Trends in total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

The success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over the past two decades of use has resulted in the implantation of TKA into younger patients who have increased functional requirements and demand increased implant longevity. Improved functional performance requires enhanced range of motion, increased motor performance, and creation of kinematic patterns that more closely resemble the normal knee. Increased longevity necessitates more durable implant fixation, improvements in bearing materials, and lower polyethylene stresses. Considerations to reduce polyethylene wear include increased cross-linking, improved femoral component surface finish, better modular tibial locking mechanisms, and the use of mobile-bearing TKA designs that allow increased implant conformity and reduced contact stresses without increasing loads transmitted to the fixation interface.