Total P.C.A. knee arthroprosthesis

Between 1983 and 1986 the authors implanted 36 porous-coated P.C.A. total knee prostheses in 34 patients. Complications included two fatal cases of pulmonary embolism and one deep infection which healed within five months following removal of the prosthesis and arthrodesis. The results obtained in 23 patients after an average follow-up of 18 months were excellent in 87% and fair in 13% (according to the Hungerford evaluation system). Radiographic evaluation showed excellent prosthetic positioning in 70% of the cases, the presence of radiolucent lines in areas 5-6-7-8-11-15-19 (according to Hungerford) in 21% of the cases, and zonal bone resorption in areas 1-2-3-4 in 43% of the cases. The authors report their conclusions with reference to complications, the preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament, and problems related to positioning the prosthesis.