Objectives. Posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) are critical factors in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A computational simulation was performed to evaluate the biomechanical effect of PCO and PTS on cruciate retaining TKA. Methods. We generated a subject-specific computational model followed by the development of ± 1 mm, ± 2 mm and ± 3 mm PCO models in the posterior direction, and -3°, 0°, 3° and 6° PTS models with each of the PCO models. Using a validated finite element (FE) model, we investigated the influence of the changes in PCO and PTS on the contact stress in the patellar button and the forces on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), patellar tendon and quadriceps muscles under the deep knee-bend loading conditions. Results. Contact stress on the patellar button increased and decreased as PCO translated to the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. In addition, contact stress on the patellar button decreased as PTS increased. These trends were consistent in the FE models with altered PCO. Higher quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force are required as PCO translated in the anterior direction with an equivalent flexion angle. However, as PTS increased, quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force reduced in each PCO condition. The forces exerted on the PCL increased as PCO translated to the posterior direction and decreased as PTS increased. Conclusion. The change in PCO alternatively provided positive and negative biomechanical effects, but it led to a reduction in a negative biomechanical effect as PTS increased. Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, J. Son, O-R. Kwon, J-S. Lee, S. K. Kwon. A computational simulation study to determine the biomechanical influence of posterior condylar offset and tibial slope in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:69–78. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0143.R1

We have studied the concept of posterior condylar offset and the importance of its restoration on the maximum range of knee flexion after posterior-cruciate-ligament-retaining total knee replacement (TKR). We measured the difference in the posterior condylar offset before and one year after operation in 69 patients who had undergone a primary cruciate-sacrificing mobile bearing TKR by one surgeon using the same implant and a standardised operating technique. In all the patients true pre- and post-operative lateral radiographs had been taken. The mean pre- and post-operative posterior condylar offset was 25.9 mm (21 to 35) and 26.9 mm (21 to 34), respectively. The mean difference in posterior condylar offset was + 1 mm (−6 to +5). The mean pre-operative knee flexion was 111° (62° to 146°) and at one year postoperatively, it was 107° (51° to 137°). There was no statistical correlation between the change in knee flexion and the difference in the posterior condylar offset after TKR (Pearson correlation coefficient r = −0.06, p = 0.69)

Objectives. Preservation of posterior condylar offset (PCO) has been shown to correlate with improved functional results after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Whether this is also the case for revision TKA, remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the independent effect of PCO on early functional outcome after revision TKA. Methods. A total of 107 consecutive aseptic revision TKAs were performed by a single surgeon during an eight-year period. The mean age was 69.4 years (39 to 85) and there were 59 female patients and 48 male patients. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Short-form (SF)-12 score were assessed pre-operatively and one year post-operatively. Patient satisfaction was also assessed at one year. Joint line and PCO were assessed radiographically at one year. Results. There was a significant improvement in the OKS (10.6 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.8 to 12.3) and the SF-12 physical component score (5.9, 95% CI 4.1 to 7.8). PCO directly correlated with change in OKS (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis confirmed the independent effect of PCO on the OKS (p < 0.001) and the SF-12 physical score (p = 0.02). The overall rate of satisfaction was 85% and on logistic regression analysis improvement in the OKS (p = 0.002) was a significant predictor of patient satisfaction, which is related to PCO; although this was not independently associated with satisfaction. Conclusion. Preservation of PCO should be a major consideration when undertaking revision TKA. The option of increasing PCO to balance the flexion gap while maintaining the joint line should be assessed intra-operatively. Cite this article: N. D. Clement, D. J. MacDonald, D. F. Hamilton, R. Burnett. Posterior condylar offset is an independent predictor of functional outcome after revision total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:172–178. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2015-0021.R1

Abstract. Introduction. There is growing interest in the use of robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) to improve accuracy of component positioning. This is the first study to investigate the radiological accuracy of implant component position using the ROSA® knee system with specific reference to Joint Line Height, Tibial Slope, Patella Height and Posterior Condylar Offset. As secondary aims we compared accuracy between image-based and imageless navigation, and between implant designs (Persona versus Vanguard TKA). Methodology. This was a retrospective review of a prospectively-maintained database of the initial 100 consecutive TKAs performed by a high volume surgeon using the ROSA® knee system. To determine the accuracy of component positioning, the immediate post-operative radiograph was reviewed and compared with the immediate pre-operative radiograph with regards to Joint Line Height, Tibial Slope, Patella Height (using the Insall-Salvati ratio) and Posterior Condylar Offset. Results. Mean age of patients undergoing ROSA TKA was 70 years (range, 55 to 95 years). Mean difference in joint line height between pre and post-operative radiographs was 0.2mm (range −1.5 to +1.8mm, p<0.05), posterior condylar offset mean change 0.16mm (range −1.4 to +1.3mm, p<0.05), tibial slope mean change 0.1 degrees (p<0.05) and patella height mean change 0.02 (range −0.1 to +0.1 p<0.05). No significant differences were found between imageless and image-based groups, or between implant designs (Persona versus Vanguard). Conclusion. This study validates the use of the ROSA® knee system in accurately restoring Joint Line Height, Patella Height and Posterior Condylar Offset

