Pressurized carbon dioxide lavage reduces the incidence of a radiolucent line around the tibial component two years after total knee arthroplasty

Introduction In cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA), pressurized carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) lavage prior to cement fixation can eliminate debris at the bone-cement interface and is considered effective for increasing cement penetration and preventing aseptic loosening. Regarding the risk of a preliminary diagnosis of implant loosening, a radiolucent line (RLL) is a valuable sign. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of a tibial RLL at 2 years after TKA with and without pressurized CO 2 lavage. Methods This is a retrospective study. One hundred knees from 98 patients were enrolled in this study. TKA was performed without pressurized CO 2 lavage (CO 2 − group) for the first 47 knees, and with pressurized CO 2 lavage (CO 2 + group) for the next 53 knees. The depth of cement penetration was measured just after surgery, and the incidence of tibial RLL > 2 mm at 2 years after TKA was determined. Results Significant differences between groups were not seen regarding pre- and postoperative clinical factors. The depth of cement penetration in each area was significantly higher in the CO 2 + group. The frequency of knees with RLL > 2 mm was significantly lower in the CO 2 + group than in the CO 2 − group ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Pressurized CO 2 lavage improved cement penetration and decreased the incidence of tibial RLL > 2 mm at 2 years after TKA.