Early failure of a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty design with an all-polyethylene tibial component

Refined prosthetic designs and surgical techniques for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have recently been associated with improved outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the EIUS unicompartmental design, which has an all-polyethylene tibial component, and to compare these outcomes with published reports of other unicompartmental prostheses. Between February 2002 and March 2005, 113 patients (144 knees) underwent a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, all performed by a single surgeon who used the EIUS prosthesis. At a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 24–54 months), the mean Knee Society objective and functional scores improved from 55 points (range, 31–77 points) and 49 points (range, 35–60 points) to 92 points (range, 45–100 points) and 89 points (range, 10–100 points), respectively. The implant survival rate was 89%, with 16 knees either revised or scheduled for revision. The reasons for revision included aseptic loosening of the tibial component (eight knees), progressive symptomatic patellofemoral disease (four knees), and tibial component subsidence (four knees). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, gender, and body mass index were not significantly correlated with success or failure of this design, although nine of the 16 patients who required revision were obese. This prosthesis was associated with higher revision rates than components which utilize metal-backed implants. Further modifications in the design, indications, or technique may be necessary to improve outcomes of this unicompartmental knee arthroplasty system.