Aims

The mean age of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has reduced with time. Younger patients have increased expectations following TKA. Aseptic loosening of the tibial component is the most common cause of failure of TKA in the UK. Interest in cementless TKA has re-emerged due to its encouraging results in the younger patient population. We review a large series of tantalum trabecular metal cementless implants in patients who are at the highest risk of revision surgery.

As the number of younger and more active patients treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to increase, consideration of better fixation as a means of improving implant longevity is required. Cemented TKA remains the reference standard with the largest body of evidence and the longest follow-up to support its use. However, cementless TKA, may offer the opportunity of a more bone-sparing procedure with long lasting biological fixation to the bone. We undertook a review of the literature examining advances of cementless TKA and the reported results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:867–73.

Aims. Cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) offers the potential for strong biological fixation compared with cemented TKA where fixation is achieved by the mechanical integration of the cement. Few mid-term results are available for newer cementless TKA designs, which have used additive manufacturing (3D printing). The aim of this study was to present mid-term clinical outcomes and implant survivorship of the cementless Stryker Triathlon Tritanium TKA. Methods. This was a single institution registry review of prospectively gathered data from 341 cementless Triathlon Tritanium TKAs at four to 6.8 years follow-up. Outcomes were determined by comparing pre- and postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) scores, and pre- and postoperative 12-item Veterans RAND/Short Form Health Survey (VR/SF-12) scores. Aseptic loosening and revision for any reason were the endpoints which were used to determine survivorship at five years. Results. At mid-term follow-up, the mean KOOS JR score improved significantly from 33.14 (0 t0 85, standard deviation (SD) 21.88) preoperatively to 84.12 (15.94 to 100, SD 20.51) postoperatively (p < 0.001), the mean VR/SF-12 scores improved significantly from physical health (PH), 31.21 (SD 5.32; 23.99 to 56.77) preoperatively to 42.62 (SD 10.72; 19.38 to 56.82) postoperatively (p < 0.001) and the mental health (MH), 38.15 (SD 8.17; 19.06 to 60.75) preoperatively to 55.09 (SD 9.64; 19.06 to 66.98) postoperatively (p < 0.001). A total of 11 revisions were undertaken, with an overall revision rate of 2.94%, including five for periprosthetic joint infection (1.34%), three for loosening (0.80%), two for instability (0.53%), and one for pain (0.27%). The overall survivorship was 97.06% and survivorship for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 98.40%, with a 99.5% survivorship of the 3D-printed tibial component. Conclusion. This 3D-printed cementless total knee system shows excellent survivorship at mid-term follow-up. This design and the ability to obtain cementless fixation offers promise for excellent long-term durability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):32–37

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the actual cost of a cemented and cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedure. Materials and Methods. The cost of operative time, implants, cement, and cementing accessories were included in the overall cost of the TKA procedure. Operative time was determined from a previously published study comparing cemented and cementless implants of the same design. The cost of operative time, implants, cement, and cementing accessories was determined from market and institutional data. Results. Mean operative time for cemented TKA was 11.6 minutes longer for cemented TKA than cementless TKA (93.7 minutes (. sd. 16.7) vs 82.1 minutes (. sd. 16.6); p = 0.001). Using a conservative published standard of $36 per minute for operating theatre time cost, the total time cost was $418 higher for cementing TKA. The cost of cement and accessories ranged from $170 to $625. Overall, the calculated cost of cemented TKA is $588 to $1043, depending on technique. The general increased charge for cementless TKA implants over cemented TKA implants was $366. Conclusion. The overall procedural cost of implanting a cementless TKA is less than implanting a cemented TKA. Cost alone should not be a barrier to using cementless TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):61–63

