Purpose of the study: Several authors have focused attention on the kinematics of total knee arthroplasty. In vitro studies have shown the influence of prosthetic kinematics on wear of the tibial insert. In vivo, investigations are limited for this important parameter. We propose computer algorithm which gives a linear assessment of femur penetration into the tibial insert. The purpose of this work was to test this measurement by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) on pre-worn prosthesis models.

Material and methods: A resin plateau was manufactured with four Triatlhon posterior stabilized inserts. Three of these inserts were pre-worn on the medial glenoid; wear varied from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The wear pattern was controlled by a computer program in order to localize it on a posteromedial gliding band posteriorly to the posterior stabilization implant. A femoral component was implanted on dry bone and loaded on a simulator. RSA images were obtained for each of the plateau. Five series of images were obtained from 0 to 40° flexion. The measurement method consisted in defined a perfect middle plane based on the analysis of tantalum beads embedded in the resin plateau, the to define the point the closest to this plane belonging to the medial condyle. The norm of the normal vector for this plane passing through the lowest point of the femur was the reference. The difference of the norms of the vectors constructed from the healthy plateau and the worn plateaus was defined as penetration of the femur into the tibia insert. The rood mean square (RMS) method was used to measure intraobserver variability and the interclass coefficient of correlation (ICC) was determined.

Results and Discussion: Our results were encouraging. 0.8/to 1.12 mm wear was detected with very good accuracy. The data spread was however wide, irrespective of the wear value. The images in flexion of this model provided the most reliable readings. This study is the first offering an approach to wear measurement in vivo. The data spread should be improved by fine tuning the experimental model and the pre-wear pattern.

Conclusion: In vivo measurement of TKA wear remains a challenge in clinical medicine. Our work demonstrate the feasibility of using RSA.

Purpose of the study: The concept introduced by Gilles Bousquet is an effective arm against dislocation of total hip arthroplasty (THA), as has been demonstrated in clinical series with a long follow-up. There remain certain questions concerning wear of dual mobility cups. We propose a radiostereometrical analysis (RSA) of femoral head migration in this type of implant. Our objective was to establish an accurate measurement and determine the intra- and interobserver variabilities.

Material and methods: A THA model was implanted and loaded with a simulator. Penetration of the implants was measured using a specially designed polyethylene insert with increasingly concentric wear (from 0, 0.25, 0.5 to 0.75 mm). Three investigators analysed (7 times in a double-blind protocol) the RSA images of these four inserts. The investigators were an expert (I), well-trained (II), naive (III). The accuracy of the measurement as well as the intra- and interobserver variabilities were determined using the root mean square (RMS) method, the interclass coefficient of correlation (ICC), the Bland and Altman analyses, and weighted Kappa analysis.

Results: Regarding accuracy, the RMS was 0.0388 [CI95: 0.02266–0.05564]. The mean error for preworn inserts was respectively 0.022mm (for 0.25mm prewear), 0.59mm (for 0.5mm), and 0.022mm (for 0.75mm). The intra-observer ICC was 0.9714 [0.9028–0.9918] for investigator I. The interobserver ICCs between investigators I and II and between I and III were respectively 0.943 and 0.968. The weighted kappa coefficients between I and II and between I and III were 0.827 and 0.849. The Bland and Altman analysis confirmed these results.

Discussion: Several RSA protocols could be designed to measure wear of the dual mobility cup. We chose detection of the wear pattern instead of the tantalum beads method. Our protocol, using a simple geometric model and not the manufacturers CAD files, showed an accuracy comparable with manufacturing tolerances with low variability.

Conclusion: This study validated our measurement method, a prerequisite for a randomized multicentric study which has been initiated to compare, by RSA, penetration of the head into the double mobility insert versus a fixed insert.

Purpose of the study: Comprehension of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) kinematics is primordial for improving the functional outcome and longevity of these prostheses. Several methods are available for evaluating knee kinematics. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the 2D fluoroscopic method in vitro, taking optoelectronic analysis as the gold standard.

Material and methods: In order to compare these two techniques, a posterior stabilised prosthesis was implanted on dry bones. The lateral ligaments were modellised with two elastic bands. Thirty flexion movements were imposed consecutively. The kinematics of this prosthetic model were recorded simultaneously using the fluoroscope and a computer-assisted surgery system. The technique used for the fluoroscopic analysis was based on the detection of the contours and projective geometry algorithms. The statistical analysis measured differences and correlations between the two systems using the root mean square (RMS) method and interclass coefficients of correlation (ICC) in addition to Bland and Altman analyses.

