Background. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical techniques attempt to achieve equal flexion and extension gaps to produce a well-balanced knee, but unexplainable unhappy patients persist. Mid-flexion instability is one proposed cause of unhappy patients. There are multiple techniques to achieve equal flexion and extension gaps, but their effects in mid-flexion are largely unknown. Purpose of study. The purpose of the study is to determine the effects that changing femur implant size and/or adjusting the femur and tibia proximal -distal and femur anterior-posterior implant positions have on cruciate retaining (CR) TKA mid-flexion ligament balance when equal flexion and extension gaps are maintained. Methods. A computational analysis was performed simulating knee flexion of two CR TKA designs (JOURNEY II CR and LEGION HFCR; Smith & Nephew) using previously validated software (LifeMOD/KneeSim; LifeModeler). Deviations from the ideal implant position were simulated by adjusting tibiofemoral proximal-distal position and femur anterior-posterior position and size (Table 1). Positioning the femur more proximal was accompanied by equal anterior femur and proximal tibia shifts to maintain equal flexion and extension gaps. The forces in ligaments connecting the femur and tibia, which included superficial and posterior MCL, LCL, popliteal-fibular ligament complex, iliotibial band, and anterior-lateral and posterior-medial PCL, were collected. Total tibiofemoral ligament load and PCL load for 15–75° knee flexion were analyzed versus proximal-distal implant position, implant size, implant design, and knee flexion using a MANOVA in Minitab 16 (Minitab). Results. Total tibiofemoral ligament load was significantly reduced by a more proximal implant position (p<.001) (Figure 1) but was not affected by implant size (p>0.6). PCL load was not affected by implant proximal-distal position or size (p>0.9) (Figure 2). Therefore, the PCL did not contribute to changes in mid-flexion balance caused by proximal-distal implant position. Implant design and knee flexion significantly influenced total tibiofemoral ligament and PCL loads (p<.05), but the interactions with implant proximal-distal position and size were not significant (p>0.7) indicating that the effects of implant proximal-distal position applies across the studied implant designs and 15°–75° knee flexion range. Conclusions. Our results suggest that a CR TKA can be well balanced at 0° and 90° knee flexion and be too tight or loose in mid-flexion. Since placement of implant was the variable studied, when the knee is too tight in mid-flexion, our recommendation to loosen the knee is to resect more distal and posterior femur, downsizing if necessary, and increase the tibial insert thickness. The opposite could be done to guard against the knee being too loose in mid-flexion. Finally, it is recommended to gauge balance in more than simply 0° and 90° to determine overall knee balance

Knee replacements may be unstable in the: 1. Plane of motion instability, due to recurvatum or buckling (in flexion). 2. Coronal plane or varus-valgus instability and 3. Flexed position. The third, flexion instability, has been well described and is characterised clinically by early, easy, superior flexion that is then compromised by difficulties with ascending and descending stairs, recurrent effusions and peri-articular tenderness. This “flexion instability” results generally from a flexion gap that is more spacious than the extension gap, where the polyethylene insert has been selected to permit full extension. The term “mid-flexion” instability should not be used as a synonym for “flexion instability”. The concept of mid-flexion instability implies that the knee is stable in extension and stable in flexion (90 degrees) but unstable at points in between. The most common error in assessment probably occurs when surgeons observe stability to varus-valgus stress with the knee locked in full extension, where it is not appreciated that the posterior structures are tight and stabilising the knee. Once the knee if flexed enough to relax these structures, the true “flexion instability is revealed. This is not “mid-flexion” instability. It is conceivable, that an arthroplasty might be designed where the geometry of the femoral condylar curve is such a large, recessed radius that the collateral ligaments are tight in both full extension and 90 degrees of flexion, but unstable in between. There have been marketing allegations that one product or another has been designed in a way to result in “mid-flexion instability. The only published information is based on finite element analysis models. There is scant literature on “mid-flexion” instability”. Laboratory investigations with cadavers, concluded that proximal elevation of the joint line may create “mid-flexion” instability as a result of altering collateral ligament function. Computer models have questioned this effect. One clinical report describes “mid-flexion” (rotational) instability in a revision arthroplasty. So-called “anatomic alignment”, posterior stabilization and resection of distal femur to correct flexion contractures have been alleged to cause “mid-flexion” instability

Introduction/Aim. Mid-flexion instability is a well-documented, but often poorly understood cause of failure of TKA. NAVIO robotic-assisted TKA (RA-TKA) offers a novel, integrative approach as a planning, execution as well as an evaluation tool in TKA surgery. RA-TKA provides a hybrid planning technique of measured resection and gap balancing- generating a predictive soft-tissue balance model, prior to making cuts. Concurrently, the system uses a semi-active robot to facilitate both the execution and verification of the plan, as it pertains to both the static and dynamic anatomy. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of the NAVIO RA-TKA to plan, execute and deliver an individualized approach to the soft-tissue balance of the knee, specifically in the “mid-flexion” arc of motion. Materials and Methods. Between May and September 2018, 50 patients underwent NAVIO RA-TKA. Baseline demographics were collected, including age, gender, BMI, and range of motion. The NAVIO imageless technique was used to plan the procedure, including: surface-mapping of the static anatomy; objective assessment of the dynamic, soft-tissue anatomy; and then application of a hybrid of measured-resection and gap-balancing technique. Medial and lateral gaps as predicted by the software were recorded throughout the entire arc of motion at 15° increments. After executing the plan and placing the components, actual medial and lateral gaps were recorded throughout the arc of motion. Results. In the assessment of coronal-plane balance, the average deviation from the predicted plan between 0–90° was 0.9mm in both the medial and lateral compartments (range 0.5–1.2mm). In the mid-flexion arc (15–75°), final soft-tissue stability was within 1.0mm of the predictive plan (range 0.9–1.2mm). Discussion/Conclusions. In this study, NAVIO RA-TKA demonstrated a highly accurate and reproducible surgical technique to plan, execute and verify a balanced a soft-tissue envelope in TKA. Objective soft-tissue balancing of the TKA can now be performed, including the mid-flexion arc of motion. Further analysis can determine if these objective measurements will translate into improved patient-reported outcome scores

