The Sheehan total knee arthroplasty. A retrospective review.

Sixty Sheehan total knee arthroplasties (TKA) in 44 patients were reviewed 3.5 years following surgery. Patient mobility was improved, but only 29 knees were completely free of pain. In 18 knees there was a complaint of pain localized to the patellofemoral joint, and in five knees the pain was severe enough to require further surgery. Complications included three knees with presumed deep infection and three knees with tibial stud fractures. Aseptic loosening did not occur, although sinkage of the tibial component was observed. Revision arthroplasty was not successful mainly because of poor residual bone stock. Salvage surgery included three successful arthrodeses. The high incidence of patellofemoral problems and violation of bone stock make the current surface replacements attractive alternatives for TKA.