Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Causes of failure and etiology of painful primary total knee arthroplasty

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

The review provides an overview of the causes of failure and the many different aetiologies of a painful primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). They can be classified into extra- and intraarticular disorders, the latter being divided into biological and mechanical origins. Whereas biological aetiologies like infections have remained stable over time, other causes of failure have changed. In the early times of knee arthroplasty, they were mainly related to technical insufficiencies. A better understanding of knee arthroplasty, patients’ increasing functional demands as well as a continuous development of TKA techniques generated newer problems, which are increasingly related to the functioning of the soft-tissue envelope of the knee. From a therapeutic point of view, three situations can be considered: functional problems not needing reoperations, causes of reoperations not needing an exchange of prosthetic components as well as reoperations with exchange of at least one prosthetic component.

Level of evidence IV.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abernethy PJ, Robinson CM, Fowler RM (1996) Fracture of the metal tibial tray after Kinematic total knee replacement: a common cause of early aseptic failure. J Bone Joint Surg 78B:220–225

    Google Scholar 

  2. Akagi M, Matsusue Y, Mata T, Asada Y, Horiguchi M, Iida H, Nakamura T (2001) Effect of rotational alignment on patellar tracking in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 392:46–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Allardyce TJ, Scuderi GR, Insall JN (1997) Arthroscopic treatment of popliteus tendon dysfunction following total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 12:353–355

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Ballard WT, Clark CR, Callaghan JJ (1993) Recurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis nine years after a total knee arthroplasty: a presentation with pigmented villonodular synovitis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 74:764–767

    Google Scholar 

  5. Barrack RL, Jennings RW, Wolfe MW, Bertot AJ (1997) The Coventry award. The value of preoperative aspiration before total knee revision. Clin Orthop 345:8–16

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Barrack RL, Schrader T, Bertot AJ, Wolfe MW, Myers L (2001) Component rotation and anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 392:46–55

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Bedair H, Ting N, Jacovides C, Saxena A, Moric M, Parvizi J, Della Valle CJ (2011) The mark Coventry award: diagnosis of early postoperative TKA infection using synovial fluid analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res 469:34–40

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bellemans J, Banks S, Victor J, Vandenneucker H, Moemans A (2002) Fluoroscopic analysis of the kinematics of deep flexion in total knee arthroplasty. Influence of posterior condylar offset. J Bone Joint Surg Br 84:50–53

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Berend ME, Ritter MA, Meding JB, Faris PM, Keating EM, Redelman R, Faris GW, Davis KE (2004) Tibial component failure mechanisms in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 428:26–34

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Berger RA, Rubash HE, Seel MJ, Thompson WH, Crossett LS (1993) Determining the rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty using the epicondylar axis. Clin Orthop 286:40–47

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Berger RA, Crossett LS, Jacobs JJ, Rubash HE (1998) Malrotation causing patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 356:144–153

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Berman AT, Bosacco SJ, Israelite C (1991) Evaluation of total knee arthroplasty using isokinetic testing. Clin Orthop Relat Res 271:106–113

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Bonnin M (2000) Revision in non-infected total knee arthroplasty. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 86:694–706

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Booth CM, King JB et al. (1979) Myositis ossificans following total knee replacement: a report on two cases. Arch Orthop Traumat Surg 93: 285

    Google Scholar 

  15. Bryan RS, Rand JA (1982) Revision total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 170:116–122

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Brander VA, Stulberg SD, Adams AD, Harden RN, Bruehl S, Stanos SP, Houle T (2003) Predicting total knee replacement pain: a prospective, observational study. Clin Orthop 416:27–36

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bullens PH, Van Loon CJ, De Waal Malefijt MC, Laan RF, Veth RP (2001) Patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: a comparison between subjective and objective outcome assessments. J Arthroplasty 1:740–747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Burns AWR, Parker DA, Coolican MRJ, Rajaratnam K (2006) Complex regional pain syndrome complicating total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Surg 14:280–283

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Callaghan JJ, O’Rourke MR, Saleh KJ (2004) Why knees fail: Lessons learned. J Arthroplasty 19(4-suppl 1):31–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Cameron HU, Fedorkow DM (1982) The patella in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 165:197–199

