[Long Term Complications Due to Polyethylene Wear in Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Case Report]

This is the case of an 84-year-old patient 18 years after total knee replacement. Regular follow-up examinations did not take place beyond 10 years of implantation, so that subsequent wear of the polyethylene insert was not detected. The patient presented because of knee pain, swelling of the calf, and a drop foot. Examination showed a large ganglion with pressure on the peroneal nerve, and a loose knee replacement with severe inlay wear and extensive osteolysis around the tibial and femoral implants. This rare case demonstrates the importance of regular clinical and radiological follow-up examinations after total joint replacements, particularly in the long term.