Background:. We studied the effect of posterior condylar offset on maximum knee flexion after a posterior stabilised total knee arthroplasty. We also looked at gender difference and the post-operative change in posterior condylar offset. Methods:. Eighty consecutive computer navigated posterior stabilised total knee replacements were prospectively assessed intra-operatively for maximum knee flexion. The flexion angle was measured and recorded with an imageless computer navigation system (Brainlab) before and after implantation of the prosthesis. This was correlated with a radiological review of the posterior condylar offset pre- and post-operatively, as defined by posterior condylar offset ratio (PCOR) originally described by Soda (2007) and modified by the Bristol Knee Group (2010). Results:. No relationship could be found between change in posterior femoral offset ratio and the change in knee flexion before and after implantation of the prosthesis (p = 0.46.)This was especially true for female subjects (p = 0.87.)For male patients there was a trend towards an inverse relationship demonstrating decreasing flexion with an increase in PCOR (p = 0.16.) PCOR increased in 91 % of cases and overall increased from an average of 0.44 pre-operatively to 0.49 post-operatively. The increase in PCOR was smaller where a large pre-operative PCOR was present (p = 0.0006.)Pre-operative flexion correlated significantly with postoperative flexion (p = 0.00.)There was no difference in PCOR between male and female patients. Conclusion:. Knee flexion is not influenced by a change in posterior condylar offset in posterior stabilised knees. The increase in posterior condylar offset with a posterior stabilised TKA could by explained a larger increase in the flexion gap than in the extension gap, when sectioning the posterior cruciate ligament. The PCOR increases in cases with smaller pre-operative posterior condylar offset. Pre-operative flexion is a significant predictor of postoperative flexion

Background: The determinants of range of movement following knee replacement may be surgically modifiable (tibial slope, posterior condylar offset or the level of the joint line) or non modifiable (pre-operative range of movement, sex or BMI). We aimed to quantify the influence of these factors upon restoration of flexion in the arthritic knee following knee replacement. Methods: Patients were included from two prospective trials for three different designs of knee replacement. Range of movement was recorded using a standard measuring technique preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Radiological measurement was done by an independent observer and included the preoperative posterior condylar offset and the postoperative tibial slope, posterior condylar offset, posterior condylar offset ratio, varus-valgus alignment and Insall ratio. Multivariate analysis using stepwise selection was performed to determine the significant predictors of the range of movement at 12 months. Results: The study includes 133 knee replacements performed on 125 patients. Complete clinical and radiographic data for preoperative and 12-month assessment was available for 101 knees and only these were included for the analyses. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of postoperative range of movement or the radiological parameters measured. Multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis and the type of prosthesis revealed that the only significant correlates of range of movement at 12-months were the difference in posterior condylar offset ratio, tibial slope and preoperative range of movement. Moderate correlation was noted between range of movement at 12 months and posterior tibial slope (R=0.58) and the difference of post femoral condylar offset (that is, post-operative minus preoperative posterior condylar offset, R=0.65). Preoperative range of movement had only a weak correlation with post-operative range of movement (R=0.20). Conclusions: We found that the posterior femoral condylar offset had the greatest impact upon final range of movement. We would encourage the operating surgeon at pre-operative templating to take this into account when choosing size and design of femoral component

We have attempted to quantify the influence of clinical, radiological and prosthetic design factors upon flexion following knee replacement. Our study examined the outcome following 101 knee replacements performed in two prospective randomized trials using similar cruciate retaining implants. Multivariate analyses, after adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis and the type of prosthesis revealed that the only significant correlates for range of movement at 12-months were the difference in posterior condylar offset ratio (p< 0.001), tibial slope (p< 0.001) and preoperative range of movement (p=0.025). We found a moderate correlation between 12-month range of movement and posterior tibial slope (R=0.58) and the difference of post femoral condylar offset (that is, post-operative minus preoperative posterior condylar offset, R=0.65). Posterior condylar offset had the greatest impact upon final range of movement highlighting this as an important consideration for the operating surgeon at pre-operative templating when choosing both the design and size of the femoral component

