Use of Porous Tantalum Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Porous tantalum cones show promise as a tool to allow for reconstruction of large tibial and femoral bone defects during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). They function as a metallic substitute for structural bone graft during revision surgery. They are designed for ingrowth into the metaphyseal or metadiaphyseal regions of host bone, and serve as a platform for the tibial or femoral prosthetic components that are united to the inner surface of the cones using bone cement. Porous tantalum cones come in various sizes and shapes and can be used with various knee revision arthroplasty systems, providing the surgeon with flexibility in reconstructive options. Small series with short-term follow-up have reported encouraging results using porous tantalum cones during revision TKA, which are summarized in this manuscript. In addition, we provide a comprehensive description for the technique of using various types of cones to address large tibial and femoral bone defects during revision TKA.