[Replacement of the knee-joint (author's transl)]

Survey of methods. In first part new classification of prostheses. Discussion of some biomechanical problems, mainly on hinge-prosthesis which can only be compromises for various periods. Replacement to be considered only for elderly or very old patients, when conservative treatment offers no chances, other operations are not promising or have failed, arthrodeses cannot be done and pain and loss of function are severe. Indications for hinge- and slide-prostheses are given. In the second part two statistics of results from the literature are discussed and experience with 130 own cases using own model is described. Infection occurred in 3 cases where removal of prosthesis had to be done. Examples of the need for reversal operations are given.