Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common arthritis in the knee. In late stage of arthritis, severe deformation and activity obstacle are found, which require total knee replacement. The total knee replacement not only can significantly relieve symptom, but also correct deformation and improve joint function.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize classification of knee joint, techniques of knee replacement surgery and complications following replacement.
METHODS: We retrieved Vip Database (http://www.cqvip.com) for titles and abstracts with the key words of “knee replacement, prosthesis, complication”. Articles concerning clinical application of knee prosthesis were included. Articles in the same field that published recently or in authorized journals were included. A total of 20 literatures were included for review according to inclusion criteria.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Various artificial total knee prostheses were used in different patients in accordance with patients’ condition, joint limitation degree, fixation method and meniscus function. Indication of different knee prostheses depends on bone and soft tissue of the knee, and quality and status of knee ligament, joint deformation and destruction degree of articular cartilage are responsible for the choice of prosthesis. Thrombosis of deep veins of the lower limb, pulmonary embolism, infection surrounding the prosthesis and prosthesis loose are common complications in joint replacement.