Aim. To examine the effects of total knee arthroplasty on markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, as surrogate markers for enhanced risk of vascular disease or precipitation of acute vascular events post-operatively. Methods. All patients undergoing an elective uncemented total knee arthroplasty at a district general hospital were approached at the pre-assessment clinic. The study was explained and the patients were enrolled into the study following written consent. Venous blood samples were taken pre-operatively, day 1 and day 7 post-operatively. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF??, e-selectin, Von willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and soluble CD40 ligand were analysed. Also, real time analysis of the expression of CD40 and CD14/CD42a aggregates on monocytes was carried out using flow cytometry. Patients were excluded from the study if there were signs of either superficial or deep infection. Results. Significant rises were seen with vWF, tPA and sCD40L levels up to day 7 (p= 0.01, 0.00. 0.00 respectively). IL6, e-selectin and TNF? levels were also significantly raised up to day 7 (p= 0.017, 0.031, 0.00). Analysis of the flow cytometry data revealed significant rises in the expression of CD40 (p= 0.006) and CD14/CD42a (P= 0.013) on monocytes over the same time period. Conclusion. Our study strongly suggests that patients undergoing an uncemented total knee arthroplasty provokes the release of vasoactive substances within the vasculature. These changes may explain the increased incidence of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism post-operatively as well as a potential increased risk of arterial thrombosis and sequelae from atherosclerotic plaque rupture

Introduction. Cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the gold standard with survivorship above 90% at greater than 10 years postoperatively. However, with younger, heavier, more active patients undergoing TKA at an increasing rate, cementless implants have the appeal of potential for improved implant fixation longevity and decreased rates of aseptic loosening. The cementless implants are more expensive than their cemented counterparts such that implant costs may create a barrier to utilization. However, such comparisons fail to consider the unavoidable additional costs of cementing, including the cost of operating room time, cement and cementing accessories. The purpose of this study is to compare the actual cost of cemented and cementless TKA. Methods. The TKA cost calculation included the cost of operative time, implants, cement and cementing accessories. The difference in operative time between cemented and cementless TKA was determined from a previously published study of 100 TKAs performed using a cemented (55) or press fit (45) implant of the same design performed at a single institution by four fellowship trained arthroplasty surgeons. The decision to use cemented or cementless design in these patients was made based on patient bone quality intraoperatively. Operative time was compared between groups using a Student's two-tailed T-test. The cost of operating room time was based on estimates in the recent literature. The cost of cement and cementing accessories was estimated based on publically available market data. The cost of implants was estimated from institutional data for multiple companies. Results. The cost comparison between cemented and cementless total knee arthroplasty is summarized in Table 1. Mean operative time for cemented TKA was 14.3 minutes longer than for cementless TKA (94.7 + 15.2 vs. 80.4 + 15.7, p<0.01). The estimated cost of one minute of operating room time in the literature ranges from $30 to $60. For our analysis, we used an estimate of $36 per minute obtained from a recently published multi-center study. This resulted in an average operating room time cost $3406 for cemented and $2894 for cementless TKA. Antibiotic cement costs an average of $250 per bag and antibiotic-free cement costs an average of $75 per bag. Cement mixing techniques vary across surgeons. Approximately 95% use a vacuum system and 5% use a mixing bowl. The cost of vacuum systems ranges from $80 for an enclosed bowl to $125 for a vacuum system that can be directly connected to a cement gun. The cost of a plastic mixing bowl and spatula is $20. The cost of the disposables from a cement injection kit is $25. The average cost of a primary TKA implant, including femoral, tibial and polyethylene liner components, is $3530 for cemented and $4659 for cementless designs. Patellar resurfacing is not routinely used at our institution and therefore was not included in implant cost. Based on our calculations, the average cost of a cementless TKA is $7553. Using the cheapest cementing technique with 2 bags of plain cement and a manual mixing bowl with spatula, the cost of a cemented TKA $7114. Using the most expensive cementing technique with 2 bags of antibiotic cement and a cement gun compatible vacuum mixer, the cost of a cemented TKA is $7564. Conclusion. Cemented TKA remains the gold standard and still accounts for most procedures. Cementless TKA is increasing in utilization and may decrease the rate of aseptic loosening, especially in the rapidly growing young, active population undergoing TKA. Although cementless implants remain more expensive than cemented implants at most institutions, the actual overall cost of the two procedures is similar if operative time, cement and cementing accessories are considered. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction. The addition of hydroxyapatite in cementless total knee arthroplasty is believed to reduce the time for implant fixation and rehabilitation, reduce the incidence of RLLs and provide long lasting implant stability, through improved osseointegration. We report the results of a prospective, randomised controlled single blinded study comparing the post operative pain, biological fixation and clinical outcomes with the LCS Complete Porocoat and the hydroxyapatite-coated, LCS Complete Duofix mobile-bearing knee systems. Methods. Two hundred and four patients for TKA were prospectively recruited into the study between November 2006 and November 2008. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the LCS Complete Duofix or LCS Complete Porocoat knee systems. Outcomes including VAS pain scores, American Knee Society scores and Oxford knee scores were performed pre-operatively and at 3 months. X-rays were analysed by an independent reviewer for the presence of radiolucent lines. Results. At no time point from immediately post-operatively to 3 months post-operatively was there a statistically significant difference between groups, in terms of reduction in pain, as measured by the VAS pain score (p=0.9575). American Knee Society and Oxford Knee scores showed similar results between groups. In terms of fixation of the prostheses, radiological analysis revealed a statistical difference between the study groups, Odds Ratio 28.17 (3.670, 216.3), with Duofix having fewer radiolucent lines than Porocoat. 25% of the Porocoat tibias were assessed as not fixated at 3 months whereas only 1% of the Duofix tibias were considered not fixated. There was no significant difference in pain between the fixated and not fixated groups (p=0.293). Conclusions. The addition of hydroxyapatite did not make a significant difference in terms of pain or functional outcomes in the early post-operative period, but did reduce the incidence of radiolucent lines. The presence of radiolucent lines was not associated with increased pain

