The epidemiology of failure in total knee arthroplasty: avoiding your next revision

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a cost effective and extremely successful operation. As longevity increases, the demand for primary TKA will continue to rise. The success and survivorship of TKAs are dependent on the demographics of the patient, surgical technique and implant-related factors. Currently the risk of failure of a TKA requiring revision surgery ten years post-operatively is 5%. The most common indications for revision include aseptic loosening (29.8%), infection (14.8%), and pain (9.5%). Revision surgery poses considerable clinical burdens on patients and financial burdens on healthcare systems. We present a current concepts review on the epidemiology of failed TKAs using data from worldwide National Joint Registries.