Are the long term results of a high-flex total knee replacement affected by the range of flexion?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of deep flexion on the long-term durability of a high-flex ceramic implant in total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Five hundred and five consecutive knees replaced with a Bi-Surface knee system (Kyocera Medical, Osaka, Japan) were divided into two groups according to the range of flexion by 135° postoperatively. Comparison of implant durability was made between the high- and low-flexion groups after a minimum ten year follow-up. Results: With revision for any surgery as the end point, the survival rates at ten years were 95.5 % and 96.2 % in the high- and low-flexion group, respectively (p = 0.63). With revision for mechanical failure as the end point, survival rates were 98.7 % and 98.5 %, respectively (p = 0.94). Conclusion: Implant survival rate was similar for both groups. Deep flexion seemed not to affect long-term durability. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.