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PURPOSE
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs continuously evolve with the
aim of improving patient outcomes. The purpose of the current study
was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome (PRO) results
of a new TKA implant to its predecessor. The hypothesis of this
study was that joint awareness and range of motion (ROM) of the
newer design would be better than the classic design.
METHODS
One hundred patients undergoing TKA using the newer design (Attune)
were matched by age and gender to 200 patients with the classic
design (LCS). All patients underwent computer-navigated (Vector
Vision, Brain-Lab, Germany) primary TKA by the same surgeon using
the same technique. Data (FJS-12, WOMAC and ROM) were collected
preoperatively and at 12 months follow-up at our implant
registry.
RESULTS
Compared to preoperative scores, FJS-12, WOMAC and ROM improved
significantly at 12 months follow-up. In the Attune group, mean
FJS-12 and WOMAC at follow-up were 67.6 (SD 27.8) and 14.8 (SD 14.9)
respectively, compared to 70.8 (SD 33.8) and 15 (SD 17.9) in the LCS
group. Mean postoperative ROM was similar in both groups (Attune
120°, range 90°-140°, SD 10.4 and LCS 120°, range
85°-140°, SD 10.3).
CONCLUSION
The newer TKA and the predecessor design achieved comparable joint
awareness, WOMAC scores and ROM at 1-year follow-up. The benefits
expected of the newer design could not be observed in early clinical
and PROs. The clinical relevance of this study is that it questions
the importance of implant design as the single most important factor
for patient outcomes.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
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