Summary

TKA using all-polyethylene tibial components in Indian patients are comparable to metal back tibial component. Considering its cost saving and excellent clinical result, the all-polyethylene tibial component is of potential interest in developing countries like India and other Asian countries.

Abstract

Background

The purported advantages of all-polyethylene tibial component include increased survivorship and restoration of more natural knee kinematics compared to a standard fixed-bearing design. Considering its cost saving, the all-polyethylene tibial component is of potential interest in developing countries like India and other Asian countries.

Aim

To compare clinical and radiological results in all-polyethylene tibial component and metal back tibial component in total knee arthroplasty

Methodology

Total 150 cases in this prospective study conducted between January 2011 to December 2014. We have studied the midterm outcome of 75cemented PS-TKA using an all-polyethylene tibial component and of 75 cemented PS-TKA using a metal-backed tibial component which has an identical articular surface with all-polyethylene tibial components. All operations were performed by the same group of surgeons. Knee Society Scores (KSS), Range of Motion (ROM), clinical and radiographic parameters were measured postoperatively and on six monthly follow up.

Statistical analysis : Mean, Standard Deviation, Range, Percentages, Proportion were used for descriptive statistics. Paired “t” test was used as test of significance

Results

48 patients underwent a unilateral TKA and 51 patients underwent bilateral TKA. These patients had a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (Std. Dev. =2.7 years); No statistically significant difference between the two groups was reported regarding Knee Society Scores on the latest follow up. KSS in all-polyethylene tibial component patients was mean 92.7 (SD=4.5) in metal back tibial component patient KSS was 90.9 (SD=5.4) (p >0.05). Similarly no statistically significant differences was observed in Range of Motion (ROM), clinical and radiographic parameters measured on the latest follow up.

Conclusion

TKA using all-polyethylene tibial components in Indian patients are comparable to metal back tibial component. Considering its cost saving and excellent clinical result, the all-polyethylene tibial component is of potential interest in developing countries like India and other Asian countries.

Key words:
TKA, Comparison, All polly, Metal back, Tibial components, India