Restoration of stability, maintaining joint line, gap balancing, and constraint selection

Abstract

The most common aseptic cause of revision total knee arthroplasty is instability. The source of the instability can be straightforward or multifactorial. Instability can result from improper balancing of the flexion and extension spaces, malpositioning of the joint line, or imbalance of the soft tissue sleeve surrounding the knee. The reason for the instability must be identified for the revision to be successful. The goals of revision total knee arthroplasty are the same as those of primary surgery, to restore the original anatomy of the knee, regain function, and provide stability. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved.