Posterior cruciate-sacrificing versus posterior cruciate-substituting total knee arthroplasty - A study of clinical and functional outcomes in matched patients

Since the introduction of the Total Condylar Prosthesis (TCP) in 1974, conc omitant improvements in surgical technique and prosthetic design have occur red. The individual effects of each of these variables have not been invest igated, however. This study evaluates 2 different knee designs using the sa me operative technique by a single surgeon. All primary total knee arthropl asties performed between 1986 and 1989 were entered into a database of 2 co horts, TCP and Press Fit Condylar (PFC) knees, matched fur age, gender, bod y weight, and diagnosis. Follow-up data within 12 months of each other were used, evaluating patients clinically and using a self-administered questio nnaire. In each cohort, 74 knees were matched by these criteria. Follow-up time was 4.04 and 4.45 years for the TCP and PFC cohorts. Range of motion a veraged 107 degrees and 112 degrees for the TCP and PFC cohorts. This diffe rence was statistically significant. Total knee score and functional score im proved significantly. Anterior knee pain was present in 9 TCP and 3 PFC knees. Lateral release was performed in 30 TCP and 18 PFC knees. The PFC sh owed an advantage in ROM, stair function, anterior knee pain, and use of la teral release. Both designs showed comparable pain relief and walking abili ty.