Preliminary results of an uncemented trabecular metal tibial component in total knee arthroplasty

Trabecular metal has several theoretical advantages for the long-term survival of a tibial component. We report the results of a prospective cohort of 105 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties using an uncemented trabecular metal (tantalum) tibial component at a minimum 3-year follow-up (range, 36-56 months). There was a significant improvement in Oxford Knee scores and Short Form-12 scores postoperatively. There was no radiolucency at the implant-bone interface on any postoperative radiograph. There has been one (1%) revision of the tibial component for trauma. The 3-year results using this prosthesis are as good as those published for the commonly used cemented prostheses. Longer follow-up is required to see whether these results are maintained over time.