In the introduction the author summarizes the basic aspects of preoperative preparation of patients before implantation of prostheses of the knee joint. This is followed by a review of principles of correct postoperative care. He gives an account of the most common postoperative complications such as impaired healing of the surgical wound, various types of infections, instability, fractures near the implant, phlebothrombosis etc. He mentions the typical symptoms of each complication as well as the therapeutic procedure and principles of prevention of its development. In the conclusion an optimal pattern of postoperative control examinations is outlined.

        Key words: endoprosthesis of the knee joint, preoperative preparation, postoperative care, complications