Mobile-bearing Total Knee Prosthesis Research Articles

A cemented mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis prevents peri-prosthetic bone mineral density loss around the femoral component: a consecutive follow-up at a mean of 11years.

Research has shown that a cemented mobile-bearing component has a favorable effect on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal femur at 2years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was performed to determine whether the advantage on BMD of a cemented mobile-bearing TKA over a conventional cemented fixed-bearing TKA changes with time. This report is an update of a matched cohort study initiated in 2004 and for which the 2-year results have been published. Twenty-eight knees that were treated with a fixed-bearing posterior stabilized (PS) prosthesis and 28 matched knees from a database of 76 knees that were treated with a mobile-bearing PS prosthesis in the same period were investigated. All knees underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans around the femoral component preoperatively, 2weeks postoperatively, 5years postoperatively, and annually thereafter. Eighteen knees with a cemented mobile-bearing PS prosthesis and 20 knees with a cemented fixed-bearing PS prosthesis were investigated for more than 6years. The mean follow-up period was 11years. The range of motion, Knee Society Score, BMD of the lumbar spine, and follow-up period were not significantly different preoperatively and postoperatively in the two groups. In the fixed-bearing group, the BMD of the anterior part of the femoral condyle decreased postoperatively. In the mobile-bearing group, the BMD of the posterior part of the femoral condyle increased postoperatively. The postoperative change in the BMD at 5years and the latest follow-up period was statistically significant in the two groups. This DEXA study revealed that a cemented mobile-bearing component had a favorable effect on the BMD of the distal femur after TKA even at a mean of 11years postoperatively. Therapeutic study, level II, prospective comparative study.

Migration and clinical outcome of mobile-bearing versus fixed-bearing single-radius total knee arthroplasty

Background and purpose — Mobile-bearing total knee prostheses (TKPs) were developed in the 1970s in an attempt to increase function and improve implant longevity. However, modern fixed-bearing designs like the single-radius TKP may provide similar advantages. We compared tibial component migration measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and clinical outcome of otherwise similarly designed cemented fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing single-radius TKPs.Patients and methods — RSA measurements and clinical scores were assessed in 46 randomized patients at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter up to 6 years postoperatively. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the repeated measurements.Results — Both groups showed comparable migration (p = 0.3), with a mean migration at 6-year follow-up of 0.90 mm (95% CI 0.49–1.41) for the fixed-bearing group compared with 1.22 mm (95% CI 0.75–1.80) for the mobile-bearing group. Clinical outcomes were similar between groups. 1 fixed-bearing knee was revised for aseptic loosening after 6 years and 2 knees (1 in each group) were revised for late infection. 2 knees (1 in each group) were suspected for loosening due to excessive migration. Another mobile-bearing knee was revised after an insert dislocation due to failure of the locking mechanism 6 weeks postoperatively, after which study inclusion was preliminary terminated.Interpretation — Fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing single-radius TKPs showed similar migration. The latter may, however, expose patients to more complex surgical techniques and risks such as insert dislocations inherent to this rotating-platform design.

The mid-vastus approach: a compromise between the medial parapatellar approach and the minimally invasive approach in total knee arthroplasty

Objectives The study was conducted to evaluate midvastus approach in total knee arthroplasty. Background The medial parapatellar approach, originally described by Von Langenbeck in 1879, remained as the work horse in total knee replacement surgery. The major problems in this technique are reduction of patellar blood flow, extensor mechanism imbalance, and the need for lateral retinacular release in some cases. The vastus medialis approach appeared as an alternative to the traditional medial parapatellar incision, with which to minimize the risks of extensor mechanism imbalance. When using this approach, no special instruments, as in the case of minimally invasive surgery, is needed. The same benefits could be achieved, such as proper visualization during surgery and shorter operative time. Patients and methods This is a prospective study of 29 primary knee arthroplasties performed using the midvastus approach without patellar eversion in Suez Canal University Hospital between May 2008 and June 2010. Mobile-bearing cruciate-substituting total knee prosthesis was used in all cases. Results Operative data showed no increase in the operative time with no significant increase in the blood loss. No lateral retinacular release was needed. The bone defects can be treated easily through this approach. No serious complications were encountered in patients, except in one case in which infected prosthesis was observed. Conclusion The approach is universal and can be recommended for all patients (except for revision cases and in cases of severe deformities). The results are better in this approach compared with the standard approach, with earlier return to start straight leg raising, faster pain relief, and shorter hospital stay.

