Ligament tensioning devices in total knee prostheses: evolution and classification

Abstract

Prosthetic knee arthroplasty is a major issue of orthopedics. The success of total knee prostheses demonstrated by longevity is guaranteed by a diminished degree of wear. Current knowledge indicates that wear is dependent on the stability of the prosthesis. Most of the primary prosthesis implantation involves carrying out non anatomical sections followed by regulating of the ligament tension or ligament balancing. The importance of this act led to the invention of specific surgical instruments, called tensors. This paper aims to show their evolution, highlighting the features that define them. Using databases as PubMed, Science Direct, Springer and brochures we did a review of ligament tensioning devices. Classification allows for understanding the efforts made to improve prosthetic balance, the proper use and future development paths of these devices.

Key words:

knee, tensor, evolution, classification

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