Primary stability of tibial plateaus under dynamic compression-shear loading in human tibiae - Influence of keel length, cementation area and tibial stem.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of the tibial keel & stem length in surface cementation, of a full cemented keel and of an additional tibial stem on the primary stability of a posterior stabilised tibial plateau (VEGA® System Aesculap Tuttlingen, Germany) under dynamic compression-shear loading conditions in human tibiae. We performed the cemented tibial plateau implantations on 24 fresh-frozen human tibiae of a mean donor age of 70.7years (range 47-97).

Analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Hinge Mechanism Articulation Components in a Rotating Hinge Knee Design: A Comparison of In Vitro and Retrieval Findings.

Carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) represents a promising alternative material for bushings in total knee replacements, after early clinical failures of polyethylene in this application. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the damage modes and the extent of damage observed on CFR-PEEK hinge mechanism articulation components after in vivo service in a rotating hinge knee (RHK) system and to compare the results with corresponding components subjected to in vitro wear tests. Key question was if there were any similarities or differences between in vivo and in vitro damage characteristics.