About Cemented & Cementless Knee Replacement

Here is a concise summary comparing cemented and cementless knee replacements:

Key Differences

• Cemented knee replacements use bone cement to fix the implant components to the bone, providing immediate stability.
• Cementless implants have a porous surface that allows the bone to grow into the implant over time for biological fixation.

Advantages of Cemented

• Cement provides immediate fixation, especially in patients with poor bone quality like osteoporosis.
• Cemented implants have a long track record of success, often lasting 15-20 years or more.
• The cement dries quickly (within 10 minutes) to secure the implant after surgery.

Advantages of Cementless

• May be preferred for younger, more active patients as they provide excellent long-term stability and durability.
• Eliminates the small risk of cement-related complications like allergic reactions.
• Reduces operating room time by about 25-27 minutes on average compared to cemented.

Outcomes

• Both cemented and cementless knee replacements have good long-term success rates, but cementless requires more time for bone ingrowth.
• A recent study found no difference in complications, readmissions or revision rates at 2 years between the two techniques.

Factors to Consider

• Patient age, activity level, bone quality, and surgeon preference help determine the best approach.
• Cementless may be preferred for younger, active patients with good bone stock.
• Cemented is a reliable option, especially for patients with poor bone quality.

In summary, while cementless knee replacements show promise, cemented implants remain the most widely used with extensive long-term data supporting their efficacy. The choice depends on patient factors and surgeon experience.