The long-term outcome and survivorship of TKA in Asian countries have been reported to be excellent, comparable to Western countries. However, increased knee flexion is required for many daily activities in Asian cultures, which remains a major problem to be resolved.
Introduction.
Increasingly, high flexion components have been touted by the industrial manufacturers of them as the implants of choice for routine total knee replacement (TKR). An acceptable flexion arc is obtainable in most patients through various intra-operative techniques; however, the importance of obtaining high flexion—which we define as greater than 120 degrees—is unclear. In our pilot study, a review was undertaken involving 60 of the senior authors patients who attained greater than 120 degrees of flexion after receiving an implant said to be high flexion based on the presence of both a rotating platform as well as a conforming cam-and-post third condylar space. Despite the achievement of both high flexion and impressive patient satisfaction, no functional benefits were observed—an observation that is supported in the current literature. We will explore possible reasons for this discord and note that most patients did not express the desire to regularly perform high flexion activities such as kneeling, squatting and stooping on a daily basis. Our results and evaluation of the literature lead us to question the importance placed upon the achievement of the maximum possible post-operative flexion arc as well as the importance placed in the ability to perform high flexion activities. This, in turn, calls into question the validity of many of the currently accepted outcomes measures used to post-operatively evaluate total knee replacements.
The NexGen® legacy posterior stabilized (LPS)-Flex total knee system (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) is designed to provide 150° of flexion following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). But, recent reports found a high incidence of loosening of the femoral component related to the deep flexion provided. We evaluated 9- to 12-year clinical and radiological follow-up results after NexGen® LPS-Flex TKA. A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 209 knees in 160 patients (21 males, 139 females) who were followed up for more than 9 years after Nexgen®LPS-Flex TKA. Evaluations included preoperative and postoperative range of motion(ROM), Knee Society(KS) knee score, function scores, tibiofemoral angle and assessment of postoperative complications.Purpose
Materials and Methods
Objective. To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes obtained by combination of
Introduction. Special
Introduction:. The prevalence of total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) is growing dramatically, with more than 1 million procedures performed annually in the United States. As the cost of and demand for the newest orthopaedic implants continue to rise, the price paid to medical device companies for implants is a growing concern. Some high-volume healthcare institutions have adopted price capitation strategies to control costs, in which a flat purchase price is negotiated for all implant line items regardless of technology and material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of price capitation in a large health system affected trends in THA and TKA premium implant selection by surgeons. A secondary objective was to compare selection trends between surgeons with an academic center affiliation and community practice surgeons, within a single health system. Methods:. All consecutive primary THA and TKA cases six months before (1/1/2011–6/30/2011) and after (8/1/2011–1/31/2012) implementation of a capitated pricing strategy (7/1/2011) were identified. Surgeon education regarding the new pricing policy was conducted for 1-month following implementation, and data during this time were omitted from the study. After exclusions (Figure 1), a total of 481 THA and 674 TKA from the large hospital, and 253 THA and 315 TKA from the two community hospitals comprised the final study cohort. A retrospective review of patient demographics and implant characteristics for each case was performed. Premium THA implants were defined by the existence of one of the following bearing surfaces: second (2G) or third generation (3G) highly cross-linked polyethylene liner with a ceramic or oxidized-zirconium femoral head, ceramic liner with a ceramic femoral head, or mobile-bearing system. Premium TKA implants were defined by the existence of at least one of the following criterion: mobile-bearing design,
There are a multitude of choices and implant varieties for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA implant systems differ in a number of design characteristics intended to either improve performance through optimizing kinematic function (such as the medial pivot, mobile bearing, gender-specific or