The purpose of this study is to analyze what kind of pattern of change in each posterior femoral condyle allows for a greater degree of flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The flexion angle was assessed pre-operatively, and at 12 months after the surgery in 98 patients (106 knees) who underwent consecutive TKA. We used a quantitative 3 dimensional technique using computed tomography for the assessment of changes in both the medial and lateral femoral condylar offset. There were no significant correlation between changes of each posterior condylar offset and post flexion angle (medial condyle; R=−0.038, p=0.70, lateral condyle; R=−0.090, p=0.36). There were no significant differences between changing patterns and increase rate of flexion (p=0.443). Additionally there were no significant differences between changing patterns and increase of flexion angle (p=0.593). Changes of each posterior condylar offset were no correlation to knee flexion after TKA in the current design prosthesis

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative maximal flexion of Robotic assisted TKA which does not increase the posterior condylar offset after surgery and compare CT and conventional radiography in measuring the posterior condylar offset changes. Materials and method. 50 knees of 37 patients who underwent Robotic TKA and underwent follow-up minimal one year were evaluated. CT based preoperative surgical planning system was designed not to increase posterior condylar offset (PCO) after surgery. Maximal flexion angle of the knee was evaluated at 1 year after surgery. The change in PCO and joint line on x-ray and CT were evaluated. Results. The mean preoperative knee flexion was 121° (sd: 9.21; range: 80–135), and it was improved to 125.3° (sd: 4.85; range: 115–140) postoperatively. On radiographic evaluation, the mean preoperative PCO was 26.4 mm (sd: 0.5; range: 14.8 mm to 36.3 mm) and the mean postoperative PCO was 23.0 mm (sd: 0.37; range: 16.0 mm to 34.3 mm). On CT evaluation, the mean medial PCO was 28.7± 2.4 mm preoperatively and 24.9± 2.2 mm postoperatively. The mean lateral PCO was 26.3± 2.4 mm preoperatively and 24.9± 2.2 mm postoperatively. There were no significant correlations between x-ray and CT measurement in PCO and joint line. There were no significant correlations between the changes in the posterior condylar offsets and the postoperative knee flexion. Conclusion. After Robotic assisted TKA which is planned not to increase the medial and lateral posterior condylar offset, satisfactory maximal flexion angle of the knee was gained in all patients. Changes in medial and lateral posterior condylar offsets were not correlated with the postoperative knee flexion angle. And changes in PCO and joint line measured by x-ray did not reflect those of the medial and lateral condyle, and joint line on CT

Purpose. We sought to determine whether there was a difference in the posterior condylar offset (PCO), posterior condylar offset ratio (PCOR) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with anterior referencing (AR) or posterior referencing (PR) systems. We also assessed whether the PCO and PCOR changes, as well as patient factors were related to range of motion (ROM) in each referencing system. In addition, we examined whether the improvements in clinical outcomes differed between the two referencing systems. Methods. This retrospective study included 130 consecutive patients (184 knees) with osteoarthritis who underwent primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-substituting fixed-bearing TKA. All patients were categorized into the AR or PR group according to the referencing system used. Radiographic parameters, including PCO and PCOR, were measured using true lateral radiographs. The difference between preoperative and postoperative PCO and PCOR values were calculated. Clinical outcomes including ROM and Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years after TKA. The PCO, PCOR values, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to postoperative ROM in each referencing system. Results. The postoperative PCO was greater in the AR group (28.4 mm) than in the PR group (27.4 mm), whereas the PCO was more consistently preserved in the PR group. In contrast, there was no difference in the mean postoperative PCOR between the two groups. The mean postoperative ROM after TKA was greater in the AR group (129°) than in the PR group (122°), whereas improvement in WOMAC score did not differ between the two groups. Preoperative ROM was the only factor related to postoperative ROM in both groups. Conclusions. The postoperative PCO was greater in the AR group, whereas the PCO was more consistently preserved after surgery in the PR group. The postoperative PCO and PCOR changes did not affect the postoperative ROM, regardless of the referencing system used after PCL-substituting fixed-bearing TKA. Furthermore, similar clinical outcomes were achieved in the AR and PR groups

