Bone Defects in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

The increase in the number of revision total knee arthroplasty surgeries has been observed in recent years, worldwide, for several causes. In the United States, a 601% increase in the number of total knee arthroplasties, between 2005 and 2030, is estimated. Among the enormous challenges of this complex surgery, the adequate treatment of bone defects is essential to obtain satisfactory and lasting results. The adequate treatment of bone defects aims to build a stable and lasting support platform for the implantation of the definitive prosthetic components and, if possible, with the reconstruction of bone stock. Concomitantly, it allows the correct alignment of the prosthetic and limb components, as well as restoring the height of the joint interline and, thus, restoring the tension of soft parts and load distribution to the host bone, generating a joint reconstruction with good function, stable, and painless. There are several options for the management of these bone defects, among them: bone cement with or without reinforcement with screws, modular metallic augmentations, impacted bone graft, structural homologous graft and, more recently, metal metaphyseal cones, and metaphyseal sleeves. The objective of the present article was to gather classic information and innovations about the main aspects related to the treatment of bone defects during revision surgeries for total knee arthroplasty.

Introduction

The increase in the number of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) surgeries can be related not only to the increase in the absolute number of primary surgeries performed, but also to several other factors such as the expansion of primary implant indications, including younger and more active patients, as well as factors related to surgical technique and implant durability. ^{1 2 3 4 5} In the United States, a 601% increase in the number of rTKAs is estimated between 2005 and 2030. ¹ In Brazil, there is a lack of reliable data on the increase in the number of rTKAs.

Among the enormous challenges of this complex surgery, the adequate treatment of bone defects is essential to obtain satisfactory and lasting results. ^{6 7 8} The cause of bone deficiency is usually multifactorial; however, aspects such as previous pathology, the design of primary implants, the occurrence of osteolysis, possible technical errors in the realization of the primary prosthesis or during the removal of fixed implants and, also, the failure mechanism are frequently identified. ^{9 10 11 12}

Assessment of Bone Defects

Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the knee make it possible to assess the design and size of prosthetic components, to analyze the type and quality of implant-host fixation, to infer possible causes of failure, and to estimate the extent of bone loss. Axial radiography of the patella allows the assessment of patellar alignment, as well as the presence or absence of patellar component and/or bone defect. ¹³ Oblique radiographs can be useful in showing osteolysis, especially in implants with a posterior-stabilized box. Panoramic views allow to analyze the limb alignment, the presence of extra articular bone deformities, and the presence of possible synthesis materials as well as the condition of the other joints. ^{12 13 14}

However, standard radiographs of the knee often underestimate, especially in the femur, ^{9 13} the extent of the bone defect identified intraoperatively after removal of implants and debridement of fibrosis and necrotic tissues. ^{11 15} Computed tomography (CT) images show greater sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing bone defects and osteolytic lesions that are difficult to observe on radiographs due to the overlap of images of metallic components; however, due to the increased cost and exposure to ionizing radiation, the routine use of CT is not recommended. ^{11 12 13 16}

The adequate treatment of bone defects aims to build a stable and lasting support platform for implantation of the definitive prosthetic components and, if possible, the restoration of bone stock. Concomitantly, it allows the correct alignment of the prosthetic and limb components, as well as reestablishing the height of the joint interline, thus restoring the tension of soft parts and load distribution to the host bone and generating a joint reconstruction with good and stable function, and painless too. ^{6 7 9 11}

Classification and Management Options for Bone Defects

Several distinct bone defect classification systems have been proposed to assist in decision making. However, subjectivity and, therefore, low interobserver agreement and limited accuracy in correctly estimating the size of bone defect are the main criticisms of most classifications. ^{11 12 17}

The most widely used classification is that of the Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute (AORI), ¹⁸ which describes the defects according to size, location, and impairment of soft-tissue structures after the removal of components and debridement of devitalized tissues. Defects in the femur and tibia are analyzed separately in three categories:

