Kinematic alignment has increased in popularity over the last few years in an attempt to improve clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In our unit kinematic alignment has been used with patient-specific cutting guides as part of on-going clinical trials. We performed a retrospective analysis on all the TKA which had been planned to be implanted outside of the mechanical axis (0° ± 3°) based on pre-operative MRI scans and looked at their radiographic and clinical outcomes. We identified 21 knees which had been implanted as ‘planned outliers’. All had clinical and radiographic follow up to a mean 11.6 months post op. All had a standard long leg alignment radiograph performed at 6 weeks post op to confirm alignment. All patients had a good improvement in their Oxford Knee Scores with mean improvement from 23 pre-op to 42 at 1 year. Of our patients none had a poor clinical outcome due to the alignment of their TKA, 1 patient had a poor outcome because of a quadriceps rupture which occurred 4 months post-op. There were no post-operative radiographic abnormalities. In our unit kinematic alignment outside of the mechanical axis is not associated with an increased rate of short term complications

We aim to determine the differences in lower limb joint kinematics during the golf swing of patients who had undergone Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and a control group of native knee golfers. A case-control study was undertaken with ten golfers who had undergone TKA (cruciate retaining single radius implant) and five age and matched golfers with native knees. Each golfer performed five swings with a driver whilst being recorded at 200Hz by a ten-camera motion capture system. Knee and hip three-dimensional joint angles (JA) and joint angular velocities (JAV) were calculated and statistically compared between the groups at six swing events. The only significant differences in knee joint kinematics between TKA and control groups was a lower external rotation JA in the left knee during the backswing (p=0.010). There was no significant difference in knee JAV between the groups. Both hips demonstrated significantly (p=0.023 for left and p=0.037 for right) lower flexion in the TKA group during the takeaway swing event, and there was lower internal rotation in the backswing and greater external rotation in the downswing of the right hip. There was also slower left hip extension JAV in the downswing. Normal knee kinematics were observed during the golf swing following TKA, with the exception of reduced external rotation in the left knee during the back swing and the right during the down swing. The differences demonstrated in the hip motion indicate that they may make compensatory movements to adjust to the reduced external rotation demonstrated in the knee

The objective of this study was to compare differences in alignment following robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Bi-UKA) and conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This was a prospective, randomised controlled trial of 70 patients. 39 TKAs were implanted manually, as per standard protocol at our institution, and 31 Bi-UKA patients simultaneously received fixed-bearing medial and lateral UKAs, implanted using robotic arm-assistance. Preoperative and 3-month postoperative CT scans were analysed to determine hip knee ankle angle (HKAA), medial distal femoral angle (MDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). Analysis was repeated for 10 patients by a second rater to validate measurement reliability by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Mean change in HKAA towards neutral was 2.7° in TKA patients and 2.3° in Bi-UKA patients (P=0.6). Mean change in MDFA was 2.5° for TKA and 1.0° for Bi-UKA (P<0.01). Mean change in MPTA was 3.7° for TKA and 0.8° for Bi-UKA (P<0.01). Mean postoperative MDFA and MPTA for TKAs were 89.8° and 89.6° respectively, indicating orientation of femoral and tibial components perpendicular to the mechanical axis. Mean postoperative MDFA and MPTA for Bi-UKAs were 91.0° and 86.9° respectively, indicating a more oblique joint line orientation. Inter-rater agreement was excellent (ICC>0.99). Early functional activities, according to the new Knee Society Scoring System, favoured Bi-UKAs (P<0.05). Robotic arm-assisted, cruciate-sparing Bi-UKA better maintains the natural anatomy of the knee in the coronal plane and may therefore preserve normal joint kinematics, compared to a mechanically aligned TKA. This has been achieved without significantly altering overall HKAA

