title: [Update in joint reconstructive surgery of the knee].
abstract: Alterations in the mechanical axis, complications of traumatic injuries and osteoarthritis are the leading causes for surgical reconstruction of the knee. According to the degree of the alteration, different surgical procedures are carried out, among which we find arthroscopy, mechanical axis aligning osteotomy, single compartment prosthesis, or total knee prosthesis. Indications for each one of these procedures depend on the type and degree of lesion. These treatments are not currently considered definitive or curative for osteoarthritis and their aim is mainly to improve the clinical conditions of the patient and to reduce as much as possible the evolution of the joint degenerative process. Even total knee arthroplasty, considered a definitive surgical procedure, is temporary due to its natural tendency to loosen and wear out.
authors.affiliation: División de Enfermedades Articulares. Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación. México DF. México.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manuel Aguilera Zepeda
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez Sevilla
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pérez Domenech