Aims. This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts. Methods. A case-control radiological study was undertaken comparing 500 healthy knees (250 adults) with a consecutive sample of 710 OA knees (355 adults) undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were determined for each knee, and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) types were calculated. WSD was defined as a varus mHKA of < -2° in one limb and a valgus mHKA of > 2° in the contralateral limb. The primary outcome was the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between healthy and OA groups. Secondary outcomes were the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between constitutional varus and valgus CPAK types, and to explore associations between predefined variables and WSD within the OA group. Results. WSD was more prevalent in the OA group compared to the healthy group (7.9% vs 0.4%; p < 0.001, relative risk (RR) 19.8). There was a significant difference in means and variance between the mHKA of the healthy and OA groups (mean -1.3° (SD 2.3°) vs mean -3.8°(SD 6.6°) respectively; p < 0.001). No significant differences existed in MPTA and LDFA between the groups, with a minimal difference in aHKA (mean -0.9° healthy vs -0.5° OA; p < 0.001). Backwards logistic regression identified meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy as predictors of WSD (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 10.0), p = 0.002; OR 11.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 89.3); p = 0.016; OR 41.6 (95% CI 5.4 to 432.9), p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Conclusion. This study found a 20-fold greater prevalence of WSD in OA populations. The development of WSD is associated with meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy. These findings support WSD being mostly an acquired condition following skeletal maturity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):879–885

Aims. The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification is a simple and comprehensive system for predicting pre-arthritic knee alignment. However, when the CPAK classification is applied in the Asian population, which is characterized by more varus and wider distribution in lower limb alignment, modifications in the boundaries of arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) should be considered. The purposes of this study were as follows: first, to propose a modified CPAK classification based on the actual joint line obliquity (aJLO) and wider range of aHKA in the Asian population; second, to test this classification in a cohort of Asians with healthy knees; third, to propose individualized alignment targets for different CPAK types in kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. The CPAK classification was modified by changing the neutral boundaries of aHKA to 0° ± 3° and using aJLO as a new variable. Radiological analysis of 214 healthy knees in 214 Asian individuals was used to assess the distribution and mean value of alignment angles of each phenotype among different classifications based on the coronal plane. Individualized alignment targets were set according to the mean lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) of different knee types. Results. A very high concentration, 191 from 214 individuals (89.3%), were found in knee types with apex distal JLO when the CPAK classification was applied in the Asian population. By using aJLO as a new variable, the high distribution percentage in knee types with apex distal JLO decreased to 125 from 214 individuals (58.4%). The most common types in order were Type II (n = 70; 32.7%), Type V (n = 55; 25.7%), and Type I (n = 46; 21.5%) in the modified CPAK classification. Conclusion. The modified CPAK classification corrected the uneven distribution when applying the CPAK classification in the Asian population. Setting individualized TKA alignment targets according to CPAK type may be a practical method to recreate optimal LDFA and MPTA in KA-TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):211–217

Aims

It is unknown whether gap laxities measured in robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) correlate to load sensor measurements. The aim of this study was to determine whether symmetry of the maximum medial and lateral gaps in extension and flexion was predictive of knee balance in extension and flexion respectively using different maximum thresholds of intercompartmental load difference (ICLD) to define balance.

Aims. Once knee arthritis and deformity have occurred, it is currently not known how to determine a patient’s constitutional (pre-arthritic) limb alignment. The purpose of this study was to describe and validate the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle (aHKA) algorithm as a straightforward method for preoperative planning and intraoperative restoration of the constitutional limb alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. A comparative cross-sectional, radiological study was undertaken of 500 normal knees and 500 arthritic knees undergoing TKA. By definition, the aHKA algorithm subtracts the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) from the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). The mechanical HKA (mHKA) of the normal group was compared to the mHKA of the arthritic group to examine the difference, specifically related to deformity in the latter. The mHKA and aHKA were then compared in the normal group to assess for differences related to joint line convergence. Lastly, the aHKA of both the normal and arthritic groups were compared to test the hypothesis that the aHKA can estimate the constitutional alignment of the limb by sharing a similar centrality and distribution with the normal population. Results. There was a significant difference in means and distributions of the mHKA of the normal group compared to the arthritic group (mean -1.33° (SD 2.34°) vs mean -2.88° (SD 7.39°) respectively; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between normal and arthritic groups using the aHKA (mean -0.87° (SD 2.54°) vs mean -0.77° (SD 2.84°) respectively; p = 0.550). There was no significant difference in the MPTA and LDFA between the normal and arthritic groups. Conclusion. The arithmetic HKA effectively estimated the constitutional alignment of the lower limb after the onset of arthritis in this cross-sectional population-based analysis. This finding is of significant importance to surgeons aiming to restore the constitutional alignment of the lower limb during TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(5):351–358

