Rotating hinge knee replacements: a review of the available options, their design characteristics, and suitability for the varied surgical indications

AimTo analyse the available rotating hinge knee implants available on the market with a view to deriving a rational algorithm for implant selection.MethodInformation on available hinge designs was gathered from the literature and further questionnaires were sent to the relevant implant companies asking for more specific information regarding the minimum bone resection necessary to accommodate the implant, the maximum bone loss that can be compensated with augments, method of transmission of forces, type and size of stems, availability of metaphyseal-filling cones and cost.ResultsNine available rotating hinge prostheses were investigated and the analysis revealed wide differences in cost, as well as the ability for different systems to cope with varying degrees of bone loss. We have been able to identify important differences in design factors between these prostheses.ConclusionCertain prostheses have been identified to be more suitable for particular surgical indications. Based on this work we have devise...