Knee replacement in chronic post-traumatic cases

Post-traumatic knee arthritis is a challenging condition. Prosthetic surgery is demanding and the risk of complications is relatively high.

Planning is an essential element of this surgery; correct diagnosis (to exclude latent infection) and adequate considerations regarding approach, axis, bone loss, choice of implant and level of constraint are indispensable.

There are two main categories of post-traumatic arthritis: extra-articular deformities and articular deformities.

Use of an algorithms can support the surgeon’s choice of implant.

Correct implant positioning and limb alignment restoration is associated with very good results, similar to those achieved with standard total knee arthroplasty.