Abstract. Introduction. Surgery in patients with high body mass index (BMI) is more technically challenging and associated with increased complications post-operatively. Inferior clinical and functional mid-term results for high BMI patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) relative to normal weight patients have been reported. This study discusses the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of HTO surgery in patients with a high BMI. Method. This is a retrospective study on patients undergoing HTO surgery using the Tomofix anatomical MHT plate between 2017 and 2022, with follow-up period of up to 5 years. The cohort was divided: non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI>30 kg/m2). Pre and post operative functional scores were collected: Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EuroQol-5D and Tegner. Complications, plate survivorship and Mikulicz point recorded. Results. 32 HTO procedures; 19 patients BMI <30 (average 27.0) and 14 patients BMI >30 (average 36.1). In BMI<30 cohort, one readmission for investigation of venous thromboembolism, doppler negative; two complications: hinge fracture and stitch abscess. The five year survivorship of the plate was 100%. In BMI>30 cohort, one readmission for pulmonary embolism; one complication: hinge fracture. The 5 year survivorship of the plate was 93%, 1 conversion to unicompartmental knee replacement. The average OKS improvement was 17 and 18 for BMI <30 and >30 respectively. Mikulicz point change was identical. Conclusion. The Tomofix anatomical MHT plate achieves good outcomes and minimal complications irrespective of BMI. Reduced plate survivorship, thus earlier conversion may be required in the obese, however higher cohort numbers are needed to confirm this

Abstract. Introduction. Compared to the standard Tomofix plate, the anatomical Tomofix medial high tibial (MHT) plate has been shown to improve anatomical fit and post correction tibial contour, following high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Clinical data on surgical complications, osteotomy union rates and survivorship with the anatomical Tomofix MHT plate however remain limited. This study reports mid-term results of HTO surgery, using the anatomical Tomofix MHT plate. Methods. All patients undergoing HTO surgery using the anatomical Tomofix MHT plate between 2017 and 2022 were included in the study. Data on complications, osteotomy union rates and survivorship were collected prospectively and retrospectively analysed. Results. 78 HTO procedures were performed using the anatomical Tomofix plate in 68 patients. Follow-up ranged between 6 weeks and 5 years. Postoperative complications included 5 hinge fractures that united without further intervention, 1 deep vein thrombus and 1 subclinical pulmonary embolism. There were no wound problems and no returns to theatre, other than for planned removal of metalwork at 1 year. All osteotomies united with no loss of correction. Only 1 HTO was successfully revised to a partial medial knee replacement 2.5 years following osteotomy. The 5-year survivorship was 98.7%. Conclusion. The anatomical Tomofix MHT plate achieves excellent biomechanical stability and union rates in HTO surgery, with minimal complications and excellent mid-term HTO survivorship

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare reoperation and revision rates of double plating (DP), single plating using a lateral locking plate (SP), or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PDFFs). Methods. All patients with PDFF primarily treated with DP, SP, or DFA between 2008 and 2022 at a university teaching hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was revision surgery for failure following DP, SP, or DFA. Secondary outcome measures included any reoperation, length of hospital stay, and mortality. All basic demographic and relevant implant and injury details were collected. Radiological analysis included fracture classification and evaluation of metaphyseal and medial comminution. Results. A total of 111 PDFFs (111 patients, median age 82 years (interquartile range (IQR) 75 to 88), 86% female) with 32 (29%) Su classification 1, 37 (34%) Su 2, and 40 (37%) Su 3 fractures were included. The median follow-up was 2.5 years (IQR 1.2 to 5.0). DP, SP, and DFA were used in 15, 66, and 30 patients, respectively. Compared to SP, patients treated with DP were more likely to have metaphyseal comminution (47% vs 14%; p = 0.009), to be low fractures (47% vs 11%; p = 0.009), and to be anatomically reduced (100% vs 71%; p = 0.030). Patients selected for DFA displayed comparable amounts of medial/metaphyseal comminution as those who underwent DP. At a minimum follow-up of two years, revision surgery for failure was performed in 11 (9.9%) cases at a median of five months (IQR 2 to 9): 0 DP patients (0%), 9 SP (14%), and 2 DFA (6.7%) (p = 0.249). Conclusion. Using a strategy of DP fixation in fractures, where the fracture was low but there was enough distal bone to accommodate locking screws, and where there is metaphyseal comminution, resulted in equivalent survival free from revision or reoperation compared to DFA and SP fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(6):489–498

