Mobile- vs. fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a clinical and radiologic study

A consecutive series of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using either a mobile-bearing (MB) or a fixed-bearing (FB) implant were studied. Forty-four patients received 57 MB rotating platforms, and 40 patients received 45 FB posterior stabilized implants. At an average 41-month follow-up (range, 2-6 years), no significant differences were found between the groups with respect to Knee Society ratings or pain scores. Postoperative flexion was not different between the groups (116 degrees for MB and 118 degrees for FB). Three MB knees were revised for implant-related complications. There was no difference between these MB or FB knee implants clinically or radiographically at early follow-up. However, more patients with a MB knee required early revision for failure of rotating patellar or tibial polyethylene implants.