Implant Interface Debonding After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A New Cause for Concern?

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening has long been an associated etiology for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This case series investigates commonalities between 9 patients who underwent revision TKA and were found to have complete debonding at the cement-implant interface of a femoral and/or tibial component within the past 2 years. RESULTS: Only 3 preoperative radiographs were indicative of aseptic loosening, and all patients had an infectious etiology ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: This case series and other similar reports suggest that there may be a growing concern for debonding as a modern form of aseptic loosening. Further research through American Joint Replacement Registry and other national databases will need to be conducted to better understand if this is truly a new cause for concern after TKA and how it may be best prevented.