Analysis of Early Failures in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the cause of failure and average period in patients who had revision surgery within 5 years of their primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: 786 total knee arthroplasties were performed between August 1994 and May 2003. During the period, there were 38 cases, 36 females and 2 males, of revision surgery within 5 years. The mean age was 66 years. The most common causes of disease in revision were degenerative arthritis. We analyzed the reasons for early failure retrospectively. Results: Revision TKA were performed at average 2 years after primary TKA. The causes of revision were polyethylene wear in 18 cases (47.4%), deep infection in 16 (42.1%), instability in 2, and aseptic loosening in 1, dissociation of patella component in 1. The degree of varus in tibial cutting was in average in polyethylene wear group. The obliquity of the tibial joint line was more than varus in 14 cases (82.4%). Most patients had their knee in hyperflexion and squatting position during activities of daily living. Conclusion: Thirty eight cases (4.8%) were performed revision surgery within 5 years of primary TKA. Polyethylene wear and deep infection were the common causes of early failure of primary TKA. The component malalignment, hyperflexion and squatting position during activities of daily living may be related to polyethylene wear. Diabetes mellitus and long term steroid application, may be related to infection.