ABSTRACT
Negative outcomes of earlier metal-backed patella designs have overshadowed reports of positive outcomes achieved with careful attention paid to component design, patellar tracking, and surgical technique. Much as reported elsewhere, we found earlier component failures were caused by poor locking mechanisms, thin polyethylene, poor tracking, and minimal femur contact. Over the past decade, however, our outcomes with Duracon metal-backed patellae have been encouraging. We think these positive outcomes, seen over a minimum 5-year follow-up, are largely attributable to the thicker polyethylene and improved articular conformity of this component relative to earlier designs.
Subject(s)
Arthritis/surgery , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Knee Joint , Knee Prosthesis , Patella/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biocompatible Materials , Chromium , Cobalt , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polyethylene , Prosthesis Design , Prosthesis FailureABSTRACT
Many younger and highly active patients desire to achieve high flexion after total knee arthroplasty. This study's purpose was to determine if a contemporary total knee arthroplasty design improved functional knee flexion compared with a traditional total knee arthroplasty in patients living a Western lifestyle. Ten patients with bilateral total knee arthroplasty of 2 types were studied during weight-bearing lunge, kneeling, and stair activities using fluoroscopic imaging. There were no differences in maximum knee flexion during lunging or kneeling. Statistically significant differences in tibial rotation and condylar translation were observed during the 3 activities. Although several joint kinematic differences were observed, no important functional differences were observed in clinically excellent, high performing subjects with bilateral total knee arthroplasty of 2 types.
