Introduction

Computer-assisted hip navigation offers the potential for more accurate placement of hip components, which is important in avoiding dislocation, impingement, and edge-loading. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of computer-assisted hip navigation reduced the rate of dislocation in patients undergoing revision THA.

Introduction

Total joint arthroplasty is regarded as a highly successful procedure. However, patient outcomes and implant longevity require proper alignment and prosthesis position. Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been found to improve the accuracy of component positioning and reduce rates of revision, however there remains debate whether it provides improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs). The purpose of our study was to compare PROs between computer-assisted and conventional TKA.

Introduction

Soft tissue balancing in total knee arthroplasty surgery may prove necessary to elevate patient satisfaction and functional outcome beyond the current fair average. A new generation of contact load sensors embedded in trial tibial liners provides quantification of loads, direction, and an indirect assessment of ligamentous tension. With this technology, quantified intra-operative balancing may potentially restore compartmental load distribution to a more physiological and functional degree.

INTRODUCTION

During TKA surgery, the usual goal is to achieve equal balancing between the lateral and medial side, which can be achieved by ligament releases or “pie crusting”. However little is known regarding a relationship between the balancing forces on the medial and lateral plateaus during TKA surgery, and the varus and valgus and rotational laxities when the TKA components are inserted. It seems preferable that the laxity after TKA is the same as for the normal intact knee. Hence the first aim of this study was to compare the laxity envelope of a native knee, with the same knee after TKA surgery. The second aim was to examine the relationship between the Varus-Valgus (VV) laxity and the contact forces on the tibial plateau.

INTRODUCTION

Ligament balancing aims to equalize lateral and medial gaps or tensions for optimal functional outcomes. Balancing can now be measured as lateral and medial contact forces during flexion (Roche 2014). Several studies found improved functional outcomes with balancing (Unitt 2008; Gustke 2014a; Gustke 2014b) although another study found only weak correlations (Meneghini 2016). Questions remain on study design, optimal lateral-medial force ratio, and remodeling over time. Our goals were to determine the functional outcomes between pre-op and 6 months post-op, and determine if there was a range of balancing parameters which gave the highest scores.

Introduction

A correct balancing of the knee following TKA surgery is believed to minimize instability and improve patient satisfaction. In that respect, trial components containing force sensors can be used. These force sensors provide insight in the medial/lateral force ratio as well as absolute contact forces. Although this method finds clinical application already, the target values for both the force magnitude and ratio under surgical conditions remain uncertain.

INTRODUCTION

There are many factors which contribute to function after TKA. In this study we focus on the effect of varus-valgus (VV) balancing measured externally. A loose knee can show instability (Sharkey 2014) while too tight, flexion can be limited. Equal lateral-medial balancing at surgery leads to a better result (Unitt 2008; Gustke 2014), which is generally the surgical goal. Indeed similar varus and valgus laxity angles have been found in most studies in vitro (Markolf 2015; Boguszewski 2015) and in vivo (Schultz 2007; Clarke 2016; Heesterbeek 2008). The angular ranges have been 3–5 degrees at 10–15 Nm of knee moment, females having the higher angles. The goal of this study was to measure the varus and valgus laxity, as well as the functional outcome scores, of two cohorts; well-functioning total knees after at least one year follow-up, and subjects with healthy knees in a similar age group to the TKR's. Our hypothesis was that the results will be equal in the two groups.

INTRODUCTION

The role of soft tissue balancing in optimizing function and is gaining interest. Consistent soft tissue balancing has been aided by novel technologies that can quantify loads across the joint at the time of surgery. In theory, compressive load equilibrium should be correlated with ligamentous equilibrium between the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.

The authors propose to use the Coronal Angular Deviation Ratio (CADR) as a functional tool to quantify and track surgical changes in laxity of the collateral ligaments over time and correlate this ratio to validated functional scores and patient reported outcomes.