Identifying and restoring alignment is a primary aim of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In the coronal plane, the pre-pathological hip knee angle can be predicted using an arithmetic method (aHKA) by measuring the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (aHKA=MPTA - LDFA). The aHKA is shown to be predictive of coronal alignment prior to the onset of osteoarthritis; a useful guide when considering a non-mechanically aligned TKA. The aim of this study is to investigate the intra- and inter-observer accuracy of aHKA measurements on long leg standing radiographs (LLR) and preoperative Mako CT planning scans (CTs). Sixty-eight patients who underwent TKA from 2020–2021 with pre-operative LLR and CTs were included. Three observers (Surgeon, Fellow, Registrar) measured the LDFA and MPTA on LLR and CT independently on three separate occasions, to determine aHKA. Statistical analysis was undertaken with Bland-Altman test and coefficient of repeatability. An average intra-observer measurement error of 3.5° on LLR and 1.73° on CTs for MPTA was detected. Inter-observer errors were 2.74° on LLR and 1.28° on CTs. For LDFA, average intra-observer measurement error was 2.93° on LLR and 2.3° on CTs, with inter-observer errors of 2.31° on LLR and 1.92° on CTs. Average aHKA intra-observer error was 4.8° on LLR and 2.82° on CTs. Inter-observer error of 3.56° for LLR and 2.0° on CTs was measured. The aHKA is reproducible on both LLR and CT. CT measurements are more reproducible both between and within observers. The difference between measurements using LLR and CT is small and hence these two can be considered interchangeable. CT may obviate the need for LLRs and may overcome difficulties associated with positioning, rotation, body habitus and flexion contractures when assessing coronal alignment

Introduction. The non-union of long bones poses a substantial challenge to clinicians and patients alike. The Ilizarov fixation system and Limb Reconstruction System (LRS), renowned for their versatility in managing complex non-unions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of acute docking with the bone peg-in-bone technique for the management of non-unions of long bones. The study seeks to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving complete bony union, preserving limb length and alignment, correcting existing deformities, and preventing the onset of new ones. Method. A retrospective analysis of 42 patients was done with infected and non-infected non-unions of long bones who received treatment at a tertiary care hospital between April 2016 to April 2022. We utilized the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of the Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system to assess both bone and functional outcomes and measured mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) for the femur and the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) for the tibia. Result. In our retrospective study involving 42 patients, a total of 30 patients had post debridement gap of >2 cm and average gap of 4.54 cm (range 1 – 13 cm) and therefore underwent corticotomy and lengthening. The average external fixation time was 6.52 (range 4 – 11 months) and average external fixation index of 2.08 (range 0.4 – 4.5 months/cm). The ASAMI scoring system showed bone result of 38 excellent, 3 good and 1 fair. Functional result of 40 excellent and 2 good outcomes. The post op mLDFA and MPTA were in normal range except in 3 patients which not statistically significant. Conclusion. In conclusion, the use of acute docking provides several advantages such as promoting early fracture healing, increasing stability, shortening treatment time, reducing the number of surgical procedures and reduced number of complications

