A comparative study of uncemented tibial components

Primary Stability in Cementless Rotating Platform Total Knee Arthroplasty

Highly porous ingrowth surfaces have been introduced into tibial tray fixation to improve long-term survivorship in cementless total knee arthroplasty. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of porous ingrowth surface on primary stability in the implanted cementless tibial component. Three tibial tray designs possessing sintered bead or roughened porous coating ingrowth surfaces were implanted into a foam tibia model with primary stability assessed via digital image correlation during stair descent and condylar liftoff loading. Follow-up testing was conducted by implanting matched-pair cadaveric tibias with otherwise identical trays with two iterations of ingrowth surface design. Trays were loaded and micromotion evaluated in a condylar liftoff model. The sintered bead tibial tray exhibited slightly lower micromotion than the roughened porous coating in stair descent loading. However, no significant difference in primary stability was observed in condylar liftoff loading in either foam or cadaveric specimens. Cementless tibial trays featuring two different iterations of porous ingrowth surfaces demonstrated both good stability in cadaveric specimens with less than 80 microns of micromotion and 1 mm of subsidence under cyclic loading. While improved ingrowth surfaces may lead to improved biological fixation and long-term osteointegration, this study was unable to identify a difference in primary stability associated with subsequent ingrown surface design iteration.

Higher Risk of Loosening for a Four-Pegged TKA Tibial Baseplate Than for a Stemmed One: A Register-based Study

BACKGROUND

Modern modular implants allow surgeons to mix different combinations of components within the same brand. From 1999 to 2012, the NexGen®-CR Option femoral component, together with a NexGen® Option Stemmed tibial plate (stemmed baseplate), which uses a short central stem, was the most-frequently used NexGen® combination in the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register. However, from 1999 to 2012, the same femoral component was also used along with the NexGen® Precoat four-pegged tibial baseplate (pegged baseplate). Considering the difference in the fixation concepts for these two tibial baseplates, we wanted to study whether their revision rates differed.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

To investigate the difference in (1) all-cause revision and (2) the risk of revision for aseptic loosening between the NexGen® pegged and stemmed baseplates when used with the NG-CR Option femoral component and the same two types of inserts.

METHODS

The Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register provided data. The register, which was started in 1975, has since 1999 registered part numbers for individual implant components, allowing it to assess the combinations of components used in each patient. It has been shown to have high completeness (97%) and validity [12, 15]. The inclusion period was 1999 to 2012; during that time, 137,143 primary knee arthroplasties were registered, of which 125,094 were TKAs. Only TKAs performed for osteoarthritis and without patellar resurfacing were included, since not resurfacing the patella is the standard procedure in Sweden. This left 15,287 knees with the stemmed baseplate and 2479 with the pegged baseplate, or 12% and 2% of the total number of TKAs, respectively. Two general hospitals used the pegged baseplate exclusively during that period. Thus, specific patients were not selected for having the pegged plate. The mean age, mortality, and length of followup were similar for the two groups.We used the Kaplan-Meier statistics to calculate the cumulative revision rate (CRR) and Cox regression to compare risk ratios after adjusting for age and sex. The end point was a knee revision for respective all causes or aseptic loosening. The study ended on December 31, 2016. Due to the free healthcare system in Sweden it is highly unusual for patients to seek elective revision abroad, and by use of the extensive Swedish census register, we estimate the level of followup approximately 97%.

RESULTS

Knees with the pegged baseplate had a higher risk for all-cause revision than did those with the stemmed baseplate (5.8% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4-8.3] and 3% [95% CI, 2.6-3.5] at 15 years; p = 0.003). After controlling for age and sex, the aseptic loosening risk in the pegged baseplate group was still higher than that in the stemmed group (relative risk, 5.40; 95% CI, 3.64-8.02; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this Swedish registry study, we observed a higher loosening risk with the pegged baseplate than the stemmed one, even after controlling for age and sex. Because this was only a comparison of implants from one vendor, and because there may have been other between-group differences for which we could not fully control, this concerning finding should be explored using data from other registries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Initial stability of a new cementless fixation method of a tibial component with polyaxial locking screws: a biomechanical in vitro examination

INTRODUCTION

Cementless fixation of the tibial component is critical as reduced initial stability leads to implant failure. In this experimental in vitro study, a new fixation method of the tibial component using polyaxial locking screws is evaluated using Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A special prototype of a tibial component with four polyaxial locking screws was tested on 10 fresh-frozen human tibia specimens. The components were tested with an axial load of 2000 N for 10,000 cycles. Radiographs in two views were performed before loading, after 1000 and after 10,000 cycles, respectively. Besides rotation and translation along the x-, y-, and z-axes, endpoints for RSA were maximum subsidence (MaxSub), maximum lift off (MaxLiftOff) and maximum total point motion (MTPM).

