Total Knee Arthroplasty Development in Japan: Hi-Tech Knee II

During the 1970s and 1980s, the knee prostheses used in Japan were mainly manufactured overseas and did not match the Japanese physique. In addition, the polyethylene insert delaminated relatively early. The manufacturing method of some models was unclear. Therefore, the development of indigenous artificial joint prostheses was necessary. In 1985, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Chiba University began collaborating with the High-Tech Research Institute at Kawasaki Steel Chiba Plant to produce a domestic artificial knee prostheses. In 1992, the development was transferred to Nakashima Propeller Co., Ltd. (now Teijin Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd.), resulting in the production of the Hi-Tech Knee II (Fig. 5.1).