Guiding principles and pearls in a stepwise surgical technique of revision total knee arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

The authors aim at reviewing the guiding principles in revision total knee arthroplasty according to a stepwise procedure. Strict preoperative planning is of paramount importance for this surgery. Thorough clinical history and physical exam, the assessment of limb deformity and knee range of motion as well as knee stability in flexion, extension and mid-flexion are crucial. Blood exam, standardized radiographic views, and CT scan are powerful tools for etiologic diagnosis of total knee arthroplasty failure. Templating is unique and mandatory to provide the surgeon with the critical data concerning the valgus position of the femoral component, the AP size of the femoral component, and the optimal position of the joint line; these three parameters are determinant for the final clinical outcome. A stepwise surgical technique with close adherence to the guiding principles of revision knee arthroplasty should be adopted from skin incision to closure. Femoral and tibia components with modular stem are ideally set at their optimal position as predetermined by templating. Any residual implant-bone gap is filled with metallic augment or bone graft. Finally, repositioning of the patella on a symmetrical bone cut presents a great value for a successful procedure