Introduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the patient's perceived outcome and speed of recovery differs between a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) substituting (cam-post type) and PCL sacrificing (ultracongruent polyethylene) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Thirty eight patients (mean age, 65 years) underwent bilateral TKA using a PCL substituting and a PCL sacrificing prosthesis on each side. At each follow-up, the stability of anteroposterior and mediolateral laxity using stress radiographs, range of motion, quadriceps muscle power recovery using isokinetic dynamometer and radiographs were evaluated. At the 1-year evaluation, we asked, “Which is your better knee overall?” to determine the patients' preferences. Results. The mean varus/valgus laxities were 1.6Ë�/3.9Ë� in the PCL sacrificing side and 2.3Ë�/5.9Ë� in the PCL substituting side, and the mean anterior/posterior laxities were 6.4 mm/14.2 mm and 3.0 mm/7.3 mm at the 1-year follow up, respectively. Isokinetic peak torque at 60°/sec and 180°/sec in extension was 130% and 113% compared to the preoperative value in the PCL sacrificing side and 109% and 110% in the PCL substituting side, respectively. The differences in the posterior laxity and isokinetic peak torque at 60°/sec were significant statistically. Sixty-one percent preferred PCL sacrificing side to PCL substituting side. Conclusion. PCL sacrificing TKA showed more posterior laxity and better quadriceps muscle power at the time of short-term follow-up. Patients with bilateral TKA preferred PCL sacrificing TKA to PCL substituting TKA. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether there will be an advantage in terms of longer-term function

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) with PCL sacrificing (PCS) Medial Pivot Knee (MPK) and PCL Substituting (PS) Nexgen® LPS. Materials and Methods. One hundred twenty knees in 80 patients after TKA with PCS ADVANCE® MPK (Group I) and 116 knees in 85 patients with PS Nexgen® LPS (Group II) were retrospectively evaluated. All the patients were followed up for more than 6 years. The evaluations included preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), tibiofemoral angle, Knee Society (KS) knee and function score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, WOMAC score and postoperative complications. Results. For group I, the ROM increased from a mean flexion contracture of 7.6° and further flexion of 115.1° to 1.3° and 120.5° respectively and for group II, from 9.4° and 124.8° to 1.3° and 129.7°, respectively. For group I, KS knee and function scores increased from 46 and 38 to 87 and 82 respectively, and for group II, from 49 and 43 to 88 and 81, respectively. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score improved from preoperatively 48.3 to postoperatively 84.2 for group I and 44.6 to 82.3 for group II. WOMAC score was improved preoperatively 54.8 to postoperatively 18.3 for group I and 57.4 to 17.4 for group II. For group I, tibiofemoral angle changed from varus 4.6° to valgus 5.8° and for group II, from varus 5.8° to valgus 5.2°. The complications were 2 cases(1.7%) of periprosthetic patellar fracture and 1 case(0.8%) of early failure of the tibial component and 1 case(0.8%) of osteolysis and loosening in group I, and 1 knee (1.0%) with early femoral component failure and 1 knee with arthrofibrosis (1.0%) in group II. Conclusion. The minimum 6-year follow-up results of PCS ADVANCE® MPK TKA without box cut were comparable to those of PS Nexgen®LPS

The aim of this study is to print 3D polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds at high and low temperature (HT/LT) combined with salt leaching to induced porosity/larger pore size and improve material degradation without compromising cellular activity of printed scaffolds. PCL solutions with sodium chloride (NaCl) particles either directly printed in LT or were casted, dried, and printed in HT followed by washing in deionized water (DI) to leach out the salt. Micro-Computed tomography (Micro-CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed for morphological analysis. The effect of the porosity on the mechanical properties and degradation was evaluated by a tensile test and etching with NaOH, respectively. To evaluate cellular responses, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on the scaffolds and their viability, attachment, morphology, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed. Micro-CT and SEM analysis showed that porosity induced by the salt leaching increased with increasing the salt content in HT, however no change was observed in LT. Structure thickness reduced with elevating NaCl content. Mass loss of scaffolds dramatically increased with elevated porosity in HT. Dog bone-shaped specimens with induced porosity exhibited higher ductility and toughness but less strength and stiffness under the tension in HT whereas they showed decrease in all mechanical properties in LT. All scaffolds showed excellent cytocompatibility. Cells were able to attach on the surface of the scaffolds and grow up to 14 days. Microscopy images of the seeded scaffolds showed substantial increase in the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) network and elongation of the cells. The study demonstrated the ability of combining 3D printing and particulate leaching together to fabricate porous PCL scaffolds. The scaffolds were successfully printed with various salt content without negatively affecting cell responses. Printing porous thermoplastic polymer could be of great importance for temporary biocompatible implants in bone tissue engineering applications

