The role of the cemented all-polyethylene tibial component in total knee replacement: a 30-year patient follow-up and review of the literature

Abstract

Use of an all-polyethylene tibial component in primary total knee arthroplasty remains an attractive option considering the reported durability of the construct, the lowered cost compared to modular metal-backed tibia, and the elimination of backside wear. The two major intra-operative disadvantages include the inability to alter the tibial component thickness after permanent implant placement and the inability to use varus-valgus constrained designs. The long-term disadvantage is the inability to perform a modular insert exchange should this be required. We report the 30-year outcome of a single patient using the duopatellar total knee replacement system. Based on a critical review of the literature we would recommend use in patients 80 years of age or older, consideration in patients 75 to 79 years, and possibly in younger yet less active patients. These three groups would be the least likely to require a modular tibial liner exchange in their lifetime.