Loss of tibial bone density in patients with rotating- or fixed-platform TKA

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2010 Mar;468(3):775-81. doi: 10.1007/s11999-009-0794-x. Epub 2009 Mar 26.

Abstract

Little is known about tibial bone remodeling with TKA and its clinical relevance. We performed a randomized clinical trial to compare tibial bone density changes in cemented components with different bearing designs. Bone density changes were assessed using quantitative computed tomography (qCT)-assisted osteodensitometry. Twenty-eight rotating-platform and 26 fixed-platform cemented TKAs were included. The nonoperated contralateral side was used as a control. CT scans were performed postoperatively and 1 year and 2 years after the index operation. Cancellous bone density loss (up to 12.6% at 2 years) was observed in all proximal tibial regions in both cohorts. In contrast, we found lower cortical bone density loss (up to 3.6% at 2 years). We found no differences in bone loss between fixed- and rotating-platform implants. The decrease of cancellous bone density after TKA suggests stress transfer to the cortical bone.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alloys
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Bone Cements
  • Bone Density / physiology*
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / etiology*
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / metabolism
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Cementation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Prosthesis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / metabolism*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Bone Cements