Infection and periprosthetic fracture are the leading causes of failure after aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty

Aim

The purpose of this study was to clarify the medium to long term survival of aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKAs) and identify the common modes of failure following RTKAs.

Materials and methods

A multi-center, retrospective study included all aseptic RTKAs performed at three tertiary referral hospitals between 2003 and 2016. Patients were excluded if the revision was for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) or they had previously undergone revision surgery. Minor revisions not involving the tibial or femoral components were also excluded. Demographics, surgical data and post-operative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Survival analysis was performed and the reasons for revision failure identified.

Results

Of 235 aseptic RTKAs identified, 14.8% underwent re-revision at mean follow-up of 8.3 years. Survivorship of RTKA was 93% at 2 years and 83% at 8 years. Average age at revision was 72.9 years (range 53–91.5). The most common reasons for failure following RTKA were periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (40%), periprosthetic fracture (25.7%) and aseptic loosening (14.3%). Of those whose RTKA failed, the average survival was 3.33 years (8 days–11.4 years). No demographic or surgical factors were found to influence RTKA survival on univariate or multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

PJI and periprosthetic fracture are the leading causes of re-revision surgery following aseptic revision TKA. Efforts to improve outcomes of aseptic revision TKA should focus on these areas, particularly prevention of PJI.