Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 10/4/2025

Indications for Tibial Stem Use in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Primary Indications for Tibial Stem Use

  • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides strong evidence supporting no difference in outcomes between cemented and non-cemented tibial component fixation in routine primary TKA, with a recommendation to avoid using tibial stems in primary TKA when bone is healthy with good structural properties and normal anatomy 1, 2

Stem Selection Algorithm

  • No cited facts are available for this section

Biomechanical Considerations

  • No cited facts are available for this section

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guideline provides strong evidence to avoid using long stems (>100mm) in primary TKA unless dealing with extensive bone defects, and to avoid stemless components in patients with known osteoporosis or severe obesity, as inadequate initial fixation may lead to early loosening 1, 2

REFERENCES

1

surgical management of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence-based guideline. [LINK]

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2016

2

surgical management of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence-based guideline. [LINK]

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2016