# SHORT-TERM EVALUATION BETWEEN POLYETHYLENE THICKNESS IN PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

## TL;DR

This study compared thick and thin polyethylene prostheses in knee replacements and found no significant differences in short-term outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides short-term comparative evidence on implant survival and complications for different polyethylene thicknesses in knee arthroplasty.

## Key findings

- Thick and thin polyethylene groups showed similar functional scores and implant survival.
- No implant loosening was observed in either group during short-term follow-up.
- Both groups had a similar rate of complications.

## Abstract

The objective of the research was to carry out a comparative study between Smith & Nephew ® or Zimmer ® prostheses with thick versus thin polyethylene, in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, during a short-term follow-up. Thus, the objective was to analyze the survival of the implants in question under the clinical and radiographic aspect.

The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 with thick polyethylene and group 2 with thin polyethylene. A clinical analysis of the patients was carried out and the implants were checked for loosening.

The groups were similar when compared. According to the Ahlbäck classification, 83% of the patients were in groups IV and V. The median functional score in the postoperative period was similar between the two groups. Postoperatively, the tibiofemoral angle fluctuated between 5 and 6 0 valgus on average. Two complications were observed in each group. None of the evaluated patients presented implant loosening

Patients treated with thick polyethylene had the same functional score as the control group, as well as the absence of radiographic changes in this short-term follow-up, with implant survival and a similar rate of complications between both groups. Level of evidence III, Retrospective study.