Long-term survival and radiological results of the Duracon™ total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyse the long-term (>ten years) survival rate and radiological results of the Duracon TKA.MethodsBetween 1992 and 1999 159 Duracon TKA were implanted at our institution. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the endpoints exchange, addition or removal of any component for any reason, revision due to aseptic loosening and mechanical failure was performed. Radiological long-term (>ten years) follow-up (FU) analysis was performed according to the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation and Scoring System.ResultsMean age at surgery was 74.3 years, 28 % were male, and 89 % had primary osteoarthritis as diagnosis. Mean FU for survival analysis was 10.9 years (SD 4.2). A total of 58 % of the patients died during follow-up. Three patients (2.1 %) were lost to follow-up and five TKA (3.1 %) were revised. After ten years the mean survival was 97.7 %, 99.4 % and 98.3 % for the aforementioned endpoints, respectively. Mean radiological FU was 11.8 years (SD 2.3). We found no significant change in alignment of the components or axis over time. Progressive radiolucencies were found in nine TKA (17 %), mainly around the tibial component (95 %).ConclusionThe Duracon TKA showed excellent long-term survival comparable to data from national registers and to other successful designs. Radiological changes found on plain radiographs were scarce after almost 12 years of radiological follow-up indicating good implant stability.

Long-Term Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…A longterm study by Bachmann et al [4] evaluated the survivorship of Duracon TKAs (n = 159 prostheses) and found the mean aseptic survivorship rate of 97.7% and 94.8% after a 10-year and 15-year follow-up, respectively. With the use of radiographic images, Bachmann et al also found good long-term implant stability reflected by little changes or alignment differences after a minimum 10-year follow-up.…”

“…Therefore, manufacturers and surgeons are continuously developing newer implants and surgical techniques that may increase the implant survivorship and improve the outcomes after this procedure [2,3]. The Duracon knee (Stryker Howmedica, Rutherford, New Jersey) is a worldwide-used device, specifically designed for improved patello-femoral tracking and increased contact between the femorotibial surfaces [2,4].…”

Functional outcomes comparing Triathlon versus Duracon total knee arthroplasty: does the Triathlon outperform its predecessor?

“…The SR design has a fixed axis of rotation centered about the transepicondylar axis, which maintains ligament tension and substantial contact throughout the range of motion [3]. This is thought to allow for uniform movement, lower contact stress on the inlay, better mid flexion stability, and enables a mechanical advantage of the quadriceps muscles during extension of the knee [3,15,16]. The Triathlon also has flared femoral posterior condyles thought to aid rotation during deep knee flexion [2].…”

Do Medial Pivot Kinematics Correlate With Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

“…The procedure has proven to be exceptionally reliable in terms of implant longevity, with 20year revision free survival rates between 70.9%-91.0%. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Unfortunately, achieving a comparable level of subjective clinical success has proven to be elusive. A host of reports evaluating patient reported outcomes after TKA quote up to 20% of patients are not satisfied, often citing continued pain, stiffness, or an 'unnatural' feel to the joint.…”