Total knee arthroplasty can largely impact the functioning of a knee. To minimize the impact of surgery and increase patient satisfaction, it is believed that restoring knee stability and control of the laxity has the potential to improve surgical outcome. In that respect, it is hypothesized that a well-balanced knee restores the native knee's laxity and stability, whereas unbalanced conditions result in an increased laxity and instability. This study intends to precisely evaluate knee laxity and stability in a cadaveric model in order to improve the clinical evaluation of the knee laxity under surgical conditions. This paper provides insight in the design considerations and methodology of a novel knee simulator and the preliminary results

In a first phase, a new knee simulator has therefore been developed. This simulator allows quantifying the knee kinematics and surgical feel at the time of surgery in a laboratory environment. More specifically, full lower limb specimens can be mounted in the simulator. This overcomes the need for disarticulation at the hip and ankle, often reported in cadaveric testing. The latter is believed to potentially release the tension in the knee and should therefore be avoided. Note that in respect to surgical conditions no muscle activation is considered for this simulator.

To facilitate a repeatable and unbiased evaluation of the knee kinematics, it is important that the knee simulator provides full kinematic freedom to the tested knee specimen. To obtain six degrees of freedom, a dedicated hip and ankle setup has been created (figure 1). The hip setup constrains the hip joint to a single axis hinge joint around the femoral head center. The remaining five degrees of freedom are built into the ankle setup. More specifically, the ankle setup has two translational degrees of freedom and full rotational freedom. The translational freedom is provided along the specimen's proximal-distal axis and medio-lateral axis. The rotational freedom is provided at a single point, using a ball in socket joint located along the mechanical axis of the tibia. The translation along the proximal-distal axis is thereby actively controlled by the operator, simulating heel push conditions. In addition to studying the neutral path kinematics, the presented simulator allows evaluating the laxity boundaries throughout the range of motion. Therefore, a constant internal/external torque can be applied to the tibia. Alternatively, a constant varus/valgus moment can be simulated.

Second, following the design and construction of this simulator, a set of ten cadaveric knees has been tested on this simulator, both before and after TKA surgery. For the native knees, the results of these tests confirm the kinematic freedom provided to the tested knee. In addition, the laxity envelope around the neutral path can be realistically evaluated and quantified.

PURPOSE

Soft tissue balancing can be achieved by using spacer blocks, by distractors which measure tensile forces, or by instrumented devices which measure the forces on the lateral and medial condyles. However there is no quantitative method for assessment of balancing at clinical follow-up; to address this, we developed a Smart Knee Fixture (SKF) which measured the varus and valgus angles for a moment of 10 Nm. Our purpose was to determine if varus and valgus angles measured at clinical follow-up, was equivalent to the balancing parameters of distraction forces or contact forces measured at surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Important surgical requirements for optimal function are accurate bone cut alignments and soft tissue balancing. From an unbalanced state, balancing can be achieved by Surgical Corrections including soft tissue releases, bone cut modifications, and changing tibial insert thickness. Surgical balancing can now be quantified using an instrumented tibial trial, but the procedures and results need further investigation. Our major purpose was to determine the initial balancing after making the bone cuts, and the final accuracy of balancing after Surgical Corrections. A related purpose was to determine the number and effectiveness of different Corrections in achieving balancing.

Introduction

The role of soft tissue balancing in optimizing functional outcome and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty surgery is gaining interest. This is due in part to the inability of pure alignment to demonstrate excellent functional outcomes 6. Consistent soft tissue balancing has been aided by novel technologies that can quantify loads across the joint at the time of surgery 4. In theory, compressive load equilibrium should be correlated with ligamentous equilibrium between the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The authors propose to use the Collateral Ligaments Strain Ratio (CLSR) as a functional tool to quantify and track surgical changes in laxity of the collateral ligaments and correlate this ratio to validated functional scores and patient reported outcomes. The relationship with intra-operative balancing of compartmental loads can then be scrutinized. The benefits of varus-valgus balancing within 2o include increased range of motion 7, whereas pressure imbalance between the medial and lateral joint compartments has been linked to condylar liftoff and abnormal kinematics post-TKA 8.

Introduction

The mechanical classical method of knee surgical instrumentation by alignment is based on built-in compromises and is considered insufficient to ensure consistent success. Soft tissue balancing is thus now seen as necessary for optimal functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. (Matsuda 2005, Winemaker 2002). The authors have previously demonstrated that balancing can be achieved through specific strategic moves. In this study, the goal was to determine the efficacy of a given surgical algorithm and to define predictors of improved outcome. The surgical target is equilibrium of contact loads. The mechanical axis remains in neutral, however subtle variation in the joint line obliquity and posterior slope are tolerated within the literature established boundaries of +/− 3 degrees and less than 10 degrees respectively.

