title: Instability in total knee arthroplasty : assessment and solutions.
abstract: Instability is a common indication for early revision after both primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), accounting for up to 20% in the literature. The number of TKAs performed annually continues to climb exponentially, thus having an effective algorithm for treatment is essential. This relies on a thorough pre- and intra-operative assessment of the patient. The underlying cause of the instability must be identified initially and subsequently, the surgeon must be able to balance the flexion and extension gaps and be comfortable using a variety of constrained implants. This review describes the assessment of the unstable TKA, and the authors' preferred form of treatment for these difficult cases where the source of instability is often multifactorial.
authors.affiliation: Washington University Orthopaedics Joint Preservation, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction Fellowship, 1 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Petrie
authors.affiliation: Orlando Health Orthopedic Institute, 1222 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, Florida 32806, USA.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Haidukewych
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Instability; Unstable total knee arthroplasty