Results of cementless total knee arthroplasty in an older rheumatoid arthritis population

Fifty-five total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in thirty-nine adult (mean age, 62 years) patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied prospectively for a period of 1-7 years. All of the procedures were performed using cementless fixation of the tibial and femoral components. The Knee Society clinical rating system mean knee scores increased 56 points after operation (mean, 88 points), and the mean functional scores increased 28 points (mean, 64 points). Two revisions (4%) have been required, one for secondary late infection and one for failure of a cementless metal-backed patellar component. Good bone stock was retained in both, allowing for uneventful cementless revision. Forty-two arthroplasties (76%) were completely pain-free, twelve (22%) had mild, occasional discomfort with weight-bearing, and one (2%) had moderate pain at last examination. In this older rheumatoid population, cementless TKA offers good or excellent early clinical results and excellent preservation of bone stock should revision become necessary.