In the unstable patellofemoral joint (PFJ), the patella will articulate in an abnormal manner, producing an uneven distribution of forces. It is hypothesised that incongruency of the PFJ, even without clinical instability, may lead to degenerative changes. The aim of this study was to record the change in joint contact area of the PFJ after stabilisation surgery using an established and validated MRI mapping technique. A prospective MRI imaging study of patients with a history of PFJ instability was performed. The patellofemoral joints were imaged with the use of an MRI scan during active movement from 0° through to 40° of flexion. The congruency through measurement of the contact surface area was mapped in 5-mm intervals on axial slices. Post-stabilisation surgery contact area was compared to the pre-surgery contact area. In all, 26 patients were studied. The cohort included 12 male and 14 female patients with a mean age of 26 (15–43). The greatest mean differences in congruency between pre- and post-stabilised PFJs were observed at 0–10 degrees of flexion (0.54 cm. 2. versus 1.18 cm. 2. , p = 0.04) and between 11° and 20° flexion (1.80 cm. 2. versus 3.45 cm. 2. ; p = 0.01). PFJ stabilisation procedures increase joint congruency. If a single axial series is to be obtained on MRI scan to compare the pre- and post-surgery joint congruity, the authors recommend 11° to 20° of tibiofemoral flexion as this was shown to have the greatest difference in contact surface area between pre- and post-operative congruency

Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) arthroplasty is traditionally performed using mechanical jigs to align the components, and it is hard to fine tune implant placement for the individual patient. These replacements have not had the same success rate as other forms of total or partial knee replacement surgery1. Our team have developed a computer assisted planning tool that allows alignment of the implant based on measurements of the patient's anatomy from MRI data with the aim of improving the success of patellofemoral joint arthroplasty. When planning a patellofemoral joint arthroplasty, one must start from the premise that the original joint is either damaged as a result of osteoarthritis, or is dysplastic in some way, deviating from a normal joint. The research aimed to plan PFJ arthroplasty using knowledge of the relationship between a normal PFJ (trochlear groove, trochlea axis and articular surfaces) and other aspects of the knee2, allowing the plan to be estimated from unaffected bone surfaces, within the constraints of the available trochlea. In order to establish a patient specific trochlea model a method was developed to automatically compute an average shape of the distal femur from normal distal femur STL files (Fig.1). For that MRI scans of 50 normal knees from osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) study were used. Mimics and 3-matic software (Materialise) packages were used for segmentation and analysis of 3D models. Spheres were fitted to the medial and lateral flexion facets for both average knee model and patient knee model. The average knee was rescaled and registered in order to match flexion facet axis (FFA) distance and FFA midpoint of the patient (Fig.2). The difference between the patient surface and the average knee surface allow to plan the patella groove alteration. The Patella cut is planned parallel to the plane fitted to the anterior surface of the patella. The patella width/thickness ratio (W/T=2) is used to predict the post reconstruction thickness3. The position of the patella component (and its orientation if a component with a median ridge is used) is also planned. The plan is next fine-tuned to achieve satisfactory PFJ kinematics4 (Fig.3). This will be complemented by intraoperative PFJ tracking which assists with soft tissue releases. PFJ kinematics is evaluated in terms of patella shift, tilt and deviation from the previously described circular path of the centre of the patella. The effect of preoperative planning on PFJ tracking and soft tissue releases is being examined. Additional study is needed to evaluate whether planning and intraoperative kinematic measurements improve the clinical outcome of PFJ arthroplasty

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) on patella-femoral joint (PFJ) after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) in correlation with pain and functional outcomes. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 101 knees (89 patients), which received an OWHTO in 42 knees and UKA in 59 knees between 2003 and 2008 with minimum 5-years follow-up. Preoperative and the last follow-up radiologic evaluations were performed on the specific radiographic parameters that reflect the patella and knee alignment. Progressions of OA on PFJ at pre-operation and the last follow up were assessed and compared with modified OA grading system. The patella-femoral (PF) pain and function score were recorded using modified PF scoring system at the last follow up. Results. Among the radiologic parameters, mechanical axis (MA) and lateral patella tilt (LPT) showed statistically significant differences between OWHTO and UKA. Most of cases showed no progression or just only 1 grade step-up progression on PFJ in both groups and the amount of progression showed no statistical significant between OWHTO and UKA. In comparison of the preoperative and the final follow-up OA grades, medial PFJ in UKA group showed statistically significant differences. The PF pain and function score were comparable in both groups at the final follow up which showed no statistical differences regardless of OA progression. Conclusions. Overall, 40 ∼ 70% of cases did not occurred the progression of OA in PFJ after OWHTO and UKA. Additionally, at last follow up, the most cases showed the grade 0 or 1 OA in PFJ of both groups. Compared with HTO group, in UKA group, there were tendency of more progression of PFJ compared with preoperative OA status. Finally the degree of OA progressions did not affect the PF pain and functional outcomes

