Abstract
The first 101 posterior cruciate retaining modular tibial components of a single design performed by a single surgeon in 75 patients were evaluated at a minimum 20-year follow-up. All components were fixed with cement. These patients had been prospectively followed at five-year intervals and evaluated clinically using Knee Society ratings and documenting any need for reoperation. Serial radiographs were evaluated for radiolucencies, osteolysis or component migration until the time of patient death or at minimum 20-year follow-up.
At minimum 20-year follow-up, five knees (5%) had required a revision operation. All revisions occurred greater than 10 years following the index procedures. Benefits of modularity (i.e. retention of the tibial tray) were utilized in three of five cases in this closely followed cohort. Survivorship from any revision was 90.8% at 20 years. For the 16 living patients with 22 knees, the average Knee Society Clinical and Functional scores were 91 and 59, respectively, and the average range of motion was 115 degrees.
When considering gamma irradiated in air polyethylene and a first generation locking mechanism were utilized, these results encourage the authors to continue to use modular tibial trays.