Prospective study of the cementless "New Wave" total knee mobile-bearing arthroplasty: 8-year follow-up.

One of the main factors affecting the survival of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the fixation method. The constraints placed on the bone-implant interface of a mobile-bearing TKA must be taken in account during the design and evaluation phases. For more than two decades, calcium phosphate ceramics, particularly hydroxyapatitis, have been used in Europe to accelerate the bone integration of cementless implants. A prospective study of patients continuously recruited by three senior surgeons at three French private hospitals has been carried out. There were no exclusion criteria. Eighty-four (84) cementless mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis of the brand "New Wave" were implanted in 74 patients over a 2-year period (2004-2005). Implant survival at 8 years was 95% [with a confidence interval of 95%: 80.2-96.4%] when revision for any cause was defined as the endpoint. Five implants required surgical revision to exchange all or part of the implant: two for aseptic loosening of tibial component, one for osteolysis, one for persistent flessum (30°) and one for tibial periprosthetic fracture. Completely integrated implants and event-free outcomes were recorded in 91.4% of the cases at eight-year follow-up. The Hospital for Special Surgery score significantly improved from 56.8/100 points before the surgery to 83.9/100 points at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). Radiologically, only one patient had radiolucent lines around the tibial and femoral components. This cementless total knee prosthesis yielded good medium-term survival. Cementless arthroplasty can generate solid and durable bone fixation in this total weight-bearing implant, and it seems that the hidroxyapathitis surface in this series stimulate the bone integration at the bone-implant interface.

Gait analysis of fixed bearing and mobile bearing total knee prostheses during walking: Do mobile bearings offer functional advantages?

BackgroundLimited previous findings have detailed biomechanical advantages following implantation with mobile bearing (MB) prostheses after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery during walking. The aim of this study was to compare three dimensional spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters during walking to examine whether MBs offer functional advantages over fixed bearing (FB) designs. MethodsSixteen patients undergoing primary unilateral TKR surgery were randomised to receive either a FB (n=8) or MB (n=8) total knee prosthesis. Eight age and gender matched controls underwent the same protocol on one occasion. A 12 camera Vicon system integrated with four force plates was used. Patients were tested pre-surgery and nine months post-surgery. ResultsNo significant differences between FB and MB groups were found at any time point in the spatiotemporal parameters. The MB group was found to have a significantly reduced frontal plane knee range of motion (ROM) at pre-surgery than the FB group (FB=14.92±4.02°; MB=8.87±4.82°), with the difference not observed post-surgery. No further significant kinematic or kinetic differences were observed between FB and MB groups. Fixed bearing and MB groups both displayed spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic differences when compared to controls. Fixed bearing and MB groups differed from controls in six and five parameters at nine months post-surgery, respectively. ConclusionsNo functional advantages were found in knees implanted with MB prostheses during walking, with both groups indicative of similar differences when compared to normal knee biomechanics following prosthesis implantation. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Full Traumatic Rotation of 180°

