title: Tricon hybrid total knee arthroplasty: a review of 81 knees followed for 2 to 4 years.
abstract: The authors discuss the results of 81 total knee arthroplasties in 65 patients performed between April 1987 and April 1989 using a Tricon hybrid system, consisting of the Tricon M bio-ingrowth femoral prosthesis and the Tricon C cemented tibial component. The Tricon metal-backed patella was used until February 29, 1988, when the all-plastic Tricon C patella was introduced. With an average follow up of 24 months (range: 12 to 48), 38 arthroplasties using this hybrid system were rated as excellent (47%) and 38 were rated as good (47%). The Hospital for Special Surgery scores, which averaged 53 preoperatively, averaged 80 at the most recent follow-up assessment. At the most recent follow-up assessment, 79% of osteoarthritis patients and 56% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have no pain at rest, while 19% of osteoarthritis patients and 44% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have mild pain at rest. Sixty-four percent of osteoarthritis patients and 33% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have no pain while walking, whereas 26% of osteoarthritis patients and 56% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have mild pain while walking. Postoperative complications included fragmentation of the patella in five patients, all occurring with the metal-backed patella. Five patients also experienced petellar subluxation (two metal-backed and three all-polyethylene). One patient had deep venous thrombosis which was treated successfully by re-hospitalization and heparin therapy; one patient with chronic heart disease expired 4 days postoperatively. Use of the Tricon hybrid system has resulted in 94% of all patients having a good or excellent result an average of 24 months postoperatively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Central Ohio Orthopedic Group, Columbus, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Briggs
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Augenstein
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis; D011474:Prosthesis Design