Assessment of posterior stability in total knee replacement by stress radiographs

The aim of this study was to assess the posterior stability of two different designs of total knee replacement (TKR) with deep-dished mobile bearing (MB) implants using stress X-rays. In a prospective non-randomized consecutive study, 34 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee underwent TKR. In group A (17 knees), they received a MB insert with a Duracon prosthesis and in group B (18 knees), a Genesis prosthesis. In all cases the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was resected. All patients had pre- and post-operative kneeling X-rays and were clinically evaluated with the Knee Society Score. Measurements on the radiographs were taken by tracing a line along the posterior cortex of the tibia and then measuring the perpendicular distance to a point marked at the posterior corner of Blumensaat’s line. The average follow up was 10.7 months for group A and 5.4 months for group B. No statistical difference could be found in terms of clinical results and pre- and post-operative kneeling X-rays between the two groups. In each group, all knees demonstrated a significant posterior tibial translation postoperatively compare to their pre-operative status (p<0.0001). There are advantages in resecting the PCL in TKR: mobile flexion gap, correction of fixed deformity, more flexibility to adjust the joint line. The use of a deep dished polyethylene (PE) insert provides stability and use of MB insert reduces PE wear whilst retaining congruity. Two designs of deep-dished MB inserts showed significant posterior tibial translation on stress X-rays. It remains to be determined what amount of laxity is optimal for clinical function and polyethylene longevity.