Background: Previous studies reported that several kinematic parameters such as tibial posterior slope, joint line, and femoral posterior condylar offset influence clinical outcomes including maximum flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the effects of the kinematic factors may vary with the implant type. We aimed to determine whether implant type influence the associations between the three kinematic factors (posterior slope, joint line, posterior condylar offset) and clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that the associations between the kinematic factors and clinical outcomes would differ among four implant types [fixed bearing cruciate retaining (FB-CR), fixed bearing posterior stabilized (FB-PS), mobile bearing cruciate retaining (MB-CR), and mobile bearing posterior stabilized (MB-PS)]. Methods: A retrospective review of 1300 TKAs performed with one of the four implant types (FB-CR, FB-PS, MB-CR, MB-PS) was performed to select 50 TKAs for each implant type of which 1 year clinical outcomes (maximum flexion, AKS scores, patellofemoral scores, WOMAC, and SF-36) were available. Three radiographic parameters (posterior slope, joint line, and posterior condylar offset) were measured using pre- and post-operative lateral radiographs and postoperative alterations were calculated from the measurements. The correlations between the alterations in the radiographic parameters and the clinical outcomes were compared among the four groups by the implant type. Results: In 4 designs of implant (FB-CR, FB-PS, MB-CR and MB-PS), the mean increase in posterior condylar offset was +0.22, +0.67, +0.33 and +1.26, respectively. The mean joint elevation was −0.31, +1.34, −0.12 and +1.96, respectively. The mean posterior slope was 6.10, 5.64, 5.01 and 4.59, respectively. The mean maximum flexion was greater in the PS designs than in the CR designs (137.0° in FB-PS and 136.4° in MB-PS vs. 132.2° in MB-CR and 130.1° in FB-CR, p < 0.05). No significant correlations between the alterations in the radiographic parameters and maximum flexion. No significant correlations were found between the alterations in the radiographic parameters and the clinical outcomes in all implant types but the MB-CR type. In MB-CR type, the elevation of joint line was significantly associated with worse WOMAC stiffness and function scores (correlation Coefficient = 0.36 and 0.30, respectively) and the increase of posterior condylar offset was associated with a worse WOMAC pain score (correlation coefficient = 0.39). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the effects of the alterations in the kinematic parameters on the clinical outcomes vary with the implant type. This study also indicates that implant type is more important in determining postoperative maximum flexion than the alterations in the kinematic parameters

Background. Posterior referencing (PR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore posterior condylar offset. When a symmetric femoral implant is externally rotated (ER) to the posterior condylar axis, it is impossible to anatomically restore the offset of both condyles. PR jigs variously reference medially, laterally, or centrally. The distal femoral cutting jigs typically reference off the more distal medial condyle, causing distal and posterior resection discrepancies. We used sawbones to elucidate differences between commonly used PR cutting jigs with regards to posterior offset restoration. Materials/Methods. Using 32 identical sawbones, we performed distal and posterior femoral resections using cutting guides from 8 widely available TKA systems. 6 systems used a central-referencing strategy, 1 system used a lateral-referencing strategy, and 1 system used a medial-referencing strategy with implants of asymmetric thickness. Distal femoral valgus resection was set at 5 degrees for all specimens. Rotation was set at 3 degrees for 2 sawbones and 5 degrees for 2 sawbones with each system. We measured the thickness of all bone resections, and compared those values to known implant thickness. Results. Central- and lateral-referenced systems with symmetric implants showed distal lateral under-resection. The medial-referenced system with asymmetric implants restored the anatomic joint line medially and laterally. Central-referenced systems showed close to 1mm (SD ±0.2) postero-lateral offset over-restoration and postero-medial offset under-restoration at 3 degrees of ER, and a 1.6mm change in each offset at 5 degrees of ER. The lateral-referenced system demonstrated a 1.7mm mismatch between the distal-medial and the postero-medial resections at 3 degrees of rotation. There was a 3.9mm mismatch at 5 degrees of ER. Medial-referenced systems demonstrated a mismatch between the distal-lateral and postero-lateral resections, present only with 5 degrees of ER. Conclusion. Our data offers insight for arthroplasty surgeons into the bony resections taken by widely used TKA instrumentation systems. The lateral-referenced jigs reduced the postero-medial offset by 4 degrees at 5 degrees, a difference on the order of 1 to 2 femoral sizes depending on the implant system. The medial-referenced system, with the use of asymmetric condylar thicknesses, restored condylar anatomy within 1mm in the majority of circumstances. When set at 5 degrees of external rotation, over-restoration of the postero-lateral femoral offset occurred. Center-referenced systems resulted in minor changes in offset at 3 degrees of rotation, but a decrease in the postero-medial offset by 2mm at 5 degrees of external rotation. The distal femoral cutting jig typically restores the medial joint line in extension when there is minimal medial wear. Referencing laterally in flexion may introduce a discrepancy between the extension and flexion gaps. Available medial- and lateral-referenced jigs provide the option of shifting the bony resections anteriorly or posteriorly and adjusting the sizing as needed

