Risk factors for aseptic loosening in complex revision total knee arthroplasty using rotating hinge implants

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the risk factors of aseptic loosening (AL) in complex revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases using rotating hinge knee prosthesis.

Methods

Patients who had undergone re-revision rotating hinge prosthesis surgery between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. Parameters related to AL were retrospectively reviewed. For this purpose, 31 aseptic loosening patients and 30 control patients were included in the study. Various risk factors were evaluated. Risk factors for AL after re-revision were determined using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

Thirty-one AL patients and 30 control patients were included. In the AL group, tibial tantalum cone and impaction grafting were performed significantly less frequently than the control group (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking, right-sided TKA, and large femoral canal anteroposterior diameter were factors that increased the risk of AL after re-revision, while tibial tantalum cone decreased the risk of loosening. Smokers had an 11.847-fold higher risk for AL; right-sided TKA led to a 4.594-fold higher risk for AL. However, the presence of a tibial tantalum cone was associated with an 8.403-fold lower risk for AL.

Conclusions

We conclude that smoking, right-sided prosthesis, and large femoral canal diameter increased the risk of AL, while tantalum cone and impaction grafting reduced this risk in patients who underwent re-revision surgery with rotating hinge prosthesis after TKA.