Long-term results and survivorship analysis of 89 total condylar knee prostheses

The results of 89 total condylar I prostheses were assessed using both the Hospital for Special Surgery rating system and survivorship analysis. At an average follow-up period of 9.5 years (range, 5-15) 61 patients (72 knees) were available for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Thirty (41.5%) knees were rated as excellent, 29 (40.5%) good, 4 (5.5%) fair, and 6 (8.5%) poor. Three (4%) cases were considered failures because they needed a second operation. Loss of the postoperative alignment often associated with lateral instability was observed in 23 knees. Loosening of the tibial plateau occurred in two knees; in one of these a successful revision was performed. Survivorship analysis, using deep infection and aseptic loosening as end-point criteria, gave a 15-year probability of survival of 95%. These results confirm the validity of the total condylar prosthesis and the reliability of cementation in knee arthroplasty.