From February 2008 to September 2012 we implanted 204 mobile-bearing knee prostheses in 192 patients. All the prostheses were cemented (both femoral and tibial components), and the patella was not replaced. Only one early complication of the implants (1/204 = 0.004%) occurred after a traumatic event as a full 180° rotation of the mobile-bearing polyethylene insert. A 78-year-old woman presented with swelling and severe pain at her right knee. This traumatic event was the only case among our mobile-bearing insert patients. The failed polyethylene inserts were retrieved and studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM, ZEISS EVO 50 EP, Cambridge, UK) operating at 20 kV. Scratching and pitting were found on the UHMWPE insert perpendicular to the machining tracks for the concave surface. SEM micrographs of the insert showed burnishing on the concave surfaces and longitudinal scratches were clearly detectable and well-marked on the analyzed surfaces. A traumatic, fully rotating, polyethylene insert is rare and our case is the first report describing a traumatic event with a complete 180 degree rotation mobile-bearing in a total knee prosthesis. In the literature few reports discuss clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease and they cite mixed results. However, some authors suggest that posterior-stabilized and cruciate-retaining TKA should work well while others prefer cruciate-retaining, condylar constrained kinetics, or hinged devices. Although we did not implant a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis or a constrained prosthesis, we obtained good clinical and radiological results at the 2-year followup.

In vivo kinematics comparison of fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty during deep knee bending motion

The in vivo kinematics of fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing total knee prostheses remains unclear, particularly for knee flexion over 120°. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vivo kinematics of fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized prosthesis during deep knee bending with knee flexion exceeding 120° under weight-bearing conditions. In vivo kinematics was analysed for 20 patients implanted with either a fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized or mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized prosthesis. Under fluoroscopic surveillance, each patient performed weight-bearing deep knee bending. Motion between each component was analysed using a two- to three-dimensional registration technique, which uses computer-assisted design models to reproduce the spatial positions of the femoral and tibial components from single-view fluoroscopic images. Patients who had fixed-bearing prostheses experienced posterior femoral rollback at a mean of 1.4 mm (SD 1.6) of the medial condyle, whereas patients who had mobile-bearing prostheses experienced 0.8 mm (SD 1.2). The posterior femoral rollback of the femoral lateral condyle in patients with a fixed-bearing prosthesis was a mean of 6.4 mm (SD 1.7) motion in the posterior direction, whereas patients who had a mobile-bearing prosthesis had 6.5 mm (SD 2.4) motion. The mean tibial internal rotation was 7.5° (SD 2.1) for fixed-bearing prosthesis and 9.2° (SD 3.2) for mobile-bearing prosthesis. The present results demonstrated that the fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized designs had similar posterior condylar translation and tibial axial rotation during weight-bearing deep knee flexion exceeding 120°.

180° rotatory dislocation of the rotating platform of a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing knee prosthesis; possible complication after closed reduction of a posterior dislocation – a case report –

Dislocation of the rotating platform is a significant early complication of mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty. The authors report an unusual case of acute 180° rotatory dislocation of the rotating platform after closed reduction of a posterior dislocation of a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis. A 71-year-old male with knee osteoarthritis underwent TKRA using a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis. Posterior dislocation of the prosthesis occurred at 5weeks postoperatively, and closed reduction of the posterior dislocation resulted in complete 180° rotatory dislocation of the rotating platform. The patient was treated by open exploration and polyethylene exchange for a larger component. This case illustrates that dislocation of a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis can occur given valgus laxity and causes a 90° spin-out of the polyethylene insert, and that closed reduction attempts may contribute to complete 180° rotatory dislocation of the rotating platform. Special attention should be given to both AP and lateral views to ensure that the platform is truly reduced and not rotated by 180°. Plain digital radiography, which enhances the density of polyethylene, or arthrography is helpful for diagnosing this complication.

