Alignment and fixation in total knee arthroplasty: changing paradigms

Bone Joint J. 2015 Oct;97-B(10 Suppl A):16-9. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.97B10.36499.

Abstract

Many aspects of total knee arthroplasty have changed since its inception. Modern prosthetic design, better fixation techniques, improved polyethylene wear characteristics and rehabilitation, have all contributed to a large change in revision rates. Arthroplasty patients now expect longevity of their prostheses and demand functional improvement to match. This has led to a re-examination of the long-held belief that mechanical alignment is instrumental to a successful outcome and a focus on restoring healthy joint kinematics. A combination of kinematic restoration and uncemented, adaptable fixation may hold the key to future advances.

Keywords: Knee arthoplasty; alignment; fixation; kinematic alignment; uncemented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / instrumentation
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Joint Diseases / surgery
  • Knee Joint / physiology*
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Knee Prosthesis
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Recovery of Function
  • Reoperation
  • Torsion Abnormality / etiology
  • Torsion Abnormality / prevention & control*
  • Torsion Abnormality / surgery
  • Torsion, Mechanical