PURPOSE

Soft tissue balancing can be achieved by using spacer blocks, by distractors which measure tensile forces, or by instrumented devices which measure the forces on the lateral and medial condyles. However there is no quantitative method for assessment of balancing at clinical follow-up; to address this, we developed a Smart Knee Fixture (SKF) which measured the varus and valgus angles for a moment of 10 Nm. Our purpose was to determine if varus and valgus angles measured at clinical follow-up, was equivalent to the balancing parameters of distraction forces or contact forces measured at surgery. METHODS: The SKF, which measured VV angles using stretch sensors on each side of the knee, was validated by cadaver studies, fluoroscopy, and emg. The balancing parameters were:

A force analysis, and measurements on 101 surgical cases & clinical follow-up in an IRB study, were carried out to determine the relationship between these parameters.

Introduction

The role of soft tissue balancing in optimising functional outcome and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty surgery is gaining interest. Consistent soft tissue balancing has been aided by novel technologies that can quantify loads across the joint at the time of surgery. Based on free body diagram theory, compressive load equilibrium should be correlated with ligamentous equilibrium between the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The authors propose to use the Collateral Ligaments Strain Ratio (CLSR) as a functional tool to quantify and track the effectuated surgical change in laxity of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and correlate this ratio to validated functional scores and patient reported outcomes. The relationship with intra-operative balancing of compartmental loads can then be scrutinised.

Introduction

Balancing at surgery is important for clinical outcome in terms of pain relief, flexion range, and function. The methodology usually involves making bone cuts to achieve correct leg alignment, and then obtaining equal gaps in extension and flexion using spacer blocks or tensor devices. In this study, we describe a method for quantifying balancing throughout the flexion range and show the effect of different surgical corrections from an unbalanced to a balanced state. In this way, we quantified how accurately balancing could be achieved within the practical time frame of a surgical procedure.

Introduction

Evaluation of post-operative soft tissue balancing outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and other procedures can be measured by stability tests, with Anterior-Posterior (AP) drawer tests and Varus-Valgus (VV) ligamentous laxity tests being particularly important. AP stability can be quantified using a KT1000 device; however there is no standard way of measuring VV stability. The VV test relies on subjective force application and perception of laxity. Therefore we sought to develop and validate a device and method for quantifying knee balancing by analyzing VV stability.

The use of smart trial components is now allowing a better assessment of soft tissue balancing at the time of total knee replacement surgery. A balanced knee can be defined as one that possesses symmetry, ie. equal and centered lateral and medial forces through the full range of flexion. There is still a need for a standard reproducible surgical test to quickly confirm optimized balancing at surgery with such devices. The Heel Push test is the established standard, by pushing the foot in a cephalad direction while supporting the thigh and keeping the leg stable in the vertical plane. A common variation of this test is the Thigh Pull test where the foot is actively assisted during the cephalad pull of the thigh through deep flexion. The test is an open chain test. The Thigh Pull test may be an improvement since the weight of the leg is alleviated and no supplemental compressive forces are introduced. The directional changes of the lower extremity are thus a result of ligamentous tension and balances. The purpose of this study is to compare the two tests using a standard testing methodology and observe the variation in kinetic parameters in a controlled biomechanical setting.

A custom l rig was developed, which independently controls all six degrees of freedom about the knee joint. In addition a commercial navigation system was used to derive instantaneous alignment values and flexion angles between the tibia and femur. The pelvis was fixed to the table and the foot was fitted onto a low friction carriage along a slide rail. The knee design used was cruciate retaining. The pressure mapping system was a wireless tibial trial that provided magnitude of load per compartment.

The study is a preliminary cadaveric study reporting the data from two. In this experiment the leg was then tested with the Heel Push and Thigh Pull tests after obtaining optimum soft tissue balance of the cadaveric specimen. From this standard neutral state a series of single surgical variables were introduced to mimic common intra-operative surgical corrections. This was achieved through custom tibial liner and angle shims.