Results: Three hundred thirty six relative implant positions were analysed for 30 flexions from −8 to 132 degrees. The objective RMS were to the order of one degree for flexion, varus and tibia rotation. Conversely, there was a difference of 2.43±3.17 mm for the mediolateral distance (ML). Similarly the ICC were to the order of 0.9 for the six degrees of freedom of the model with the exception of ML displacement where the ICC was 0.106. These analyses were confirmed by the Bland and Altman analysis which revealed an underestimation of the ML distance by the fluoroscopic method in greatest internal rotation.

Discussion: This study is the first using a realistic model to evaluate the kinematic data provided by 2D fluoroscopy in comparison with conventional navigation data. The results show a good agreement between the two techniques and a small difference in measures excepting for the ML plane. The results are less satisfactory than those reported in the literature where data were obtained from computer simulations.

Conclusion: 2D fluoroscopy of the TKA kinematics provides precise data. Nevertheless, the limits and inaccuracies of this technique should be recognized. This study is a prerequisite for in vivo 2D fluoroscopy.

Introduction: Dislocation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an unusual but dramatic post-operative complication. Previously reports involve only a few isolated cases. This study retrospectively analyzed the incidence, associated factors and treatment of dislocation following TKA.

Method: All cases of TKA dislocation since 1970, when the first TKA was done at our institution, were identified from our institutional total joint registry (31.000 TKA). The medical history and X-ray were reviewed on all cases with this diagnosis. The 58 cases identified were reviewed with particular attention to associated factors that might contribute to this problem.

Results: The overall incidence of TKA dislocation was 1.87 per 1.000 arthroplasties, with a rate of 0.93 and 6.61 for primary and revision TKA respectively. The dislocations occurred at the mean of 29.5 months (range 0 to 193). Original prosthesis designs used were posterior-stabilized (53%), cruciate retaining (31%) and rotating hinge (16%). Dislocation was associated with a history of ligament laxity in 45.6% of patients, extensor mechanism deficiency in 35.5% and TKA infection in 25.9%. The mean follow-up post dislocation was 4.8 years (range 0.1 to 20.1). Non operative treatment was used for 29 knees and resulted in 25 knees experiencing further symptomatic instability. The remaining knees were treated by surgery. Of those treated by revision TKA (N=27) only 3 complained of symptomatic instability (P< 0.001).

Conclusions: TKA dislocation is a major complication. Conservative treatment is ineffective. Revision TKA reliably yields a stable knee in 89% of cases so treated. These results emphasize the importance of proper surgical technique, careful soft tissue balancing, and adequate constraint in the prevention and treatment of this problem.

Results and longevity of total knee arthroplasty depend on the correction of axis of the lower limb and the stability of the prosthesis. Faithful to the principle of dependent cuts, our goal was to obtain two equal correlated, rectangular extension and flexion gaps using a ligament balancing tensor called CORES^® (Stryker^®).

Material and Methods: We retrospectively studied the results of a continuous series of 122 total knee arthroplasties (Jade^®, Stryker^®) implanted by only one operator, between December 1994 and 1997. The mean follow-up is 9,5 years. Tibial plateaus were slip and fixed, with or without conservation of the posterior cruciate ligament. Mean patient age at implantation was 71,2 years. 94% had osteoarthritis and 6% rheumatoid disease. The mean preoperative IKS score was 23,4 and the IKS function score was 42,6. 16% of knees were aligned normally, according to the IKS criteria, 24% presented valgus > 4°, and 60% presented varus > 3°. Patella was centred (AA’ distance < 3mm) in 65% of cases and not tilted (alpha angle< 5°) in 41% of cases. There were 22% antero-medial and 78% antero-lateral with ATT eversion approaches. All tibial and femoral components were cemented. Resurfacing patella was not the rule (5%). Clinical outcome was assessed with the IKS score and radiological outcome with the IKS criteria.

Results: There were no early complications. At follow up, the mean IKS knee score was 90 points with mean motion 109°. Mean IKS function was 85 points. 82% of the knees were aligned (HKA angle between 177° and 183°), 7% in varus, and 11% in valgus. Patella position was centered in 80% of cases, and tilted in 8%. No patellar dislocation was observed. Radiolucent lines were observed in 20% of the tibial components, without aseptic loosening. 3% of the femoral component presented radiolucent line, and one was symptomatic. Four TKA were removed at ten and eleven years, corresponding to three deep haematogenous infections and one aseptic loosening (a young man with haemophilic arthritis). Arthroplasty survival rate was 95% at 9,5 years (Kaplan-Meier method), considering all reasons for removal, and 99,4% for removal for aseptic loosening with 95% confidence interval.

