Press fit condylar total knee arthroplasty: Radiographic evaluation at a 5-year follow-up

The three standard views are necessary for the radiographic evaluation of a total knee arthroplasty, by the measurement of knee alignment, components position and prosthetic interface. We radiographically evaluated 100 Press-Fit Condylar (PFC) total knee replacements in 66 women and 18 men (mean age, 69.5 years), at a mean follow-up of 5 years. The indication for implantation was osteoarthritis in 87% of the cases and rheumatoid arthritis in 11%. Radiographs were done at 3 and 6 months and then every year after implant, and each time were compared to the postoperative controls. The postoperative alignment had in 98% of the knees a valgus angle between 5° and 7°. Radiolucencies were found around the femoral component in 8% of the knees, and in the views of the tibial tray in 33%. The thicknesess of the radiolucent lines was 1 mm and was not progressive in 98% of the prostheses. One case presented aseptic loosening signs. Evaluation of total joint arthroplasty must be clinical, radiological and with annual intervals, in order to discover early failure signs. Concerning the present study, aseptic loosening is not a complication of the total knee arthroplasty evaluated for a medium follow-up of five years.