J Korean Knee Soc.  1999 Jun;11(1):122-127.

Early Polyethylene Wear following TKA: A Report of Three Cases

• Kim JM
• Chung YG
• Eun JS

Abstract

Polyethylene wear is one of the major problems following total knee arthroplasty. Many factors affect the degree and the pattern of polyethylene wear. We experienced three cases of early catastrophic poly- ethylene wears. All cases showed flexion contracture with severe genu varum deformity and total knee arthroplasty was performed with Advantim total knee prostheses in all cases. Postoperatively, bony align- ment and ligament balancing were good in all cases. However, in 12 to 22 months later, lateral subluxa- tion and valgus instability were developed with early catastrophic polyethylene wear especially in the medial compartments. Flat surface geornetry of polyethylene might be responsible for the development of lateral subluxation and early catastrophic wears. From these experience, we concluded that the mediolat- eral as well as anteroposterior dishing is essential for the stability of the artificial joint and prevention of early rapid wear of polyethylene articular inserts following total knee arthroplasty.

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty
Congenital Abnormalities
Contracture
Genu Varum
Joints
Knee
Knee Prosthesis
Ligaments
Polyethylene*
Polyethylene