Hybrid component fixation in total knee arthroplasty: minimum of 10-year follow-up study

Hybrid total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (uncemented femur with cemented tibia and patella) was introduced in the late 1980s to gain the theoretical advantage of durable cementless femoral fixation while avoiding the problems noted with cementless tibial fixation. From December 1992 to July 2000, 215 patients (235 knees) who underwent hybrid TKA were enrolled in this study. Five types of prosthesis (AGC, Maxim, LCS-M, LCS-APG, and Scorpio) were used. Revision rate for aseptic loosening was 16 (6.8%) of 235 knees. At 10 and 15 years, survivorship with tibial or femoral revision as the end point was 0.95 and 0.92, respectively. Hybrid TKA provides durable fixation with clinical and radiographic performance at minimum 10 years comparable with cemented series.     

Hybrid total knee arthroplasty analysis of component failures at an average of 15 years

Hybrid total knee arthroplasty in which the femoral component is cementless and the tibial component is cemented remains controversial. We report on the long-term results of 65 total knee arthroplasties followed for an average of 15 years. There were 18 revisions (27%); of these, 11 were femoral component revisions. The overall implant survival with revision as the end point was estimated as 64% at 15 years. The femoral component survivorship at 15 years was 72%. Because of the high failure rate, hybrid fixation on the femoral side with this design has been abandoned at our institution; but hybrid fixation with a trabecular metal tibia is currently under investigation.     

Indications,Survivorship, and Clinical Outcomes of a Rotating Hinge Total Knee and Distal Femoral Arthroplasty System

BackgroundRotating hinge knee prostheses (with or without distal femoral replacement) are indicated in cases of unreconstructible bony or soft tissue compromise. Despite their versatility, these implants have demonstrated high rates of mechanical failure. We aimed to review clinical outcomes of a novel hinged knee arthroplasty system.MethodsWe reviewed all cases in a prospective database of hinged total knee arthroplasty (with and without distal femoral arthroplasty) involving a single manufacturer’s implant system at a large tertiary-level academic health sciences center. We collected reasons for surgery, implant survivorship, reasons for revision, and clinical outcomes (Short Form 12, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee Society Scores).ResultsSeventy-six cases of hinged knee implants using the knee system under investigation were performed (39 hinged total knee and 37 distal femoral replacements) between 2011 and 2018, inclusive. Indications for surgery varied, with second-stage reimplantation most common for rotating hinge and fracture most common for distal femoral arthroplasty. There were 6 revisions in the rotating hinge group (none for aseptic loosening) and 5 in the distal femoral arthroplasty group (1 for aseptic loosening). Average follow-up was 2.89 ± 2.09 years. Postoperative Short Form 12 (Physical Component), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee Society Scores were 30.12 ± 10.17, 55.90 ± 21.51, and 115.62 ± 45.20, respectively.ConclusionThis novel hinged knee system is a highly durable option for complex and revision knee arthroplasty. Early failures tend to be secondary to infection. We observed only a single case of aseptic loosening. Although these early results are encouraging, ongoing follow-up is required to determine long-term prognosis in patients receiving this implant.     

Survivorship of Metaphyseal Sleeves in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Metaphyseal fixation has promising early results in providing component stability and fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are limited studies on midterm results of metaphyseal sleeves. We analyzed complications, rerevisions, and survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening of metaphyseal sleeves in revision TKA.

Cemented vs Uncemented Femoral Components: A Randomized,Controlled Trial at 10 Years Minimum Follow-Up

