Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

For Online Access

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2004, Volume14

Issue 1

82 pages

DOI: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.v14.i1

Issue price - $175.00

Alfred J. Tria, Jr., MD
Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Surgery, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854. The Orthopredic Center of New Jersey 1527 State Highway 27, Suite 1300 Somerset NJ 088

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has developed significantly since the early 1970s. The basic principles have not changed over the past 30 years; however, the techniques and prostheses have improved a great deal. The TKA must correct deformity while balancing the ligaments and equalizing the flexion and extension gaps. Deformity can be a result of bone angulation or ligament imbalance. Bone deformity must be isolated out to the diaphysis, metaphysis, or articular surface of the knee. The latter two areas can be managed at the same time as the arthroplasty. Diaphyseal changes that are greater than 20° of angulation most often require a separate operative procedure. Ligament imbalance can be managed with either lengthening of the tightened ligament or tightening of the lax ligament. While lengthening is the easier of the two approaches, both techniques are acceptable when performed correctly. Deformity of the knee can be a challenging problem, but with proper planning, the results are very acceptable and rewarding both for the patient and the operating surgeon.

DOI: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.v14.i1.40 Download article, 18 pages

Article price - $40.00

<< Previous article   Next article >>