Spin out - an avoidable complication in total knee replacement

Spin out of a rotating polyethylene (PE) platform after total knee replacement leads to rotation of the bearing compared to the fixed metal components of the prosthesis at the femur and tibia of approximately 90A degrees. This complication occurs only in prosthesis designs which do not have a rotation limitation. Identification of this complication and its management are described exemplified by two cases. Strategies to avoid spin out are discussed. The most promising way is to avoid using prosthesis designs in which spin out can occur.