The total condylar knee prosthesis evolved from previous experience with other prostheses at the Hospital for Special Surgery. This evolution includes patellar resurfacing. Subsequent modifications have led to the total condylar knee prosthesis II (a cruciate substituting prosthesis), and the total condylar knee prosthesis III (a TCP II with increased constraint). The surgical technique requires ligamentous balance with correction of preoperative deformity by a soft-tissue release. Subsequently a standard operation is performed. Four hundred and sixty-one knees were reviewed with a minimum of one year follow-up and a maximum of 5 years. Seventy-five per cent were osteoarthritic knees. Using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale, the results were excellent in 312 knees (68%), good in 109 knees (23.5%), fair in 18 knees (4%) and poor in 22 knees (4.5%). Osteoarthritic knees (excellent or good 93.5%) did slightly better than rheumatoid knees (excellent or good 87%). Complications include 6 infections, 6 subluxations and 10 cases of component loosening. There were 15 reoperations (3%). The results approach total hip arthroplasty in quality and so far have not deteriorated with time.