Researchers found newer model knee prostheses can have a learning curve and early revision risks, and suggested that manufacturers consider these risks and surgeons should familiarize themselves with the prostheses before implantation, according to this recently published study of a nationwide knee arthroplasty register.
“Some knee prosthesis models show a clear learning curve with a high risk for early revision at the implementation phase. Some models appear to be more difficult to introduce into use than others,” Mikko Peltola, MSc, and colleagues wrote in the study. “When implant excellence is assessed for survival and implants are compared with each other, there may be a learning curve and the results achieved may be poorer for the first patients.”
Peltola and colleagues analyzed results from 43,363 total knee arthroplasties in Finland between 1998 and 2007, according to the abstract. They found large differences among different knee implants regarding early revision rates and survivorship, with four prostheses having a learning curve and six prostheses showing a learning curve leading to early revision.
“Our findings also emphasize the need for managed uptake of new technology in clinical practice including quantitative assessment of individual performance,” Peltola and colleagues wrote. “The introduction of new prostheses underlines the use of patient-related outcome measures in the clinical follow-up of the patients.”
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
