Long-term comparative study evaluating the screw-cement construct for tibial defects in total knee arthroplasty: our experience.

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the preferred treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, but challenges arise with severe angular deformities and associated tibial bone loss. The cement screw construct has emerged as a promising technique for managing these defects, offering advantages such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and ease of implementation. This research evaluated the clinical, functional and radiological outcome of screw-cement construct for the tibial defects in TKA.

METHOD

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and success rate of the cement screw construct in patients with significant tibial defects. Sixty-five patients (104 knees) undergoing TKA were divided into two groups: conventional TKA (Group A) and TKA with screw-cement construct (Group B). Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected, with a follow-up duration of at least eight years.

RESULTS

The study revealed comparable demographic characteristics between groups. Both cohorts exhibited significant postoperative improvements in knee morphology and clinical outcomes. Group B demonstrated a higher incidence of radiolucency around the tibial tray, although no progressive complications were observed. Implant survival rates were similar between groups, with complications such as aseptic loosening and infections occurring in both without significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasised the viability of the screw-cement construct for managing uncontained tibial defects during TKA, providing evidence of its efficacy, and cost-effectiveness and suggesting its potential as a standard approach for tibial defects till 20 mm.