Use of prepolymerized cement spacers to augment the femoral component in revision total knee arthroplasty: a clinical outcome report and laboratory experiment.

Abstract

A technique for revision total knee arthroplasty managing posterior femoral condylar bone loss with prepolymerized polymethyl methacrylate cement spacers as augments to the femoral component is described in 10 consecutive cases. The maximum follow-up time is 63 months. This method allows for maintenance of the posterior joint line, which in turn facilitates appropriate flexion-extension gap balancing. The cement spacers are inexpensive compared with metal augments. An experimental study confirms that the cement spacers produce a chemical and physical bond with fresh cement. This eliminates the risk of particulate debris production between the cement augment and the fixation cement. Although the cement spacers have been produced to match one manufacturer's implants, they could be applied to other knee systems.