INTRODUCTION. In computer-aided total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgical navigation systems (SNS) allow accurate tibio-femoral joint (TFJ) prosthesis implantation only. Unfortunately, TKA alters also normal patello-femoral joint (PFJ) functioning. Particularly, without patellar resurfacing, PFJ kinematics is influenced by TFJ implantation; with resurfacing, this is further affected by patellar implantation. Patellar resurfacing is performed only by visual inspections and a simple calliper, i.e. without computer assistance. Patellar resurfacing and motion via patient-specific bone morphology had been assessed successfully in-vitro and in-vivo in pilot studies aimed at including these evaluations in traditional navigated TKA. The aim of this study was to report the current experiences in-vivo in two patient cohorts during TKA with patellar resurfacing. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty patients with knee gonarthrosis were divided in two cohorts of ten subjects each and implanted with as many fixed-bearing posterior-stabilised prostheses (NRG® and Triathlon®, Stryker®-Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ-USA) with patellar resurfacing. Fifteen patients were implanted; five patients of the Triathlon cohort are awaiting hospital admission. TKAs were performed using two SNS (Stryker®-Leibinger, Freiburg-Germany). In addition to the traditional knee SNS (KSNS), the novel procedure implies the use of the patellar SNS (PSNS) equipped with a specially-designed patellar tracker. Standard navigated procedures for intact TFJ survey were performed using KSNS. These were performed also with PSNS together intact PFJ survey. Standard navigated procedures for TFJ implantation were performed using KSNS. During patellar resurfacing, the patellar cutting jig was fixed at the desired position with a plane probe into the saw-blade slot; PSNS captured tracker data to calculate bone cut level/orientation. After sawing, resection accuracy was assessed using a plane probe. TFJ/PFJ kinematics were captured with all three trial components in place for possible adjustments, and after final component cementing. A calliper and pre/post-TKA X-rays were used to check for patellar thickness/alignment. RESULTS. This protocol was performed successfully in TKAs, resulting in 30 min longer TKA. Final lower limb misalignment was within 0.5°, resurfaced patella was 0.4±1.2 mm thinner than the native, and patellar cut was 0.4°±4.1° laterally tilted. Final PFJ kinematics was taken within the reference normality in both series. PFJ flexion, tilt and medio-lateral shift range were 66.9°±8.5° (minimum÷maximum, 15.6°÷82.5°), 8.0°±3.1° (−5.3°÷2.8°), and 5.3±2.0 mm (−5.5÷0.2 mm), respectively. Significant (p<0.005) correlations were found between the internal/external rotation of the femoral component and PFJ tilt (R. 2. =0.41), and between the mechanical axis on the sagittal plane and PFJ flexion (R. 2. =0.44) and antero-posterior shift (R. 2. =0.45). Patellar implantation parameters were confirmed by X-ray inspections. Discrepancies in thickness up to 5 mm were observed between SNS- and calliper-based measurements. CONCLUSIONS. These results support relevance/efficacy of patellar tracking in in-vivo navigated TKA and may contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of the original whole knee, i.e. including also PFJ. Patellar preparation would be supported for suitable component positioning in case of resurfacing, but, conceptually, also in not-resurfacing if SNS does not reveal PFJ abnormalities., Using this procedure in the future, TFJ/PFJ abnormalities can be corrected intra-operatively by more cautious bone cut preparation and prosthetic positioning on the femur, tibia and patella

