Bone and Joint Institute
Differences in Trochlear Surface Damage and Wear Between Three Different Total Knee Arthroplasty Designs
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2017
Journal
Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume
32
Issue
12
First Page
3763
Last Page
3770
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1016/j.arth.2017.06.037
Abstract
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. Introduction Trochlear design plays a role in patellofemoral kinematics. Little is known regarding differences in the contact properties between modern designs. The purpose of the present study was to analyze patellofemoral joint contact by identifying areas of joint surface damage and wear in retrieved femoral components of 3 modern designs. Materials Eighteen retrieved femoral components featuring 3 different modern designs (Triathlon, SIGMA, and GENESIS II) were matched based on time-in-vivo, age, gender, and body mass index. Trochlear wear and surface damage were assessed using visual inspection, light microscopy, and light profilometry. Results Visual inspection of the femoral components showed evidence of surface damage in all implant types. No significant differences between the groups were found with respect to surface damage and wear on visual inspection. Light profilometry of retrieved components showed that retrieved Triathlon (P =.002) and SIGMA (P =.009) components were significantly rougher than the corresponding reference components. The GENESIS II retrieved components were not substantially rougher than the reference components (P =.48). Light profilometry analysis showed significantly increased roughness of retrieved SIGMA components compared with Triathlon or GENESIS II components, particularly in the proximal trochlear groove and the medial trochlea. Conclusion As the volume and patient demands for total knee arthroplasty increase, a greater understanding of the patellofemoral joint is warranted. Patellofemoral kinematics can have an effect on the surface characteristics of total knee arthroplasty components. Retrieved SIGMA components appeared to have increased roughness compared with Triathlon or GENESIS II components. The etiology and long-term effects of increased trochlear roughness require further investigation.
