Open AccessModern cemented total knee arthroplasty design shows a higher incidence of radiolucent lines compared to its predecessor
Author(s) -
Staats Kevin,
Wannmacher Torben,
Weihs Valerie,
Koller Ulrich,
Kubista Bernd,
Windhager Reinhard
Publication year - 2018
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/s00167-018-5130-0
Subject(s) - radiodensity , medicine , radiography , retrospective cohort study , incidence (geometry) , total knee arthroplasty , arthroplasty , cohort , survival analysis , surgery , dentistry , physics , optics
Purpose To prevent early failure it is necessary to evaluate modern TKA system for possible shortcomings during implantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic outcome and short‐term survival of a modern cemented primary TKA system compared to its predecessor. Methods The authors reviewed 529 primary cemented TKAs [276 Attune (ATT) and 253 PFC Sigma (PFC)], which were implanted between 2014 and 2017 concerning the radiographic outcome and short‐term survival. Radiographs were taken before discharge, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic analysis was performed by two independent assessors using the Modern Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation System. Results The incidence of radiolucent lines was significantly higher in the ATT group compared with the PFC group 12 months postoperatively (35.1%; n = 97 TKAs vs. 7.5%; n = 19 TKAs; p < 0.001). Survival analysis could not show any differences in revision‐free survival or revision rate. Conclusion The modern primary TKA system shows an increased number of radiolucent lines, especially on the tibial component in this short‐term analysis and may mostly be due to technique‐related issues. Patients with those radiolucent lines even though they show no clinical evidence for loosening should be closely monitored at regular intervals. These findings are of vital clinical importance because surgeons should be aware of particular challenges in preparation and cementing technique once they are using this TKA‐system. Level of evidence Retrospective cohort study, Level III.