Background. To prevent excessive tension on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (CR-TKA), some knee prosthesis-systems offer the option of creating a posterior slope for the tibial polyethylene insert. Vanguard® Complete Knee System offers two different types of tibial bearing for CR. -TKA. CR Lipped Bearing (LB) has a slightly raised posterior lip, whereas CR Standard Bearing (SB) is recessed downward at the posterior margin and has 3° posterior slope. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the tibial bearing slope on PCL load using the original devise in vivo conditions. Material and Methods. Twenty osteoarthritic varus knees were included in this study. After implantation of the trial components, PCL stiffness was measured using the original tension analyzer intra-operatively. Elastic modulus of PCL was calculated at 90 and 120 degrees knee flexion on two types of bearing surface. Results. Elastic modulus of PCL was 7.2±0.9 N/mm (mean±SE) at 90 degrees knee flexion, and 9.5±1.1 N/mm (mean±SE) at 120 degrees knee flexion with the Lipped Bearing (no slope). With the Standard Bearing (3 degrees posterior slope), elastic modulus decreased to 6.0±0.5 N/mm (mean±SE) at 120 degrees knee flexion. Discussion and Conclusion. Higher PCL stiffness was observed at 120 degrees knee flexion than 90 degrees knee flexion with Lipped Bearing surface (no slope), but using the Standard Bearing (3 degrees posterior slope), PCL stiffness decreased significantly at 120 degrees knee flexion. Therefore a posterior tibial slope of bearing insert prevents an excessive load on PCL at high knee flexion angles

Bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 Bioglass (BG), have been shown to promote bone ingrowth both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of this study was to analyze the effect of a high dose of BG (20%) in Direct Ink Writing (DIW)-produced controlled-geometry PCL-BG composite scaffolds in both their mechanical and biological performance. Porous cubes of 5 × 5 × 5 mm, 50% porosity and pore size and strut diameter of 400 µm were fabricated in a 3D-Bioplotter (EnvisionTec) to investigate their biological performance (n = 3). Additionally, cylindrical specimens (10 mm diameter; 15 mm height) with same internal structure were fabricated for mechanical testing (n = 6). The cylindrical specimens were tested by compression in a universal testing machine (ZwickRoell) with a 10 kN load cell. The tests were performed at 1.00 mm/min with extensometers in both sides. For biological characterization, scaffolds were sterilized in 70% ethanol overnight and pre-incubated with DMEM for 1 hour at room temperature. 1×10. 5. human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) in 50 µl DMEM were seeded on the scaffolds using agarose molds to improve cell adhesion, and cultured in standard cell-culture conditions for 3, 7 and 14 days. To measure cell proliferation, the reagent CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS, Promega) was added to the cell-seeded scaffolds at each time point, using non-seeded scaffolds as blank controls. The OD (490 nm) was measured in a BioTek 800 TS plate reader. Both the apparent elastic modulus and yield stress were significantly lower in the scaffolds with 20% BG than their PCL control counterparts (p < 0.0001 for elastic modulus and p < 0.005 for yield stress, t-test). Cell proliferation in the scaffolds by MTS was variable, with the 20% BG scaffolds showing a significantly higher signal after seven days in culture (p < 0.05 by t-test), but a significantly lower signal after 14 days in culture (p < 0.05 by t-test). In conclusion, scaffolds with 20% BG showed a lower mechanical performance than their PCL counterparts in terms of both their apparent elastic modulus and yield stress. Additionally, scaffolds with 20% BG showed variable cell proliferation rates in terms of their metabolic activity over a two-week period. The decrease in proliferation rate after week 2 after an initial increase at the end of week 1 could be due to cytotoxic effects of the BG at this high dose (20%) after long term exposure. These results suggest that a dosage of 20% BG may not necessarily improve the mechanical and biological performance of scaffolds, so future experiments are required in order to characterize the optimum BG dosage in PCL scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) disruptions are uncommon orthopaedic injuries. They are usually caused by high- or low-velocity knee dislocations. Because knee dislocations might spontaneously reduce before initial evaluation, the true incidence is unknown. Dislocation involves injury to multiple ligaments of the knee. Both of the cruciate ligaments are usually disrupted, and they are often combined with a third ligamentous disruption (medial collateral ligament or lateral collateral ligament and/or posterior lateral complex). Associated neurovascular, meniscal, and osteochondral injuries are often present and complicate treatment. Classification Knee dislocations are classified by relating the position of the displaced tibia on the femur; anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, or rotational. Both cruciate ligaments might be disrupted in all these injuries. A rotatory knee dislocation occurs around one of the collateral ligaments (LCL) leading to a combined ACL and PCL injury and a tear of the remaining collateral ligament. Knee dislocations that spontaneously reduce are classified according to the direction of instability. Knee dislocations are classified as acute (< 3 weeks) or chronic (> 3 weeks). Initial management The vascular status of the limb must be determined quickly. The knee should be reduced immediately through gentle traction-countertraction with the patient under anesthesia. After reduction, repeat vascular examination. If the limb remains ischemic, emergent surgical exploration and revascularisation is required. If the initial vascular examination is normal, postreduction a formal angiogram should be done especially if the patient has a high velocity injury, is polytraumatized or have altered mental status. Compartment syndrome, open injury, and irreducible dislocation are other indications for emergent surgery. Definitive management Many authors have noted superior results of surgical treatment of bicruciate injuries when compared to nonsurgical treatment. In most cases early ligament surgery (at the second or third week) seems to produce better results compared to late reconstructions. Still the management of knee dislocations remains controversial. Controversies persist regarding surgical timing, technique, graft selection, and rehabilitation. The goal of operative treatment is to retain knee stability, motion, and function. The most common injury patterns include both cruciate ligaments and either medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and/or posterolateral structures. Less commonly both collateral ligaments are disrupted. Our policy has been early (from 7 to 21 days) simultaneous reconstruction of both cruciate ligaments and repairing of grade III LCL and posterolateral structures. Most acute grade III MCL tears are successfully treated with brace treatment when ACL and PCL are reconstructed early. Most cruciate ligament injuries are midsubstance tears that need to be reconstructed with autografts or allografts. Repairs can be done in cases of bony avulsion of cruciate ligaments or grade III collateral ligament or capsular injuries. Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft has mainly used in our clinics to reconstruct the ACL. In some cases BTPB allograft or hamstring tendon autografts has been used. For PCL reconstruction, BPTB allograft (11 mm in diameter) or Achilles tendon allograft has been used. Intrasubstance grade III tears of the LCL can be repaired (in early state) but may need to be augmented with tendon allograft. The LCL and/or the popliteofibular ligament are reconstructed either with an Achilles tendon allograft, hamstring tendon autograft/allograft, tibialis anterior tendon allograft, or the BPTB allograft. Both cruciate ligaments are reconstructed arthroscopically. The ACL tunnels are placed in the center of its anatomic insertion in tibia and in its isometric or anatomic insertion in femur. A transtibial tunnel technique for PCL reconstruction is used. The PCL tibial tunnel is drilled first under arthroscopic guidance using the PCL guide. The ACL tibial guide is drilled at least 2 cm proximal to the PCL tunnel to ensure that wide enough bone bridge remains between these tunnels. Fluoroscopy is used to ensure the right guidewire placement. Sequence of bicruciate ligament reconstruction with BPTB grafts. Drill PCL tibial tunnel first, then ACL tibial tunnel. Drill ACL femoral tunnel, then PCL femoral tunnel. Pass PCL graft through tibial tunnel and fix in femoral tunnel. Pass ACL graft through tibial tunnel and fix in femoral tunnel. Fix PCL graft on tibia at 90° of flexion with anteromedial step off. Fix ACL graft on tibia at extension. Rehabilitation Our protocol after bicruciate ligament reconstruction with MPTB grafts has been very active. Progressive range of motion is started early after the operation with an unlocked functional brace. If simultaneous suturation of a meniscus tear has been performed, motion is limited to 60° of flexion during the first 4 weeks. Progression from partial to full weight bearing is done over the first 6 weeks. Quadriceps exercises are progressed to open-chain knee extension exercises early as well as closed-chain hamstring exercises. Brace is discontinued after 12 weeks

Background. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the highly developed procedure for sever osteoarthritic knee, in which there are two major concepts; Cruciate Retaining design (CR) and Posterior Stabilized design (PS). The femoral roll back movement is enforced with the post-cam mechanism in the PS, however, this structure associates with the complications, i.e. wear and dislocation. The CR has been developed to obtain the knee stability with native posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in TKA. However, the preservation of the PCL can limit knee exposure and increase the technical challenge of surgery. We hypothesized that the knee exposure was easily achieved after the PCL was released, however, the PCL was repaired and the posterior stability was re-established after the TKA with time if it was released subperiostealy. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the varying of the posterior stability after the PCL-released CR TKA. Methods. Patients were performed the CR TKA with 3DKnee (DJO Global, Vista, CA), in which the entire PCL was subperiostealy released at its femoral insertion (Fig. 1). Following that, the patients were examined with the Knee Society Score and the KT-2000 knee ligament arthrometer (MedMetric Corp., San Diego, CA) firstly between 3 weeks and 7 weeks and secondly between 12 weeks and 20 weeks postoperatively. Results. There were 8 cases in 2 female and 6 male knees, and the age was 63.3 ± 11.1 (ranging from 51 to 79). Once the PCL was released, the tibia was easy to subluxate, and the knee was clearly exposed intraoperatively. The Knee Society knee score at the first evaluation was 74.4 ± 10.7 (59 to 90), which was significantly improved compared to the preoperative score of 37.0 ± 9.4 (25 to 50) (p<0.001). Then, the score increased up to 89.4 ± 11.6 (70 to 100) at the second evaluation. The function score was 35.6 ± 19.9 (5 to 55) preoperatively and decreased to 24.4 ± 12.2 (20 to 55) at the first evaluation. After that, it increased to 82.5 ± 14.1 (65 to 100) (p<0.001) at the second evaluation. The anteroposterior laxity was 5.2 ± 1.9 (3 to 7.5) mm at the first evaluation, and was improved to 3.6 ± 1.2 (2 to 5) mm (p<0.046). Therefore, the posterior stability was confirmed to be re-established. We also confirmed the re-establishment of the PCL integrity at a revision TKA, in which the original procedure had been performed 7 years ago (Fig. 2). Conclusion. The re-establishment of the posterior stability after the PCL-released CR TKA was demonstrated. This procedure to release the entire PCL subperiostealy is recommended as a means of facilitating CR TKA