BackgroundThe type of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) fixation (cemented or uncemented) is still subject to debate. The aim of this study is to assess the survival rate, clinical outcomes, and radiological results of TKA according to the fixation type.MethodsA total of 130 patients were randomly assigned to either the cement group (cemented femoral and tibial implants) or the hybrid group (cemented tibial implant, uncemented femoral implant). The inclusion criteria were patients between 50 and 90 years old who underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis between 2004 and 2005 without a history of open knee surgery. Revisions and complications were reported, as well as clinical scores and radiological signs of loosening.ResultsOne hundred eighteen patients had complete data at 10 years of minimum follow-up (59 in each group). The mean age was 72 years old. The mean follow-up was 13 years. The survival rate was 98% at 13 years in both groups (1 aseptic loosening at 2 years in the cement group, 1 septic loosening in the hybrid group). The complication rate in the cement group was 8.5% (n = 5) vs 12.1% (n = 7) in the hybrid group (P = .8). The clinical results were not significantly different. In the cement group, 25% of patients (n = 15) had radiolucent lines at 10 years. In the hybrid group, 33% of patients had bone transparencies, not evolving or symptomatic.ConclusionAt a minimum follow-up of 10 years, there were no significant differences between cemented TKA and hybrid TKA for the survivorship, the complication rate, the clinical scores, or the radiological signs of loosening.Level of EvidenceI.     

Low contact stress mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty: Results at 5 to 13 years

A total of 139 mobile bearing knee arthroplasties in 104 patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (range, 5-13 years). There were 80 cemented knees, 50 uncemented, and 9 hybrid (cemented tibia, uncemented femur). Ten knees were revised. Four knees were revised for aseptic loosening of an uncemented tibial component, and 1 knee was revised for loosening of an uncemented femoral component. One knee was revised for a recurrent dislocating bearing, and 1 knee was revised for instability. No mechanical loosening occurred in the cemented components. Three knee arthroplasties were revised for infection. A total of 66 patients (92 knees) were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Radiographic evaluation showed a 27% incidence of radiolucent lines for the femur and a 31% incidence of radiolucent lines for the tibia. No components were considered radiographically loose. The survivorship of mobile bearing knee arthroplasties was 93% at an average follow-up of 7.8 years. Aseptic loosening was statistically higher in uncemented components (P=.0051).     

Reduced Aseptic Loosening With Fully Cemented Short-Stemmed Tibial Components in Primary Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundRecently, the use of short tibial stems in the obese population undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been proposed. Thus, we designed a study to assess tibial component survivorship after primary TKA using a single implant both with and without a fully cemented stem extension performed by a single surgeon.MethodsA search of our institutional research database was performed. A minimum 2-year follow-up was selected. Cohorts were created according to patient body mass index (BMI; >40 kg/m² and <40 kg/m²) and the presence (stemmed tibia [ST]) or absence (non-stemmed tibia [NST]) of a short tibial stem extension. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses for aseptic loosening and log-rank tests were performed.ResultsA total of 236 patients were identified (ST = 162, NST = 74). Baseline patient characteristics were statistically similar between cohorts with the exception of BMI which was greater in the ST cohort (32.9 kg/m², 30.6 kg/m²; P = .01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis at 5 years was superior for the BMI < 40 kg/m² cohort (98.9%, 93.1%; P = .045), the ST cohort (100%, 94.5%; P = .006), and the BMI > 40 kg/m² with ST cohort at 4 years (71.4%, 100%; P = .008).ConclusionMorbid obesity and a short native tibial stem design appear to be associated with aseptic loosening in primary TKA. This appears to be mitigated through the use of an ST. As such, the use of ST may be considered in at-risk patients. Alternatively, implants with longer native stem designs can be employed. Modern short-stemmed tibial components may need to be redesigned.     

Use of Cementless Metaphyseal Fixation in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty in the United States

BackgroundFixation options for revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) have expanded and now include cementless metaphyseal fixation. The utilization rates of these implants in the United States are not well known. The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in cementless metaphyseal fixation for rTKA within the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR).MethodsThe AJRR was queried for the years 2015-2019 to identify all rTKA with implant data. Trends in the use of cementless sleeves, metaphyseal cones, and any cementless metaphyseal fixation (sleeves + cones) were examined over the study period using logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwenty thousand two hundred and eighty rTKA were analyzed. Cementless metaphyseal fixation was used in 16% of rTKA and significantly increased over the study period (14% to 19%, P < .0001). Cementless metaphyseal fixation was more frequently utilized during revision for aseptic loosening than other diagnoses (OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.001-1.027). Cementless sleeve utilization decreased over time (11% to 9%, P = .004), driven by decreased use on the femur (4% to 2%, P < .0001). The use of cones increased significantly over time (3% to 9%, P < .0001), driven by increased use on the tibia (2% to 9%, P < .0001). Cones were 22 times more likely to be utilized on the tibia relative to the femur (P < .0001) and were more likely to be used in revisions for infection (OR 1.103, 95% CI 1.089-1.117) and aseptic loosening (OR 1.764, 95% CI 1.728-1.800).ConclusionCementless metaphyseal fixation has grown in popularity yet, still comprised only 16% of rTKA over a 5-year period. Most of the increase was due to the utilization of tibial metaphyseal cones.     

