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Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 11 | Pages 1013 - 1019
11 Nov 2024
Clark SC Pan X Saris DBF Taunton MJ Krych AJ Hevesi M

Aims. Distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) are commonly used for the correction of valgus deformities and lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the impact of a DFO on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function remains a subject of debate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral DFO on subsequent TKA function in patients with bilateral TKAs, using the contralateral knee as a self-matched control group. Methods. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA after prior unilateral DFO between 1972 and 2023. The type of osteotomy performed, osteotomy hardware fixation, implanted TKA components, and revision rates were recorded. Postoperative outcomes including the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Tegner Activity Scale score, and subjective knee preference were also obtained at final follow-up. Results. A total of 21 patients underwent bilateral TKA following unilateral DFO and were followed for a mean of 31.5 years (SD 11.1; 20.2 to 74.2) after DFO. The mean time from DFO to TKA conversion was 13.1 years (SD 9.7) with 13 (61.9%) of DFO knees converting to TKA more than ten years after DFO. There was no difference in arthroplasty implant systems employed in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees (p > 0.999). At final follow-up, the mean FJS-12 of the DFO-TKA knee was 62.7 (SD 36.6), while for the TKA-only knee it was 65.6 (SD 34.7) (p = 0.328). In all, 80% of patients had no subjective knee preference or preferred their DFO-TKA knee. Three DFO-TKA knees and two TKA-only knees underwent subsequent revision following index arthroplasty at a mean of 12.8 years (SD 6.9) and 8.5 years (SD 3.8), respectively (p > 0.999). Conclusion. In this self-matched study, DFOs did not affect subsequent TKA function as clinical outcomes, subjective knee preference, and revision rates were similar in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees at mean 32-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1013–1019


Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may provoke ankle symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), the talar tilt (TT) on ankle symptoms after TKA, and assess changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the subtalar joint, foot posture, and ankle laxity.

Methods

Patients who underwent TKA from September 2020 to September 2021 were prospectively included. Inclusion criteria were primary end-stage osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence stage IV) of the knee. Exclusion criteria were missed follow-up visit, post-traumatic pathologies of the foot, and neurological disorders. Radiological angles measured included the mTFA, hindfoot alignment view angle, and TT. The Foot Function Index (FFI) score was assessed. Gait analyses were conducted to measure mediolateral changes of the gait line and ankle laxity was tested using an ankle arthrometer. All parameters were acquired one week pre- and three months postoperatively.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 10 - 10
7 Aug 2023
Mabrouk A Ollivier M Pioer C
Full Access

Abstract. Introduction. Double-level knee osteotomy (DLO) is a challenging procedure that requires precision in preoperative planning and intraoperative execution to achieve the desired correction. It is indicated in cases of severe varus or valgus deformities where a single-level osteotomy would yield significantly tilted joint line obliquity (JLO). Methods. A single-centre, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 26 patients, who underwent DLO by PSCGs for valgus malaligned knees. Post-operative alignment was evaluated and the delta for different lower limb alignment parameters were calculated; HKA, MPTA, and LDFA. At the two-year follow-up, changes in KOOS sub-scores, UCLA scores, lower limb discrepancy, and mean time to return to work and sport were recorded. All intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results. The postoperative mean ΔHKA was 0.9 ± 0.9°, the mean ΔMPTA was 0.7 ± 0.7°, and the mean ΔLDFA was 0.7 ± 0.8° (all values with p > 0.05). All KOOS subscores’ mean values were improved to an extent two-fold superior to the reported MCID (all with p < 0.0001). There was a significant increase in the UCLA score at the final follow-up (5.4 ± 1.5 preoperatively versus 7.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.01). The mean time to return to sport and work was 4.7 ± 1.1 and 4.3 ± 2.1 months, respectively. There was an improvement in Lower-limb discrepancy preoperative (LLD = 1.3+/−2cm) to postoperative measures (LLD= 0.3 +/− 0.4 cm) p=0.02. Conclusion. DLO is effective and safe in achieving accurate correction in bifocal valgus malaligned knees with maintained lower limb length and low complication rate with no compromise of JLO


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 90-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1441 - 1445
1 Nov 2008
Hadjicostas PT Soucacos PN Thielemann FW