Type 1: it includes contained defects limited to the cancellous bone, without compromise or cortical bone failure. It presents intact metaphyseal bone and, therefore, does not compromise the stability of the revision components. In selected cases, revisions can be effectively performed with primary implants, ¹⁹ although standard revision implants associated with the use of intramedullary nails are the recommendation of most authors. Thus, this type of defect can be effectively treated by filling with bone cement, sometimes associated with reinforcement with screws. Bone grafting may represent a management option in this type of bone failure. Metallic augmentations can also be an option to restore the joint interline. ^{6 10 11 12 15 19}

Type 2: it is characterized by considerable loss of metaphyseal bone, which will need to be filled in during revision surgery. Defects can occur in only one femoral condyle or tibial plateau and are referred to as type 2A. These defects are most often managed with bone cement reinforced with a screw or non-porous metallic augmentations (wedge or block) or, still, bone grafting and standard revision components with intramedullary nails. ²⁰ However, bone defects that affect both condyles or plateaus are classified as type 2B. In these more severe defects, more complex treatment and fixation options are recommended. Thus, options with metaphyseal fixation, such as highly porous metal cones (tantalum cones), or metaphyseal sleeves, or even homologous structural bone grafting, are the most recommended options. ^{6 7 8 10 11 12 19 20 21 22}

Type 3: it has completely deficient metaphyseal bone, characterized by severe bone loss that compromises the largest portion of the femoral condyle or tibial plateau. These defects are often associated with detachments of the epicondyles and, consequently, collateral ligaments, or even the patellar ligament. Normally, for appropriate treatment, these defects require prosthetic implants with long intramedullary nail with diaphyseal fixation, and options for defect management with metaphyseal fixation, such as trabecular metal cones, or metaphyseal sleeve or, still, structural homologous graft. In cases with detachment of the epicondyle and ligament insufficiency, blocked implants are normally necessary. Customized implants, non-conventional or tumor prostheses can be indicated for the management of large defects in which reconstruction is not possible. ^{6 7 8 10 11 12 19 21 22 23}

Thus, for an adequate treatment of bone defects during the performance of rTKA, the accurate analysis of the quality of the host bone, the configuration (whether contained or not contained), the size and location of the bone defect must be carefully analyzed. However, currently, there is no option for managing bone failure that is ideal in all circumstances. Therefore, several other factors, such as functional demand, presence of comorbidities, life expectancy and experience of the surgeon must be evaluated in the decision-making process and in the individual choice of the option employed. However, restoration of bone stock is preferable in patients with the possibility of future revisions. ²⁴

Bone Cement with or without Reinforcement with Screws

Bone defects involving less than 50% of the cancellous bone surface (ideally, less than 10% of peripheral deficiency) and with a depth of less than 5 mm are traditionally managed with methyl methacrylate. In short, this technique is best suited for small bone defects, mainly, those contained. ¹⁷

The use of bone cement is also advocated for the handling of defects with a depth between 5 and 10 mm; however, the use one or more screws from 4.5 to 6.5 mm is recommended to reinforce the construction, aiming to provide greater mechanical resistance to the cement column and improve the load distribution to the host bone. In this case, attention must be paid so that the screws do not remain in direct contact with the definitive implant. Therefore, this technique can be indicated in the management of AORI type-1 defects and, eventually, in selected cases AORI type 2A. ^{6 11 12 15 17}

Satisfactory results, in medium-term follow-up, in the treatment of bone defects in the tibia, using cement reinforced with screws, were demonstrated by Ritter et al., ²⁵ although with a high incidence of non-progressive radiolucent lines. Therefore, this technique was more often indicated for older patients with less functional demand, due to the questioning regarding the long-term conservation of the biomechanical properties. ^{6 11 24} Posteriorly, Berend et al. ²⁶ demonstrated high implant survival in patients with 20 years of surgery who underwent primary arthroplasty with significant bone defects managed with methyl methacrylate reinforced with screws. Additionally, the same authors evaluated patients who underwent rTKA surgeries and demonstrated that the use of bone cement reinforced with screws as well as the use of revision implants had the ability to restore knee biomechanics and a 98.5% survival rate after 15 years. Thus, the authors guide the possibility of using this technique to reduce costs without compromising the survival of the prosthesis. ²⁷

