ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2010 June;61(3):159-64

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Use of Tantalum trabecular metal in total knee arthroplasty

Camera A., Cattaneo G., Tedino R.

Dipartimento di Chirurgia Protesica, Ospedale Santa Corona, Pietra Ligure, Savona, Italia

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate, with preliminary clinical and radiographics results, the use of Tantalum trabecular metal in uncemented primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for a biological fixation of tibial plateau.
METHODS: We performed 51 TKA in the period between 08 March 2007 and 22 October 2009 with the system Nexgen® LPS (Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA) using Tantalum uncemeted tibial plateau. The mean age was 63 (max 78 minumum 35), the mean follow-up was six months (max 2.5 years min 2 months). Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographical evaluation have been collected using a telemetry of inferior limb and X-rays in maximal flexion and full extension. The evaluation of clinical outcome was made using Tegner-Lysholm knee score.
RESULTS: We observed a high functional outcome in 95% percent of patients as well as a good bone integration in three months of the tibial pegs on the tibial bone, showed in the radiographics controls. No aseptic loosening was documented on f.u., no early mobilitation occured in our study. Tardive infection of the implant was detected in only one patient.
CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiographics results and patients’ satisfaction suggest that the use of uncemented tatalum plateau in TKA is a good treatment option, especially in patients under 60.