INTRODUCTION. Applying the proper amount of tension to knees collateral ligaments during surgery is a prerequisite to achieve optimal performance after TKA. It must be taken into account that lower values of ligament tension could lead to an instable joint while higher values could induce over-tensioning thus leading to problems at later follow-up: a “functional stability” must then be defined and achieved to guarantee the best results. In this study, an experimental cadaveric activity was performed to measure the minimum tension required to achieve functional stability in the knee joint. METHODS. Ten cadaveric knee specimens were investigated; each femur and tibia was fixed with polyurethane foam in specific designed 3D-printed fixtures and clamped to a loading frame. A constant displacement rate of 0.05 mm/s was applied to the femoral clamp in order to achieve joint stability and the relative force was measured by the machine: the lowest force guaranteeing joint stability was then determined to be the one corresponding to the slope change in the force/displacement curve, representing the activation of the elastic region of both collateral ligaments. The force span between the slack region and the found point was considered to be the tension required to reach the functional stability of the joint. This methodology was applied on intact knee, after ACL-resection and after further PCL-resection in order to simulate the knee behavior in CR and PS implants. The test was performed at 0, 30, 60 and 90° of flexion using a specifically designed device. Each configuration was analyzed three times for the sake of repeatability. RESULTS. Results demonstrated that an overall tension of 40–50N is sufficient to reach stability in native knee with intact cruciate ligaments. Similar values appear to be sufficient in an ACL-resected knee, while higher tension is required (up to 60N) for stability after ACL and PCL resection. Moreover, the tension required for stabilization was slightly higher at 60° of flexion compared to the one required at the other angles, reflecting thus the mid-flection instability behavior. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The results are in agreement to other experimental studies. 1,2. and show that the tensions necessary to stabilize a knee joint in different ligament conditions are way lower than the ones usually applied via tensioners nowadays. To reach functional stability, surgeons should consider such results intraoperatively to avoid laxity, mid-flexion instability or ligament over-tension

Metal Ion Levels Not Useful in Failed M-O-M Hips: Systematic Review; Revision of Failed M-O-M THA at a Tertiary Center; Trunnionosis in Metal-on-Poly THA?; Do Ceramic Heads Eliminate Trunnionosis?; Iliopsoas Impingement After 10 THA; Pain in Young, Active Patients Following THA; Pre-operative Injections Increase Peri-prosthetic THA Infection; Debridement and Implant Retention in THA Infection; THA after Prior Lumbar Spinal Fusion; Lumbar Back Surgery Prior to THA Associated with Worse Outcomes; Raising the Joint Line Causes Mid-Flexion Instability in TKA; No Improvement in Outcomes with Kinematic Alignment in TKA; Botox For TKA Flexion Contracture; Intra-operative Synovitis Predicts Worse Outcomes After TKA for OA; When is it Safe for Patients to Drive After Right TKA?; Alpha-Defensin for Peri-prosthetic Joint Infection; Medial Tibia Overhang and Pain Score After TKA

In years past, the most common reason for revision following knee replacement was polyethylene wear. A more recent study indicates that polyethylene wear is relatively uncommon as a cause for total knee revision counting for only 10% or fewer of revisions. The most common reason for revision currently is aseptic loosening followed closely by instability and infection. The time to revision was surprisingly short. In a recent series only 30% of knees were greater than 5 years from surgery at the time of revision. The most common time interval was less than 2 years. This is likely because of the higher incidence of infection and instability that occurs most commonly at a relatively early time frame. Evaluation of a painful total knee should take into account these findings. All total knees that are painful within 5 years of surgery should be assumed to be infected until proven otherwise. Therefore, virtually all should be aspirated for cell count, differential, and culture. Alpha-defensin is also available in cases in which a patient may have been on antibiotics within a month or less, as well as cases in which diagnosis is a challenge for some reason. Instability can be diagnosed with physical exam focusing on mid-flexion instability which can be usually determined with the patient seated and the knee in mid-flexion, with the foot flat on the floor at which point sagittal plane laxity can be discerned. This is also frequently associated with symptoms of giving way and recurring effusions and difficulty descending stairs. A new phenomenon of tibial de-bonding has been described, which can be a challenge to diagnose. Radiographs can appear normal when loosening occurs between the implant and the cement mantle. This seems to be more common with the use of higher viscosity cement. Obviously this is technique dependent since good results have been reported with the use of high viscosity cement. Component malposition can cause stiffness and pain and relatively good results have been reported by component revision when malrotation has been confirmed with CT scan. When infection, instability and loosening are not present, extra-articular causes should be ruled out including lumbar spine, vascular compromise, complex regional pain syndromes and fibromyalgia, and peri-articular causes such as bursitis, tendonitis, tendon impingement among others. One of the most common causes of pain following total knee is unrealistic patient expectations. Performing total knee replacement in early stages of arthritis with only mild to moderate symptoms and radiographic changes has been associated with persistent pain and dissatisfaction. It may be prudent to obtain the immediate preoperative x-rays to determine if early intervention was undertaken and patients have otherwise normal appearing total knee x-rays and a negative work up. A recent study indicated that this was likely a cause or a major contributing factor to persistent pain following otherwise a well performed knee replacement. A national multicenter study of the appropriateness of indications for TKA also indicated that early intervention was a major cause of persistent pain, dissatisfaction, and failure to improve following total knee replacement