Aims

Intra-articular administration of antibiotics during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may represent a safe, cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Vancomycin with an aminoglycoside provides antimicrobial cover for most organisms isolated from acute PJI after TKA. However, the intra-articular doses required to achieve sustained therapeutic intra-articular levels while remaining below toxic serum levels is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the intra-articular and serum levels of vancomycin and tobramycin over the first 24 hours postoperatively after intra-articular administration in primary cementless TKA.

Introduction

The ideal type of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prosthesis remains a debatable topic with many different options available. Uncemented TKA has been a viable option due to its decreased operating room (OR) time but also because of its proposed improved long term fixation. Unfortunately, in the past uncemented TKA was associated with increased blood loss. Surgical technique and perioperative treatments have changed since these original studies and tranexamic acid (TXA) has become the gold standard for TKA blood loss management. The objective of this study was to evaluate if there was a difference in hemoglobin and hematocrit change, along with blood loss volume during surgery between cemented and cementless TKA when modern blood loss techniques are utilized

Introduction

Cementless TKA offers the potential for strong fixation through biologic fixation technology as compared to cemented TKA where fixation is achieved through mechanical integration of the cement. Few mid-term results are available for newer cementless TKA designs that have used additive manufacturing (3-D printing) for component design. The purpose of this study is to present minimum 5-year clinical outcomes and implant survivorship of a specific cementless TKA using a novel 3-D printed tibial baseplate.

Background

In recent years, the use of modern cementless implants in total knee arthroplasty has been increasing in popularity. These implants take advantage of new technologies such as additive manufacturing and potentially provide a promising alternative to cemented implant designs. The purpose of this study was to compare implant migration and tibiofemoral contact kinematics of a cementless primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implanted using either a gap balancing (GB) or measured resection (MR) surgical technique.

Introduction

Cementless total knees were historically associated with early failure. These failures, likely associated with implant design, made cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) the “gold standard”. Manufacturers have introduced newer uncemented technologies that provide good initial stability and utilize a highly-porous substrates for bony in-growth. Outcome data on these implants has been limited. In addition, these implants typically have a price premium which makes them difficult to use in the setting of cost containment and in at risk 90-day bundles. Our purpose was to compare 90-day outcomes of a new uncemented implant with those of a comparable cemented implant from the same manufacturer. We hypothesized that the implants would have equivalent 90-day clinical and economic outcomes.

