CEMENTLESS TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY IN OBESE PATIENTS - A COMPARISON WITH A MATCHED CONTROL-GROUP

The heaviest 45 patients (50 knees) who underwent cementless total kne e arthroplasty were compared with a matched control group of 45 total knee arthroplasty patients (50 knees) with respect to clinical and rad iographic data. Surgery was performed over a 10-year period (1980-1989 ) and follow-up evaluation averaged 7 years (range, 2-11 years). The c ontrol group consisted of nonobese patients matched to the obese group with respect to age, sex, diagnosis, preoperative deformity, and leng th of follow-up evaluation. Clinical evaluation was made using the Kne e Society rating scale as well as an analysis of multiple other clinic al parameters. Radiographically, each patient was evaluated with long- standing anteroposterior views, lateral and patellar views, and spot f luoroscopic views of the involved knee. This evaluation included an an alysis of lucencies, bead shedding, and prosthetic alignment. The fina l average clinical score in the obese group was 88 points with four re visions, and that for the control group was 91 points with two revisio ns. There were no significant differences in the combined percentage o f good and excellent results between the two groups. On the basis of t he results of this study, it is believed that weight as a factor by it self should not compromise the early (7-year average follow-up period) results of total knee arthroplasty.