We describe the mid-term results of a prospective study of total knee replacement in severe valgus knees using an osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle and computer navigation. There were 15 knees with a mean valgus deformity of 21° (17° to 27°) and a mean follow-up of 28 months (24 to 60). A cemented, non-constrained fixed bearing, posterior-cruciate-retaining knee prosthesis of the same design was used in all cases (Columbus-B. Braun; Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). All the knees were corrected to a mean of 0.5° of valgus (0° to 2°). Flexion of the knee had been limited to a mean of 85° (75° to 110°) pre-operatively and improved to a mean of 105° (90° to 130°) after operation. The mean Knee Society score improved from 37 (30 to 44) to 90 points (86 to 94). Osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle combined with computer-assisted surgery gave an excellent mid-term outcome in patients undergoing total knee replacement in the presence of severe valgus deformity


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 59 - 59
1 Oct 2019
Sculco PK LaGreca M Adonna JL Carroll KM Haas SB Mayman DJ
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Introduction. One of the more common complaints from patients in their post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the perceived feeling of the operative leg feeling longer than the non-operative leg. Studies have shown that the leg length discrepancies may occur in up to 80% of patients following unilateral TKA patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of leg length discrepancy (LLD) after primary TKA as well as determine the correlation between deformity and incidence of LLD. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 1108 patients who underwent a primary unilateral TKA at a single institution. 97 patients were excluded for lack of imaging, prior total hip replacement or body mass index greater than 40 kg/m2. Hip to ankle biplanar radiographs were obtained pre-operative and 6 weeks postoperatively for all patients. Two independent observers measures leg length, femur length, tibia length, overall alignment and deformity present for all radiographs. Results. 1,101 patients were included. Mean overall lengthening was 3.4 mm [Range −21 to 22.8mm; SD 7.4] with 81% of limbs lengthened. In our cohort, 9% of patients had LLD greater than 10 mm and 43% of patients had LLD of more than 5mm after TKA. Post-operative radiographic LLD was associated with increased pre-operative LLD (P<.001) and with female gender (p=0.03). Patients with pre-operative valgus deformity were more likely to have an increased lengthening of greater than 5mm compared to patients with varus deformity (OR:1.66). Conclusion. 43% of patients will have a LLD >5mm following correction of deformity and ligament balances in knee replacement surgery. Surgeons should be aware and this should be reviewed with patients as part of their expectations of surgery. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 90-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1317 - 1322
1 Oct 2008
Liddle AD Imbuldeniya AM Hunt DM

We present the results of 17 children of Tanner stage 1 or 2 who underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament between 1999 and 2006 using a transphyseal procedure, employing an ipsilateral four-strand hamstring graft. The mean age of the children was 12.1 years (9.5 to 14). The mean follow-up was 44 months (25 to 100). Survival of the graft, the functional outcome and complications were recorded. There was one re-rupture following another injury. Of the remaining patients, all had good or excellent results and a normal International Knee Documentation Committee score. The mean post-operative Lysholm score was 97.5 (. sd. 2.6) and the mean Tegner activity scale was 7.9 (. sd. 1.4). One patient had a mild valgus deformity which caused no functional disturbance. No other abnormality or discrepancy of leg length was seen. Measurements with a KT1000 arthrometer showed no significant difference between the normal and the operated legs. In this small series, transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament appeared to be safe in these young children


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 11_Supple_A | Pages 93 - 95
1 Nov 2014
Gehrke T Kendoff D Haasper C

The use of hinged implants in primary total knee replacement (TKR) should be restricted to selected indications and mainly for elderly patients. Potential indications for a rotating hinge or pure hinge implant in primary TKR include: collateral ligament insufficiency, severe varus or valgus deformity (> 20°) with necessary relevant soft-tissue release, relevant bone loss including insertions of collateral ligaments, gross flexion-extension gap imbalance, ankylosis, or hyperlaxity. Although data reported in the literature are inconsistent, clinical results depend on implant design, proper technical use, and adequate indications. We present our experience with a specific implant type that we have used for over 30 years and which has given our elderly patients good mid-term results. Because revision of implants with long cemented stems can be very challenging, an effort should be made in the future to use shorter stems in modular versions of hinged implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):93–5


