Functional outcomes comparing Triathlon versus Duracon total knee arthroplasty: does the Triathlon outperform its predecessor?

Abstract

Purpose Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prosthesis designs are constantly evolving to obtain greater functional performance. The aim of this study is to compare the functional outcomes between the newer single radius (SR) Triathlon prosthesis with its multiradius (MR) predecessor the Duracon. Method We analysed 1,012 primary TKA procedures which used either the Triathlon SR prosthesis or the Duracon MR prosthesis (338 Triathlon, 674 Duracon). Patients were assessed using the Knee Society score (KSS), range of movement measurements, pain and walking assessments at time points pre-operatively, one year and two years postoperatively. Results Both groups were similar pre-operatively in terms of age, gender and body mass index (BMI). At one year postoperatively the Triathlon group had a significantly better flexion (P=0.005) and KSS (function score P=0.037, knee score P=0.000). At two years postoperatively the Triathlons had maintained a significantly better KSS (function score P=0.046, knee score P=0.000) and also knee flexion (P=0.02). Pain assessments at two years were significantly better in the Triathlon group (P=0.002) with 66.3 % of patients experiencing no pain at that point compared to 54.4 % with Duracon knees. Conclusion This data supports the proposition that the use of Triathlon TKA results in improved outcomes for patients when compared to the Duracon TKA.

Comparison of functional outcomes between single-radius and multi-radius femoral components in primary total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Furthermore, Luo et al [32] found less anterior knee pain and painless crepitation among the SR group in the long-term follow-up study of a minimum of 10 years. These studies are supported by the fact that better functional outcomes of SR have been observed in many of the large study groups with long-term follow-up period [33,34]. In contrast, others ask whether these theoretical benefits of SR designs actually correlate with superior postoperative functional outcomes.…”

Long-Term Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…Specifically, a study by Palmer et al [9] compared the functional outcome of using a Triathlon prosthesis versus a Duracon prosthesis. Palmer et al analyzed KSS objective and functional scores 2-years post-operatively for 1012 primary TKAs (n = 338 Triathlon and 674 Duracon prostheses).…”

Is Single-Radius Design Better for Quadriceps Recovery in Total Knee Arthroplasty?

“…Few studies have extensively compared the SR and MR femoral components, and most of which focused on the clinical scores and ROM 11 12 13 14) . It is difficult to find studies that include preoperative or sequential follow-up data on quadriceps strength assessed in an objective manner 12) .…”