Retrieval analysis of total knee prostheses: a method and its application to 48 total condylar prostheses.

A technique for the classification and quantification of damage in retrieved total knee prostheses is presented and applied to the examination of 48 removed total condylar-type knee replacements. The technique involves inspection of all metallic and polyethylene components for evidence of gross deformation, fracture, and damage to articulating surfaces. A grading system was developed to quantitate surface damage on polyethylene components. Results of the examinations are combined with patient variables (weight, activity level, radiographic findings, time of implantation, and results of histology performed on surrounding tissue) to determine correlations between clinical variables and the mechanical damage experienced by the prostheses. For the 48 total condylar-type prostheses, significant positive correlations were found for the surface damage correlated with the patient's weight and the time the prosthesis was implanted.