Long-term results after nonconstrained total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Knee Arthroplasty

Background:

• A nonconstrained total anatomic resurfacing prosthesis was developed in Montreal in 1975.
• Long-term outcomes of this specific prosthesis design require detailed analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term efficacy and clinical outcomes of a nonconstrained total anatomic resurfacing knee prosthesis.
• To evaluate the impact of cruciate ligament preservation on functional results and revision rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients who received the nonconstrained total knee prosthesis.
• Follow-up period of 10 to 13 years.
• Assessment of outcomes using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, range of motion, stability, and stair-climbing ability.

Main Results:

• After 10-13 years, 79% of knees showed excellent or good results (HSS score).
• Knees preserving both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments demonstrated significantly better flexion, stability, and stair-climbing capacity.
• The revision rate was low (7 knees revised), with only one revision in knees where the anterior cruciate ligament was intact.
• Aseptic component loosening occurred in 1.2% of cases.

Conclusions:

• The nonconstrained total anatomic resurfacing prosthesis demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes.
• Preservation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments is crucial for optimal functional recovery and reduced revision risk in total knee arthroplasty.
• This prosthesis design, particularly with intact cruciate ligaments, offers a viable option for knee resurfacing.