Modular total knee-replacement arthroplasty. A review of eighty-nine patients.

Fifty-eight osteoarthritic and thirty-one rheumatoid patients underwent modular total knee-replacement arthroplasty. The major indication for the operation was relief of pain. Contraindications to this resurfacing arthroplasty included varus-valgus instability of over 20 degrees, combined varus-valgus instability with flexion contracture of over 40 degrees, marked recurvatum, and predominant patellofemoral symptoms. In 59 per cent of the osteoarthritic and 58 per cent of the rheumatoid patients, complete relief of pain was evident when they were evaluated twenty-four months after surgery, while another 35 per cent of each group had only mild pain related to inclement weather. Their ability to walk long distances without support or limp was increased. Range of motion and ability to climb stairs were not significantly improved.