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All-Polyethylene Tibial Component Use for Elderly, Low-Demand Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients
Kenneth A Gustke1, Martin K Gelbke2
1Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, Florida; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.
Background:
Potential advantages combined with lower cost have prompted a renewed interest in modern all-polyethylene tibial designs.
Methods:
A total of 317 Natural Knee total knee arthroplasties with an all-polyethylene tibial component that was performed since 1993 were retrospectively reviewed to confirm that cost savings were not associated with inferior clinical results. They were primarily used in elderly, low-demand patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 80.8 years.
Results:
227 knees with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were identified. The average follow-up was 5.6 years (range, 2-20 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. At the latest follow-up, the average Knee Society and functional score was 94.2 and 57.2. The average postoperative range of motion was 1.6°-115.4°. No patient required a revision for aseptic or septic loosening, wear, or instability. Only 5 knees had a partial nonprogressive cement/bone radiolucency. There was an approximate 33% cost savings for the implants when the all-polyethylene component was used.
Conclusion:
An all-polyethylene tibial component of this design provides excellent results in the elderly population along with a significant cost savings.