Outcomes of posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to analyze the outcomes of the posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty and review the most recent literature relevant to this topic. Recent findings: Despite the dissimilarities between cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty designs, most studies have found no significant differences in function, patient satisfaction, or survivorship of the two designs in unselected patient cohorts. Posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty outcomes, however, are better in a particular subgroup of patients including patients with patellectomy, large varus or varus-flexion deformity and rheumatoid arthritis. Summary: Posterior stabilized implants in total knee arthroplasty have design features that limit excessive tibial translation, after resection of the posterior cruciate ligament. Intraoperative and postoperative benefits of a posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty over a cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty include easier ligament balancing, easier correction of severe deformity by eliminating a tight posterior cruciate ligament, increased predictability in restoration of knee kinematics, improved range of motion, and potentially minimized polyethylene wear because of the option to use more congruent articular surfaces. Potential disadvantages with posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty include tibial post polyethylene wear, soft-tissue impingement, and the risk of dislocation or instability in flexion.