Upright body posture is maintained with the alignment of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities, and the muscle strength of the body trunk and lower extremities. Conversely, the posture is known to undergo changes with age, and muscle weakness of lower extremities and the restriction of knee extension in osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA) have been considered to be associated with loss of natural lumbar lordosis and abnormal posture. As total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is aimed to correct malalignment of lower extremities and limited range of motion of knee, particularly in extension, we hypothesized that TKA positively affects the preoperative abnormal posture. To clarify this, the variation in the alignment of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities before and after TKA was evaluated in this study. Patients suffering from primary knee OA who were scheduled to receive primary TKA were enrolled in this study. However, patients with arthritis secondary to another etiology, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or previous surgical interventions to the knee, were excluded. Moreover, patients who suffered from hip and ankle OA, cranial nerve diseases, or severe spinal deformity were also excluded. The sagittal vertical axis (SVA), the horizontal distance between the posterosuperior aspect of the S1 endplate surface and a vertical plumb line drawn from the center of the C7 vertebral body, is an important index of sagittal balance of the trunk. Thus, patients were classified into two groups based on the preoperative SVA with preoperative standing lateral digital radiographs: normal (< 40mm) and abnormal (≥ 40mm) groups. The variations in the sagittal alignment of the spine, pelvis and lower extremities were evaluated preoperatively, and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. This study was approved by an institutional review board, and informed consent for participation was obtained from the patients.Introduction
Patients and methods
In order to restore the neutral limb alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgical procedure usually starts with removing osteophytes in varus osteoarthritic knees. However, there are no reports in the literature regarding the exact influence of osteophyte removal on alignment correction. The purpose of this study was to define the influence of osteophyte removal alone on limb alignment correction in the coronal plane in TKA for varus knee. Twenty-eight medial osteoarthritic knees with varus malalignment scheduled for TKA were included in this study. After registration of a navigation system, each knee was tested at maximum extension, and at 30, 40 and 60 degrees of flexion before and after osteophyte removal. External loads of 10 N-m valgus torque at each angle and in both states were applied. Subsequently, the widths of the resected osteophytes were measured.Background
Methods
A femoral rotational alignment is one of the essential factors, affecting the postoperative knee balance and patellofemoral tracking in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To obtain an adequate alignment, the femoral component must be implanted parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA). We have developed “a superimposable Computed Tomography (CT) scan-based template”, in which the SEA is drawn on a distal femoral cross section of the CT image at the assumed bone resection level, to determine the precise SEA. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the rotational alignment of the femoral component positioned with the superimposed template in TKA. Twenty-six consecutive TKA patients, including 4 females with bilateral TKAs were enrolled. To prepare a template, all knees received CT scans with a 2.5 mm slice thickness preoperatively. Serial three slices of the CT images, in which the medial epicondyle and/or lateral epicondyle were visible, were selected. Then, these images were merged into a single image onto which the SEA was drawn. Thereafter, another serial two CT images, which were taken at approximately 9 mm proximal from the femoral condyles, were also selected, and the earlier drawn SEA was traced onto each of these pictures. These pictures with the SEA were then printed out onto transparent sheets to be used as potential “templates” (Fig. 1-a). In the TKA, the distal femur was resected with the modified measured resection technique. Then, one template, whichever of the two potential templates, was closer to the actual shape, was selected and its SEA was duplicated onto the distal femoral surface (Fig. 1-b). Following that, the distal femur was resected parallel to this SEA. The rotational alignment of the femoral component was evaluated with CT scan postoperatively. For convention, an external rotation of the femoral component from the SEA was given a positive numerical value, and an internal rotation was given a negative numerical value.Introduction
Patients and methods
In order to achieve good clinical results in TKA, soft tissue balance is important. Soft tissue balance is closely related to knee kinematics which affects clinical results. Modified gap balancing technique is one of the standard techniques for posterior stabilized (PS) TKA. On the other hand, appropriate load for the measurement of gap balance has not been established. The purpose of the present study is to measure the mechanical properties of soft tissue structure of knee sleeve in flexion and extension during PS TKA using newly developed balancer. The understanding of the mechanical properties is crucial. In particular if these properties are used as input for surgical procedures, standard technique for many surgeons will be established. Medial compartmental osteoarthrosis (OA) patients (13 female and 7 male) were evaluated. Average age, BMI, and Varus deformity were 72.1 years, 26.9, and 12 degrees, respectively. The newly developed center paddle balancer consists of a built-in spring (Fig. 1). Figure 2 shows the sequence of surgery and measurements. In the surgery, we measured the balance (degrees in Figure 1, A) and distance (mm in Figure 1, B) in extension with a load (Figure 1,C) at transition zone of toe region to linear region. Then, applying the load until flexion gap was the same as that in extension with a patella reduction, we measured the femoral component rotation from the balancer (degrees in Figure 1, A). The anterior and posterior femoral cuts were performed according to measured femoral component rotation which angle is parallel to tibial cut surface.Introduction