Long-Term Comparison of Fixed-Bearing and Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Replacements in Patients Younger Than Fifty-one Years of Age with Osteoarthritis

There is limited information comparing the results of fixed-bearing total knee replacement and mobile-bearing total knee replacement in patients with osteoarthritis who are younger than fifty-one years and who have a fixed-bearing implant in one knee and a mobile-bearing implant in the other. The purpose of this study was to compare our long-term clinical and radiographic results of fixed-bearing total knee replacement and mobile-bearing total knee replacement in a group of patients from this population. We prospectively compared the results of 108 patients with osteoarthritis who were younger than fifty-one years (mean age, forty-five years) who had received a fixed-bearing prosthesis in one knee and a rotating platform mobile-bearing prosthesis in the other. The mean follow-up was 16.8 years (range, fifteen to eighteen years). The patients were assessed clinically and radiographically. Knee motion and function were assessed as a primary outcome. Patients were assessed with questionnaires, and each knee was assessed separately. Although there was significant improvement in both groups of knees, there was no significant difference between the groups (i.e., fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing knees) with regard to the mean postoperative knee motion (126° and 128°, respectively; p = 0.79), the mean Knee Society knee clinical score (95 and 94 points, respectively; p = 0.79), or the Knee Society knee functional score (84 and 85 points, respectively; p = 0.19) at the latest follow-up. In the fixed-bearing group, one knee was revised because of infection, two for aseptic loosening of the tibial component, and two because of wear of the tibial polyethylene insert. In the rotating platform mobile-bearing group, two knees were revised because of instability and one because of infection. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship for revision at 16.8 years of follow-up was 95% (95% confidence interval, 91 to 100) for the fixed-bearing prosthesis and 97% (95% confidence interval, 93 to 100) for the rotating platform mobile-bearing prosthesis. Long-term results of both fixed and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasties were encouraging in patients who were younger than fifty-one years of age with osteoarthritis. However, we found no superiority of the mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis over the fixed-bearing total knee prosthesis.

Integrated assessment techniques for linking kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation to early migration: A pilot study

The goal of this pilot study was to develop and test an integrated method to assess kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation of total knee prostheses during dynamic activities, by integrating fluoroscopic measurements with force plate, electromyography and external motion registration measurements. Subsequently, this multi-instrumental analysis was then used to assess the relationship between kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation and early migration of the tibial component of total knee prostheses. This pilot study showed that it is feasible to integrate fluoroscopic, kinematic and kinetic measurements and relate findings to early migration data. Results showed that there might be an association between deviant kinematics and early migration in patients with a highly congruent mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis. Patients that showed high levels of coactivation, diverging axial rotations of the insert and a deviant pivot point showed increased migration and might be at higher risk for tibial component loosening. In the future, to confirm our findings, the same integrated measurements have to be performed in larger patient groups and different prosthesis designs.

Kinematics of a highly congruent mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis

Limited or absent axial rotation of the mobile insert of total knee prostheses could lead to high contact stresses and stresses at the bone-implant interface, which in turn might lead to implant loosening. The aim of this study was to assess knee kinematics and muscle activation and their possible change over time in patients with a highly congruent, mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis. A prospective series of 11 rheumatoid arthritis patients was included to participate in this fluoroscopic and EMG study; only 7 patients completed the study. Kinematic evaluations took place 7 months, 1 and 2 years post-operatively. Repeated measurements ANOVA and linear mixed-effects model for longitudinal data were used to compare the differences between the follow-ups. There are no significant changes in axial rotations between follow-up moments for the femoral component as well as the mobile insert. The insert remained mobile and followed the femoral component from 0° until approximately 60° of knee flexion. Diverging and reversed axial rotations and translations were seen during the dynamic motions. Knee kinematics and muscle activation do not appear to change in the first 2 post-operative years. Reversed and divergent axial rotations with increasing knee flexion indicate that as soon as the congruency decreases, the femoral component is no longer forced in a certain position by the insert and moves to a self-imposed position. At lower knee flexion angles, the femoral component might be obstructed by the highly congruent insert and therefore might not be able to move freely. Therapeutic study, Level IV.

