Fracture of the knee endoprosthesis. Report of three cases of tibial component failure.

Three cases of total knee replacement, in which the polyethylene tibial component was fractured, are presented. Two were Attenborough prostheses and the third was a Townley prosthesis. In all cases there were radiographic signs of loosening before the fracture occurred. They were all successfully reoperated with an arthrodesis, using the long Küntscher nail technique.