Purpose. to evaluate the kinematics of a knee with a polyurethane meniscal scaffold for partial meniscus defect substitution during flexion under weightbearing conditions in an upright MRI. In addition, radial displacement and the surface of the scaffold was compared to the normal meniscus. Materials and Methods. One cadaver with a normal lateral meniscus and medial scaffold in the left knee and with a normal medial meniscus and lateral scaffold in the right knee. The scaffolds were implanted to substitute a 3 cm meniscus defect in the posterior horn. The cadaver was scanned in an 0,7T open MRI with a range of motion from 0-30-60-90 to hyperflexion. Kinematics were evaluated on sagittal images by the following two parameters: the position of the femoral condyle, identified by the centre of its posterior circular surface, which is named the flexion facet centre (FFC), and the point of closest approximation between the femoral and tibial subchondral plates, the contact point (CP). Both were identified in relation to the posterior tibial cortex. The displacement, measured on coronal images, is defined as the distance between the tibial plateau and the outer edge of the meniscus. The surface was also measured on coronal slices and contains the triangular surface of the meniscus. Results. Medially from 0 degrees to hyperflexion the FFC does not move anteroposteriorly. Laterally the FFC moves 12 mm backwards. The CP moves 15 mm backwards both lateral and medial. The lateral femoral condyle does roll-back with flexion but the medial does not, so the femur rotates externally around a medial centre. By contrast, both medial and lateral contact points move back, roughly in parallel, from 0 degrees to hyperflexion. The kinematics of the involved compartment is not influenced by the presence of the scaffold compared to the controlateral normal compartment. The radial displacement remains stable during full flexion: both the normal and scaffold meniscus have no different (p > 0,05) position. Both for the normal and the scaffold meniscus there is no difference (p > 0,05) in surface; there is no compression of the meniscus during flexion. Conclusion. The polyurethane implant, indicated for partial meniscus defect substitution, has no effect on the normal kinematics of the knee. Additionally, the degree of flexion has no effect on the external displacement, the surface and compressibility of both the implanted scaffold and the meniscus

In this study we quantified and characterised the return of functional mobility following open tibial fracture using the Hamlyn Mobility Score. A total of 20 patients who had undergone reconstruction following this fracture were reviewed at three-month intervals for one year. An ear-worn movement sensor was used to assess their mobility and gait. The Hamlyn Mobility Score and its constituent kinematic features were calculated longitudinally, allowing analysis of mobility during recovery and between patients with varying grades of fracture. The mean score improved throughout the study period. Patients with more severe fractures recovered at a slower rate; those with a grade I Gustilo-Anderson fracture completing most of their recovery within three months, those with a grade II fracture within six months and those with a grade III fracture within nine months. . Analysis of gait showed that the quality of walking continued to improve up to 12 months post-operatively, whereas the capacity to walk, as measured by the six-minute walking test, plateaued after six months. . Late complications occurred in two patients, in whom the trajectory of recovery deviated by > 0.5 standard deviations below that of the remaining patients. This is the first objective, longitudinal assessment of functional recovery in patients with an open tibial fracture, providing some clarification of the differences in prognosis and recovery associated with different grades of fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:1118–25

Summary. UC TKA showed similar anteroposterior translation and more femoral external rotation of earlier onset when compared to PS TKA. Introduction. Recently highly conforming ultracongruent TKA has been reintroduced with improved wear characteristics and lower complications. The purpose of the study was to assess kinematics and clinical outcome of posterior stabilized and ultracongruent rotating-platform mobile bearing TKA. Methods. Ninety patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to undergo computer assisted TKA with PS(n = 45) or UC(n = 45) prostheses and were followed up for a minimum 2 years. The passive kinematic evaluation was performed before and after implantation with a navigation system. Three parameters of tibiofemoral relationship (anterior/posterior translation, varus/valgus alignment and rotation) were recorded from 0° to 120° of flexion. The patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at final follow-up. Results. Paradoxical anterior translation of the femur was observed from 0° to 70° of flexion in PS(8.7mm) and 0° to 85° in UC knees(10.4mm, p = 0.064). The distance of femoral roll-back was 6.7mm and 5.5mm, but never reached the starting point. Paradoxical internal rotation of the femur was found from 0° to 62° of flexion in PS(9.9°) and 0° to 47° in UC knees(5.6°, p = 0.002). UC knees showed more external rotation of the femur during flexion from 0° to 120°(5.7:11.0, p = 0.048). There was no significant difference in the maximal flexion(123.3°:125.5°, p = 0.366), AKS knee scores(95.9:92.0, p = 0.101), AKS function scores(86.2:82.9, p = 0.435) and WOMAC index scores(13.4:15.9, p = 0.268). There was no progressive radiolucent line or loosening in all knees. Discussion and Conclusion. UC TKA showed similar anteroposterior translation and more femoral external rotation of earlier onset when compared to PS TKA. There was no difference in clinical outcome between two designs. UC TKA showed comparable kinematic and clinical results to PS TKA

