The patellar clunk syndrome describes painful catching, grinding or jumping of the patella when the knee moves from a flexed to an extended position after total knee replacement (TKR). The posterior stabilised TKR had been noted to have a higher incidence of this problem. Mobile-bearing posteriorly stabilised TKRs have been introduced to improve patellar tracking and related problems by a mechanism of self-alignment. We evaluated the patellar clunk syndrome in 113 knees in 93 patients with such a TKR at a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (2.0 to 3.2). The syndrome was identified in 15 knees (13.3%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the absolute value of the post-operative angle of patellar tilt was significantly associated with the occurrence of patellar clunk (p = 0.025). Patellar tracking should be carefully checked during surgery

The Bisurface knee prosthesis (BP) has a posterior stabilising cam (ball-and-socket joint) in the mid-posterior region of the femorotibial joint in an attempt to improve the range of movement. Based on an in vitro weight-bearing study contact areas of the Insall/Burstein 2 (IB2) and the BP knee were compared using pressure-sensitive films. The stability afforded by the cam was evaluated by means of dislocation distances in the vertical and horizontal planes. Significant adverse anterior translation in mid-flexion was not observed with the BP knee since the cam was effective above 60° of flexion. At flexion of 60° or more, the total contact areas were larger, as the cam represented a weight-bearing surface. The dislocation distances for the BP knee compared favourably with those for the IB2 knee. We conclude that the cam of the BP knee allows good movement, stability and wear

The optimal management of the tibial slope in achieving a high flexion angle in posterior-stabilised (PS) total knee replacement (TKR) is not well understood, and most studies evaluating the posterior tibial slope have been conducted on cruciate-retaining TKRs. We analysed pre- and post-operative tibial slope differences, pre- and post-operative coronal knee alignment and post-operative maximum flexion angle in 167 patients undergoing 209 TKRs. The mean pre-operative posterior tibial slope was 8.6° (1.3° to 17°) and post-operatively it was 8.0° (0.1° to 16.7°). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the absolute difference between pre- and post-operative tibial slope (p < 0.001), post-operative coronal alignment (p = 0.02) and pre-operative range of movement (p < 0.001) predicted post-operative flexion. The variance of change in tibial slope became larger as the post-operative maximum flexion angle decreased. The odds ratio of having a post-operative flexion angle < 100° was 17.6 if the slope change was > 2°. Our data suggest that recreation of the anatomical tibial slope appears to improve maximum flexion after posterior-stabilised TKR, provided coronal alignment has been restored.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1354–8.

Abstract. Introduction. Total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with skeletal dysplasia is technically challenging surgery due to deformity, joint contracture, and associated co-morbidities. The aim of this study is to follow up patients with skeletal dysplasia following a TKR. Methodology. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with skeletal dysplasia who underwent 31 TKRs at our institution between 2006 and 2022. Clinical notes, operative records and radiographic data were reviewed. Results. Achondroplasia was the most common skeletal dysplasia (8), followed by Chondrodysplasia punctata (7) and Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (5). There were fourteen men and eight women with mean age of 51 years (28 to 73). The average height of patients was 1.4 metres (1.16–1.75) and the mean weight was 64.8 Kg (34.3–100). The mean follow up duration was 68.32 months (1–161). Three patients died during follow up. Custom implants were required in twelve patients (38.71%). Custom jigs were utilised in six patients and two patients underwent robotic assisted surgery. Hinged TKR was used in seventeen patients (54.84%), posterior stabilised TKR in nine patients (29.03%), and cruciate retaining TKR in five patients (16.13%). One patient underwent a patella resurfacing for persistent anterior knee pain and another had an intra-operative medial tibial plateau fracture which was managed with fixation. No revisions occurred during the follow up period. Conclusion. Despite the technical challenges and complexity of TKR within this unique patient group, we demonstrate good implant survivorship during the study period. Cross sectional imaging is recommended preoperatively for precise planning and templating

