Cementless total knee arthroplasty in patients 50 years or younger.

Total knee arthroplasty now is being advocated for use in younger patients with posttraumatic and rheumatoid arthritis. Advances in technology, design, and materials potentially have allowed for more predictable results. There has been continued interest in cementless fixation for use in younger patients. Between 1986 and 1998, 75 total knee replacements in 57 patients 50 years or younger were done. All surgeries were done by one surgeon (AAH). There were 35 left knees and 40 right knees. The average age of the patients was 42 years (range, 31-50 years). Followup averaged 111 months. Preoperative range of motion was 5 degrees to 106 degrees and postoperative range of motion was 2 degrees to 113 degrees. Modified Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores improved from an average of 67 points preoperatively to an average of 97 points postoperatively. The majority of the diagnoses were posttraumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis (57%), indicating a young, active group of patients. There were two infections and 12 polyethylene exchanges. There were no revisions for loosening or implant failure. There was a correlation between prior knee surgeries and the need for a manipulation. Radiographically, there were no loose implants. Cementless fixation in the young patient with high physical demands was clinically reliable.