Materials and Methods
For restoration of neutral limb alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), we usually start by removing osteophytes in varus osteoarthritic knees. However, we have found no reports in the literature regarding research on the exact influence of osteophyte removal on angle correction. The purpose of this study was to define the influence of osteophyte removal on limb alignment correction in the coronal plane in TKA. Nine patients with varus malalignment that were scheduled for TKA were included in this study. Only patients with degenerative osteoarthritis were considered. After registration of a navigation system, each knee was tested at maximum extension, and 30 and 60 degrees of flexion before and after osteophyte removal. The same examiner applied all external loads of 10 N-m valgus torque at each angle and in both states. Subsequently, the widths of the osteophytes were measured. All data were analyzed statistically using paired t-test and correlation coefficient. A significant difference was determined to be present for P < .05.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Many factors can influence post-operative kinematics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These factors include intraoperative surgical conditions such as ligament release or quantity of bone resection as well as differences in implant design. Release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is commonly performed to allow correction of varus knee. Precise biomechanical knowledge of the individual components of the MCL is critical for proper MCL release during TKA. The purpose of this study was to define the influences of the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) on valgus and rotatory stability in TKA. This study used six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees with intact cruciate ligaments. All TKA procedures were performed by the same surgeon using CR-TKA with a CT-free navigation system. Each knee was tested at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. One sequential sectioning sequence was performed on each knee, beginning with an intact knee (S0), and thereafter femoral arthroplasty only (S1), tibial arthroplasty (S2), release of the dMCL (S3), and finally, release of the POL (S4). The same examiner applied all external load of 10 N-m valgus and a 5 N-m internal and external rotation torque at each flexion angle for the each cutting state. All data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and we investigated the correlation between the medial gap and the rotation angle. A significant difference was determined to be present for P < .05.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Precise biomechanical knowledge of individual components of the MCL is critical for proper MCL release during TKA. This study was to define the influences of the deep MCL and the POL on valgus and rotatory stability in TKA using six cadaveric knees with sequential sectioning sequence. A CT-free navigation system monitored motion after application of valgus loads and internal and external rotation torques at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90°of knee flexion. Significant increases of rotatory instability were seen on release of the deep MCL. And, rotatory instability further increased after release of the POL. Surgical approach of retaining the deep MCL and POL has a possibility to improve the outcome after primary TKA.
Many factors can influence post-operative kinematics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These factors include intraoperative surgical conditions such as ligament release or quantity of bone resection as well as differences in implant design. Release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is commonly performed to allow correction of varus knee. Precise biomechanical knowledge of the individual components of the MCL is critical for proper MCL release during TKA. The purpose of this study was to define the influences of the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) on kinematics in TKA. This study used six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees with intact cruciate ligaments. All TKA procedures were performed by the same surgeon using CR-TKA with a CT-free navigation system. Each knee was tested at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. One sequential sectioning sequence was performed on each knee, beginning with femoral arthroplasty only (S1), and thereafter sequentially; medial half tibial resection with spacer (S2), ACL cut (S3), tibial arthroplasty (S4), release of the dMCL (S5), and finally, release of the POL (S6). The same examiner applied all external loads of 10 N-m valgus and 5 N-m internal and external rotation torques at each flexion angle and for each cut state. The AP locations of medial and lateral condyles were determined as the lowest point on each femoral condyle. All data were analyzed statistically using paired t-test. A significant difference was determined to be present for P < .05.