Knee arthroplasty in post-traumatic arthritis.

Post-traumatic arthritis of the knee can involve the tibiofemoral joint, patellofemoral joint, or both joints. In the tibiofemoral articulation, disabling injuries include articular crush, condylar split, shaft involvement, ligamentous injuries, or a combination. In the patella, similar injuries include articular crush, large or stellate displaced fractures, tendon disruption, or a combination. Cementless mobile-bearing knee arthroplasty principles and implants can provide satisfactory long-term results in patients with complex post-traumatic knee arthritis. Primary, resurfacing unicompartmental or total knee implants can be used for articular damage, whereas more complex modular or constrained implants and osteotomies are needed for angular or combined deformities. Bearing exchange revision may be needed for young, active patients within 20 years of their initial arthroplasty.