The strain distribution in the upper tibia after insertion of two different unicompartmental prostheses.

Abstract

The strain distribution in the proximal tibia in seven human autopsy specimens was investigated with strain-gauge rosettes attached on the medial proximal aspect of the tibia. The strains measured were about the same on the proximal bone and on the bone in the metaphysis. The direction of the minimal principal strain (compression) was about 45 degrees counterclockwise (left knee). After insertion of a unicompartmental prosthesis medially, a non-constrained prosthesis with a loose meniscus-bearing and a constrained prosthesis, the tensile strain was about four times higher in the most anteromedial gauge. No significant differences were found between prostheses. Tests were also performed with the two prostheses inserted into three plastic models. The constrained prosthesis was more sensitive to outward rotation of tibia versus femur, which made the femoral component climb up the slope of the tibial component and caused a marked change in the strain distribution compared to loading in the neutral position. With the other prosthesis, a malpositioning of the tibial component medially caused the meniscus bearing to lie close to the medial rim of the tibial component. An external rotation of tibia then made the system constrained and dramatically changes the strain distribution.