Extensor mechanism disruption in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occurs infrequently but often requires surgical intervention. We compared two cohorts undergoing extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction, one group had an extensor mechanism rupture, and the other had a recurrent ankylosed knee. Thirteen consecutive patients with extensor mechanism disruption or ankylosis after TKA were treated. Two different types of extensor mechanism allografts were used: quadriceps tendon-patella-patella tendon-tibial tubercle, and Achilles tendon allograft(Fig1). Demographic factors, diagnosis at extensor failure, Knee Society clinical rating scores, radiographs, and patient satisfaction were recorded. The average time from extensor mechanism disruption to surgery was 6.6 months (range, 1-24 months). At a mean followup of 24 months (range, 6-46 months), all patients were community ambulators. None of the patients showed a postoperative extensor lag. Average postoperative maximum flexion was 97° (90-115°) for the ruptured group and 80° (75-90) for the ankylosed grup. All patients thought their functional status had improved, and 87% were satisfied with the results of the allograft reconstruction (Fig 2, 3, 4, 5). One patient had allograft failure due to recurrent infection after re-revision for sepsis. The total extensor mechanism allograft and Achilles tendon allograft both were successful in the treatment of the failed extensor mechanism and showed promising results for the treatment of the ankylosed knee.

The aim of tissue sparing surgery in total knee arthroplasty is to reduce surgical invasivity to the entire knee joint. Surgical invasion should not be limited only toward soft tissues but also toward bone. The classic technique for total knee arthroplasty implies intramedullary canal invasion for proper femoral component positioning. This phase is associated to fat embolism, activation of coagulation, and occult bleeding from the reamed canal. The purpose of our study was to validate a new extramedullary device which relies on templated data.

Two-hundred patients in four different orthopaedics centres were randomized to undergo primary total knee arthroplasty either using standard intramedullary femoral instruments (IM group) or using a new extramedullary device (EM group). A new set of instruments was developed to control the sagittal and coranl plane of the distal femoral resection. The extramedullary instrument was calibrated referencing to templated data obtained from the preoperative long-limb radiograph (Fig 1, 2). Varus-valgus orientation of the resection were established by moving the two paddles according to templated data. An L-shaped sliding tool (5 centimetres long) over the anterior cortex controls the flexion-extension parameter of the resection and is intended to allow a cut flush with the anterior cortex at 0° of angulation with the distal aspect of the femoral diaphysis on the sagittal plane

Femoral component coronal alignment was within 0±3° of the mechanical axis in 86% of the IM group and 88% of the EM group. Sagittal alignment of the femoral component was 0±3° in 80% of the IM group and 94% of the EM group. There was no difference in the average operative time between the two groups. The EM group showed a trend toward less postoperative blood loss

Extramedullary reference with careful preoperative templating can be safely utilized during total knee arthroplasty.

The anterior curve of the tibial plateau cortex represents a realiable and reproducible landmark which may help aligning the tibial component with the femoral component and the extensor mechanism

Few studies analyzed the tibial component rotational alignment during total knee arthroplasty. Malrotation can affect both patello-femoral and tibio-femoral postoperative function. We evaluated the rotational relationship between femur and tibia, and we investigated which tibial landmark consistently matches the rotation of the femoral epicondylar axis in full extension (Fig 1).

Axial magnetic resonance images of 124 normal knees (statistical power 1-beta=0.8) were analyzed separately by three authors. Scanograms were obtained with the knee in full extension and with the long axis of the foot (second metatarsal bone) aligned on the neutral sagittal plane. The surgical epicondylar axis was drawn and projected over the proximal tibia and tibial tuberosity slices. Multiple anatomical tibial rotational landmarks were drawn and symmetric tibial component digital templates of different sizes were aligned according to each landmark. Alignment of the virtual tibial components was then compared to that of the projected femoral epicondylar axis (Fig 2). The best antero-posterior line to achieve rotational matching between the components was drawn on the proximal tibia slice of each patient.

Results of rotation (positive = external rotation, negative = internal) relative to the epicondylar axis were (Fig 3): (a) Medial third-to the middle third of the tibial tubercle 1.2°+/−5.7, (b) Akagi's line (centre of the posterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion to the most medial part of the tibial tubercle) -11.5+/−6.5, (c) The anterior curved tibial plateau cortex (curve-on-curve matching between the tibial template and the anterior cortex) 1.0+/−2.9. Intraclass correlation coefficient resulted 0.923, 0,881, and 0.949 for the Akagi's line, Middle third of tibial tubercle, and the curve-on-curve reference respectively.

The anterior curve of the tibial plateau cortex represents a realiable and reproducible landmark which may help aligning the tibial component with the femoral component and the extensor mechanism (Fig 4, 5).