Survey of current cementing techniques in total knee replacement

Abstract

Current techniques in total knee replacement (TKR) vary greatly. Cementing techniques in TKR are no exception. Identification of current trends would aid ongoing research into future developments. A questionnaire was sent to all orthopaedic surgeons in Queensland, Australia. A range of factors influencing cementing techniques for the tibial plateau were investigated. Eighty-five percent of questionnaires were returned. Ninety-one percent of surgeons regularly cement the tibial plateau, 90% use some form of lavage prior to cement application, 95% of surgeons apply cement by hand only. Techniques aimed at increasing cement penetration (cement gun, intraosseous suction) are used infrequently. In contrast to total hip replacement, measures are not often taken to ensure that there is penetration of cement or a complete cement mantle into the tibial plateau in TKR. This may be because of a perceived lack of evidence in modern literature. This study also illustrates the wide variation in technique in a relatively common orthopaedic operation.