Arthroplasty of the knee

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical engineering
• Prosthetics and orthotics

Background:

• A polycentric knee mechanism was clinically implemented in 1971.
• This mechanism allows for axial rotation and simulates natural knee movements.
• Over 7.5 years of clinical use, significant insights into knee reconstruction and design have been gained.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical performance and patient satisfaction of a polycentric knee mechanism.
• To analyze the surgical and mechanical challenges encountered in knee reconstruction using this device.
• To compare the outcomes of knee arthroplasty with hip arthroplasty.

Main Methods:

• Clinical introduction and utilization of a polycentric knee mechanism since 1971.
• Analysis of surgical and mechanical problems over a 7.5-year period.
• Assessment of patient satisfaction rates.

Main Results:

• A 95% patient satisfaction rate was achieved, which is comparable to hip arthroplasty outcomes.
• Clinical experience has significantly enhanced the understanding of knee reconstruction and prosthetic design.
• The complexity associated with knee reconstruction using this mechanism is considerably higher than that of hip reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The polycentric knee mechanism offers a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Continued clinical experience is crucial for refining knee reconstruction techniques and prosthetic design.
• Knee arthroplasty presents greater surgical and mechanical challenges compared to hip arthroplasty.