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Cancilleri F, De Giorgis P, Verdoia C, Parrini L, Lodi A, Crosti C (1992) Allergy to components of total hip arthroplasty before and after surgery. Ital J Orthop Traumatol 18:407–410

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Chiu YS, Chen WM, Huang CK, Chiang CC, Chen TH (2004) Fracture of the polyethylene tibial post in a NexGen posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis. J Arthroplasty 19:1045–1049

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Clarke HD, Math KR, Scuderi GR (2004) Polyethylene post failure in posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 19:652–657

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Dajani KA, Stuart MJ, Dahm DL, Levy BA (2010) Arthroscopic treatment of patellar clunk and synovial hyperplasia after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 25:97–103

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Daluga D, Lombardi AV, Mallory TH, Vaughn BK (1991) Knee manipulation following total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 6:119–128

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Dalury DF, Jiranek WA (2004) The incidence of heterotopic ossification after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplast 19:447–452

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Dennis DA (2004) Evaluation of painful total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplast 19(4-Suppl 1):35–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Diduch DR, Scuderi GR, Scott WN, Insall JN, Kelly MA (1997) The efficacy of arthroscopy following total knee replacement. Arthroscopy 13:166–171

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Duff GP, Lachiewicz PF, Kelley SS (1996) Aspiration of the knee joint before revision arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 331:132–139

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Eisenhuth SA, Saleh KJ, Cui Q, Clark CR, Brown TE (2006) Patellofemoral instability after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Rel Res 446:149–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Evans BG, Cuckler JM (1992) Evaluation of the painful total hip arthroplasty. Orthop Clin North Am (23):303

  32. Fehring TK, Valadie AL (1994) Knee instability after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 299:157–162

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Fehring TK, McAvoy G (1996) Fluoroscopic evaluation of the painful total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 331:226–233

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Fehring TK, Odum S, Griffin WL, Mason JB, Nadaud M (2001) Early failures in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 392:315–318

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Furia J, Pelligrini V (1995) Heterotopic ossification following primary total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 10:413

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Gajjar SM, Platts A, Dowd G (2010) Synovial hypertrophy causing recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee replacement. J Knee Surg 23:25–28

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Gelfer Y, Pinkas L, Horne T, Halperin N, Alk D, Robinson D (2003) Symptomatic transient patellar ischemia following total knee replacement as detected by scintigraphy. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing the mid-vastus to the medial para-patellar approach. Knee 10:341–345

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Gioe TJ, Killeen KK, Grimm K, Mehle S, Scheltema K (2004) Why are total knee replacements revised? Analysis of early revision in a community knee implant registry. Clin Orthop Relat Res 428:100–106

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Granchi D, Cenni E, Tigani D, Trisolino G, Baldini N, Giunti A (2008) Sensitivity to implant materials in patients with total knee arthroplasties. Biomaterials 29:1494–1500

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Grasshoff H, Schmidt D, Kluge K, Müller WA (1990) Hip joint endoprosthesis and metal sensitivity. Studies using the leukocyte migration test. Beitr Orthop Traumatol 37:211–215

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Greene KA, Schurman JR (2008) Quadriceps muscle function in primary total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 23(7 Suppl 1):15–19

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Hallab N, Merritt K, Jakobs JJ (2001) Metal sensitivity in patients with orthopaedic implants. J Bone Joint Surg Am 83:428–436

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Hambright DS, Watters TS, Kaufman AM, Lachiewicz PF, Bolognesi MP (2010) Fracture of highly cross-linked all-polyethylene patella after total knee arthroplasty. J Knee Surg 23:237–240

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Hansson U, Toksvig-Larsen S, Ryd L, Aspenberg P (2009) Once-weekly oral medication with alendronate does not prevent migration of knee prostheses: a double-blind randomized RSA study. Acta Orthop 80:41–45

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Harden RN, Bruehl S, Stanos S, Brander V, Chung OY, Saltz S, Adams A, Stulberg SD (2003) Prospective examination of pain-related and psychological predictors of CRPS-like phenomena following total knee arthroplasty: a preliminary study. Pain 106:393–400

