USE OF A HINGED VITALLIUM PROSTHESIS FOR ARTHROPLASTY OF THE KNEE. A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

widespread use. Careful select.iots of patiemsts amsd a thorough doctor-patiemst uisderstanding of the prol)lems involved will help prevemst acceptausce or con(lemnatious of the procedure before its success or failure is established. ‘Fhse following is ss report of nsy experience rits(l that (If others witis the use of a Vitalliuns hinged l)rOsthsesis for irthsroplsisty (If the knee. If gross dissihihity is to be SLv(Ii(Ie(1, tlsere mssust be otie functiomiimsg knee. E ’emi with normal hips, ankles, atsd feet, a patient having two paiusful or stiff knees is markedly handicapped. Under these circumstances restoration of function its one knee crits itserease the patietst’s ability to the exteust that he cstms lesid simm active, iiidel)emi(letit, sitsd sonsetinses productive life.