Mobile- vs. fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a clinical and radiologic study

A consecutive series of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using either a mobile-bearing (MB) or a fixed-bearing (FB) implant were studied. Forty-four patients received 57 MB rotating platforms, and 40 patients received 45 FB posterior stabilized implants. At an average 41-month follow-up (range, 2–6 years), no significant differences were found between the groups with respect to Knee Society ratings or pain scores. Postoperative flexion was not different between the groups (116° for MB and 118° for FB). Three MB knees were revised for implant-related complications. There was no difference between these MB or FB knee implants clinically or radiographically at early follow-up. However, more patients with a MB knee required early revision for failure of rotating patellar or tibial polyethylene implants.