BACKGROUND. Many patients who underwent a THA, report a feeling of more “physiological” hip and of faster recovery when bigger heads are used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the walking recovery of patients after THA with different head diameters by the means of gait analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A prospective, randomized, blind study was conducted on 60 patients operated by THA at our Institution. Inclusion criteria were: primary hip arthritis, women, age between 55 and 70 years. Exclusion criteria were: other problems influencing walking ability (previous operations of the lower limbs, spine disorders, knee or controlateral hip arthritis). The same uncemented stem, same uncemented press-fit cup, same surgical technique and approach (posterolateral), same surgeons, same postoperative protocol and rehabilitation were employed. The only difference was the head diameter. The patients were randomized into three groups, of twenty patients each one (28mm Cer-on-XPE, 36mm Cer-on-XPE, >42mm Met-on-Met). The gait evaluation have been performed at three temporal steps: preoperatively, two months postoperatively and four months postoperatively. Kinematic parameters were acquired with Elite opto-electronic system (BTS, Milan, Italy) equipped with 6 cameras at 100 Hz frame rate. The system is integrated with a force platform (Kistler, CH) and a synchronic video system using two cameras (BTS, Milan, Italy). Data acquisition and processing were carried out using passive markers positioned according to Davis protocol. At least ten trials for each session were collected in order to assess the repeatability of the results. Gait analysis included kinematic parameters (temporal-spatial parameters and joint angular values) and kinetic parameters (ground interaction forces during walking). Articular moments and powers were computed on the basis of data obtained from dynamometric platform along with those given by kinematic analysis. All patients were compared to a control group. Wilcoxon signed rank test was employed for statistical evaluation. RESULTS. At a preliminary evaluation (still in progress) and statistical analysis, temporal-spatial parameters show no significant differences among the three groups. All the variables of step length, stride length, cadence and velocity show statistical significant improvements towards the standard values, in the four months follow-up in all the groups, and the improvement does not depend on the side operated. CONCLUSIONS. The preliminary evaluation of this study shows that there is no statistical significant difference in standard gait analysis parameters in patients with different head diameters (28mm, 36mm, >42mm) after THA

Introduction. While clinically successful for decades, CR TKA is persistently compromised by inconsistent PCL function. Problems of mid-flexion instability, incomplete knee flexion, erratic kinematic behavior and posterior instability, not seen with PS devices, raise concerns about the consistency of the technique, and the devices used. Most TKA systems offer at least 2 different geometries of tibial inserts to address this clinical problem. We hypothesize these problems are a result of compromise of PCL anatomy. To avoid compromise to the PCL 3 steps are required: 1) The slope of tibial resection must be less than 5°; 2) the depth of tibial resection must be based off the insertion footprint of the PCL, not the deficiencies of the tibial articular surface; and 3) the tibial insert must be modified to allow intraoperative balancing of the PCL. Results. The CR Slope ™ implants and technique (Exactech) (“Posterior Cruciate Referencing Technique (PCRT)”) reflect this philosophy and have allowed consistent surgical intervention without PCL release and without multiple inserts. We present data identifying, the footprint, and the instrument and technique modifications that allow for predictable identification of the depth and angle of resection. At 2 years post implantation in the first 100 patients implanted, the study group has demonstrated similar operative time, LOS and Oxford knee scores (OKS), while ROM averaged 5° greater, and time to achieved flexion was decreased. Conclusion. The PCRT offers a new conceptual and clinical approach to predictable CR TKA

