Abstract
Introduction
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the second most common and successful joint replacement in orthopedics. Due to long-term results the problem of aseptic loosening, implant failure and hypersensitivity to metal ions remain. Therefore the introduction of a new TKA with ceramic tibial and femoral components is introduced.
Methods
It is the aim of this prospective study to compare a full delta ceramic unconstrained TKA with its conventional counterpart (Brehm BPK-S). Each group includes 40 patients without demopgraphic differenve. All TKAs are cemented with the same surgical technique using a rotating polyethylene insert. Clinical and radiological evaluation were performed preoperatively, and 3, 12 and 24 months postoperatively using the oxford knee score, the KSS, the VAS and the EQ-5d.
Results
The mean prroperative knee scores improved significantly in both groups without difference. The VAS increased from 53,4 points to 73,9 in the ceramic group and from 53,8 to 81,0 in the conventional (n.s. p=0,14) and the EQ-5d. The oxford knee score increased from 38,6 points to 21,9 in the ceramic group and from 37,6 to 20,0 in the conventional (n.s.). There were no radiolucent lines for the femur or tibia, no infections and no revisions or implant associated complications with a 12 month survival rate of 100%.
Discussion
The observed clinical and radiological results are promising for the future of cermic tibial and femoral components in TKA. The ceramic components can be a solution for patients with metal ion hypersensitivity, because this is the first TKA completely metal free. Long-term results will show a possible superority of ceramic implants concerning wear, loosening and survivorship. Based on this it might also be a reliable alternative for osteoarthiritic knee joints.
