The Knee, ISSN: 1873-5800, Vol: 21, Issue: 4, Page: 875-7

Tricompartmental resurfacing arthroplasty with a follow-up of more than 30years

Thienpont, Emmanuel; Cartier, Philippe
Knee

Background

Unicompartmental and patellofemoral joint replacements are proven solutions for arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee. Bicompartmental replacement has been considered lately as an alternative for combined medial and patellofemoral arthritis. The main idea behind these resurfacing solutions is tissue preservation with conservation of bone stock and both cruciate ligaments. Tricompartmental replacement with selective resurfacing of all three compartments with different modular implants is exceptional.

Methods

The authors present a case with more than thirty year follow-up both clinically and radiographically.

Results

Excellent function and patient satisfaction are observed at 30 year follow-up. Radiographs show no osteolysis or loosening of components.

Conclusions

Conservation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments seems to protect against polyethylene wear at long-term follow-up.

Level of evidence

IV.

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