[Endoprostheses of the knee joint].

Due to the advances in prosthesis design and standardisation of implant techniques, the maintenance of implants in arthroplasty of the knee joint has enormously increased during the past few years. Various arthroplastic designs enable an adjustment towards the patient's individual indiction and anatomy. For one-compartmental arthrosis, monocondylous prosthesis can be implanted using microinvasive operation techniques. Prerequisite for mere joint resurfacing is an intact lateral ligament apparatus, whereas the the symmetrical ligament balancing is essential for long-term analgesia, joint stability and good flexion. Aseptic loosening, discreet infections, instabilities and patellar problems are common reasons for painful knee arthroplastics.