Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty

Component fixation, by way of cemented or cementless techniques, for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been a matter of debate for a very long time. Currently, cemented TKA is the industry standard due, in part, to earlier literature that identified potential concerns with cementless fixation. However, more recently, substantial new evidence in the literature has revealed the possible advantages of avoiding cement. Specifically, studies have addressed cost savings, due to decrease material use and shorter operative times from not having to wait for cement to dry, equivalent patient-reported outcomes and survivorship, and versatility of use in higher-risk populations.

The studies reported in this Special Section help provide more answers to the cement versus cementless debate. Here, we present three unique reports on a minimum 5-year survivorship and outcomes of cementless TKA, and focus on porous metal-backed patellar component outcomes, an often overlooked analysis. Additionally, we provide the readers a comprehensive literature review of cementless fixation in various patient populations such as younger and older patients, as well as those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and osteonecrosis of the knee.

This Special Section addresses one of the longest debated topics concerning TKA. The data and insights presented in this section would not only help inform patients and providers but also guide surgical techniques. We therefore anticipate the readership to benefit who would find these articles to be of great interest and reference.

Publication History

Article published online:
01 September 2020