Noncemented revision total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

From 1985 to 1991, 16 patients underwent 17 revision total knee arthroplasties using porous-coated tibial or femoral components, or both, without cement. Eight knees had both components implanted without cement, 4 the femoral component without cement and 5 the tibial component without cement. Fifteen revisions were performed for aseptic loosening, 1 for instability, and 1 for infection. Patients were evaluated by clinical examination, radiographs, and the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale. Two patients died, leaving 15 revision total knee arthroplasties for followup. The average age at surgery was 65 years old. Followup averaged 5.6 years (range, 2.4-10.0 years). Range of motion preoperatively averaged 4 degrees to 96 degrees, and postoperatively 0 degree to 102 degrees. Average knee scores were 52 points preoperatively and 87 points postoperatively. Two tibial components showed lucent lines > or = 1 mm in 1 or more zones, 1 of which showed progressive lucencies. One femoral component showed a 1-mm lucent line in 1 zone, which was not progressive. Two tibial components were revised, 1 for a proximal tibial fracture below the prosthesis, and the other for prosthesis loosening and breakage. There was 1 stitch abcess with intrarticular extension, but no other infections. These results show that successful revision total knee arthroplasty can be accomplished using noncemented porous-coated components, with results comparable with those of cemented revisions.