1. Introduction. Such a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) that is capable of making high knee flexion has been long awaited for the Asian and Muslim people. Our research group has developed the TKA possible to attain complete deep knee flexion such as seiza sitting. Yet as seiza is peculiar to the Japanese, other strategies will be necessary for our TKA to be on the overseas market. Still it is impractical to prepare many kinds of modifications of our TKA to meet various demands from every country/region. To this end, we contrived a way to modularize the post-cum alignment of our TKA in order to facilitate the following three activities containing high knee flexion: praying for the Muslim, gardening or golfing for the Westerner, sedentary siting on a floor for the Asian. We performed simulation and experiment, such as a mathematical model analysis, FEM analysis and a cadaveric study, thereby determining the optimal combination of moduli for the above activities respectively. 2. Methods. We modularized the post-cum alignment by three parameters in three levels respectively (Fig.1). The shape of the post's sagittal section and the total shape of cum were unchanged. The three parameters for modularization were the post location which was shifted anterior and posterior by 5 mm from the neutral position, the post inclination which was inclined forward and backward by 5° from the vertical, and the radius of curvature of the post's horizontal section which was increased and decreased by 2 mm from the original value. It is crucial to decrease contact stress between the post and cum during praying for the Muslim and during gardening or golfing for the Westerner, which would be realized by choosing the optimal location and inclination of post when kneeling for the Muslim and when squatting for the Westerner respectively (Fig.2). As for the Asian, it is desirable for them to perform various kinds of sedentary sittings on a floor without difficulties, which would be facilitated by choosing the optimal radius of curvature value to increase range of rotation when the knee is in
INTRODUCTION. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful and beneficial treatments for osteoarthritic knees. We have developed posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee prosthesis for Asian patients, especially Japanese patients, and have used it since November, 2010. The component was designed based on the CT images of osteoarthritic knees, aiming to achieve deep flexion and stability. The purpose of this study was to analyze in- vivo kinematics of this new prosthesis. METHODS. We analyzed a total of 28 knees implanted with PS TKAs: Fourteen knees with the new PS prosthesis (group A), and the other fourteen knees with a popular PS prosthesis as a control group (group B). Preoperative data of both groups were not significantly difference. Flat-panel radiographic knee images were recorded during five static knee postures including full extension standing, lunge at 90° and maximum flexion, and kneeling at 90° and maximum flexion. The three-dimensional position and orientation of the implant components were determined using model-based shape matching techniques. The results of this shape-matching process have standard errors of approximately 0.5° to 1.0° for rotations and 0.5 to 1.0 mm for translations in the sagittal plane. Unpaired t-tests were used for statistical analysis and probability values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS. The maximum implant flexion angles tended to be greater in group A than group B (Fig. 1a), averaging 117±8° and 109 ± 14° in lunge (p=0.054), and 119 ± 7° and 110 ± 14° in kneeling (p=0.061), in Groups A and B respectively. Femoral external rotation was significantly smaller in group A than group B (Fig. 1b), averaging 7±7° and 10±5° mm in lunge (p<0.05), and 6±7° and 8±3° in kneeling (p<0.05). The medial condylar AP translations were greater in group A than group B (Fig. 1c), averaging −7±3mm and −3±3mm in lunge (p<0.05), and −6±2mm and −4±3mm in kneeling (p<0.05), respectively. Lateral condylar AP translations were not significantly different between the two groups except at 90° kneeling (Fig. 1d). DISCUSSION. Both implants are designed to achieve deep flexion, preventing edge loading until 155° flexion. Post/cam engagement occurs at 75° flexion in both system and the implant shapes are similar. Positive correlations have been reported between increasing femoral posterior translation and greater maximum knee flexion. The cam/post design of the new implant is configured to provide approximately 8mm of posterior femoral translation at 120° flexion which, on average, was slightly greater than observed in the control knees. Slightly greater lunge and keeling flexion in knees with the new design may be a manifestation of this greater posterior femoral translation. Previous studies have failed to demonstrate axial rotation as a predictor of greater flexion. Likewise, our data do not show a relationship between axial rotation and maximum flexion. The new TKA designed for Asian knees appears to perform comparably to a traditional
