Oxidized zirconium femoral component for TKA: A follow-up note of a previous report at a minimum of 10 years

Abstract

BackgroundNew bearing surfaces for total knee replacement have been described in an attempt to reduce polyethylene wear and secondary osteolysis and improve longevity of implants. Oxidized zirconium is a new material that combines the strength of a metal with the wear properties of a ceramic. However, there are no reports as to who documents the long term results. We report a 10year follow-up note of a selected series of TKAs with an oxidized zirconium femoral component. MethodsWe prospectively follow 98 TKAs performed in 94 patients with an oxidized zirconium femoral component. Five patients (5 knees) had died and 6 (6 knees) were lost to follow-up at a minimum of 2years (mean, 6.3years; range, 2–9years) after the operation. For the remaining 83 patients (87 knees), the minimum follow-up was 10years (mean, 11.3years; range, 10.0–12.6years). In 51 cases (58.6%), a cruciate-retaining implant with a deep-dished, more conforming PE was used, and in 36 cases (41.4%), a posterior-stabilized design was used. The patellae were resurfaced in 32 cases (36.7%) and in 55 cases (63.3%) were left unresurfaced. ResultsSurvivorship was 97.8% at 10years postoperatively. Two knees were revised for aseptic loosening of the femoral component. No major complication was observed clinically or radiologically. Mean Knee Society score improved from 36 to 84 and functional score from 37 to 83. ConclusionsOxidized zirconium femoral component in TKA performs well over the first 10years following implantation, with excellent survival rates and good clinical and radiological outcomes. Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study.