Radiolucent lines are decreased at 3 years following total knee arthroplasty using trabecular metal tibial components
Hirotaka Mutsuzaki,1,2 Arata Watanabe,2 Tomonori Kinugasa,2 and Kotaro Ikeda2Knee
Objective
To analyse location and frequency, and change over time, of radiolucent lines (RLLs) around trabecular metal tibial components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods
Osteoarthritic knees in patients who had undergone TKA were retrospectively evaluated via analysis of RLLs on anteroposterior and lateral X-rays obtained at 2 and 6 months, and 1, 2 and 3 years following TKA.
Results
In 125 osteoarthritic knees from 90 patients (mean age, 75.0 ± 6.2; 21 male/69 female), frequency of RLLs around trabecular metal tibial components was generally highest at 2 and 6 months, and 1 year following TKA, then gradually decreased over the 3-year follow-up. Frequency of RLLs around trabecular metal tibial components was greater at the tip of the two pegs, particularly the medial peg, and around the pegs, versus other zones. No postoperative revisions were performed for loosening.
Conclusions
Over 3 years following TKA, RLLs were most frequently observed up to 1 year, then gradually decreased. RLLs were significantly more frequent in the medial peg zone and zones close to the medial peg than in other zones.
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