The etiology of the flexion contracture is related to recurrent effusions present in a knee with end-stage degenerative joint disease secondary to the associated inflammatory process. These recurrent effusions cause increased pressure in the knee causing pain and discomfort. Patients will always seek a position of comfort, which is slight flexion. Flexion decreases the painful stimulus by reducing pressure in the knee and relaxing the posterior capsule. Unfortunately, this self-perpetuating process leads to a greater degree of contracture as the disease progresses. Furthermore, patients rarely maintain the knee in full extension. Even during the gait cycle the knee is slightly flexed. As their disease progresses, patients limit their ambulation and are more frequently in a seated position. Patients often report sleeping with a pillow under their knee or in the fetal position. All of these activities increase flexion contracture deformity. Patients with excessive deformity >40 degrees should be counseled regarding procedural complexity and that increasing constraint may be required. Patients are seen preoperatively by a physical therapist and given a pre-arthroplasty conditioning program. Patients with excessive flexion contracture are specifically instructed on stretching techniques, as well as quadriceps rehabilitation exercises. The focus in the postoperative physiotherapy rehabilitation program continues toward the goal of full extension. Patients are instructed in appropriate stretching regimes. Patients are immobilised for the first 24 hours in full extension with plaster splints, such as with a modified Robert Jones dressing. This dressing is removed on postoperative day one. The patient is then placed in a knee immobiliser and instructed to wear it at bed rest, during ambulation and in the evening, only removing for ROM exercises. In cases of severe flexion deformity >30 degrees, patients are maintained in full extension for 3–4 weeks until ROM is begun. Patients are encouraged to use a knee immobiliser for at least the first 6 weeks postoperatively. Treating patients with flexion contracture involves a combination of bone resection and soft tissue balance. One must make every effort to preserve both the femoral and tibial joint line. In flexion contracture the common error is to begin by resecting additional distal femur, which may result in joint line elevation and mid-flexion instability. The distal femoral resection should remove that amount of bone being replaced with metal. Attention should be directed at careful and meticulous balance of the soft tissues and release of the contracted posterior capsule with re-establishment of the posterior recess, which will correct the majority of flexion contractures. Inability to achieve ROM after TKA represents a frustrating complication for both patient and surgeon. Non-operative treatments for the stiff TKA include shoe lift in contralateral limb, stationery bicycle with elevated seat position, extension bracing, topical application of hand-held instruments to areas of soft tissue-dysfunction by a trained physical therapist over several outpatient sessions, and use of a low load stretch device. Manipulation under anesthesia is indicated in patients after TKA having less than 90 degrees ROM after 6 weeks, with no progression or regression in ROM. Other operative treatments range from a downsizing exchange of the polyethylene bearing to revision with a constrained device and low-dose irradiation in cases of severe arthrofibrosis

The etiology of the flexion contracture is related to recurrent effusions present in a knee with end-stage degenerative joint disease secondary to the associated inflammatory process. These recurrent effusions cause increased pressure in the knee causing pain and discomfort. Patients will always seek a position of comfort, which is slight flexion. Flexion decreases the painful stimulus by reducing pressure in the knee and relaxing the posterior capsule. Unfortunately, this self-perpetuating process leads to a greater degree of contracture as the disease progresses. Furthermore, patients rarely maintain the knee in full extension. Even during the gait cycle the knee is slightly flexed. As their disease progresses, patients limit their ambulation and are more frequently in a seated position. Patients often report sleeping with a pillow under their knee or in the fetal position. All of these activities increase flexion contracture deformity. Patients with excessive deformity >40 degrees should be counseled regarding procedural complexity and that increasing constraint may be required. Patients are seen pre-operatively by a physical therapist and given a pre-arthroplasty conditioning program. Patients with excessive flexion contracture are specifically instructed on stretching techniques, as well as quadriceps rehabilitation exercises. Avoiding Pitfalls and Complications: Treating patients with flexion contracture involves a combination of bone resection and soft tissue balance. One must make every effort to preserve both the femoral and tibial joint line. In flexion contracture the common error is to begin by resecting additional distal femur, which may result in joint line elevation and mid-flexion instability. The distal femoral resection should remove that amount of bone being replaced with metal. Attention should be directed at careful and meticulous balance of the soft tissues and release of the contracted posterior capsule with re-establishment of the posterior recess, which will correct the majority of flexion contractures. Residual Flexion Contracture: Inability to achieve ROM after TKA represents a frustrating complication for both patient and surgeon. Non-operative treatments for the stiff TKA include shoe lift in contralateral limb, stationery bicycle with elevated seat position, extension bracing, topical application of hand-held instruments to areas of soft tissue-dysfunction by a trained physical therapist over several outpatient sessions, and use of a low load stretch device. Manipulation under anesthesia is indicated in patients after TKA having less than 90 degrees ROM after 6 weeks, with no progression or regression in ROM. Other operative treatments range from a downsizing exchange of the polyethylene bearing to revision with a constrained device and low-dose irradiation in cases of severe arthrofibrosis

