Aims. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, maximum knee extension, and limb alignment during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. This prospective study included 140 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary robotic-arm assisted TKA. All operative procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess study outcomes pre- and post-ACL resection with knee extension and 90° knee flexion. This study included 76 males (54.3%) and 64 females (45.7%) with a mean age of 64.1 years (SD 6.8) at time of surgery. Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.1° varus (SD 4.6° varus). Results. ACL resection increased the mean extension gap significantly more than the flexion gap in the medial (mean 1.2 mm (SD 1.0) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.7) respectively; p < 0.001) and lateral (mean 1.1 mm (SD 0.9) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.6) respectively; p < 0.001) compartments. The mean gap differences following ACL resection did not create any significant mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension (gap difference: mean 0.1 mm (SD 2.4); p = 0.89) or flexion (gap difference: mean 0.2 mm (SD 3.1); p = 0.40). ACL resection did not significantly affect maximum knee extension (change in maximum knee extension = mean 0.2° (SD 0.7°); p = 0.23) or fixed flexion deformity (mean 4.2° (SD 3.2°) pre-ACL release versus mean 3.9° (SD 3.7°) post-ACL release; p = 0.61). ACL resection did not significantly affect overall limb alignment (change in alignment = mean 0.2° valgus (SD 1.0° valgus; p = 0.11). Conclusion. ACL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the extension gap more than the flexion gap. However, gap differences following ACL resection do not create any mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension or flexion. ACL resection does not affect maximum knee extension or overall limb alignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):442–448

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods. This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing primary robot-assisted PS TKA. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps before and after PCL resection in extension and 90° knee flexion. Measurements were made after excision of the anterior cruciate ligament and prior to bone resection. There were 54 men (49.1%) and 56 women (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 years (. sd. 6.2) at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 4.1° varus (. sd. 3.4). Results. PCL resection increased the mean flexion gap significantly more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 mm (. sd. 1.5) vs 1.3 mm (. sd. 1.0); p < 0.001) and lateral (3.3 mm (. sd. 1.6) vs 1.2 mm (. sd. 0.9); p < 0.01) compartments. The mean gap differences after PCL resection created significant mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 mm (. sd. 2.5); p < 0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 mm (. sd. 2.1); p = 0.51). PCL resection significantly improved the mean FFD (6.3° (. sd. 4.4) preoperatively vs 3.1° (. sd. 1.5) postoperatively; p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL resection (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.81; p < 0.001). PCL resection did not significantly affect limb alignment (mean change in alignment: 0.2° valgus (. sd. 1.2); p = 0.60). Conclusion. PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in the medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity before PCL resection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1230–1237

Aims. Surgeons commonly resect additional distal femur during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to correct a flexion contracture, which leads to femoral joint line elevation. There is a paucity of data describing the effect of joint line elevation on mid-flexion stability and knee kinematics. Thus, the goal of this study was to quantify the effect of joint line elevation on mid-flexion laxity. Methods. Six computational knee models with cadaver-specific capsular and collateral ligament properties were implanted with a posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA. A 10° flexion contracture was created in each model to simulate a capsular contracture. Distal femoral resections of + 2 mm and + 4 mm were then simulated for each knee. The knee models were then extended under a standard moment. Subsequently, varus and valgus moments of 10 Nm were applied as the knee was flexed from 0° to 90° at baseline and repeated after each of the two distal resections. Coronal laxity (the sum of varus and valgus angulation with respective maximum moments) was measured throughout flexion. Results. With + 2 mm resection at 30° and 45° of flexion, mean coronal laxity increased by a mean of 3.1° (SD 0.18°) (p < 0.001) and 2.7° (SD 0.30°) (p < 0.001), respectively. With + 4 mm resection at 30° and 45° of flexion, mean coronal laxity increased by 6.5° (SD 0.56°) (p < 0.001) and 5.5° (SD 0.72°) (p < 0.001), respectively. Maximum increased coronal laxity for a + 4 mm resection occurred at a mean 15.7° (11° to 33°) of flexion with a mean increase of 7.8° (SD 0.2°) from baseline. Conclusion. With joint line elevation in primary PS TKA, coronal laxity peaks early (about 16°) with a maximum laxity of 8°. Surgeons should restore the joint line if possible; however, if joint line elevation is necessary, we recommend assessment of coronal laxity at 15° to 30° of knee flexion to assess for mid-flexion instability. Further in vivo studies are warranted to understand if this mid-flexion coronal laxity has negative clinical implications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):87–93

