Hybrid fixation versus full-cemented or full-cementless fixation in total knee arthroplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

Abstract

ObjectiveHybrid fixation is one alternative to full-cemented fixation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with theoretical advantages. Hybrid fixation may offer the advantages of cementless femoral fixation, while also avoiding the problem of tibial loosening in full-cementless TKA. The purpose of the study is to determine whether hybrid TKA may perform comparably to or better than full-cemented and full-cementless TKA. MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases through September 2018 for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing outcomes of hybrid versus full-cemented or full-cementless fixation techniques. Outcomes of interest included aseptic loosening, overall reoperation rate, infection, radiolucent lines and operating time. Data were pooled with the Mantel–Haenszel random effects model. ResultsWe included 14 studies with follow-up ranging from 2.7 to 9.6 years in our quantitative analysis, of which 7 studies compared hybrid fixation with full-cemented TKA and another 7 compared hybrid fixation with full-cementless TKA. Combined data revealed that the hybrid fixation group had a similar rate of aseptic loosening compared with cemented (P = 0.19) and cementless (P = 0.49) groups. There was no difference with respect to other outcomes, including overall reoperation rate, infection, radiolucent lines and operating time between groups. ConclusionHybrid, cementless and cemented TKAs have comparable mid-term results as it pertains to aseptic loosening, overall reoperation, infection, radiolucent lines and operating time. Further comparative studies are needed to investigate these potential effects over the long-term.