Open AccessCurrent Modes of Failure in TKA: Infection, Instability, and Stiffness Predominate
Author(s) -
David Le,
Stuart B. Goodman,
William J. Maloney,
James I. Huddleston
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical orthopaedics and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.178
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1528-1132
pISSN - 0009-921X
DOI - 10.1007/s11999-014-3540-y
Subject(s) - medicine , osteolysis , prosthesis , arthroplasty , polyethylene , surgery , total knee arthroplasty , mechanical failure , orthodontics , composite material , materials science
Historically, polyethylene wear and its sequelae (osteolysis, late instability, aseptic loosening) were common causes for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recently, polyethylene manufacturing has become more consistent; furthermore, a clearer understanding of the importance of oxidation on polyethylene performance led to packaging of the polyethylene bearings in an inert environment. This improved the quality and consistency of polyethylene used in TKA, raising the question of whether different failure modes now predominate after TKA.