Preoperative Planning From Medical Issues to Implants

All great structures, may they be buildings, bridges, or works of art, require planning. Performing a successful knee arthroplasty is one of the most complex endeavors in the surgical field. Working with the human body, the most fascinating machine on earth, is extremely complicated. Of all the joints in the body responsible for locomotion, the knee has the most complex kinematics. Careful planning when reconstructing a diseased knee is key in restoring function and relieving pain. The planning process includes when to do it, how to do it, and what to do after it is done. Adequate preparation will provide the surgeon all the tools needed to succeed in such a complex endeavor. This chapter will focus on when to offer the procedure to the patient and how to prepare for the technical issues that can arise. This planning process will minimize the risk for negative outcomes and optimize the reconstruction.