Screw migration from total knee prostheses requiring subsequent surgery

Complications in total knee arthroplasty directly related to hardware failure other than polyethylene wear are rare. We report 2 cases of symptomatic screw migration into the joint space from total knee prostheses. In the first case, a screw disengaged from a constrained condylar knee prosthesis. Arthroscopy using standard arthroscopy portals and a small arthrotomy were performed to remove the screw. In the second case, symptomatic screw disengagement and posterior migration from the tibial component of a posterior-stabilized prosthesis occurred. Revision with replacement of the polyethylene insert and locking screw was required. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.