During total knee replacement (TKR), surgical navigation systems (SNS) allow accurate prosthesis component implantation by tracking the tibio-femoral joint (TFJ) kinematics in the original articulation at the beginning of the operation, after relevant trial components implantation, and, ultimately, after final component implantation and cementation. It is known that TKR also alters normal patello-femoral joint (PFJ) kinematics resulting frequently in PFJ disorders and TKR failure. More importantly, patellar tracking in case of resurfacing is further affected by patellar bone preparation and relevant component positioning. The traditional technique used to perform patellar resurfacing, even in navigated TKR, is based only on visual inspection of the patellar articular aspect for clamping patellar cutting jig and on a simple calliper to check for patellar thickness before and after bone cut, and, thus, without any computer assistance. Even though the inclusion in in-vivo navigated TKR of a procedure for supporting also patellar resurfacing based on patient-specific bone morphology seems fundamental, this have been completely disregarded till now, whose efficacy being assessed only in-vitro. This procedure has been developed, together with relevant software and surgical instrumentation, as an extension of current SNS, i.e. TKR is navigated, at the same time measuring the effects of every surgical action on PFJ kinematics. The aim of this study was to report on the first in-vivo experiences during TKR with patellar resurfacing. Four patients affected by primary gonarthrosis were implanted with a fixed bearing posterior-stabilised prosthesis (NRG, Stryker®-Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ-USA) with patellar resurfacing. All TKR were performed by means of two SNS (Stryker®-Leibinger, Freiburg, Germany) with the standard femoral/tibial trackers, the pointer, and a specially-designed patellar tracker. The novel procedure for patellar tracking was approved by the local ethical committee; the patients gave informed consent prior the surgery. This procedure implies the use of a second system, i.e. the patellar SNS (PSNS), with dedicated software for supporting patellar resurfacing and relative data processing/storing, in addition to the traditional knee SNS (KSNS). TFJ anatomical survey and kinematics data are shared between the two. Before surgery, both systems were initialised and the patellar tracker was assembled with a sterile procedure by shaping a metal grid mounted with three markers to be tracked by PSNS only. The additional patellar-resection-plane and patellar-cut-verification probes were instrumented with a standard tracker and a relevant reference frame was defined on these by digitisation with PSNS. Afterwards, the procedures for standard navigation were performed to calculate preoperative joint deformities and TFJ kinematics. The anatomical survey was performed also with PSNS, with relevant patellar anatomical reference frame definition and PFJ kinematics assessment according to a recent proposal. Standard procedures for femoral and tibial component implantation, and TFJ kinematics assessment were then performed by using relevant trial components. Afterwards, the procedure for patellar resection begun. Once the surgeon had arranged and fixed the patellar cutting jig at the desired position, the patellar-resection-plane probe was inserted into the slot for the saw blade. With this in place, the PSNS captured tracker data to calculate the planned level of patellar bone cut and the patellar cut orientation. Then the cut was executed, and the accuracy of this actual bone cut was assessed by means of the patellar-cut-verification probe. The trial patellar component was positioned, and, with all three trial components in place, TFJ and PFJ kinematics were assessed. Possible adjustments in component positioning could still be performed, until both kinematics were satisfactory. Finally, final components were implanted and cemented, and final TFJ and PFJ kinematics were acquired. A sterile calliper and pre- and post-implantation lower limb X-rays were used to check for the patellar thickness and final lower limb alignment. The novel surgical technique was performed successfully in all four cases without complication, resulting in 30 min longer TKR. The final lower limb alignment was within 0.5°, the resurfaced patella was 0.4±1.3 mm thinner than in the native, the patellar cut was 1.5°±3.0° laterally tilted. PFJ kinematics was taken within the reference normality. The patella implantation parameters were confirmed also by X-ray inspection; discrepancies in thickness up to 5 mm were observed between SNS- and calliper-based measurements. At the present experimental phase, a second separate PSNS was utilised not to affect the standard navigated TKR. The results reported support relevance, feasibility and efficacy of patellar tracking and PFJ kinematics assessment in in-vivo navigated TKR. The encouraging in-vivo results may lay ground for the design of a future clinical patella navigation system the surgeon could use to perform a more comprehensive assessment of the original whole knee anatomy and kinematics, i.e. including also PFJ. Patellar bone preparation would be supported for suitable patellar component positioning in case of resurfacing but, conceptually, also in not resurfacing if patellar anatomy and tracking assessment by SNS reveals no abnormality. After suitable adjustment and further tests, in the future if this procedure will be routinely applied during navigated TKR, abnormalities at both TFJ and PFJ can be corrected intra-operatively by more cautious bone cut preparation on the femur, tibia and also patella, in case of resurfacing, and by correct prosthetic component positioning

