[Alternatives to endoprostheses of the hip and knee joint]

Total hip and knee replacement is one of the most successful operative procedures in orthopaedic surgery. With respect to greater life expectancy, however, loosening of the implant and revision surgery with all its sequelae must be taken into account. Therefore joint preserving procedures resp. arthrodesis of the hip and knee joint are still of great importance. The best long term results can be achieved by operations which can improve the biomechanics of the joint. Operative procedures which aim at the biology of the joint only lead to temporary pain relief. Arthrodesis of the hip and knee joint should always be considered in young patients with no possibility for joint preserving techniques.