We studied whether the presence of lateral osteophytes on plain radiographs was a predictor for the quality of cartilage in the lateral compartment of patients with varus osteoarthritic of the knee (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 to 3). The baseline MRIs of 344 patients from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) who had varus osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee on hip-knee-ankle radiographs were reviewed. Patients were categorised using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) osteophyte grading system into 174 patients with grade 0 (no osteophytes), 128 grade 1 (mild osteophytes), 28 grade 2 (moderate osteophytes) and 14 grade 3 (severe osteophytes) in the lateral compartment (tibia). All patients had Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3 arthritis of the medial compartment. The thickness and volume of the lateral cartilage and the percentage of full-thickness cartilage defects in the lateral compartment was analysed. There was no difference in the cartilage thickness or cartilage volume between knees with osteophyte grades 0 to 3. The percentage of full-thickness cartilage defects on the tibial side increased from < 2% for grade 0 and 1 to 10% for grade 3. The lateral compartment cartilage volume and thickness is not influenced by the presence of lateral compartment osteophytes in patients with varus OA of the knee. Large lateral compartment osteophytes (grade 3) increase the likelihood of full-thickness cartilage defects in the lateral compartment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1634–9

Introduction. Robotic TKA allows for quantifiable precision performing bone resections for implant realignment within acceptable final component and limb alignments. One of the early steps in this robotic technique is after initial exposure and removal of medial and lateral osteophytes, a “pose-capture” is performed with varus and valgus stress applied to the knee in near full extension and 90° of flexion to assess gaps. Component alignment adjustments can be made on the preoperative plan to balance the gaps. At this point in the procedure any posterior osteophytes will still be present, which could after removal change the flexion and extension gaps by 1–3mm. This must be taken into consideration, or changes in component alignment could result in over-correction of gaps can occur. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify what effect the posterior osteophyte's size and location and their removal had on gap measurements between pose-capture and after bone cuts are made and gaps assessed during implant trialing. Methods. This was a retrospective, single center cohort study comparing 100 robotic-assisted TKAs. Preoperative computer tomography was assessed for the presence, size and location of posterior osteophytes. Robotic-assessed gaps at pose capture and trialing were collected. Paired t-tests, independent t-tests and Pearson's correlation were used to examine this relationship. Results. Posterior osteophytes were present in 87% of cases with 59.3% isolated to the posterior medial femoral condyle. In the sagittal plane, posterior medial femoral condyle (pMFC), posterior lateral femoral condyle (pLFC) and posterior tibial (pT) osteophytes measured 6.75 ± 2.7mm, 5.77 ± 2.8mm, and 6.52 ± 3.14mm respectively. There was a significant increase in medial (17.4 ± 2.7mm vs 19.7 ± 2.2mm, p<0.01) and lateral (19.2 ± 2.2mm vs 20.5 ± 1.9mm, p<0.01) extension gaps from pose-capture to trialing. There was no difference in the delta of medial extension gaps from pose-change to trialing for knees with pMFC osteophytes > or < 5mm (2.1 ± 2.3 mm vs 2.4 ± 2.1mm, p=0.56). Similarly, there was no difference in the change in lateral extension gaps from pose-capture to trialing for knees with lateral posterior osteophytes > or < 5mm (1.2 ± 2.0mm vs 1.73 ± 1.53mm, p = 0.37). There was no statistically significant correlation between medial or lateral osteophyte size and change in medial (r=0.12, p=0.27) or lateral (r=0.11, p=0.36) extension gaps respectively. Conclusion. While there is a significant change in robotically assessed gaps at pose-capture and trialing, this change is small, our study findings are not able to substantiate that it is solely due to the presence, size or location of posterior osteophytes. A post-hoc power analysis indicates that, in order to detect a difference in gap between pose-capture and trialing of 1mm, over 75 knees with and without posterior osteophytes would be needed

