No differences in functional results and quality of life after single-radius or multiradius TKA

The main objective of this study was to compare the functional results and the impact on quality of life after a single-radius or a multiradius TKA implantation. The secondary objectives were to compare range of motion, satisfaction and the ability to perform daily life activities with both types of implant. It was hypothesized that the single-radius TKA would lead to better functional results and better quality of life than the multiradius TKA.

This is a prospective non-randomized study that included 250 cases of a single-radius TKA and 224 of a multiradius posterior-stabilized TKA implanted with the same surgical and rehabilitation protocol.

In the 1- and 5-year follow-up, we found similar knee KSS scores (89.7 ± 12.1 in the multiradius group and 90.3 ± 11.7 in the single-radius group) and functional KSS scores (78.6 ± 21.4 in the multiradius group and 75.8 ± 20.9 in the single-radius group). The pain and the Physical SF-36 scores were also similar. Range of motion (112° ± 12° in the multiradius group and 112 ± 12° in the single-radius group), patients' satisfaction and the ability to perform daily life activities were also similar in both groups.

The use of a single-radius or a multiradius posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis can improve the function of the knee and the patients' quality of life in a similar way at the short-term and midterm follow-up. Moreover, range of motion, patient satisfaction and the ability to perform daily life activities are similar with both types of prosthesis. As both types of prosthesis can improve the function and quality of life of the patients in a similar way, the sagittal radius of the femoral component should not be considered the main factor when choosing the model of TKA.

Therapeutic study: Prospective comparative study, Level II.