Purpose. To determine the effect that Titanium Nitride (TiN) coatings have on wear rates of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Background. Ceramic coatings have been shown to confer advantageous countersurface scratch resistance in knee arthroplasty. This may reduce UHMWPE wear rates and revision rates. Dermal hypersensitivity is a common problem with metals; TiN, a ceramic surface, has been used to prevent it. There is little data in the literature regarding the effect of TiN on UHMWPE. Materials and methods. A six station pin-on-plate testing machine cycled three cobalt chrome pins and three TiN-coated cobalt chrome pins against six gamma-irradiated UHMWPE plates at 1 Hz at 20°C. A lubricating solution of 30% bovine calf serum, 1% sodium azide and deionised water was used. Three gamma-irradiated UHMWPE plates served as soak controls. Average surface roughness of the pins was measured by surface profilometry. Scanning electron micrographs were taken after 0, 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000 and 1000000 cycles, with plate mass measured at 0, 10000, 100000 and 1000000 cycles. Results. There was a significant effect of cycles upon surface roughness, with increased number of cycles leading to an increase in surface roughness (p<0.01). No significant main effect was found of coating group upon average surface roughness of pins (p>0.07). There was no observed significant main effect of increasing number of cycles upon plate mass (p>0.05) or of pin group upon plate mass (p>0.05). Conclusion. A significant effect was shown of cycles upon surface roughness. However, a lack of other significant findings indicates additional research is required to fully determine titanium nitride's potential in knee arthroplasty

A prospective, randomised, controlled trial compared two different techniques of high tibial osteotomy with a lateral closing wedge or a medial opening wedge, stabilised by a Puddu plate. The clinical outcome and radiological results were examined at one year. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of an overcorrection of valgus of 4°. Secondary outcome measures were the severity of pain (visual analogue scale), knee function (Hospital for Special Surgery score), and walking distance. Between January 2001 and April 2004, 92 patients were randomised to one or other of the techniques. At follow-up at one year the post-operative hip-knee-ankle angle was 3.4° (± 3.6° . sd. ) valgus after a closing wedge and 1.3° (± 4.7° . sd. ) of valgus after an opening wedge. The adjusted mean difference of 2.1° was significant (p = 0.02). The deviation from 4° of valgus alignment was 2.7° (± 2.4° . sd. ) in the closing wedge and 4.0° (± 3.6° . sd. ) in the opening-wedge groups. The adjusted mean difference of 1.67° was also significant (p = 0.01). The severity of pain, knee score and walking ability improved in both groups, but the difference was not significant. Because of pain, the staples required removal in 11 (23%) patients in the closing-wedge group and a Puddu plate was removed in 27 (60%) patients in the opening-wedge group. This difference was significant (p < 0.001). We conclude that closing-wedge osteotomy achieves a more accurate correction with less morbidity, although both techniques had improved the function of the knee at one year after the procedure

Between 2003 and 2007, 99 knees in 77 patients underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. We evaluated the effect of initial stable fixation combined with an artificial bone substitute on the mid- to long-term outcome after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartmental osteoarthritis or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee in 78 knees in 64 patients available for review at a minimum of five years (mean age 68 years; 49 to 82). The mean follow-up was 6.5 years (5 to 10). The mean Knee Society knee score and function score improved from 49.6 (. sd. 11.4, 26 to 72) and 56.6 (. sd. 15.6, 5 to 100) before surgery to 88.1 (. sd. 12.5, 14 to 100) and 89.4 (. sd. 15.6, 5 to 100) at final follow-up (p <  0.001) respectively. There were no significant differences between patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years. The mean standing femorotibial angle was corrected significantly from 181.7° (. sd.  2.7°, 175° to 185°) pre-operatively to 169.7° (. sd. 2.4°, 164° to 175°) at one year’s follow-up (p < 0.001) and 169.6° (. sd. 3.0°, 157° to 179°) at the final follow-up (p = 0.69 vs one year). . Opening-wedge HTO using a stable plate fixation system combined with a bone substitute is a reliable procedure that provides excellent results. Although this treatment might seem challenging for older patients, our results strongly suggest that the results are equally good. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:339–44

