Total knee arthroplasty: Have we made any strides over the last 50 years?

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful surgical procedure for patients with disabling arthritis of the knee. However, persistent challenges such as patient dissatisfaction, discrepancies in functional recovery, and variability in long-term outcomes have necessitated ongoing innovations. This review explores the evolution of TKA, and advancements that this surgical procedure has witnessed over the past few decades. While no one can dispute the fact that TKA has undergone significant change from its rudimentary hinge style prosthesis made of ivory to a sophisticated and well-functioning prosthesis, some of these so-called advancements have been transient and others have adversely affected patient outcomes. We will critically evaluate some of these advancements and innovations to determine whether they have resulted in any improvements in patient outcomes and have stood the test of time.