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I had a total knee replacement that failed and had to be replaced. The original implant didn’t all come from the same manufacturer. Could this be why it broke?

Several studies have reviewed this question. There’s strong agreement that implant parts can come from different manufacturers without causing problems.

Small mismatches in shape and the way the implant parts connect aren’t the cause of implant failure. Of greater importance is the method used to sterilize the parts. This takes place at the time of manufacturing and packaging. Implants that come loose or wear out early have been linked to gamma irradiation in the air.

Researchers and implant manufacturers are looking at this problem more closely.

Reference: 

Jess H. Lonner, MD, et al. Fate of the Unrevised All-Polyethylene Patellar Component in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty. In The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. January 2003. Vol. 85-A. No. 1. Pp. 56-59.

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