The effect of tibial stem design on component micromotion in knee arthroplasty

Steven H. Stern, R. Douglas Wills, Jeremy L. Gilbert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rigid body mechanics with computer data acquisition and analysis techniques were used to determine the three-dimensional motions of any point on the tibial component of a total knee arthroplasty. Three stem configurations were compared: (1) no stem; (2) short stem (40 mm); and (3) long stem (75 mm). In addition, three loading conditions were analyzed for each stem configuration: (1) central loading; (2) posterior loading; and (3) medial loading. The longer stem implants were associated with increased micromotion, especially under eccentric loading. Cemented implants seemed to have more stable fixation, compared with non-cemented implants. It was thought that the increased motion was secondary to a toggling of the implant under load, secondary to uneven medullary cortical contact. Overall, the results indicated that short and long stems do not enhance initial fixation with cemented or cementless implantation in routine knee arthroplasty.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-52
Number of pages9
JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Volume345
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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