Modern Total Knee Arthroplasty Designs: Are we Improving Outcomes ?

Although the volume of total knee Arthroplasties (TKAs) performed around the world continues to increase, recent studies on patient satisfaction as the primary outcome measure have shown that up to 30% of the patients remain unsatisfied. Especially in younger individuals, TKAs are associated with higher rates of revision and with decreased patient satisfaction. Because of these reports, several manufacturers have implemented specific design modifications and have increased the modularity of their systems. However, little is known of the safety and functionality of these newer designs. This editorial note highlights recent advances in TKA implant designs, focusing on the reported outcomes of high-flex and extremely modular new primary TKA designs.