This study examined the 20-year follow-up of the cemented Anatomical Graduated Component total knee replacement carried out between 1983 and 2004. The results showed that the overall survival rate at 20 years was 97.8% with revision of the tibial or femoral component as the endpoint. The survival rate at 20 years of the tibial component was 98.3% and the femoral component was 99.4%. None of the 36 implants at the 20 year follow-up had been revised for polyethylene wear or osteolysis, which may be a reflection of the use of a non-modular, compression-moulded polyethylene implant, since other studies have found polyethylene wear to be a leading cause of failure leading to revision.
Therefore, the authors attribute the success of the Anatomical Graduated Component total knee replacement to its relatively unconstrained articular geometry and the durability of a non-modular metal-backed tibial component with compression-moulded polyethylene.
Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
published: June 5, 2009 in: Companies, Knee, News, Orthopaedics, Products, Specialty