It appears that double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can reproduce the original anatomy of the ligament, restoring normal kinematics and rotational control of the tibia. But an anatomical single bundle reconstruction may present very similar results, with minor technical difficulties and lower costs. We compared two groups of 25 patients each, that underwent ACL reconstruction by the same surgeon, with a follow-up of 12–36 months. One group had double bundle reconstruction with hamstring and the other had single bundle anatomical reconstruction with patellar tendon. Patients underwent a subjective evaluation and clinical testing with instrumented laxity with Rolimeter, and the data entered in the IKDC 2000 scale Double tunnel hamstring Vs bone-tendon-bone: Functional outcome of 85.6% Global Class A and B vs. 82.1% Class A and B. The subjective outcome (IKDC 2000) was 90.93 vs. 91.47. Pivot-shift test with 87% patients in class A and class B at 9.7% Vs 75% patients in class A, 21.4% for class B. The Rolimeter gave an average Lachman value of 2,56 and anterior drawer test of 2,88 Vs average Lachman value of 3.59 and anterior drawer test of 2.92. One leg hop test showed 85.7% knees class A, 9.5% knees class B vs. 90.4% knees class A and, 2.8% knees class B. The subjective score was slightly higher in the single bundle anatomical reconstruction with patellar tendon, despite the overall functional outcome being higher in the double tunnel technique with hamstrings. The average Lachmann in the patellar tendon group was 1 mm higher. The rotational stability in the double tunnel was higher. The same surgeon had better results in the double tunnel hamstrings technique, despite less experienced with this technique, which is more demanding, probably reflecting objective advantages over the single bundle reconstruction with patellar tendon

Aim. The purpose of this study was to analyze the patellofemoral kinematics in neglected adult developmental dysplasia of the hip patients with patellofemoral symptoms and tried to clarify the affect of the severity of dislocation, the amount of limb length discrepancy, the deviation of mechanical axis and the changes in femoral anteversion on patellofemoral alignment. Methods. The dynamic patellofemoral CT results of 39 patients with DDH suffering from knee pain were reviewed. The mean age was 40.07 (range: 22–61). 14 of them were bilateral and 25 were unilateral neglected DDH patients. The CT results of 12 patients suffering from unilateral patellofemoral pain following the treatment of locked intramedullary nailing was taken as control group. In this patients atraumatic and asymptomatic normal site was taken as control group. Results. In unilateral neglected DDH patients there was significantly higher medial patellar displacement in 0, 15, 30, 60 degrees flexion in the knee at the site of dislocation. Again in uninvolved site medial patellar displacement in 15, 30, 60 degrees flexion was higher with respect to control group. In the involved extremity the PTA angle in 0, 15, 30, 60 degrees flexion were significantly higher than in control group. This increase in PTA angle corresponding to medial patellar tilt was observed only in involved extremity. In the knees of patients with bilateral DDH there was significant medial patellar displacement in every flexion degrees with respect to control group. Besides in bilateral DDH patients, the PTA angle in 15, 30, 60 degrees flexion were significantly higher than control group corresponding to medial patellar tilt. The amount of leg length discrepancy and the severity of dislocation as well as mechanical axis deviation were not affecting the patellofemoral parameters in both unilateral and bilateral DDH patients. Conclusion. Both in unilateral and bilateral DDH patients there are major changes in patellar tracking on femur during knee flexion. Increased medial shift and medial patellar tilt were seen in these patient groups. The neglected DDH patients suffering from knee pain should be analyzed not only for tibiofemoral abnormalities but also for patellofemoral malignment

