Background Historically, polyethylene wear and its sequelae (osteolysis, late instability, aseptic loosening) were common causes for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recently, polyethylene manufacturing has become more consistent; furthermore, a clearer understanding of the importance of oxidation on polyethylene performance led to packaging of the polyethylene bearings in an inert environment. This improved the quality and consistency of polyethylene used in TKA, raising the question of whether different failure modes now predominate after TKA.

Background A femoral implant with a modular sleeve and stem has been designed to allow independent and complete metaphyseal-diaphyseal fit and fill as well as independent rotation to accommodate anteversion at the time of THA.

No abstract