Aims. Inadvertent soft tissue damage caused by the oscillating saw during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occurs when the sawblade passes beyond the bony boundaries into the soft tissue. The primary objective of this study is to assess the risk of inadvertent soft tissue damage during jig-based TKA by evaluating the excursion of the oscillating saw past the bony boundaries. The second objective is the investigation of the relation between this excursion and the surgeon’s experience level. Methods. A conventional jig-based TKA procedure with medial parapatellar approach was performed on 12 cadaveric knees by three experienced surgeons and three residents. During the proximal tibial resection, the motion of the oscillating saw with respect to the tibia was recorded. The distance of the outer point of this cutting portion to the edge of the bone was defined as the excursion of the oscillating saw. The excursion of the sawblade was evaluated in six zones containing the following structures: medial collateral ligament (MCL), posteromedial corner (PMC), iliotibial band (ITB), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon (PopT), and neurovascular bundle (NVB). Results. The mean 75. th. percentile value of the excursion of all cases was mean 2.8 mm (SD 2.9) for the MCL zone, mean 4.8 mm (SD 5.9) for the PMC zone, mean 3.4 mm (SD 2.0) for the ITB zone, mean 6.3 mm (SD 4.8) for the LCL zone, mean 4.9 mm (SD 5.7) for the PopT zone, and mean 6.1 mm (SD 3.9) for the NVB zone. Experienced surgeons had a significantly lower excursion than residents. Conclusion. This study showed that the oscillating saw significantly passes the edge of the bone during the tibial resection in TKA, even in experienced hands. While reported neurovascular complications in TKA are rare, direct injury to the capsule and stabilizing structures around the knee is a consequence of the use of a hand-held oscillating saw when making the tibial cut. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1324–1330

Introduction. Surgeons commonly resect additional distal femur during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to correct a flexion contracture. However, the effect of joint line proximalization on TKA kinematics is unclear. Thus, our goal was to quantify the effect of additional distal femoral resection on knee extension and mid-flexion laxity. Methods. Six computational knee models with TKA-specific capsular and collateral ligament properties were implanted with a contemporary posterior-stabilized TKA. A 10° flexion contracture was modeled to simulate a capsular contracture. Distal femoral resections of +2 mm and +4 mm were simulated for each model. The knees were then extended under standardized torque to quantify additional knee extension achieved. Subsequently, varus and valgus torques of ±10 Nm were applied as the knee was flexed from 0° to 90° at the baseline, +2 mm, and +4 mm distal resections. Coronal laxity, defined as the sum of varus and valgus angulation with respective torques, was measured at mid-flexion. Results. With +2 mm and +4 mm of distal femoral resection, the knee extended an additional 4°±0.5° and 8°±0.75°, respectively. At 30° and 45°of flexion, baseline laxity averaged 4.8° and 5.0°, respectively. At +2 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 3.1° and 2.7° at 30° and 45°of flexion, respectively. At +4 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 6.5° and 5.5° at 30° and 45° of flexion, respectively. Maximal increased coronal laxity for a +4 mm resection occurred at a mean 16° (range, 11–27°) of flexion with a mean increased laxity of 7.8° from baseline. Conclusion. While additional distal femoral resection in primary TKA increases knee extension, the consequent joint line elevation induces up to 8° of coronal laxity in mid-flexion in this computational model. As such, posterior capsular release prior to resecting additional distal femur to correct a flexion contracture should be considered

