Prospective, Randomized Study of Highly-cross Linked Polyethylene vs. Compression Molded Polyethylene for Primary Posterior-stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty

This prospective, randomized study will seek to enroll patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative evaluation will include a detailed history and physical exam with clinical data collection (SF-36, WOMAC, and Knee Society Scores), a complete description of the procedure, a demonstration of the actual types of implants and tibial inserts, and an outline of the study protocol and informed consent. Intraoperatively, the patient will undergo a total knee arthroplasty utilizing standard operative procedures. Each patient will receive a Zimmer NexGen posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty. During the procedure or preoperative visit, the patient will be randomized by sealed envelope to receive either a standard Zimmer UHMWPE tibial insert or a Zimmer highly cross-linked UHMWPE tibial insert. Both surgeon and patient will be blinded to the type of implant used. there will be no variations in surgical technique and hospital management of the patients throughout the course of the study. Postoperatively, the patient will be seen for routine follow-up at six weeks, 6 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter. Radiographs will be obtained at each visit. Clinical data forms will be completed at each visit. At the conclusion of the study radiographs will be assessed for signs of polyethylene wear, osteolysis and component loosening. the preoperative and postoperative knee scores will be calculated for each patient and compared between the patient groups with standard statistical analysis.