Background. Joint line, patellar height and posterior condylar offset (PCO) are related to functional outcome such as stability and range of motion after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was (1) to determine whether revision TKA can restore the joint line, patella height and condylar offset after surgery, and (2) to assess factors associated with failed restoration. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 27 consecutive patients who underwent revision TKA. Among 27 patients, 11 patients had two-stage revision TKA due to periprosthetic joint infection while 14 patients underwent revision TKA due to aseptic loosening. In addition, there were 2 patients who had traumatic event causing a periprosthetic fracture which led to revision TKA. The joint line was measured using the distance from the adductor tubercle of the femur to the most distal portion of the medial femoral component on knee anterior-posterior radiographs. Patella height was assessed using the Caton-Deschamps method. In addition, PCO were measured relative to the tangent of the posterior cortex of the femur using knee lateral radiograph. All parameters were compared between pre- and postoperative radiographs after revision TKA. Results. After revision TKA, mean joint line elevation was 0.9 mm. Seven of 27 patients showed joint line elevation of 5 mm or more. There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative PCO (27.6 mm and 28.1 mm, respectively; P = 0.528). Fifteen patients (56%) showed patellar baja after revision TKA. Compared to the patients with aseptic loosening, the patients with periprosthetic joint infection or fracture showed greater joint line elevation (4.1 mm and −2.2 mm, respectively; P < 0.01), smaller PCO change (1.9 mm and −1.1 mm respectively, P < 0.05). Even if the cause of revision TKA was not associated with the postoperative patellar baja, presence of preoperative patellar baja was significantly associated with postoperative patellar baja (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Overall, restoration of the joint line and PCO were achieved in contemporary revision TKA. However, the patients who underwent revision TKA due to periprosthetic joint infection or fracture showed greater joint line elevation as well as smaller PCO. In addition, the patellar height was not improved in patients with preoperative patellar baja. Further evaluation of functional outcome is needed to assess correlation between radiological and functional outcome

Purpose: The study objective was to measure ‘posterior condylar offset’ (PCO) following Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and determine its influence on one-year flexion values.

The term ‘posterior condylar offset’ (PCO) is defined as the distance from a line projected along the posterior cortex of the femur to the maximum convexity of the posterior condyles. Furthermore its magnitude has been found to correlate with final flexion following PCL-retaining TKA, if reduced by more than 3mm post-operatively1..

Method: We reviewed the pre and post-operative radiographs of 69 patients who had undergone primary LCS TKA. All cases were performed by a single surgeon using the same operative technique. The PCO was measured from the preoperative and postoperative true lateral radiographs. Pre-operative and one-year flexion was measured using a goniometer.

Results: Of the 69 patients studied, three patients (4%) had more than 3mm reduction in their PCO following TKA (range −4mm to −6mm). Eleven (16%) had their post-operative PCO increased by more than 3mm (range 4mm – 5mm). The remaining fifty five (80%) had their PCO restored to within 3mm either way.

Of the three patients whose PCO was reduced by more than 3mm, one had exactly the same flexion 1 year post-operatively, one had an increase of 14 degrees, and unfortunately the third died before their 1 year review.

Using regression analysis, the strongest predictor of one-year flexion for this study group was the preoperative flexion value. The difference in PCO before and after TKA had no significant influence on one-year flexion.

Conclusion: It would appear that the LCS technique permits satisfactory restoration of PCO as only 4% of patients in this study had a decrease in PCO of more than 3mm. We feel restoration of PCO is important; however in this study it did not have significant influence on final flexion.