It is unclear whether there is a limit to the amount of distal bone required to support fixation of supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures. This retrospective multicentre study evaluated lateral locked plating of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures and compared the results according to extension of the fracture distal with the proximal border of the femoral prosthetic component.

Between 1999 and 2008, 89 patients underwent lateral locked plating of a supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fracture, of whom 61 patients with a mean age of 72 years (42 to 96) comprising 53 women, were available after a minimum follow-up of six months or until fracture healing. Patients were grouped into those with fractures located proximally (28) and those with fractures that extended distal to the proximal border of the femoral component (33).

Delayed healing and nonunion occurred respectively in five (18%) and three (11%) of more proximal fractures, and in two (6%) and five (15%) of the fractures with distal extension (p = 0.23 for delayed healing; p = 0.72 for nonunion, Fisher’s exact test). Four construct failures (14%) occurred in more proximal fractures, and three (9%) in fractures with distal extension (p = 0.51). Of the two deep infections that occurred in each group, one resolved after surgical debridement and antibiotics, and one progressed to a nonunion.

Extreme distal periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur are not a contra-indication to lateral locked plating. These fractures can be managed with internal fixation, with predictable results, similar to those seen in more proximal fractures.

Introduction

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is faced with a challenge of decreasing the cost of care for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but must make efforts to prevent patient selection bias in the process. Currently, no appropriate modifier codes exist for primary TKA based on case complexity. We sought to determine differences in perioperative parameters for patients with “complex” primary TKA with the hypothesis that they would require increased cost of care, prolonged care times, and have worse postoperative outcome metrics.

Aims. To evaluate whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing at osteotomy sites and promotes functional recovery after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods. Overall, 90 patients who underwent OWHTO without bone grafting were enrolled in this nonrandomized retrospective study, and 45 patients treated with LIPUS were compared with 45 patients without LIPUS treatment in terms of bone healing and functional recovery postoperatively. Clinical evaluations, including the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were performed preoperatively as well as six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. The progression rate of gap filling was evaluated using anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. The pain VAS and JOA scores significantly improved after OWHTO in both groups. Although the LIPUS group had better pain scores at six weeks and three months postoperatively, there were no significant differences in JOA score between the groups. The lateral hinge united at six weeks postoperatively in 34 (75.6%) knees in the control group and in 33 (73.3%) knees in the LIPUS group. The progression rates of gap filling in the LIPUS group were 8.0%, 15.0%, 27.2%, and 46.0% at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, whereas in the control group at the same time points they were 7.7%, 15.2%, 26.3%, and 44.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the progression rate of gap filling between the groups. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that LIPUS did not promote bone healing and functional recovery after OWHTO with a locking plate. The routine use of LIPUS after OWHTO was not recommended from the results of our study. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):885–893