Aims. Modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses are designed to restore near normal kinematics including high flexion. Kneeling is a high flexion, kinematically demanding activity after TKA. The debate about design choice has not yet been informed by six-degrees-of-freedom in vivo kinematics. This prospective randomized clinical trial compared kneeling kinematics in three TKA designs. Methods. In total, 68 patients were randomized to either a posterior stabilized (PS-FB), cruciate-retaining (CR-FB), or rotating platform (CR-RP) design. Of these patients, 64 completed a minimum one year follow-up. Patients completed full-flexion kneeling while being imaged using single-plane fluoroscopy. Kinematics were calculated by registering the 3D implant models onto 2D-dynamic fluoroscopic images and exported for analysis. Results. CR-FB designs had significantly lower maximal flexion (mean 116° (SD 2.1°)) compared to CR-RP (123° (SD 1.6°)) and PS-FB (125° (SD 2.1°)). The PS-FB design displayed a more posteriorly positioned femur throughout flexion. Furthermore, the CR-RP femur was more externally rotated throughout kneeling. Finally, individual patient kinematics showed high degrees of variability within all designs. Conclusion. The increased maximal flexion found in the PS-FB and CR-RP designs were likely achieved in different ways. The PS-FB design uses a cam-post to hold the femur more posteriorly preventing posterior impingement. The external rotation within the CR-RP design was surprising and hasn’t previously been reported. It is likely due to the polyethylene bearing being decoupled from flexion. The findings of this study provide insights into the function of different knee arthroplasty designs in the context during deep kneeling and provide clinicians with a more kinematically informed choice for implant selection and may allow improved management of patients' functional expectations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):105–112

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the rotating-platform, posterior-stabilized PFC Sigma at fifteen-year follow-up. Methods. Between January 2000 and November 2001, two hundred consecutive patients underwent TKA with a rotating-platform, posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty with cement. All patients have been followed prospectively and all patients with minimum 12 year follow up were included in this analysis. Forty-nine TKAs were available for our final analysis with a mean follow up of 16.0 years. Results. The improvements in Knee Society pain and function scores were 44 to 83. The 15-year Koos Jr interval scores for cohort was 76.2. The range of motion improved from 111° to 115°. The prevalence of residual pain was 32.5%, painless crepitation was 15% and 5% reporting painful crepitation at 15-year follow up via PROMs. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the survivorship was 100% due to mechanical failure as an endpoint, and 95% as reoperation as an end-point. Conclusions. At fifteen-year follow up, the rotating-platform, posterior stabilized arthroplasty demonstrated excellent survivorship and radiographic results. Peripatellar crepitation, occasionally requiring excision, remains an issue. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Purpose. The success of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery can be attributed to improvements in TKR design, instrumentation, and surgical technique. Over a decade ago oxidized zirconium (OxZr) femoral components were introduced as an alternative bearing surface to cobalt-chromium (CoCr), based on strong in-vitro evidence, to improve the longevity of TKR implants. Early reports have demonstrated the clinical success of this material however no long-term comparative studies have demonstrated the superiority of OxZr implants compared to a more traditional CoCr implant. This study aims to compare long-term survivorship and outcomes in OxZr and CoCr femoral components in a single total knee design. Methods. We reviewed our institutional database to identify all patients whom underwent a TKA with a posterior stabilized OxZr femoral component with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. These were then matched to patients whom underwent a TKA with the identical design posterior stabilized CoCr femoral component during the same time period by gender, age and BMI. All patients had their patella resurfaced. All patients were prospectively evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, 2 years and every 1 to 2 years thereafter. Prospectively collected clinical outcome measures included, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and Knee Society clinical rating scores (KSCRS). Charts and radiographs were reviewed to determine the revision rates and survivorship (both all cause and aseptic) at 10 years allowing comparison between the two cohorts. Paired analysis was performed to determine if differences existed in patient reported outcomes. Results. There were 194 OxZr TKAs identified and matched to 194 CoCr TKAs. There was no difference in average age (OxZr, 54.2 years; CoCr, 54.4 years), Gender (OxZr, 61.9% female; CoCr, 61.9% female) and average body mass index (OxZr, 35.9 kg/m2; CoCr, 36.4 kg/m2) between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences preoperatively in any of the outcome scores between the two groups (WOMAC (p=0.361), SF-12 (p=0.771) and KSCRS (p=0.161)). Both the SF12 (p=0.787) and WOMAC (p=0.454) were similar between the two groups, however the OxZr TKA cohort had superior KSCRS compared to the CoCr TKA cohort at a minimum of 10 years (173.5 vs. 159.1, p=0.002). With revision for any reason as the end point, there was no significant difference in 10-year survivorship between the two groups (OxZr and CoCr, 96.4%, p=0.898). Similarly, aseptic revisions demonstrated comparable survivorship rates at 10-year between the OxZr (98.9%) and CoCr groups (97.9%) (p=0.404). Conclusion. In this matched cohort study, both groups demonstrated similar improvements in patient reported outcomes, although the OxZr cohort had greater KSCRS scores compared to the CoCr cohort. The reason for this difference is not clear but may represent selection bias, where OxZr implants were perhaps used in more active patients. Implant survivorship, based on revision rates for all causes and/or aseptic reasons, was excellent and similar for both the OxZr and CoCr femoral components at 10 years. Therefore, with respect to implant longevity at the end of the first decade, there appears to be no clear advantage of OxZr compared to CoCr for patients with similar demographics with this specific posterior stabilized TKA design. Further follow-up into the second and third decade may be required to demonstrate if a difference does exist

