Finally , with use of a variety of vali date d measures , there was no difference between the two groups in terms of functional status at two , eight , and ten years , regardless of the measure used .
A less expensive all-polyethylene component as part of a total knee arthroplasty has results equivalent to those obtained with a cemented metal-backed tibial component .
BACKGROUND The cost of the implant as part of a total knee arthroplasty accounts for a substantial portion of the costs for the overall procedure : all-polyethylene tibial components cost considerably less than cemented metal-backed tibial components .
We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine whether the clinical results of lower-cost all-polyethylene tibial components were comparable with the results of a more expensive metal-backed tibial component .
Randomised, prospective study comparing cemented and cementless total knee replacement: results of press-fit condylar total knee replacement at five years.
Early implants for total knee replacement  were fixed to bone with cement . No firm scientific reason has been given for the introduction of cementless knee replacement and the long-term survivorship of such implants has not shown any advantage over cemented forms . In a r and omised , prospect i ve study we have compared  cemented and uncemented total knee replacement  and report the results of 139 prostheses at five years . Outcome was assessed both clinical ly by independent examination using the Nottingham knee score and radiologically using the Knee Society scoring system . Independent statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference between cemented and cementless fixation for pain , mobility or movement . There was no difference in the radiological alignment at five years , but there was a notable disparity in the radiolucent line score . With cemented fixation there was a significantly greater number of radiolucent lines on anteroposterior radiographs of the tibia and lateral radiographs of the femur . At five years , our clinical results would not support the use of the more expensive cementless fixation whereas the radiological results are of unknown significance . Longer follow-up will determine any changes in the results and conclusions
Finally , with use of a variety of vali date d measures , there was no difference between the two groups in terms of functional status at two , eight , and ten years , regardless of the measure used .
A less expensive all-polyethylene component as part of a total knee arthroplasty has results equivalent to those obtained with a cemented metal-backed tibial component .
BACKGROUND The cost of the implant as part of a total knee arthroplasty accounts for a substantial portion of the costs for the overall procedure : all-polyethylene tibial components cost considerably less than cemented metal-backed tibial components .
We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine whether the clinical results of lower-cost all-polyethylene tibial components were comparable with the results of a more expensive metal-backed tibial component .