Introduction

Cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty has demonstrated excellent long-term wear resistance, leading to its acceptance as the standard bearing used in hip replacement. Adoption in knee replacement has been tentative, as the cross-linking process can decrease the polyethylene mechanical properties. The current study's purpose was examining survivorship of a fixed bearing knee replacement system featuring a moderately cross-linked polyethylene (MXLK) bearing, a cobalt chrome (CoCr) tibial tray with a highly polished top surface, and a new polyethylene-to-tray locking mechanism. The MXLK is made of ultra-high molecular weight GUR1020 resin irradiated with 5 Mrad gamma radiation, followed by a free radical quenching remelting annealing process, above the 135 degree melting point, that provides wear and fatigue resistance, and oxidative stability.

Background: Arthroscopic menisectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the NHS, yet there is no recent review of contemporary knee arthroscopy for meniscal tears or comparisons of tear morphology and clinical findings. We aim to address this problem with a large, prospective longitudinal study.

Aims: The aims of this study were to examine the anatomical location and morphology of meniscal tears encountered at arthroscopy and to correlate this to the clinical findings.

Method: Data on 775 consecutive patients undergoing knee arthroscopy by a single surgeon between 1994 and 2004 was prospectively collected. Clinical data included age, sex, history of trauma, joint line tenderness and presence of an effusion. Meniscal tears were arthroscopically classified by site (medial/lateral, anterior/middle/posterior) and type (flap, horizontal cleavage, bucket-handle, radial, degenerative and other).

Results: Data was complete for 724 patients (517 male and 207 female [m:f 2.5:1]). The mean age was 48 years (range 10 to 87 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 8 months.

54% of meniscal tears were medial, 12% lateral and 10% bilateral. Patients with a lateral tear were significantly younger (45 Vs 51 yrs, p< 0.001).

The most common type of medial tear was a flap tear (34%), followed by horizontal cleavage tears [HCT] (18%). The posterior 1/3 is the most common position. Laterally the tear morphology shows HCT comprising 25% and degenerative tears 17%, with the most common position a middle 1/3 tear. Lateral tears are more common in females (p< 0.05)

Patients with bucket handle tears were significantly younger (41 Vs 53yrs, p< 0.001) and more likely to have a history of trauma (p< 0.001). Medial joint line tenderness was the most sensitive test (79%) and had the highest positive predictive value (81%). McMurry’s test is the most specific for both medial and lateral tears (90%) but is not sensitive. Medial meniscal tears are more accurately diagnosed clinically than lateral (79% Vs 50%).

Conclusion: Meniscal tears are a common pathology, particularly on the medial side. Morphology and position of tears vary as to which side the tear is. Clinical details can help determine the type of tear found with clinical examination being more accurate for medial meniscal tears.

The low contact stress patellofemoral replacement consists of a trochlear component and a modular patellar component which has a metal-backed mobile polyethylene bearing. We present the early results of the use of this prosthesis for established isolated patellofemoral arthritis in 51 consecutive patellofemoral replacements in 35 patients. The mean follow-up was 25 months (5 to 60). The estimated survival rate at three years was 63% (95% confidence interval 47 to 80) with revision as the endpoint and 46% (95% confidence interval 30 to 63) with revision and ongoing moderate or severe pain as the endpoint.

The early results of the use of the low contact stress patellofemoral replacement are disappointing with a high rate of revision. We cannot therefore recommend its use.

Infection in total knee replacement is a devastating complication. Current literature supports two-stage revision as the gold standard treatment. The alternative single stage procedure has been reported to have favourable results. We assessed the early clinical results of single stage revision for infected total knee replacement.

Between February 2005 and August 2007, 12 patients had revision total knee replacement for infection by the senior authors at two centres. In the majority of the patients, the infective organism was isolated by arthroscopic synovial biopsy prior to revision. Standard single stage procedure included the explantation, debridement and re-implantation of the prosthesis. All the patients received intravenous antibiotics for six weeks and oral antibiotics were continued for further 6 weeks. All the patients had the inflammatory markers monitored during follow-up.

