ABSTRACT
Total knee arthroplasty has evolved into a reliable method of achieving pain relief and restoring essential knee functions. One of the current challenges is to maximize longevity of the total knee prosthesis. Bearing wear and osteolysis have emerged as significant problems jeopardizing the longevity of contemporary designs. Engh et al. (1) suggested that the most common reason for revision of modular-type total knee arthroplasty is polyethylene wear and osteolysis. This chapter briefly reviews the pathophysiology and natural history of osteolysis in total knee arthroplasty. These subjects are vital to proper diagnosis and management. The clinical presentation and work-up of patients with suspected osteolysis and polyethylene wear will be discussed. The principles of treatment are reviewed along with specific techniques necessary for surgical management. Finally, this chapter will review the results of these operative treatment methods.