Introduction. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of PCL resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary robotic-arm assisted posterior-stabilised TKA. All operative procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps pre- and post-PCL resection in knee extension and 90 degrees knee flexion. This study included 54 males (49.1%) and 56 females (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 ± 6.2 years at time of surgery. Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.1 ± 4.4 degrees varus. Results. PCL resection increased the flexion gap more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 ± 1.5mm vs 1.3 ± 1.0mm respectively, p<0.001) and lateral (3.3 ± 1.6mm vs 1.2 ± 0.9mm respectively, p<0.01) compartments. The gap differences following PCL resection created mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 ± 2.5mm, p<0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 ± 2.1mm, p=0.51). PCL resection improved overall FFD (6.3 ± 4.4° preoperatively vs 3.1 ± 1.5° postoperatively, p<0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL release (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.81, p<0.001). PCL resection did not affect overall limb alignment (change in alignment: 0.2 ± 1.2 degrees valgus, p=0.60). Conclusion. PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap proportionally more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity prior to PCL resection. Bone resection, implant positioning, and periarticular soft tissue balancing should account for these changes in flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral laxity, and fixed flexion deformity following PCL resection in PS TKA. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Introduction. t is accepted dogma in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that resecting the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) increases the flexion space by approximately 4mm, which significantly affects intra-operative decisions and surgical techniques. Unfortunately, this doctrine is based on historical cadaveric studies of limited size. This study purpose was to more accurately determine the effect of PCL resection on the tibiofemoral flexion gap dimension in vivo in a large sample. Methods. Tibiofemoral joint space measurements were made during 127 standardized TKAs by two arthroplasty surgeons. A medial parapatellar approach, computer navigation and provisional tibial and femoral bone cuts were performed in all cases with particular attention to preserving PCL integrity. Cases with an incompetent or damaged PCL were excluded. The tibiofemoral gap dimension was measured with a calibrated tension device at full extension, 45-degrees, and 90-degrees before and after complete PCL resection. Results. 52% of patients were female (66/127), with mean age and BMI of 69.4 years and 34.3 kg/m. 2. , respectively. After PCL resection, the mean joint space dimension increased 0.3mm (range, 0–3mm) at extension, 0.9mm (range, 0–4mm) at 45-degrees, and 1.7mm (range, 0–5mm) at 90-degrees (p<0.001). The 90-degree flexion space opened ≤1mm in 48% of patients and ≥3mm in only 10%. Dividing the flexion gap change by the femoral implant dimension to account and calibrate for patient size, the joint space at 90-degrees increased more in females (0.031 vs. 0.023, p=0.022). Conclusion. The tibiofemoral joint space increases progressively from extension, to mid-flexion through 90-degrees flexion after PCL resection, yet is substantially less than reported in historical studies. However, large variation in the degree of flexion space opening was observed with some patients failing to increase their flexion space whatsoever with PCL resection. This runs counter to conventional TKA understanding and should be considered in modern surgical techniques and education. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Surgeons performing a total knee replacement (TKR) have two techniques to assist them achieve proper bone resections and ligament tension – gap balancing (GB) and measured resection (MR). GB relies on balancing ligaments prior to bony resections, whereas bony resections are made based on anatomical landmarks in MR. Many studies have been done to compare the implant migration and kinematics between the two techniques, but the results have been varied. However, these studies have not been done on modern anatomically designed prostheses using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Anatomical designs attempt to mimic the normal knee joint structure to return more natural kinematics to the joint, with emphasis on eliminating both paradoxical anterior motion and reduced posterior femoral rollback. Given the major design differences between anatomical and non-anatomical prostheses, it is important to investigate whether one surgical technique may have advantages another. We hypothesize that there would be no difference between GB and MR techniques in implant migration, but that GB might provide better knee kinematics. Methods. Patients were recruited to receive an anatomically designed prosthesis and randomized to groups where the GB or MR technique is used. For all patients in the study, RSA images were acquired at a 2 week baseline, as well as at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-operatively. These images were used to collect the maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the tibial and femoral implant components relative to the bone using a model-based RSA software. A series of RSA images were also acquired at 3-months post-operatively at different knee flexion angles, ranging in 20° increments from 0° to 100°. Model-based RSA software was used to obtain the 3D positions and orientations of the femoral and tibial components, which were used to obtain the anterior-posterior (AP) contact locations for each condyle. Results. Results from 47 patients (27 GB, 20 MR) were analyzed. No significant differences were present between the two surgical techniques for tibial component MTPM at 6 weeks (mean difference=0.02 mm, p=0.61), 3 months (mean difference=0.01 mm, p=0.92), and 6 months (mean difference=0.01 mm, p=0.93) post-operatively. No significant differences were present between the two surgical techniques for femoral component MTPM at 6 weeks (mean difference=0.12 mm, p=0.08), 3 months (mean difference=0.05 mm, p=0.54), and 6 months (mean difference=0.13 mm, p=0.05) post-operatively. On the medial condyle, no significant differences in AP contact location were found at all angles between 0° and 80° of flexion (p-values from 0.28 to 0.95). There was a significant difference medially between the AP contact location of the two surgical techniques at 100° of flexion (p=0.01), indicating more posterior rollback on the medial condyle in the GB technique. On the lateral condyle, no significant differences in AP contact location were found at all angles of flexion (p-values from 0.13 to 0.62). On the medial condyle of the GB group, the AP contact location moved posteriorly 5.83 mm from 0° to 20°, anteriorly 2.60 mm from 20° to 60°, and posteriorly 7.40 mm from 60° to 100°. On the medial condyle of the MR group, the AP contact location moved posteriorly 5.36 mm from 0° to 20°, anteriorly 2.87 mm from 20° to 60°, and posteriorly 3.65 mm from 60° to 100°. On the lateral condyle of the GB group, the AP contact location moved posteriorly 6.87 mm from 0° to 20°, 0.30 mm from 20° to 60°, and 3.61 mm from 60° to 100°. On the lateral condyle of the MR group, the AP contact location moved posteriorly 6.86 mm from 0° to 20°, anteriorly 0.02 mm from 20° to 60°, and posteriorly 3.56 mm from 60° to 100°. Conclusions. The GB and MR techniques are very similar in terms of implant migration and overall kinematics when an anatomical prosthesis design is used for TKR. This study suggests that surgeon preference should be used when deciding which technique to use for implanting this anatomically designed knee replacement. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Intra-articular resection of bone with soft-tissue balancing and total knee replacement (TKR) has been described for the treatment of patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee associated with an ipsilateral malunited femoral fracture. However, the extent to which deformity in the sagittal plane can be corrected has not been addressed. We treated 12 patients with severe arthritis of the knee and an extra-articular malunion of the femur by TKR with intra-articular resection of bone and soft-tissue balancing. The femora had a mean varus deformity of 16° (8° to 23°) in the coronal plane. There were seven recurvatum deformities with a mean angulation of 11° (6° to 15°) and five antecurvatum deformities with a mean angulation of 12° (6° to 15°). The mean follow-up was 93 months (30 to 155). The median Knee Society knee and function scores improved from 18.7 (0 to 49) and 24.5 (10 to 50) points pre-operatively to 93 (83 to 100) and 90 (70 to 100) points at the time of the last follow-up, respectively. The mean mechanical axis of the knee improved from 22.6° of varus (15° to 27° pre-operatively to 1.5° of varus (3° of varus to 2° of valgus) at the last follow-up. The recurvatum deformities improved from a mean of 11° (6° to 15°) pre-operatively to 3° (0° to 6°) at the last follow-up. The antecurvatum deformities in the sagittal plane improved from a mean of 12° (6° to 16°) pre-operatively to 4.4° (0° to 8°) at the last follow-up. Apart from varus deformities, TKR with intra-articular bone resection effectively corrected the extra-articular deformity of the femur in the presence of antecurvatum of up to 16° and recurvatum of up to 15°