Introduction. Achieving proper ligament tension in knee flexion within posterior cruciate retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has long been associated with clinical success. Ligament balance has been achieved through specific surgical technique steps. No prior study evaluated the possible effects of varying levels of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) release on femorotibial contact location and PCL ligament strain. The purpose of this computational analysis was to determine what effect-varying levels of PCL release may have on the tibiofemoral kinematics and PCL strain. Methods. A computational analysis was performed utilizing a musculoskeletal modeling system with ligaments modeled as non-linear elastic structures and ligament insertions. A single CR knee system with two different tibial insert designs was tested, a Guided Motion (GM) and an ultra-congruent, Deep Dished (DD) design. Varying levels of PCL release were simulated by setting the stiffness of both bundles of the PCL to a percentage, ranging from 0–100% in 25% increments. Tibiofemoral kinematics was evaluated by measuring the contact points estimated from the femoral condyle low points, and ligament strain of the anterior-lateral (AL) and posterior-medial (PM) bundles. The maximum PCL strain was determined for each bundle to evaluate the risk of PCL rupture based on the PCL failure strain. Results. The femoral AP position of both medial and lateral condyles became more anterior as the PCL stiffness was reduced to simulate greater release in both GM and DD inserts. The effect of reduction in PCL stiffness on femoral AP position increased as the PCL stiffness became a smaller percentage of the intact stiffness. The DD insert had smaller changes in femoral AP position resulting from reduced PCL stiffness than the GM insert. PCL strain in both bundles increased as PCL stiffness was reduced. The effect of reduction in PCL stiffness on PCL strain increased as the PCL stiffness became smaller. The DD insert had smaller changes in PCL strain resulting from reduced PCL stiffness than the GM insert. The model predicts that the AL bundle should not rupture for a 75% release of the PCL. The maximum PM bundle strain data indicates that the risk of PM bundle rupture is greater than AL bundle. Discussion. Our findings suggest that a partial PCL release does have an impact on tibiofemoral kinematics and ligament tension throughout the knee flexion range of motion for varying implant designs. The effects of increased PCL release were: more anterior femoral position on the tibia and increased strain in both bundles of the PCL. The maximum strain data indicates that the AL bundle of the PCL should be able to safely withstand a 75% release, but the PM bundle of the PCL may be at risk of rupture after as little as a 25% release because its stiffness is lower than the AL bundle. Our findings indicate that though partial PCL release can be correlated with both knee kinematics and PCL strain, the relationship is rather dynamic and care should be taken when seeking to find optimal balance intra-operatively