INTRODUCTION. Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) replacement is a successful treatment option for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. With this approach only the involved joint compartment is replaced and the femoro-tibial joint remains intact. Minimizing periprosthetic bone loss, which may occur due to the stress shielding effect of the femoral component, is important to insure long-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate, using finite element analyses, the effects of patellofemoral replacement on the expected stress distribution of the distal femur eventually leading to changes in bone density. METHODS. MRI images of a healthy knee were acquired, segmented and reconstructed into a 3D physiological model of the bony and cartilaginous geometries of distal femur and patella with patellar tendon and insertion of the quadriceps tendon. This model was modified to include PFJ replacements with either a Journey PFJ or a Richards II PFJ prosthesis, and a Genesis II TKA (Smith&Nephew, Memphis, TN). The prosthetic components were incorporated in the intact model based on the manufacturer's instructions or previously described surgical techniques (Figure 1). Cortical bone was modeled with orthotropic properties, while homogeneous linear isotropic elasticity was assumed for trabecular bone, cartilage, cement and femoral components materials. The patellar tendon was given Neo-Hookean behavior. UHMWPE patellar buttons for all designs were assigned non-linear elasto-plastic material. The simulated motion consisted of a 10 second loaded squat, starting from 0° until a flexion angle of 120° matching experimental kinematics tests performed in previous in-vitro analysis on physiological cadaveric legs [1-2]. The patella model was constrained fixing the distal part of the patellar ligament and applying a quadriceps force distributed on the quadriceps insertion on the proximal surface of the patella. During the dynamic simulation the average Von Mises stress was calculated in two regions of interest (ROI) defined in the femoral bone: one anterior and one proximal. The location of the ROIs was defined to fit the same regions as used in a previous bone mineral density analysis following patellofemoral arthroplasty (height 1cm, length 1cm). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Overall, the average bone stresses in both ROIs increased with flexion angle. Maximal stresses during squat were reached at 90° flexion angle, (2.8–3.8 MPa for the anterior ROI and 1.4–1.6 MPa for the proximal ROI). Mean stresses in the proximal ROI were similar for both PFJ designs and the physiological model, and slightly lower for the TKA. Between 80° and 120°, anterior ROI bone stresses for Journey PFJ design were comparable to the physiological knee, while reduced by almost 25% for the other designs (Figure 1). These results suggest a different stress-shielding behavior depending on design geometry and material properties. CONCLUSIONS. This study evaluated periprosthetic bone stress distributions of different patellofemoral replacements. The numerical analyses of physiological and replaced knee models predicted a decrease in stress behind the anterior flange of the femoral component for some designs. This reduction was dependent on prosthesis design geometry and materials properties

INTRODUCTION. Despite a large percentage of total knee arthroplasty failures occurs for disorders at the patello-femoral joint (PFJ), current navigation systems report tibio-femoral (TFJ) kinematics only, and do not track the patella. Despite this tracking is made difficult by the small bone and by its full eversion during surgery, a new such technique has been developed, which includes a new tracker, new corresponding surgical instrumentation also for patellar resurfacing, and all relevant software. The aim of this study is to report an early experience in patients of these measurements, i.e. TFJ and PFJ kinematics. METHODS. These measurements were taken in the first ten patients, affected by primary gonarthrosis and implanted with a resurfacing posterior-stabilised prosthesis in the period July 2010 – May 2011. A standard knee navigation system was enhanced by a specially-designed patellar tracker, mounted with a cluster of three light emitting diodes. Standard procedures for femoral and tibial bone preparation were performed according to the navigation system, and the patellar was resurfaced. Relevant resection planes were taken by an instrumented verification probe. Final position of the three components and lower limb alignment were also acquired. Joint kinematics was deduced from the anatomical survey, which included anatomical landmarks on the patellar posterior aspect, and according to established recommendations and original proposals. RESULTS. In addition to the standard assessment of TFJ kinematics, patellar tracking was performed successfully in all cases without complications, resulting in a maximum of 30 min longer operations. PFJ kinematics (see figure) after replacement and resurfacing showed a mean (± standard deviation, over the patients) range of flexion, tilt and medio-lateral shift respectively of 66.9° ± 8.5° (mean of minimum flexion ÷ of maximum flexion, 15.6° ÷ 82.5°), 8.0° ± 3.1° (−5.3° ÷ 2.8°), and 5.3 ± 2.0 mm (−5.5 ÷ 0.2 mm). Statistically significant correlations were found between the internal/external rotation of the femoral component and the range of PFJ tilt (p=0.05; R=0.64); in three patients, medio-lateral PFJ shift seemed to be affected by the medio-lateral position of the femoral component. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Data obtained from our preliminary experience support the relevance, feasibility and efficacy of patellar tracking in navigated knee arthroplasty by means of a standard knee navigation system, suitably extended to track also the patellar motion. Patellar-based measurement provides for a more comprehensive assessment of the whole knee function, not only for the resurfacing but also for a best possible positioning of the femoral and tibial components