Introduction. There has been renewed interest in the unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with reports of good long term outcomes. Advantages over a more extensive knee replacement include: preservation of bone stock, retention of both cruciate ligaments, preservation of other compartments and better knee kinematics. However, a number of authors have commented on the problem of osseous defects requiring technically difficult revision surgery. Furthermore, a number of recent national register studies have shown inferior survivorship when compared to total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to review the cases of our patients who had a revision total knee arthroplasty for failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. To determine the reason for failure, describe the technical difficulties during revision surgery and record the clinical outcomes of the revision arthroplasties. Methods. Between 2003 and 2009 our institute performed thirty three revisions of a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty on thirty two patients. The time to revision surgery ranged from 2 months to 159 months with a median of 19 months. Details of the operations and complications were taken form case notes. Patient assessment included range of motion, need for walking aids and the functional status of the affected knee in the form of the Oxford knee score questionnaire. Results. The reasons for failure were aseptic loosening of tibial component, persistent pain, dislocated meniscus, mal-alignment and osteoarthritis in another compartment. Of the 33 revision knee arthroplasties 18 required additional intra-operative constructs. 11 knees required a long tibial stem while 1 required a long femoral stem. 10 knees required medial wedge augmentation and bone graft was used in 6. Mean 1 year Oxford knee scores for failed unicompartmental knee replacements was 29 compared to 39 for primary total knee replacements performed at the same institute. Of the revision knee replacements 2 required further revision due to infection and loosening. Conclusion. From the evidence of our group of failed unicompartmental knee replacements, revision surgery is technically difficult and often requires intra-operative constructs. Clinical outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty following failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is not comparable to primary total knee arthroplasty

Introduction. The same cup orientation is classically applied to all cases of hip replacement (45° abduction, 20° anteversion). We hypothesize that this orientation must be adapted to the patient's hip range of motion. We tested this hypothesis by means of an experimental study with respect to hip range of motion, comparing the classical orientation (45° and 20°), and the orientation obtained with computer-assisted navigation. Material and Methods. The experimental model included a hemipelvis equipped with a femur whose mobility was controlled for three configurations: stiff (60°/0°, 15°/10°, 10°/10°), average (80°/10°, 35°/30°,35°/25°), mobile (130°/30°, 50°/50°, 45°/35°). The hemipelvis and the cup holder were equipped with an electromagnetic system (Fastrack ™) to measure cup orientation. The Pleos™ navigation system (equipping the hemipelvis, the femur, and the cup holder) guided the cup orientation by detecting the positions risking impingement through a kinematic study of the hip. Nine operators each performed 18 navigation-guided implantations (162 hip abduction, anteversion, and range of movement measurements) in two series scheduled 2 months apart. Results. The model used herein showed intra and interobserver reliability. Compared to the navigation-assisted surgery, the arbitrary orientation gave a mean anteversion error of only 1° ± 6° (−12 to +19°) but 5° ± 8° (−26° to +13°) for abduction. However, 16% of the errors were more than 10° in anteversion (1/2 in the mobile configuration) and 11% of the errors were more than 15° in abduction (for the most part in the mobile configuration). With arbitrary orientation, the errors consisted in excess anteversion and insufficient abduction. Discussion and Conclusion. The experimental model developed was reliable and can be used to evaluate different prosthetic configurations. This study emphasizes that the ideal arbitrary cup orientation cannot be applied to all hips. All the surgeons are very reproducible but the only way to integrate the range of motion in there ‘own way to do’ in vitro, is to use a navigation system witch can guide the surgeon so as to reduce the risk of impingement and instability