Background. In recent years, the use of modern cementless implants in total knee arthroplasty has been increasing in popularity. These implants take advantage of new technologies such as additive manufacturing and potentially provide a promising alternative to cemented implant designs. The purpose of this study was to compare implant migration and tibiofemoral contact kinematics of a cementless primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implanted using either a gap balancing (GB) or measured resection (MR) surgical technique. Methods. Thirty-nine patients undergoing unilateral TKA were recruited and assigned based on surgeon referral to an arthroplasty surgeon who utilizes either a GB (n = 19) or a MR (n = 20) surgical technique. All patients received an identical fixed-bearing, cruciate-retaining beaded peri-apatite coated cementless femoral component and a pegged highly porous cementless tibial baseplate with a condylar stabilizing tibial insert. Patients underwent a baseline radiostereometric analysis (RSA) exam at two weeks post-operation, with follow-up visits at six weeks, three months, six months, and one year post-operation. Migration including maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the femoral and tibial components was calculated over time. At the one year visit patients also underwent a kinematic exam using the RSA system. Results. Mean MTPM of the tibial component at one year post-operation was not different (mean difference = 0.09 mm, p = 0.980) between the GB group (0.85 ± 0.37 mm) and the MR group (0.94 ± 0.41 mm). Femoral component MTPM at one year post-operation was also not different (mean difference = 0.27 mm, p = 0.463) between the GB group (0.62 ± 0.34 mm) and the MR group (0.89 ± 0.44 mm). Both groups displayed a lateral pivot pattern with similar frequencies of condylar separation. Conclusion. There was no difference in implant migration and kinematics of a single-radius, cruciate retaining cementless TKA performed using a GB or MR surgical technique. The magnitude of migration suggests there is no risk of early loosening. The results provide support for the use of a cementless TKA as a viable alternative to cemented fixation