Significant improvement was noted in the SF-12 PCS, WOMAC pain and stiffness scores at the latest follow-up. None of these patients required re-revision. Radiological evaluation was done using the Knee Society system. None of the knees showed evidence of progressive loosening. Radio-opaque lines were found around the stems and were present on immediate post-operative radiographs; this did not indicate loosening or infection at a mean follow-up of two years.

Early clinical and radiological results of the single stage revision for infected total knee replacement appear to be promising. One operation, one anaesthetic and quicker recovery are the advantages for the patient and with the reduced hospital stay it is cost-effective. The problems of stiffness in the knee and muscle wasting with cement spacer are avoided.

The principles of revision total knee replacement are to understand the cause of failure, adequate surgical exposure, achieving appropriate soft tissue balance, restoration of limb and joint line alignment, correct implant alignment, and a good range of motion. It is a technically and economically demanding procedure and its successful performance requires thorough preoperative planning, adherence to the principles, availability of diverse implant options and adequate bone graft.

We prospectively assessed the survivorship of Co-ordinate Ultra prosthesis (DePuy, Warsaw, Ind) used for revision knee arthroplasty. Forty-nine patients had 53 revision knee replacements performed by the senior author between April 1999 and September 2001. Seven patients (7 knees) had died. At a mean follow-up of 6 years (range: 5–7 years), 46 knees in 42 patients were available for review. None were lost to follow-up. There were 31 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 74.2 years. The reason for revision was instability in 39 knees, infection in 3 knees, pain in 2 knees and stiffness in 2 knees.

Significant improvement was noted in the SF-12 PCS and WOMAC pain and stiffness scores at the latest follow-up. None of these patients required re-revision. None of the knees showed evidence of progressive loosening. Radio-opaque lines were found around the stems and were present in immediate post-operative radiographs; this did not indicate loosening or infection on further follow-up. Cumulative survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier method) was 100% at 7 years.

Clinical and radiological outcome analysis has revealed that the Co-ordinate Ultra revision knee system continues to function satisfactorily at a mean follow-up of 6 years.

We report our experience with LCS Patellofemoral joint replacement. Between September 2003 and November 2007, 66 consecutive patients were reviewed retrospectively who underwent LCS patellofemoral joint replacement. There were 13 males and 51 females with a mean age of 61.6 years (range 43–78). The average follow-up was 22 months (range 11–51 months). To assess the outcome, revision for any cause was taken as the end point for this study.

A total of 14 (21.2%) revision operations were carried out at an average of 15.6 months (range 8–29 months) from the initial operation. The reasons for revision were mal-tracking of patella (3), dislocated patellar button (2), persistent unexplained pain (5) and progression of arthritis (4). Amongst the remaining 52 patients, 8 are still experiencing pain and not entirely satisfied with the procedure. 42 patients (63%) have a satisfactory outcome so far. All of them who underwent revision to a total knee replacement were satisfied with their outcome with relief in their symptoms. Revision to a total knee replacement is not a straightforward procedure, especially removing the metal backed patellar component.

The revision rate of over 21% is unacceptably high to recommend the procedure as a routine. Based on our experience, we conclude that LCS patellofemoral replacement should be used with caution.

Introduction: The principles of revision arthroplasty are to understand the cause of failure, adequate surgical exposure, restoration of limb alignment, achieving appropriate soft tissue balance, correct implant alignment, restoration of joint line and a good range of motion. Revision knee Arthroplasty is a technically and economically demanding procedure and its successful performance requires thorough preoperative planning, adherence to the principles, availability of diverse implant options and adequate bone graft.

