 10 15
Irradiation Dose (Mrad)
Wea
r Ra
te (m
m3 /
mill
ion
cycl
es)
XLK
GVF
Wear Resistance Sigma XLK Polyethylene
The Sigma i2 locking mechanism plays a pivotal role in reducing the amount of micromotion between the
tibial insert and the tibial tray. The two salient features of the i2 locking mechanism include:
Interference Fit
The size of the polyethylene insert is 150 microns bigger than the tibial tray pocket. Due to this difference in
size, the insert has to ‘squeeze’ inside the tray. Since the insert deforms as it goes in the tray, there is little room
for it to move, thus minimizing the rotational micromotion and potential for backside polyethylene wear.
Integrity
There is an anterior bumper on the front of the insert between the two locking tabs. This improved
design removes the load from the tabs. Since the locking tabs do not experience the stress, it reduces
the risk of tabs breaking over time. The bumper will also absorb most of any anteriorly directed force,
minimizing the anterior/posterior micromotion and potential for backside polyethylene wear.
Reduced anterior/posterior motion due to anterior bumper
150 micron difference
Wear Resistance i2 Locking Mechanism
This construct delivers the benefits of modularity while approaching the performance of a one-piece tibial design.
When compared with the older lock, the i2 lock has reduced the amount of micromotion by 85 percent.10 In fact,
16 microns of resultant micromotion in the Sigma design is the lowest among a group of implant systems as
demonstrated in mechanical testing.11
85%Reduction
PFC ∑i2 XLK
PFC ∑i2 GVF
Advance NexGen Duracon Optetrak Journey Scorpio
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Mean R & RT Micromotion by Manufacturer
RT (DEG
)
R (M
ICRO
MET
ERS)
MANUFACTURER
R
RT
R = (AF)2 + (ML)2√
RESU
LTA
NT
MO
TIO
N (M
ICRO
NS)
i2 Locking SystemPrevious LockingSystem
100
150
0
200
250
300
350
257
33
Micromotion Micromotion is the motion that occurs between the polyethylene insert
and the tibial tray. It’s a phenomenon that has been recognized as a contributing factor to backside wear of polyethylene and is an unintended consequence of modularity in total knee implant systems.12
Benefits of Modularity
Modularity allows flexibility to customize the thickness of the polyethylene insert after the tibial tray has been fixed in the patient and exchange of polyethylene bearings without revision of the entire tibial component.12
Disadvantages of Modularity
The tray and insert interface can be a source of polyethylene wear debris. In a study by Wasielewski et al, wear on the underside of retrieved modular tibial inserts was associated with radiographic evidence of osteolysis.13
Source and Significance of Micromotion
Micromotion is typically caused by inherent design characteristics of the implant. By definition, modularity requires the two components to be of slightly different size so that they can easily be assembled. The key is to minimize this difference so as to minimize the ‘play’ between the two. At the same time, it should be easy for a surgeon to assemble (and disassemble when required) the two components. Different implant designs in the marketplace have had different levels of success achieving this balance.
Solution
It is not possible to completely eliminate micromotion between the tibial tray and tibial insert in a modular design. Therefore the locking mechanism, material, and the surface finish of the tibial tray assume greater significance. If any amount of motion is taking place, the following is desirable:
• Theinsertlockingmechanismshouldsecuretheinsertandthetraywithatightfit.
• Thesurfacefinishofthetrayshouldbepolyethylenefriendly.Itshouldbeassmoothaspossibleinordertominimizethe friction between the metal and plastic components.
• Thetraymaterialshouldbeafriendlyarticularsurface.
Key Message
“The undersurface of the insert is an additional source of polyethylene debris contributing to tibial metaphyseal osteolysis. To lessen polyethylene debris produced at this modular surface, the tibial implant locking mechanism should fix the insert firmly to the metal backing to decrease relative micromotion. Because motion between the insert and the metal backing may be inevitable, the wear characteristics of the inner tray surface should be optimized to minimize wear debris production at this other articulation.”13
The combination of a highly polished cobalt chrome tray, i2 locking mechanism and moderately cross-linked polyethylene has resulted in significant reduction in overall polyethylene wear in the Sigma Knee System. Tests have shown that use of these improved technologies has reduced the polyethylene wear rates in a Sigma Fixed Bearing Knee by 88 percent under standard kinematic loads and 71 percent under high kinematic loads compared to standard polyethylene and titanium trays.14
Polyethylene has been successfully used in orthopaedic implants, including knee systems, for many decades. However
it is also often cited as the leading cause of knee revision.15
Oxidative Stability
Oxidative Stability is defined as the material’s ability to resist combining with oxygen molecules. Oxidation eventually
leads to breakdown of the polyethylene material and may contribute to implant failure.