Introduction: Total knee replacement (TKR) is an established and successful treatment option for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthroplasty surgeons, however, continue to debate the merits of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) preservation or resection. Published literature on this subject has not demonstrated a significant clinical difference in outcome in matched subjects. Deliberate PCL resection during non-posterior stabilised TKR has also been shown to have similar outcomes. The aims of this study were to map the tibial PCL footplate using MRI in patients undergoing TKR and more importantly, to document the percentage disruption of this footplate as a result of the tibial cut. Patients and Methods: Patients awaiting TKR were prospectively enrolled into this study. Plain radiographs and an MRI scan of the knee were performed. Using coronal and sagittal images and the available software, the cross sectional area of the tibial PCL footplate was determined along with its location relative to the tip of the fibular head. Plain x-rays of the knee were performed postoperatively. Using a number of pre-determined markers we estimated the impact of the operative tibial cut on the PCL footplate. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled into this study. There were 7 male and 18 female patients, mean age: 69 years. The vast majority of implants were AMK (80%), with a mean posterior slope cut of 3.6 degrees (range 0–7) and mean spacer height 11.4 mm (range 8–16). From MRI analysis, the tibial PCL footplate had a mean surface area of 83 mm. 2. (range: 49 – 142), and there was a significant difference between male and female patients [Male: 104 mm. 2. versus Females: 75 mm. 2. ; t-test, p < 0.005]. The inferior most aspect of the PCL footplate was located on average 1 mm above the superior most aspect of the fibular head (range: 10 mm below to 7 mm above). Analysis of post-operative radiographs showed that the average tibial cut extended to 4 mm above the tip of the fibular head (range 2 mm below to 14 mm above). Over one third of patients had tibial cuts extending below the inferior most aspect of their PCL footplate (complete removal) and a further one third had cuts which extended into their PCL footplate (partial removal). Conclusions We have found a wide variation in the size and location of the tibial PCL footplate when referenced against the fibular head. Proximal tibial cuts using conventional jigs resulted in the removal of a significant portion if not all of the PCL footplate in the majority of patients. Our findings suggest that when performing PCL retaining TKR’s, we commonly do not actually preserve the PCL

Background: Correct ligament balance is a critical factor in both cruciate retaining and substituting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Due to a lack in current tools, however, little data exists on gap kinematics with the patella is in its anatomical position and with the ligaments tensed. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of the patellar position and PCL resection on gap kinematics when constant tension is applied to the medial and lateral compartments. Methods: A novel computer-controlled tensioner was used to measure the medial and lateral gaps in 10 normal knee specimens throughout a full range of motion. Gaps were measured medially and laterally using constant applied forces of 50N, 75N and 100N per side. Gap data were acquired at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120° of flexion. The test was performed with the patella everted and reduced, and with the PCL intact and resected. Results: At 90° of flexion:. the mean medial gap was 1.5–2.5mm smaller than the mean lateral gap for all scenarios and forces tested (p< 0.05);. everting the patella decreased the medial and lateral gaps by 1mm and 1.3mm with an intact PCL, and by 1mm and 2.7mm with the PCL resected, respectively;. PCL resection resulted in increased flexion gap heights of ~1–2mm for both sides. During knee flexion from 30° to 90°, the PCL tended to squeeze the medial compartment by 1–2mm (p< 0.05). Increasing the force from 50N to 100N per side resulted in a mean gap increase of 0.5mm throughout the range of flexion. Conclusions: Measurement of gap kinematics with a computer-controlled tensioner and a completely reduced patella is feasible. Everting the patella and resecting the PCL both have significant effects on flexion gap balance and symmetry. Knees which are balanced with the patella everted may be post-operatively 1–3mm more lax in flexion than planned. Retaining the PCL may result in asymmetric tightening of the medial gap from 30° to 90°

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention, PCL recession, and PCL excision during cruciate-retaining total knee replacement. Methods. A total of 3018 anatomic graduated component total knee replacements were examined; 1846 of these retained the PCL, 455 PCLs were partially recessed, and in 717 the PCL was completely excised from the back of the tibia. Results. Clinical scores between PCL groups favored excision for flexion (p < 0.0001), and recession and retention for stairs (p < 0.0001). There was a mild difference in long-term all-cause aseptic survivorship between PCL-retained (96.4% at 15 years) combined with PCL-recessed groups (96.6% at 15 years) when compared with the PCL-excised group (95.0% at 15 years) (p = 0.0411, Wilcoxon; p = 0.0042, log-rank), as well as tibial or femoral loosening, which reported prosthesis survival of 97.8% at 15 years for PCL-retained knees, 98.2% for recessed knees, and 96.4% for excised knees (p = 0.0934, Wilcoxon; p = 0.0202, log-rank). Conclusions. Despite some trade-off in clinical performance, if the PCL is detached at the time of operation, conversion to a posterior-stabilised prosthesis may not be necessarily required as long as stability in the anteroposterior and coronal planes is achieved

