Clinical observations on Blauth's total endoprosthesis of the knee joint.

This article reports on 207 implantations of the Blauth hinged endoprosthesis of the knee joint. Follow-up was possible in 188 (91%) of the implanted cases. The results could be clearly evaluated with a comparison between the time before and after operation, by means of a four-point system. They were very good in 85% and good in 11% of the cases, with an average follow-up period of 33 months, maximum longer than 8 years. The rheumatoid patients showed somewhat better results than those with osteoarthrosis. One of the main features of the success of the implanation in our follow-up patients was the relief from pain. To date, neither aseptic loosening nor fracture of prosthesis has been observed. The follow-up results, based on clinical aspects and constructional characteristics of the model during an observation period as long as 8 years, were encouraging. There was convincing evidence that because of the efficiency and predominance of the Blauth endoprosthesis no modification of the model was needed for further implantations. Technical complications could be prevented by careful manipulation. However, infection was still the most serious complication, affecting predominantly rheumatoid arthritis patients [6]. It always caused troublesome problems in management and jeopardized the success of the arthroplasty. The patella syndrome was another postoperative problem, though it was less serious than infection.