The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) is a recent method for classifying knees using the hip-knee-ankle angle and joint line obliquity to assist surgeons in selection of an optimal alignment philosophy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)1. It is unclear, however, how CPAK classification impacts pre-operative joint balance. Our objective was to characterise joint balance differences between CPAK categories. A retrospective review of TKA's using the OMNIBotics platform and BalanceBot (Corin, UK) using a tibia first workflow was performed. Lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were landmarked intra-operatively and corrected for wear. Joint gaps were measured under a load of 70–90N after the tibial resection. Resection thicknesses were validated to recreate the pre-tibial resection joint balance. Knees were subdivided into 9 categories as described by MacDessi et al.1 Differences in balance at 10°, 40° and 90° were determined using a one-way 2-tailed ANOVA test with a critical p-value of 0.05. 1124 knees satisfied inclusion criteria. The highest proportion of knees (60.7%) are CPAK I with a varus aHKA and Distal Apex JLO, 79.8% report a Distal Apex JLO and 69.3% report a varus aHKA. Greater medial gaps are observed in varus (I, IV, VII) compared to neutral (II, V, VIII) and valgus knees (III, VI, IX) (p<0.05 in all cases) as well as in the Distal Apex (I, II, III) compared to Neutral groups (IV, V, VI) (p<0.05 in all cases). Comparisons could not be made with the Proximal Apex groups due to low frequency (≤2.5%). Significant differences in joint balance were observed between and within CPAK groups. Although both hip-knee-ankle angle and joint line orientation are associated with joint balance, boney anatomy alone is not sufficient to fully characterize the knee

A primary goal of revision Total Knee Arthroplasty (rTKA) is restoration of the Joint Line (JL) and Posterior Condylar Offsets (PCO). The presence of a native contralateral joint allows JL and PCO to be inferred in a way that could account for patient-specific anatomical variations more accurately than current techniques. This study assesses bilateral distal femoral symmetry in the context of defining targets for restoration of JL and PCO in rTKA. 566 pre-operative CTs for bilateral TKAs were segmented and landmarked by two engineers. Landmarks were taken on both femurs at the medial and lateral epicondyles, distal and posterior condyles and hip and femoral centres. These landmarks were used to calculate the distal and posterior offsets on the medial and lateral sides (MDO, MPO, LDO, LPO respectively), the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), TEA to PCA angle (TEAtoPCA) and anatomic to mechanical axis angle (AAtoMA). Mean bilateral differences in these measures were calculated and cases were categorised according to the amount of asymmetry. The database analysed included 54.9% (311) females with a mean population age of 68.8 (±7.8) years. The mean bilateral difference for each measure was: LDFA 1.4° (±1.0), TEAtoPCA 1.3° (±0.9), AAtoMA 0.5° (±0.5), MDO 1.4mm (±1.1), MPO 1.0mm (±0.8). The categorisation of asymmetry for each measure was: LDFA had 39.9% of cases with <1° bilateral difference and 92.4% with <3° bilateral difference, TEAtoPCA had 45.8% <1° and 96.6% <3°, AAtoMA had 85.7% <1° and 99.8% <3°, MDO had 46.2% <1mm and 90.3% <3mm, MPO had 57.0% <1mm and 97.9% <3mm. This study presents evidence supporting bilateral distal femoral symmetry. Using the contralateral anatomy to obtain estimates for JL and PCO in rTKA may result in improvements in intraoperative accuracy compared to current techniques and a more patient specific solution to operative planning

Aims. An algorithm to determine the constitutional alignment of the lower limb once arthritic deformity has occurred would be of value when undertaking kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine if the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) algorithm could estimate the constitutional alignment of the lower limb following development of significant arthritis. Methods. A matched-pairs radiological study was undertaken comparing the aHKA of an osteoarthritic knee (aHKA-OA) with the mechanical HKA of the contralateral normal knee (mHKA-N). Patients with Grade 3 or 4 Kellgren-Lawrence tibiofemoral osteoarthritis in an arthritic knee undergoing TKA and Grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis in the contralateral normal knee were included. The aHKA algorithm subtracts the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) from the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) measured on standing long leg radiographs. The primary outcome was the mean of the paired differences in the aHKA-OA and mHKA-N. Secondary outcomes included comparison of sex-based differences and capacity of the aHKA to determine the constitutional alignment based on degree of deformity. Results. A total of 51 radiographs met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference between aHKA-OA and mHKA-N, with a mean angular difference of −0.4° (95% SE −0.8° to 0.1°; p = 0.16). There was no significant sex-based difference when comparing aHKA-OA and mHKA-N (mean difference 0.8°; p = 0.11). Knees with deformities of more than 8° had a greater mean difference between aHKA-OA and mHKA-N (1.3°) than those with lesser deformities (-0.1°; p = 0.009). Conclusion. This study supports the arithmetic HKA algorithm for prediction of the constitutional alignment once arthritis has developed. The algorithm has similar accuracy between sexes and greater accuracy with lesser degrees of deformity. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:339–345