Aims. To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ≤ 80° range of movement (ROM) operated with a 2 mm increase in the flexion gap with matched non-stiff patients with at least 100° of preoperative ROM and balanced flexion and extension gaps. Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, 98 TKAs (91 patients) with a preoperative ROM of ≤ 80° were examined. Mean follow-up time was 53 months (24 to 112). All TKAs in stiff knees were performed with a 2 mm increased flexion gap. Data were compared to a matched control group of 98 TKAs (86 patients) with a mean follow-up of 43 months (24 to 89). Knees in the control group had a preoperative ROM of at least 100° and balanced flexion and extension gaps. In all stiff and non-stiff knees posterior stabilized (PS) TKAs with patellar resurfacing in combination with adequate soft tissue balancing were used. Results. Overall mean ROM in stiff knees increased preoperatively from 67° (0° to 80°) to 114° postoperatively (65° to 135°) (p < 0.001). Mean knee flexion improved from 82° (0° to 110°) to 115° (65° to 135°) and mean flexion contracture decreased from 14° (0° to 50°) to 1° (0° to 10°) (p < 0.001). The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) improved from 34 (0 to 71) to 88 (38 to 100) (p < 0.001) and the KSS Functional Score from 43 (0 to 70) to 86 (0 to 100). Seven knees (7%) required manipulations under anaesthesia (MUA) and none of the knees had flexion instability. The mean overall ROM in the control group improved from 117° (100° to 140°) to 123° (100° to 130°) (p < 0.001). Mean knee flexion improved from 119° (100° to 140°) to 123° (100° to 130°) (p < 0.001) and mean flexion contracture decreased from 2° (0° to 15°) to 0° (0° to 5°) (p < 0.001). None of the knees in the control group had flexion instability or required MUA. The mean KSS Knee Score improved from 48 (0 to 80) to 94 (79 to 100) (p < 0.001) and the KSS Functional Score from 52 (5 to 100) to 95 (60 to 100) (p < 0.001). Mean improvement in ROM (p < 0.001) and KSS Knee Score (p = 0.017) were greater in knees with preoperative stiffness compared with the control group, but the KSS Functional Score improvement was comparable (p = 0.885). Conclusion. TKA with a 2 mm increased flexion gap provided a significant improvement of ROM in knees with preoperative stiffness. While the improvement in ROM was greater, the absolute postoperative ROM was less than in matched non-stiff knees. PS TKA with patellar resurfacing and a 2 mm increased flexion gap, in combination with adequate soft tissue balancing, provides excellent ROM and knee function when stiffness of the knee had been present preoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):426–433

Introduction. Our objective is to describe early and midterm results with the use of a new knee prosthesis as an articulating spacer in planned two-stage management for infected total knee arthroplasty. As a second objective, we compared outcomes between the group with a retained first stage and those with a completed 2-stage revision. Methods. Forty-seven patients (48 knees) from January 2012 and November 2017 underwent a 2-stage exchange with an articulating spacer with new implants was used for a chronic knee periprosthetic joint infection with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years (2–6.5 years). The most frequently identified infecting organism was MSSA (31%), MRSA (21%) or MRSE (20%). At the first stage, a new PS femoral component and a new all-polyethylene posterior stabilized (PS) tibial component or a standard PS tibial liner were cemented with antibiotic-cement, typically 3.6 gm tobramycin and vancomycin 1.5 gm. IV antibiotics for six weeks were administered. The planned reimplantation was at 3 months, but ninetteen spacers (14 all poly tibias and 5 tibial liner) were retained for over 12 months. Postoperative assessment included knee range of motion (ROM), quality of life (QOL) scores (SF-12, WOMAC, KOOS, Oxford, and UCLA scores), and a satisfaction scale from 0–100%. Results. Of the 48 knees, 8 failed due to lack of infection control, and 2 died within the first year for medical reasons (4%), giving a failure rate of 17% (8/46). One of these knees was not revised due to poor medical status. Of the remaining 7, 2 had a repeat 2-stage exchange, one a single stage revision and 4 irrigation and debridement with retained implants. All 7 had a successful outcome with infection control after this, leaving a permanent failure rate of 2% (1/46). Five of the 19 knees with initially retained implants were revised to a second stage after 12 months for continued pain or instability (1/14 all poly tibia and 4/5 PS liner). There were no significant differences in final range of motion or QOL scores between patients with a retained first stage procedure and those who underwent a second stage operation. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the initial failure rate due to infection between patients with a complete 2-stage revision and those with a retained first stage (19% (6/31) vs. 14% (2/14), respectively; p=0.613). Conclusions. When an all poly tibial implant is used a spacer in two-stage exchange arthroplasty, it may be retained for over 12 months, with no difference in infection control, range of motion, and quality of life assessment to patients with complete 2-stage revision surgery. With this technique, the second stage may be delayed in patients who are doing well, and may never need to be revised, hence we propose the new term “one-and-a-half stage exchange”

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral component, five years postoperatively, between patients with a highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) insert and those with a conventional polyethylene (PE) insert in an uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We have previously reported the migration and outcome of the tibial components in these patients.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess mid-term survivorship following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with Optetrak Logic components and identify the most common revision indications at a single institution.

Aims

This multicentre retrospective observational study’s aims were to investigate whether there are differences in the occurrence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the conventional Attune baseplate and its successor, the novel Attune S+, independent from other potentially influencing factors; and whether tibial baseplate design and presence of RLLs are associated with differing risk of revision.

Aims

Patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with manual jig-based instruments has been reported to be as high as 30%. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has been increasingly used in an effort to improve patient outcomes, however there is a paucity of literature examining patient satisfaction after RA-TKA. This study aims to identify the incidence of patients who were not satisfied following RA-TKA and to determine factors associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction.

Debate has raged over whether a cruciate retaining (CR) or a posterior stabilised (PS) total knee replacement (TKR) provides a better range of movement (ROM) for patients. Various sub-sets of CR design are frequently lumped together when comparing outcomes. Additionally, multiple factors have been proven to influence the rate of manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) following TKR. The purpose of this study was to determine whether different CR bearing insert designs provide better ROM or different MUA rates. All primary TKRs performed by two surgeons between March 2006 and March 2009 were reviewed and 2449 CR-TKRs were identified. The same CR femoral component, instrumentation, and tibial base plate were consistently used. In 1334 TKRs a CR tibial insert with 3° posterior slope and no posterior lip was used (CR-S). In 803 there was an insert with no slope and a small posterior lip (CR-L) and in 312 knees the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was either resected or lax and a deep-dish, anterior stabilised insert was used (CR-AS). More CR-AS inserts were used in patients with less pre-operative ROM and greater pre-operative tibiofemoral deformity and flexion contracture (p < 0.05). The mean improvement in ROM was highest for the CR-AS inserts (5.9° (-40° to 55°) vs CR-S 3.1° (-45° to 70°) vs CR-L 3.0° (-45° to 65°); p = 0.004). There was a significantly higher MUA rate with the CR-S and CR-L inserts than CR-AS (Pearson rank 6.51; p = 0.04). Despite sacrificing or not substituting for the PCL, ROM improvement was highest, and the MUA rate was lowest in TKRs with a deep-dish, anterior-stabilised insert. Substitution for the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the form of a PS design may not be necessary even when the PCL is deficient. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:129–32

Introduction. Maintaining posterior stability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be achieved by using a posterior stabilized TKA, retaining and balancing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using a traditional cruciate-retaining design (CR), or by increasing the sagittal plane conformity of the tibial insert. In the latter case, stability is achieved by the addition of an anterior buildup on the tibial polyethylene creating the so-called “anterior stabilized” (AS) design. We hypothesized that using an AS tibial insert would provide similar function and survivorship as compared to using a more traditional CR bearing when the PCL is either recessed or balanced. Methods. Between 2004 and 2016, 1,731 modular CR TKAs were implanted in 1,509 patients using the same CR TKA design. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 98%. 58% of patients were female. Average age of 64.9 years. Within this group, 868 TKAs (50.1%) had a standard CR tibial bearing (3-degree posterior slope and no posterior lip) implanted (CR-S). 480 TKAs (27.8%) had a lipped CR modular tibial bearing (2.5 mm elevated posterior lip) implanted (CR-L). Starting in 2013, 383 TKAs (22.1%) were implanted with an AS modular tibial bearing (9–11 mm anterior lip and a 5 mm posterior lip). If the PCL was considered non-functional or absent, an AS bearing was placed. If the PCL was considered functional, a standard bearing or lipped bearing was used. Clinical and radiographic analysis was performed according to the Knee Society (KS) grading system. The most recent clinical and radiographic evaluation was used for post-operative analysis. The average follow-up in the entire cohort of TKAs was 5.5 years (range 2 to 14.3 years). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine prosthesis survivorship with failure defined as aseptic loosening of the prosthesis (with or without revision) or tibial insert exchange. Results. At final follow-up, there were no significant differences in knee flexion, pain, function, or stair scores. Walking scores were significantly lower in the AS group. Posterior instability was higher in the CR-S group, whereas the manipulation rate was highest in the CR-L group (1.7% versus 1.3% and 0% in the CR-S and AS groups, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survivorship at five years, excluding infection, demonstrated no significant difference between the three groups (CR-S, CR-L, and AS tibial insert groups, 99% 100% and 99% respectively). Conclusion. When the PCL is considered non-functional at operation, the AS insert provided similar final flexion, function, stair score, and five-year survivorship when compared to using the standard and lipped CR tibial insert when the PCL was balanced. Using an ultra-congruent AS dished tibial component appears to be a reasonable option when the PCL is completely released or found deficient at operation. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims. The introduction of a novel design of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) must achieve outcomes at least as good as existing designs. A novel design of TKA with a reducing radius of the femoral component and a modified cam-post articulation has been released and requires assessment of the fixation to bone. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) of the components within the first two postoperative years has been shown to be predictive of medium- to long-term fixation. The aim of this study was to assess the stability of the tibial component of this system during this period of time using RSA. Patients and Methods. A cohort of 30 patients underwent primary, cemented TKA using the novel posterior stabilized fixed-bearing (ATTUNE) design. There was an even distribution of men and women (15:15). The mean age of the patients was 64 years (sd 8) at the time of surgery; their mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.4 kg/m2 (sd 7.9). RSA was used to assess the stability of the tibial component at 6, 12, and 24 months compared with a six-week baseline examination. Patient-reported outcome measures were also assessed. Results. The mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the tibial component between 12 and 24 months postoperatively was 0.08 mm (sd 0.08), which is well below the published threshold of 0.2 mm (p < 0.001). Patient-reported outcome measures consistently improved. Conclusion. The tibial component of this novel design of TKA showed stability between assessment 12 and 24 months postoperatively, suggesting an acceptably low risk of medium- to long-term failure due to aseptic loosening

Introduction. Inability to reproduce 6-degrees of freedom (6DOF) kinematics, abnormal “paradoxical” anterior femoral translation and loss of normal medial pivot rotation are challenges associated with contemporary posterior cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The removal of the anterior and/or both cruciate ligaments in CR/PS TKA, leading to significant kinematic alteration of the knee joint, has been suggested as one of the potential contributory factors in patients remaining dissatisfied after TKA. Bi-cruciate retaining (BCR) TKA designs allow preservation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments with the potential to replicate normal knee joint kinematics. Physically demanding tasks such as sit-to-stand (STS), and deep lunging may be more sensitive tools for investigating preserved kinematic abnormalities following TKA. This study aims to compare in-vivo kinematics between the operated and the contralateral non-operated knee in patients with contemporary BCR TKA design. Methods. Twenty-nine patients (14 male; 15 female, 65.7±7.7 years) unilaterally implanted with a contemporary BCR TKA design featuring an asymmetric femoral component and independently designed medial and lateral bearings were evaluated. Mean follow-up time after BCR TKA was 12.7±5.1 months. All patients received a computer tomography (CT) scan from the pelvis to the ankles for the creation of 3D surface models of both knees (BCR TKA and non-operated). Patients performed single leg deep lunges and sit-to-stand under a validated dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) surveillance. Each patient's 2D dynamic fluoroscopic images, corresponding 3D surface bone models (for contralateral non-operated knee) and computer aided design (CAD) implant models (for the BCR TKA implanted knee) were imported into a virtual DFIS environment in MATLAB. An optimization procedure was utilized to perform matching between the 3D surface bone models and the 2D fluoroscopic image outlines. In-vivo 6DOF kinematics of the BCR TKA knees and contralateral non-operated side were quantified and analyzed. Results. When performing the high-flexion lunge, BCR TKA knees demonstrated less average femoral posterior translation (13±4mm) during terminal flexion when compared to the contralateral non-operated knees (16.6±3.7mm) (p=0.001). Similarly, during STS, less femoral rollback was observed (11.6±4.5mm vs 14.4±4.6mm, p<0.04) in BCR TKA knees. Overall, BCR TKA knees partially reproduced a normal “screw-home” motion, demonstrating reduced internal rotation during several intervals of the cycles for strenuous flexion activities. BCR TKA knees demonstrated less internal rotation during high-flexion lunge (4±5.6° vs 6.5±6.1°, p=0.05). Similarly, during STS, less internal rotation was observed (4.5±6° vs 6.9±6.3°, p=0.04, p=0.02, p=0.01, p=0.02) in BCR TKA knees. Conclusion. The BCR TKA design demonstrated asymmetries in flexion-extension and internal-external rotation, suggesting that in-vivo tibiofemoral kinematic parameters are not fully restored in BCR patients during functionally strenuous activities such as single leg deep lunges and sit-to-stand. Further studies are required to elucidate the importance of patient factors, surgical component orientation and implant designs in optimizing in vivo kinematics in patients with BCR TKA. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims

The mid-term results of kinematic alignment (KA) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using image derived instrumentation (IDI) have not been reported in detail, and questions remain regarding ligamentous stability and revisions. This paper aims to address the following: 1) what is the distribution of alignment of KA TKAs using IDI; 2) is a TKA alignment category associated with increased risk of failure or poor patient outcomes; 3) does extending limb alignment lead to changes in soft-tissue laxity; and 4) what is the five-year survivorship and outcomes of KA TKA using IDI?

Introduction. Mobile-bearing TKRs allow some axial rotation and may provide a more natural patellar movement. The aim was to compare patellar kinematics among the normal knee, fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing TKR. Methods. Optical computer navigation (Brainlab) was used to track the position of the femur, tibia and patella in 9 whole lower extremities (5 fresh cadavers) in the natural knee, in the same knee with the trial components of a posterior stabilised fixed-bearing TKR (FB) (Sigma PFC, Depuy) and a posterior stabilised mobile-bearing TKR (MB) (Sigma RP Stabilised). The patellae were not resurfaced. Values: mean+/−one standard deviation. Statistical analysis: two tailed paired Student's T-test. Results. M/L shift: There was a tendency for the patella to track 2mm more laterally with a FB or MB TKR compared to the natural knee, but this did not reach significance. Tilt: The patella in the natural knee tilted progressively laterally from extension to flexion, plateauing at 50° of flexion (20°: 1.9+/−2.7°, 40°: 5.6+/−5.4°, 60°: 6.2+/−6.4°, 80°:6.5+/−7.3°, 90°: 6.4+/−7.7°). With a FB or MB TKR the patellae also tilted laterally up to 50 degree of flexion, but then started to tilt back medially, reaching the neutral position at 90° again. There was no difference between the FB and MB TKRs. (Fixed bearing: 20°: 2.5+/−7.2° p=0.30, 40°: 3.7°+/−6.5° p=0.15, 60°: 3.1+/−5.8° p=0.02, 80°:1.2+/−6.5° p=0.001, 90°: 0.3+/−7.2° p=0.001, Mobile bearing: 20°: 0.3+/−5.5° p=0.27, 40°: 3.6+/−5.2° p=0.08, 60°: 2.1°+/−5.8 p=0.01, 80°: 0.2+/−6.8 p=0.003, 90°: -0.6+/−7.3 p=0.002; vs. natural). Trochlea position: The centre of the patellar groove of the femur component was more lateral than the trochlea by 2-5mm, it also extended 10mm further proximally. Conclusion. There are kinematic differences in patellar tracking between the natural knee and a FB/MB TKR. Compared to the FB TKR the patellar kinematics of the MB TKR is not more natural

Aims

It is unknown whether gap laxities measured in robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) correlate to load sensor measurements. The aim of this study was to determine whether symmetry of the maximum medial and lateral gaps in extension and flexion was predictive of knee balance in extension and flexion respectively using different maximum thresholds of intercompartmental load difference (ICLD) to define balance.