Patients planning to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), especially in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, usually expect to be able to perform activities requiring knee flexion such as sitting cross-legged or kneeling with ease after the surgery. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) can be affected by multiple factors such as the patient's gender, age, preoperative ROM, diagnosis, the surgeon's technique, the pre- and post-operative rehabilitation program, and the design of the prosthesis. Among these, the choice of the prosthesis depends on the surgeon's preference. As a result, several trials and studies have been conducted to improve postoperative ROM by modifying prosthesis design. The present study aimed to examine the results of TKA with the NexGen LPS-Flex system (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana), which is one of several
Introduction. To meet the demands of younger more active patients more robust pre-clinical wear testing methods are required, in order to simulate a wider range of activities. A new electromechanical simulator (Simulation Solutions, UK) with a greater range of motion, a driven abduction/adduction axis and improved input kinematic following has been developed to meet these requirements, as well as requirements of the relevant international standards. This study investigated the wear of a fixed bearing total knee replacement using this new electromechanical knee simulator, comparing with previous data from a pneumatic simulator. Materials/Methods. The wear of six Sigma CR fixed bearing TKRs (DePuy, UK) with curved moderately cross-linked polyethylene inserts (XLK) was determined in pneumatic and electromechanical Prosim knee simulators (Simulation Solutions, UK). Standard gait displacement controlled kinematics were used, with a maximum anterior-posterior displacement of either 10mm (high) or 5mm (intermediate) [1]. The output profiles from the simulators were obtained and compared to the demand input profiles. The lubricant used was 25% new-born calf serum and wear determined gravimetrically. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA with 95% confidence interval and significance was taken at p<0.05. Results. The electromechanical and pneumatic knee simulators both achieved the demanded maximum axial load although the pneumatic simulator did not achieve the initial peak on heel strike. The maximum delivered AP displacements from the electromechanical knee simulator were 2.8 (3.5mm input) and 9.6 (10mm input) [mm] compared to 1.7 and 9.2 [mm] from the pneumatic simulator during the stance and the swing phases respectively. The corresponding values for the IE rotation angle were ±4.9 (5 degrees input) and ±4.1 [degrees] from the electromechanical and pneumatic simulators respectively (both stance and swing phases) (Figure 1). The electromechanical knee simulator produced a mean wear rate of 2.7 ±0.9mm3/MC (mean ± 95% CI) under intermediate kinematics, compared to 2.6 ±0.9mm3/MC from the pneumatic simulator (p=0.99). The corresponding mean wear rates under high kinematics were 5.6 ± 2.3 and 6.7 ±1.5 [mm3/MC] from the electromechanical and pneumatic knee simulators respectively (p=0.59). Discussion. The wear rates from the electromechanical and pneumatic knee simulators were not significantly different. However, the output kinematic profiles followed the input kinematic profiles more closely on the electromechanical simulator than the pneumatic simulator. This electromechanical knee simulator can be used for a wider range of conditions, including
Introduction. After TKR, excessive tension within the lateral retinaculum can lead to joint instability, component wear, stiffness and pain. The spatial distribution of strain in the lateral retinculum is unknown, both in the native knee and after TKR. In this study we measure the magnitude and distribution of mechanical strain in the lateral retinaculum with knee flexion, both in the native knee and after TKR. We hypothesize that:
