Unusual presentation of polyethylene tibial fracture in a polio patient: a case report

TL;DR

A polio patient experienced a rare polyethylene tibial fracture after total knee replacement surgery and successfully underwent revision surgery.

Contribution

This case report highlights an unusual polyethylene tibial post fracture in a polio patient following TKA.

Findings

A polio patient presented with a polyethylene tibial post fracture five years after staged bilateral TKA.

The patient underwent successful TKA revision and polyethylene exchange without complications.

Follow-up visits confirmed patient satisfaction and successful recovery.

Abstract

The concept of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-substituting total knee prostheses has been widely used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This design provides better femoral rollback with knee flexion, as it permits more stability under flexion by preventing tibial posterior subluxation. Here, we report a case of an unusual presentation of polyethylene tibial post fracture in a polio patient. Our patient had a history of staged bilateral TKA five years prior to the new presentation. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient was admitted electively for TKA revision and polyethylene exchange. The procedure went well and without complications, and the patient was satisfied upon follow-ups in the clinic.

Figures