We present the results in 12 patients of arthrodesis of the knee using a vascularised fibular graft after resection of a malignant bone tumour. At a mean follow-up of 95 months (60 to 178) all patients were free from disease although 11 had had at least one complication, with stress fracture of the graft in five patients, nonunion in two and deep infection requiring above-knee amputation in one. Despite the high rate of complications, satisfactory results can be obtained using this technique. Careful preoperative counselling is required

Aims. Sagittal plane imbalance (SPI), or asymmetry between extension and flexion gaps, is an important issue in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare SPI between kinematic alignment (KA), mechanical alignment (MA), and functional alignment (FA) strategies. Methods. In 137 robotic-assisted TKAs, extension and flexion stressed gap laxities and bone resections were measured. The primary outcome was the proportion and magnitude of medial and lateral SPI (gap differential > 2.0 mm) for KA, MA, and FA. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of knees with severe (> 4.0 mm) SPI, and resection thicknesses for each technique, with KA as reference. Results. FA showed significantly lower rates of medial and lateral SPI (2.9% and 2.2%) compared to KA (45.3%; p < 0.001, and 25.5%; p < 0.001) and compared to MA (52.6%; p < 0.001 and 29.9%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in medial and lateral SPI between KA and MA (p = 0.228 and p = 0.417, respectively). FA showed significantly lower rates of severe medial and lateral SPI (0 and 0%) compared to KA (8.0%; p < 0.001 and 7.3%; p = 0.001) and compared to MA (10.2%; p < 0.001 and 4.4%; p = 0.013). There was no difference in severe medial and lateral SPI between KA and MA (p = 0.527 and p = 0.307, respectively). MA resulted in thinner resections than KA in medial extension (mean difference (MD) 1.4 mm, SD 1.9; p < 0.001), medial flexion (MD 1.5 mm, SD 1.8; p < 0.001), and lateral extension (MD 1.1 mm, SD 1.9; p < 0.001). FA resulted in thinner resections than KA in medial extension (MD 1.6 mm, SD 1.4; p < 0.001) and lateral extension (MD 2.0 mm, SD 1.6; p < 0.001), but in thicker medial flexion resections (MD 0.8 mm, SD 1.4; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Mechanical and kinematic alignment (measured resection techniques) result in high rates of SPI. Pre-resection angular and translational adjustments with functional alignment, with typically smaller distal than posterior femoral resection, address this issue. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):681–687