Aim: We prospectively assessed the survivorship of Coordinate Ultra prosthesis (DePuy, Warsaw, Ind) used for revision knee arthroplasty.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients had revision knee replacement performed by the senior author between April 1999 and September 2001. Seven patients (7 knees) had died. At a mean follow-up of 6 years (range: 5–7years), 46 knees in 42 patients were available for review. None were lost to follow-up. There were 31 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 74.2 years. The reason for revision was instability in 39 knees, infection in 3 knees, pain in 2 knees and stiffness in 2 knees.

Results: Significant improvement was noted in the SF-12 PCS and WOMAC pain and stiffness scores at the latest follow-up. None of these patients required re-revision. Radiological evaluation was done using the Knee Society system. None of the knees showed evidence of progressive loosening. Radiopaque lines were found around the stems and were present in immediate post-operative radiographs; this did not indicated loosening or infection on further follow-up. Cumulative survival analysis (Kaplan Meier method) was 100% at 7 years.

Conclusion: Clinical and radiological outcome analysis has revealed that the Co-ordinate Ultra revision knee system continues to function satisfactorily at a mean follow-up of 6 years.

Background and objectives: Total knee replacement (TKR) produces severe postoperative pain. Peripheral nerve blocks can be used as analgesic adjuncts after TKR. The use of peripheral nerve block has certainly reduced the use of opiates by 50%; however adding the sciatic nerve block to the femoral nerve block is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare femoral and femoral plus sciatic nerve blocks in postoperative pain management of patients undergoing TKR.

Materials and Methods: Total of 42 patients were studied. Twenty patients with an average of 75yrs (51–86yrs) received femoral nerve block alone. Twenty-two patients with an average age of 69yrs (53–83yrs) received femoral plus sciatic nerve block. 0.5% Chirocaine was used for nerve blocks. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of pre-operative pain, pre-operative deformity, ROM and patella replaced. The primary outcome measures used were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after the surgery. The amount of opiate consumption and PCA (patient controlled analgesia) used were also recorded. The secondary outcomes were postoperative nausea and vomiting, straight leg raise, neurological deficit, knee flexion, independent mobility and discharge from the hospital.

Results: The results showed significant decrease in the amount of pain in the femoral nerve block group than the combined nerve block patients. Patients who had combined nerve block complained of heaviness in the legs and were slow to mobilise. There was no significant difference in consumption of opiates, use of PCA, nausea and vomiting, independent mobility and the time of discharge from the hospital between the two groups.

Conclusion: The addition of sciatic nerve block to the femoral nerve block does not provide any additional benefits in TKR.

We reviewed the clinical and radiological outcome of 72 Co-ordinate prostheses (DePuy, Warsaw, Ind) used for revision knee arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon from May 1994 to December 1997. Twenty-three patients (25 knees) since died. Two were lost to follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 10 years (range 9–12years), 45 knees in 43 patients were available for review. There were 12 men and 31 women with a mean age of 71.34 years (range 43 to 87 years). The reason for revision was instability in 38 knees, infection in 5 knees and stiffness in 2 knees.

There was a significant improvement in the SF-12 PCS and WOMAC pain and stiffness scores at the latest follow-up. Five of these knees had to have re-revision surgery. One patient had a re-revision for aseptic loosening, one patient for recurrent dislocation of patella. Three patients underwent repeat procedures for infection.

Radiological evaluation using the Knee Society system revealed well-fixed components in 35 knees (77.78%). The radiolucencies of varying degrees were present in 10 knees (22.22%). Eight had non-progressive radiolu-cencies and did not show any evidence of loosening. 25 (55.5%) knees had halo sign (radiopaque line) present around the prosthesis (7 were femoral side, 4 were tibial side and 14 around both the prosthesis). Using Kaplan Meier method the cumulative survival rate was 88.87% at 12 years, removal of the prosthesis or re-revision were used as end points. An analysis of clinical and standard radiographic outcomes has revealed that the Co-ordinate revision knee system continues to function satisfactorily at a mean of 10 years.