Introduction. Mid-flexion stability is believed to be an important factor influencing successful clinical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty. The post of a posterior-stabilizing (PS) knee engages the cam in >60° of flexion, allowing for the possibility of paradoxical mid-flexion instability in less than 60° of flexion. Highly-conforming polyethylene insert designs were introduced as an alternative to PS knees. The cruciate-substituting (CS) knee was designed to provide anteroposterior stability throughout the full range of motion. Methods. As part of a prospective, randomized, five-year clinical trial, we performed quantitative stress x-rays on a total of 65 subjects in two groups (CS and PS) who were more than five years postoperative with a well-functioning total knee. Antero-posterior stability of the knee was evaluated using stress radiographs in the lateral position. A 15 kg force was applied anteriorly and posteriorly with the knee in 45° and 90° of flexion. Measurements of anterior and posterior displacement were made by tracing lines along the posterior margin of the tibial component and the posterior edge of the femoral component, which were parallel to the posterior tibial cortex. (Figures 1–4). Results. In both 45° and 90° of flexion, the PS group demonstrated significantly less total anterior/posterior displacement compared to the CS group, (45°: 7.33 mm vs 12.44 mm, p ≤ 0.0001, 90°: 3.54 mm vs. 9.74 mm, p ≤ 0.0001). (Figures 5,6) The only statistically significant outcomes score difference was seen with the KSS function score in the female subset, with the CS score lower (81.8) compared to the PS score (94.7). (Figure 7) All of the other scores, KSS pain/motion and KSS function scores, as well as the LEAS and FJS scores, were all similar statistically, as was the range of motion and the long axis x-ray alignment. Discussion & Conclusion. The post and cam posterior-stabilized knee has traditionally been thought to be the best choice for providing stability for knee replacement with PCL-insufficiency or sacrifice. However, this difference in stability as measured with stress xrays did not correlate with any detectible differences in any of the clinical outcomes measurements collected (Knee Society Score, Forgotten Joint Score, Lower Extremity Activity Scale) or in the range of motion or coronal alignment, with the exception of the female subgroup KSS function score. In summary, the CS knee demonstrates greater total antero-posterior laxity compared to the PS knee, as measured by stress radiographs, but there is not a strong correlation with clinical outcomes measurements. A greater number of subjects and/or a younger, higher demand population studied with this protocol might produce greater differences in the outcomes, especially in the FJS score. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

The natural knee allows multi-planar freedoms of rotation and translation, while retaining stability in the antero-posterior direction. It allows flexion with roll back, and medial, lateral and central rotation movements. The natural femoral condyles of the knee are spiral, therefore inducing a side to side translatory movement during flexion and extension. Incorporating all these features is vital in successful knee replacement design. The different knee designs currently in use demonstrate different deficiencies in knee function. A study of 150 Posterior Cruciate (PCL) Retaining Total Knee Replacements [1] has shown that in 72% of knees direct impingement of the tibial insert posteriorly against the back of the femur was responsible for blocking further flexion. The mean pre-operative range of flexion was 105° and post-operative was 105.9°. For every 2mm decrease in posterior condylar offset, the maximum flexion was reduced by 12.2°. The major disadvantage of the Posterior Stabilised (PS) Total Knee Replacement is gross anterior to posterior mid-flexion instability [2]. The Medial Rotation Total Knee Replacement is good in mid-flexion but not in high flexion where the femur slides forward on the tibia leading to impingement. The Birmingham Knee Replacement (BKR) is a rotating platform knee design which is stable throughout the range of flexion. In high flexion, the BKR brings the femur to the back of the tibia. The BKR also has spiral femoral condyles, matching the natural kinematics of the knee. The combined static and dynamic effect is 10mm lateral translation of the femur in flexion and vice versa in extension. Results for seventy nine BKRs (in seventy two patients) show the best Oxford Knee Score of 12 at follow up – excluding ten patients whose inferior scores were due to other pathologies. Knee flexion results show a 21° post-operative improvement in range of flexion. On objective independent testing, maximum walking speed is slower for patients with a standard knee replacement (6.5km/h) and the loading through the replaced side does not match the normal side. Comparatively, patients with a BKR have a faster maximum walking speed of 11km/h and the loading closely matches that of the normal knee. Studies based on the National Joint Register PROMs data [2] show that nearly thirty percent of Total Knee Replacement patients are not much better since their operation. A lot of improvement is needed in the design of knee replacements in order to achieve better function for knee replacement patients

