Abstract
[Introduction]
In 1999, Insall developed new total knee system LPS-FLEXR mobile with Zimmer‘s corporation. This artificial knee joint has thicker posterior condyles, and has a polyethylene to prevent patellar tendon impingement. It allows an enlarged flexion angle, maximum one hundred fifty-five degrees. This prosthesis has a mobile bearing.
[Surgical procedures]
In addition to routine technique of arthroplasty, we want to add four points to achieve deep flexion. The first point is to make posterior clearance. The second point is to use a tension meter for soft tissue balancing. The third point is to gain a flexion gap as same as the extension gap by cutting posterior condyles of femur. The fourth point is to close retinaculum in flexion position.
[Materials]
We performed 17 total knee arthroplasties of 15 gonarthrosis patients with LPS-FLEXR mobile from January 2000 to March 2001. The 3 male and 12 female patients average age was 76 (range:62–87). We evaluated the clinical symptoms and the range of motion.
[Short term results]
Postoperatively all patients had no pain in walking, no complications, and no component troubles. The range of motion in flexion of all patients averaged 138 degrees preoperatively, and 135 degrees postoperatively. The maximum flexion angles of 6 knee joints were over 145 degrees.
[Discussion]
This implant should be designed to be suited to a deep flexion. However, the long term results should be followed in future.