Aims. This study aimed to analyze kinematics and kinetics of the tibiofemoral joint in healthy subjects with valgus, neutral, and varus limb alignment throughout multiple gait activities using dynamic videofluoroscopy. Methods. Five subjects with valgus, 12 with neutral, and ten with varus limb alignment were assessed during multiple complete cycles of level walking, downhill walking, and stair descent using a combination of dynamic videofluoroscopy, ground reaction force plates, and optical motion capture. Following 2D/3D registration, tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics were compared between the three limb alignment groups. Results. No significant differences for the rotational or translational patterns between the different limb alignment groups were found for level walking, downhill walking, or stair descent. Neutral and varus aligned subjects showed a mean centre of rotation located on the medial condyle for the loaded stance phase of all three gait activities. Valgus alignment, however, resulted in a centrally located centre of rotation for level and downhill walking, but a more medial centre of rotation during stair descent. Knee adduction/abduction moments were significantly influenced by limb alignment, with an increasing knee adduction moment from valgus through neutral to varus. Conclusion. Limb alignment was not reflected in the condylar kinematics, but did significantly affect the knee adduction moment. Variations in frontal plane limb alignment seem not to be a main modulator of condylar kinematics. The presented data provide insights into the influence of anatomical parameters on tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics towards enhancing clinical decision-making and surgical restoration of natural knee joint motion and loading. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):485–496

Abstract. Background. Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a clinically and cost-effective option for symptomatic cartilage defects. In 2017 we initiated a program for OCA transplantation for complex chondral and osteochondral defects as a UK tertiary referral centre. Aim. To characterise the complications, re-operation rate, graft survivorship and clinical outcomes of knee OCA transplantation. Methodology. Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with primary OCA transplantation from 2017 to 2021 with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, re-operations and failures were evaluated. Results. 37 patients with 37 knee OCA procedures were included (mean age 31.6 years [16–49 years]). Mean BMI 26.6 kg/m2 (19.1–35.9 kg/m2). The mean chondral defect size was 3cm2 (1.2–7.3 cm2). Mean duration of follow-up was 3.1 years (1–5.3 years). 16 patients underwent meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT), 6 underwent osteotomy and 4 underwent ligament reconstruction as concurrent procedures. Significant improvements in mean PROMs were noted at 12 months. 16 patients had reoperations of which 5 had more than one surgery. Of these patients 6 were related to OCA (mainly debridement and revision OCA in one patient), and the remainder were related to additional procedures including removal of plate in 2 patients. The overall failure rate was 1 in 37 patients (3%). Conclusions. Early experience of OCA as a treatment option for complex chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee shows satisfactory results. The reoperation rate is high but at mean follow-up of 3.1 years the survival rate was 97%

Abstract. INTRODUCTION. The anatomic distal femoral locking plate (DF-LCP) has simplified the management of supracondylar femoral fractures with stable knee prostheses. Osteoporosis and comminution seem manageable, but at times, the construct does not permit early mobilization. Considerable soft tissue stripping during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may delay union. Biological plating offsets this disadvantage, minimizing morbidity. Materials. Thirty comminuted periprosthetic supracondylar fractures were operated from October 2010 to August 2016. Fifteen (group A) were treated with ORIF, and fifteen (group B) with closed (biological) plating using the anatomical DF-LCP. Post-operatively, standard rehabilitation protocol was followed in all, with hinged-knee-brace supported physiotherapy. Clinico-radiological follow-up was done at 3 months, 6 months, and then yearly (average duration, 30 months), and time to union, complications, failure rates and function were evaluated. Results. Average time to union was 4.5 months (range, 3–6 months) in group A, and 3.5 months (range, 2.5–5 months) in group B. Primary bone grafting was done in twelve patients (all group A). At final follow-up, all fractures had healed, and all (but two) patients were walking unsupported, with no pain or deformity, with average knee range of motion (ROM) of 90° (range, 55 to 100°). Two patients had superficial infection (group A), two had knee stiffness (group A), one had shortening of 1.5cm (group B) and one had valgus malalignment of 10 degrees (group B). Conclusion. Biological plating in comminuted supracondylar fractures about stable TKA prostheses is an excellent option, may obviate need for bone grafting, and reducing complications

Introduction

Bundled reimbursement models for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have resulted in an effort to decrease the cost of care. However, these models may incentivize bias in patient selection to avoid excess cost of care. We sought to determine the impact of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model at a single center.