Introduction. Compared with the cruciate-retaining (CR) insert for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the cruciate-substituting (CS) insert has a raised anterior lip, providing greater anterior constraint, and thus, can be used in cases of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sacrifice. However, studies have shown that the PCL maintains femoral rollback during flexion, acts as a stabilizer against distal traction force and aids knee joint proprioception; therefore, the argument for PCL excision in CS TKA remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze CS TKA kinematics and identify the role of the PCL. Methods. Seven fresh-frozen lower-extremity cadaver specimens were analyzed using Orthomap. ®. Precision Knee Navigation software (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ, USA). They were surgically implanted with Triathlon. ®. components (Stryker Orthopaedics). The CS insert has a raised anterior lip, and the posterior geometry shares the same profile as the CR, so we can choose retaining or sacrificing the PCL. Six patterns were analyzed: (1) natural knee; (2) only anterior cruciate ligament excision; (3) CS TKA, PCL retention, and bony island preservation; (4) CS TKA, PCL retention, and bony island resection; (5) CS TKA and PCL excision; and (6) CR TKA and PCL excision. Center of the knee and center of the proximal tibia were registered using navigation system, and the magnitudes of the condylar translation were evaluated. And then, using trigonometric function, the magnitude of anterior-posterior translation of the femur was calculated. Results. PCL excision patterns showed that the magnitude of anterior-posterior (AP) translation was higher in mid-flexion and lower in deep flexion than in other patterns (Fig. 1). Comparing two PCL excision patterns, in CS insert, the anterior translation magnitude was a little lower in extension and 30° flexion. Comparing two PCL retention patterns, the both posterior translation magnitudes in deep flexion were comparable to that of the natural knee. Discussion. Very few studies have reported about comparison of PCL retention with PCL excision in CS TKA. Omori et al. evaluated the medial pivot type TKA, and found that the design showed no femoral rollback under the PCL-sacrificing condition. In our study, increased anterior translation magnitudes in mid-flexion indicated paradoxical roll-forward, and decreased posterior translation magnitudes in deep flexion indicated decreased rollback. In other words, PCL excision in CS TKA caused mid-flexion instability and decreased the femoral rollback, so raised anterior lip was not likely to contribute to TKA kinematics. Another research is necessary to evaluate the effects of the raised anterior lip. On the other hand, PCL retention in CS TKA maintained physiological femoral rollback. The AP translation magnitude was not dependents on the bony island. Conclusions. We had better retain the PCL in raised anterior lip type CS TKA to ensure physiological knee kinematics. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).

The elevation of the joint line is considered a possible cause of mid-flexion instability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The authors evaluated the effects of joint line change on mid-flexion stability in cruciate retaining TKA. Seventy-nine knees treated by cruciate retaining TKA using a modified balanced gap technique were included in this prospective study. After prosthesis insertion, valgus and varus stabilities were measured under valgus and varus stress using a navigation system at 0, 30, 60 and 90° of knee flexion. Changes of joint lines were measured preoperatively and postoperatively and compared. The knees were allocated to a “No change group (≤4mm, 62 patients)” or to an “Elevation group (>4mm, 17 patients)”. Medio-lateral stabilities (defined as the sums of valgus and varus stabilities measured intra-operatively) were compared in the two groups. The mean joint line elevation was 4.6mm in the no change group and 1.7mm in the elevation group. Mean medio-lateral stability at 30° of knee flexion was 4.8±2.3 mm in the no change group and 6.3±2.7 mm in the elevation group, and these values were significantly different (p = 0.02). However, no significant differences in medio-lateral stability were observed at other flexion angles (p>0.05). Knees with a < 5mm joint line elevation provide better mid-flexion stability after TKA. The results of this study suggest that a < 5mm elevation in joint line laxity is acceptable for cruciate retaining TKA

Severely varus deformed knees are common in Asian countries due to lifestyles such as sitting on the floor. MCL release is essential for encountering severe varus deformity. However, conventional subperiosteal MCL release for severe varus deformity can cause the complete detachment of MCL and it can induce mid-flexion instability. We performed medial epicondylar osteotomy when conventional subperiosteal MCL release couldn't resolve tight medial gap of severely varus deformity. The epicondyle is reattached with #5 nonabsorbable sutures or screws (figure 1). This study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of medial epicondylar osteotomy for severe varus TKA. From 2004 to 2012, 63 cases (of total 909 cases of primary TKA, 6.9%) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (24 to 116 months) were included in this study. Two cases of 63 cases were excluded due to the loss of follow up. Intraoperative medial and lateral gap difference in flexion and extension was accepted at less than 2 mm. Average follow up was 50.6±29.8 months (24–116 months). Average clinical knee score was 35.5±17.1 preoperatively and 89.1±8.4 postoperatively. Average function score improved from 48.7±16.0 preoperatively to 88.6±8.0 postoperatively. Average flexion contracture was reduced from 8.5±9.8° preoperatively to 1.0±2.3° postoperatively and range of motion improved from 112.0±21.8° preoperatively to 118.9±13.3° postoperatively. Preoperative femorotibial angle was average varus 10.4±5.7° and mechanical axis was average varus 16.7±5.6°. Postoperative femorotibial angle was average valgus 5.5±3.4° and mechanical axis was average varus 1.0±4.1° (figure 2). Valgus stress radiographs showed average 1.6±0.7 mm gap (femoral implant to liner) and varus stress radiographs revealed average 2.7±1.5 mm gap. The difference with medial and lateral gaps was average 1.2±1.1 mm (figure 2). Unions of bony wafer were 39 bony and 22 fibrotic unions (figure 3). According to the difference with medial and lateral gaps, bony union was average 1.2±1.2 mm and fibrotic union was average 1.2±0.9 mm. There were no significant differences between bony and fibrotic union groups. The clinical and radiological results of medial epicondylar osteotomy are satisfactory in severe varus TKA. The stability with bony and fibrotic unions is not different