Aim. Patellofemoral Arthroplasty (PFA) prosthesis with asymmetric trochlear component was introduced as an improvement from existing designs for surgical treatment of symptomatic isolated patellofemoral arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate midterm results in patients who underwent PFA procedure using such prosthesis. Methods. Our study involved a continuous retrospective cohort of patients who underwent PFA using Journey PFJ with asymmetric trochlear component, performed between June 2007 and October 2018 at a non-designer centre. The Patient Reported Outcome Measures and patient satisfaction questionnaires were collected for final evaluation. Results. A total of 128 PFA performed on 96 patients were evaluated. All patients were under regular follow up, and no patient was lost to follow up. Eighteen patients underwent simultaneous bilateral procedures, and 14 patients underwent PFA of the contralateral knee later. Median age at the time of surgery was 59 years (interquartile range 53 – 66 years); the median follow up period was 6 years (interquartile range 2.5 – 7 years). The Oxford Knee Score showed improvement from a median of 18 to 37. There were statistically significant improvements in functional outcome scores. Beverland satisfaction questionnaire revealed that 22.1 % (19/86) were ‘Very happy’ and 39.5% (34/86) were ‘Happy’ following the procedure. Four knees were revised to Total Knee Arthroplasty for reasons not related to the implant. The cumulative survival estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 95.2% (95% confidence interval: 90.4%– 99.9%). Conclusion. This series of patients who underwent PFA with the asymmetric trochlear component has shown promising mid-term results with no implant related complications

Aims

There is little published on the outcomes after restarting elective orthopaedic procedures following cessation of surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the reported perioperative mortality in patients who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection while undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery was 18% to 20%. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes, complications, and risk of developing COVID-19 in 2,316 consecutive patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery in the latter part of 2020 and comparing it to the same, pre-pandemic, period in 2019.

The aim of this study was to document the survivorship and patient reported outcome of the Avon patello-femoral replacement in a consecutive series with follow up of 10 years or more. All cases performed in Bristol from 1996 onwards were prospectively recorded. Follow up was at 1,2,5,7,10,12 and 15 years with the Bristol Patella Score, the Oxford and WOMAC scores and SF12. Implant survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. There were 323 PFJ replacements (280 individuals). Follow up was available for 286 cases in 250 patients (89% follow up). The 10 year survival rate was 77%, falling to 67% at 15 years. The most common reason for revision was tibio-femoral progression (45/74 revisions), with loosening or polyethylene wear recorded in 8 cases. The best results were seen in the youngest and the oldest patients. Good improvements were seen in PROMs, with the mean OKS improving from 19.5 to 34.1 at 2 years and 32.7 at the 15 years. The Avon patello-femoral knee replacement is a successful long-term treatment for isolated patello-femoral knee osteoarthritis, although further improvements are expected in subsequent series, particularly as indications for surgery have evolved over time

