Rotating-platform knee arthroplasty: a review and update.

Abstract

Fixed versus rotating-platform knee arthroplasty for total knee arthroplasty is still a controversial topic. In this article, biomechanical and clinical aspects of rotating-platform knee arthroplasty are reviewed. In regard to its biomechanical characteristics, the rotating-platform knee arthroplasty design has been proved to provide less tibiofemoral contact stress under conditions of tibiofemoral malalignment. It also reduces the wear rate. However, in regard to its clinical characteristics, the mid-term and long-term survivorship of rotating-platform knee arthroplasties is not superior to that of fixed-platform knees. It appears that we are at a crossroads. In this article, progress in biomechanical and clinical aspects of rotating-platform knee prosthesis is reviewed. © 2011 Tianjin Hospital and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.