Recent advances in designs, approaches and materials in total knee replacement: literature review and evidence today.

Ever since Themistocles Gluck described the use of an ivory cup as a tibial hemiarthroplasty in 1894, knee arthoplasty has continued to evolve. Both human ingenuity and intensive clinical research has led to an improved understanding of biomaterials and knee kinematics, resulting in the modern total knee replacement which has enjoyed such a clinical and commercial success. As it increases in popularity, attempts to improve knee arthroplasty have been driven by demands for improved function and implant survival, particularly in younger, more demanding patients.

A conservative approach to quadricepsplasty: description of a modified surgical technique and a report of three cases.

Various techniques have been described for the treatment of soft tissue extension contracture of the knee. Some involve large exposures, and others can result in a permanent extensor lag. We describe a technique with limited exposure, avoiding transverse incisions in the rectus femoris.

Delayed surgical intervention for a severe fixed flexion deformity of the knee following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

We report a case of severe fixed flexion deformity of the knee, following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, due to protrusion of the bone block and fixation screw into the knee joint above the tibial tunnel. This was treated successfully after a latent period of 6 years with surgical intervention. This case highlights the importance of critical review of radiographic imaging when faced with a fixed flexion deformity of the knee after ACL surgery and the ability to achieve a good outcome from simple surgical intervention even after a long latent period.

Standardized mortality ratios and fatal pulmonary embolism rates following total knee replacement: a cohort of 936 consecutive cases.

Mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism rates in 936 consecutive primary total knee replacements (TKR) were determined during a 3-month postoperative period. Postmortem examinations verified the cause of death in all but 3 patients, and follow-up was performed on all but 1 patient. All patients had elastic stockings as mechanical prophylaxis.