Virgin polyethylene is a material not exposed to any gamma radiation and is therefore inherently oxidatively stable.
However, exposure to gamma radiation is an essential step in the current manufacturing processes. Gamma radiation
serves two functions:
• Cross-linking-Improvesthewearcharacteristicsofpolyethylene9
• Sterilization-Terminalsterilizationofsomeinserts
Oxidation
When polyethylene is exposed to gamma radiation, the gamma energy initially breaks either the carbon-carbon
or carbon-hydrogen bonds along the polyethylene chain and forms free radicals. If the polyethylene material with
free radicals is exposed to oxygen, oxygen molecules can combine with the free radicals. This can cause the long
molecular chains to break, creating even more free radicals in the process. Degradation of the polymer chain
continues in the presence of free radicals and oxygen molecules. Polyethylene that is not oxidatively stable has shown
mid to long-term clinical mechanical failure and elevated wear rates.16
Thus, it is of crucial importance to either:
• Removefreeradicalsfromthepolyethylenematerial
• Avoidexposureofpolyethylenematerialtooxygeniffreeradicalsarepresentinthematerial
It is desirable to remove free radicals from the polyethylene because it is not possible to avoid exposure of the
polyethylene insert to oxygen once placed in the body. Therefore, manufacturing techniques like remelting have
been developed that allow removal of all free radicals that are generated in the process of gamma irradiation. It has
been shown that cross-linking the polyethylene and then remelting above the melt point eliminates free radicals and
creates an oxidatively stable polyethylene.8
Oxidative Stability
Technical Details
**Not Available for TC3 Femoral Components
*10 mm for size 6
8 mm
9 mm*
Sagittal Shape
Coronal Shape
Size 6**
Size 5
Size 4
Size 3/4N
Size 2.5
Size 2
Size 1.5
17.8 mm Inner Box (Dimension Constant)
Box height of Sigma PS Femoral Components
Size 1.5 14.0 mm
Size 2 14.8 mm
Size 2.5 14.8 mm
Size 3 14.8 mm
Size 4 16.7 mm
Size 4N 16.7 mm
Size 5 18.6 mm
Size 6 19.5 mm
Amount of rotation allowed by each insert:
Posterior Lipped (PLI) 15°
Curved (CVD) 10°
Curved Plus (CVD+) 20°
Stabilized (STB) 8.0°
Stabilized Plus (STB+) 2.0°
Size Keel Height M/L Keel
1.5 38 mm 37 mm
2 38 mm 37 mm
2.5 38 mm 37 mm
3 38 mm 37 mm
4 43 mm 43 mm
5 43 mm 43 mm
6 48 mm 49 mm
M/L
Keel Height
Tray Thickness (2.8 mm)
Peripheral Lip Height (6.6 mm)
Keel slopes 3 degrees posteriorly
The poly plug at the bottom of the tibial tray adds an additional 8 mm to the keel height.
Posterior Lipped Insert
(cruciate retaining only)
8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 (mm)
Curved Insert
(cruciate retaining only)
8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 (mm)
Curved Plus Insert (cruciate retaining
and cruciate sacrificing)
8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 (mm)
Posterior Stabilized (PS) Insert
(posterior stabilized only)
8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25 (mm)
All Polyethylene CVD and all Polyethylene PLI Tibia not shown; 8, 10, 12.5, 15 (mm) options available for each
Size 1.5 (Curved Plus) insert only available in 8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5 (mm)
All Polyethylene PS Tibia not shown; 8,10, 12.5, 15 (mm) options available
Size 1.5 (PS) insert only available in 8, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5 (mm)
Sigma High Performance Instruments
Function HP Instruments deliver Function with Wear Resistance through ease of use and improved alignment. Ease of use,
or function, impacts all healthcare providers throughout the surgical pathway including surgeons, scrub techs and surgeon assistants by creating a straightforward and efficient procedure.
Distal Femoral Resection
Efficient - Engineered for fast pinning and easy removal.
Adjustments designed to be easy to access and use.
User-Friendly - Designed for comfortable fingertip control.
Visual Cues - Line-of-site engraved marking for quick,
eye-friendly visual clarity. Secure color-coded locking
after adjustment.
