Primary Total Knee Replacement with a Zirconia Ceramic Femoral Component

This report presents the minimum two-year clinical results with a zirconia femoral component in a series of primary total knee replacements (TKR) performed by one surgeon. A posterior stabilized TKR was performed for degenerative arthritis in 36 patients (39 knees). All components were cemented; these included a femoral component made of yttrium-stabilized zirconia and a cobalt-chrome alloy tibial baseplate. The ultrocongruent bearing insert and patella were made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Mean WOMAC indices improved from 41 to 86, and mean Knee Society Scores (KSS) improved from 40 to 92. Revision to constrained implants was required in one patient who developed persistent knee instability after trauma. These early results are encouraging, but larger studies with much longer follow-up data are needed to determine whether ceramic bearings will prove to be a suitable alternative to metal, and to define the role of alternative bearings in total knee replacement.