Introduction. In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), component realignment with bone-based surgical correction (BBSC) can provide soft tissue balance and avoid the unpredictability of soft tissue releases (STR) and potential for more post-operative pain. Robotic-assisted TKA enhances the ability to accurately control bone resection and implant position. The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors for soft tissue release where maximum use of component realignment was desired. Methods. This was a retrospective, single center study comparing 125 robotic-assisted TKAs quantitatively balanced using load-sensing tibial trial components with BBSC and/or STR. A surgical algorithm favoring BBSC with a desired final mechanical alignment of between 3° varus and 2° valgus was utilized. Component realignment adjustments were made during preoperative planning, after varus/valgus stress gaps were assessed after removal of medial and lateral osteophytes (pose capture), and after trialing. STR was performed when a BBSC would not result in knee balance within acceptable alignment parameters. The predictability for STR was assessed at four steps of the procedure: Preoperatively with radiographic analysis, and after assessing static alignment after medial and lateral osteophyte removal, pose capture, and trialing. Cutoff values predictive of release were obtained using receiver operative curve analysis. Results. STR was necessary in 43.5% of cases with medial collateral ligament (MCL) release being the most common. On preoperative radiographs, a medial tibiofemoral angle (mTFA) ≤177° predicted MCL release (AUC = 0.76. p< 0.01) while an mTFA ≥188° predicted ITB release (AUC = 0.79, p <0.01). Intraoperatively after removal of osteophytes, a robotically assessed mechanical alignment (MA) ≥8° varus predicted MCL release (AUC = 0.84. p< 0.01) while a MA ≥2° valgus (AUC = 0.89, p< 0.01) predicted ITB release. During pose-capture, in medially tight knees, an extension gap imbalance ≥2.5mm (AUC = 0.82, p <0.01) and a flexion gap imbalance ≥2.0mm (AUC = 0.78, p <0.01) predicted MCL release while in laterally tight knees, any extension or flexion gap imbalance >0 mm predicted ITB release (AUC = 0.84, p <0.01 and AUC = 0.82, p <0.01 respectively). During trialing, in medially tight knees, a medial>lateral extension load imbalance ≥18 PSI (AUC = 0.84. p< 0.01) and a flexion load imbalance ≥ 35 PSI (AUC = 0.83, p< 0.01) predicted MCL release while, in laterally tight knees, a lateral>medial extension load imbalance ≥3 PSI (AUC = 0.97, p< 0.01) or flexion load imbalance ≥ 9.5 PSI (AUC = 0.86, p< 0.01) predicted ITB release. Of all identified predictors, load imbalance at trialing had the greatest positive predictive value for STR. Conclusion. There are limitations to the extent that TKA imbalance that can be corrected with BBSC alone if one has a range of acceptable alignment parameters. The ability to predict STR improves from pose-capture to trialing stages during detection of load imbalance. Perhaps this may be due to posterior osteophytes that are still present at pose capture. Further investigation of the relationship between the presence, location and size of posterior osteophytes and need for STR during TKA is necessary

Introduction. Acetabular bone deficiency, especially proximal and lateral deficiency, is a difficult technical problem during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). We report a configuration-based classification of hip, including a definition of shallow acetabulum. We also report a new reconstruction method using a medial reduced cemented socket and additional bulk bone in conjunction with impaction morselized bone grafting (Ad-BBG method). We aimed to evaluate usefulness of the classification and the method's clinical/radiographic outcomes. Methods. Forty percent of 330 THAs for DDH were defined as shallow dysplastic hips. The Ad-BBG method was performed on 102 hips (78% of shallow hips). For the 24 remaining hips, THA was performed using the conventional interposition bulk bone grafting (8 hips)or without bone grafting by using rigid lateral osteophyte (16 hips). Operative Technique: Theresected femoral head was sectioned at 1–2-cm thickness, and a suitable size of the bulk bone graft was placed on the lateral iliac cortex and fixed by polylactate absorbable screws. Autogenous impaction morselized bone grafting, with or without hydroxyapatite granules, was performed along with the implantation of medial reduced cemented socket. Radiographic criteria used for determining loosening were migration or a total radiolucent zone between the prosthesis/bone cement and host bone. The follow-up period was 10.2 ± 2.6 (range, 6.0–15.0) years. Results. Acetabular component was revised in only one case with a shallow and Crowe Type IV acetabulum. Within 2 years postoperatively, most Ad-BBGs cases showed successful bone remodeling and bone graft reorientation without collapse on radiographs. Discussion and Conclusions. Osteointegration and mid-term good clinical outcomes were achieved in acetabular reconstruction for primary THA using the medial reduced cemented socket and bone grafting methods including the Ad-BBG technique in conjunction with impaction morselized bone grafting for shallow dysplastic hip

