Results
The results of knee replacement are many and diverse. As a rough guide one can say that approximately 8% of primary knee replacements will be loose at ten years after surgery. One can consider the results in more detail, however:
Results for cemented knee replacement
In the early days of hinged knee replacement, up to 75% were functioning six years after surgery. However, infection rates could be as high as 13%. Rotating hinges showed 60% success at 4 years, though with an 11% infection rate. Total condylar replacements show 92% success at 12 years, an excellent result.
Results for cementless knee replacement
Approximately 93% of certain cementless designs show good function 5 years following surgery.
Results for revision knee replacement
For revisions, infection rates are higher, as high as 19% in some studies. Nevertheless, a success rate of 70-80% can be expected in the short term.
Results for unicompartmental knee replacement
An over 80% success rate at 10 years can be found