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Harwin SF, Stein AF, Stern RE, Kulick RG (1993) Heterotopic ossification following primary total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 8:113

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Heck DA, Robinson RL, Partridge CM, Lubitz RM, Freund DA (1998) Patient outcomes after knee replacement. Clin Orthop 356:93–110

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Hilding M, Aspenberg P (2006) Postoperative clodronate decreases prosthetic migration: 4-year follow-up of a randomized radiostereometric study of 50 total knee patients. Acta Orthop 77:912–916

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Hirschmann T, Konala P, Iranpour F, Kerner A, Rasch H, Friederich NF (2011) Clinical value of SPECT/CT for evaluation of patients with painful knees after total knee arthroplasty-a new dimension of diagnostics? BMC Musculoskel Dis 12:36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Hofmann J, Romero J, Roth-Schiffl E, Albrecht T (2003) Rotationsfehlstellungen der Komponenten als Ursache chronischer Schmerzen uund vorzeitigem Prothesenversagen bei Knieendoprothesen. Orthopäde 32:469–476

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Iorio R, Healy WL (2002) Heterotopic ossification after hip and knee arthroplasty: risk factors, prevention, and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 10:409–416

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Iorio R, Robb WJ, Healy WL, Berry DJ, Hozack WJ, Kyle RF, Lewallen DG, Trousdale RT, Jiranek WA, Stamos VP, Parsley BS (2008) Orthopaedic surgeon workforce and volume assessment for total hip and knee replacement in the United States: preparing for an epidemic. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90:1598–1605

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Jacobs MA, Hungerford DS, Krackow KA, Lennox DW (1988) Revision total knee arthroplasty for aseptic failure. Clin Orthop Relat Res 226:78–85

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Johnson DR, Friedman RJ, McGinty JB, Mason JL, StMary EW (1990) The role of arthroscopy in the problem total knee replacement. Arthroscopy 6:30–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Kapetanos GA, Papavasiliou KA, Makris V, Nikolaides AP, Kirkos JM, Symeonides PP (2008) Recurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty successfully treated with synoviorthesis. J Arthroplasty 23:931–933

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Kaptein BL, Valstar ER, Stoel BC, Reiber HC, Nelissen RG (2007) Clinical validation of model-based RSA for a total knee prosthesis. Clin Orthop Relat Res 464:205–209

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Kärrholm J, Jonsson H, Nilsson KG, Söderqvist I (1994) Kinematics of successful knee prostheses during weight-bearing: three-dimensional movements and positions of screw axes in the Tricon-M and Miller-Galante designs. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2:50–59

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Katz MM, Hungerford DS, Krackow KA, Lennox DW (1986) Reflex sympathetic dystrophy as a cause of poor results after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 1:117–124

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Kesman TJ, Kaufman KR, Trousdale RT (2011) Popliteus tendon resection during total knee arthroplasty. an observational report. Clin Orthop Relat Res 469:76–81

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Kim J, Nelson CL, Lotke PA (2004) Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: prevalence of the complications and outcomes of revision. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 86-A:1479–1484

    Google Scholar 

  61. Kindsfater K, Scott R (1995) Recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 10(Suppl):52–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Klinger M, Baums MR, Spahn G, Ernstberger T (2005) A study of effectiveness of knee arthroscopy after knee arthroplasty. Arthroscopy 21:731–738

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Kohl S, Evangelopoulos DS, Hartel M, Kohlhof H, Roeder C, Eggli S (2011) Anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty: does it correlate with patellar blood flow? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc

  64. Laskin RS (2002) Joint line position restoration during revision total knee replacement. Clin Orthop Rel Res 404:169–171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Lewonowski K, Dorr LD, McPherson EJ, Huber G, Wan Z (1997) Medialization of the patella in total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 12:161–167

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Lim HC, Bae JH, Hwang JH, Kim SJ, Yoon JY (2009) Fracture of a polyethylene tibial post in a Scorpio posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis. Clin Orthop Surg 1:118–121

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Lonner JH, Lotke PA (1999) Aseptic complications after total knee arthroplasty. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 7:311–324

