All-polyethylene and metal-backed tibial components in total knee arthroplasty: a matched pair analysis of functional outcome

A group of 98 patients who had primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with cemented, posterior-stabilized knee implants for osteoarthritis were matched for age, diagnosis, weight, body mass index, and presence of comorbid conditions. The patients were followed up with clinical, radiographic, and outcome measures including SF-36 scales and patient outcome questionnaires. Forty-nine patients had all-polyethylene tibial implants (APT), and 49 patents had metal backed tibial implants (MBT) with similar knee implant design and articular geometry. There is no difference among these patient cohorts in the clinical performance or functional outcome of TKA using APT or MBT components in primary TKA at intermediate term follow-up. In consideration of concerns about polyethylene wear, osteolysis, and cost associated with MBT components, these findings may present an opportunity for quality improvement and cost savings with increased utilization of APT in TKA operations.