Functional outcome of PFC Sigma fixed and rotating-platform total knee arthroplasty. A prospective randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in functional outcome between the PFC Sigma fixed-bearing and rotating-platform total knee replacement systems. One hundred twenty patients were randomised to receive either a fixed-bearing or rotating-platform PFC Sigma total knee replacement. Range of movement (ROM), Oxford knee score (OKS) and Knee Society score (KSS) were assessed independently before and one year after surgery. Weight-bearing X-rays were taken immediately and one year post surgery to determine the incidence of osteolysis and loosening. At a mean follow-up of 13.4 months there was no statistically significant difference in mean ROM, OKS and KSS between the two groups. There was no evidence of osteolysis or loosening in either of the groups and no revision for infection or implant failure. This study shows that there is no statistically significant difference in functional outcome between the two types of implants at short-term follow-up.