RESULTS

MaxSub increased from -0.5 mm (SD = 0.2) after 1000 cycles to -0.9 mm (SD = 1.1). MaxLiftOff was 0.1 mm after 1000 cycles and did not increase after 10,000 cycles. The MTPM was 0.7 mm (SD = 0.3) after 1000 cycles and 1.1 mm (SD = 1.1) after 10,000 cycles. Two out of nine implants showed an MTPM ≥ 1.0 mm after 10,000 cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyaxial locking screws can potentially improve the initial stability of tibial components. The results of this study indicate that the use of such screws in total knee arthroplasty may be of interest in the future. Further experimental and clinical investigation is needed.

Micromotion of cementless tibial baseplates: keels with adjuvant pegs offer more stability than pegs alone

Initial implant stability is crucial to cementless knee arthroplasty fixation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of two baseplates with different fixation features: a monoblock porous tantalum baseplate featuring two hexagonal pegs alone, and a modular design featuring a keel with four adjuvant cruciform pegs. A physiologically relevant test method previously described was used to evaluate compression and liftoff of the baseplates during stair descent. The porous tantalum baseplate with dual-hex peg fixation experienced greater rocking motions and liftoff compared to the baseplate with a keel and adjuvant pegs. Liftoff and displacement motion is likely deleterious and may inhibit biological fixation due to the physical separation of the baseplate from the bone.

Influence of loading and activity on the primary stability of cementless tibial trays

Several potential advantages exist for cementless tibial fixation including preservation of bone stock and increased longevity of fixation. However, clinical results have been variable, with reports of extensive radiolucent lines, rapid early migration, and aseptic loosening. The primary stability of an implant depends on the micromotion of the bone-implant interface, which depends on the kinematics and kinetics of the replaced joint. Finite element analysis was used to examine the micromotion for different activities (walking, stair ascent, stair descent, stand-to-sit, and deep knee bend) for three commercially available tibial tray designs. Similar trends were observed for all three designs across the range of activities. Stair ascent and descent generated the highest micromotions, closely followed by level gait. Across these activities, the mean peak (maximum) micromotions measured across the entire resected surface ranged from 64 to 78 (186-239) µm for PFC Sigma, 61-72 (199-251) µm for LCS Complete Duofix, and 92-106 (229-264) µm for LCS Complete. The peak micromotions did not necessarily occur at the peak loads. For instance, the peak micromotions for level walking occurred when there were low axial forces, but moderate varus-valgus moments. This highlights the need to examine the whole gait cycle to properly determine the initial stability of tibial tray designs. By exploring a range of activities and interrogating the entire resected surface, it is possible to differentiate between the relative performance of different implant designs.

Micromotion of cementless tibial baseplates under physiological loading conditions

Initial implant stability is crucial to cementless knee arthroplasty success. The objective of this study was to develop a physiological relevant methodology that incorporates torsion, shear, and compression forces to evaluate two tibial component designs that feature either a keel or cylindrical porous metal pegs. The data were compared with a simplified compression loading scenario. Results show a loading profile that combines compressive, shear, and torsional loads results in significantly larger motions than occur when loading in compression only. When comparing between a keeled and a pegged device, the new method shows significant differences in tibial component subsidence/liftoff at the anterior and posterior locations, which were lacking in the simplified test model. To accurately assess implant stability, studies should use physiological relevant loading.

A Circumferentially Flanged Tibial Tray Minimizes Bone-Tray Shear Micromotion

Aseptic loosening of the tibial component is the major complication of total knee arthroplasty. There is an association between early excessive shear micromotion between the bone and the tray of the tibial component and late aseptic loosening. Using non-linear finite element analysis, whether a tibial tray with a circumferentially flanged rim and a mating cut in the proximal tibia could minimize bone-tray shear micromotion was considered. fifteen competing tray designs with various degrees of flange curvature were assessed with the aim of minimizing bone-tray shear micromotion. A trade-off was found between reducing micromotion and increasing peripheral cancellous bone stresses. It was found that, within the limitations of the study, there was a theoretical design that could virtually eliminate micromotion due to axial loads, with minimal bone removal and without the use of screws or pegs.

