Total knee arthroplasty using the total condylar III knee prosthesis

Twenty-seven total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed in 24 patients using the total condylar III knee prosthesis (TCP III) and were evaluated clinically and radiographically with a mean follow-up period of 4 years. Eighteen were revision TKAs, and nine were primary knee arthroplasties. Evaluations were made using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scale as well as the Knee Society radiographic evaluation method. Clinical results for all knees were 11% (3 of 27) excellent, 70% (19 of 27) good, 15% (4 of 27) fair, and 4% (1 of 27) poor. The one poor rating resulted from an intraoperative vascular injury. The results showed no statistical difference between revision and primary TKA. After operation, pain relief, range of motion, walking, function, and activity level improved in both the primary and revision patients. Radiolucencies 2 mm or greater in width were found in 6 of the 27 tibial components, in none of the 27 femoral components, and in 1 of the 19 patellar components. Only two tibial implants showed progressive radiolucencies. No correlation was found between the radiographic position of the implants and the clinical results. The authors conclude that the TCP III is a satisfactory choice for TKA in selected knees in which there is significant instability and in which intramedullary fixation is required.