Abstract
Since 1979, 13 knees in 11 males and 43 knees in 32 females, totalling 58 knees in 43 cases, have undergone total condylar type TKR in our hospital. The primary diseases were rheumatoid arthritis in 13 knees in 11 cases, osteoarthritis in 44 knees in 31 cases, and hemophilia A in 1 knee in 1 case. The shortest follow-up period was 5 years and the longest 8 years and 8 months, averaging 6 years and 3 months.
Clinical assessment was made based on knee scores in addition to X-ray evaluations. The average knee score of 50.5 preoperatively improved to 72.4 postoperatively, with remarkable improvement seen in pain, whereas the range of motion narrowed. X-ray evaluation showed that there was an improvement of FTA from preoperative 182.60 to 178.70; however, there were a few large variations. A radiolucent zone (RLZ) developed in 10 knees (17.2%), but no loosing or sinking was observed. No correlation was observed, with assessment scores, between the angle and position where the component was inserted and RLZ. In the cases with low assessment scores and in cases where RLZ had developed, there was presumed to be more correlation with the presence of obesity or with complications. Favorable results were obtained by adequate treatment also in cases which developed complications postoperatively. No decrease in supportiveness by the removal of PCL or obvious disorders caused by cementing have been observed so far, and patients have been satisfied.
