Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral component, five years postoperatively, between patients with a highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) insert and those with a conventional polyethylene (PE) insert in an uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We have previously reported the migration and outcome of the tibial components in these patients.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface damage, the density of crosslinking, and oxidation in retrieved antioxidant-stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene (A-XLPE) tibial inserts from total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to compare the results with a matched cohort of standard remelted highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) inserts. Materials and Methods. A total of 19 A-XLPE tibial inserts were retrieved during revision TKA and matched to 18 retrieved XLPE inserts according to the demographics of the patients, with a mean length of implantation of 15 months (1 to 42). The percentage areas of PE damage on the articular surfaces and the modes of damage were measured. The density of crosslinking of the PE and oxidation were measured at loaded and unloaded regions on these surfaces. Results. A-XLPE inserts had higher rates of burnishing and lower rates of pitting and scratching compared with XLPE. There were no differences in the density of crosslinking at loaded and unloaded regions. A-XLPE showed higher oxidation indices in the unloaded surface region compared with XLPE. There were no differences in the levels of oxidation in the loaded regions. Conclusion. Retrieval analysis of A-XLPE did not reflect a clinically relevant difference in surface damage, density of crosslinking, or oxidation compared with XLPE tibial inserts at short-term evaluation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1330–5

Advances in polyethylene (PE) in total hip arthroplasty have led to interest and increased use of highly crosslinked PE (HXLPE) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Biomechanical data suggest improved wear characteristics for HXLPE inserts over conventional PE in TKA. Short-term results from registry data and few clinical trials are promising. Our aim is to present a review of the history of HXLPEs, the use of HXLPE inserts in TKA, concerns regarding potential mechanical complications, and a thorough review of the available biomechanical and clinical data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:996–1002.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a cost effective and extremely successful operation. As longevity increases, the demand for primary TKA will continue to rise. The success and survivorship of TKAs are dependent on the demographics of the patient, surgical technique and implant-related factors.

Currently the risk of failure of a TKA requiring revision surgery ten years post-operatively is 5%.

The most common indications for revision include aseptic loosening (29.8%), infection (14.8%), and pain (9.5%). Revision surgery poses considerable clinical burdens on patients and financial burdens on healthcare systems.

We present a current concepts review on the epidemiology of failed TKAs using data from worldwide National Joint Registries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):105–12.