. 1. Strain in the lateral retinaculum will increase as a function of flexion. 2. Some regions of the lateral retinaculum experience greater strain than others. 3. TKR will affect the magnitude and location of strain during knee flexion. Materials and Methods. A fiduciary grid of approximately 40–70 markers was attached to the exposed lateral retinacula of five fresh frozen cadaveric knees in order to allow tracking of soft-tissue deformation. Each knee was flexed from 0–120° in a 6 degree-of-freedom custom activity simulator that physiologically loaded the knee during a squatting maneuver. During simulation, the displacement of each fiduciary point was measured using visible-light stereo-photogrammetry. The fiduciary grid divided into four distinct regions for strain analysis. Using the grid of the native knee in full extension as the initial state, the average principal strain in each region was calculated as a function of flexion. Measurements were repeated after TKR was performed using a contemporary implant system. Results. In the native knee, average retinacular strain increased dramatically with knee flexion (30°: 12% vs 120°: 25%; p = 0.007). The greatest strain was observed in the supero-lateral region in high flexion (34% at 120°). No significant change in strain with flexion was seen in the infero-medial region bordering the patellar ligament (10% at 30° to 15% at 120°; p > 0.05). After TKR, retinacular strains increased by an average of 13% in extension when compared to the native knee. In flexion, strains decreased following arthroplasty by an average of 4% at 30° and 6% at all other angles. The largest strains were observed in the supero-lateral region and were comparable to strain observed in the native knee (34% at 120°). The greatest decrease in strain after TKR was observed in the supero-medial region (26% vs 16% at 90°). Conclusions. In the native knee, average lateral retinacular strains are greatest mid- to
Knowledge of joint kinematics in the lower limb is important for understanding joint injuries and diseases and evaluating treatment outcomes. However, limited information is available about the joint kinematics required for high flexion activities necessary for floor sitting life style. In this study, the hip and knee joint kinematics of ten healthy male and ten healthy female subjects were investigated using an electromagnetic motion tracking system. We measured the hip and knee joints' functions moving into 1) kneeling on knees with legs parallel without using arms, 2) kneeling on knees with legs parallel with using arms, 3) kneeling on knees with one foot forward without using arms, 4) cross-legged sitting, 5) kneeling with legs to the side, 6) sitting with legs stretched out, and 7) deep squatting, and moving out of the above seven conditions. Conditions 1) through 3) were Japanese seiza style. On conditions 4) through 7), arms were not used. We further measured the functions of putting on and taking off a sock under such conditions as 8) with standing position and 9) sitting position (Fig 1). Here special attention was paid for flexion and extension motion. The data were used to produce the pattern of joint angulation against the percentage of the cycle for each individual conducting each activity. The kinematic curves were split into 3 phases: moving into the rest position, the rest position and out of the rest position. It should be noted that the moving into and the rest phases were split at the moment when the peak value was determined during the moving into phase. Thus the initiation of the rest phase on the curve was not coinciding with the moment the subject reached at the rest position. This was necessary in order not for the mean kinematic curve to become too dull in shape. Same was true when the end of rest phase was determined. The maximum hip and knee joint angles during the cycle were determined. Further a relationship between the hip and knee joint excursions were investigated. The results indicated condition 8) requires the maximum flexion angles to the hip among all conditions, 157.5 ± 20.4° and condition 3) to the knee joint, 157.1 ± 10.0° respectively (Fig 2). The results also indicated in many activities, the maximum joint angles were recorded not during the rest phase but during the moving into or out of phase. In any conditions even including donning on and off a sock, a strong relationship was found between the hip and knee joints motion (Fig 3), indicating the bi-articular muscles' co-contraction during the sit to stand activities. The data presented in this study will increase the knowledge of
Introduction. A few follow-up studies of high flexion total knee arthoplasties report disturbingly high incidences of femoral loosening. Finite element analysis showed a high risk for early loosening at the cement-implant interface at the anterior flange. However, femoral implant fixation is depending on two interfaces: cement-implant interface and the cement-bone interface. Due to the geometry of the distal femur, a part of the cement-bone interface consists of cement-cortical bone interface. The strength of the cement-bone interface is lower than the strength of the cement-implant interface. The research questions addressed in this study were: 1) which interface is more prone to loosening and 2) what is the effect of different surgical preparation techniques on the risk for early loosening. Materials & methods. To achieve data for the cement-(cortical)bone interface strength and the effects of different preparation techniques on interfacial strength, human cadaver interface stress tests were performed for different