Use of tantalum cones in primary arthroplasty of acute proximal tibial fractures


Published online: Sep 27 2016

Harish SIVASUBRAMANIAN, Sunil GURPUR KINI, Kai Yun ANG, S. S. Sathappan

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore

Abstract

Metaphyseal tantalum cones in primary total knee arthroplasty and their functional outcome is described using 3 case reports over 6 years. 3 knees in 3 elderly individuals (mean age of 70.4 years), with pre-existing osteoarthritis and complex proximal tibial fractures, were operated on. Ambulation with walking frame was achieved from post-operation day 1, with weightbearing as tolerated. Mean range of motion was 122° and Mean Knee Society Score was 88. All showed improvement in pre-operative limb alignment. Radiological fracture union was achieved on an average of 3 months. All were independent ambulators and painfree at the latest follow-up. Our case series shows that tantalum cones are associated with significant improvements in clinical scores, patient symptoms, range of movement, early weight-bearing and low rates of complications in complex proximal tibial fractures with poor bone stock.