To compare the mid-term clinical outcomes in Indian patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a fixed- or mobile-bearing prosthesis.
120 consecutive patients (50 men and 70 women) aged 55 to 76 (mean, 63) years who had arthritis of the knee with similar deformity and range of motion were randomised to undergo TKA using a fixed- or mobile-bearing prosthesis. Patients with mediolateral instability and infective arthritis were excluded. Knee Society knee and functional scores, range of motion, and the presence of flexion contracture were assessed.
The mean follow-up duration was 3.5 (range, 1-4.6) years. The mid-term outcome of the 2 groups was comparable. One patient with a mobile-bearing prosthesis had recurrent dislocation at postoperative week 2, owing to iatrogenic medial collateral ligament injury.
Long-term studies of both functional and radiological outcomes are needed to determine the indications for fixed- versus mobile-bearing prostheses.