Cementless vs Cemented Tibial Fixation in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The ideal fixation for modern tibial components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial with uncertainty on whether cementless implants can yield equivalent outcomes to cemented fixation in early follow-up.

Uncemented vs Cemented Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Body Mass Index Greater Than 30

Background

Aseptic loosening of cemented and uncemented tibial components continues to be a source of implant failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the obese population. There is limited literature reviewing uncemented cruciate retaining (CR) components in the obese population.

Midterm Results of Hybrid Cement Technique in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

While the number of revision total knee arthoplasties (TKA) performed in the United States continues to rise annually, controversy exists whether intramedullary stems should be cemented or press-fit. Retrospective analysis of midterm survivorship rate of revision TKA using hybrid stem fixation in 119 patients was performed. Revision was performed predominantly for aseptic loosening (78) and infections (28). Average follow-up was 62 months (range, 46–80). Knee Society Pain and Function scores improved from 39 and 58 to 68 and 79 (P < .05). Fifty-eight tibial offsets and 28 femoral offsets were utilized. Three knees (2.5%) required revision without any cases of aseptic loosening. Radiographic complete or progressively advanced (> 2 mm) radiolucent lines were not observed in any patient. At mid-term follow-up, revision hybrid TKA provides excellent fixation with extremely low rates of aseptic loosening and avoids the inherent complications of extensive intramedullary cement.     

The Medium-Term Survival Analysis of an All-Polyethylene Tibia in a Single-Series Cohort of Over 1000 Knees

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty is a successful elective orthopedic procedure with an increasing number being undertaken. Original knee arthroplasties used an all-polyethylene tibia; however, with concerns over tibial loosening, the trend moved toward the metal-backed variety. Modern designs providing more conformity and changes in manufacturing of the polyethylene make it an equivalent but cheaper option.MethodsWe analyzed the medium-term outcome in 1092 patients with an all-polyethylene tibial component in their total knee arthroplasty.ResultsTwenty-six patients had further surgery on their knee for a variety of reasons. Assessing reoperation for any reason, the 7-year survival rate was 96.96% with an overall infection rate of 0.37%. Seven-year survival analysis using aseptic loosening as a criteria was 99.28%. Both the Short Form 12 physical score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score significantly improved and was sustained at 7 years. Body mass did not correlate to either outcomes or complications.ConclusionAn all-polyethylene tibia in a total knee arthroplasty has good outcome data and high patient satisfaction with good survivorship in the medium term, coupled with potential cost-saving benefits.     

Despite Improved Survivorship of Uncemented Fixation in Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis,Cemented Fixation Remains the Gold Standard: An Analysis of a National Joint Registry

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) numbers are increasing worldwide. While cement fixation for both femoral and tibial components is commonly used, alternatives include hybrid and uncemented TKAs. This study aimed to evaluate survivorship, revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes for cemented, hybrid, and uncemented TKAs using New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) data.MethodsNZJR data relating to all TKAs performed during the 19 years up to the end of December 2017 were analyzed. Outcomes were assessed using prosthesis survivorship data (including reasons for revision) and Oxford scores at 6 months, 5 years, and 10 years postoperatively.ResultsA total 96,519 primary TKAs were performed during the period examined. Most (91.5%) were fully cemented with 4.8% hybrid and 3.7% uncemented. Mean Oxford scores at 6 months were highest in cemented and lowest in uncemented TKAs (P < .001). However, this was not clinically significant. There was no difference at 5 or 10 years. Ten-year survival rates were 97%, 94.5%, and 95.8% for cemented, uncemented, and hybrid TKAs, respectively. Revision rates were 0.47, 0.74, and 0.52 per 100 component years for cemented, uncemented, and hybrid prostheses, respectively. The revision rate for uncemented prostheses compared with cemented was higher (P < .001). When stratified by age group, there were differences in survival rates between cemented and uncemented groups (P = .001) and hybrid and uncemented groups (P = .038) in patients aged <55 years; between cemented and uncemented groups in those aged 55-64 years (P = .031); and between cemented and hybrid groups in those aged >75 years (P = .004).ConclusionUncemented TKAs had similar patient-reported outcomes but higher revision rates and worse survivorship compared with hybrid or fully cemented TKAs.     

