Abstract
Introduction: This study addresses the long term results of 1225 uncomplicated primary total knee arthroplasties performed between 1986 and 1995, using one design with various tibial fixation methods.
Methods: 1225 primary total knees were performed using a press fit total condylar cruciate retaining design. 108 cases were eliminated because of death and 171 due to lack of follow up leaving a group of 946 knees. Mean time insitu is 9.2 years. 500 knees had both the tray and stem cemented, 374 had only the tray cemented, and 72 used no cement. Both clinical and radiographic Knee Society Scores were tabulated preoperatively and annually thereafter. The SF-36 has been recorded both pre and postoperatively since 1993.
Results: Overall revision rates for the cemented, tray only and non-cemented groups were 1.0%, 3.4% and 12.5%, respectively. A combined 20 cases had the tibial component revised due to polywear and osteolysis with 0.6% from the cemented group, 2.4% from the tray only group and 11.1% from the tray only group. The joint portion of the Knee Society score was comparable for the cemented and tray only groups (88.9 and 88.3, respectively) but only 80.9 for the non-cemented group.
Discussion and conclusion: Using a component design that meets the needs of the majority of patients regardless of bone quality has proven to be successful and cost effective for this institution. The authors believe these excellent results and low revision rate for loosening indicate this design has much to offer with its flexibility of tibial fixation.
The abstracts were prepared by Nico Verdonschot. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