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Lonner JH, Siliski JM, Scott RD (1999) Prodromes of failure in total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 14:488–492

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Lucas TS, DeLuca PF, Nazarian DG, Bartolozzi AR, Booth RE Jr (1999) Arthroscopic treatment of patellar clunk. Clin Orthop 367:226–229

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Lundblad H, Kreicbergs A, Jansson KA (2008) Prediction of persistent pain after total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 90-B:166–171

    Google Scholar 

  71. Luyckx L, Luyckx T, Bellemans J, Victor J (2010) Iliotibial band traction syndrome in guided motion TKA. A new clinical entity after TKA. Acta Orthop Belg 76:507–512

    Google Scholar 

  72. Maheshwari R, Kelley SP, Langkamer VG, Loveday E (2004) Spontaneous recurrent haemarthrosis following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and its successful treatment by coil embolisation. Knee 11:413–415

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Mahoney OM, Kinsey T (2010) Overhang of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty: risk factors and clinical consequences. J Bone Joint Surg Am 92:1115–1121

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Malo M, Vince KG (2003) The unstable patella after total knee arthroplasty: etiology, prevention, and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 11:364–371

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Maloney WJ, Schmidt R, Sculco TP (2003) Femoral component design and patellar clunk syndrome. Clin Orthop 410:199

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Mandalia V, Eyres K, Schranz P, Toms AD (2008) Evaluation of patients with a painful total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br 90:265–271

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Manson MT, Khanuja HS, Jacobs MA, Hungerford MW (2009) Sagittal plane balancing in the total knee arthroplasty. J Surg Orthop Adv 18:83–92

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Markel DC, Luessenhop CP, Windsor RE, Sculco TA (1996) Arthroscopic treatment of peripatellar fibrosis after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 11:293–297

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Martin JW, Whiteside LA (1990) The influence of joint line position on knee stability after condylar knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Rel Res 259:146–156

    Google Scholar 

  80. Mason JB, Fehring TK, Odum S Griffin WL, Nussmann DS (2003) The value of white blood cell counts before revision total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 18: 1038–1043

    Google Scholar 

  81. Mauerhan DR, Mokris JG, Ly A, Kiebzak GM (1998) Relationship between length of stay and manipulation rate after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 13:896–900

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. McMahon MS, Scuderi GR, Glashow JL, Scharf SC, Meltzer LP, Scott WN (1990) Scintigraphic determination of patellar viability after excision of infrapatellar fat pad and/or lateral retinacular release in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 260:10–16

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Merchant AC, Mercer RL, Jacobsen RH, Cool CR (1974) Roentgenographic analysis of patellofemoral congruence. J Bone Joint Surg Am 56:1391

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Mestha P, Shenava Y, D’Arcy JC (2000) Fracture of the polyethylene tibial post in posterior stabilized (Insall Burstein II) total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 15:814–815

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Mochizuki RM, Schurman DJ (1979) Patellar complications following total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 61:879–883

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Motsis EK, Paschos N, Pakos EE, Georgoulis AD (2009) Patellar instability after total knee arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery 17:351–357

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Munoz-Mahamud E, Popescu D, Nunez E, Lozano LM, Nunez M, Sastre S, Torner P, Segur JM, Maculé F (2011) Secondary patellar resurfacing in the treatment of patellofemoral pain after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc

  88. Murray DW, Frost SJ (1998) Pain in the assessment of total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br 80:426–431

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Neut D, Van Horn JR, Van Kooten TG, Van der Mei HC, Busscher HJ (2003) Detection of biomaterial-associated infections in orthopaedic joint implants. Clin Orthop 413:261–268

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Nicoll D, Rowley DI (2010) Internal rotational error of the tibial component is a major cause of pain after total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 92:1238–1244

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Niki Y, Matsumoto H, Otani T, Yatabe T, Kondo M, Yoshimine F, Toyama Y (2005) Screening for symptomatic metal sensitivity: a prospective study of 92 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Biomaterials 26:1019–1026