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), with those following ACLR and concomitant meniscal resection or repair. Methods. We reviewed prospectively collected data from the UK National Ligament Registry for patients who underwent primary ACLR between January 2013 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into five groups: isolated ACLR, ACLR with medial meniscus (MM) repair, ACLR with MM resection, ACLR with lateral meniscus (LM) repair, and ACLR with LM resection. Linear regression analysis, with isolated ACLR as the reference, was performed after adjusting for confounders. Results. From 14,895 ACLR patients, 4,400 had two- or five-year Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) available. At two years postoperatively, the MM repair group demonstrated inferior scores in KOOS pain (β = −3.63, p < 0.001), symptoms (β = − 4.88, p < 0.001), ADL (β = − 2.43, p = 0.002), sport and recreation (β = − 5.23, p < 0.001), quality of life (QoL) (β = − 5.73, p < 0.001), and International Knee Documentation Committee (β = − 4.1, p < 0.001) compared with the isolated ACLR group. The LM repair group was associated with worse KOOS sports and recreation scores at two years (β = − 4.264, p < 0.001). At five years, PROMs were comparable between the groups. At five years, PROMs were comparable between the groups. Participants undergoing ACLR surgery within 12 weeks from index injury demonstrated superior PROMs at two and five years. Conclusion. Our study showed that MM repair, and to a lesser extent LM repairs in combination with ACLR, were associated with inferior patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) compared to isolated ACLR at two years postoperatively, while meniscal resection groups exhibited comparable outcomes. However, by five years postoperation, no significant differences in PROMs were evident. Further longer-term, cross-sectional studies are warranted to investigate the outcomes of ACLR and concomitant meniscal surgery

Aims. Distal femoral resection in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizes an intramedullary guide to determine coronal alignment, commonly planned for 5° of valgus. However, a standard 5° resection angle may contribute to malalignment in patients with variability in the femoral anatomical and mechanical axis angle. The purpose of the study was to leverage deep learning (DL) to measure the femoral mechanical-anatomical axis angle (FMAA) in a heterogeneous cohort. Methods. Patients with full-limb radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. A DL workflow was created to measure the FMAA and validated against human measurements. To reflect potential intramedullary guide placement during manual TKA, two different FMAAs were calculated either using a line approximating the entire diaphyseal shaft, and a line connecting the apex of the femoral intercondylar sulcus to the centre of the diaphysis. The proportion of FMAAs outside a range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) was calculated for both definitions, and FMAA was compared using univariate analyses across sex, BMI, knee alignment, and femur length. Results. The algorithm measured 1,078 radiographs at a rate of 12.6 s/image (2,156 unique measurements in 3.8 hours). There was no significant difference or bias between reader and algorithm measurements for the FMAA (p = 0.130 to 0.563). The FMAA was 6.3° (SD 1.0°; 25% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition one and 4.6° (SD 1.3°; 13% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition two. Differences between males and females were observed using definition two (males more valgus; p < 0.001). Conclusion. We developed a rapid and accurate DL tool to quantify the FMAA. Considerable variation with different measurement approaches for the FMAA supports that patient-specific anatomy and surgeon-dependent technique must be accounted for when correcting for the FMAA using an intramedullary guide. The angle between the mechanical and anatomical axes of the femur fell outside the range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) for nearly a quarter of patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):101–108

Aims. This study compared patient-reported outcomes of three total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs from one manufacturer: one cruciate-retaining (CR) design, and two cruciate-sacrificing designs, anterior-stabilized (AS) and posterior-stabilized (PS). Methods. Patients scheduled for primary TKA were included in a single-centre, prospective, three-armed, blinded randomized trial (n = 216; 72 per group). After intraoperative confirmation of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) integrity, patients were randomly allocated to receive a CR, AS, or PS design from the same TKA system. Insertion of an AS or PS design required PCL resection. The primary outcome was the mean score of all five subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at two-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included all KOOS subscales, Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire, EuroQol visual analogue scale, range of motion (ROM), and willingness to undergo the operation again. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Results. Patients reported similar levels of pain, function, satisfaction, and general health regardless of the prosthetic design they received. Mean maximal flexion (129° (95% confidence interval (CI) 127° to 131°) was greater in the PS group than in the CR (120° (95% CI 121° to 124°)) and AS groups (122° (95% CI 120° to 124°)). Conclusion. Despite differences in design and constraint, CR, AS, and PS designs from a single TKA system resulted in no differences in patient-reported outcomes at two-year follow-up. PS patients had statistically better ROM, but the clinical significance of this finding is unclear. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1271–1278

