Long term results after total knee arthroplasty with the PFC (R)-Modular-knee system

Aim: The objective of the current, prospective study was the evaluation of long-term results after total knee arthroplasty with the PFC (R) -Modular-k nee system. Method: A total of 514 total knee arthroplasties were implanted between 1991 and 1994 in 248 female and 55 male patients. Their average ag e amounted to 62.4 years and 449 of them (87.4%) were re-investigated withi n the first half-year of 2000. Clinical and radiological data were evaluate d according the recommendations of the American Knee Society. Results: Late complications were observed in 6.5% of the cases. They consisted of prosth etic loosening (13 knees), patella problems (11 knees), instability (2 knee s), periprosthetic fractures (2 knees), and one prosthesis fracture. 18 pat ients complained about a therapy-resistant, chronic pain syndrome. These fi ndings lead to revision arthroplasty in 15 cases (3.3%). Preoperative Ameri can Knee Society Score values were on average 33, 35 an 17 points and impro ved to mean values of about 85, 79 and 5 points. Radiological signs of pros thetic loosening were observed in 12 cases (2.7%). Conclusion: Long-term re sults after total knee arthroplasty with the PFC (R) -Modular-knee system s howed a significant improvement in the patients' complaints and clinical fi ndings at an average of 7.8 years postoperatively. Complication and revisio n rates of 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively were low when compared with the inte rnational literature and - apart form this - decreased in the course of the observation time.