Outcome of isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange after uncemented total knee arthroplasty: 27 patients followed for 8-71 months.
BACKGROUND
The outcome of performing isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange (ITPIE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is under debate. We evaluated the survival probability of ITPE after uncemented TKA.


METHODS
27 patients (27 knees) with an ITPIE performed mean 9 (0.9-17) years after the initial TKA were included in the study (22 patients also had the patellar component replaced simultaneously). All patients had their exchange performed at our department between 1997 and 2001 and had their latest follow-up examination mean 40 (8-71) months after the exchange.


RESULTS
During the follow-up, 2 patients had total knee revision because of aseptic loosening and 2 patients had isolated patella component exchange (in 1 of the patients, combined with a new ITPIE). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis gave a survival probability of 80% at 34 months of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The short-term survival after an ITPIE was similar to that of a total knee revision with exchange of all components. Since the ITPIE is a much smaller operation with fast rehabilitation, we recommend it in elderly patients with a well-fixed and wellaligned prosthesis without surface damage of the components.
Jensen
Claus L
CL
Department of Orthopedics U, Rigshospitalet, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Petersen
Michael M
MM
Jensen
Karl E
KE
Therbo
Matthias
M
Schrøder
Henrik M
HM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011095:Polyethylenes