Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful modern surgical interventions with excellent clinical outcomes and implant survivorship. Nevertheless, with the increasing numbers of primary knee replacements being performed and increasing life expectancy, the need for revision arthroplasty continues to grow and is expected to grow considerably in to the future. Stemmed implants are commonly used in revision knee arthroplasty to provide adequate support for the joint interfaces. Controversy exists amongst surgeons as to the relative merits of cemented versus uncemented stems in revision knee arthroplasty. Cementing stemmed components in revision knee arthroplasty surgery is well established, and has well documented success rates. Though in widespread use, there is little data published regarding the technique of cementing short stubby tibial stems in revision TKA. We describe modes of failure in knee arthroplasty, our technique for revision, and early outcomes for this patient cohort.

Method: This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients who have undergone revision knee arthroplasty. We evaluated the early clinical results looking for early failure in patients who have undergone revision knee arthroplasty using a short cemented tibial stem. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon in a single hospital. Baseline data was collected on all patients (age, gender, BMI, reason for revision, preoperative knee scores, details of surgery). Latest follow up clinical data, knee scores, and x-rays were evaluated to determine early patient outcomes and identify any implant or technical failure.

Results: Between 2003 and 2009, 77 of 241(32%) revision knee arthroplasty surgeries were performed using a short cemented tibial stem. This cohort of 77 patients included 49 females and 27 males. Eight knees (10%) were operated in two stages in the setting of deep infection. Average follow up for this group was 17 months (range 4 to 60 months). One patient developed a deep prosthetic infection requiring further revision surgery. No other patients to our knowledge have undergone further surgery and none have further surgery planned for mechanical failure or significant malalignment of the tibial prosthesis. No failure or early mechanical complication of using a short cemented tibial stem was identified clinically or radiographically.

Conclusion: We surmise the use of short cemented tibial stems in revision knee arthroplasty surgery is a safe and effective technique with potential advantages over longer cemented or uncemented stems. We have recorded satisfactory early outcomes, and continue to use this technique.