A brief history of total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

The development of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is characterized by the manufacturing of appropriate interposition materials, clinical application of knee biomechanics and the use of secure and reliable methods of component fixation. Since the introduction of resection and interposition arthroplasty procedures and the introduction of polycentric and geometric knees, significant improvements and important innovations have been made. The design of the total Condylar knee set the standard for modern TKA in combination with the surgical techniques of flat bone cuts, symmetrical flexion/extension gaps and careful ligament release. TKA has thus become one of the most successful orthopaedic surgical procedures. Recent innovative ideas such as patient specific instrumentation and computer-assisted surgery have the potential to further improve the effectiveness, durability and longevity of TKA designs. © Springer-Verlag London 2015.