Survivorship and Radiographic Evaluation of Metaphyseal Cones With Short Cemented Stems in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the survivorship and radiographic outcomes of a single design of metaphyseal cone used in conjunction with short cemented stems.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) patients (June 2015 to December 2017) using porous titanium femoral or tibial cones in conjunction with short cemented stems (50-75 mm). Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Survivorship, complications, and a modified Knee Society Radiographic score were analyzed.ResultsForty-nine rTKAs were included in the study (12 femoral cones, 48 tibial cones). Varus-valgus constraint was used in 28 (57%) and a hinged bearing was used in 3 (6%) of these constructs. The majority were index rTKAs of primary components (86%), performed for aseptic loosening (51%) and reimplantation following staged treatment for infection (37%). Median follow-up was 39 months (range 25-58). Using a modified Knee Society Radiographic score, all constructs were classified as stable. Postoperatively, 4 rTKAs were complicated by recurrent infection (8%), periprosthetic fracture 2 (4%), and superficial wound infection 1 (2%). Seven rTKAs (14%) required reoperation. The majority of reoperations (4 rTKAs) were debridement and irrigation with implant retention for infection. Metaphyseal cone constructs with short cemented stems demonstrated 100% survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening without evidence of radiographic loosening in any case.ConclusionOur results demonstrate excellent outcomes with the use of metaphyseal cones with short cemented stems at mid-term follow-up. This construct avoids the use of long-stem fixation with the associated extraction difficulty, end of stem pain, and potential for malposition at the joint line.Level of EvidenceIV, Case Series.     

Surgical factors for total knee arthroplasty in younger patients

With improvements in implant modularity and polyethylene, it is important to assess the contemporary performance of cement vs. cementless fixation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Aseptic loosening is the most common indication for revision. Registry data indicates that the type of fixation (cemented, cementless, or hybrid) makes little difference in revision rates for younger patients (<55 years old). Regardless of the type of fixation, there is an opportunity for improvement. Attention to surgical factors, such as coronal alignment and cementing technique, can improve the survivorship of TKA.     

The role of the rotating hinge prosthesis in the salvage arthroplasty setting

We have studied a consecutive series of 72 salvage knee procedures using a Kinematic rotating hinge prosthesis performed in a single arthroplasty unit between 1983 and 1997. Clinical and radiographic assessment of the survivorship of the Kinematic rotating hinge total knee arthroplasty (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) were analyzed. Survival analysis revealed a best-case 10-year implant survival of 90%. Concurrently, this group of patients exhibited a significant and sustained improvement in Knee Society Score and pain relief after implantation of a rotating hinge component. There were 10 deaths due to unrelated causes during the study period. This constrained hinged prosthesis remains a viable option in the face of gross deformity, bone loss, and failed multiple previous surgical procedures.     

The Distribution of Implant Fixation for Femoral Components of TKA: A Postmortem Retrieval Study

Aseptic loosening of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components is the foremost cause of implant failure in the long term. While tibial component loosening is of primary concern, femoral loosening may become a clinical problem due to younger, more active patients seeking TKA, and also high-flexion designs. In this study, we analyzed the fixation for 19 non-revised, postmortem retrieved, femoral components of TKA with time in service ranging from 1 to 22 years. We found that the average total contact fraction for cemented components was 9.5% and had a power law response (decrease) with years in service. The average initial interdigitation depth was 0.7 mm, and the average current interdigitation depth was 0.13 mm. Loss of interdigitation was 81%. Over all, minimal fixation seems necessary for long-term success of TKA femoral components.     