Fixed Reference
Options - Anterior or Posterior referencing in one
system, available in 0, 3, 5, or 7 degrees of rotation.
Rotation Guides provide reference points to Whiteside’s
line and epicondylar axis.
Optimized profile - Cutting blocks minimize soft
tissue impingement, enable complete cuts, and are
the same M/L width as the implant.
Flexibility - Allows for easy downsizing or upsizing
changes, as well as last minute +2 or -2mm adjustments.
Wear Resistance Wear resistance is a key factor in an implant’s long-term success. It is influenced by implant alignment, which is a
combination of surgical skill and precise instrumentation.
Tibial Resection
Stability - Blocks are designed to maximize stability
against the bone, to promote a more accurate cut.
Precision - Instruments provide 1 mm resection
adjustment – which allows for optimum gap balancing.
Precise calculation sets the exact degree of slope
that the surgeon desires based on leg length.
Versatility - Multiple alignment checks/tools are
available to aid in correct placement and resection.
Tibial Preparation
Precision - 1 mm cement mantle produced by
instruments provides consistent implant fit.
Accuracy - Tray tower is designed for drill and
punch to occur at the same spot on the tibia.
Rotation - Fixed Bearing instruments allow surgeons
to locate optimal implant positioning for rotation.
Printed in USA. ©2010 DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. All rights reserved.
2.5M06100612-65-508 (Rev.1)
References
1. P.F.C. Sigma Knee System with Rotating Platform Technical Monograph. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Lit. No. 0611-29-050 (Rev.1).
2. Data on File at DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. WR# 010120.
3. Currier, J.H., M.B. Mayor, A.S. Perry, J.C. Huot and D. Van Citters. “Polished Tibial Trays in Modular Knees Show Reduced Backside Wear.” Paper 165, Podium Presentation at AAOS, February 25, 2009, Las Vegas, NV.
4. McKellop, H., F.W. Shen, W. Diamaio and J.G. Lancaster. “Wear of Gamma Cross-linked Polyethylene Acetabular Cups Against Roughened Femoral Balls.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1999: 73-82.
5. McKellop, H., F.W. Shen, B. Lu, P. Campbell and R. Salovey. “Development of an Extremely Wear-Resistant Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Total Hip Replacements.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research Vol. 17, No. 2, March 1999: 157-167.
6. Data on File at DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
7. Collier, M.B., C.A. Engh, Jr., J.P. McAuley, S.D. Ginn and G.A. Engh. “Osteolysis After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Influence of Tibial Baseplate Surface Finish and Sterilization of Polyethylene Insert.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Vol. 87-A, No. 12, December 2005: 2702-2708.
8. Collier, J.P., B.H. Currier, F.E. Kennedy, J.H. Currier, G.S. Timmins, S.K. Jackson and R.L. Brewer. “Comparison of Cross-linked Polyethylene Materials for Orthopaedic Applications.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research No. 414, September 2003: 289-304.
9. Chiesa, R., M. Tanzi, S. Alfonsi, L. Paracchini, M. Moscatelli and A. Cigada. “Enhanced Wear Performance of Highly Crosslinked UHMWPE for Artificial Joints.” Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Vol. 50, No.3, June 2000: 381-387.
10. Data on File at DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. WR# 020159 and 040076.
11. Leisinger, S., S. Hazebrouck and D. Deffenbaugh. “A New Approach to Micromotion Characterization of Modular Tibia Implants.” 54th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, Poster No. 1952, March 2-5, 2008, San Francisco, CA.
12. Parks, N.L., G.A. Engh, L.D.T. Topoleski and J. Emperado. “Modular Tibial Insert Micromotion: A Concern with Contemporary Knee Implants.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research No. 356, November 1998: 10-15.
13. Wasielewski, R.C., N. Parks, I. Williams, H. Suprenant, J.P. Collier and G. Engh. “Tibial Insert Undersurface as a Contributing Source of Polyethylene Wear Debris.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research No. 345, December 1997: 53-59.
14. Data on File at DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. WR# 020085 and 30058.
15. Sharkey, P., W. Hozack, R. Rothman, S. Shastri and S. Jacoby. “Why are Total Knee Arthroplasties Failing Today?” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research No. 404, November 2002: 7-13.
16. Currier, B.H., J.H. Currier, M.B. Mayor, K.A. Lyford, J.P. Collier and D.W. Van Citters. “Evaluation of Oxidation and Fatigue Damage of Retrieved Crossfire Polyethylene Acetabular Cups.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Vol. 89, September 2007: 2023-2029.