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare any differences in the primary outcome (biphasic flexion knee moment during gait) of robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at one year post-surgery. Methods. A total of 76 patients (34 bi-UKA and 42 TKA patients) were analyzed in a prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Flat ground shod gait analysis was performed preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Knee flexion moment was calculated from motion capture markers and force plates. The same setup determined proprioception outcomes during a joint position sense test and one-leg standing. Surgery allocation, surgeon, and secondary outcomes were analyzed for prediction of the primary outcome from a binary regression model. Results. Both interventions were shown to be effective treatment options, with no significant differences shown between interventions for the primary outcome of this study (18/35 (51.4%) biphasic TKA patients vs 20/31 (64.5%) biphasic bi-UKA patients; p = 0.558). All outcomes were compared to an age-matched, healthy cohort that outperformed both groups, indicating residual deficits exists following surgery. Logistic regression analysis of primary outcome with secondary outcomes indicated that the most significant predictor of postoperative biphasic knee moments was preoperative knee moment profile and trochlear degradation (Outerbridge) (R. 2. = 0.381; p = 0.002, p = 0.046). A separate regression of alignment against primary outcome indicated significant bi-UKA femoral and tibial axial alignment (R. 2. = 0.352; p = 0.029), and TKA femoral sagittal alignment (R. 2. = 0.252; p = 0.016). The bi-UKA group showed a significant increased ability in the proprioceptive joint position test, but no difference was found in more dynamic testing of proprioception. Conclusion. Robotic arm-assisted bi-UKA demonstrated equivalence to TKA in achieving a biphasic gait pattern after surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. Both treatments are successful at improving gait, but both leave the patients with a functional limitation that is not present in healthy age-matched controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;103-B(4):433–443

Abstract. Introduction. Distal Femoral Fractures around a Total Knee Replacement have a reported incidence of 0.25–2.3% of primary TKRs. Literature suggests that these fractures have high complication rates such as non union and revision. Methodology. A retrospective case note review was undertaken of all patients who sustained a distal femoral fracture around a TKR from April 2014-April 2021. Data parameters collected included patient demographics, classification of fracture, management, post op mobility, fracture union and mortality. Results. 52 distal femoral fractures were recorded, out of which 5 patients had bilateral fractures. The average age was 83.6 years (61–101). 41 fractures were managed operatively with 61% undergoing ORIF, 37% undergoing Distal Femoral Replacement & 2% undergoing a retrograde IM Nail. The median LOS was 22 days (11–85) for patients treated with DFR versus 10 (3–75) for those undergoing an ORIF. 60% of DFR patients were discharged home compared to 56% of those who underwent an ORIF. All the DFR patients were FWB post op compared to ORIF 24%. Conclusion. Over a 7 year study period, 52 distal femoral fractures were reviewed. Despite FWB status post op, patients undergoing a DFR had a longer length of stay and less were discharged home compared to the ORIF group. Given the cost of a distal femoral replacement (£4485-6500) compared to £212-297 for a locking plate, in order to get patients FWB post operatively potentially dual plating (medial and lateral) may need to be considered if the fracture is amenable to improve stability & allow FWB

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of tantalum, 3D porous titanium, antibiotic-loaded bone cement, and smooth titanium alloy to inhibit staphylococci in an in vitro environment, based on the evaluation of the zone of inhibition (ZOI). The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference in the inhibition of methicillin-sensitive or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA/MRSA) between the two groups. Methods. A total of 30 beads made of three different materials (tantalum/3D porous titanium and smooth titanium alloy) were bathed for one hour in a solution of 1 g vancomycin in 20 ml of sterile water for injection (bath concentration: 50 mg/mL). Ten 1 cm. 3. cylinders of antibiotic-loaded cement were also created by mixing standard surgical cement with 1 g of vancomycin in standardized sterile moulds. The cylinders were then placed on agar plates inoculated with MSSA and MRSA. The ZOIs were measured each day and the cylinders were transferred onto a new inoculated plate. Results. For MSSA and MRSA, no inhibitory effect was found in the control group, and antibiotic-loaded smooth titanium alloy beads showed a short inhibitory effect until day 2. For MSSA, both tantalum and 3D porous titanium beads showed significantly larger mean ZOIs than cement beads (all p < 0.01) each day until day 7 for tantalum and until day 3 for 3D porous titanium. After six days, antibiotic-loaded cement had significantly larger mean ZOIs than the 3D porous titanium (p = 0.027), but no significant difference was found with tantalum (p = 0.082). For MRSA, both tantalum and 3D porous titanium beads had significantly larger mean ZOIs than antibiotic-loaded cement each day until day 6 for tantalum (all p < 0.01) and until day 3 for 3D porous titanium (all p < 0.04). Antibiotic-loaded cement had significantly larger mean ZOIs than tantalum and 3D porous titanium from day 7 to 9 (all p < 0.042). Conclusion. These results show that porous metal implants can deliver local antibiotics over slightly varying time frames based on in vitro analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):158–162

