Tibial metaphyseal cones combined with short stems perform as well as long stems in revision total knee arthroplasty.

Backgrounds: There is uncertainty around optimal tibial stem length in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) utilizing a tibial trabecular metal (TM) cone. The purpose of this study was to compare: (1) functional outcomes, (2) radiographic outcomes and (3) implant survivorship in rTKA utilizing TM cones combined with either short stems (SS) or long stems (LS) at minimum 2 years follow-up.

Methods: In this retrospective, multi-centre study, patients undergoing rTKA utilizing a TM cone between 2008 and 2019 were included. Patients were divided into: SS group (no diaphyseal engagement), and LS group (diaphyseal engagement). All relevant clinical charts and post-operative radiographs were examined. Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) data were collected at most recent follow-up.

Results: In total, 44 patients were included: 18 in the SS group and 26 in the LS group. The mean time of follow-up was 4.0 years. Failure free survival was 94.4% for the SS group and 92.3% for the LS group. All failures were for prosthetic joint infections managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention. At most recent follow-up, 3 patients demonstrated radiographic signs of lucency (1 SS 2 LS, P = 1) and the mean OKS were 37 ± 4 and 36 ± 6 (P = 0.73) in the SS and LS groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Tibial SS combined with TM cones performed as well as LS in rTKA at minimum 2 years follow-up. A tibial SS in combination with a TM cone is a reliable technique to achieve stable and durable fixation in rTKA.