Abstract. Introduction. Coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification utilises the native arithmetic hip-knee alignment to calculate the constitutional limb alignment and joint line obliquity which is important in pre-operative planning. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of measuring the lower limb constitutional alignment with the traditional long leg radiographs versus computed tomography (CT) used for pre-operative planning in robotic-arm assisted TKA. Methods. Digital long leg radiographs and pre-operative CT scan plans of 42 patients (46 knees) with osteoarthritis undergoing robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement were analysed. The constitutional alignment was established by measuring the medial proximal tibial angle (mPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), weight bearing hip knee alignment (WBHKA), arithmetic hip knee alignment (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO). Furthermore, the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification was utilised to classify the patients based on their coronal knee alignment phenotype. Results. Mean age of the patients was 66 years (SD 9) and mean BMI 31.2 (SD 3.9). There were 27 left and 19 right sided surgeries. The Pearson's corelation coefficient was 0.722 (p=0.008) for WBHKA; 0.729 (p<0.001) for MPTA; 0.618 (p=0.14) for aHKA; 0.502 (p= 0.04) for LDFA and 0.305 (p=0.234) for JLO. CPAK classification was concordant for 53% study participants between the two groups. Conclusion. Three-dimensional CT-based modelling with computer software more accurately predicts constitutional limb alignment and JLO as defined by the CPAK classification compared to plain long-leg radiographs in pre-operative planning of total knee arthroplasty

The coronal plane lower limb alignment plays an important role in the occurrence and progression in knee osteoarthritis. There have been reports of the valgus knee in patients with unilateral developmental hip dislocation (UDHD) with the relatively small sample size. Besides, few studies have analyzed the lower limb alignment of the contralateral side. The purpose of our study was to identify the coronal plane alignment of both the ipsilateral and the contralateral lower limb in patients with UDHD and find out the difference between patients with Hartofilakidis type II and III. The radiographic data of all UDHD patients who met the inclusion criteria from March 2011 to February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, including the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), mechanical proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA). Besides, the femoral torsion angle was measured on the images of CT scan. The average HKA was 3.42°(range: −4.3–12.8°) on the affected side, and −2.11°(range: −11.4–5.4°) on the contralateral side (P?0.0001). The valgus lower limb alignment on ipsilateral side was most frequently seen in both Hartofilakidis type II (20cases, 51.3%) and type III groups (25cases, 67.6%), whereas for the contralateral side, the neutral alignment in type II group (27 cases, 69.2%) and varus alignment in type III group (19 cases, 51.4%) were most commonly observed. Both the mLDFA (P?0.001) and aLDFA (P?0.001) of ipsilateral side were significantly smaller than those of contralateral side. The average femoral torsion angle was 37.9°(range: 10.4–64.4°) on the affected side, and 27.1°(range: 9.7–45.5°) on the contralateral side (P?0.001). In conclusion, UDHD patients may present with lower limb malalignment on both sides. The valgus lower limb alignment is the most common deformity on ipsilateral side, which is caused by increased femoral torsion angle as well as the decreased aLDFA. The patients with Hartofilakidis type III UDHD may be more prone to present varus alignment deformity than those with Hartofilakidis type II on the contralateral side. The lower limb malalignment and deformity of ipsilateral distal femur should be considered during any surgery involving hip, knee or femur