Aims. Debate continues regarding the optimum management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs). This study aims to determine which operative treatment is associated with the lowest perioperative morbidity and mortality when treating low (Su type II and III) PDFFs comparing lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA). Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive unilateral (PDFFs) of Su types II (40/60) and III (20/60) in patients aged ≥ 60 years: 33 underwent LLP-ORIF (mean age 81.3 years (SD 10.5), BMI 26.7 (SD 5.5); 29/33 female); and 27 underwent DFA (mean age 78.8 years (SD 8.3); BMI 26.7 (SD 6.6); 19/27 female). The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications, calculated blood loss, transfusion requirements, functional mobility status, length of acute hospital stay, discharge destination and mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for reoperation after LLP-ORIF. Results. Follow-up was at mean 3.8 years (1.0 to 10.4). One-year mortality was 13% (8/60). Reoperation was more common following LLP-ORIF: 7/33 versus 0/27 (p = 0.008). Five-year survival for reoperation was significantly better following DFA; 100% compared to 70.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.8% to 89.8%, p = 0.006). There was no difference for the endpoint mechanical failure (including radiological loosening); ORIF 74.5% (56.3 to 92.7), and DFA 78.2% (52.3 to 100, p = 0.182). Reoperation following LLP-ORIF was independently associated with medial comminution; hazard ratio (HR) 10.7 (1.45 to 79.5, p = 0.020). Anatomical reduction was protective against reoperation; HR 0.11 (0.013 to 0.96, p = 0.046). When inadequately fixed fractures were excluded, there was no difference in five-year survival for either reoperation (p = 0.156) or mechanical failure (p = 0.453). Conclusion. Absolute reoperation rates are higher following LLP fixation of low PDFFs compared to DFA. Where LLP-ORIF was well performed with augmentation of medial comminution, there was no difference in survival compared to DFA. Though necessary in very low fractures, DFA should be used with caution in patients with greater life expectancies due to the risk of longer term aseptic loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):635–643

Aims. The aims of this study were to compare the mean duration of antibiotic release and the mean zone of inhibition between vancomycin-loaded porous tantalum cylinders and antibiotic-loaded bone cement at intervals, and to evaluate potential intrinsic antimicrobial properties of tantalum in an in vitro medium environment against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Materials and Methods. Ten porous tantalum cylinders and ten cylinders of cement were used. The tantalum cylinders were impregnated with vancomycin, which was also added during preparation of the cylinders of cement. The cylinders were then placed on agar plates inoculated with MSSA. The diameter of the inhibition zone was measured each day, and the cylinders were transferred to a new inoculated plate. Inhibition zones were measured with a Vernier caliper and using an automated computed evaluation, and the intra- and interobserver reproducibility were measured. The mean inhibition zones between the two groups were compared with Wilcoxon’s test. Results. MSSA was inhibited for 12 days by the tantalum cylinders and for nine days by the cement cylinders. At day one, the mean zone of inhibition was 28.6 mm for the tantalum and 19.8 mm for the cement group (p < 0.001). At day ten, the mean zone of inhibition was 3.8 mm for the tantalum and 0 mm for the cement group (p < 0.001). The porous tantalum cylinders soaked only with phosphate buffered solution showed no zone of inhibition. Conclusion. Compared with cement, tantalum could release antibiotics for longer. Further studies should assess the advantages of using antibiotic-loaded porous tantalum implants at revision arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:848–851

