Total knee replacement using the stabilized gliding prosthesis

The stabilized gliding knee prosthesis has been designed as a compromise between the restrained hinged joints and the unconnected surface prostheses. It is a two-piece implant, allowing normal gliding movements of flexion and extension, and is stabilized by a rod between the femoral and tibial components which allows some lateral mobility and rotation while acting in place of the cruciate ligaments and in place of or in addition to the collateral ligaments. The indications for and the techniwue of implantation are described and the results of the first 53 operations are reported. Follow-up time is between 1 year and 2 1/2 years. The results of these operations using the stabilized gliding prosthesis are at least equal to those using hinged or condylar prostheses. So far there has been no case of loosening of either component, and the implant can be used successfully in patients in whom condylar prostheses fail owing to their lac of inbuilt stability.