Although stems improve initial mechanical stability in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), ideal indications, proper lengths and diameters, and appropriate fixation methods remain controversial. The topics of the present article include the indications, selection of lengths and diameters, and fixation methods of stems in revision TKA. The use of a stem in revision TKA can protect the juxta-articular bone. A stem cannot be a substitute for optimal component fixation; it plays an adjunctive role in transferring the loads from the compromised metaphysis to the stronger diaphysis. Proper bone surface preparation and appropriate use of the stem based on a great store of knowledge are required to support the stemmed components effectively in revision TKA. The balance between overshielding and overloading the juxta-articular bone would provide excellent structural protection. The stem length and diameter should be tailored according to patients’ anatomical characteristics and determined fixation strategy. There are two traditional methods of stem fixation including the total cementation technique and the hybrid technique with a cementless press-fit stem. Selection of a cementation technique should be based on thorough consideration of advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

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PurposeIn the present study, the early results of sensor‐assisted versus manually balanced posterior‐stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis with varus deformities were prospectively compared. MethodsFifty patients undergoing sensor‐assisted TKA (group S) and 50 patients receiving manually balanced TKA (group M) were prospectively compared. The groups did not differ in terms of demographics, preoperative clinical status, or severity of deformity. The knee and function scores (KS and FS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated clinically. The mechanical axes and positions of components were assessed radiographically. In sensor‐assisted TKA, the medial and lateral compartment loads were compared based on the patellar positions of inversion and eversion. ResultsThere was no between‐group difference in the postoperative KS or FS (n.s., respectively). The average postoperative WOMAC score was 17.0 in group S and 18.0 in group M (n.s.). The ROM was 131.2° in group S and 130.8° in group M (n.s.). Neither the postoperative alignment of the mechanical axis nor the component positioning differed between the groups (n.s.). In sensor‐assisted TKA, the difference between the medial and lateral compartment loads was less than 15 lbs (6.8 kg) in each knee. The lateral compartment load increased after patellar eversion (p < 0.001). ConclusionThere are concerns about the cost–benefit ratio of the intraoperative load sensor, despite its advantage of more precisely assessing ligament balance without patellar eversion, which resulted in a smaller lateral gap. A long‐term follow‐up study with a large cohort is required. Level of evidenceII.

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to compare clinical results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the Attune and PFC Sigma knee designs and to investigate whether the use of the Attune prosthesis increased the risk of patellar injury in Asian patients.Materials and MethodsThree hundred knees that underwent TKA using Attune (group A) were compared to 300 knees that underwent TKA using PFC Sigma (group B). The Knee Society Knee Score (KS) and Function Score (FS), and range of motion (ROM) were compared. The residual patellar thickness was compared to evaluate the risk of patellar injury.ResultsThe postoperative KS and ROM of group A were better than those of group B (93.1 vs. 88.8, p<0.001 and 131.4° vs. 129.0°, p=0.008, respectively). The postoperative FS did not differ significantly between the two groups (80.9 vs. 78.7, p=0.427). The residual patella was thinner in group A (14.8 mm vs. 15.7 mm, p=0.003), which made up a higher proportion of the high-risk group for patellar fractures with a residual thickness of <12 mm (7.5% vs. 2.1%, p=0.003).ConclusionsTKA using the Attune prosthesis provided more favorable clinical results than TKA using PFC Sigma. However, the risk of injury in the residual patella was increased with use of the Attune prosthesis in Asian patients.

II.