Introduction. Deformity influences the weight bearing stresses on the knee joint. Correction of mechanical alignment is performed to offload the knee and slow the rate of degenerative change. Fixator assisted deformity correction facilitates accurate correction prior to internal fixation. We present our results with standard Ilizarov and UNYCO system assisted deformity correction of the lower limb. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of adult surgical cases of mechanical re-alignment performed between 2010 and 2019 in a tertiary referral centre. We recorded standard demographics and operative time from the electronic patient record. We analysed digitalised radiographs to record pre- and post-operative measurements of: Mechanical axis deviation (MAD), femoral tibial angle (FTA), Medial Proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and Mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA). The accuracy of the correction was analysed. Time to healing, secondary interventions and complications were also recorded. Results. 7 patients underwent fixator assisted deformity correction with the UNYCO system and 11 with a standard Ilizarov frame. Mean pre-op MAD was 45.8mm in the UNYCO group and 43.4mm in Ilazrov; Mean post-op MAD was 9.5mm in the UNYCO group (5–15) and 12.3 in the Ilizarov group (1–25) p=0.07. The average surgical time in the UNYCO group was 200 minutes (128–325) and 252 minutes (203–301) in the Ilizarov group p=0.07. The mean post op MPTA was 90.2 (87–96) in the UNYCO group and 87.4 (81–94) in the Ilizarov group. The mean mLDFA was 90.0(81–93.5) in the UNYCO group and 87.3(82.2–93.9) in the Ilizarov group. All the corrections involved a plate or nail fixation and mean time to union was 76.3 days in the UNYCO and 117.3 in the Ilizarov group. Conclusions. Both systems allowed accurate correction of deformity and limb alignment. In this small series we were unable to show a difference in theatre time. The application of the principles of deformity correction are as important as the surgical methods

Abstract. Background. Lower limb mechanical axis has long been seen as a key to successful in lower limb surgery, including knee arthroplasty. Traditionally, coronal alignment has been assessed with weight-bearing lower limb radiographs (LLR) allowing assessment of hip-knee-ankle alignment. More recently CT scanograms (CTS) have been advocated as a possible alternative, having the potential benefits of being quicker, cheaper, requiring less specialist equipment and being non-weightbearing. Objectives. To evaluate the accuracy and comparability of lower limb alignment values derived from LLR versus CTS. Methods. We prospectively investigated patients undergoing knee arthroplasty with preoperative and postoperative LLR and CTS, analysing both preoperative and postoperative LLRs & CTS giving 140 imaging tests for direct comparison. We used two independent observers to calculate on each of imaging modalities, on both pre- and post-operative images, the: hip-knee-ankle alignment (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). Results. 840 data points were captured from pre- and post-operative LLRs and CTSs. Analysis demonstrated very strong correlation in pre-operative HKA (LLR vs CTS, r = 0.917), post-operative HKAs (LLR vs CTS, 0.850) and postoperative LDFAs (LLR vs CTS, 0.850). Strong correlation was observed in pre-operative LDFAs (0.732), MPTAs (0.604), and post-operative MPTAs (0.690). Conclusion. Both pre- and post-operative LLR and CTS imaging display very strong correlation for HKA coronal alignment correlation, with strong correlation for other associated angles around the knee. Our results demonstrate that both LLR and CTS can be used interchangeably with similar results. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is faced with a challenge of decreasing the cost of care for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but must make efforts to prevent patient selection bias in the process. Currently, no appropriate modifier codes exist for primary TKA based on case complexity. We sought to determine differences in perioperative parameters for patients with “complex” primary TKA with the hypothesis that they would require increased cost of care, prolonged care times, and have worse postoperative outcome metrics. Methods. We performed a single center retrospective review from 2015 to 2018 of all primary TKA. Patient demographics, medial proximal tibial angle (mPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (lDFA), flexion contracture, cost of care, and early postoperative outcomes were collected. ‘Complex’ patients were defined as those requiring stems or augments, and multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching were performed to evaluate perioperative outcomes. Results. 1046 primary TKA were studied and 84 patients (8.3%) were classified as “complex”. For this cohort, surgery duration was greater (117 vs 82 minutes; p<0.001), cost of care excessive (p<0.001), and patients had a greater likelihood for 90-day hospital return. Deviation of mPTA and lDFA was significantly greater preoperatively before and after propensity score matching. Cutpoint analysis demonstrated that preoperative mPTA <83o or >91o, lDFA <84o or >90o, flexion contracture >10o, and BMI > 35.7 were associated with ‘Complex’ procedures. Conclusions. Complex primary TKA may be identifiable preoperatively and are associated prolonged operative time, excess hospital cost of care and increased 90-day hospital returns. This should be considered in future reimbursement models to prevent patient selection bias, and a complexity modifier is warranted

