MODERN TRENDS IN ORTHOPEDICS: THE KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Using PubMed the authors analyzed publications dedicated to knee arthroplasty that were published in 2011. The modern trends of knee joint replacement include improvement of implants and instruments; partial knee replacement as alternative to TKA; reducing of surgical trauma due to less-invasive approaches; achieving of deep flexion after TKA; using of computer navigation and individual cutting blocks to make surgery more precise; optimization of rehabilitation process in pre-, intra-and postoperative period; including multimodal pain control; development of complex strategies for prevention of intra- and postoperative complications. In this review the attention was attracted to the most discussed in 2011 subjects: development of new designs and materials of knee implants; navigation, robotics and individualized resection blocks; partial knee replacement; infection, blood loss and venous thromboembolism after TKA; influence of different factors on arthroplasty outcomes, especially components and leg alignment, patella resurfacing, PCL retention or substitution, uncemented fixation, mobility of PE insert, severe pre-op deformities or stiffness, previous intra-articular fractures and tibia or femur osteotomies, soft tissue deficit etc.