Early radiographic and functional outcomes of a cancellous titanium-coated tibial component for total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Various surface coatings have been developed over the past decades to enhance fixation of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA). BIOFOAM(®) (MicroPort Orthopedics Inc., Arlington, TN, USA) is a novel cancellous titanium surface coating intended to increase both initial and long-term fixation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early functional and radiographic outcomes of this coating used in a TKA application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and four (104) primary TKAs in 85 subjects using BIOFOAM-coated tibial components were prospectively enrolled at four centers. Subjects were evaluated using Knee Society Scores and radiographic analysis at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. RESULTS: Knee Society Scores and flexion were all significantly improved at final follow-up compared to baseline. Radiographic analyses were satisfactory, with no progressive radiolucencies and only a single subject presenting with a radiolucency surrounding a tibial component. There were two revisions in the cohort: one for instability following a ruptured lateral collateral ligament and one for recurrent tibial insert dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report clinical outcomes associated with the BIOFOAM coating used in a cementless TKA application. Early functional scores and radiographic analyses are promising, but further investigations are needed to confirm long-term clinical success with these components.