An analysis of rotating-platform total knee replacements.

Abstract

Rotating-platform, mobile-bearing total knee replacements have been developed to improve knee kinematics, lower contact stresses on the polyethylene tibial component, minimize constraint, and allow implant self-alignment. The purpose of the current study was to examine some of these parameters. Gait studies during normal gait showed that the stance phase was associated with knee flexion between 8 degrees and 15 degrees. Contact area studies have shown two types of rotating-platform total knee replacements, namely gait congruous (congruous only during the stance phase of gait) and totally congruous (congruous up to 90 degrees knee flexion) implants. Knee simulator studies have shown increased gravimetric wear with rotating-platform total knee replacements compared with their fixed-bearing counterparts. Rotate-only implants had less gravimetric wear than rotate and translate rotating-platform total knee replacements. Clinical studies show similar outcomes (knee scores, range of motion, and complications) when rotating-platform and fixed-bearing total knee replacements are compared. Although attractive, the benefits of rotating-platform total knee replacements still need to be proven.