J Korean Knee Soc.  2001 Jun;13(1):30-35.

Polyethylene Failure Following TKRA

• Chung HK
• Choi CH
• Kim KT
• Yeo H

Abstract

PURPOSE: We purpose to analyze the factors related to the polyethylene failure through the 7 exchanged polyethylene.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We experienced 7 cases of polyethylene failure from Apr. 1988 to Jan. 2000. The average duration of reoperation is 5 year 2 months(1 year 8 months-8 year 11 months), age at primary operation is 62 years old(55-64 years old), weight is 65kg(56-78kg) and height is 155cm(150-162cm). The used prostheses were AGC(Biomet, Warsaw, U.S.A) in 2 patients, AMK(Depuy, Warsaw, U.S.A) in 1 patient, ,MG II(Zimmer, Warsaw, U.S.A) in 1 patient, PFC(Johnson and Johnson, Warsaw U.S.A) in 2 patients and Series 7000(Osteonics, New Jersey, U.S.A.) in 1 patient.
RESULTS
The thickness of polyethylene is Smm in 6 patients and 9mm in 1 patient. All of prostheses are cruciate retaining type with relatively flat surface geometry and low-height intercondylar eminence, and the minimal thickness of each system.
CONCLUSION
We consider that the thicker polyethylene should be used when feasible in order to avoid reoperation which is caused by accelerated wear of polyethylene, and early detection of polyethylene wear is important. This can be got through knee standing AP, fluroscopic evaluation with varus and valgus stress.

Keyword

Knee; Total knee replacement arthroplasty; Tibial polyethylene failure

MeSH Terms

Humans
Knee
New Jersey
Polyethylene*
Prostheses and Implants
Reoperation
Polyethylene