Component design affecting patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty.
Three hundred one primary cemented total knee arthroplasties were performed in 289 patients. Two different prostheses were used; 148 knees received the Miller-Galante I prosthesis and 153 knees received the Press Fit Condylar prosthesis. Minimum followup was 2 years. The groups were similar in all parameters both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the exception of the patellofemoral complication rate. Knees that were implanted with the Miller-Galante I prosthesis experienced a complication rate of 10.1%, while those with the Press Fit Condylar prosthesis experienced a complication rate of 0.7%. The distinct difference in the patellofemoral complication rate may be due to the differences in design of the femoral component. Features that may have contributed to increased patellofemoral morbidity included a short, narrow anterior flange; a shallow patellar groove; and an abrupt anterior to distal transition with a smaller radius of curvature. Because subtle design difference can have a profound effect on clinical outcome, long term evaluation of new designs should be completed before widespread use. The clinician also should be aware of the desirable design features when choosing a component.
Theiss
S M
SM
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Kitziger
K J
KJ
Lotke
P S
PS
Lotke
P A
PA
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D010329:Patella; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design