Modular Metallic Augmentation (Blocks and Wedges)

Modular metallic augmentations is indicated in the management of uncontrolled bone defects, compromising more than 25% of the cortical contour and with a depth between 5 and 20 mm, or even when more than 40% of the implant surface is not supported by the host bone. ^{11 12 15 28} In summary, modular metallic augmentations are most often indicated in the management of AORI type 2 bone defects ¹¹ and also employed in selected AORI type 3 cases in elderly patients with low physical demand. ^{15 17}

The various revision implant systems present metallic augmentations of varying thicknesses, sizes and shapes. They can be added to both the femoral and tibial components to fill the bone defect in one or both tibial condyles or plateaus.

The metallic augmentations for the management of tibial defects are presented in wedge or block form. In both options, it is usually necessary to prepare and remove additional host bone for correct adaptation of the metal augmentation. Although there is a lesser removal of additional bone with the use of metal wedges, the sheer force at the implant-bone interface is greater and, consequently, more susceptible to mechanical failure. When using block augmentation, bone removal is usually greater; however, it presents a better load distribution to the host bone. ^{11 24 29} The possible bone loss after the use of modular augmentations must be filled in with methyl methacrylate or by bone grafting. ¹⁵

The use of symmetric metallic augmentation extensions in both the distal femur and the proximal tibia frequently contribute to the restoration of the height of the joint interline and, consequently, soft-tissue tensioning and equilibrium of the flexion-extension balance. Posterior femoral augments are particularly useful in restoring the anteroposterior dimension of the component and, consequently, in the stability of the flexion space; however, the use of asymmetric posterior femoral augments may be necessary to ensure proper external rotation of the component. ^{6 11}

The main advantages of using metallic extensions are the immediate load-bearing capacity, it helps the rotational stability of the component, the reduction of surgical time and presents less complications. The disadvantages, however, refer to the increased costs with the implant, sometimes the need for additional resection of the host bone and the fact of not restoring the bone stock. Other potential disadvantages refer to the possibility of corrosion and the formation of wear debris at the modular augmentation interface and prosthetic component, in addition to the possibility of the occurrence of the stress shielding phenomenon due to the difference between the elasticity modules of the metal and the host bone. ^{10 15 24 30 31}

Failures of metallic augmentations in performing adequate treatment of defects, most often, occur when the surgeon underestimates the severity of bone deficiency and does not identify the need to use defect treatment options with metaphyseal fixation. ¹¹ Therefore, the tendency of modern modular augmentations is to use metals in highly porous configuration, between 70 and 80%, given the benefits of having an elasticity module closer to the host bone, greater friction and fixation capacity, in addition to enabling bone growth and biological fixation.

Good or excellent results with the use of metallic augmentations to treat bone deficiencies during the revision have been reported to vary from 84 to 98%, ^{15 31} although the effectiveness and durability of the technique is contested.

In a prospective medium to long follow-up of 79 patients with AORI defects, two treated with metallic augmentations, although Patel et al. ³¹ have observed incidence of non-progressive radiolucent lines in 14% of cases, they found durability of 92% after 11 years. Favorable results, with no complications or loosening in 3 years, were also reported by Werle et al., ³² with the use of 30 mm femoral metallic augmentation to treat femoral defects AORI 3. Contrarily, Hockman et al. ³³ identified that even using modular augmentations in 89% of rTKA cases, structural grafts were necessary in 48% of cases to effectively treat bone deficiency. They also observed a greater number of failures in patients treated only with metallic augmentations, resulting in a 79.4% durability in 8 years.

