Modular tibial plate for minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modular tibial plate purposely designed for minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS: We prospectively assessed the results of 200 primary total knee replacements performed through a minimally invasive approach using a dedicated modular tibial plate, a posterior stabilized knee prosthesis, and a fixed bearing in 175 patients (139 women and 36 men), undergoing surgery between 2005 and 2009 presenting knee osteoarthritis. Median age at the time of surgery was 69 years (52-88).

RESULTS: No patients were lost at follow-up. 3 implants underwent revision. At a mean 3 years (1-5 years) follow-up, the HHS and KSS score showed a significant improvement, increasing, respectively, from a median value of 35-95 (78-100) and from 31 points in the "knee" and 45 points in the "function" score to a median of 95 (83-100) and 94 (81-100). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the survival rate at 5 years was 97.9% with a 95% confidence interval.

CONCLUSION: The implant showed good results in either clinical or radiological assessment at a short/midterm follow-up with a high survival rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.