Kinematics and early migration in single-radius mobile- and fixed-bearing total knee prostheses

BackgroundThe mobile-bearing variant of a single-radius design is assumed to provide more freedom of motion compared to the fixed-bearing variant because the insert does not restrict the natural movements of the femoral component. This would reduce the contact stresses and wear which in turn may have a positive effect on the fixation of the prosthesis to the bone and thereby decreases the risk for loosening. The aim of this study was to evaluate early migration of the tibial component and kinematics of a mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing total knee prosthesis of the same single-radius design. MethodsTwenty Triathlon single-radius posterior-stabilized knee prostheses were implanted (9 mobile-bearing and 11 fixed-bearing). Fluoroscopy and roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) were performed 6 and 12months post-operatively. FindingsThe 1year post-operative RSA results showed considerable early migrations in 3 out of 9 mobile-bearing patients and 1 out of 11 fixed-bearing patients. The range of knee flexion was the same for the mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing group. The mobile insert was following the femoral component during motion. InterpretationDespite the mobile insert following the femoral component during motion, and therefore performing as intended, no kinematic advantages of the mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis were seen. The fixed-bearing knee performed as good as the mobile-bearing knee and maybe even slightly better based on less irregular kinematics and less early migrations.

Rotaglide Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Long-Term Follow-up Study

Mobile-bearing knee designs represent an alternative to conventional fixed-bearing implants in total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of a mobile-bearing knee implant. From 1990 to 1998, 326 primary consecutive mobile-bearing total knee prostheses were implanted in 260 patients who had a mean age and standard deviation of 66.7 ± 6.9 years. Femoral and tibial components were cemented in all knees, and the patella was resurfaced in 199 knees (61%). Patients were evaluated with the use of the Knee Society clinical rating system and radiographic examinations. Complications were noted, and survivorship of the prostheses was determined. The mean follow-up period was 156 ± 27.3 months, with maximum follow-up at eighteen years. The mean Knee Society knee score improved from 32.4 ± 21.2 preoperatively to 92.6 ± 10.0 at the time of the last follow-up (p = 0.00), and the mean Knee Society functional score improved from 39.3 ± 18.7 preoperatively to 66.7 ± 18.6 at the time of the last follow-up (p = 0.00). Mean knee flexion improved from 92.3° ± 14.5° preoperatively to 112.1° ± 13.4° at the time of the last follow-up (p = 0.00). There were twenty-four (7.4%) knees that required revision. In eighteen (5.5%) knees, worn out or broken polyethylene was found and a polyethylene-only exchange was done. Six knees (1.8%) were fully revised. The survival rate was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.93 to 0.98) at ten years and 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 0.93) at eighteen years. A fully congruent, mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis had excellent survivorship during the ten to eighteen-year follow-up interval.

Comparison Between Standard and High-Flexion Posterior-Stabilized Rotating-Platform Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasties

A high-flexion posterior-stabilized rotating-platform mobile-bearing prosthesis was designed in an attempt to improve the range of motion after total knee arthroplasty without compromising the theoretical advantages of the posterior-stabilized rotating-platform mobile-bearing system. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of standard and high-flexion posterior-stabilized rotating-platform mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasties. One hundred and seventy knees were randomly allocated to receive either a standard (n = 85) or a high-flexion (n = 85) posterior-stabilized rotating-platform mobile-bearing prosthesis and were followed prospectively for a minimum of two years. Ranges of motion, functional outcomes determined with use of standard scoring systems, and radiographic measurements were assessed. In addition, patients' abilities to perform activities requiring deep knee flexion and patient satisfaction were evaluated with use of questionnaires. The average postoperative maximal flexion was 130° for the knees with the standard design and 128° for those with the high-flexion design, and the difference was not significant. The two prosthetic designs also did not differ significantly with regard to the Knee Society scores; Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores; or the scores on the pain, stiffness, and function subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, the numbers of knees able to perform deep-flexion-related activities and the rates of patient satisfaction were similar in the two study groups. This prospective randomized study revealed no significant differences between standard and high-flexion posterior-stabilized rotating-platform mobile-bearing total knee prostheses in terms of clinical or radiographic outcomes or range of motion at a minimum of two years postoperatively.

