Tibial Component Fixation in Deficient Tibial Bone Stock

A stylized wedge-shaped defect was created in the medial plateau of autopsy specimens of the tibia to evaluate methods for fixation in total knee arthroplasty. A series of tibial components was inserted by five different methods. With each method loading of up to 1780 N axially and a varus load of 1340 N at 28 Newton-meters were assessed. The vertical deflections of the medial and lateral sides of the tray relative to the bone were measured while bending of the stem was recorded with strain gauges. The greatest deflections occurred when cement alone filled the defect; only slight improvement resulted from the addition of two cancellous screws to buttress the metal tray. Further improvement occurred when solid spacers of Plexiglas or metal were used. Finally, the most secure support was obtained with an integral custom-made tibial component. A central stem 70 mm long carried 23%-38% of the axial load, considered useful in the situation of deficient proximal bone. A metal wedge was considered an acceptable alternative to a custom-made component and may prove useful in the reconstruction of tibial bone stock defects.