Abstract

Metaphyseal tantalum cones in primary total knee arthroplasty and their functional outcome is described using 3 case reports over 6 years. 3 knees in 3 elderly individuals (mean age of 70.4 years), with pre-existing osteoarthritis and complex proximal tibial fractures, were operated on. Ambulation with walking frame was achieved from post-operation day 1, with weightbearing as tolerated. Mean range of motion was 122° and Mean Knee Society Score was 88. All showed improvement in pre-operative limb alignment. Radiological fracture union was achieved on an average of 3 months. All were independent ambulators and painfree at the latest follow-up. Our case series shows that tantalum cones are associated with significant improvements in clinical scores, patient symptoms, range of movement, early weight-bearing and low rates of complications in complex proximal tibial fractures with poor bone stock.