Specific Complications of the Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Prosthesis

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered as a standard procedure for the treatment of the severe degenerative knee joint. The outcomes of TKA have improved over the last few decades because of a better understanding of design features and surgical techniques. Contemporary tibial component designs in TKA can be subdivided into two groups (fixed or mobile-bearing) on the basis of different fundamental principles. The mobile-bearing knee is designed with better biomechanical concepts than the fixed-bearing knee, in terms of providing congruity and mobility of tibial bearing. It is expected that the mobile-bearing knee could resolve the problems of component wear and component loosening as seen in fixed-bearing knees. However, the long-term durability of mobile-bearing knees has not been extensively proven to have better outcomes than that of fixed-bearing knees. There are some potential clinical complications of mobile-bearing knees that must be addressed. On the basis of our previous clinical experience and a retrieval analysis, this article summarizes five specific complications including (1) early or late dislocation of the mobile-bearing component, (2) failure or dislodging of the meniscal bearing, (3) hemarthrosis associated with a failure of the meniscal-bearing knee, (4) failure of the patellar component, and (5) higher prevalence of osteolysis. Before taking advantage of mobile bearing, we should consider these specific clinical complications, which were not found in the fixed-bearing TKA.

Comparison of a new mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis with a fixed-bearing prosthesis: a matched pair analysis

New prosthesis designs should provide either superior function or durability. Before long time follow up studies are started it should at least prove its effectiveness in clinical outcomes. Therefore we have studied the early clinical results of a new mobile bearing total knee prosthesis (e.motion; Aesculap) in comparison with our established fixed-bearing device (PFC; DePuy) in a matched-pair analysis. About 30 consecutive patients received the new mobile bearing device and were matched with patients who received the PFC prosthesis according to age, gender, weight, axis and preoperative AKS-score. Outcomes were measured using the scores that are routinely documented in our arthroplasty register namely the American Knee Society Score (AKSS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Functional Questionnaire of Hannover for Osteoarthritis (FFbH-OA), range of motion (ROM) and knee pain before and 2 years after the operation. No statistical differences could be found neither preoperative nor postoperative. Nevertheless the mobile bearing device had a slightly better ROM and function score. This new device proved to be at least as effective in early clinical outcome as the established fixed bearing prosthesis. It has to be awaited whether it is advantageous in the long run.

Introduction of a new mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis — Minimum three year follow-up of an RCT comparing it with a fixed-bearing device

As part of the step-wise validation of a new prosthesis (TMK), we previously published the 1 year results of a randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing bilateral knee replacement [Price A., Rees J., Beard D., Juszczak E. et al. A mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis compared with a fixed-bearing prosthesis. JBJS B 2003;85-B-1:62-7.]. Forty patients had the new mobile-bearing prosthesis implanted in one knee and an established fixed-bearing device in the other (AGC). We now report the 3 year status of these patients and, in addition, review a separate multi-centre cohort of 172 patients who had undergone unilateral arthroplasty with the TMK. No significant differences were found in outcome (American Knee Society Score and Oxford Knee Score) between the two prostheses. The greater incidence of “clicking” in the mobile-bearing knee, reported in the previous review, persisted (TMK = 48%, AGC = 30%). The presence of this mechanical noise was found to have no relationship with outcome in either of the prostheses. The unilateral cohort study showed an acceptable complication rate for the new prosthesis, although some patients reported subjective instability. The method of controlled introduction of the TMK, of which this constitutes a further step, has allowed us to assess the significance of a reported problem (clicking) and to provide scientific data from which other surgeons can decide about use of the implant.

