Revision total knee arthroplasty using the porous-coated anatomic revision prosthesis: six- to twelve-year results

The porous-coated anatomic (PCA) revision prosthesis was one of the earliest revision total knee systems to feature more constraint for stability, stems for fixation, and thicker femoral components to address bone loss. From 1981 to 1989, 36 revision total knee arthroplasties were performed using the PCA prosthesis. Patients were evaluated by clinical examination, radiographs, and the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale. Six patients died and three were lost to follow-up; 27 knees remained for follow-up. The average age at surgery was 66 years. Follow-up averaged 9.8 years (range, 6-12.4 years). Range of motion averaged 4 degrees to 91 degrees before surgery and 1 degrees to 92 degrees after surgery. Knee scores averaged 48 before surgery and 86 after surgery. Three femoral and 10 tibial components showed lucent lines, with 3 tibial components showing progressive lucency. Six patients required reoperation: 3 for tibial component loosening, 1 for wound infection, 1 for deep infection, and 1 for persistent pain. These results suggest that the use of an implant specifically designed for revision can yield successful long-term results.