Survival of Primary Condylar-Constrained Total Knee Arthroplasty at a Minimum of 7 Years

The purpose of the present study is to retrospectively analyze clinical and radiographic outcomes in primary constrained condylar knee arthroplasty at a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Given the concern for early aseptic loosening in constrained implants, we focused on this outcome. Our cohort consists of 127 constrained condylar knees. The mean age of patients in the study was 68.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 110.7 months. The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 92%. There were four periprosthetic distal femur fractures, with a rate of revision of 0.8%. No implants were revised for aseptic loosening. Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis with removal of any component as the end point revealed that the 10-year rate of survival of the primary CCK was 97.6% (95% CI, 94%–100%).     

Modular Augmentation in Varus-Valgus–Constrained Knee Arthroplasty—Do We Need Sleeves to Avoid Femoral Loosening After Excessive Distal Augmentation?

BackgroundIn revision total knee arthroplasty, zonal fixation methods with a combination of augments, press-fit stems, and sleeves are popular. We hypothesized that high distal femoral augmentation with diaphyseal press-fit stems leads to an increased rate of early aseptic loosening and that femoral metaphyseal sleeves improve implant survival. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated implant survival in relation to augment heights and sleeves.MethodsA total of 136 patients with mean clinical follow-up of 50 months (range, 28-85) who underwent modular total knee arthroplasty and revision total knee arthroplasty with semiconstrained implants between January 2012 and July 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Implant survival with 4, 8, and 12 mm distal femoral augments was compared to no distal augmentation. Subsequently, a subgroup analysis was performed for femoral sleeve implantation.ResultsWe observed an implant survival rate of 97.0%, 87.5%, and 69.2% for 4, 8, and 12 mm distal femoral augmentation, respectively (P = .73; P = .19; P = .008). The implant survival rate with femoral sleeves was 95.8% for the 8 mm augments and 85.7% for the 12 mm augments (P = .42; P = .96). Without femoral sleeves, the implant survival rate was 78.3% with the 8 mm augments and 50.0% with the 12 mm augments (P = .02; P < .001).ConclusionHigher rates of aseptic femoral loosening were identified for distal femoral augmentation of 8 mm or more without metaphyseal sleeve fixation in semiconstrained implants. Thus, in cases with femoral metaphyseal bone damage requiring high distal femoral augmentation, metaphyseal sleeves should be used to avoid early aseptic femoral loosening.     

A Prophylactic Tibial Stem Reduces Rates of Early Aseptic Loosening in Patients with Severe Preoperative Varus Deformity in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients with a preoperative varus deformity >8 degrees are at increased risk of aseptic loosening after total knee arthroplasty. This study analyzes the effect of a tibial stem on the rate of aseptic loosening in patients with a severe preoperative varus deformity.MethodsPatients with a preoperative varus deformity of >8 degrees and 2-year minimum follow-up with a stemmed tibial component (n = 67) were matched 1:2 to patients with a similar preoperative varus deformity with a standard tibial component (n = 134). Radiolucent lines were measured on the tibia at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively using the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation System. Failure was defined as revision due to aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Outcomes were evaluated using Student’s t-tests and log-rank tests.ResultsPatients with tibial stems had greater preoperative deformity (12.9 vs 11.3 degrees, P = .004). There was no difference in postoperative alignment (1.7 vs 2.1 degrees varus, P = .25) or tibial component angle (1.8 vs 2.1 degrees varus, P = .33). Patients with stems were more likely to have more constraint (44.8% vs 1.5%, P < .001). Progression of radiolucent lines >2 mm was observed in 17.6% (23/134) vs 5.97% (4/67) of patients in the stem group (P = .03). Rates of aseptic loosening were lower in the stem group (0% vs 5.15%, P = .05).ConclusionDespite worse preoperative deformity and higher utilization of constraint, tibial stem use in patients with severe preoperative varus deformity resulted in lower rates of aseptic loosening. Prophylactic use of stems in these patients may help increase implant survival.