Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Han, Chang Dong; Choe, Wahn Sub; Yoo, Joo Hyung; Yang, Ki Won

Abstract

We evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of 48 cases (31 patients) who had rheumatoid arthritis of the knee joint and were managed with cementless total knee arthroplasty between November 1988 and December 1994. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years (range, 2 to 7 years). The knee score of the Hospital for Special Surgery improved from an average of 44 points (range, 5 to 77 points) preoperatively to 83 points (range, 50 to 97 points) at the time of the most recent followup examination. In knee score, 85.4% of cases had excellent or good grade (over 75 points). The range of motion improved from an average of 77 degrees to an average of 103 degrees postoperatively. In tibiofemoral angle, 95.8% of cases were between valgus I degree and 10 degrees. The implants were inserted in an optimal position. Continuous radiolucency was not visible beneath any implant and loosening was not found. In one case, heterotopic ossification was removed to improve the range of motion. There was one case of patellar fracture during operation. Even in relatively poor bone quality in rheumatoid arthritis of the knee, the cementless total knee arthroplasty revealed good clinical and radiologic results.