Abstract
Intro: Total knee replacement (TKR) manufacturers offer the option of high flexion tibial tray inserts. The polyethylene is narrower posteriorly than the standard insert and comes with the theoretical risk of reduced longevity due to thinner implant. This trial studied both the intra-operative and post-operative difference in knee flexion.
Method: 100 consecutive patients undergoing posterior stabilized Genesis II TKR with Brainlab navigation were studied. The flexion of each knee was assessed per-operatively using the Brainlab navigation system for both the high flex and standard tibial insert trials. Patients were then randomized to receive either a high flex or standard definitive implant and the knee flexion measured clinically with a goniometer six months post op.
Results: Intra-operatively the high flexion insert trial flexed more than the standard flex option by 3.2 degrees. Clinically at six months post op there was no difference in knee flexion between the two groups.
Conclusion: There is no clinical difference in knee flex-ion at six months post-op in patients with a high flex or standard tibial insert. However, we believe that in certain technical circumstances the high flex option is a valuable option for the surgeon to have available.
Correspondence should be addressed to Ms Larissa Welti, Scientific Secretary, EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH-8005 Zürich, Switzerland
