The Artificial Knee

Peter S. Walker, PhD, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center; Department of Medical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY, USA Peter S. Walker, PhD, was educated in England at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, England, then at the University of Cambridge. After a 3-year engineering traineeship, he completed a PhD at the University of Leeds 1966-69 under Professors Dowson and Wright. Since then, he has been an active participant in the field of biomechanics of joints and the design of joint replacements, with a major emphasis on the knee. He has collaborated with surgeons and bioengineers at renowned institutions, including the Hospital for Special Surgery, Howmedica (Stryker), Brigham & Women's Hospital, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, University College London, and currently at New York University Langone Orthopedic Hospital. He has co-authored over 300 articles with almost 12,000 citations. The basic research has contributed to innovative ideas for total knee design, while many of the test machines and methodologies have been emulated by other labs. Dr. Walker has been a co-designer of several successful total knee systems, the most notable being the Total Condylar, Graduated Knee System, Kinematic & Kinemax, Smiles Bone Tumor System, NexGen and Persona.

Introduction.- Early Biomechanical Knowledge.- The Design Process.- Laxity and Stability.- Fixation Using Acrylic Cement.- Uncemented Fixation.- Femoral Components and Patella.- Tibial Components.- Condylar Replacements.- Posterior Stabilized.- Guided Motion Knees.- Instrumentation and Technique.- Testing and Tribology.- Comparisons of Function between Designs and Techniques.- Discussion and Future Possibilities.- Glossary of Terms.