Uncemented total knee arthroplasty: report of 109 titanium knees with cancellous-structured porous coating.

One hundred twenty-three uncemented total knee arthroplasties were performed between November 1986 and November 1989. The implants were pure titanium with porous coating for bony ingrowth. One hundred nine of these knees were followed for 2 to 5 years (average: 31.5 months). Clinical evaluation of the results, using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale, revealed an increase in the average knee score from 62.9 preoperatively to 92.5 postoperatively, with excellent or good results in 94.5% of the cases. Thirteen knees (12%) had 26 radiolucent lines or areas. There was no complete lucency underneath any implant, and no knees were revised for loosening. One knee required replacement of the tibial insert for instability. While titanium implants were successful in achieving secure fixation and high knee scores in the short term, longer follow up will be necessary for more definitive conclusions, especially in regard to the potential problems with titanium wear debris.