All-polyethylene vs. metal-backed tibial component in total knee arthroplasty-a randomized RSA study comparing early fixation of horizontally and completely cemented tibial components: part 2. Completely cemented components: MB not superior to AP com

摘要

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty exists as to whether metal backing (MB) of the tibial component is better than an all-polyethylene component (AP). This is valid for both horizontally and completely cemented components. We evaluated completely cemented MB vs. AP (Part 2). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized study, 39 patients (40 knees) with knee arthrosis were operated with cemented low-conforming total knee arthroplasty (AGC, Biomet) with a tibial component of uniform thickness (8 mm), cemented both beneath the tibial tray and around the stem. 20 patients had an all-polyethylene (AP) tibial component and 20 patients had an identical but metal-backed (MB) tibial component. We used clinical examination and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to evaluate the hypothesis that MB improves component fixation. Fixation was evaluated using RSA up to 2 years after surgery. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and after 2 years using the Hospital for Special Surgeons (HSS) score. RESULTS: We found no differences in micromotion, and no differences in clinical scores could be detected between the groups at any time point. INTERPRETATION: Our findings indicate that there was equal initial fixation of the AP and MB stemmed monobloc components when they were cemented beneath the tibial plateau and around the stem.