Tibial component fixation with cement: full- versus surface-cementation techniques

Despite excellent outcomes with cemented tibial components in total knee arthroplasty, it still is debated whether the tibial stem should be cemented and what the optimal tibial stem design should be. Proponents of full cementation of the tibial stem and component state that better short-term and long-term component fixation is achieved when full cementation is used. Advocates for surface cementation contend that sufficient implant stability is achieved without the increased bone loss that occurs at revision and the stress shielding thought to be linked with cemented stems. This biomechanical cadaver study compared initial fixation and cement penetration depth in fully cemented versus surface cemented tibial trays with two different stem geometries (cruciate and I-beam) and compared two stem designs (cruciate and I-beam) fixed with surface cementation. Under an eccentric load, simulating three times body weight for 6000 cycles, there seems to be no difference in the micromotion of either tibial component implanted with surface or full cementation. Additionally, no difference in the average depth of cement penetration was detected between fixation techniques or stem types. The initial fixation stability of the surface cement technique seems correlated to the depth of cement penetration into proximal tibial surface. The current data support other studies which indicate that stability of surface-cemented tibial components may be related to the depth of cement penetration.

Changes in bone density after cemented total knee arthroplasty: influence of stem design

Total knee arthroplasty has shown excellent survivorship in short-term and intermediate-term studies. With longer follow-up, however, aseptic loosening becomes an increasing cause of failure. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning has shown that stress shielding occurs from altered mechanical loading. The purpose of this study is to determine if tibial stem design affects bone density in the longterm. Bone densities in the proximal tibia with and without cemented stems were compared at an average of 94 months after surgery. The bone quality under the Miller-Galante I prosthesis, which has 4 0.5-cm pegs, was compared with the bone quality under a Press-Fit Condylar prosthesis with a single 4-cm stem. Each group was also compared with the unoperated contralateral tibia. Results showed that there is a significantly reduced density of bone in the tibial metaphysis in the cemented stemmed group but not in the pegged group. There were no changes distally in the diaphyseal bone. This study supports the contention that the use of a cemented stem reduces proximal stresses and may result in proximal bone resorption. Although the use of a stem provides excellent resistance to lift-off and shear, it comes at a price. The proximal resorption may contribute to the persistence of tibial component loosening as a primary threat to survivorship. This bone loss may complicate revision surgery. Consideration should be given to using shorter tibial stems, less cement, or alternative designs that avoid long-stem fixation.

A comparison between cemented, press-fit, and HA-coated interfaces in Kinemax total knee replacement

There are possible advantages of using uncemented fixation in total knee replacement. In this prospective randomised multi-centre study, a comparison was made between cemented and two types of uncemented fixation for the Kinemax design. There were 12-14 cases in each group. Beads were inserted in the bones from which component migration was measured at time intervals up to 2 years. The axial migrations were significantly less for cemented and HA-coating, compared with press-fit, at all time intervals. The clinical data showed no differences at 2 years except for more cases of pain in the uncemented groups. Radiographically, the cemented interfaces showed the least change, press-fit showed a radiolucent line and a radiodense line, and HA showed a diffuse radiodensity adjacent to the components. It was concluded that for the Kinemax design of tibial component, press-fit was inferior to cemented, but that there was the potential for designing a special component for uncemented fixation for which HA-coating would be an advantage.

Torsional stability of primary total knee replacement tibial prostheses: a biomechanical study in cadaveric bone

The significance of torsional loads on the tibial component of total knee replacement prostheses is not clearly established. This study investigated the micromotion induced by torsion, under physiologic loads. Three forms of fixation were sequentially tested in cadaveric tibiae: press-fit, press-fit plus 4 peripheral corticocancellous screws, and horizontally cemented. The implanted tibia was loaded with an axial force between 0.5 and 2.2 kN and a cyclic torque of +/- 5 Nm. The relative motion between the prosthesis and the bone was measured. Our results show little difference between the 3 methods of fixation at high axial loads. At low axial loads, however, the press-fit prosthesis may permit micromotions high enough to interfere (theoretically) with bone ingrowth. Motion is reduced when the same prosthesis is augmented with screws. The cemented prosthesis produces the lowest average micromotion. Our study indicates that rotational micromotion is unlikely to contribute to the failure of ingrowth into the uncemented tibial prosthesis under normal physiologic loads. At low axial loads, which may be encountered in the immediate postoperative period, ingrowth may be compromised. Thus, initial rotational stability is an important consideration in uncemented total knee replacement design and postoperative management. In poor-quality tibiae, cementation may be the only method of fixation to provide sufficient torsional stability.