Stem dissociation in modular revision knee replacement due to failure of the frictional lock of the Morse taper has been reported in the literature. However, the medium and long-term implications of stem dissociation are unknown, as clinical outcomes have not been reported. We report a series of 10 cases in which there was intra-operative dissociation of the tibial stem.

Between 1994 and 1999, 98 patients underwent revision total knee replacement for aseptic loosening at our institution. Ten of these patients were noted to have tibial stem dissociation, apparent on the immediate post-operative radiographs. The senior author (RWP) performed all procedures and used a standardized operative technique. The Co-ordinate modular knee revision system was used in all cases. The quality of the bone was noted in all the cases intra-operatively; and was graded as 1) sound bone, 2) soft but intact, 3) soft and fractured cortex.

Our study demonstrates that the tibial stem dissociation did not cause any significant detriment to the clinical outcome on minimum follow-up of six years in nine cases where the tibial metaphyseal cortical rim was intact. In one case, where the medial tibial plateau had a cortical defect, the prosthesis drifted into varus mal-alignment and the patient required a further revision for aseptic loosening. We therefore question whether long canal filling tibial stems are necessary in all revision total knee replacements particularly when the cortical rim is intact and a non-constrained poly-ethylene insert is used.

To report the experience with the new device, the Long Proximal Femoral Nail (Long PFN) in patients with impending pathological femoral fractures to identify the advantages and complications associated with its usage. This is the first in the series on the use of Long PFN for patients with femoral metastases.

Between April 2000 and September 2001, twenty-five consecutive patients with femoral pathological lesions were prophylactically stabilised using Long PFN. The nailings were performed using a percutaneous closed technique. Lateral femoral Line (LFL) technique was used for location of the entry point and easy insertion for the nail. Only the proximal one-fifth of the femur was reamed to accommodate the 17 mm diameter of the proximal part of the nail.

We had technical problems in three patients. The overall mobility of the patients improved in twenty patients and the mobility remained the same as pre-operative level in five patients. Good to excellent pain relief achieved in eighteen patients. The pain relief was fair in five patients and poor in two patients. We had no mechanical failure of the implant in our series.

Long PFN, a modified reconstruction nail, can be inserted percutaneously and has an easy operation technique. Our early experience with Long PFN in the management of impending femoral fractures has been favourable.

Introduction: Clinical outcome studies have shown excellent results following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A wide Pub Med search failed to find any literature on the outcome of results following bilateral staged TKA.

Aim: To determine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral staged TKA.

Material & Methods: Patients who underwent bilateral staged TKA between 1994 – 2002 were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and MacMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scoring systems. They were also asked regarding which TKA they considered ‘better’ and why.

Results: We clinically reviewed 110 patients who underwent bilateral staged TKA. The mean clinical follow-up time was 5.13 years. The mean pre-operative KSS was 95.8 for the right knee and 95.5 for the left knee. The mean post-operative KSS was 154.1 for the right knee and 155.9 for the left knee. Patients mean postoperative WOMAC scores for the right knee were; Pain – 1.67, Stiffness – 1.17 and Function – 10.78. Patients mean post-operative WOMAC scores for the left knee were, Pain – 1.77, Stiffness – 1.14 and Function – 10.69. Objectively there was no statistical significance between right and left KSS pre-operatively. There was no statistical significance between right and left KSS and WOMAC scores post-operatively. Subjectively, 44 patients reported their first TKA was ‘better’ than their second. 48 patients reported both TKA’s were as good as each other. 18 patients reported their second TKA was ‘better’ than their first. The 2 main reasons why one TKA was better than the other were pain and range of movement.

Conclusion: Objectively, staged bilateral TKA results in equally good outcome. Subjectively, the first TKA is ‘better’ or equal to the second TKA in 84% of cases. We feel that this information is important during counseling of patients undergoing bilateral staged TKA.

Introduction: Clinical outcome studies have shown excellent results following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We are unable to find in the medical literature the outcome of results following bilateral staged TKA.

