Abstract
The Profix knee replacement arthroplasty manufactured by Smith and Nephew has been in use for the past five years however there are few published outcome data for this prosthesis.
The purpose of this study was to provide clinical outcome data for a cohort of patients with a Profix TKR at a minimum 3 years follow up.
There were 65 joint replacements in 58 patients all performed by or under the direct supervision of one of two senior consultant Orthopaedic surgeons. There were 34 right and 31 left knees replaced in 31 male and 27 female patients. Mean age of the patients was 69 years (51–84 years) and mean body mass 89Kg (45–140Kg).
The femoral component was uncemented in 49 knees and cemented in 16 knees. The tibial component was cemented in all 65 cases. There were 53 mobile bearing polyethylene inserts and 12 fixed bearing knees. The patella was resurfaced primarily in 32 cases.
Using the Oxford Knee score, the mean knee score was 20.7 (Range 12–42) where a perfect score is 12 and the worst possible score 60. Mean clinical range of movement was 111 degrees (Range 90–130 degrees).
Of the 65 joints, 13 have required or are awaiting some form of re-operation. These included 3 for patellae that were not resurfaced at the index arthroplasty, 6 for secondary insertion or revision of mobile bearing locking-screws and one femoral revision for failure of on-growth of an uncemented femoral component.
The finding of loosening of the mobile bearing locking screw in three well functioning knees highlights the importance of Xray follow-up of patients even if their knee scores are entirely satisfactory.
Overall, the clinical results of this prosthesis are satisfactory, however these data would support routine patellar resurfacing and use of the cemented fixed bearing option for the Profix arthroplasty.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Tim Wilton, BASK, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