Use of bone compaction in total knee arthroplasty

This study compared the effects of bone preparation on tibial stem stability in total knee arthroplasty. Six pairs of fresh-frozen tibias underwent implantation of an 18 x 75-mm press-fit stem (minus the tibial tray). The standard press-fit technique was performed creating a cavity 17 mm in diameter. For the bone compaction technique, stainless-steel dilators were machined ranging in diameter from 6 to 16 mm in 2-mm increments. The technique consisted of using the dilators and a mallet to create a compacted tunnel in a sequential manner to 16 mm in diameter followed by implantation of the stem. The specimens were mounted on a materials testing machine and loads were applied in both planes: anteroposterior and mediolateral. A preconditioning load of 100 N was applied followed by a second 100-N load from which the stiffness (N/mm) of implantation was calculated. The stability of the tibial stems implanted by compaction averaged 84.7% greater when compared with the press-fit stems (P < .017 by multivariate analysis).

Hybrid fixation modular tibial prosthesis. Early clinical and radiographic results and retrieval analysis

A prosthetic tibial component has been designed with features for fixation to bone using a combination of acrylic cement and ingrowth interfaces. This hybrid concept affords the component the immediate stability of cement fixation and the potential long-term stability of biologic fixation. The ingrowth interfaces (coupled with the central stem) are intended to shield the cement interface beneath the tibial tray from the tensile liftoff forces that result from eccentric loading, while avoiding the fretting and osteolysis associated with screw fixation. A disassembly capability allows the tray to be removed from the stemmed anchorage assembly, facilitating component extraction and limiting bone loss. A clinical and radiographic review of 50 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties with a mean follow-up period of 35 months revealed stable interfaces with no progressive radiolucencies and minimal remodeling changes. The mean Knee Society knee score was 92.2. At final follow-up evaluation, 88.6% of patients noted no or mild (occasional) pain. Retrieval of three prosthetic knees with chronic sepsis showed extensive ingrowth into the porous interfaces and an osteointegrated bony sleave around the smooth central stem.

Micromotion secondary to axial, torsional, and shear loads in two models of cementless tibial components

Tibial component loosening and lack of bone ingrowth remain serious problems in uncemented knee arthroplasty. Initial implant stability is the most important factor in achieving bone ingrowth. Eccentric axial loading causing liftoff has been identified as a potential problem, but the role of torsion and shear stability is unclear. This study assesses the micromotion in two uncemented components subjected to eccentric axial (lateral, medial, posterior, anterior), shear, and torsional loads. Four configurations were tested: Tricon M (pegs) (Smith and Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN), Genesis (stem only) (Smith and Nephew Richards), Genesis with screws, and Genesis with pegs. Nine pairs of cadaver tibias were implanted, and cyclic loads were applied. Micromotion was measured with two linear variable differential transformers. Micromotion values for each mode of loading were compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Genesis with screws had the least micromotion for all applied loads (14-33 micrometers), whereas Genesis with stem only has the maximum value of micromotion (27-212 micrometers). Genesis wit and Tricon had intermediate ranges of micromotion (32-121 and 107-140 micrometers, respectively). It is concluded that peg fixation and stem fixation are inadequate and result in significant micromotion. Stem plus screws provides the most stable fixation and may be compatible with bone ingrowth.

The stability of three different cementless tibial components. A randomized radiostereometric study in 45 knee arthroplasty patients

We conducted a prospective, randomized study of 45 patients to evaluate 3 different uncemented tibial component designs in total knee arthroplasty. The stability of the components was assessed by radiostereometry (RSA), both as migration during 2 years and as inducible displacement at 2 years. The PCA resurfacing, the Tricon stem and the Tricon-M prosthesis groups showed a similar level of migration at 2 years, about 1.4 mm. In response to externally applied rotatory forces, the Tricon groups rotated more than the PCA group, interpreted as a consequence of the more conforming articular surface in the Tricon design. The series was divided into one group of continuously migrating prostheses with a poor prognosis (unstable, one third) and another group of prostheses in which migration stopped after 1 year (stable, two thirds). With this classification, no differences between the prostheses design groups were revealed. However, the unstable group showed a larger inducible displacement by provocation, an association hitherto not established.

Early postoperative fixation of tibial components: an in vivo roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis

The fixation of cemented and noncemented tibial components in 19 total knee arthroplasties was examined 3 to 10 weeks postoperatively with roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. Physiologic external forces were applied either in outward-inward rotation or as eccentric posterior loading generated by squatting. In one case there was no motion, while in the remaining 18 cases relative interface motion of up to 1.3 mm was found. In some cases, the largest motion was found during inward-outward rotatory stress, while in others, the largest motion was found during squatting. Posterior tilt was weakly correlated with posterior displacement of the femoral component on the tibia during squatting (r2 = 0.323, p < 0.05). For the noncemented cases, the initial fixation to bone was probably insufficient, and ingrowth of bone would not have been achieved. For the cemented cases, motion of the implant was reduced. Given the short postoperative time and the probable absence of any substantial fibrous tissue membrane, we suggest that the observed motion represented elastic deformation of the bone.