Micromotion of cementless tibial baseplates: keels with adjuvant pegs offer more stability than pegs alone.

Initial implant stability is crucial to cementless knee arthroplasty fixation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of two baseplates with different fixation features: a monoblock porous tantalum baseplate featuring two hexagonal pegs alone, and a modular design featuring a keel with four adjuvant cruciform pegs. A physiologically relevant test method previously described was used to evaluate compression and liftoff of the baseplates during stair descent. The porous tantalum baseplate with dual-hex peg fixation experienced greater rocking motions and liftoff compared to the baseplate with a keel and adjuvant pegs. Liftoff and displacement motion is likely deleterious and may inhibit biological fixation due to the physical separation of the baseplate from the bone.