Total knee arthroplasty: past successes and current improvements.

During the past 40 years, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures have improved patients' pain, functional status, and overall health-related quality of life. Improved instrumentation and implant designs enable surgeons to make precise bone resection incisions that have made this a safer and more routinely performed surgery. This article reviews traditional and minimally invasive approaches and best practices to help surgeons and perioperative staff members provide quality care to patients undergoing TKA. AORN, Inc, 2008