Introduction. Patellofemoral complications remain a very common post-operative problem in association with total knee arthoplasty (TKA). As malrotation of the femoral component is often considered crucial for the outcome, we analyzed absolute rotational femoral alignment in relation to patellar tracking pre- and postoperatively and matched the results with the two year functional outcome. Methods. Femoral rotation and component rotation was assessed by axial radiography using condylar twist angle (CTA). The lateral patellar displacement, patellar tilt and Insall-Salvati index were measured on conventional radiographs. All assessments were done pre-operatively and at 2-year follow up. The series included 48 consecutive TKA (21 men, 27 women) performed at a single high-volume joint-replacement-center in 2008. All operations were performed using a tibia first-ligament balancing technique without patella resurfacing. The implant used was a condylar unconstrained ultracongruent rotating platform design. Outcome was assessed using the international knee society score (KSS) and the Kujala Score for anterior knee pain. Results. Preoperative CTA showed 6.4±2. 5° (X±SD) of internal femoral rotation (IR) (range, 1° of external rotation (ER) to 12° of IR) compared to postoperative CTA of 3.9°±2.98° (X±SD) of IR (range, 9.5° IR to 3.8°of ER) Preoperative patella lateral displacement showed a mean of 1.1mm (−2mm, 6mm), compared to postoperative patella lateral displacement with a mean of 1.7mm (−3mm, 6mm). Postoperative mean patella tilt was 6.65° (1.8°, 11.7°) postoperatively compared to 8.55° (4.3°,11.5°) preoperatively. No correlation was found between CTA post surgery and patella positioning (r=0.034, 95% CI). IR of the femoral component >3°did not show increased patella lateral displacement/tilt compared to 0° or ER. No correlation was found between the Kujala score and internal rotation of the component (r=0.082, p=0.05). At 2 year post OP KSS reached > 185 of max. 200 points in over 82% of patients. Conclusion. The influence of IR of the femoral component on patellofemoral kinematics remains controversial. As demonstrated, IR does not imperatively lead to patella maltracking and/or patellofemoral symptoms. Functional outcome in this series shows that relative rotation of the femoral component in accordance with natural variations as seen in the pre-operative assessment allows for good and excellent results

Introduction. Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a leading cause of disability and a growing burden on healthcare budgets. OA is particularly vexing for young, active patients who have failed less invasive therapies but are not yet candidates for arthroplasty. Often, patients suffering in this wide therapeutic gap face a debilitating spiral of disease progression, increasing pain, and decreasing activity until they become suitable arthroplasty patients. An implantable load absorber was evaluated for the treatment of medial knee OA in this patient population. Joint overload has been cited as a contributor to OA onset or progression. In response, the KineSpring® System (Moximed, Inc, USA) has been designed to reduce the load acting on the knee. The absorber is implanted in the subcutaneous tissue without violating the joint capsule, thus preserving the option of future arthroplasty. The implant is particularly useful for young, active patients, given the reversibility of the procedure and the preservation of normal flexibility and range of motion. Methods and Results. The KineSpring System was implanted in 55 patients, with the longest duration exceeding two years. The treated group had medial knee OA, included younger OA sufferers (range 31–68 years), with a mean BMI > 30kg/m2. Acute implant success, adverse events, and clinical outcomes using validated patient reported outcomes tools were recorded at baseline, post-op, 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-op. All patients were successfully implanted with a mean procedure time of 76.4 min (range 54–153 minutes). Mean hospital length of stay was 1.7 days (range 1–3 days), and patients recovered rapidly, achieving full weight bearing within 1–2 wks and normal range of motion by 6 weeks. Most patients experienced pain relief and functional improvement with 85% (35/41) reporting none or mild pain on the WOMAC pain subscale and 90% (37/41) reporting functional impairment as none on mild on the WOMAC function subscale at the latest follow-up visit (mean 9.3 ± 3.5 months). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant pain reduction and functional improvement were noted with baseline WOMAC pain scores (0–100 scale) improving from 42.4 to 16.1 (p<0.001) and WOMAC function (0–100 scale) improving from 42.0 to 14.7 (p<0.001) at latest follow-up. Patients reported satisfaction with the implant and its appearance. Conclusions. The KineSpring System preserves natural knee anatomy and kinematics while providing pain reduction and resumption of high activity levels that have proven durable. This device, with these excellent results, fills a major gap in treatment options for young and active OA patients