Discussion: Since a well-balanced distribution of medial and lateral contact forces avoids overload of one compartment and thus premature wear, knee imbalance assessment is a key point in TKA. This method allows ongoing intraoperative assessment of the angular and rotational correction, bone defect, as well as bone resection levels.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study report the first results at 9,5 years of a TKA based on dependent femoral cuts using a ligament tensor. This confirms the durability and longevity of this model of prosthesis, and the accuracy of the method.

Background: Early or later dislocation is a frequent complication associated with total hip arthroplasty. The Bousquet’s acetabular component, an original concept of dual mobility socket has been used, for increase stability and mobility. The first mobility is between the femoral head and the polyethylene insert, and the second mobility between the polyethylene and the metal cup socket. The cup, covered with alumina was impacted without cement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of a retrospective series of primary arthroplasty with this cup and a cemented Charnley type femoral component.

Materiel and methods: This study included 437 hip replacements performed between 1984 and 1990, in 389 patients with osteoarthritis (62.5%), dysplasia (11.4%), necrosis (8%), rheumatoid arthritis (5%), post-traumatic and others (13.1%). The average age of the patients at the time of the index procedure was 61 years. The patients were followed at routine intervals for clinical and radiographic review. The clinical results were appreciated with Postel–Merle d’Aubigne score (PMA). Osteolysis was noted according to Gruen zones.

Results: The outcome is known for 345 hips (79%): 164 alive without revision at a mean of 16,5 years follow-up, 137 died without revision, and 44 failures. 92 (21%) were lost at follow up. Revision, for aseptic loosening of femoral or acetabular component, was performed in 30 hips(6.8%). 5 dislocation occurred and were revised: 2 early regarding to technical errors and 3 after 10 years or more of follow up. 7 hips were revised for deep infection, and 2 for unaccountable pain.

At more than 15 years follow-up, the mean PMA hip functional score was 17.1. 66% of the hips was A, 4% were B and 30% were C according to the Charnley’s score. Of the 164 hips in the patients who had survived at least 15 years, 28 had femoral osteolysis in zone 7, and 31 had femoral osteolysis in one (or more) of the other 13 zones. 6 hips had an impingement sign on the neck of the femoral component, without aseptic loosening.

According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the fifteen year survival rate, was 84.36% with revision for any reason (infection, dislocation, osteolysis…) for end point. The young age of the patients at the time of the index surgery is correlated with loosening.

Conclusion: The long term results of the press fit, double mobility socket with cemented Charnley type femoral stem are good. The prevalence of revision for dislocation is very low in our series. But this concept do not avoid wear, osteolysis and aseptic loosening, specially in young active patients. We can recommand this type of prosthesis for patients over 70 years, and/or with high risk of dislocation.

Purpose of the study: The issue of which graft to choose for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still a matter of debate. An analysis of the literature reveals the difficulty encountered when performing comparative trials. It is also difficult to demonstrate significant differences with results obtained with an insufficient number of patients. We propose here a meta-analysis in order to combine the results obtained with different comparative studies.

Material and methods: The literature search (Medline 1990–2005) was based on the following selection criteria: ACL reconstruction, patellar tendon (PT), gracilis and semitendinous (four-strand hamstring) reconstruction and comparative prospective study. Studies were retained with: > 30 patients per group, minimum follow-up 24 months, IKDC score. Evaluation criteria retained were: anterior pain, resumed activity, IKDC score, differential laxity. The relative risk (RR) statistical method with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied. Means were calculated and the chi-square and z-tests were applied.

Results: Thirteen studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. These studies had included more than 1300 transplants. Mean rate of anterior pain was 23.2% with PR and 17.3% with hamstring reconstructions. The RR was 0.73 with a CI different from 1. The difference was significant. Resumption of sports activities at the same level, subjective assessment, number of failures, and overall IKDC score were not statistically different between the two types of transplants. The IKDC laxity score was not different but the residual maximal manual differential laxity was greater in the hamstring patients than in the patellar patients in 80% of the cases.

Conclusion: At the observed follow-up, free grafting with a four-strand hamstring tendon or a patellar tendon is an effective method for reconstruction of the ACL. Anterior pain is more frequent with the patellar tendon method and residual laxity is greater with the hamstring method. The long-term outcome will determine whether the residual laxity observed with the hamstring graft has a deleterious effect on the meniscocartilaginous structures. This criteria would minimize the advantage of this technique over the patellar tendon technique concerning the initial anterior pain.