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 100-B, Issue SUPP_12 | Pages 38 - 38
1 Oct 2018
Hozack WJ
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Introduction. Robotic-arm total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) was developed to potentially improve accuracy of bone cuts, component alignment, soft tissue balance, and patient outcomes. There is a paucity of data demonstrating that RTKA is superior to conventional total knee arthroplasty (CTKA) in terms of any of these metrics. This prospective comparative multicenter study was designed with these purposes in mind. Methods. Patients were enrolled between June 1st, 2016 and March 31st, 2018 in a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, multicenter, consecutive comparative cohort study comparing RTKA and CTKA. Only patients who satisfied the following inclusion criteria were included: body mass index (BMI) ≤ 40kg/m2, primary unilateral TKA procedure, at least 18 years of age, and no joint infection. The following data were collected for analysis:. Preoperative data on component size prediction from CT scans. Intraoperative data on bone resection levels and joint line maintenance. Functional activity scores, patient-reported symptoms, satisfaction and expectation scores using The New Knee Society Scoring System. Radiographic results, specifically coronal alignment. Results. For femoral components implanted, 82% were the exact size as predicted by the robotic-software and the remaining 18% were within 1 size (100% within 1 size). For tibial implants, 69% were the exact size of what the robotic-software predicted and 29% were within 1 size (98% within 1 size). RTKAs had significantly less distal lateral femoral resection (5.55 vs. 7.11 mm), distal medial femoral resection (6.89 vs. 7.97 mm), lateral tibial resection (7.76 vs. 8.54 mm), and medial tibial resection (4.11 vs. 5.56 mm, p<0.05) compared to CTKA. Joint line restoration was comparable between RTKA and CTKA, but required less tibial bone removal when using robotic techniques. Pre-operatively, all demographic, functional, symptom, satisfaction, and expectation measures were similar between treatment groups (all p<0.05, Tables 1–5). Those who underwent RTKA had significantly higher mean functional activity walking and standing score improvements from baseline to 4–6 weeks (1.4 vs. −1.2 points; p=0.019) and to 6 months (9.6 vs. 6.9 points; p=0.017) after surgery compared to CTKA. The mean overall functional activity score improvement from baseline to 1-year post-surgery was also higher for RTKA compared to CTKA (36.8 vs. 15.0 points; p=0.020). For all other parameters (standard activities, advanced activities, pain with walking, pain with stairs, satisfaction and expectation scores), score changes from baseline were not significantly different between groups, though many trended slightly higher for RTKA. Radiographic evaluation of RTKA demonstrated that varus deformity was corrected to neutral in 96% of cases and valgus deformity was corrected in 100%. Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively evaluate outcomes of RTKA patients compared to CTKA. A number of positive early effects were seen with RTKA. This patient cohort will continue to be followed, and these findings may translate into longer-term patient reported outcomes improvement, longer component survivorship and cost savings. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 11 | Pages 992 - 998
6 Nov 2024
Wignadasan W Magan A Kayani B Fontalis A Chambers A Rajput V Haddad FS

Aims

While residual fixed flexion deformity (FFD) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been associated with worse functional outcomes, limited evidence exists regarding FFD changes. The objective of this study was to quantify FFD changes in patients with medial unicompartmental knee arthritis undergoing UKA, and investigate any correlation with clinical outcomes.

Methods

This study included 136 patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted medial UKA between January 2018 and December 2022. The study included 75 males (55.1%) and 61 (44.9%) females, with a mean age of 67.1 years (45 to 90). Patients were divided into three study groups based on the degree of preoperative FFD: ≤ 5°, 5° to ≤ 10°, and > 10°. Intraoperative optical motion capture technology was used to assess pre- and postoperative FFD. Clinical FFD was measured pre- and postoperatively at six weeks and one year following surgery. Preoperative and one-year postoperative Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were collected.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1271 - 1278
1 Dec 2023
Rehman Y Korsvold AM Lerdal A Aamodt A

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 2 | Pages 148 - 157
1 Feb 2023
Koster LA Rassir R Kaptein BL Sierevelt IN Schager M Nelissen RGHH Nolte PA

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral and tibial components of the cementless rotating platform Attune and Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs, two years postoperatively, using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in order to assess the risk of the development of aseptic loosening. A secondary aim was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the designs.

