Survivorship analysis of cemented total condylar knee arthroplasty

From 1977 to 1989, the authors performed and prospectively followed 151 cemented total condylar knee arthroplasties in 113 patients. A metal-backed tibial component was implanted in 133 knees (88%). The mean followup of all knees was 7 years (range, 0.5-16 years); 36 knees were seen in followup for a minimum of 10 years. Survivorship analysis was used to calculate the predicted cumulative rate of success of these knees. Using the criteria for failure as revision performed or recommended, the 10-year survival of these knees was 96.9% (95% confidence interval, 93.8%-100%). Including those knees with radiographic loosening, the 10-year survival was 84.1% (95% confidence interval, 73.4%-96.3%). The cemented total condylar prosthesis remains the standard for success and durability of total knee arthroplasties.