Introduction:. One of the important criteria of the success of TKR is achievement of the Flexion ROM. Various factors responsible to achieve flexion are technique, Implant and patient related. Creation of the Posterior condylar offset is one of the important factors to achieve satisfactory flexion. Aim:. To correlate post op femoral condylar offset to final flexion ROM at 1 yr. post op. Methods:. This is a clinico-radiological study of the cases done prospectively between September 2011 and August 2012. Inclusion criteria:. All patients undergoing Bilateral TKRs and have agreed for the follow up at 1 yr. Exclusion criteria: . 1). Patients who had previous bony surgery on lower end femur. 2). Patients with previous fracture of lower end femur. All the patients had PS PFC Sigma (De Puy, Warsaw) components cemented. ROMs were measured at 6 weeks, 3 months, & 1 year post op. The last reading was taken as final flexion ROM as measured by an independent Physiotherapist with the help of a Goniometer. Results:. We had 21 cases of Bilateral TKRs who satisfied our criteria. Pre and post op femoral condylar offset was measured in mm. on lateral x ray. Pre and post op flexion was measured. Results showed that variation in the posterior femoral offset by > 3 mm in post op x ray was related to loss of flexion of an average 21 deg. (16–24 degrees). Greater the deflection from the normal offset, greater was the loss of flexion. These patients also showed lesser improvement in KSS functional sco. Discussion:. Flexion is one of the most important yardsticks for the measurement of success of TKR. This factor is more important more so in Asian population. Literature has shown that three important determinants for good flexion are…. . 1). Posterior Condylar Offset Restoration. 2). Tibial slope restoration. 3). Femoral Roll back in flexion. An increased offset permits greater flexion before impingement between the tibial insert and the femur. In our study we kept Tibial slope and Femoral Roll back constant by using the same prosthesis. The femoral condylar offset changed as per the size of the AP femoral cutting block. (Anterior referencing guide used). Overresection of the posterior condyles reduced the posterior femoral condylar offset and hence significant loss of post op flexion. The shorter posterior condyle of smaller-sized femoral component can increase the potential for bone impingement proximal to the posterior condyles. In our study the opposite side replaced knee acted as a control and hence eliminating patient bius. It is generally stated that after a TKR flexion can improve upto 1 year and hence that was taken as final possible flexion. Conclusion:. Keeping Tibial slope and Femoral roll back constant during the surgery, posterior condylar offset restoration within 3 mm of its original pre op offset was necessary to achieve satisfactory flexion at 1 year. Undersizing the femoral component to achieve more flexion is perhaps suboptimal. Appropriate AP femoral sizing is a must to restore the normal offset

Purpose: The study objective was to measure ‘posterior condylar offset’ (PCO), and tibial slope (TS) following cruciate-sacrificing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and determine any influence on one-year flexion values following cruciate-sacrificing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The term ‘posterior condylar offset’ (PCO) is defined as the distance from a line projected along the posterior cortex of the femur to the maximum convexity of the posterior condyles. Its magnitude has been found to correlate with final flexion following PCL-retaining TKA, if reduced by more than 3mm post-operatively. (1)

Tibial slope is the angle between a line drawn parallel to the articular surface and a line drawn perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia on a lateral radiograph. Increasing the tibial slope in PCL-retaining TKA has been shown to improve maximal flexion of an average 1.7 degrees flexion for every extra degree on the tibial slope. (2)

Method: We reviewed the pre and post-operative radiographs of 69 patients who had undergone cruciate-sacrificing TKA. All cases were performed by a single surgeon using the same operative technique. Preoperative and postoperative true lateral radiographs were used to measure the change in PCO and the TS. Pre-operative and one-year flexion was measured using a goniometer.

Results: There were 26 males and 43 females. Mean age was 68 years (range 38 – 87). 67 of the patients had a primary diagnosis of OA, the remaining 2 patients RA.

The mean pre-operative PCO was 25.9 mm (21 – 35), whilst the mean post-operative PCO was 26.9 mm (21 – 34). The difference in preoperative and postoperative PCO ranged from −6 mm to + 5 mm (average, +1mm).

Three patients 4% had more than 3mm reduction in their PCO following TKA (range −4mm to −6mm). 16% had their post-operative PCO increased by more than 3mm (range 4mm – 5mm). The remaining 80% had their PCO restored to within 3mm either way.

The mean post operative tibial slope was 6.6° with a range of 5–9°, 38% measuring 6°, 21% at 7°, 17% at 8°and 5° and the remaining 7% at 9°.

Of the three patients whose PCO was reduced by more than 3mm, one had the same flexion 1 year postoperatively, one had an increase of 14 degrees, and unfortunately the third died before their 1 year review.

Using regression analysis, the strongest predictor of one-year flexion for this study group was the preoperative flexion value. The change in PCO and angle of the tibial slope had no significant influence on one-year flexion.

Conclusion: It would appear that the LCS technique permits satisfactory restoration of PCO and consistent tibial slope as only 4% of patients in this study had a decrease in PCO of more than 3mm and the range of tibial slope was within 5°. We feel these parameters are important however in this study it did not have significant influence on final flexion.

