The Attenborough and Gallannaugh knee prostheses for total knee arthroplasty. A comparison and survival analysis.

Abstract

The characteristic feature of the Attenborough knee prosthesis was a stabilizing link rod, designed to act in place of the cruciate ligaments and to supplement the function of the collateral ligaments when damaged by disease. However, the reported long-term results obtained with this prosthesis have not been satisfactory, and survival analysis of 505 arthroplasties in which this prosthesis was used demonstrates a cumulative 14-year success rate of only 44.9%. In 1982, a new design incorporating the link rod was developed and the results of 149 knees in which this prosthesis was used show a cumulative seven-year success rate of 98.4%, compared with 70.1% in the Attenborough series. The clinical results of the Gallannaugh series are presented in this study. Knee function has been separated from patient activity, the patients being categorized in groups according to their physical state. Thus, the result of the knee operation can be assessed even in those disabled by age and infirmity. The Gallannaugh prosthesis is of particular value in circumstances where the use of an unconstrained prosthesis would be impractical.