The results defied theoretical anticipation. Though the total contact forces with heel push were generally higher than with thigh pull, the relative load distribution between compartments did not follow a trend (see Figure 1). Furthermore in deeper flexion the persistence of relatively high contact pressures would suggest that ligaments still generate intra-articular forces despite the much weaker gravitational effect. The clinical relevance lies in the asymmetry of the load distribution between medial and lateral compartment for the two methods tested. The load asymmetry as tested by the Thigh Pull test may correspond to an open chain in swing phase. This asymmetry would force some axial rotation and tibial femoral alignment deviation that can significantly affect the forces at the time of heel strike. The Heel Push test would be more representative of the compressive forces in a closed chain mode as seen during the stance phase of gait.

There are many different approaches to achieving balancing in total knee surgery. The most frequently used method is to obtain correctly aligned bone cuts, and then carry out necessary soft tissue releases to achieve equal flexion and extension gaps. In some techniques, the bone cuts themselves are determined by the prevailing soft tissue status or the kinematics during flexion-extension. Navigation can provide quantitative data during these processes but so far, navigation is used in only in a minority of cases. However in recent years, new technologies have been introduced with lower cost and implementation time, allowing for more widespread use. Early studies have indicated that more reproducible balancing can be obtained, and that balancing has a positive effect on clinical outcomes. However the ability to measure balancing quantitatively during surgery, has raised the questions of the most systematic method for implementation during surgery, and the relative influence of various correcting factors. Further, the ideal balancing parameters with respect to varus-valgus ratios and the magnitudes during a full flexion range, have yet to be defined. Even if normative data is the target, there is scant data on this topic.

In our own laboratory, we carried out experiments on knee specimens where the various surgical variables were systematically investigated for their effect on varus-valgus balancing. Different tests were developed including the ‘Heel Push Test’ where lateral and medial contact forces were plotted as a function of flexion. Imbalances were achieved with either bone cut adjustments or soft tissue releases. The major finding was that adjustments of only 2 mms or 2 degrees could correct most imbalances. This was considered to be due to two effects; the pretension in the ligaments bringing the structure to the stiff part of the load-elongation curve, and the high values of the stiffness itself. Medial-lateral equality was the goal in this work, but recognizing that this may not be the situation in the normal knee. To answer this question, we developed a method for measuring the varus-valgus balancing in normal subjects, using a ‘Smart Knee Fixture’ with embedded stretch sensors. We validated this device using cadaveric specimens, and normal volunteers using fluoroscopy and electromyography. We are now applying the method in an IRB study to both normals and post-operative knee replacement cases. For the latter, the relation between operative data, and post-operative balancing will be studied, as well as the relation of balancing to functional outcomes.

This overall subject of balancing at surgery, and the post-operative effects, is open to extensive experimental research, and is predicted to result in improved outcomes.

Soft tissue balancing in total knee replacement may well be the determining factor in raising the fair patient satisfaction. The development of intelligent implants allows quantification of reactive loads to applied pressures. This can be tested in dynamic mode such as heel push test at surgery, or in static mode such as when testing for varus/valgus (VV) laxity of the collateral ligaments of the knee. We postulate that a well-balanced knee will have comparable if not equal load distribution across compartments in dynamic loading. When tested for laxity, we anticipate an equal or comparable response to VV applied loads under physiologic load range of 10–50N. This study sought to analyze the relationship between the kinematic (joint motion) and kinetic (force) effects to VV testing in the 0–15 degrees range of flexion. One goal was to demonstrate that testing the knee in locked extension (Screw Home effect) is unreliable and should be abandoned in favor of the more reliable VV testing at 10–15 degrees of flexion.

This is a preliminary cadaveric study utilizing data from two hemibodies. The pelvis was fixed in a custom test rig with open or closed chain lower leg testing capability along a sliding rail with foot VV translational. Forces were applied at the malleoli with a wireless hand held dynamometer. Kinematic analysis of the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) tibiofemoral angle was derived from a commercial navigation system with mounted infrared trackers. Kinetic analysis was derived from a commercially available sensor imbedded in a tibial trial liner. Balance was optimized by conventional methods with the use of the sensor feedback until loads were roughly symmetrical and VV testing yielded symmetrical rise in opposite compartments. The VV testing was then performed with the knees locked at the femoral side in axial rotation and translational motion in any plane. Sagittal flexion was pre-set at 0, 10, and 15 degrees and progressive load was applied.