Objective To discuss shortterm effect of rotating hinge knee prosthesis. Methods From July 2002 to April 2005, 17 cases of severe knee joint deformity and instability received rotating hinge knee prosthesis for total knee arthroplasty. There were 8 males and 9 females, aging from 41 to 79 years. The left joints were involved in 10 cases and right joint in 7 cases. All patients were admitted because of pain. The course of disease was from 1 to 7 years. There were 10 cases of osteoarthritis，5 cases of rheumatoid arthritis，1 case of traumatic arthritis after operation of left femur fracture，and 1 case of traumatic arthritis with injury of anterior cruciate ligament, meniscus medialis and medial collateral ligament after operation of left fracture of tibial plateau. According to HSS(hospital for special surgery) scoring system，the preoperative score was 36 to 58 with an average of 48.6. The preoperative flexed motion range of articulation was 21° to 80° with an average of 57.4°. Results All patients were followed up from 7 months to 3 years with an average of 23.6 months. There were no complications of thrombogenesis of veins of lower extremity, pulmonary embolism, palsy of peroneal nerve, fracture, and breakage of extended knee structure. Infection occurred in 1 case at 3 months postoperatively，the prosthesis was dislodged，antibiotic-impregnated cement was filed with knee joint，twostage arthroplasty was expected. At the last follow-up,the HSS score was 78 to 98 with an average of 91.1 in 16 patients. The flexed motion range of articulation was 75° to 100° with an average of 852° at 2 weeks postoperatively. The flexed motionrange of articular was 85° to 123° with an average of 1083° at the last followup. There were significant differences in HSS score and motion range of articular between preoperation and thelast follow-up (P＜0.05). Conclusion The short-term outcome of rotating hinge knee prosthesis is good and a long term followup is necessary.