Trunnionosis in total knee arthroplasty: an unusual case report in revision knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background:Trunnionosis has been described as an emerging cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty. However, its role in total knee arthroplasty failure is poorly described. Case Report:A case of catastrophic failure of revision total knee arthroplasty at 7 years due to trunnionosis at the femoral extension rod morsetaper junction is described. The possible mechanism of failure is discussed based on a comprehensive finite element analysis. Conclusions:The limitations of modularity and trunnionosis must be understood, as many patients have been receiving modular total knee arthroplasty at younger ages.