Methods

A total of 61 TKAs were analyzed in this randomized clinical RSA trial. RSA examinations were performed one day and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The maximal total point motion (MPTM), translations, and rotations of the components were analyzed. PROMs and clinical data were collected preoperatively and at six weeks and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Linear mixed effect modelling was used for statistical analyses.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 8 | Pages 808 - 816
1 Aug 2024
Hall AJ Cullinan R Alozie G Chopra S Greig L Clarke J Riches PE Walmsley P Ohly NE Holloway N

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a highly congruent condylar-stabilized (CS) articulation may be advantageous due to increased stability versus cruciate-retaining (CR) designs, while mitigating the limitations of a posterior-stabilized construct. The aim was to assess ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of a cemented single-radius TKA with a CS insert, performed without posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing TKA at a specialist centre in the UK between November 2010 and December 2012. Data were collected using a bespoke electronic database and cross-referenced with national arthroplasty audit data, with variables including: preoperative characteristics, intraoperative factors, complications, and mortality status. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected by a specialist research team at ten years post-surgery. There were 536 TKAs, of which 308/536 (57.5%) were in female patients. The mean age was 69.0 years (95% CI 45.0 to 88.0), the mean BMI was 32.2 kg/m2 (95% CI 18.9 to 50.2), and 387/536 (72.2%) survived to ten years. There were four revisions (0.7%): two deep infections (requiring debridement and implant retention), one aseptic loosening, and one haemosiderosis.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 1 | Pages 35 - 46
1 Jan 2023
Mills K Wymenga AB Bénard MR Kaptein BL Defoort KC van Hellemondt GG Heesterbeek PJC

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare a bicruciate-retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA design in terms of kinematics, measured using fluoroscopy and stability as micromotion using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Methods

A total of 40 patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were included in this randomized controlled trial. All patients performed a step-up and lunge task in front of a monoplane fluoroscope one year postoperatively. Femorotibial contact point (CP) locations were determined at every flexion angle and compared between the groups. RSA images were taken at baseline, six weeks, three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical and functional outcomes were compared postoperatively for two years.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 3 | Pages 211 - 217
1 Mar 2022
Hsu C Chen C Wang S Huang J Tong K Huang K

Aims

The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification is a simple and comprehensive system for predicting pre-arthritic knee alignment. However, when the CPAK classification is applied in the Asian population, which is characterized by more varus and wider distribution in lower limb alignment, modifications in the boundaries of arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) should be considered. The purposes of this study were as follows: first, to propose a modified CPAK classification based on the actual joint line obliquity (aJLO) and wider range of aHKA in the Asian population; second, to test this classification in a cohort of Asians with healthy knees; third, to propose individualized alignment targets for different CPAK types in kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

The CPAK classification was modified by changing the neutral boundaries of aHKA to 0° ± 3° and using aJLO as a new variable. Radiological analysis of 214 healthy knees in 214 Asian individuals was used to assess the distribution and mean value of alignment angles of each phenotype among different classifications based on the coronal plane. Individualized alignment targets were set according to the mean lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) of different knee types.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 11 | Pages 921 - 925
9 Nov 2021
Limberg AK Wyles CC Taunton MJ Hanssen AD Pagnano MW Abdel MP

Aims

Varus-valgus constrained (VVC) devices are typically used in revision settings, often with stems to mitigate the risk of aseptic loosening. However, in at least one system, the VVC insert is compatible with the primary posterior-stabilized (PS) femoral component, which may be an option in complex primary situations. We sought to determine the implant survivorship, radiological and clinical outcomes, and complications when this VVC insert was coupled with a PS femur without stems in complex primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs).

Methods

Through our institution’s total joint registry, we identified 113 primary TKAs (103 patients) performed between 2007 and 2017 in which a VVC insert was coupled with a standard cemented PS femur without stems. Mean age was 68 years (SD 10), mean BMI was 32 kg/m2 (SD 7), and 59 patients (50%) were male. Mean follow-up was four years (2 to 10).


