Abstract
Introduction
A total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the standard of care treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Over the last decade, we have observed a change in TKA patient population to include younger patients. This cohort tends to be more active and thus places more stress on the implanted prothesis. Bone cement has historically been used to establish fixation between the implant and host bone, resulting in two interfaces where loosening may occur. Uncemented fixation methods provide a promising alternative to cemented fixation. While vulnerable during the early post-operative period, cementless implants may be better suited to long-term stability in younger patient cohorts. It is currently unknown whether the surgical technique used to implant the cementless prostheses impacts the longevity of the implant. Two different surgical techniques are commonly used by surgeons and may result in different load distribution across the joint, which will affect bone ingrowth. The overall objective of the study is to assess implant migration and in vivo kinematics following cementless TKA.
Methods
Thirty-nine patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA as a result of OA were recruited prior to surgery and randomized to a surgical technique based on surgeon referral. In the gap balancing surgical technique (GB) soft tissues releases are made to restore neutral limb alignment followed by bone cuts (resection) to balance the joint space in flexion and extension. In the measured resection surgical technique (MR) bone cuts are first made based on anatomical landmarks and soft tissue releases are subsequently conducted with implant components in-situ. Patients returned 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks following surgery for radiographic evaluation. Kinematics were assessed 52 weeks post-operatively.
Results
No significant difference was observed between groups in maximum total point motion (MTPM) at any time point during the first post-operative year. MTPM of both the tibial and femoral component did not significantly change between the six month and one year follow up visits for both the GB (6 mths=0.67 ±0.34mm, 1 yr=0.65 ±0.52, p=0.71) and MR (6 mths= 0.79 ±0.53mm, 1 yr= 0.82 ±0.43mm, p=0.56) cohorts. MTPM for both components over the follow up period is displayed in Figure 1. No significant difference was observed in contact location or pattern on the medial condyle during deep flexion (Figure 2A). A significant difference (p=0.01) was observed, however, between surgical techniques in the lateral contact location at full extension (Figure 2B). No significant difference was observed in the magnitude of AP excursion for both the medial and lateral condyles within and between groups.
Conclusion
Surgical technique did not impact the MTPM of an uncemented TKA design during the first post-operative year. By the six month post-operative period tibial and femoral MTPM plateaus indicating that osseointegration between the host bone and implanted components has occurred. Kinematic evaluation indicates contact locations anterior to the midline of the sagittal plane, paradoxical anterior translation, and a lateral pivot point, regardless of surgical technique.