Aims

Early implant migration measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) has been proposed as a useful predictor of long-term fixation of tibial components in total knee arthroplasty. Evaluation of actual long-term fixation is of interest for cemented components, as well as for cementless fixation, which may offer long-term advantages once osseointegration has occurred. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term migration with one- and two-year migration to evaluate the predictive ability of short-term migration data and to compare migration and inducible displacement between cemented and cementless (porous metal monoblock) components at least ten years postoperatively.

In a series of 1304 patients (1867 knees), the results of simultaneous and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty were compared with each other and with unilateral total knee arthroplasty. The bilateral procedures had a significantly higher rate of complications than unilateral procedures, almost entirely because of thromboembolic problems. However, this did not correspond to an increase in mortality. If a bilateral procedure was indicated, then a simultaneous procedure had no increased risk over a staged procedure. There was no increase in cardiovascular complications, the rate of deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism or mortality. The rate of infection was lower with a bilateral procedure and the overall revision rate was less than 1% in all groups. The prosthesis functioned as well in all groups in the medium and longer term periods.

We feel that simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty is a safe and successful procedure when compared with a staged bilateral procedure. It also has the added benefit of single anaesthetic, reduced costs and decreased total recovery time when compared to a staged bilateral procedure. For these reasons it should be considered as an option in the presence of bilateral knee joint disease.

Aims. The use of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components has increased during the past decade. The initial design of cementless metal-backed patellar components had shown high failure rates due to many factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a second-generation cementless, metal-backed patellar component of a modern design. Methods. This was a retrospective review of 707 primary TKAs in 590 patients from a single institution, using a cementless, metal-backed patellar component with a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (2 to 12). A total of 409 TKAs were performed in 338 females and 298 TKAs in 252 males. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (34 to 87) and their mean BMI was 34.3 kg/m. 2. (18.8 to 64.5). The patients were chosen to undergo a cementless procedure based on age and preoperative radiological and intraoperative bone quality. Outcome was assessed using the Knee Society knee and function scores and range of motion (ROM), complications, and revisions. Results. A total of 24 TKAs (3.4%) in 24 patients failed and required revision surgery, of which five were due to patellar complications (0.71%): one for aseptic patellar loosening (0.14%) and four for polyethylene dissociation (0.57%). A total of 19 revisions (2.7%) were undertaken in 19 patients for indications which did not relate to the patella: four for aseptic tibial loosening (0.57%), one for aseptic femoral loosening (0.14%), nine for periprosthetic infection (1.3%), one for popliteus impingement (0.14%), and four for instability (0.57%). Knee Society knee and function scores, and ROM, improved significantly when comparing pre- and postoperative values. Survival of the metal-backed patellar component for all-cause failure was 97.5% (95% confidence interval 94.9% to 100%) at 12 years. Conclusion. The second-generation cementless TKA design of metal-backed patellar components showed a 97.5% survival at 12 years, with polyethylene dissociation from the metal-backing being the most common cause of patellar failure. In view of the increased use of TKA, especially in younger, more active, or obese patients, these findings are encouraging at mean follow-up of seven years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1279–1285

Cementless knee arthroplasty has seen a recent resurgence in popularity due to conceptual advantages, including improved osseointegration providing biological fixation, increased surgical efficiency, and reduced systemic complications associated with cement impaction and wear from cement debris. Increasingly younger and higher demand patients are requiring knee arthroplasty, and as such, there is optimism cementless fixation may improve implant survivorship and functional outcomes. Compared to cemented implants, the National Joint Registry (NJR) currently reports higher revision rates in cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but lower in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, recent studies are beginning to show excellent outcomes with cementless implants, particularly with UKA which has shown superior performance to cemented varieties. Cementless TKA has yet to show long-term benefit, and currently performs equivalently to cemented in short- to medium-term cohort studies. However, with novel concepts including 3D-printed coatings, robotic-assisted surgery, radiostereometric analysis, and kinematic or functional knee alignment principles, it is hoped they may help improve the outcomes of cementless TKA in the long-term. In addition, though cementless implant costs remain higher due to novel implant coatings, it is speculated cost-effectiveness can be achieved through greater surgical efficiency and potential reduction in revision costs. There is paucity of level one data on long-term outcomes between fixation methods and the cost-effectiveness of modern cementless knee arthroplasty. This review explores recent literature on cementless knee arthroplasty, with regards to clinical outcomes, implant survivorship, complications, and cost-effectiveness; providing a concise update to assist clinicians on implant choice. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):48–57

