Analysis of Varus Collapse in Obese Patients With Stem and Non-Stem Tibial Components Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study is to identify varus collapse, aseptic loosening, and implant failure in female obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, this study will review the degree of influence of stemmed tibial components versus non-stemmed tibial components on varus collapse and aseptic loosening, a consequence of implant micromotion.

Female patients age 40 and older with BMI of 35 kg/m2 and above will be randomized into two groups: the non-stem tibial component (control group) and the stem tibial component (treatment group). Previous studies done in the past in normal weight patients showed that there is little or no advantage in using the stem tibial implants over the non-stem ones. Theoretically, biomechanical studies have suggested that there may be improved fixation and load distribution with the use of stem tibial implants. Thus, it is necessary to see if there is any difference between both implant options among female patients who have the highest incidence of varus collapse. In terms of design, the stem tibial implants are slightly longer than the non-stem ones. They are designed to extends deeper into the tibia to enhance fixation and improve load distribution. The use of either stem tibial implants is usually based on patients' characteristics and surgeons' preference.

Following informed consent, standard perioperative patient-reported metrics will be collected (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement [KOOS-JR], American Knee Society score, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System 10 [PROMIS-10]) before surgery and after surgery (2-3 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years). After surgery, study participants will receive routine surgical care which includes two knee radiographs at 8-10 weeks and one year. In addition to this, the study participants will be evaluated at 3 years, and 5 years postoperative periods where they will complete routine PROMs as listed above and have knee radiographs during each visit.