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J Knee Surg 2020; 33(05): 459-465
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1678537
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Midflexion Instability in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Matthew Nagle 
1   Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland
,
Aaron Glynn
2   Department of Orthopedics, Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

15 December 2017

27 December 2018

Publication Date:
27 February 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Instability is one of the most common causes of failure in total knee arthroplasty. Traditionally, it has been classified into three types: extension instability, flexion instability, and hyperextension instability. More recently, a fourth type of instability has been proposed, namely “midflexion instability” (MFI). Whether MFI is distinct from the aforementioned types of instability is contentious, and at present, the condition is yet to be clearly defined. This article reviews the current literature and identifies the best available evidence relevant to the concept of MFI. Our aim is to present an overview of the proposed causes and mechanisms for MFI. By doing so, we also aim to provide a focus on how MFI presents, whether it is indeed a discrete form of instability, and if it influences clinical results.

Keywords

midflexion - total knee arthroplasty - modes of failure - instability
 

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