Mobile vs. fixed meniscal bearing in total knee replacement

52 knees scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty were randomised to either a fixed or a mobile polyethylene bearing. The design was identical in all parts. The knee systems used were the Rotaglide Total Knee System (RTK) ® and the Nuffield Total Knee System (NTK)®, both from the same manufacturer (Corin Medical Ltd., UK). All knees implanted were uncemented. The patients were followed for 2 years clinically and with radiostereometric analyses to assess migration over time and inducible displacement of the tibial component.

Separate analysis of the mobility of the tibial insert in the knees with a mobile bearing was also made. The migration measured with RSA between the 1st and 2nd year expressed as maximum total point motion (MTPM) might predict the risk of loosening of the implant.

There were no differences between the groups regarding clinical outcome (HSS Knee score), migration or inducible displacement during the 2 years follow-up. The movement between the tibial tray and the mobile meniscal insert expressed as maximum total point motion (MTPM) was 6.8±3.3 mm at the 1st year follow-up.