Aim: To determine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral staged TKA.

Material & Methods: Patients who underwent bilateral staged TKA between 1994 – 2002 were clinically assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and MacMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scoring systems. They were also asked regarding which TKA they considered ‘better’ and why.

Results: We clinically reviewed 110 patients who underwent bilateral staged TKA. The mean clinical follow-up time was 5.13 years. The mean pre-operative KSS was 95.8 for the right knee and 95.5 for the left knee. The mean post-operative KSS was 154.1 for the right knee and 155.9 for the left knee. Patients mean post-operative WOMAC scores for the right knee were; Pain – 1.67, Stiffness – 1.17 and Function – 10.78. Patients mean post-operative WOMAC scores for the left knee were, Pain – 1.77, Stiffness – 1.14 and Function – 10.69. Objectively there was no statistical significance between right and left KSS pre-operatively. There was no statistical significance between right and left KSS and WOMAC scores post-operatively. Subjectively, 44 patients reported their 1st TKA was ‘better’ than their 2nd. 48 patients reported both TKA’s were as good as each other. 18 patients reported their 2nd TKA was ‘better’ than their 1st. The 2 main reasons why one TKA was better than the other were pain and range of movement.

Conclusion: Objectively, staged bilateral TKA results in equal good outcome. Subjectively, the 1st TKA is ‘better’ or equal to the 2nd TKA in 84% of cases. We feel that this information is important during counseling of patients undergoing bilateral staged TKA.

Aims: To determine the kneeling ability in 3 groups of patients who have undergone either Unicondylar, Primary, or Revision knee arthroplasty.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed to determine the kneeling ability of patients who have undergone knee arthroplasty surgery. The ‘Kneeling’ questionnaire along with a Western Ontario and MacMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was sent to 191 patients of whom, 27 have had Unicondylar, 105 had Primary and 59 Revision knee arthroplasty.

Results: The mean follow-up time for assessment for each of the 3 groups of patients were; Unicondylar = 3.32 years, Primary = 5.30 years and Revision = 5.06 years. The mean total WOMAC scores for the 3 groups were; Unicondylar = 13.96, Primary = 22.10, and Revision = 38.67. The percentage of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty that found it impossible to kneel were; Unicondylar = 18%, Primary = 36% and Revision = 66%. The commonest reasons why patients found kneeling difficult were; pain and stiffness around the knee prosthesis, fear of harming the prosthesis and sensory deficit around the knee. Visual Analogue Pain scores for kneeling in the 3 patient groups were, Unicondylar = 5.6, Primary = 7.12, Revision = 9.18. A minimum of 30% of patients in each of the 3 groups reported their daily lives were moderately-severely affected due to their difficulty in kneeling following knee arthroplasty. At least 60% of the patients in each group reported they would like to have better kneeling ability.

Conclusion: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty patients have better WOMAC scores and find kneeling easier than patients who have undergone Primary knee arthroplasty (p< 0.01). The Primary group have better WOMAC scores and find kneeling easier than the Revision group (p< 0.001). Kneeling is considered important in patients who have undergone knee arthroplasty. Poor kneeling ability in patients may restrict their daily activities.

Aim: To report on the bone histology of patients undergoing intramedullary stabilisation for a pathological fracture or a metastatic lesion in long bones.

Materials and methods: From 1999 to 2002, 36 long bones in 29 patients (seven had stabilisation of two long bones) were stabilised with an intramedullary nail in patients with a known primary tumour. Prophylactic fixation was performed in 19 bones with metastatic tumour and in 17 for a fracture. Of the 17 fractures, 13 were considered pathological and four were simple fracture unrelated to metastasis. Thirty-three nailings were done for proximal femoral lesions and three were for the humerus. Reaming samples were sent for histological analysis. The various sites of the primary tumour were Breast (13), Myeloma (6), Prostate (5), Lung (4), Unknown (3), Bladder (2), Oesophagus (1), Renal (1), Melanoma (1). The histological results were correlated with the clinical diagnosis.