Introduction. An equal knee joint height during flexion and extension is of critical importance in optimizing soft-tissue balancing following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is a paucity of data regarding the in-vivo knee joint height behavior. This study evaluated in-vivo heights and anterior-posterior (AP) translations of the medial and lateral femoral condyles before and after a cruciate-retaining (CR)-TKA using two flexion axes: surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA) and geometric center axis (GCA). Methods. Eleven patient with advanced medial knee osteoarthritis (age: 51–73 years) who scheduled for a CR TKA and 9 knees from 8 healthy subjects (age: 23–49 years) were recruited. 3D models of the tibia and femur were created from their MR images. Dual fluoroscopic images of each knee were acquired during a weight-bearing single leg lunge. The OA knee was imaged again one year after surgery using the fluoroscopy during the same weight-bearing single leg lunge. The in vivo positions of the knee along the flexion path were determined using a 2D/3D matching technique. The GCA and sTEA were determined based on existing methods. Besides the anterior-posterior translation, the femoral condyle heights were determined using the distances from the medial and lateral epicondyle centers on the sTEA and GCA to the tibial plateau surface in coronal plane (Fig. 1). The paired t-test was applied to compare the medial and lateral condyle motion within each group (Healthy, OA, and CR-TKA). Two-way ANOVA followed post hoc Newman–Keuls test was adopted to detect significant differences among the groups. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results. The results demonstrated that following TKA, the medial and lateral femoral condyle heights were not equal at mid-flexion (15° to 45°, medial condyle lower then lateral by 2.4mm at least, p<0.01), although the knees were well-balanced at 0° and 90° (Fig. 2). While the femoral condyle heights increased from the pre-operative values (>2mm increase on average, p<0.05), they were similar to the intact knees except that the medial sTEA was lower than the intact medial condyle between 0 and 90°. At deep flexion (>90°), both condyles were significantly higher (>2mm, p <0.01) than the healthy knees. Anterior femoral translation of the TKA knee was more pronounce at mid-flexion (Fig. 3), whereas limited posterior translation was found at deep flexion. Conclusion. Femoral condyle heights and AP translations of the CR TKA knees were significantly different from the healthy knees during the weight bearing flexion activity when measured using both the sTEA and GCA, especially at mid-flexion (15° to 45°) and deep flexion (>90°). These results suggest that a well-balanced knee intra-operatively might not necessarily result in mid-flexion and deep flexion balance during functional weight-bearing motion, implying mid-flexion instability and deep flexion tightness of the knee. The data could be useful for improvement of future prostheses designs and surgical techniques in treatment of patients with end-stage medial knee OA

Fixed flexion contracture is often present in association with osteoarthritis of the knee and correction is one of the key surgical goals in total knee replacement. Surgical strategies to correct flexion contracture include removal of posterior osteophytes, posterior capsular release and additional distal femoral bone resection. Traditional teaching indicates 2 mm of additional distal femoral bone resection will correct 10 degrees of flexion deformity. However some studies have questioned this figure and removing excessive distal femoral bone results in elevation of the joint line, potentially causing patella baja, alteration in collateral ligament tension through the flexion arc and mid-flexion instability. The aim of our study is to determine the relationship between distal bone resection of the femur and passive knee extension in total knee arthroplasty. A cohort of 50 patients, undergoing total knee arthroplasty, was recruited. Following complete femoral and tibial bone preparation, to simulate the effect of distal femoral bone resection, augments of 2 mm increments (2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm) were placed onto the trial femoral component. The degree of flexion contracture with each augment was measured using computer navigation. The results showed a 2 mm augment produced an average of 3.37 degrees of flexion deformity. A 4 mm augment led to an average of 6.68 degrees fixed flexion, whilst a 6 mm augment produced 11.38 degrees. To correct 10 degrees flexion deformity, an additional 6 mm distal femoral bone resection is required. In conclusion, additional distal femoral bone resection may not be as an effective strategy as previously believed to correct fixed flexion deformity in total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION. Thorough understanding and feedback of the post-operative implant position relative to the pre-operative anatomy is missing in today's clinical practice. However, three dimensional insights in the local under or oversizing of the implant can provide important feedback to the surgeon. For the knee for instance, to identify a shift in the sagittal joint line that potentially links to mid-flexion instability or to identify zones at risk for soft tissue impingement. Despite a proven inferior outcome, clinical post-operative implant evaluation remains primarily based on bi-planar, static 2D x-rays rather than 3D imaging. Along with the cost, a possible reason is the increased radiation dose and/or metal artifact scatter in computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These detrimental effects are now avoided by using recently released x-ray processing software. This technique uses standard-of-care post-operative x-rays in combination with a pre-operative CT and 3D file of the implant to determine the implant position relative to the pre-operative situation. The accuracy of this new technique is evaluated in this paper using patient cases. Therefore, the obtained implant position is benchmarked against post-operative CT scans. MATERIALS & METHODS. Retrospectively, 19 patients were selected who underwent total knee arthroplasty and received pre- and post-operative CT of their diseased knee. The CT scans were performed with a pixel size of 0.39 mm and slice spacing of 0.60 mm (Somatom, Siemens, München, Germany). All patients underwent TKA surgery using the same bi-cruciate substituting total knee (Journey II, Smith&Nephew, Memphis, USA). Following surgery, standard bi-planar standing x-rays of the operated knee was additionally performed as standard of care. To evaluate the implant position relative to the pre-operative situation, the 3D implants are first positioned on the post-operative CT slices. Using Mimics (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium), the pre-operative bone was subsequently automatically matched onto the post-operative scan to identify the implant location relative to the reconstructed pre-operative bone. This has been independently repeated by three observers to assess the inter-observer variability. Second, the post-operative bi-planar x-rays are combined with the reconstructed pre-operative bone and 3D file of the implant. This combination is performed using the 2D-to-3D conversion integrated in the recently launched X-ray module of Mimics. This module uses a contour based registration method to determine the implant and bone position using the post-operative x-rays. For both reconstruction methods, the implant position has been evaluated in six degrees of freedom using an automated Matlab routine; resulting in three translations and three rotations. RESULTS. From the evaluated implant positions, the root mean square error was derived between subsequent measurements. For the CT reconstruction based inter-observer evaluation, the median RMS error for all degrees of freedom is below 1 mm and 1 degree for both the femoral and tibial implant. Comparing the reconstructed CT implant position with the 2D-to-3D reconstruction, the median RMS difference between the implant positions remains below 1 mm and 1 degree except for the distraction/compression component and the internal/external rotation of the component. DISCUSSION. On average, the RMS difference between the 2D-to-3D conversion and the reconstructed post-operative CT exceeds the inter-observer RMS difference obtained using reconstructed post-operative CT. The differences are in line with previous cadaveric studies using the same reconstruction technique. The largest differences are seen for the femoral and tibial internal/external rotation. However, the obtained values are still within reasonable limits according to a recent review by De Valk et al., who reported an inter-observer variation of 3° for the femur and 2° for the tibia. In addition, the 2D-to-3D conversion displays a larger difference for the distraction/compression component. Since a true, golden standard measurement is lacking in our tests, it is not clear whether this error is attributed to the CT imaging or the 2D-to-3D conversion. Given the low inter-observer variation for this degree of freedom, it is hypothesized that this discrepancy is linked to the finite slice spacing for the CT scans. Apart from the obtained accuracy, the use of the 2D-to-3D module has the advantage of significantly reducing the radiation dose with approx. a factor 20. In addition, the imaging procedure needs no more than the standard imaging required by clinical practice

