Total knee arthroplasty with an oxidised zirconium femoral component

Aims

Oxidised zirconium was introduced as a material for femoral components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as an attempt to reduce polyethylene wear. However, the long-term survival of this component is not known.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database to assess the ten year survival and clinical and radiological outcomes of an oxidised zirconium total knee arthroplasty with the Genesis II prosthesis.

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a patient satisfaction scale were used to assess outcome.

Results

A total of 303 consecutive TKAs were performed in 278 patients with a mean age of 68 years (45 to 89). The rate of survival ten years post-operatively as assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis was 97% (95% confidence interval 94 to 99) with revision for any reason as the endpoint. There were no revisions for loosening, osteolysis or failure of the implant. There was a significant improvement in all components of the WOMAC score at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean individual components of the KOOS score for symptoms (82.4 points; 36 to 100), pain (87.5 points; 6 to 100), activities of daily life (84.9 points; 15 to 100) and quality of life (71.4 points; 6 to 100) were all at higher end of the scale.

Discussion

This study provides further supportive evidence that the oxidised zirconium TKA gives comparable rates of survival with other implants and excellent functional outcomes ten years post-operatively.

Take home message: Total knee arthroplasty with an oxidised zirconium femoral component gives comparable long-term rates of survival and functional outcomes with conventional implants.