Revision total knee arthroplasty: how much constraint is necessary?

The majority of revision total knee arthroplasties will achieve sufficient stability with a posterior stabilized design. However, when partial compromise of the medical collateral ligament is encountered, enhanced stability should be achieved with the use of a CCK device. Rarely, hinged designs will be necessary as salvage procedures for low demand patients. The principles of total knee arthroplasty stability, as in primary surgery, require an anatomic alignment of the extremity, proper alignment of the prosthetic components, and physiologic symmetry of the collateral ligaments in both flexion and extension to assure a successful result.