Short-Term Tibial Baseplate Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Absence of Osteolysis and Implant Loosening: A Case Report.

CASE: The patient is a 62-year-old man with early tibial baseplate failure involving fracture and subsidence of the posteromedial metal implant, only 3 years after primary total knee replacement. Although this mode of failure is frequently observed secondary to polyethylene wear and osteolysis, this case was likely because of suboptimal tibial baseplate size and positioning with lack of cortical support that underwent accelerated fatigue, given the high activity level of the patient.

CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates rare sequelae of inadequate tibial coverage and cortical structural support of the baseplate. Tibial coverage is influenced by implant sizing, implant positioning, and variations in patient anthropometrics.