A Mobile-bearing Knee Prosthesis Can Reduce Strain at the Proximal Tibia

Mobile and fixed-bearing knee prostheses are likely to generate distinct strain gradients in the proximal tibia. The resulting strain distribution in the proximal tibia governs bone remodeling and affects implant integration and stability. We determined the effects of fixed and mobile-bearing total knee prostheses on strain distribution at the proximal tibia. This mobile-bearing prosthesis was evaluated in cadaveric specimens under axial and torsional loading. Strain on the proximal tibial cortex was measured with rosette strain gages and an optical full-field strain acquisition system. Tibial torsion in response to combined axial and torsional loading was documented. There was no difference in cortex strain between the fixed and the mobile-bearing prostheses under 1.5 kN axial loading. Superimposing 10 degrees tibial internal rotation induced 22% less compressive strain in the mobile-bearing prosthesis compared with the fixed-bearing prosthesis. Under 10 degrees tibial external rotation, the mobile-bearing prosthesis induced 33% less compressive strain than the fixed-bearing prosthesis. Optically acquired strain fields showed peak compressive strain at the anteromedial aspect 30 mm below the joint line. The mobile-bearing prosthesis reduced torque in the proximal tibia during knee rotation by 68-73% compared with the fixed-bearing prosthesis. Our data suggest that the particular mobile-bearing prosthesis tested potentially reduces elevated strain levels in the proximal tibia.

Increased muscle activity to stabilise mobile bearing knees in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in muscle activity (surface EMG) between a posterior stabilised (PS) total knee design and a mobile bearing (MB) posterior cruciate ligament retaining design in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during a step-up task. Four patients with a PS total knee prosthesis and three patients with a MB total knee prosthesis were selected based on pain score, knee function, range of motion and joint stability. Clinical scores and functional scores were comparable between the two groups pre-operatively and at the 1-year follow-up. Visual analysis of the EMG activity of the main flexor and extensor muscles showed that the activity of both extensor and flexor muscles of the MB group was on average higher compared to the PS group. When the maximum activities of the muscles were compared, the patients in the MB group showed a significant higher maximum peak activity ( p<0.05) of the Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Semitendinosus (ST) during step-up than the patients in the PS group. Also the instance of activation of the Vastus Medialis and the Vastus Lateralis was significant earlier in the MB group compared to the PS group. Since the differences between the PS and the MB group did not only show an increase of muscle activity but also an earlier activation of the flexor muscles, this may express compensation by coordination. Rehabilitation programs for RA patients should include besides muscle strength training, elements of muscle-coordination training.

Mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis: A 5- to 9-year follow-up of the first 110 consecutive arthroplasties

This study regards the total articulating cementless knee. This is a mobile-bearing knee, the tibial component of which consists of 2 parts: a highly conforming polyethylene insert freely rotating on a metal tray. Our case study relating to the implant of the first 110 knees operated on consecutively from 1991 to 1995 is reported, with an average follow-up of 6.3 years (range, 5–9 years). The average preoperative Knee Society Score was 78 points, and the average postoperative score was 156 points. The complications specifically related to the prosthetic components and which required revision surgery were 4: 2 cases of instability, 1 aseptic loosening of the tibial tray, and 1 traumatic dislocation of the tibial insert. A further 3 patients underwent reoperation for causes not strictly related to the implant: 2 because of intractable patellar pain and 1 because of periprosthetic ossifications that limited flexion. All of the complications were observed in patients operated on during the first 3 years of our experience, thus suggesting a definite learning curve with this prosthesis. No evidence of progressive radiographic periprosthetic osteolysis was recorded, and no relevant polyethylene wear was observed over time. Kaplan-Meier survival curves show the probability of survival to be 93.7% with revision surgery for any reason as an endpoint, and 96.3% with revision surgery for a mechanical reason as an endpoint. Certainty that mobile-bearing total knees are able to assure a longer life of the implant than the conventional models would require an evaluation of results over 15 to 20 years. However, in the meantime, these good preliminary results at least justify continuing the use of this type of prosthesis, which still awaits confirmation of the, as-yet-theoretical, advantage compared with fixed-bearing total knees.