Introduction. Knee arthroplasty is an effective intervention for painful arthritis when conservative measures have failed. Despite recent advances in component design and implantation techniques, a significant proportion of patients experience problems relating to the patella-femoral joint (PFJ). Detailed knowledge of the shape and orientation of the normal and replaced femoral trochlea groove is critical when considering potential causes of anterior knee pain. Furthermore, to date it has proved difficult to establish a diagnosis due to shortcomings in current imaging techniques for obtaining satisfactory coronal plane motion data of the patella in the replaced knee. The aim of this study was to correlate the trochlea shape of normal and replaced knees with corresponding coronal plane PFJ kinematic data. Method. Bony and cartilagenous trochlea geometries from 3T MRI scans of 20 normal healthy volunteers were compared with both anatomical and standard total knee replacements (TKR) and patellofemoral joint replacement (PFJR) geometries. Following segmentation and standardized alignment, the path of the apex of the trochlea groove was measured using customized Matlab software. (Fig1). Next, kinematic data of the 20 normal healthy volunteers (Normal) was compared with that of 20 TKR, and 20 PFJR patients using the validated MAUS. TM. system (Motion Analysis and UltraSound) comprising a 12-camera, motion capture system used to capture images of reflective markers mounted on subjects lower limbs and an ultrasound probe. A mapping between the ultrasound image and the motion capture system allows the ultrasound probe to be used to determine the locations of the patella relative to bony landmarks on the femur during a squat exercise. Results. In normal knees the arc of the trochlear groove apex was orientated progressively laterally for both cartilage and. Neither of these trends were reproduced by any of the knee prostheses. Indeed far from being a laterally directed trochlea groove, both the anatomic TKR and PFJR have a medially orientated trochlea, whilst the TKR showed a neutral straight path (Figure 2). The direction of displacement in the replaced knee is significantly different (opposite) to that of the native knee (p<0.05). The accuracy of the MAUS technique registering the ultrasound images within the motion capture system is 1.84 mm (2 × SD). The three groups showed very different patella tracking patterns which matched the orientation of the underlying trochlea (Figure 3). The sine wave pattern of coronal plane patella motion displayed by the Normal group was not recreated in the TKR or PFJR groups. Movements of the Normal group were significantly different from the TKR group (p=0.03) and the PFJR group (p<0.01), whilst there was no significant difference between the TKR and PFJR groups (p=0.27). Discussion. We present a new, accurate, reliable in vivo technique for measuring 3D patellofemoral kinematics in native and replaced knees. Our data suggest that many aspects of patellofemoral kinematics are absent following TKR and PFJR. This can be explained by the differences in shape of the underlying femoral component. Anterior knee pain problems might be addressed by alterations to the patellofemoral joint in future designs of knee arthroplasty

To evaluate prospectively the mid-term results of the Zimmer Unicondylar Knee arthoplasty (UKA). Between 2005 and 2012, 187 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) were performed by a single surgeon using a fixed-bearing prosthesis (Zimmer). 37 cases were excluded as either were lost to follow-up or had less than six months follow-up. The study included 150 UKAs. Deformity, if present, was correctable. Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) disease was not considered as an absolute contraindication. The average patient age at the time of surgery was 66 years (range 42–88 years); 78 of which were male. Mean follow-up time was 3.6 years (range 7–81 months). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 29 (range 21–41). Clinical and conventional radiological evaluations were carried out at six months, one, two and five years postoperatively. 147 cases were medial compartment replacement and three were lateral. 86 patients had grade III OA and 64 had grade IV (Kellgren and Lawrence). 113 patients had an element of PFJ disease. The mean Knee Society knee and function scores had an improvement from 55 and 54 points pre-operatively to 95 and 94 points respectively at time of most recent evaluation. The average flexion improved from 116 degrees pre-operatively to 127 degrees. Two cases were revised, one due to progression of osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment of the knee and the other was due to arthrofibrosis. The Zimmer unicompartmental knee arthroplasty provided excellent pain relief and restoration of function in carefully selected patients. However, long-term studies are necessary to investigate the survival rate for this prothesis

