Bicondylar St. Georg sledge knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

Fifty-three bicondylar St. Georg sledge knee arthroplasties in 44 patients were reviewed. These patients had a mean follow-up period of 5.9 years (range, three to ten years). Function was assessed using the d'Aubigné scale coupled with measurement of range of motion (ROM) and stability. Pain relief was substantial (75%), and functional ability improved commensurately. ROM improved from a preoperative average of 83 to a postoperative 123. Three (5.7%) arthroplasties failed and were subsequently revised, while three (6.8%) of the knees examined at review have static radiolucent lines at the tibial bone-cement interface. The remaining 44 knees examined (93.2%) showed no signs of impending failure and have sustained their functional result. The polyethylene tibial components are not metal backed, and it is of interest that bone-cement interface failure has been unusual. This operation is a somewhat exacting procedure, but with the correct choice of patient and technique, a predictable result can be expected.