The effect of cement fixation on initial micromotion of the femoral component in condylar knee replacement

Four fresh, cadaveric specimens were fitted with total knee replacements and mounted on a knee joint loading and measuring rig. Femoral component micromotion in the sagittal plane was measured with a transducer during flexion and extension of the specimen. Various condylar designs were used without and with cement. Movement followed a characteristic curve pattern and was less with cement fixation particularly for bone of low trabecular strength as determined by bone sample tests for stiffness. Cement fixation appears to be superior to cementless fixation.