Introduction: Optimal component position in all planes and well balanced soft tissues lead to a good clinical outcome and long-term survival after total knee arthroplasty. We investigated the implantation accuracy of navigated total knee arthroplasty at 3 months followup and the influence on the clinical outcome at 2 years followup. Patients and Methods: Forty-four patients (44 procedures) were enrolled in our prospective study. One half of the surgeries were performed using a computed tomography based navigation system, and one half of the surgeries were performed without computed tomography navigation. Outcomes were based on the Insall knee score parameters, anterior knee pain, patient satisfaction, feeling of instability, and step test. The radiographic parameters were the mechanical axis, tibial slope, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle. Results: The radiographic measurements showed no differences between both groups (patients within ± 3° inaccuracy range in computed tomography based/computed tomography free groups; mechanical axis 86%/81%, tibial slope 95%/91%, lateral distal femoral angle 95%/91%, medial proximal tibial angle 91%/95%). The cumulative error of alignment showed no difference between the study groups. Seventeen of 21 (81%) patients fulfilled four criteria in the CT based group, and 15 of 21 (71.4%) patients fulfilled four criteria in the comparison group. Nineteen of 21 (90.5%) patients in both groups achieved three criteria in an optimal manner. An increased (p < 0.001) Insall knee score was found for changes over time in both study groups; however, there were no differences between the CT based or CT free patient groups. The postoperative ROM in both groups showed no difference at the 3-month and 2-year followup examinations. Both groups had an increase (p ≤ 0.002) in ROM between the 3-month and 2-year followup examinations. The examination of ligament balancing in full extension showed a higher rate of a stable soft tissue situation in the CT free navigation group but the difference was not significant. In 30° of flexion we detected a better (p = 0.004) ligament situation medially and laterally in the CT free group. The anterior drawer test showed a better (p = 0.035) stability in the CT free navigation group. Discussion: The computed tomography free system provided equal radiographic results, but we found improved ligament balancing in the computed tomography free group. The computed tomography based module has an optimal preoperative planning procedure, but is more expensive and time consuming

Introduction. Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) can give excellent results in well-selected patients. Axial alignment has been extensively studied in this type of surgery. However because there is no distal femoral cut, coronal alignment in PFA is less well known. The position of the patellofemoral component decides the varus or valgus alignment of the implant. Hypothesis. Coronal alignment in PFA (PFJ-Gender, Zimmer, Warsaw, US) is determined by the anterior condylar anatomy and features an important variance influencing coronal alignment. Materials and methods. Coronal alignment was measured in 57 PFAs on full leg weight bearing radiographs as the lateral distal femoral angle compared to the mechanical axis (mLDFA). In a first group of patients the anterior condylar anatomy was followed and in a second group the PFA was aligned to the Whiteside's line. Results. In the group following the condylar anatomy the mean (SD) mLDFA was 100° (9°) compared to the group where the Whiteside's line was followed, which presented a mean (SD) mLDFA was 89° (3°). Patellofemoral tracking evaluated on a Merchant view was better in the second group. Discussion. Literature shows that accurate patellofemoral alignment is 1° of valgus from the mechanical axis. Following the anterior condylar anatomy doesn't allow to recreate accurate frontal alignment with a PFA. This can be obtained by following Whiteside's line as a substitute for finding the mechanical axis. Conclusion. Whiteside's line is not only an accurate landmark for axial alignment but also for coronal alignment in PFA aligning the implant with the mechanical axis