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 84-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1131 - 1137
1 Nov 2002
Brilhault J Lautman S Favard L Burdin P

We treated 13 patients who had a fixed valgus deformity of the knee with a semiconstrained total knee arthroplasty combined with advancement of the lateral collateral ligament by means of a lateral femoral condylar sliding osteotomy. At follow-up of between one and 6.5 years all patients were assessed using the Knee Society score. The mean knee score improved from 32 to 88 and the functional score from 45 to 73. The mean tibiofemoral angle was corrected from 191° to 180°. There was no postoperative tibiofemoral or patellar instability and, in most knees, distal transposition of the lateral femoral condyle achieved satisfactory stable alignment


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 81-B, Issue 4 | Pages 663 - 666
1 Jul 1999
Sawant MR Bendall SP Kavanagh TG Citron ND

In two years we treated four women with ununited stress fractures of their proximal tibial diaphyses. They all had arthritis and valgus deformity. The stress fractures had been treated elsewhere by non-operative means in three patients and by open reduction and internal fixation in one, but had failed to unite. After treatment with a modular total knee prosthesis with a long tibial stem extension, all the fractures united. A modular total knee prosthesis is suitable for the rare and difficult problem of ununited tibial stress fractures in patients with deformed arthritic knees since it corrects the deformity and the adverse biomechanics at the fracture site, stabilises the fracture and treats the arthritis


Aims

The aim of this study was to compare any differences in the primary outcome (biphasic flexion knee moment during gait) of robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at one year post-surgery.

Methods

A total of 76 patients (34 bi-UKA and 42 TKA patients) were analyzed in a prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Flat ground shod gait analysis was performed preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Knee flexion moment was calculated from motion capture markers and force plates. The same setup determined proprioception outcomes during a joint position sense test and one-leg standing. Surgery allocation, surgeon, and secondary outcomes were analyzed for prediction of the primary outcome from a binary regression model.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXIX | Pages 9 - 9
1 Jul 2012
Kumar S Ahearne D Hunt D
Full Access

The early surgical management of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in children remains controversial. The argument for nonoperative treatment is driven by concerns about the risk of growth arrest caused by a transphyseal procedure. On the other hand, early surgical reconstruction is favoured because of poor compliance with conservative treatment and increased risk of secondary damage due to instability. This paper reports a series of 39 very young children who had an ACL reconstruction using a transphyseal procedure with a hamstring graft. Patients were followed to skeletal maturity or for a minimum of three years. Only those patients with either a chronological age less than 14 years or with a Tanner stage of 1 and 2 of puberty were included in the study. Thirty children were Tanner 1 or 2 and nine were Tanner 3-4 but were younger than 14. The mean age at operation was 12.2 years (Range 9.5-14.2, Median 12.4). The mean follow up was 60.7 months (range 36-129, median: 51) months. Thirty four patients had attained skeletal maturity at the last follow up. The mean Lysholm score improved from 72.4 pre-operatively to 95.86 postoperatively (p<0.0001). The mean Tegner activity scale was 4.23 after injury and it improved to 7.52 after operation (p<0.0001)) which was a reasonable comparison to the pre- injury score of 8.0. One patient had a mild valgus deformity with no functional disturbance. No other growth related abnormalities including limb length discrepancy were noted. There has been one re-rupture but all others had good or excellent outcome. This is one of the largest series reporting the long term results of ACL reconstruction in very young children. Most other studies include children up to the age of 16. Based on our results we can conclude that transphyseal ACL reconstruction modified for very young patients is a safe procedure


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 81-B, Issue 4 | Pages 625 - 631
1 Jul 1999
Peltonen J Vaara P Marttinen E Ryöppy S Poussa M

We examined clinically and radiologically the knees of 46 patients (27 females and 19 males) with diastrophic dysplasia. The age of the patients varied from newborn to 38 years. A total of 18 patients was followed during their growth until adolescence. The knees of two legally aborted fetuses appeared on examination to be macroscopically normal and congruous. Excessive valgus deformity of the tibiofemoral weight-bearing angle with a mean of 14° was noted in infancy. Most of the patients had marked instability of the knees. The range of movement of the knee began to decrease before the age of five years. There were signs of early degeneration and deformation of the bony epiphyses before the age of six years. The patellofemoral joint was abnormal from an early age. A marked patella infera, often associated with a lateral position of the patella with bony fragmentation, was noted. The knee in diastrophic dysplasia is basically unstable, showing early deformation of the subchondral bone and degeneration of the joint