Extensive bone loss and poor residual bone quality can make implant fixation difficult to achieve in revision of failed megaprostheses. While newer porous components are available to address various periarticular cavitary and segmental defects, diaphyseal fixation remains challenging without resorting to cemented techniques, or cementless fully-coated stems that achieve fixation over long segments of bone. In cases of previous infection, it may be advantageous to avoid the use of such devices as they can be difficult to remove and may result in even greater bone loss if the infection were to persist. Compressive osseointegration technology has been become a valuable device in the management of these challenging situations. We aimed to evaluate the short-term results of compressive osseointegration when used for reconstruction of massive diaphyseal and segmental bone defects. We believe that compressive osseointegration provides predictable, strong endoprosthesis fixation in the short-term and that osseointegration can be evaluated radiogrphically.Introduction
Objectives
While prosthesis survival in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) exceeds 90% at 10 year, failures do occur. One area of concern has been the potential for metal allergy or metal sensitivity causing persistent pain, swelling or early failure of the implant in some patients. Definitive tests for diagnosing metal allergy and metal sensitivity have not been developed and this field remains controversial. In most cases where metal sensitivity is a concern, metals such as Chromium and Nickel are implicated. Despite the lack of good diagnostic tests for identifying these patients, several orthopedic prosthesis manufacturers have developed implants made of Titanium or ceramic designed for use in patients where concerns exist regarding metal allergy. In the absence of good diagnostic tests, use of these devices in patients that self identify is one option. To date, little information has been presented about the incidence of self reported metal sensitivity in patients undergoing joint replacement. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of self reported metal allergy or sensitivity in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. An IRB approved, retrospective chart review was performed in a consecutive series of 194 patients who had undergone TKA at one institution, with one surgeon. Self reported metal sensitivity and allergy had been routinely elicited from each individual who had not undergone implantation of a previous metallic device, during pre-operative consultation.Introduction
Methods