Outcome measures are an essential element of our industry: comparing a novel procedure against an established one requires a reliable set of metrics that are comprehensible to both the technologist and the layman. We surmised that a detailed assessment of function before and after knee arthroplasty, combined with a detailed set of personal goals would enable us to test the hypothesis that less invasive joint and ligament preserving operations could be demonstrated to be more successful, and cost effective. We asked the simple question: how well can people walk following arthroplasty, and can we measure this?. Materials and methods. Using a treadmill, instrumented with force plates, we developed a regime of walking at increasing speeds and on varying inclines, both up and down hill. The data from the force plates was then extracted directly, without using the proprietary software that filtered it. Code was written in matlab script to ensure that missed steps were not mistakenly attributed to the wrong leg, automatically downloading of all the gait data at all speeds and inclines. The pattern of gait of both legs could then be compared over a range of activities. Results. Wide variation is seen in gait both before and after arthroplasty. The variables that are easiest to explain are these: . width of gait – this appears to be a pre-morbid variable, not easily correctible with surgery. (figure 1). top walking speed – total knee replacement is associated with 11% lower top speeds than uni knees or normals (p < 0.05). change in stride length with increasing speed: normal people increase their walking speed by increasing both their cadence and their stride length incrementally until a top stride length is reached. Patients with a total knee replacement do not increase their stride length at a normal rate, having to rely on increasing cadence to deliver speed increase. Patients with uni or bi-compartmental knee replacements increase speed like normal people. Downhill gait: as many as 40% of fit patients with ‘well functioning’ total knee replacements choose not to walk downhill at all, while all fit patients with ‘well functioning’ partial replacements are able to do this. Those who can manage, can only manage 90% of the normal speed, unlike unis which are indistinguishable from normal (p < 0.05). Conclusions. At higher speeds and on inclines, the presence of an intact cruciate ligament couple enables a near normal gait, following both Unicondylar knee arthroplasty and Uni + PFJ arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty, whether cruciate retaining or sacrificing, prevents normal gait at higher speed. An intact anterior cruciate may be an essential part of gait, playing a greater role in the swing through phase of gait. Resecting it as part of an arthroplasty may not be in the best interest of the patient's gait

INTRODUCTION. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been shown to have many benefits over conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), but has also been shown to be technically difficult. In fact, technical error is the most common cause of premature failure in UKA. Bicompartmental arthroplasty (BKA) has the potential to perform like TKA with the benefits of UKA. We describe the initial experience with customized alignment guides and implants for UKA and BKA, manufactured based upon preoperative CT scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty three implants in 19 patients were implanted and followed for a minimum of three months postoperatively. Knee society scores and SF-12 scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Radiographs were analyzed with image analysis software for malposition and loosening. RESULTS. There were 11 female patients who received 12 implants, and 8 male patients who received 11 implants. There were 8 BKA(7 med + pfj; 1 lat + pfj) and 15 UKA (13 medial, 2 lateral). The average age was 69.3 years (range 53-91). Length of followup was average 8.9 months (range 3-19). By 1 month postoperatively, all patients had gained at least 90 degrees of flexion (avg 109; range 90-130) and all were off assisted devices. By 3 months postoperatively, average KSS had improved from 52.8 to 89.6 (pain); 50.9 to 69.9 (function). SF-12 scores for PCS and MCS increased from 34.6 to 39.3 and 50.3 to 55.3, respectively. There was no difference in functional outcomes between UKA and BKAs. Radiographic analysis showed that no implants overhanged bone by more than 1 millimeter in any dimension. Two of 23 tibial components were placed in greater than 10 degrees of varus (so-called outliers). Conversely, 9/19 tibial components were outliers placed in more than 7 degrees of posterior slope or in reverse slope. The femoral components were designed to be placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femur, and 19/23 were within 3 degrees. Interestingly, there was a tremendous amount of variation between patients. There were no postoperative complications. In one case, the tibial component was not completely seated to the bone preparation level. Otherwise, there were no intraoperative complications. No revisions have been performed and none are pending. CONCLUSIONS. Customized implants are designed to match the patient anatomy as closely as possible, without duplicating gross malalignment or malposition. This study shows that this technology reliably allows placement of UKA and BKA devices within acceptable alignment parameters, with excellent short-term functional results. Interestingly, BKA components performed as well as UKA components, suggesting that a certain percentage of traditional TKA patients can expect UKA-like function after BKA instead of TKA. Of course, much longer followup is required to determine rates of failure from progressive arthritis or device wear. Nevertheless, current customized UKA and BKA components are safe and effective