Lamina Spreader Technique Improves Debridement of Loose Bone and Cement in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Loose bone and cement can promote polyethylene wear that may lead to failure in total knee arthroplasty. The authors propose a technique to enhance the debridement of loose bodies by distracting the cemented components with a lamina spreader following standard debridement with pulsatile lavage. Cement and bone/soft tissue debris was recovered from 51 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasty patients. This technique facilitated the removal of hidden debris in 80% of patients (41/51). On average, 2.6 fragments measuring 158 mm3 were removed per patient. The authors advocate that distraction with a lamina spreader be used to reduce potential sources of wear.

Keywords

• knee
• arthroplasty
• debridement
• loose bodies
• third body
• cement
• bone
• lamina
• technique