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Many factors can influence post-operative kinematics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These factors include intraoperative surgical conditions such as ligament release or quantity of bone resection as well as differences in implant design. Release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is commonly performed to allow correction of varus knee. Precise biomechanical knowledge of the individual components of the MCL is critical for proper MCL release during TKA. The purpose of this study was to define the influences of the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) on valgus and rotatory stability in TKA. This study used six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees with intact cruciate ligaments. All TKA procedures were performed by the same surgeon using CR-TKA with a CT-free navigation system. Each knee was tested at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. One sequential sectioning sequence was performed on each knee, beginning with femoral arthroplasty only (S1), and thereafter sequentially, medial half tibial resection with spacer (S2), ACL cut (S3), tibial arthroplasty (S4), release of the dMCL (S5), and finally, release of the POL (S6). The same examiner applied all external loads of 10 N-m valgus and 5 N-m internal and external rotation torques at each flexion angle and for each cut state. All data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and paired t-test. A significant difference was determined to be present for P < .05.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Although the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) or other embolic events associated with total joint arthroplasty have been recorded for some time, to date no direct means of these events in human arthroplasty have reported. This prospective study was designed to clarify the pathophysiologic mechanism of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Nine patients fulfilling the following selection criteria were included in this prospective study: diagnosis of osteoarthosis, age 60 to 75 years, cemented primary TKA. All patients had a baseline pulmonary perfusion scan 2 days prior to the surgery. TKA was performed in the standard manner under general anesthesia. Monitoring of the heart chambers during the course of the TKA was performed using a 5 MHz ultrasonic transducer placed into the esophagus. The 4-chamber view plane of the heart was then imaged using a 2-dimensional echocardiography. A tip of the catheter inserted from the contralateral femoral vein was also placed in the inferior vena cava to harvest the venous blood flowed from the suffered lower extremity before and after tourniquet release. All patients had pulmonary perfusion scans 3 hours after TKA and on the 21st postoperative day. The ventilation-perfusion scan was compared with the baseline perfusion scan.Introduction:
Methods:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of four major knee ligaments is most crucial ligament to maintain normal knee kinematics. It is well know that ACL dysfunction causes secondary osteoarthritis of the knee. The influence of age on the biomechanical properties of the ACL was examined. The structural properties of 27 pairs of human cadaver knees without OA were evaluated. Specimens were equally divided into three groups of nine pairs each based on age: younger (22 to 35 years), middle (40 to 50 years), and older (60 to 97 years). Tensile tests of the femur-ACL-tibia complex were performed at 30 degrees of knee flexion with the ACL aligned vertically along the direction of applied tensile load. Structural properties of the femur-ACL-tibia complex, as represented by the linear stiffness, ultimate load, and energy absorbed, were found to decrease significantly with specimen age. On the other hand, little has been written about the arthritic ACL. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship among ROM, cross sections of the intercondylar notch and the macroscopic condition of ACL degeneration. Fifty osteoarthritic patients who underwent TKA as a result of severe osteoarthritis were randomly selected. Occupation rate of the osteophytes to the notch width were measured at the anterior 1/3, middle 1/3, and posterior 1/3 notche images obtained from preoperative tunnel view. ROM was measured preoperatively and under anesthesia. Macroscopic conditions of the ACL and PCL were classified into four types of Normal, Frayed, Partial rupture, and Absent. The macroscopic ACL conditions were Normal: 12 cases, Frayed: 15 cases, Partial rupture: 14 cases, and Absent: 9 cases. The macroscopic PCL conditions were Normal: 34 cases, Frayed: 9 cases, Partial rupture: 7 cases, and Absent: 0 case. Occupation rate of the osteophytes to the notch correlated to the preoperative varus deformity (p < 0.05). In terms of ACL, the occupation rate of the osteophytes to the notch were 22.9%, 28.8%, 46.0%, and 81.8% in Normal, Frayed, partial ruptured, and Absent, respectively. The patients with more than 40% occupation rate and less than 110 degree of knee flexion angle showed either partial rupture or absent of the ACL during the surgery. Those results correlated with the degree of OA deterioration. We conclude that occupation rate of the osteophytes to the notch poor preoperative ROM is a good predictor of evaluating the ACL degeneration in osteoarthritic knee. We also conclude that ACL dysfunction due to joint space narrowing accelerates the advancement of the knee OA.
Biomechanical knowledge of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is important for MCL release during knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to define the influences of the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) on valgus and rotatory stability in knee arthroplasty. Six cadaveric knees were divided into 2 groups with unique sequential sectioning sequences of the dMCL and the POL. Group A (n = 2) first received femoral arthroplasty only, and thereafter sequentially received medial half tibial resection with spacer, ACL cut, dMCL cut, POL cut, and finally tibial arthroplasty. Group B (n = 4) first received femoral arthroplasty only, and thereafter sequentially received medial half tibial resection with spacer, ACL cut, tibial arthroplasty, dMCL cut, and finally, POL cut. A CT-free navigation system monitored motion after application of valgus loads (10 N-m) and internal and external rotation torques (5 N-m) at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90°of knee flexion.Purpose:
Methods:
