Aims: To study the survivorship of molded versus modular tibial component of the unconstrained anatomic graduated component (AGC; Biomet) prosthesis design.

Methods: We studied 794 knees of patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated 1985 – 1995 at the Rheumatism Foundation Hospital (=RFH), Heinola, Finland. Larsen score (=LS) of the preoperative radiographs was examined. Data was gathered from patient files and EULAR-database at RFH. A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with an endpoint of revision.

Results: We found no significant differences between survival of the molded (=group A)and the modular tibia (=group B) components. After 11 years cumulative success rate was 95% in A and 94,8% in the B group. The median follow-up was 7,95 years (group A 11,3, group B 7,4 years). 38 knees ended to an revision, and infection and pain were the main causes. Groups did not differ by LS or by demographic factors like age or weight. Fixation of the tibia or of the femur was also of no significance.

Conclusions: In our material there was no difference in the survival of two different designs of tibia component used in TKAs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Survival rates in both groups after 11 years follow-up can be considered promising.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to analyse the results of 4 primary and 21 revision total knee replacements performed on 24 patients with rheumatic disease using the Dual Articular Knee prosthesis with a mean follow-up of 2.3 (1–8) years. Methods: Patient documents and pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated with respect to radiolucent lines, fractures, lateral patellar displacement, proper resection lines, implant þt and behaviour of bone grafts as well as implant migration or subsidence during the follow-up. One to 8 years after the surgery, an interview of 22 patients was arranged to settle the subjective contentment, functional ability and the longevity of replaced knees. Results: Indication of primary TKR was þxed valgus in one knee and severe instability in 3, and in revision TKR aseptic loosening and instability in 15 knees, instability without implant loosening in 2 and infection in 4 knees. A 2-stage procedure was performed for infected arthroplasties with a mean period of cement interposition of 3 months. All the 2-stage exchange procedures healed without complications. Four patellar tendon avulsions and one deep infection were encountered. Results were excellent in 82% of patients. Conclusion: Dual Articular Knee proved to be favourable both in demanding primary and revision arhroplasties in patients with rheumatic disease.