Impaction Bone Graft

The use of impaction bone graft is an effective option for the management and restoration of bone stock in defects of various sizes and shapes, especially for those contained, although good and durable results have also been demonstrated for not contained defects. ^{30 34 35} Autologous graft has osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteogenic capacity and can be used, above all, in small disabilities due to limited availability and risk of pain and complications at donor sites. Due to greater quantitative availability, the homologous graft is the most frequently used, although it presents a potential risk of disease transmission, fracture of the host bone during impaction and, also the possibility of graft absorption with loss of support capacity. ^{12 17 30 34 35} Increased risk for infection and concern about immunological reaction are also related to the homologous graft. ¹⁷

The surgical technique requires careful debridement of the bone defect with the use of a burr drill to remove the sclerotic bone from the periphery of the defect, thus forming a viable bed for osteointegration. The initial stability of components with the use of impacted bone graft is worrisome and is also influenced by the integrity of the cortex, the size of the defect and the type of implanted intramedullary nail. Contained defects can be treated without major difficulties; however, for non-contained defects, a shaped plate or metal mesh should be used to avoid graft leakage and to increase the stability of the construction. ^{17 30 34} The intramedullary nail test must be properly positioned before the impaction of bone particles between 3 and 5 mm in size to provide greater initial stability. ^{17 30 34} The test implants are removed, and the final intramedullary nail must be inserted. The use of long press-fit nails can add initial stability to the system; however, it can over-protect the load transmission graft and, consequently, there is a concern to inhibit early incorporation. Therefore, many authors recommend the preferential use of a cemented nail. ^{30 34}

In a study of 42 rTKAs, with an average follow-up of 3.8 years, treated with impacted homologous graft, Lotke et al. ³⁴ identified graft incorporation in all cases without failure of the implants. Similar results were found by Naim et al. ³⁶ by treating large tibial bone losses with impacted graft and short cemented nail and demonstrating favorable clinical results and durability in the short-term. Conversely, poor results with long-term follow-up (10 years) are demonstrated by Hilgen et al. ³⁷ In this study, of the 29 patients treated with impacted graft and constricted implants, 14 required revision due to mechanical failure at a mean time of 5 years, and in all these cases a lack of graft incorporation and reabsorption was observed during the operation.

Structural Homologous Bone Graft

Structural bone graft from a tissue bank represents a cost-effective option for the treatment of types 2 and 3 AORI bone defects, of varying shapes and sizes, in patients with greater physical demand and future possibility of a new rTKA. ¹⁷

The advantages of using the homologous graft consists of the capacity to restore bone stock and provides adequate initial support to the implants, allows the reinsertion of the epicondyles and avoids additional removal of the host bone. ¹⁷ However, in addition to the limited availability in our midst, this technique presents the risk of non-union, resorption and graft fracture, long surgical time, as well as the risk of disease transmission. ¹²

The femoral head is the most widely used homologous graft, possibly because of its ability to adapt to various formats of bone defects; however, segmental parts of the distal femur and proximal tibia are also widely used. All the cartilaginous tissue of the graft must be removed, as well as the cortical bone, with preference being given to the use of cancellous bone. The part must be prepared with abundant irrigation to remove the bone marrow components. Acetabular milling cutter is used to remove sclerotic bone in order to potentiate graft-bone host contact and promote its incorporation. Provisional fixation is performed with Kirschner wires to continue making bone cuts with an oscillatory saw. The structural graft is customized to the bone defect. The final fixation, if necessary, can be carried out with screws. The definitive implants are cemented on the homologous graft ^{12 38} ( Figure 1 ).

Fig. 1.

(A) and (B) anteroposterior radiographs and aseptic loosening profile of total knee prosthesis with marked osteolysis in the distal femur; (C) Intraoperative aspect of the femoral bone defect; (D) Preparation of the graft with an acetabular cutter; (E) Intraoperative appearance after debridement; (F) and (G) Postoperative radiographs of the structural homologous graft fixed with screws in both condyles of the distal femur and revision semi-constricted implants; (H) Intraoperative appearance after using homologous bone graft.