Background. There are some critical points of Cruciate retaining (CR) TKA. We recognized that it is one of the most important issue how to manage for release of PCL contracture. PCL contracture would lead to poor ROM, stiff or painful knee after CR TKA. PCL release at insertion of femoral / tibial side or cut in PCL itself, “pie craft” were reported. However, for retaining of PCL function after TKA, peeling off PCL itself would be not desirable. Therefore, we proposed to perform V shape-osteotomy at PCL insertion of tibia with osteotome (Fig.1,2) and cancellous bone graft at osteotomy site to get bony union (V-shape osteotomy with cancellous bone graft: VOCG). We would present how to perform VOCG at CR TKA and clinical results. Patients and Methods. 188 knees in 126 patients were received NRG CR TKA (Stryker) at Nagano Matsushiro General Hospital between February 2008 and August 2009. Mean age at operation was 75.1±5.9 years old. The indications for VOCG were positive of POLO test positive, inadequate soft tissue balance because of PCL contracture, or poor pre-operative ROM et al. All patients were reviewed with clinical and radiographic assessments. Clinical evaluation was carried out using the Knee Society Score (knee score and functional score). The range of motion (ROM) was pre- and post-operatively. In order to evaluate the effect of VOCG, clinical outcomes were compared between two groups (with VOCG vs without VOCG). Results. Of 126 patients (188 knees), 4 (6 knees) died in cardiac disease or malignant tumor within 1 year. 3 (5 knees) suffered from some comorbidities. Therefore, 177 knees in 119 patients available for review at a minimum 1 year (one to six). There were no revision cases. No patients had PCL dysfunction, infection or deep vein thrombosis in current study. 21 knees (11.8%) received VOCG. The reasons for VOCG: lift off positive:11 knees, inadequate soft tissue balance: 8 knees, flexion contracture: 1 knee There were no significant difference in FTA before TKA and KS between with VOCG and without VOCG cases. In pre-oprerative varus knee group (n=133), there was significant difference in pre-oprerative ROM between with VOCG group (94.4°±25.5°) and without VOCG group (106.0°±25.5°) (p<0.05). In addition, post operatively ROM of without VOCG group (125.6°±17.3°) was significantly better than with VOCG group(112.8°±13.5°)(p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in improvement rate of ROM between two groups. In radiographic evaluation, no cases revealed non-union at osteotomy site. Conclusions. In current series, no cases revealed PCL dysfunction after CR TKA in two groups. Our clinical results suggested that VOCG would provide reasonable PCL release and remain PCL function in CR TKA

Objective:. Accurate measurement of the extension and flexion gap is important in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Particularly, the flexion gap may be influenced by several factors; therefore, tension of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), knee extensor mechanism, and the thigh weight may need to be considered while estimating the flexion gap. However, there is no comprehensive study on the flexion gap, including an assessment of the influence of gravity on the gap. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of PCL, knee extensor mechanism, and thigh weight on the flexion gap by using a fresh frozen cadaver. Methods:. A fresh frozen lower limb that included the pelvis was used for the assessments. The knee was resected by a measured resection technique and a femoral component was implanted to estimate the component gap. The knee was flexed by precisely 90 degrees using a computer navigation system. The flexion gap was measured in different situations: group A, PCL preserved and patella reduced; group B, PCL preserved and patella everted; group C, PCL resected and patella reduced; and group D, PCL resected and patella everted. In each group, the measurements were obtained under 3 different conditions: 1, knee flexed and the lower limb on the operation table under gravity, as is usually done in TKA; 2, hip and knee flexed 90 degrees to avoid the influence of gravity; and 3, knee set in the same position as in condition 1 and the thigh was held by hand to reduce the influence of the thigh weight. Results:. The flexion gap differed according to groups and conditions. Group B was larger than group A in most conditions and group D was larger than group C. The flexion gap in group D was the largest among the 4 groups. The extensor mechanism had influences to the flexion gap (Table 1). In groups A and B, the flexion gaps were similar under conditions 1, 2, and 3; however, in groups C and D, the flexion gaps in condition 1 were smaller than those in conditions 2 and 3. The thigh weight condition had influences to the flexion gap when the PCL was resected (Table 2). Conclusion:. This is the first systemic report about the influences of PCL, extensor mechanism, and thigh weight on flexion gap measurement in TKA. PCL, extensor mechanism, and thigh weight influence the flexion gap and should be considered during TKA surgery. Especially, careful consideration is necessary to estimate the flexion gap when the PCL is resected and the patella is everted because the flexion gap becomes much wider than other situations

Contemporary knee implants use a variety of methods to control tibiofemoral motions. Posterior stabilized implants have a post and cam to force the femur posterior with flexion. Most posterior cruciate retaining designs rely solely on this ligament and symmetric tibial surfaces to control tibiofemoral translations. However, many studies have demonstrated poor control of tibiofemoral motion in PCL retaining knees. One strategy to augmenting PCL function is to provide a gait-congruent lateral articulation providing definitive stability in extension while allowing lateral condylar translation in deep flexion. It is unknown whether this design strategy, essentially substituting for the ACL, allows the PCL to function more normally. Fifteen knees in ten patients with a fixed-bearing, PCL retaining, lateral pivot arthroplasty were observed during maximum flexion kneeling and lunging using fluoroscopy. The tibial insert provides a fully conforming lateral articulation from 0°–70° flexion, allowing lateral AP translation at greater flexion. Recruited on the basis of combined KSS scores > 180 points, patients averaged 72 years, 27.5 BMI, and 12 months post-op. Shape matching techniques were used to determine the 3D pose of the implant components. Skeletal flexion during kneeling averaged 134° (117°–156°) with 11° tibial internal rotation. Medial condylar contact was 3mm posterior, and lateral contact was 11 mm posterior to the tibial AP midpoint. Skeletal flexion during lunging averaged 122° (106°–146°) with 11° tibialinternal rotation. Medial condylar contact was 1mm posterior, and lateral condylar contact was 9mm posterior to the tibial AP midpoint. Knees with lateral pivot arthroplasty exhibited flexion comparable to the best reported results in North American patients. Tibial rotation was statistically greater than has been reported for symmetric posterior stabilized or PCL retaining implants for the same activities. Posterior translation of the condyles with flexion beyond the range of full articular congruity is consistent with relatively normal PCL function