Introduction: The knee joint in congenital longitudinal deformities of the lower extremity shows a large variety of pathological findings. Valgus deformity is found in most cases and is described as being juxta- articular. To describe the true anatomic pathology we performed a radiographic analysis of the knee joint in congenital longitudinal deformities. Patients and Method: Between 1985 and 2001 we treated 102 patients presenting with congenital longitudinal deformities. Inclusion criteria for this study were diagnoses of fibular hemimelia (FBH) and/or congenital femoral deficiency (CFD), an age between 5 and 16 years, unilateral affection and availability of long standing X-rays, whereas bilateral affection or previous operations on the lower extremities were defined as exclusion criteria. Twenty-four parameters were defined on the femur and tibia respectively and a nomenclature was created. The mean values including standard deviation were calculated and we statistically compared the parameters of the affected to those of the non-affected knee. Furthermore, MRI scans of the knee joint of 20 of these patients were evaluated. Results: Thirty- nine patients (19 female, 20 male) met the inclusion criteria. The average age at the time of evaluation was 8.87 years (3.1 SD). A combined deficiency of femur and tibia was found in 35 patients. The predominant diagnosis was CFD in 13, fibular hemime-lia in 13 and fibular aplasia in 9 cases. The anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (ALDFA) measured 75.4° (2.5 SD) on the affected, and 81.6° (1.6 SD) on the non-affected knee. The lateral distal femoral metaphyseal angle of the affected side and of the non-affected side showed no significant difference. The distal lateral femoral epiphyseal width (DLFEW) was decreased in the affected limb compared to the non affected limb, whereas the distal medial femoral epiphyseal width (DMFEW) of the affected and non-affected side showed only a minor difference. In the tibia we found no significant difference between the variables for the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and for the medial proximal tibial metaphyseal angle (MPTMA) of the affected and the non-affected limb. A significant difference was found between the proximal lateral tibial epiphyseal width of the affected and the non-affected side. Analysis of the MRI scans revealed aplasia of the anterior cruciate ligament in 18 cases and aplasia of the posterior cruciate ligament in 8 of the 20 cases. The defect of ossification of the lateral tibial epiphysis as seen in plain X-rays is visible in the MRI scans as cartilage anlage. (Only the most important findings are summarized). Conclusions: In our patient population only four patients had FBH or CFD but 35 cases presented combined defects; we assume that the femur is affected to some extent in almost all cases of FBH. The hypoplasia was only found in the lateral aspects of femur and tibia and was primarily located within the femoral epiphysis. The metaphysis was not or only minimally affected in the evaluated longitudinal deficiencies. Awareness of sagittal instability, due to ACL and/or PCL aplasia, is necessary to avoid subluxation or dislocation when lengthening procedures are performed

With observed success and increased popularity of growth modulation techniques, there has been a trend towards use in progressively younger patients. Younger age at growth modulation increases the likelihood of complete deformity correction and need for implant removal prior to skeletal maturity introducing the risk of rebound deformity. The purpose of this study was to quantify magnitude and identify risk factors for rebound deformity after growth modulation. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing growth modulation with a tension band plate for coronal plane deformity about the knee with subsequent implant removal. Exclusion criteria included completion epiphysiodesis or osteotomy at implant removal, ongoing growth modulation, and less than one year radiographic follow-up without rebound deformity. Mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and mechanical axis station were measured prior to growth modulation, prior to implant removal, and at final follow-up. Sixty-seven limbs in 45 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at growth modulation was 9.8 years (range 3.4–15.4 years) and mean age at implant removal was 11.4 years (range 5.3–16.4 years). Mean change in HKA after implant removal was 6.9O (range 0O–23 O). Fifty-two percent of patients had greater than 5O rebound and 30% had greater than 10O rebound in HKA after implant removal. Females less than ten years and males less than 12 years at time of growth modulation had greater mean change in HKA after implant removal compared to older patients (8.4O vs 4.7O, p=0.012). Patients with initial deformity greater than 20O degrees had an increased frequency of rebound greater than 10O compared to patients with less severe initial deformity (78% vs 22%, p=0.002). Rebound deformity after growth modulation is common. Growth modulation at a young age and large initial deformity increases risk of rebound. However, rebound does not occur in all at risk patients, therefore, we caution against routine overcorrection. Patients and their families should be informed about the risk of rebound deformity after growth modulation and the potential for multiple surgical interventions prior to skeletal maturity

