THE EFFECTS OF TROCHLEAR DESIGN ON SURFACE DAMAGE AND WEAR IN RETRIEVED TOTAL KNEE IMPLANTS USING PROFILOMETRY

IntroductionComplications related to the patellofemoral joint continue to be a substantial source of patient morbidity, causing anterior knee pain, instability, and dysfunction following total knee arthroplasty. One of the principle factors affecting patellofemoral outcomes may be trochlear design. The optimal design is currently unknown. The purpose of the present study was to study patellofemoral joint contact by analysing areas of wear in retrieved femoral components of three modern designs.Materials and MethodsEighteen retrieved femoral components featuring three different designs (constant radius of rotation, multiple radii of rotation, and multiple radii of rotation with built-in external rotation design) were matched on the basis of time-in-vivo, age, BMI and gender. All implants were cobalt chrome, posterior stabilized, cemented components with fixed bearing design with a resurfaced patella. Trochlear wear and surface damage were assessed using visual inspection, low-magnification light microscopy...