3D-Printed Metaphyseal Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasties
Christopher N. Carender, Cole E. Bothun, Michael J. Taunton, Kevin I. Perry, Nicholas A. Bedard, Mark W. Pagnano, Matthew P. Abdel
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Porous metaphyseal cones are frequently utilized during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate 3D-printed metaphyseal cones used for revision TKA, with specific emphasis on implant survivorship, radiographic appearance, and clinical outcomes after short-term follow-up. METHODS: We identified 740 cones (498 tibial, 242 femoral) that had been inserted during 533 revision TKA procedures that had been performed at a single tertiary care academic institution. Aseptic loosening (n = 199), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (n = 183), and instability (n = 84) were the most common reasons for the index revision. Type-2B or 3 bone loss was present in 67% of the knees. The mean age was 66 years, the mean body mass index was 34 kg/m 2 , and 55% of the patients were female. Serial radiographs were reviewed. The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative incidence of cone revision for aseptic loosening was 1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0% to 3%). The 5-year cumulative incidence of any cone revision or removal was 6% (95% CI, 4% to 9%). In total, 37 cones (19 femoral, 18 tibial) were revised, with PJI (n = 23; 14 recurrent), periprosthetic femoral fracture (n = 3), arthrofibrosis (n = 3), and aseptic loosening of the femoral component and femoral cone (n = 3) as the most common reasons for cone revision. The 5-year cumulative incidence of any TKA re-revision was 14% (95% CI, 11% to 18%). There were a total of 67 re-revisions, with PJI (n = 38), persistent drainage (n = 6), and extensor mechanism disruption (n = 3) being the most common reasons. Radiographically, 2 unrevised femoral cones and 1 unrevised tibial cone appeared to be possibly loose; all 3 cones were in knees with distal femoral replacements or hinged constructs. CONCLUSIONS: This large series showed that 3D-printed titanium metaphyseal cones were very durable at short-term follow-up, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of cone revision for aseptic loosening of 1%. PJI was the most common reason for cone revision and any revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.