Results: Thirty-six reaming samples were sent for histological analysis. Twenty-two samples correlated with the clinical diagnosis. Of the 22 tissue samples, two did not have a initial confirmed histological diagnosis of primary and the reaming samples helped to achieve this. Fourteen biopsies gave false negative results.

Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of the time the reaming sample has correlated with clinical diagnosis. Sensitivity of this test is 61%.

Aim: To report the experience with the new device, the Long Proximal Femoral Nail (Long PFN) in patients with impending pathological femoral fractures to identify the advantages and complications associated with its usage. This is the þrst in the series on the use of Long PFN for patients with femoral metastases. Methods: Between April 2000 and September 2001, twenty-þve consecutive patients with femoral pathological lesions were prophylactically stabilised using Long PFN. The nailings were performed using a percutaneous closed technique. Lateral femoral Line (LFL) technique was used for location of the entry point and easy insertion for the nail. Only the proximal one þfth of the femur was reamed to accommodate the 17 mm diameter of the proximal part of the nail. Results: We had technical problems in three patients. The overall mobility of the patients improved in twenty patients and the mobility remained the same as preoperative level in þve patients. Good to excellent pain relief achieved in eighteen patients. The pain relief was fair in þve patients and poor in two patients. We had no mechanical failure of the implant in our series. Conclusion: Long PFN, a modiþed reconstruction nail, which can be inserted percutaneously and has an easy operation technique. Our early experience with Long PFN in the management of impending femoral fractures has been favourable.

Aims:We sought to develop and validate a classiþcation system for assessing PFJ status prior to revision surgery. Methods: The classiþcation system grades the condition of the PFJ by describing both the patella bone stock and the patello-femoral tracking. The system was analysed for its reliability by assessing both intra- and inter-observer variability. From our database of 110 patients who underwent revision knee arthroplasty, 66 cases were selected at random. Each patient had both pre and post-operative radiographs to classify. 145 sets of radiographs, each set consisting of an AP, lateral and skyline patella view, were studied. Three clinicians graded all radiographs according to the classiþcation system on 2 separate occasions. These assessments were performed at least 6 weeks apart. The results were analysed by an independent observer who was blinded. Both intra- and inter-observer agreement was quantiþed using kappa values. Results: Inter-observer kappa values between observers A& B, B& C and C& A were 0.89, 0.96 and 0.82 respectively. Intra-observer kappa values were 0.94, 0.87 and 0.97 for the 3 clinicians. This indicates excellent levels of agreement. Conclusions: The proposed classiþcation system provides a convenient, spe-ciþc, descriptive and reproducible method of denoting PFJ status. Our system may be used to accurately communicate and compare PFJ characteristics. This will aid planning of surgical intervention and allow comparison of results and techniques in revision knee arthroplasty.

There has been speculation as to whether the outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is as successful as primary TKA. The purpose of this study was to assess patient outcomes following revision TKA and compare them to patient outcomes following primary TKA.

This study collected data prospectively from patients operated upon by one surgeon using one prosthesis in each group. Patients completed SF12 and WOMAC questionnaires pre-operatively and at six and twelve months post-operatively. In the primary TKA group there were 84 patients. In the revision TKA group there were 60 patients. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests.

Results showed that the improvements in SF12 physical scores and WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores in both primary TKA and revision TKA patients were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the improvement in SF12 physical (p = 0.7145) and WOMAC pain (p = 0.0902), stiffness (p = 0.1557) and function (p = 0.3152) scores between the primary and revision patients following surgery.

The mental scores of patients in both groups showed no significant difference following surgery (Primary p = 0.823, Revision p = 0.7095).

The findings show that primary and revision TKA lead to a comparable improvement in patient perceived outcomes of physical health parameters.

However, there is no significant improvement in patient perception of mental health.