Abstract. Introduction. Cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) offers a number of conceptual benefits including osteointegration, bone preservation and reduced aseptic loosening from third body wear. Evidence of equivalence to cemented fixation exists, but the cam-post interaction of posterior-stabilised (PS)-TKA on implant osteointegration remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the survivorship of a single prosthesis PS-TKA. Methodology. All patients undergoing a PS-TKA using the Triathlon Total Knee System (Stryker Orthopaedics, USA) between 01/01/2010 and 08/04/2019, with exposure to at least 2 years’ risk of revision were identified from the hospital database. Results. 1001 TKAs were identified; 734 cementless and 267 cemented. The cementless group more frequently were male, younger, of higher BMI; and had larger components used (p<0.01). Mean exposure to risk of revision was longer in the cementless group (69.5 vs 57 months, p<0.05). Return to theatre rates were similar (4.6% vs 4.8% p = 0.88), a greater proportion in the cementless group underwent revision (2.9% vs 1.1% p=0.11). Multivariate analysis was only possible for reoperations, increased with cemented fixation (OR 2.34 CI 1.01-5.43) and decreased with age (OR 0.96 CI 0.92-1.00). Conclusion. Both cementless and cemented Triathlon PS-TKA demonstrate excellent survivorship, with revision rates of 2.9% and 1.1% at a mean of 5.25 years. This difference was not statistically significant, and variations in baseline characteristics may have influenced it. Further study is planned to assess radiographs of these patients for evidence of osteointegration, and we advocate further study with greater patient numbers

In this study we present our experience with four generations of uncemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from Smith & Nephew: Tricon M, Tricon LS, Tricon II and Profix, focusing on the failure rates correlating with each design change. Beginning in 1984, 380 Tricon M, 435 Tricon LS, 305 Tricon 2 and 588 Profix were implanted by the senior author. The rate of revision for loosening was 1.1% for the Tricon M, 1.1% for the Tricon LS, 0.5% for the Tricon 2 with a HA coated tibial component, and 1.3% for the Profix TKA. No loosening of the femoral component was seen with the Tricon M, Tricon LS or Tricon 2, with no loosening seen of the tibial component with the Profix TKA. Regarding revision for wear, the incidence was 13.1% for the Tricon M, 6.6% for the Tricon LS, 2.3% for the Tricon 2, and 0% for the Profix. These results demonstrate that improvements in the design of uncemented components, including increased polyethylene thickness, improved polyethylene quality, and the introduction of hydroxyapatite coating, has improved the outcomes of uncemented TKA over time

We performed a prospective study of 54 patients (76 knees) who underwent Osteonics series 3000 cruciate-retaining cementless total knee arthroplasty between December 1990 and June 1993. Five patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up (90.7% completion). One patient required revision at 10.5 years after operation. The rate of survival was 100% at ten years and 96.7% at 13 years. The mean ten-year knee and function scores were 79 and 59 respectively. Both were significantly better than the pre-operative scores. The range of movement also improved. Although a radiolucent line around the tibial component enlarged in six knees (20.7%) at ten years, the clinical outcome was generally good. In a patient who died after 5.5 years, post-mortem examination of the knee showed no bony ingrowth into the tibial component. Despite poor bony ingrowth, press-fit fixation was satisfactory and good results can be obtained with this cementless, cruciate-retaining prosthesis

Aims

Although bone cement is the primary mode of fixation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), cementless fixation is gaining interest as it has the potential of achieving lasting biological fixation. By 3D printing an implant, highly porous structures can be manufactured, promoting osseointegration into the implant to prevent aseptic loosening. This study compares the migration of cementless, 3D-printed TKA to cemented TKA of a similar design up to two years of follow-up using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) known for its ability to predict aseptic loosening.