Fracture of a fenestrated metal backing of a tibial knee component. A case report.

The case of a metal-backed tibial component that failed by metal fracture is reported. Fracture occurred through fenestrations in the metal plate surrounding the central metal stem. The fracture followed loss of bony support beneath the medial tibial plateau, which had allowed varus deformity of the replaced joint. A high tibial osteotomy procedure had preceded replacement of the joint.