The application of metal fillers in the reconstruction of severe bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

With the increasing prevalence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is a corresponding rise in the number of patients requiring revision of total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) for various reasons. R-TKA presents several complex challenges, with severe bone defect reconstruction being a critical obstacle to securing favorable long-term outcomes. Recently, the approach to managing bone defects has seen significant advancements, with a range of techniques proposed contingent on the defect's size and location. Severe bone defects require reconstruction with autologous or allogeneic bone grafts or metal fillers. However, bone grafts have their usage constrained by limited availability, risks of resorption and collapse, and the potential for disease transmission. Consequently, metal fillers have received widespread attention in practical applications due to their advantages, such as comprehensive source, customizability, and safety. The advantages of metal augment are that they provide immediate support without reinforcement and are not subject to necrosis and resorptive collapse. However, the difference in elastic modulus between metal and bone may lead to stress shielding and increase the risk of potential bone loss. Both Cone and Sleeve can achieve biological fixation of metaphyseal bone; however, in cases of periprosthetic infections, it is generally difficult to remove them easily due to the prosthetic bone in-growth and osseointegration. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the use of metal fillers to reconstruct bone defects during R-TKA. It is intended to aid orthopedic surgeons in understanding the spectrum of reconstructive possibilities and provide high-performance revision strategies for their patients.