In 46 rTKAs using homologous structural graft, Engh and Ammem ³⁸ reported 91% of 10-year survival. Of these patients, four required a new surgical approach. In two of them the graft was incorporated and in two others the graft was removed due to infection. Similarly, Wang et al. ³⁹ studied 30 reviews in which an average of 1.7 homologous femoral heads were used, with an average follow-up of 76 months, and they did not observe graft failure at the end of the evaluation. Conclusions favorable to the capacity of the homologous graft as an adequate option for durable support were obtained by Chun et al. ⁴⁰ when evaluating the clinical and radiographic results, with an 8-year follow-up of 27 patients, 26 of whom showed no fractures or graft collapses or disease transmission. Similarly, we did not observe fracture or collapse of the homologous graft in a short-term assessment of 26 rTKAs with AORI types 2B and 3 defects; however, in three cases we noticed mild-to-moderate graft absorption without compromising the support function or implant failure, and one patient observed a non-union of segmental graft from the distal femur, but without loss of structural function. ²³

However, doubts and concerns about the durability and maintenance of the structural function of the graft in the long term are not completely clarified. Several studies report the 10-year survival rate of revisions with a structural graft with a mean of 74%. ^{6 41 42} Unsatisfactory results, however, have been reported by Bauman et al. ⁴¹ When evaluating 70 rTKAs, they found survival of 80.7% and 75.9% at, respectively, 5 and 10 years after surgery. Of the 16 cases of failure described, 8 cases were attributed to graft failure, which occurred on average 42 months after surgery. In a systematic review, evaluating 551 rTKAs with homologous graft and mean follow-up of 5.9 years, the reported incidence of any type of graft failure was 6.5%. Deep infection occurred in 5.5% of cases and aseptic loosening in 3.4%. ⁸

Trabecular Metal Metaphyseal Cones and Metaphyseal Sleeves

Metaphyseal cones and sleeves represent a modern option for the management of large bone defects, providing immediate structural support and potential biological fixation. Metaphyseal cones come in a variety of sizes and models, allowing the treatment of lesions of varying sizes and configurations. In short, they are indicated for the treatment of AORI types 2 and 3 defects. ^{6 17 22} The lack of restoration of the bone stock, the need for additional removal of the host bone for correct accommodation of the cones or sleeves and, if necessary, the difficulty of removal due to biological fixation are the main disadvantages attributed to this option. ^{6 11 22 43 44}

Proper implantation of both the tantalum cone and the sleeve require the preparation of the host bone. Initially, the metaphysical cones were symmetrical and did not have side specificity; however, with the evolution of the designs, the current cones are asymmetric and can be metaphyseal or diaphyseal. A variety of implant systems can be used with metaphyseal cones, but sleeves are specific implants. ^{6 7 12 17 45}

It is recommended that the intramedullary test nail be used to obtain correct alignment and direction of the specific cutters to prepare the bed and better adaptation of the cone or sleeve. A burr drill may also be necessary in this debridement. After positioning the metaphyseal cone and repairing the defect, reconstruction proceeds with the placement of prosthetic components. It is noteworthy that the rotation of the cones should favor the better filling of defects and greater contact with the host bone and, thus, they are independent of the rotation of the implants. Eventual non-contact areas from the metaphyseal cone to the host bone should be grafted to favor biological integration. The inner portion of the cones allows cementation of the definitive prosthetic components. However, care should be taken with the use of an offset stem for some systems, given the possibility of difficulties in fitting to the metaphyseal cone ( Figures 2 e 3 ).

Fig. 2.

(A) and (B) Preoperative radiographs of the 2nd revision total knee arthroplasty due to septic failure, with severe bone defect, especially in the proximal tibia; (C) Intraoperative appearance with the test components of the metaphyseal cone and tibial tray; (D) Intraoperative appearance with the tantalum cone implanted in the tibia and with maximum contact with the host bone; (E) and (F) Postoperative radiographs of the revision with contrite implants and metaphyseal cone in proximal tibia.

Fig. 3.

(A) and (B) Preoperative radiographs of aseptic total knee arthroplasty failure with severe distal femoral defect; (C) metaphyseal tantalum cone positioned to treat bone defect; (D) Profile image of the definitive femoral component plus a tantalum cone and distal and posterior femoral wedges; (E) and (F) Postoperative radiographs.

