Long term outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The effect of posterior stabilized designs

Abstract

The debate over whether to preserve the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), so-called cruciate-retaining (CR), or to substitute for it, so-called posterior stabilized (PS), continues to engage orthopedic surgeons. Although multiple differing design philosophies have come and gone over the past several decades, no consensus has been reached as to which knee is preferable. Several factors account for this. First, no clear benefits or drawbacks are apparent for either type of implant to the extent that either is clearly superior. In addition, multiple confounding factors are present in the comparative evaluation of implant studies (e.g. function, patient satisfaction, implant longevity, complication rates etc.), as well as the influence of tradition in the implant choices of most surgeons, which makes comparison difficult.