The New Jersey Low-Contact-Stress Knee Replacement System: biomechanical rationale and review of the first 123 cemented cases

Abstract

A mobile-bearing element, metal-backed, interchangeable knee replacement system has been designed to combine low constraint forces with low contact stresses (LCS), allowing nearly normal joint articulation and loading as well as long-term wear resistance of the implants. The system is versatile, including a large number of component options in variable sizes, and it may be used in both primary and revision arthroplasties. The overall results in the first 123 cemented cases (97 patients) with 2- to 7-year follow-up (average 3.7 years) were good to excellent in 88.6%, fair in 3.3%, and poor in 8.1%. Fair and poor results were seen predominantly in multiply operated and implant revision cases. The best results were noted in primary cases, 97.4% of which had good to excellent results. There have been no mechanical implant failures and no meniscal bearing dislocations in this series. Pain relief and restoration of function have been very gratifying with this system.