Summary
Objectives: This study investigated cemented fixation of the tibial component from a canine total
knee replacement preclinical model. The objective was to determine the local morphology
at the material interfaces (implant, cement, bone) and the local relative micro-motion
due to functional loading following in vivo service.
Methods: Five skeletally mature research dogs underwent unilateral total knee replacement
using a cemented implant system with a polyethylene (PE) monobloc tibial component.
Use of the implanted limb was assessed by pressure-sensitive walkway analysis. At
60 weeks post-surgery, the animals were euthanatized and the tibia sectioned en bloc
in the sagittal plane to create medial and lateral specimens. High resolution imaging
was used to quantify the morphology under the tray and along the keel. Specimens were
loaded to 50% body weight and micro-motions at the PE-cement and cement-bone interfaces
were quantified.
Results: There was significantly (p = 0.002) more cement-bone apposition and interdigitation
along the central keel compared to the regions under the tray. Cavitary defects were
associated with the perimeters of the implant (60 ± 25%). Interdigitation fraction
was negatively correlated with cavitary defect fraction, cement crack fraction, and
total micro-motion.
Clinical significance: Achieving good inter-digitation of cement into subchondral bone beneath the tibial
tray is associated with improved interface morphology and reduced micro-motion; features
that could result in a reduced incidence of aseptic loosening. Multiple drill holes
distributed over the cut tibial surface and adequate pressurization of the cement
into the subchondral bone should improve fixation and reduce interface micro-motion
and cavitary defects.
Keywords
Canine - knee joint replacement - implant fixation - aseptic loosening - micro-motion
- cavitary defects