Reoperation after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

The specific incidence and causes for reoperation after total knee arthroplasty continue to change with time. In the early experience with hinge and condylar knees, reoperations were most frequently required for prosthetic loosening, knee instability, and sepsis. Fifteen to 20 years ago, patellofemoral complications accounted for up to 50% of reoperations.1 With improved prosthetic designs and better surgical technique, reoperations are becoming less frequent. Polyethylene wear is now the leading cause for reoperation, while prosthetic loosening, instability, and patellofemoral problems are rare. In this chapter, the incidence and causes of reoperation after 2000 consecutive posterior cruciate retaining primary total knee arthroplasties followed for a mean of 11 years are discussed. Some of the incidence and causes will obviously be prosthesis specific. Nevertheless, this large consecutive series by one surgeon gives an overview of the complications most likely to be seen today in any surgeon's arthroplasty practice. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved.