Somewhere at some physical location is a knee with my name on it. No, not an actual knee and not even the actual components, though they also exist somewhere as well. I refer to the customized knee. The words "customized knee" is not an accurate description because the knee, meaning the components thereof, is not customized. The only custom part is the guide, the tool that is used to guide the cuts that are to be made into the bones. It is designed from an MRI, and therefore can accurately (ideally) show how much bone needs to be sliced away. After the knee is cut open and the bones are exposed, this cutting jig aids the surgeon in where to make the cuts and how much to cut away. The cutting blades are inserted into the slots built into the jig / guide. In conjunction with this, there is an assortment of different sized components which are tested until one is a satisfactory (or ideal) fit. They're numbered as to size. My understanding is that the surgeon must bring several of each size, for the three different parts: femur, tibia and patella. It is not one size fits all.
So somewhere, out there, is the all-important guide or jig. I read that they were made in Belgium; I don't know if that is still true, but I hope it has arrived safely at the proper orthopedic office, and that it is not forgotten. That jig is mine alone, custom made for only me. I don't think I'll claim it though; it may well be considered hazardous waste.
*****Several years ago, in my job, I was at a dental office where a child was being fitted for spacers. The aide carried in a large compartmentalized tray with dozens and dozens of different sized spacer appliances, all arranged as to size. She bumped her arm on one of the office machines and dropped the entire tray on the floor. They said everything had to be re-sterilized as well as re-organized. Sounded tedious to me.
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