Introduction. While the use of stemmed implants is accepted for patients with medial ligament laxity in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the role of stemmed implants in the setting of isolated lateral laxity is unclear. We present a cohort study to assess the effect of unstemmed, constrained TKA for isolated lateral laxity. Methods. 1745 primary TKA performed by the senior surgeon were reviewed. 39 knees in 33 patients with isolated lateral laxity managed with unstemmed components were compared to matched stemmed controls (37 knees in 28 patients). Lateral instability was defined intra-operatively based on >7mm gap in mid-flexion/full extension/figure-of-four with well-positioned components. Primary outcome measures were clinical failure for aseptic loosening (with need for revision as the endpoint) and any radiographic signs of loosening. Results. Average follow-up was 43 months for the unstemmed group (UG) and 25 months for the stemmed group (SG). UG and SG were matched for age, gender, BMI, arthritis etiology, and co-morbidities. The incidence of isolated lateral ligament laxity in this cohort was 4%. There was no difference in clinical outcomes between cohorts. There was no evidence of radiographic loosening; no revisions were performed for aseptic loosening in either group. One SG patient was revised for mid-flexion instability, while one UG patient had an isolated dislocation event without need for revision. Two patients in the UG were treated with incision/debridement and poly-exchange for acute infection. One patient in the SG underwent 2-stage reimplantation. Conclusion. From this data, a post/constraint can be used without stems to compensate for isolated lateral laxity. There is no significant increased risk of loosening with increased constraint, as lateral instability is primarily a swing-phase phenomenon. The goal is limiting varus thrust with improved gait kinematics and patient comfort. Further biomechanical testing and long-term clinical results are needed

Post total knee arthroplasty, mid flexion instability can be described as a stable knee in full extension but as soon as knee starts bending instability is noticed and the knee becomes stable again at 90° of flexion. Mid flexion instability should not be confused with the true flexion instability. Such instability may be not be recognized in most cases because of subtleness of the nature of complaints of the patient. Soft tissue tension should be equal not only medio-laterally but also in antero-posterior alignment. The knee needs to be balanced in the complete arc of motion. To understand this it should be remembered that main stabilizer of the knee in extension is the posterior capsule and in flexion are the collateral ligaments. Main factors contributing to Mid Flexion instability are:. 1. Over release of anterior part of Medial Collateral Ligament (which is a stabilizer from 30° to 60° of motion). 2. Femoral-tibial articular geometry - Malposition of the implant in relation to the epicondyles so that collateral ligaments won't be isometric. 3. Over release of anterior part of Medial Collateral Ligament (which is a stabilizer between 30° to 60° of motion. 4. Tibial post-femoral box geometry. In a fixed flexion deformity, suitable posterior release should be matched with the collateral frame before taking extra-distal femoral cuts. Every 2 mm of additional distal femoral cut causes mid flexion instability of 2 to 3° as was seen in a cadaveric study. It is important to understand the interplay between posterior structures and collateral structures. Normally collateral structures have some laxity at 5° flexion but at 0° knees are locked mainly because of the tension of the posterior structures. We have classified mid flexion instability in three types:. Type I: Over-released MCL and Normalised Posterior capsule. Type II: MCL Normal, but Posterior capsule is tight / insufficiently released and to balance this disparity distal femur cut is increased. Type III: A Combination of above two conditions with MCL and Postero-medial Capsule both having laxity e.g. in a FFD with varus. It is a retro-prospective study. 411 patients with 600 knees were subjected to the study to assess mid-flexion instability in patients with primary Total Knee Arthroplasty. Follow was over a period of 5 years. Of the 600 TKA 60 were LCS prosthesis, 90 were PFC RP, 200 were PFC sigma and rest 250 were Stryker Scorpio. All patients were assessed by clinical and radiological evaluation. X-rays were taken in 0°, 30°, 60°. Arthrograms were also done to assess alignment of the joints. Fluroscopic studies were done in select few cases. Knee society score was noted for each patient and compared with pre-operative data. Mid Flexion instability in a newer concept, the causes of which and further management protocols needs to be worked out. Mid Flexion instability is a failure to release the tight posterior capsule in a fixed flexion deformity. Over release of anterior MCL will result in mid flexion instability but in this situation knee may be unstable even at 90°