Aims. While mechanical alignment (MA) is the traditional technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its potential for altering constitutional alignment remains poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify unintentional changes to constitutional coronal alignment and joint line obliquity (JLO) resulting from MA. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 700 primary MA TKAs (643 patients) performed between 2014 and 2017. Lateral distal femoral and medial proximal tibial angles were measured pre- and postoperatively to calculate the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), JLO, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) phenotypes. The primary outcome was the magnitude and direction of aHKA, JLO, and CPAK alterations. Results. The mean aHKA and JLO increased by 0.1° (SD 3.4°) and 5.8° (SD 3.5°), respectively, from pre- to postoperatively. The most common phenotypes shifted from 76.3% CPAK Types I, II, or III (apex distal JLO) preoperatively to 85.0% IV, V, or VI (apex horizontal JLO) postoperatively. The proportion of knees with apex proximal JLO increased from 0.7% preoperatively to 11.1% postoperatively. Among all MA TKAs, 60.0% (420 knees) were changed from their constitutional alignments into CPAK Type V, while 40.0% (280 knees) either remained in constitutional Type V (5.0%, 35 knees) or were unintentionally aligned into other CPAK types (35.0%; 245 knees). Conclusion. Fixed MA targets in TKA lead to substantial changes from constitutional alignment, primarily a significant increase in JLO. These findings enhance our understanding of alignment alterations resulting from both unintended changes to knee phenotypes and surgical resection imprecision. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):109–116

Aims. A significant percentage of patients remain dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation for femoral component preparation and sensor-guided ligament balancing improved complication rates, radiological alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) compared with a historical control group using conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs performed by a single surgeon sequentially. A historical control group, with the use of intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided ligament balancing, was compared with a group using accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided balancing (group 1), and one using navigated femoral resection and sensor-guided balancing (group 2). Primary outcome measures were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) scores measured preoperatively and at six weeks and 12 months postoperatively. The position of the components and the mechanical axis of the limb were measured postoperatively. The postoperative range of motion (ROM), haematocrit change, and complications were also recorded. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the groups. Patients in group 2 had significantly higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p = 0.041). There were no significant differences in any PROMs at six weeks or 12 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), complication rates, postoperative ROM, or blood loss. There were fewer mechanical axis outliers in groups 1 and 2 (25.2%, 14.9% respectively) versus control (28.4%), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Conclusion. The sequential addition of navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not improve short-term PROMs, radiological outcomes, or complication rates compared with conventional techniques. The costs of these added technologies may not be justified. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):24–30

Abstract. Introduction. Patella Baja is a known complication of TKR. In this study, we report the effect of the senior author's change of practice from total excision to minimal resection of Hoffa's fat pad on patellar height. Methods. Retrospective analysis of a prospective series of TKRs performed or directly supervised by the senior author. Group 1 included 72 patients performed before April 2011 who had complete excision of Hoffa's fat pad to improve exposure during their TKR procedures. Group 2 included 138 patients performed after April 2011 who had the minimum excision of Hoffa's fat pad to allow exposure. There were no other changes in surgical technique, implant choice or rehabilitation protocol during this time. Patellar height was measured using the Caton–Deschamps Index (CDI) on standard lateral radiographs immediately postoperative and at a minimum follow up of 1 year. Results. Group 1 included 28 males, 44 females with mean age 68.36 years. The mean CDI in this group changed from 0.54 immediately post-operatively to 0.46 at minimum one year follow-up (P=0.001) indicating progressive Patella Baja. Group 2 included 56 males, 82 females with mean age 65 years. The mean CDI changed from 0.67 immediately post-operative to 0.68 at minimum one year post follow-up (P= 0.32) indicating no statistically or clinically relevant post-operative change in patellar height. Conclusions. Total excision of Hoffa's fat pad is associated with progressive post-operative patella baja which can be avoided by resecting the minimum amount of fat pad to allow adequate exposure