Abstract. Introduction. There is increasing adoption of robotic surgical technology in Total Knee Arthroplasty - The ROSA® knee system can be used in either image-based mode (using pre-operative calibrated radiographs) or imageless modes (using intra-operative bony registration). The Mako knee system is an image-based system (using a pre-operative CT scan). This study aimed to compare surgical accuracy between the ROSA and Mako systems with specific reference to Joint Line Height, Patella Height and Posterior Condylar Offset. Methodology. This was a retrospective review of a prospectively-maintained database of the initial 100 consecutive ROSA TKAs and the initial 50 consecutive Mako TKAs performed by two high volume surgeons. To determine the accuracy of component positioning, the immediate post-operative radiograph was reviewed and compared with the immediate pre-operative radiograph. Patella height was assessed using the Insall-Salvati ratio. Results. There was no significant difference between ROSA TKA and Mako TKA with regards to restoration of joint line height, ROSA mean 0.2mm versus Mako mean 0.3mm (p<0.05), posterior condylar offset, ROSA mean 0.16mm versus Mako mean 0.3mm (p<0.05), and patella height, ROSA mean 0.02 versus Mako mean 0.03 (p<0.05). Conclusion. This study is the first study to compare the accuracy of the ROSA and MAKO knee systems in total knee arthroplasty. Both systems are highly accurate in restoring native posterior condylar offset, joint line height, and patella height in TKA with no significant difference demonstrated between the two robotic systems

Proper restoration of posterior condylar offset during TKA has been shown to be important to maximize range of motion and minimize flexion instability. However, there is little information as to the importance of restoration of mid-sagittal femoral geometry. There is controversy as to whether a TKA prosthesis should have a single radius or multiple radii of curvature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-radius femoral component at restoring mid sagittal femoral offset. A consecutive series of 100 TKAs with digital preoperative and postoperative radiographs and standardized radiographic markers were analyzed. There were 71 female and 29 male knees with mean age of 59 years. All TKAs were performed by a single surgeon using a multi-radius femoral component design. The distal femoral resection was set to resect 10 mm from the distal femoral condyle and a posterior referencing system was used to size the femoral component. Using radiographic perfect lateral projections of the knees, a line was drawn along the posterior femoral shaft and another parallel line down the anterior femoral shaft. A 3rd line was then drawn parallel to the posterior shaft at the furthest point posterior on the condyle. A 4th line was drawn parallel to the anterior shaft at the furthest point anterior on the femur. 90 degree angles were constructed to create a grid in the anterior and posterior directions, similar to a previously reported technique. Finally, 45 degree angle lines were created in the grid to assess mid flexion dimensions [Fig-1 and 2]. The percent change in posterior condylar offset (PCO), anterior femoral offset (AFO), mid femoral anterior offset (MAFO) and mid femoral posterior offset (MFPO) were calculated. The mean reproduction of the mid-anterior femoral offset and mid-posterior femoral offset were 101.1% [range 56.5%–167.5%] and 96.8% [range 54.9%–149.0%] of preoperative measurements respectively. The average restoration of posterior offset and anterior offset were 92.8% [range 49.0%–129.8%] and 115.3% of preoperative measurements [range 35.7%–400.0%] respectively. When the posterior condylar offset was restored to within 10% of the native anatomy, the MPFO restoration more closely resembled normal anatomy (103.0% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.005). When the postoperative posterior condylar offset was decreased greater than 20%, both the MAFO (90.1% vs. 104.5%, p = 0.004) and MPFO (78.5% vs. 102.9%, p < 0.001) decreased compared to the native knee. There was no relationship between restoration of the PCO and the MAFO correction (104.6% vs. 99.4%, p = 0.213). Finally, there was no correlation between restoration of anterior femoral offset within 10% of normal and the restoration of mid sagittal femoral offset; 98.0% vs 102.0% for MAFO (p = 0.320) and 98.7% vs 96.3% for MPFO (p = 0.569). A modern multi-radius condylar knee design is capable of reproducing the mid-sagittal geometry of the preoperative knee. However, the restoration of mid sagittal offset is largely dependent on the restoration of the posterior condylar offset. Intraoperative adjustments in anterior and posterior femoral resections can have significant impact in the ability of the implant to reproduce mid-sagittal femoral anatomy

