Results of all-polyethylene tibial components as a cost-saving technique

Since 1992, the authors have used an all polyethylene tibial component in r elatively less active patients older than 70 years of age who present for p rimary total knee replacement, Results of 312 knee replacements performed b etween March 1992 and March 1998 are presented in the hopes of showing this technique as a viable cost saving measure. Three hundred twelve primary to tal knee replacements were performed by the same group of surgeons, Fourtee n patients died before the first year postoperative evaluation, leaving an index group of 298 knees in 231 patients, All components were evaluated usi ng the radiographic and clinical parameters of the Knee Society, Hospital f or Special Surgery scores also were calculated, All patients were given the Short Form-36 Quality of Life Assessment preoperatively and annually posto peratively, Clinical scores showed dramatic improvement. There have been th ree revisions (0.7%) but none were for aseptic loosening. Radiographic revi ew revealed 295 replacements with optimum fixation, To date, no patient has osteolysis, The cost differential was significant. The use of this type of tibial component has, to date, afforded excellent clinical and radiographi c results, Additional followup is needed to show the longevity of these res ults and to monitor wear or subsidence of these prostheses, Should these re sults continue to prove satisfactory in this particular group of patients w ith relatively low physical demands, significant cost savings may be realiz ed.