Aims. To compare time dependent functional improvement for patients with medial, respectively lateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) after treatment with opening wedge osteotomy relieving the pressure on the osteoarthritic part of the knee. Methods. In all, 49 patients (52 knees) with a mean age of 47 years (31 to 64) underwent high tibial osteotomies (HTO), and 24 patients with a mean age of 48 years (31 to 62) low femoral osteotomies (LFO) with opening wedge technique due to medial, respectively lateral knee OA with malalignment. All osteotomies were stabilized with a Puddu plate and bone grafting performed in the same time period (2000 to 2008). The patients were evaluated by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pre-operatively and at six months, and at one, two, five, and ten years postoperatively. The knee OA was graded according to the Ahlbäck and Kellgren-Lawrence radiological scoring systems. Results. The mean angular corrections were 8.0° (4° to 12°) for the HTO and 9.6° (4° to 20°) for the LFO. Both the pre-operative KOOS and the osteoarthritic gradings were similar for the two patient groups. The five subscores of KOOS increased significantly during the postoperative period (p < 0.001 to 0.029) levelling out after one year in both groups. The KOOS subscore symptoms was significantly higher for patients with HTO than those with LFO at all follow-up times, for sport and recreation in the period one to five years, and for pain and quality of life at two to five years (p < 0.001 to 0.009). Eight HTOs (15%) and five LFOs (21%) were converted to total knee arthroplasty after mean 6.7 years (2.0 to 9.8) and 5.4 years (4.0 to 8.0) respectively. The ten-year osteotomy survival rates were 88% for the HTO and 79% for the LFO (p = 0.745). Conclusion. Patients with unicompartmental knee OA improved after a corrective opening wedge osteotomy, but four of the five subscores of KOOS were significantly higher for those with medial than those with lateral OA in most of the ten-year follow-up period. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:346–354

Aims. Arthrodesis is rarely used as a salvage procedure for patients with a chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and little information is available about the outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, durability, and safety of this procedure as the definitive treatment for complex, chronically infected TKA, in a current series of patients. Methods. We retrospectively identified 41 patients (41 TKAs) with a complex infected TKA, who were treated between 2002 and 2016 using a deliberate, two-stage knee arthrodesis. Their mean age was 64 years (34 to 88) and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 kg/m. 2. (25 to 79). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 9). The extensor mechanism (EM) was deficient in 27 patients (66%) and flap cover was required in 14 (34%). Most patients were host grade B (56%) or C (29%), and limb grade 3 (71%), according to the classification of McPherson et al. A total of 12 patients (29%) had polymicrobial infections and 20 (49%) had multi-drug resistant organisms; fixation involved an intramedullary nail in 25 (61%), an external fixator in ten (24%), and dual plates in six (15%). Results. Survivorship free from amputation, persistent infection, and reoperation, other than removal of an external fixator, at five years was 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89% to 100%), 85% (95% CI 75% to 95%), and 64% (95% CI 46% to 82%), respectively. Reoperation, other than removal of an external fixator, occurred in 13 patients (32%). After the initial treatment, radiological nonunion developed in ten knees (24%). Nonunion was significantly correlated with persistent infection (p = 0.006) and external fixation (p = 0.005). Of those patients who achieved limb salvage, 34 (87%) remained mobile and 31 (79%) had ‘absent’ or ‘minimal’ pain ratings. Conclusion. Knee arthrodesis using a two-stage protocol achieved a survivorship free from amputation for persistent infection of 95% at five years with 87% of patients were mobile at final follow-up. However, early reoperation was common (32%). This is not surprising as this series included worst-case infected TKAs in which two-thirds of the patients had a disrupted EM, one-third required flap cover, and most had polymicrobial or multi-drug resistant organisms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):170–175