Abstract
The „Press Fit Condylar“ (P.F.C., DePuy Johnson& Johnson) knee implant was invented in 1984 as a cruciate-retaining endoprosthesis. 4 years later the cruciate substition was added. In 1991 this as „P.F.C. modular“ well known system was upgraded for extended revision surgery with stems and augmentations called „Total Condylar 3“(T.C.3). Last evolution was in 1997 the P.F.C. Sigma with improvement of contact areas in patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint and improved PE. Instrumentation was also modified. Femoral implant is made from CoCr-alloy, tibial implant from TiAlV, PE inlays and onlay patellae complete the implant. Cemented or cementless versions are available.
Good result in condylar knee implantation depend strictly on using the techniques of planning/ templating, correct aligned bone cuts and especially on adequate soft-tissue-balancing. Different situations of ligament and/or capsule laxity or contracture associated with various deformities need stepwise release-procedures. The modularity helps also to manage the great variety of arthritic knees.
The P.F.C. is one of the worldwide most used implants, a lot of studies showed good results. Using revision due to loosening as an endpoint a 10years survivalrate from 97% or 15 until 21 years rate from 95-91% was published.
In future new technologies like navigation or robotics may help optimizing implants position and fit but a experienced surgeon will be absolutely necessary managing the operation and esp. the soft-tissue-part. Evolution of implantdesign and materials may in long term show new possibilities.
The abstracts were prepared by Mrs Anna Ligocka. Correspondence should be addressed to IX ICL of EFORT Organizing Committee, Department of Orthopaedics, ul. Kopernika 19, 31–501 Krakow, Poland