Aims: It is well known that the success of an orthopedic implant is determined by a close apposition between bone and implant surface. The excellent physical properties and the controlled degradation of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) has been shown, however the suitability for bone engineering applications of a material is critically influenced by the interactions between cells and scaffold. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between bone marrow cells and PCL surface. Bone marrow cells were obtained from femurs of New Zealand rabbits and seeded on PCL directly (WBMC) or after gradient centrifugation (MSC), mimicking the in vivo colonization of PCL after implantation and the pre-seeding strategy. Methods: PCL was dissolved in chloroform (3% w/v solution) and spin coated as a thin (100nm) film onto p-doped silicon wafers. The surface wettability and roughness were analyzed by SFE measurements and AFM. Cells were seeded on PCL and adhesion/proliferation evaluated at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM imaging were performed at defined time endpoints. Results: At 2 wks adherence-selected MSC had already formed confluent multilayers, whereas WBMC were still semi-confluent. At 4 wks a consistent layer of ECM was observed underneath the cell layers of both cultures. Conclusions: PCL is a proper substrate for bone cell attachment and growth, as cell confluence was reached at 2 wks for MSC and at 3–4 wks for WBMC. To avoid any risk of bacterial contamination, the seeding of WBMC on PCL scaffold, which implies reduced handling of cells outside the body, was shown to be effective and may be recommended in the clinical practice

Introduction. While clinically successful for decades, CR TKA is persistently compromised by inconsistent PCL function. Problems of mid-flexion instability, incomplete knee flexion, erratic kinematic behavior and posterior instability, not seen with PS devices, raise concerns about the consistency of the technique, and the devices used. Most TKA systems offer at least 2 different geometries of tibial inserts to address this clinical problem. We hypothesize these problems are a result of compromise of PCL anatomy. To avoid compromise to the PCL 3 steps are required: 1) The slope of tibial resection must be less than 5°; 2) the depth of tibial resection must be based off the insertion footprint of the PCL, not the deficiencies of the tibial articular surface; and 3) the tibial insert must be modified to allow intraoperative balancing of the PCL. Results. The CR Slope ™ implants and technique (Exactech) (“Posterior Cruciate Referencing Technique (PCRT)”) reflect this philosophy and have allowed consistent surgical intervention without PCL release and without multiple inserts. We present data identifying, the footprint, and the instrument and technique modifications that allow for predictable identification of the depth and angle of resection. At 2 years post implantation in the first 100 patients implanted, the study group has demonstrated similar operative time, LOS and Oxford knee scores (OKS), while ROM averaged 5° greater, and time to achieved flexion was decreased. Conclusion. The PCRT offers a new conceptual and clinical approach to predictable CR TKA

Introduction. Recently, tibial insert design of cruciate-substituting (CS) polyethylene insert is employed and widely used. However, in vivo kinematics of using CS polyethylene insert is still unclear. In this study, it is hypothesized that CS polyethylene insert leads to stability of femoro-tibial joint as well as posterior-stabilized (PS) polyethylene insert, even if PCL is sacrificed after TKA. The purpose of this study is an investigation of in vivo kinematics of femoro-tibial joint with use of CS polyethylene insert before and after PCL resction using computer assisted navigation system and tensor device intra-operatively in TKA. Materials and Methods. Sixty-one consecutive patients who had knees of osteoarthritis with varus deformity were investigated in this study. All TKAs (Triathlon, Stryker) were performed using computer assisted navigation system. During surgery, using a tensor device, after bony cut of femur and tibia, joint gaps were assessed in 0 and 90 degrees in flexion. Then, CS polyethylene tibial trial insert were inserted after trial implantation of femoral and tibial components, before and after resection of PCL, respectively. The kinematic parameters of the soft-tissue balance, and amount of coronal and sagittal relative movement between femur and tibia were obtained by interpreting kinematics, which display tables throughout the range of motion (ROM) in the navigation system. In each ROM (30, 45, 60, 90, max degrees), the data were analyzed with a ANOVA test, and mean values were compared by the multiple comparison test (Turkey HSD test) (p< 0.05). Results. Joint gap assessment revealed significant enlargement in both of extension and 90 degrees in flexion after PCL resection compared with before resection. In kinematic analyses in navigation system, regarding to amount of sagittal movement of tibia, there were significances between before and after PCL resection in 60 and 90 degrees in flexion, 1.2mm difference in 60 degrees, and 2.3mm difference in 90 degrees in flexion. There were no significance between before and after PCL resection in the other degrees in flexion. Regarding to the other analyses, varus/ valgus and rotation, there were no differences between before and after resection of PCL. In addition, concerning ROM, maximum extension angle is significantly lower, and maximum flexion angle is significantly higher after than before PCL resection. Discussion. These results demonstrated that CS polyethylene insert might have a stability of femoro-tibial joint nearly after PCL resection as well as before PCL resection. The main design feature of Triathlon CS insert is single radius and rotary arc, in addition, the posterior lip is same as that of Triathlon CR, which can be the factor to avoid paradoxical anterior movement and to permit internal and external rotation between femoral and tibial component. Due to the design features and benefits, there is a high possibility that use of CS insert without PCL can lead same stability as PCL remained, and improvement of ROM. Based on these backgrounds, it is suggested that CS insert may have an additional choice of PCL resection in case of tight gap of flexion in TKA

