Simultaneous mobile- and fixed-bearing total knee replacement in the same patients - A prospective comparison of mid-term outcomes using a similar design of prosthesis

We conducted a randomised prospective study to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a mobile- and fixed- bearing total knee replacement of similar design in 174 patients who had bilateral simultaneous knee replacement. The mean follow- up was for 5.6 years (5.2 to 6.1). The total knee score, pain score, functional score and range of movement were not statistically different (p > 0.05) between the two groups. Osteolysis was not seen in any knee in either group. Two knees (1%) in the mobile- bearing group required revision because of infection; none in the fixed- bearing group needed revision. Excellent results can be achieved with both mobile- and fixed- bearing prostheses of similar design at mid- term follow- up. We could demonstrate no significant clinical advantage for a mobile bearing.