The Journal of Knee Surgery (June 2017) reports an unusually high rate of failure in certain knee replacement systems. These failures are occurring one month to two years after initial implantation, and patients are reporting loosening as well as pain on initiation of weight-bearing. Of the reports considered within the article, only a small minority demonstrated evidence of radiolucencies. Nonetheless, the reports observe that “the tibial component had debonded and was easily separated from the cement mantle. Upon removal of the tibial baseplate, the inferior surface of the tibial baseplate was clear of cement.” In juxtaposition, all of the cement was “strongly adherent” to both the tibial bone and femoral components. Such loosening at the implant-cement interface is an unusual mechanism of injury, especially for cemented total knee arthroplasties, and is causing severe pain and oftentimes resulting in knee revision surgeries. (J Knee Surg. 2017:30, 435-439)
Issues Associated With the Loosening
Symptoms associated with the loosening of a defective knee replacement system may include:
- Instability
- Pain and swelling
- Failure to bond
- Fracture
- Persistent warmth/heat in the knee
- Revision Surgery
Read more symptoms of the failed knee replacements
Next Step
Goldenberg Lauricella is dedicated to pursuing justice for those injured through faulty knee replacement systems. If you or a loved one had a total knee replacement surgery since 2013 and are experiencing tibial loosening, please give us a call at (800) 504-0281 for a free and informative consultation.