[Radiological mid-term results of total knee arthroplasty with femoral components of different materials].

AIM

The present work aimed at evaluating the radiological mid-term results of femoral components of different materials in an identically designed total knee system.

METHOD

31 knees with zirconium femoral components and 32 standard femoral components were evaluated about 4 years following surgery using the Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System of the Knee Society.

RESULTS

In both groups, the implant position was correct. There was a statistically significant higher rate of radiolucent lines in zones 1 and 4 at the tibia site in the zirconium group.

CONCLUSION

Our clinical results disagree with the results of biomechanical studies of the same type of prosthesis. However, there are some findings from animal studies showing that zirconium ions may inhibit the mineralisation of osteoid, which could be an explanation for the higher rate of radiolucent lines seen in the present study.