Abstract: Objective   To explore the indication and observe short-term clinical outcome of primary rotating hinge knee arthroplasty for knees with severe deformity. Methods   A retrospective study of the clinical outcomes from Oct 2007 to Oct 2010 was done on 60 knees in 51 patients after receiving the TKA with the Endo-Model rotating hinge prostheses. There were 17 males(21 knees),34 females(39 knees),with the mean age of（65.2±8.3）years(ranged 53-78 years).All patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively using X-ray image, the Knee Society Score(KSS) and ROM and the flexion. Results   The average follow-up time was 33 months. The mean operation time was(85.0±14.2)min。No complications of infection, thrombosis and vascular and nerval injury. The ROM and flexion of knees were improved from average 57.4°±15.6°and 78.9°±20.4°to 95.3°±10.2°and 103.6°±12.8°respectively. The KSS clinical score and function score were improved from average 38.6±12.7 and 36.3±15.1 to 87.9±12.5 and 68.8±18.1 respectively。There were 17 patients having anterior knee pain and we could see their patellars shift or tilt in the axial view of X-ray. Conclusion    The short-term clinical outcomes of Endo-Model rotating hinge TKA are ideal, and it is a good therapy choice for knees with severe deformity. However, the high rate of patellofemoral joint complications should be encountered.

Key words: arthroplasty, replacement, knee, artificial joint, Follow-up studies, treatment outcome, rotating hinge, Endo-Model