Long-term results of total condylar knee arthroplasty

From 1979 to 1984, 126 consecutive Total Condylar (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) knee arthroplasties were performed at a hospital in Taiwan, of which 64 knees were available for evaluation. The patients' average weight was 58 kg. The average Hospital for Special Surgery knee score at the latest follow-up was 86 points. Using revision for mechanical failure as an end point, the 20-year overall survival was 91.9%. The survival for the all-polyethylene tibial component was 96.4% and for the metal-backed tibial component was 88.4%. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). We recommend the use of the more cost-effective and durable all-polyethylene tibial component for a primary cemented total knee arthroplasty, particularly in Asians with a relatively low weight and who are relatively inactive, especially in elderly people.