A comparison of four models of total knee-replacement prostheses

Abstract

This study presents an evaluation of four types of total knee replacement prosthesis. The prostheses included unicondylar (29 knees), duocondylar (64 knees), Guepar (50 knees) and geometric (50 knees). The prostheses were assessed at follow up durations of 2-3.5 years. The nature of patients receiving each type of prosthesis differed. In the least severe cases, the unicondylar was used. This prosthesis gave the least complications. The best prosthesis to use in knees with rheumatoid arthritis and a mild deformity was the duocondylar. The Guepar prosthesis showed the best results in those patients with the most severe deformity or disease. However, infection rates were greater in the Guepar than the other prostheses. Loosening of the tibial and femoral components of the Guepar was suggested by radiolucent lines in 60 and 45 % of knees, respectively. In patients with moderate to severe deformity, the geometric prosthesis was found to give the best results. It was not suitable for knees with rheumatoid arthritis, however.