SHORT-TERM EVALUATION BETWEEN POLYETHYLENE THICKNESS IN PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the research was to carry out a comparative study between Smith & Nephew ® or Zimmer ® prostheses with thick versus thin polyethylene, in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, during a short-term follow-up. Thus, the objective was to analyze the survival of the implants in question under the clinical and radiographic aspect.

METHODS

The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 with thick polyethylene and group 2 with thin polyethylene. A clinical analysis of the patients was carried out and the implants were checked for loosening.

RESULTS

The groups were similar when compared. According to the Ahlbäck classification, 83% of the patients were in groups IV and V. The median functional score in the postoperative period was similar between the two groups. Postoperatively, the tibiofemoral angle fluctuated between 5 and 6 valgus on average. Two complications were observed in each group. None of the evaluated patients presented implant loosening.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with thick polyethylene had the same functional score as the control group, as well as the absence of radiographic changes in this short-term follow-up, with implant survival and a similar rate of complications between both groups.