Introduction. After total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a PCL-retaining implant the location of the tibiofemoral contact point should be restored in order to obtain normal kinematics. The difficulty during surgery is to control this location since the position of the femur on the tibia cannot easily be measured from the back of the joint. Therefore, we developed a simple “spacer technique” to check the contact point indirectly in 90° flexion after all bone cuts are made by measuring the step-off between the distal cut of the femur and the anterior edge of the tibia with a spacer in place. The goal of this experiment was to investigate whether this new PCL balancing approach with the spacer technique created the correct contact point location. Methods. Nine fresh-frozen full leg cadaver specimens were used. After native testing, prototype components of a new PCL-retaining implant were implanted using navigation and a bone-referenced technique. After finishing the bone cuts of tibia and femur, the spacer was inserted in flexion and positioned on the anterior edge of the bony surface to measure the step-off. If necessary, an extra cut was made to balance the PCL. The specimen was mounted on the knee kinematics rig and a squat with constant vertical ankle force (130N) and constant medial and lateral hamstrings forces (50N) was performed between 30° and 130° of knee flexion. The trajectories of the reflective tibial and femoral markers were continuously recorded using six infrared cameras. The projections of the femoral condylar centers on the horizontal plane of the tibia were calculated and compared. Results. Of the 9 specimens, the calculated step-off was correct in 7 after finishing the bone cuts and in 2 specimens an additional tibia cut with 2–3 degrees more slope was sufficient to achieve the correct step-off. No lift-off of the tibial tray occurred during the tests. The patterns of the kinematics of the native and replaced knee showed a considerable similarity (fig 1). The projected medial femoral condylar center of the knee implant is at the same position as the projected medial femoral condylar center of the native knee. No paradoxical roll forward is seen in the knee implants, showing that the PCL balancing apparently seems to work quite well. The projected lateral femoral condylar center of the knee has a similar kinematic pattern in flexion before and after TKA. The knee implant shows a slightly more anterior location near extension but this is only marginal. Discussion and conclusion. The kinematics of the PCL-retaining implant are on average comparable to the kinematic pattern of the native knee. Apparently, the joint surfaces of the anatomic knee designed with a dished medial insert surface and a convex lateral insert surface and a 3 degrees varus of the joint line is guiding the motion towards that of a normal knee joint. We feel that correct balancing of the PCL during implantation is of major importance in achieving these results. The spacer technique to balance the PCL seems to work well in this experiment

We undertook a study of 52 knees in 34 patients who underwent a cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for severely deformed knees. At an average follow up of 12 years the knees were evaluated clinically and radiologically by means of stress radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess the functional status of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The knee scores showed a consistent and sustained improvement over the pre-operative levels. Stress radiographs did not show any posterior translation of the tibia. In 43 knees an intact PCL was visualized on MRI scans. These observations suggest that the PCL is present at long term review even in knees that underwent arthroplasty for severe deformities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the anteromedial opening wedge osteotomy for PCL deficient varus knees with medial compartment degenerative changes. Twelve patients had undergone an anteromedial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for the PCL deficient varus knee using a Puddu plate. All patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Patients were evaluated prospectively pre-operatively and at follow up by visual analogue pain and patellofemoral pain scores, IKDC II, WOMAC, SF-36 and a radiographic evaluation. All patients improved from Grade III to Grade I PCL instability. Patients reported a significant improvement in visual analogue pain and patellofemoral pain scores, IKDC II, WOMAC and SF-36. This technique shows encouraging early results for a complex problem