This study aimed to define the rates of lower limb angular correction using temporary hemiepiphysiodesis in differing skeletal pathologies. A retrospective review of 61 children (36M:25F) with angular deformities about the knee who underwent 8-plate hemiepiphysiodesis (mean age 10.8y) was undertaken. The children were divided into 9 groups based on their underlying pathology (lower limb hypoplasia, Blount's disease, skeletal dysplasia, rickets, metabolic disease, acquired growth disturbance, vascular malformation, steroid use and complex genetic disorders). Radiographic measurements of each limb segment was undertaken using the TraumaCad® digital templating software based on standing long-leg radiographs - mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA). The rate of correction of each parameter was calculated as a function of the time lapse between the operation date and first radiographic evidence of full correction of the mechanical axis (zone 1). A total of 144 limb segments (80 distal femoral, 64 proximal tibial physes) were analysed. 62.5% of children had mechanical axes outside the knee joint at the time of operation; 63.2% achieved full correction. The rate of angular correction at the distal femur (mLDFA) was quickest in those with acquired growth disturbance (1.15°/month), complex genetic disorders (1.12°/month) and rickets (0.93°/month). It was slowest in those with vascular malformation (0.40°/month), lower extremity hypoplasia (0.44°/month) and metabolic disease (0.49°/month). At the proximal tibia, mMPTA correction was quickest in those with acquired growth disturbance (0.77°/month) and skeletal dysplasia (0.57°/month); whilst being slowest in those with metabolic disease (0.22°/month) and Blount's disease (0.29°/month). The rate of angular correction about the knee varies with the underlying pathology with correction rates varying up to 3-fold. This study demonstrated the differential rate of correction of angular deformities in children with different skeletal pathologies, which would help guide the timing of hemiepiphysiodesis

Introduction. Wear debris from polyethylene tibial inserts has been associated with limited longevity of total knee replacements (TKRs). While material factors were studied extensively and considerable progress has been made, there is little knowledge about surgical factors, particularly on how the wear rate is related to implant positioning. It was the purpose of this study to determine the combined effect of patient and implant positioning factors on the volumetric wear rate of TKRs. Our hypothesis was that implant alignment has a significant impact on the wear rate when controlled for other patient factors. Methods. This study included 59 tibial inserts of a cruciate retaining TKR design (Nexgen, Zimmer Inc.). The patients' age, sex, weight, height, and implant size were obtained. All implants were scanned with a coordinate measuring machine. Volumetric wear was determined using an autonomous mathematical reconstruction method (Figure 1). Radiographs were used to determine the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), anatomic medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA), femoral tilt angle (FTA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS). Also, the patella position was assessed using the Blackburne-Peel Index (BPI) and the Insall-Salvati Ratio (Figure 2). General linear modeling (SPSS) was conducted in order to determine the most significant patient and implant positioning factors on wear rate. Results. After adjustment for creep, the mean volumetric wear rate was 11.6 mm. 3. /yr (Figure 2). According to the linear regression model wear increased with younger age (p=0.0014) and male sex (p<0.001). The wear rate was independent of patient weight (p=0.17). From the multiple positioning factors only BPI and tibial slope were significant and inversely correlated with wear (p=0.009 and 0.026, respectively). The average ISR was normal before and after surgery, whereas the BPI was only in the normal range prior to surgery, and dropped postop into pseudo-baja (p<0.001, Figure 3). Discussion. The effect of male sex on wear volume can partially be explained by a larger average implant size; however, other unknown confounding factors may play a role too. The effect of younger age is likely related to higher patient activity. Based on previous gait analysis, we speculate that increasing tibial slope results in larger AP translations of the knee joint and thus more wear. Interestingly, BPI remained a highly significant factor when controlled for all other factors. The average BPI clearly dropped post-operatively, whereas the average ISR did not, indicating that not true patella baja, but a joint line elevation occurred due to the reconstruction. Joint line elevation may affect the quadriceps mechanism leading to higher contact forces and subsequent higher wear. Post-operative joint line elevation can be explained by the intention to keep bone loss at a minimum, while using thick polyethylene inserts. Further studies are needed to determine the trade-offs between bone conservation and reduction of wear rate. However, this study has revealed the importance of surgical factors regarding polyethylene wear reduction in TKR. Acknowledgements. This study was funded by NIH grant R01AR059843. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.