Mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

An extensive database search was completed to perform a meta-analysis of outcomes of mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty. Nineteen manuscripts encompassing 3506 total knee arthroplasty met criteria for analysis (average follow-up, 8.6 years). Data were subdivided based on design type and included rotating platform, meniscal bearing, and anterior-posterior glide-rotation subgroups. Fifteen-year survivorship of rotating platform designs (96.4%) was greater than meniscal bearing implants (86.5%). Mean component loosening (0.33%) and bearing instability (<1%) for all subgroups were uncommon. Implants placed prior to 1995 exhibited higher rates of bearing complications (1.6% vs 0.1%). Excellent results were obtained with mobile-bearing TKA over 2 decades. Loosening and bearing instability were uncommon. Bearing complications lessened after 1995, possibly secondary to improved surgical technique.