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Ohdera T, Tokunaga M, Hiroshima S, Yoshimito E, Matsuda S (2004) Recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee joint arthroplasty: etiology and treatment. J Arthroplasty 19:157–161

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Oishi CS, Elliott ML, Colwell CW Jr (1995) Recurrent hemarthrosis following a total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 10:56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Ong KL, Lau E, Suggs J, Kurtz SM, Manley MT (2010) Risk of subsequent revision after primary and revision total joint arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 468:3070–3076

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. O’Reilly SC, Jones A, Muir KR, Doherty M (1998) Quadriceps weakness in knee osteoarthritis: the effect on pain and disability. Ann Rheum Dis 57:588–594

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Ortiguera CJ, Berry DJ (2002) Patellar fracture after total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 84:532–540

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Pagnano MW, Hanssen AD, Lewallen DG, Stuart MJ (1998) Flexion instability after primary posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 356:39–46

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Pandher DS, Boparai RS, Kapila R (2009) Biceps tendinitis as a cause of acute painful knee after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 24(1292):e15–e18

    Google Scholar 

  99. Parratte S, Pagnano MW (2008) Instability after total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90:184–194

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Pawar U, Rao KN, Sundaram PS, Thilak J, Varghese J (2009) Scintigraphic assessment of patellar viability in total knee arthroplasty after lateral release. J Arthroplasty 24:636–640

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Pham TT, Bouloudian S, Moreau PE et al (2003) Recurrent hemarthrosis following total knee arthroplasty: report of a case treated with arterial embolization. Joint Bone Spine 70:58–60

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Rand JA (1994) The patellofemoral joint in total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 76:612–620

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Rand JA (2003) Extensor mechanism complications following total knee arthroplasty. J Knee Surg 16:224–228

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Rau C, Thomas P, Thomsen M (2008) Metal sensitivity in patients with joint replacement arthroplasties before and after surgery. Orthopade 37:102–110

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Ritter MA, Faris PM, Keating EM, Meding JB (1994) Postoperative alignment of total knee replacement: its effect on survival. Clin Orthop 299:153–156

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Romero J, Duronio JF, Sohrabi A, Alexander N, Mac Williams BA, Jones LC, Hungerford DS (2002) Varus and valgus flexion laxity of total knee alignment methods on loaded cadaveric knees. Clin Orthop 394:243–253

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Rubinstein RA Jr, DeHaan A (2010) The incidence and results of manipulation after primary total knee arthroplasty. Knee 17:29–32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Ryd L, Albrektsson BE, Carlsson L, Dansgard F, Herberts P, Lindstrand A, Regner L, Toksvig-Larsen S (1995) Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis as a predictor of mechanical loosening of knee prostheses. J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 77:377–383

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Scher DM, Paumier JC, DiCesare PE (1997) Pseudomeniscus following total knee arthroplasty as a cause of persistent knee pain. J Arthroplasty 12:114–118

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Schuh A, Lill C, Hönle W, Effenberger H (2008) Prevalence of allergic reactions to implant materials in total hip and knee arthroplasty. Zentralbl Chir 133:292–296

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Schwab JH, Haidukewych GJ, Hanssen AD, Jacofsky DJ, Pagnano MW (2005) Flexion instability without dislocation after posterior stabilized total knees. Clin Orthop Relat Res 440:96–100

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Scranton PE Jr (2001) Management of knee pain and stiffness after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 16:428–435

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Scuderi GR, Insall JN, Scott NW (1994) Patellofemoral pain after total knee arthroplasty. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2:239–246

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Sensi L, Buzzi R, Giron F, De Luca L, Aglietti P (2011) Patellofemoral function after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplast

  115. Shafi M, Kim YY, Lee YS, Kim JY, Han CW (2005) Patellar polyethylene peg fracture: a case report and review of the literature. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 13:472–475

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Sharkey PF, Hozack WJ, Rothman RH, Shastri S, Jacoby SM (2002) Why are total knee arthroplasties failing today? Clin Orthop Relat Res 404:7–13

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Silva M, Shepherd EF, Jackson WO, Pratt JA, McClung CD, Schmalzried TP (2003) Knee strength after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 18:605–611