Introduction. The effect of the implant posterior condylar offset has recently generated much enthusiasm among researchers. Some reports were concerned about the relationship between the posterior condylar offset and an extension gap. However, the posterior condylar offset was measured in a flexed knee position or in reference to femoral anatomy alone. Posterior femoral condylar offset relative to the posterior wall of the tibia (posterior offset ratio; POR) is possibly the risk of knee flexion contracture associated with posterior femoral condylar offset after TKA. However, there are no reports concerning the relationship between POR and flexion contracture in vivo. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the measurement of POR and flexion contracture of the knee in vivo. Methods. Twenty-seven patients who underwent a primary total knee arthroplasty (PFC Sigma RP-F) were participated in the study. The lateral femoro-tibial angle (lateral FTA) was measured using lateral radiographs obtained by two procedures. Two procedures are applied to obtain true lateral radiographs of the lower extremities. (1) Full-length true lateral radiographs on standing, (2) True lateral radiographs in the prone position (Fig. 1A). ‘Posterior offset ratio’ was defined as Fig. 1B. Significant differences among groups were assessed using two-tailed Student's t-tests. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between lateral FTA and posterior offset ratio of patients. Results. The mean value of the POR on standing was 14.94 ± 7.53%. The mean value of flexion contracture of the knee on standing was 11.67 ± 9.21 degree and that in the prone position was 4.22 ± 6.17 degree (P = 0.001). The POR was negatively correlated with flexion contracture of the knee in all procedures with statistical significance (standing: r = 0.62, P = 0.0039; prone: r = 0.66, P = 0.0001) (Fig. 2). Discussion. We have evaluated flexion contracture by two procedures. The mean value of flexion contracture of the knee on standing was 11.67 ± 9.21 degree, whereas that in the prone position was 4.22 ± 6.17 degree. We surmised that this discrepancy occurred due to the flexor muscle tension on standing. In terms of the evaluation of posterior soft tissue tightness of the knee, muscle relaxation can be achieved in prone position is rather than standing position. Our study investigated the relationship between the posterior protrusions of the posterior condyle of the femur relative to the tibia (POR) and flexion contracture after TKA evaluated by two measurement procedures. POR is strongly correlated with flexion contracture evaluated by both measurement procedures. The value of POR of this implant in vitro was about 25% in previous study, whereas the mean value of POR in vivo was 14.94%, suggesting that POR in the flexion contracture knee relatively reduced because posterior soft tissue pushed femoral component anteriorly. Our result clearly showed that if posterior clearance is insufficient, flexion contracture occur due to posterior soft tissue tightness. In conclusion, POR after TKA in vivo negatively correlate with flexion contracture presumably because posterior soft tissue pushed femoral component anteriorly

Aims. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability to kneel after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing, and its effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Secondary aims included identifying which kneeling positions were most important to patients, and the influence of radiological parameters on the ability to kneel before and after TKA. Methods. This prospective longitudinal study involved 209 patients who underwent single radius cruciate-retaining TKA without patellar resurfacing. Preoperative EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the ability to achieve four kneeling positions were assessed including a single leg kneel, a double leg kneel, a high-flexion kneel, and a praying position. The severity of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was graded and the pattern of OA was recorded intraoperatively. The flexion of the femoral component, posterior condylar offset, and anterior femoral offset were measured radiologically. At two to four years postoperatively, 151 patients with a mean age of 70.0 years (SD 9.44) were included. Their mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.36) and 60 were male (40%). They completed EQ-5D, OKS, and Kujala scores, assessments of the ability to kneel, and a visual analogue scale for anterior knee pain and satisfaction. Results. The ability to kneel in the four positions improved in between 29 (19%) and 53 patients (35%) after TKA, but declined in between 35 (23%) and 46 patients (30%). Single-leg kneeling was most important to patients. After TKA, 62 patients (41%) were unable to achieve a single-leg kneel, 76 (50%) were unable to achieve a double-leg kneel, 102 (68%) were unable to achieve a high-flexion kneel and 61 (40%) were unable to achieve a praying position. Posterolateral cartilage loss significantly affected preoperative deep flexion kneeling (p = 0.019). A postoperative inability to kneel was significantly associated with worse OKS, Kujala scores, and satisfaction (p < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis identified significant independent associations with the ability to kneel after TKA (p < 0.05): better preoperative EQ-5D and flexion of the femoral component for single-leg kneeling; the ability to achieve it preoperatively and flexion of the femoral component for double-leg kneeling; male sex for high-flexion kneeling; and the ability to achieve it preoperatively, anterior femoral offset, and patellar cartilage loss for the praying position. Conclusion. The ability to kneel was important to patients and significantly influenced knee-specific PROMs, but was poorly restored by TKA with equal chances of improvement or decline. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1514–1525