BACKGROUND. There is no report of additional type of bulk bone grafting (Ad-BG) method with impaction morselized bone graft for reconstruction of shallow dysplastic hip in total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to define the shallow acetabulum and to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with Ad-BG method. MATERIALS and METHODS. With modification of Crowe's classification, shallow dysplasia was defined and classified (Fig. 1). Between October 1999 and August 2008, 120 hips of 302 THAs for dysplastic hip were defined as shallow and Ad-BG was done in 96 hips (80% of shallow hips). For 24 hips with shallow dysplasia, THA were performed by using conventional type of interpositional bulk bone graft (Ip-BG) (8 hips) or without bone graft by using rigid lateral osteophyte. All patients were followed clinically using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and also Merle d'Aubigne and Postel (M&P) scores in a prospective fashion, and radiographs were analyzed retrospectively. The criteria used for determining loosening were migration or total radiolucent zone between the prosthesis (or bone cement) and host bone. The mean follow-up periods were 8.0 ± 2.3 (5.0–13.5) years. Operative technique. Resected femoral head was sliced with thickness of 1–2 cm, and then a suitable size of the bulk bone block was placed on the lateral cortex of the ilium and fixed by polylactate absorbable screws. Autogenous impaction morselized bone grafting with or without hydroxyapatite granules was performed in conjunction with a cemented socket (Fig. 2). The same surgeon assisted by his colleagues operated all of the cases. RESULTS. No acetabular components were revised except for a case with shallow and Crowe type IV acetabulum. The mean JOA and M&P score for the hips improved from preoperative 39 and 6 points to postoperative 93 and 17 points respectively. Radiographically, the Ad-BGs in most of the cases were remodeled and recognized reorientation within 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS. The authors report good results of acetabular reconstruction with the use of Ad-BG technique in conjunction with impaction morselized bone graft for shallow dysplastic hip in primary THA. Osteointegration and good clinical outcome were achieved in most of cases. However longer term outcome should be the subject of further investigation

Introduction. Acetabular bone deficiency, especially proximal and lateral deficiency, is a difficult technical problem during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). We report a configuration-based acetabular classification, a modification of the Crowe's classification, of DDH, including a definition of shallow acetabuli. We also report a new reconstruction method using a medial reduced cemented socket andadditional bulk bone in conjunction with impaction morselized bone grafting (Ad-BBG method). We aimed to evaluate usefulness of the classification and the method's clinical/radiographic outcomes. Methods. One hundred thirty one hips of 330 THAs for DDH (40%) were defined shallow. The Ad-BBG methodwas performed on 102 hips (78% shallow hips). For the 24 remaining hips, THA was performed using the conventional interposition bulk bone grafting (Ip-BBG) (8 hips)or without bone grafting by using rigid lateral osteophyte (16 hips). Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel (M&P) scores were used in follow-up; radiographs were analyzed retrospectively. The criteria used for determining loosening were migration or a total radiolucent zone between the prosthesis/bone cement and host bone. The follow-up period was 9.2 ± 2.6 (range, 5.0–14.0) years. Operative Technique. Theresected femoral head was sectioned at 1–2-cm thickness, and a suitable size of the bulk bone graft was placed on the lateral iliac cortex and fixed by polylactate absorbable screws. Autogenous impaction morselized bone grafting, with or without hydroxyapatite granules, was performed along with the implantation of medial reduced cemented prosthetic hip socket. The same surgical team performed all surgical procedures. Results. Acetabular component was revised in only one case with a shallow and Crowe Type IV acetabulum. The mean JOA and M&P scores improved from preoperative 39.3 and 6.8 points to postoperative 93.9 and 17.2 points, respectively. Within 2 years postoperatively, most Ad-BBGs cases showed successful bone remodeling and bone graft reorientation on radiographs. Conclusions. We had good results of acetabular reconstruction in primary THA using the medial reduced cemented socket and bone grafting methods including the Ad-BBG technique in conjunction with impaction morselized bone grafting for shallow dysplastic hip. Osteointegration and good clinical outcomes were achieved in most cases. However, long-term outcomes should be subject of further investigation. Summary. Reconstruction methods for shallow dysplastic hip using medial reduced cemented socket and additional bulk bone grafting in conjunction with impaction morselized bone grafting are presented

Aims

To assess the incidence of radiological lateral osteoarthritis (OA) at 15 years after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and assess the relationship of lateral OA with symptoms and patient characteristics.