Aims. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) is theoretically more accurate for component positioning than TKA performed with mechanical instruments (M-TKA). Furthermore, the ability to incorporate soft-tissue laxity data into the plan prior to bone resection should reduce variability between the planned polyethylene thickness and the final implanted polyethylene. The purpose of this study was to compare accuracy to plan for component positioning and precision, as demonstrated by deviation from plan for polyethylene insert thickness in measured-resection RA-TKA versus M-TKA. Methods. A total of 220 consecutive primary TKAs between May 2016 and November 2018, performed by a single surgeon, were reviewed. Planned coronal plane component alignment and overall limb alignment were all 0° to the mechanical axis; tibial posterior slope was 2°; and polyethylene thickness was 9 mm. For RA-TKA, individual component position was adjusted to assist gap-balancing but planned coronal plane alignment for the femoral and tibial components and overall limb alignment remained 0 ± 3°; planned tibial posterior slope was 1.5°. Mean deviations from plan for each parameter were compared between groups for positioning and size and outliers were assessed. Results. In all, 103 M-TKAs and 96 RA-TKAs were included. In RA-TKA versus M-TKA, respectively: mean femoral positioning (0.9° (SD 1.2°) vs 1.7° (SD 1.1°)), mean tibial positioning (0.3° (SD 0.9°) vs 1.3° (SD 1.0°)), mean posterior tibial slope (-0.3° (SD 1.3°) vs 1.7° (SD 1.1°)), and mean mechanical axis limb alignment (1.0° (SD 1.7°) vs 2.7° (SD 1.9°)) all deviated significantly less from the plan (all p < 0.001); significantly fewer knees required a distal femoral recut (10 (10%) vs 22 (22%), p = 0.033); and deviation from planned polyethylene thickness was significantly less (1.4 mm (SD 1.6) vs 2.7 mm (SD 2.2), p < 0.001). Conclusion. RA-TKA is significantly more accurate and precise in planning both component positioning and final polyethylene insert thickness. Future studies should investigate whether this increased accuracy and precision has an impact on clinical outcomes. The greater accuracy and reproducibility of RA-TKA may be important as precise new goals for component positioning are developed and can be further individualized to the patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):74–80

Aims. Neither a surgeon’s intraoperative impression nor the parameters of computer navigation have been shown to be predictive of the outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether a surgeon, with robotic assistance, can predict the outcome as assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for pain (KPS), one year postoperatively, and establish what factors correlate with poor KOOS scores in a well-aligned and balanced TKA. Methods. A total of 134 consecutive patients who underwent TKA using a dynamic ligament tensioning robotic system with a tibia first resection technique and a cruciate sacrificing ultracongruent TKA system were enrolled into a prospective study. Each TKA was graded based on the final mediolateral ligament balance at 10° and 90° of flexion: 1) < 1 mm difference in the thickness of the tibial insert and that which was planned (n = 75); 2) < 1 mm difference (n = 26); 3) between 1 mm to 2 mm difference (n = 26); and 4) > 2 mm difference (n = 7). The mean one-year KPS score for each grade of TKA was compared and the likelihood of achieving an KPS score of > 90 was calculated. Finally, the factors associated with lower KPS despite achieving a high-grade TKA (grade A and B) were analyzed. Results. Patients with a grade of A or B TKA had significantly higher mean one-year KPS scores compared with those with C or D grades (p = 0.031). There was no difference in KPS scores in grade A or B TKAs, but 33% of these patients did not have a KPS score of > 90. While there was no correlation with age, sex, preoperative deformity, and preoperative KOOS and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical scores, patients with a KPS score of < 90, despite a grade A or B TKA, had lower PROMIS mental health scores compared with those with KPS scores of > 90 (54.1 vs 50.8; p = 0.043). Patients with grade A and B TKAs with KPS > 90 were significantly more likely to respond with “my expectations were too low”, and with “the knee is performing better than expected” compared with patients with these grades of TKA who had a KPS score of < 90 (40% vs 22%; p = 0.004). Conclusion. A TKA balanced with robotic assistance to within 1 mm of difference between the medial and lateral sides in both flexion and extension had a higher KPS score one year postoperatively. Despite accurate ligament balance information, a robotic system could not guarantee excellent pain relief. Patient expectations and mental status also significantly affected the perceived success of TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):67–73