Total knee arthroplasty in post-traumatic arthrosis of the knee.

Total knee arthroplasty is an effective method of treatment for the majority of patients with a prior distal femoral or tibial plateau fracture and end-stage arthritis. There is a higher complication rate and overall poorer outcome when compared with routine primary total knee arthroplasty. In patients for whom the goals of optimal limb and implant alignment are achieved, the results are comparable with routine primary knee arthroplasty. Patients with suboptimal component positioning or residual deformity have a poorer outcome. The technical challenges encountered can require skills, implant systems, and methods usually reserved for complex revision arthroplasty. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.