Role of Long Stem Tibial Implant in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. However, cases involving severe bone defects, particularly in the medial tibial condyle, present unique challenges for successful implant fixation and long-term stability. This case report discusses a 65-year- old male with Kellgren and Lawrence Grade 4 osteoarthritis and a large medial tibial condyle defect. A customized approach using a long-stem tibial component and an autograft harvested from bone cuts was employed. Post-operatively, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in range of motion (ROM 0-120 degrees) by post-operative day 10 and early weight-bearing capabilities, indicating a successful outcome. The use of a long-stem tibial component provided additional stability, while the autograft helped fill the defect, restoring structural integrity. This case underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies in complex TKA cases and highlights the need for further research on the long-term outcomes of using autografts and long-stem implants in patients with large bone defects.