Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248042
© 2007 Thieme Medical Publishers
Constrained Condylar Knee Without Stem Extensions for Difficult Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Publication History
Publication Date:
20 January 2010 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/jks/200703/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-0030-1248042-1.jpg)
ABSTRACT
Two hundred forty-eight constrained condylar total knee arthroplasties consecutively implanted without the use of diaphyseal stem extensions were studied in 180 patients. Preoperative deformity was severe (82% Ahlbäck grade 4-5). One hundred ninety-two knees (148 patients) were reviewed at mean 47-month follow-up (range: 24-72 months). Knee Society score improved from 36 to 89 points, and function score improved from 42 to 76 points. Failure rate was 2.5% (2 infections, 1 aseptic loosening, 1 supracondylar femoral fracture, and 1 tibial post fracture). Five (2.5%) knees had patellofemoral complications. Nonprogressive radiolucent lines were present in 16% of cases.
Use of a nonmodular constrained condylar knee for primary severely damaged knees demonstrated reliable short- to mid-term results with a low complication rate and questioned the routine use of intramedullary stem extensions in all such cases.