Introduction:. Despite over 95% long-term survivorship of TKA, 14–39% of patients express dissatisfaction due to anterior knee pain, mid-flexion instability, reduction in range of flexion, and incomplete return of function. Changing demographics with higher expectations are leading to renewed interest in patient-specific designs with the goal of restoring of normal kinematics. Improved imaging and image-processing technology coupled with rapid prototyping allow manufacturing of patient-specific cutting guides with individualized femoral and tibial components with articulating surfaces that maximize bony coverage and more closely approximate the natural anatomy. We hypothesized that restoring the articular surface and maintaining medial and lateral condylar offset of the implanted knee to that of the joint before implantation would restore normal knee kinematics. To test this hypothesis we recorded kinematics of patient-specific prostheses implanted using patient-specific cutting guides. Methods:. Preoperative CT scans were obtained from nine matched pairs of human cadaveric knees. One of each pair was randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group implanted with a standard off-the-shelf posterior cruciate-retaining design using standard cutting guides based on intramedullary alignment; the contralateral knee implanted with patient-specific implants using patient-specific cutting guides, both manufactured from the preoperative CT scans. Each knee was tested preoperatively as an intact, normal knee, by mounting the knee on a dynamic, quadriceps-driven, closed-kinetic-chain Oxford knee rig (OKR), simulating a deep knee bend from 0° to 120° flexion. Following implantation with either the standard or patient-specific implant, knees were mounted on the OKR and retested. Femoral rollback, tibiofemoral rotation, tibial adduction, patellofemoral tilt and shift were recorded using an active infrared tracking system. Results:. To reduce the effect of variability, change in each kinematic measure was quantified as the absolute difference between the normal kinematic measure and the same measure after implantation (10° flexion increments). The cumulative difference from normal kinematics was calculated by summing the area beneath the curve (Fig 2). Cumulative differences in kinematics from normal were statistically lower for the patient-specific group compared to the standard group for all measures except patellar shift (Fig 2, paired t-test). Discussion:. Knee kinematics with the patient-specific design more closely approximated normal femoral rollback and tibial adduction than knees with the standard design. Femoral rollback is significantly closer qualitatively and quantitatively to normal in specimens implanted with patient-specific designs (Figs 1). The tibia rotated internally with flexion; however, the patient-specific group more closely approximated normal rotation. The patient-specific group more closely approximated normal tibial adduction suggesting ligament balance was better restored. Due to substantial differences in articular morphology among genders, races and patients, it is impossible to provide multiple sized implants to address the full range of inter-patient variability. Patient-specific designs that remove this variation, restore normal articular geometry, and maintain alignment are more likely to result in normal kinematics. Our results support the hypothesis that knees with patient-specific implants generate kinematics more closely resembling normal knee kinematics than standard knee designs. Clinical outcome studies are necessary to determine if our results translate into better outcomes

Aims/Hypothesis. The aims of this study were: 1) to quantitatively analyse the amount of knee extension that is achieved with +2mm incremental increases in the amount of distal femoral bone that is resected during TKA in the setting of a flexion contracture, 2) to quantify the amount of coronal plane laxity that occurs with each 2mm increase in the amount of distal femur resected. In the setting of a soft tissue flexion contracture, we hypothesized that although resecting more distal femur will reliably improve maximal knee extension, it will ultimately lead to increased varus and/or valgus laxity throughout mid-flexion. Methods. Seven fresh-frozen cadaver legs from hip-to-toe underwent TKA with a posterior stabilized implant using a measured resection technique with computer navigation system equipped with a robotic cutting-guide, in this IRB approved, controlled laboratory study. After the initial tibial and femoral resections were performed, the posterior joint capsule was sutured (imbricated) through the joint space under direct visualization until a 10° flexion contracture was obtained with the trial components in place, as confirmed by computer navigation. Two distal femoral recuts of +2mm each where then subsequently made and after the remaining femoral cuts were made, the trail implants were reinserted. The navigation system was used to measure overall coronal plane laxity by measuring the mechanical alignment angle at maximum extension, 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion, when applying a standardized varus/valgus load of 9.8 [Nm] across the knee using a 4kg spring-load located at 25cm distal to the knee joint line.(Figure 1) Coronal plane laxity was defined as the absolute difference (in °) between the mean mechanical alignment angle obtained from applying a standardized varus and valgus stress at 0°, 30, 60° and 90°. Each measurement was performed three separate times and averaged. The maximal extension angle achieved following each 2mm distal recut was also recorded. Two-tailed student's t-tests were performed to analyze whether there was difference in the mean laxity at each angle and if there was a significant improvement in maximal extension with each recut. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results. For a 10° flexion contracture, performing the first distal recut of +2mm increased overall coronal-plane instability by approximately 3° at 30° and 60° of flexion (p < 0.05).(Figure 2) Performing the second recut of +4mm further increased mid-flexion instability by another 2° (p < 0.01).(Figure 2) Maximum extension increased from 10° of flexion to 6.4° (±2.5° SD, p < 0.005) and to 1.4° (±1.8° SD, p < 0.001) of flexion with each 2mm recut of the distal femur. Conclusions. Using a reliable, accurate, and reproducible method of measuring coronal plane laxity and maximal knee extension, we have shown that in the setting of a flexion contracture or tight extension space during TKA, recutting the distal femur by 2 mm will effectively increase the amount of maximal extension by 4°; however, as a secondary effect, recutting the distal femur by 2 mm will also lead to 2.5° of increased coronal plane laxity in midflexion