Aims

Although knee osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed and monitored radiologically, actual full-thickness cartilage loss (FTCL) has rarely been correlated with radiological classification. This study aims to analyze which classification system correlates best with FTCL and to assess their reliability.

Introduction. Coronal plane deformity can pose difficulties with balancing in Total Ankle Replacement (TAR). Current reports outline improved outcomes in the presence of varus deformity. Soft tissue balancing techniques are well described, but are limited by no link to eitiology and pathoanatomy of the deformity. Method. A prospective review of all the TAR by the senior author was performed to identify cases of pre-operative varus greater than 10°. A chart review was performed to identify aetiology, intraoperative findings, and operative techniques to achieve a balanced TAR. X-rays were examined to measure deformity and amount of correction. Volumetric rendering and segmentalisation was performed on pre- and post-CTs to identify anatomical defects, osteophyte formation, rotational and translational changes of the hindfoot joints. Results. Between January 2002 and January 2009 there were thirty-five cases from two hundred and thirty cases with varus deformity greater than 10°, with an average 17° varus angle (range 10° to 30°). Multiple sprains and instability over several years was seen in 62% of patients. Clinically, increasing varus was associated with cavovarus foot position. Incongruent deformities had intact tibial plafond. Congruent deformities had tibial defects in the anteromedial tibial plafond and associated anterolateral tibial ostephyte. Increasing deformity often had lateral fibula osteophytes and ossicles between fibula osteophyte and anterolateral talar body. In more severe cases, 3D analysis showed the talus was anteriorly displaced and internally rotated. Post operative alignment improved from 17° to 1.5°. Conclusion. Understanding the pathoanatomy of the arthritic ankle with coronal plane deformity can help plan the surgical techniques required to correct this often challenging surgical reconstruction

Aims

The mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is recommended to be performed with the leg in the hanging leg (HL) position, and the thigh placed in a stirrup. This comparative cadaveric study assesses implant positioning and intraoperative kinematics of OUKA implanted either in the HL position or in the supine leg (SL) position.

Aims

An evidence-based radiographic Decision Aid for meniscal-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been developed and this study investigates its performance at an independent centre.

This prospective study reports the 15-year survival and ten-year functional outcome of a consecutive series of 1000 minimally invasive Phase 3 Oxford medial UKAs (818 patients, 393 men, 48%, 425 women, 52%, mean age 66 years; 32 to 88). These were implanted by two surgeons involved with the design of the prosthesis to treat anteromedial osteoarthritis and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee, which are recommended indications. Patients were prospectively identified and followed up independently for a mean of 10.3 years (5.3 to 16.6).

At ten years, the mean Oxford Knee Score was 40 (standard deviation (sd) 9; 2 to 48): 79% of knees (349) had an excellent or good outcome. There were 52 implant-related re-operations at a mean of 5.5 years (0.2 to 14.7). The most common reasons for re-operation were arthritis in the lateral compartment (2.5%, 25 knees), bearing dislocation (0.7%, seven knees) and unexplained pain (0.7%, seven knees). When all implant-related re-operations were considered as failures, the ten-year rate of survival was 94% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92 to 96) and the 15-year survival rate 91% (CI 83 to 98). When failure of the implant was the endpoint the 15-year survival was 99% (CI 96 to 100).

This is the only large series of minimally invasive UKAs with 15-year survival data. The results support the continued use of minimally invasive UKA for the recommended indications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1493–99.

The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is an established treatment option in the management of symptomatic end-stage medial compartmental osteoarthritis (MCOA), which works well in the young and active patient. However, previous studies have shown that it is reliable only in the presence of a functionally intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This review reports the outcomes, at a mean of five years and a maximum of ten years, of 52 consecutive patients with a mean age of 51 years (36 to 57) who underwent staged or simultaneous ACL reconstruction and Oxford UKR. At the last follow-up (with one patient lost to follow-up), the mean Oxford knee score was 41 (sd 6.3; 17 to 48). Two patients required conversion to TKR: one for progression of lateral compartment osteoarthritis and one for infection. Implant survival at five years was 93% (95% CI 83 to 100). All but one patient reported being satisfied with the procedure. The outcome was not significantly influenced by age, gender, femoral or tibial tunnel placement, or whether the procedure was undertaken at one- or two-stages.

In summary, ACL reconstruction and Oxford UKR gives good results in patients with end-stage MCOA secondary to ACL deficiency.