Press-fit condylar total knee arthroplasty. 5- to 9-year follow-up evaluation

Between November 1984 and December 1987, 378 consecutive Press-Fit Condylar (PFC, Johnson & Johnson Professional, Raynham, MA) total knee arthroplasties were performed in 290 patients. The average age at surgery was 67 years (range, 22-91 years). The average follow-up period was 6.5 years (range, 5-9 years). Scoring was carried out according to the Knee Society scoring system. The average preoperative knee score was 28, and the average postoperative knee score was 88. The average preoperative functional knee score was 49, and the average postoperative functional knee score was 72. Ninety-five percent of the patients had no pain on level walking and were satisfied with their functional result. The average postoperative knee flexion was 110 degrees. No implant showed any evidence of radiographic loosening. There were 17 complications, all requiring reoperation. Complications included excessive wear of a metal-backed patella in 8 knees. If complications resulting from the earlier use of a metal-backed patella are eliminated, the overall complication rate is 2.9%, which is comparable to or lower than the rates for other total knee systems with similar follow-up periods.