preparation techniques of the bony surface and the results were implemented in a finite element (FE) model as described before. The FE model consisted of a proximal tibia and fibula, TKA components, a quadriceps and patella tendon and a non-resurfaced patella. For use in this study, the distal femur was integrated in the FE model including cohesive interface elements and a 1 mm bone cement layer. In the model, the cement-bone interface was divided into two areas, representing cortical and cancellous bone. The posterior-stabilised PFC Sigma RP-F (DePuy, J&J, USA) was incorporated in the FE knee model following the surgical procedure provided by the manufacturer. A full weight-bearing squatting cycle was simulated (ROM = 50°-155°). The interface failure index was calculated. Results. Overall, the highest stresses were found at the proximo-medial part beneath the anterior flange of the femoral component. Highest shear stresses were found at the cement-implant interface (peak shear stress of 3.33 MPa at 150° of flexion). Highest tensile stresses were found at the cement-cortical bone interface (peak tensile stress of 1.30 MPa at 150° of flexion). The failure index was highest at the cement-bone interface. When the total anterior flange was covering cancellous bone, 0.4% of the cement-bone interface would fail and 0% of the cement-implant interface at 145° of flexion. In the more realistic simulation of cortical bone with periost, almost 31.3% of the complete cement-bone interface would fail even within normal range of motion (<120°). This can be reduced by drilling holes through the cortex to 2.6%. Discussion. Obviously, the FE knee model utilized in this study contains limitations which may have affected the interface stresses calculated. However, the results presented here clearly demonstrate high risk of early loosening at the cement-bone interface. This risk can be reduced by some simple preparation techniques of the cortex behind the anterior flange. Proper anterior fixation of the femoral component, and thus adequate surgical technique, is essential to reduce the risk of femoral loosening for
Background. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of femorotibial alignment (FTA), femoral and tibial component alignment, correction of malalignment, and thickness of tibial osteotomy on implant loosening following total knee replacement. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 107 knees in 65 patients with a minimum of six months of follow-up. The 107 knees were operated by two surgeons using BS4+ (Bisurface 4 plus) implant (Japan Medical Materials, Japan); the femoral component was cemented, and the tibial component was either cemented or not cemented by using four screws. All the replacements were performed under same operative procedure with medial para-patellar approach and measured bone technique. The knees were classified into two groups (: I and U) on the basis of postoperative radiological findings that indicate the loosening of tibial components. First, there were not any apparent loosening symptom like radio-lucent lines nor sinking; group-I (intact, n=75). Second, there were some radio-lucent lines around tibial component; subgroup-R (radio-lucent lines, n=25), or some subsidence of component over 2 mm; subgroup-S (subsidence, n=7), and the latter two subgroups were put into group-U (unstable, n=32) all together. We measured preoperative and postoperative alignment (overall FTA, correction of malalignment, and alignment of the tibial and the femoral component in the coronal plane). Furthermore, each thickness of tibial osteotomy was measured with use of preoperative and postoperative radiographs of the knee. These parameters including patient's BMI were compared between two major groups statistically to evaluate the factor influencing the stability of tibial components. Moreover, the thickness of tibial osteotomy were compared between two subgroups. Results. Radio-lucent lines were seen in any fixation (cement: 14, cementless: 11), but subsidence were found in 7 cementless screwed fixation. Average alignment of femorotibia or component were satisfactory (judged by the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation), and were not different between two groups. We found that the change of FTA (I: 9.5 versus U: 12.9 degrees) and the outlier of FTA (I: 2.4 versus U: 3.1 degrees) were greater in group-U than those in group-I (p=0.002, p=0.023). In the thickness of tibial osteotomy, no significant differences were seen between two major groups, but the osteotomy were thicker in subgroup-S (12.0 mm) than in subgroup-R (9.6 mm, p = 0.03). Another parameters including BMI were not different between two groups, respectively. Conclusions. Attaining neutrality is important in stabilizing tibial component of total knee replacement. However, the larger the correction of malalignment, the more unstable the fixation of component tend to become.
