Techniques and Technologies in Revision Knee Arthroplasty

The clinical indications and technique for isolated revision of the polyethylene component in total knee arthroplasty are presented. Exchanging only the polyethylene liner in revision total knee arthroplasty was evaluated in 46 patients (49 knees) whose femoral and tibial components were well aligned and well fixed. The existing locking mechanism allowed the polyethylene to be exchanged in 2 knee designs (13 knees), but 3 knee designs (36 knees) required a locking mechanism to be fabricated by scoring the metal and polyethylene components with a carbide bit and securing fixation with polymethylmethacrylate. All but 3 knees (94%) had good clinical function after polyethylene exchange. None of the fabricated locking mechanisms failed.