Current analysis of tibial coverage in total knee arthroplasty

Theoretically, the ability of a knee arthroplasty system to maximize tibial coverage is essential for long-term success of the procedure. Two sets of tibial resection specimens consisting of 42 and 46 specimens, respectively, were used to analyze the tibial coverage provided by the following total knee arthroplasty systems: the Genesis, Genesis II, Insall-Burstein II, and the Press Fit Condylar system. When the two sets of data were combined, the Genesis II system showed an average tibial coverage of 90.85 +/- 3.08%, while the greatest average tibial coverage shown by the other systems was 86.57 +/- 6.22%. The average coverage provided by the newer asymmetrical total knee arthroplasty system appeared to be significantly greater (P < 0.0001) than that provided by any of the other systems analyzed in this study. An asymmetrical tibial implant along with a variety of different sizes appear to allow maximal tibial coverage. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.