Open AccessFunctional performance of mobile versus fixed bearing total knee prostheses: a randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
Jacobs W. C. H.,
Christen B.,
Wymenga A. B.,
Schuster A.,
Schaaf D. B.,
Ham A.,
Wehrli U.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.806
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1433-7347
pISSN - 0942-2056
DOI - 10.1007/s00167-011-1684-9
Subject(s) - medicine , total knee arthroplasty , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , knee flexion , significant difference , clinical endpoint , surgery
Purpose The primary goal of this study was to assess the difference in active flexion between patients with a mobile versus a fixed bearing, cruciate retaining, and total knee arthroplasty. The study was designed as a randomised controlled multi‐centre trial. Methods Participants were assigned to interventions by using block‐stratified, random allocation. Outcome parameters were active flexion, passive flexion, and Knee Society Score (KSS). Outcome parameters were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively by an independent nurse. Results Ninety‐two patients from one centre were included, 46 in each group. Active flexion was comparable for the two groups, 99.9° for the mobile bearing group and 101° for the fixed bearing group with a baseline controlled difference of 1.0 (95% CI −3.9 to 5.8, n.s.). The Clinical KSS was comparable between the two bearing groups (Mobile 90.0 vs. fixed 92.4, n.s.). The functional KSS showed a difference that was attributable to the stair climbing subscore, which showed a difference in favour of the fixed bearing design between preoperative and 3 months (7.3 point difference; 95% CI 2.3–12.5; P = 0.005) as well as 12 months (4.8 point difference; 95% CI 0.1–9.6; P = 0.045). Conclusions There were no short‐term differences in active flexion between fixed bearing and mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. Level of evidence I.