4- to 10-year results with the anatomic modular total knee

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for end-stage knee arthritis.
• The Anatomic Modular Knee is a specific implant design aiming to improve TKA outcomes.
• Long-term data on modular knee designs, particularly regarding polyethylene wear, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the intermediate-term outcomes of TKA using the Anatomic Modular Knee.
• To evaluate the revision rates and complication profiles of this specific implant.
• To identify factors contributing to reoperations, such as polyethylene wear.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 186 consecutive Anatomic Modular Knee total knee arthroplasties.
• Follow-up data collected for 142 knees over 4 to 10 years (mean 6.9 years).
• Analysis of revision causes, implant survival, and complications, including polyethylene insert exchange.

Main Results:

• Two knees (1.4%) required revision of all components (infection, instability).
• Seven patients (4.9%) underwent modular tibial polyethylene insert exchange at a mean of 84 months.
• No aseptic loosening or patellofemoral complications were observed.
• Wear-related phenomena were the primary indication for reoperation, particularly in younger, active patients.

Conclusions:

• The Anatomic Modular Knee demonstrated favorable intermediate-term outcomes with a low rate of aseptic loosening and no patellofemoral issues.
• Wear of polyethylene inserts represents a significant concern, necessitating further investigation into modular insert design and isolated exchanges.
• This modular posterior cruciate-retaining design shows promise, but wear characteristics require additional study.