Introduction. Minimally invasive implanted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) leads to excellent functional results. Due to the reduced intraoperative visibility it is difficult to remove extruded bone cement particles, as well as bone particles generated through the sawing. These loose third body particles are frequently found in minimally invasive implanted UKA. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of bone and cement particles on the wear rate of unicompartmental knee prostheses in vitro. Material & Methods. Fixed- bearing unicompartmental knee prostheses (n = 3; Univation F®, Aesculap, Tuttlingen) were tested with a customized four-station servo-hydraulic knee wear simulator (EndoLab GmbH, Thansau, Germany) reproducing exactly the walking cycle as specified in ISO 14243-1:2002. After 5.0 million cycles crushed cortical bone chips were added to the test fluid for 1.5 million cycles to simulate bone particles, followed by 1.5 million cycles blended with PMMA- particles (concentration of the third-body particles: 5g/l; particle diameter: 0.5- 0.7 mm). Every 500 000 cycles the volumetric wear rate was measured (ISO 14243-2) and the knee kinematics were recorded. For the interpretation of the test results we considered four different phases: breaking in- (during the first 2.0 million cycles), the steady state- (from 2.0 million to 5 million cycles), bone particle- and cement particle phase. Finally, a statistical analysis was carried out to verify the normal distribution (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), followed by direct comparisons to differentiate the volumetric wear amount between the gliding surfaces (paired Student's t-test, p<0.05). Results. The wear rate was 12.5±0.99 mm. 3. /mio. cycles in the breaking-in phase and decreased during the steady state phase to 4.4±0.91 mm. 3. /mio cycles (not significant, p = 0,3). The bone particles did not have any influence on the wear rate (3.0±1.27 mm. 3. /mio cycles; p = 0,83) compared to the steady state phase. The cement particles, however, lead to a significantly higher wear rate compared to the steady state phase (25.0±16.93 mm. 3. /mio cycles; p<0.05). Discussion. To our knowledge this is the first study demonstrating that free cement debris which can be found after minimally invasive implanted UKA increases significantly the wear- rate. Bone particles generated for instance through sawing during implantation, however, had no influence on the prostheses wear rate. Our Data suggests, that it is extremely important to remove all the extruded cement debris accurately during implantation in order to avoid a higher wear rate which could result in an early loosening of the prostheses

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a posterior malleolar fragment (PMF), with < 25% ankle joint surface, on pressure distribution and joint-stability. There is still little scientific evidence available to advise on the size of PMF, which is essential to provide treatment. To date, studies show inconsistent results and recommendations for surgical treatment date from 1940.

In a randomised prospective study, 20 patients with intra-articular fractures of the distal radius underwent arthroscopically- and fluoroscopically-assisted reduction and external fixation plus percutaneous pinning. Another group of 20 patients with the same fracture characteristics underwent fluoroscopically-assisted reduction alone and external fixation plus percutaneous pinning. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at follow-up of 24 months. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and modified Mayo wrist score were used at 3, 9, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. In the arthroscopically- and fluoroscopically-assisted group, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were found in 12 patients (60%), complete or incomplete scapholunate ligament tears in nine (45%), and lunotriquetral ligament tears in four (20%). They were treated either arthroscopically or by open operation. Patients who underwent arthroscopically- and fluoroscopically-assisted treatment had significantly better supination, extension and flexion at all time points than those who had fluoroscopically-assisted surgery. The mean DASH scores were similar for both groups at 24 months, whereas the difference in the mean modified Mayo wrist scores remained statistically significant.

Although the groups are small, it is clear that the addition of arthroscopy to the fluoroscopically-assisted treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures improves the outcome. Better treatment of associated intra-articular injuries might also have been a reason for the improved outcome.