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Stiehl JB (2003) LCS multicenter worldwide outcome study. In: Hamelynck KA, Stiehl JB (eds) Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, p 219

  119. Takahashi M, Miyamoto S, Nagano A (2002) Arthroscopic treatment of soft-tissue impingement under the patella after total knee arthroplasty. Arthroscopy 18:20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  120. Thienpont E, Schmalzried T, Bellemans J (2006) Ankylosis due to heterotopic ossification following primary total knee arthroplasty Acta Orthop. Belg 72:502–506

    Google Scholar 

  121. Thomas P (2003) Allergien durch Implantatwerk-stoffe. Orthopade 32:60–64

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Thomas P, Schuh A, Ring J, Thomsen M (2008) Orthopedic surgical implants and allergies: joint statement by the implant allergy working group (AK 20) of the DGOOC (German association of orthopedics and orthopedic surgery), DKG (German contact dermatitis research group) and dgaki (German society for allergology and clinical immunology). Orthopade 37:75–88

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  123. Thomsen M, Rozak M, Thomas P (2011) Pain in a chromium-allergic patient with total knee arthroplasty: disappearance of symptoms after revision with a special surface-coated TKA—a case report. Acta Orthopaedica 82(3)

  124. Toms AD, Mandalia V, Haigh R, Hopwood B (2009) The management of patients with painful total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 91-B:143–150

    Google Scholar 

  125. Toyoda T, Matsumoto H, Tsuji T, Kinouchi J, Fujikawa K (2003) Heterotopic ossification after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 18:760–764

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Verlinden C, Uvin P, Labey L, Luyckx JP, Bellemans J, Vandenneucker H (2010) The influence of malrotation of the femoral component in total knee replacement on the mechanics of patellofemoral contact during gait: an in vitro biomechanical study. J Bone Joint Surg Br 92:737–742

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  127. Vince KG (2003) Why knees fail. J Arthroplasty 18(3 Suppl 1):39–44

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Walsh M, Woodhouse LJ, Thomas SG, Finch E (1998) Physical impairments and functional limitations: a comparison of individuals 1 year after total knee arthroplasty with control subjects. Phys Ther 78:248–258

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  129. W-Dahl A, Robertsson O, Lidgren L (2010) Surgery for knee osteoarthritis in younger patients. A Swedish register study. Acta Orthopaedica 81:161–164

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Wetzner SM, Bezreh JS, Scott RD, Bierbaum BE, Newberg AH (1985) Bone scanning in the assessment of patellar viability following knee replacement. Clin Orthop Relat Res 199:215–219

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Worland RL, Jessup DE (1996) Recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 11:977

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Yercan HS, Ait Si Selmi T, Sugun TS, Neyret P (2005) Tibiofemoral instability in primary total knee replacement: a review, Part 1: basic principles and classification. Knee 12:257–266

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Yercan HS, Ait Si Selmi T, Sugun TS, Neyret P (2005) Tibiofemoral instability in primary total knee replacement: a review, part 2: diagnosis, patient evaluation, and treatment. Knee 12:336–340

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Yercan HS, Sugun TS, Bussiere C, Ait Si Selmi T, Davies A, Neyret P (2006) Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: prevalence, management and outcomes. Knee 13:111–117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Yoshii I, Whiteside LA, White SE, Milliano MT (1991) Influence of prosthetic joint line position on knee kinematics and patellar position. J Arthroplasty 6:169–177

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  136. Yoshii I, Whiteside LA, Anouchi YS (1992) The effect of patellar button placement and femoral component design on patellar tracking in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 275:211–219

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Zmistowski B, Restrepo C, Kahl LK, Parvizi J, Sharkey PF (2011) Incidence and reasons for nonrevision reoperation after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 469:138–145

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Alexandre Servais for editorial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Luxembourg—Clinique d’Eich, 76, Rue d′Eich, Luxembourg, 1460, Luxembourg

    Romain Seil & Dietrich Pape

Authors
  1. Romain Seil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dietrich Pape
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Romain Seil.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Seil, R., Pape, D. Causes of failure and etiology of painful primary total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 19, 1418–1432 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1631-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1631-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation