There have been many reports which suggest that in patients with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, a reduction in joint space is demonstrated better on weight-bearing radiographs taken with the knee in semiflexion than in full extension. The reduction has been attributed to the loss of articular cartilage in the contact area in a semiflexed arthritic knee. None of these studies have, however, included normal knees. We have therefore undertaken a prospective, double-blind, randomised study in order to evaluate the difference in the joint-space of arthroscopically-proven normal tibiofemoral joints as seen on weight-bearing full-extension and 30° flexion posteroanterior radiographs. Twenty-two knees were evaluated and the results showed that there may be a difference of up to 2 mm in the two views. This difference could be attributed to the inherent differential thickness of the articular cartilage in different areas of the femoral and tibial condyles and a change in the areas of contact between them.

Introduction. Up to 15 % of patients report anterior knee pain (AKP) after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The correlation of radiographic patellar measurements and post-operative AKP remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any radiographic measurements can predict anterior knee pain after TKA. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of data on 343 patients who underwent a primary unilateral TKA between 2009–2012 at a single institution. Post-operative radiographs were evaluated with standing anteroposterior, lateral, and merchant views. Radiographic assessment was performed to assess posterior offset, Insall Salvati ratio, Blackburne, PP angle, Patella thickness, Congruence angle, Patella tilt, and patella displacement. Clinical function was assessed by the Kujala anterior knee pain scale at a minimum of 5 years. Patients were asked if they currently had anterior knee pain post-operatively by responding “yes” or “no.” There were 264 females and 79 males; the mean age at surgery was 64.2 ± 9.7 (range, 42–92 years) years; the mean BMI 31±5.8 kg/m. 2. (range, 18.8–49 kg/m. 2. ). Results. Of the 343 patients, 46 patients (13.4%) patients suffered persistent AKP at a minimum 5 years follow-up. Radiographic measurements were performed. Although we had large variations in congruence angle, patellar tilt and patellar displacement, these variations had no correlation with anterior knee pain (p=0.885). We were not able to detect statistical significance among clinical outcome Kujala score and patient reported AKP (p=0.713) at minimum 5 year follow-up. Discussion. Persistent anterior knee pain is troubling to patients and surgeons. Clinicians often get concerned when they see variability in these radiographic findings. Our findings suggest that variations in radiographic parameters do not predict anterior knee pain following total knee replacement surgery. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reliably improves pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), though a substantial percentage of patients remain unsatisfied. Reasons include the presence of complications, persistent pain, and unmet expectations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-assisted soft tissue balancing changed complication rates, radiographic alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared to TKA performed with conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs in 319 patients. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon in sequential fashion using a measured resection technique with a goal of mechanical alignment. The historical control group, utilizing intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided soft tissue balancing, was compared to group 1 (accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection, surgeon-guided balancing) and group 2 (navigated femoral resection, sensor-guided balancing). Primary outcome measures were PROMIS scores including physical function computerized adaptive test (PF CAT), and the Global 10 health assessment (including physical, mental, and pain scores), and Knee Injury Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS), measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic measurements included component position and overall mechanical alignment of the limb and were made at 6 weeks by a single examiner from hip to ankle standing films. Charts were reviewed for pre- and postoperative ROM at 6 weeks, polyethylene insert morphology, and postoperative hematocrit change. Complications were recorded, including manipulation under anesthesia and reoperation. Our study was powered to detect a difference of 1 standard deviation in PF CAT score with 100 patients. Statistical analysis was performed by a statistician including t-tests, multivariate regression, and time series plot analyses. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There was no difference in baseline patient demographics. Patients in group 2 had higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p=0.04). There were no differences in 6-week and one-year postop PF CAT, physical or mental subscores, pain scores, or KOOS scores (all p>0.05). There were 8 total complications in the control group (4.1%), 4 in group 1 (3.8%), and 1 in group 2 (1.4%) (p>0.4). The postoperative mechanical axis of the limb was within 3 degrees of neutral in 71.6% of control patients, 74.8% in group 1, and 85.1% in group 2 (p=0.1). There was no difference in femoral component coronal alignment between groups (p=0.91), though controls had a small but significantly higher degree of flexion in the sagittal plane (6.5 degrees) than groups 1 and 2 (5.4 degrees in both, p=0.003). There was no difference in postoperative ROM or blood loss. Conclusions. The sequential addition of imageless navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not confer any benefit to short term PROs, radiographic outcomes, or complication rates over conventional techniques. While overall mechanical alignment of the limb was improved in groups 1 and 2 compared to controls, this did not reach statistical significance. The additive costs of navigation and soft-tissue balancing technologies may not be justified. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims

To present our experience of using a combination of intra-articular osteotomy and external fixation to treat different deformities of the knee.