Trunnionosis in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Is it a clinical problem?

Abstract

Modularity of prosthetic implants is increasingly being utilized for the optimization and personalization of components in total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, due to the increasing number of modular implants being utilized, an adverse event termed trunnionosis has gained prevalence. Trunnionosis is defined as corrosion and wear of the taper junction in modular prostheses. It is postulated that this corrosive wear generates metal debris, which leads to component failure and requires revision of the prosthetic implant. The process of trunnionosis has been extensively studied in total hip arthroplasty. However, few studies have examined the process of trunnionosis in total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this review is to examine the literature regarding trunnionosis following total knee arthroplasty. Specifically, we aim to determine if trunnionosis following total knee arthroplasty is a rare clinical problem, or one that deserves greater attention.