The metaphyseal sleeve fits the revision component, and the construction allows limited internal or external rotation to adjust the rotation of the tibial tray and the metaphyseal component. The definitive components are implanted with cement on the surface of the tibial tray, leaving the spinal canal free of cement for biological integration. Eventual removal of these porous devices can be quite difficult. ^{7 12 43 45 46}

Several clinical studies using tantalum cones for the management of bone defects during rTKA have shown favorable initial results in a short follow-up, with the need for reoperation in only about 1.1%. ^{43 44 47 48 49 50 51}

In a meta-analysis, evaluating 8 studies with 196 revision surgeries using 233 tantalum cones, with a follow-up of up to 40 months, the authors identified only two cases of aseptic loosening. The recurrence of infection after a two-stage exchange was the main cause of reoperation. ²⁰

Systematic review of 20 studies including 812 metaphyseal cones was performed by Divano et al., ²¹ showing 94.55% survival in the short-to-medium-term follow-up. The incidence of infection was 7.1%, while the rates of reoperation and revision were, respectively, 16.19% and 8.19%.

Kamath et al. ⁵² studied 66 reviews using tantalum cones in types 2 and 3 AORI defects, with minimum follow-up between 5 and 9 years, and identified that 23% of the cones had incomplete and non-progressive radiolucent lines and that 3% (two cones) had aseptic loosening. Therefore, the revision-free survival was over 96%, thus demonstrating the maintenance of favorable results in the medium and long terms. ⁵² Favorable medium-term results were also corroborated by Potter et al. ⁵³

These favorable results, however, were contested by Bohl et al., ²² who compared reviews with the use of tantalum cones with the results of rTKA with conventional implants without the use of cones, and concluded that there was no evidence of superiority with the use of metaphyseal cones.

Similarly, Beckmann et al. ⁸ conducted a systematic review that compared 10 studies with 233 revisions managed using tantalum cones with 17 studies involving 476 revisions that performed large structural grafts. The authors pointed out that, although the results should not be considered conclusive, there are strong indications of better results favorable to the use of trabecular metal.

Short-term assessments of cementless metaphyseal sleeves have been studied by Alexander et al.; ⁵⁴ these proved to be a promising option for the treatment of types 2B and 3 bone defects, being able to provide stable construction for fixation of implants.

In a prospective study, with a short-term follow-up of 83 rTKA, using 36 femoral and 83 tibial sleeves, 2 patients (2.7%) required revision for aseptic loosening on the tibial side. ⁴⁶ Satisfactory results, with osteointegration of all sleeves in the short term, were also identified on the tibial side by Barnett et al. ⁴⁵

Non-Conventional Prostheses and Customized Mega Prostheses

Unconventional or tumoral prostheses and customized megaprostheses are generally used to replace the entire distal femur or the entire proximal tibia. Thus, they are usually used in oncology, or to treat severe bone loss that is typically found in chronic infection, or after multiple joint reconstruction surgeries, so they are usually atypical indications. ^{12 17}

Customized implants are usually expensive, require a long time to produce, and often have a high risk of infectious and mechanical complications. ¹⁷

Fraser et al. ⁵⁵ studied 247 patients treated with hinged megaprostheses for the treatment of severe bone defects, demonstrating revision-free survival, after 8 years, of only 58%. Similarly, Holl et al. ⁵⁶ identified a high incidence of complications in 11 out of 20 patients who underwent the placement of this type of implant, however without the need for amputation. These results were corroborated by Barry et al., ⁵⁷ who demonstrated a high number of complications and reoperations with this treatment, although, according to the authors, it is a viable option for salvage of the limb.

Final Considerations

Proper treatment of bone defects during TKA revisions is a fundamental principle for obtaining satisfactory and long-lasting results. There are several management options with their respective advantages and disadvantages, and there is no option for treating bone failure that is ideal in all circumstances. Therefore, decision making and choice of the method employed is individualized; however, the procedure should focus on the objective of restoring bone stock in patients with the possibility of future revisions.