[Cemented polyethylene insert in a well fixed Total knee replacement. Case report].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Osteoarthritis necessitates total knee replacement (TKR).
• Polyethylene wear is a common complication in TKR, potentially leading to revision surgery.
• Availability of specific implant components can be limited in revision cases.

Observation:

• A 94-year-old patient presented with pain and instability 14 years after right TKR due to osteoarthritis.
• Radiographs revealed polyethylene wear but no loosening of the metal tibial components.
• The original polyethylene insert was no longer manufactured.

Findings:

• A new polyethylene insert was cemented onto the native tibial baseplate, adapting a technique from total hip revisions.
• Two-year follow-up demonstrated the patient was asymptomatic with good functional recovery.
• No signs of radiolucency or loosening were observed at the tibial component interface.

Implications:

• Cementing a new polyethylene insert onto an existing tibial baseplate is a viable salvage option for TKR revision when original components are unavailable.
• This technique may offer a successful alternative to complete component revision, potentially reducing surgical complexity and cost.
• Further investigation into this salvage technique for polyethylene wear in TKR is warranted.