Aims. In Asia and the Middle-East, people often flex their knees deeply in order to perform activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3D kinematics of normal knees during high-flexion activities. Our hypothesis was that the femorotibial rotation, varus-valgus angle, translations, and kinematic pathway of normal knees during high-flexion activities, varied according to activity. Materials and Methods. We investigated the in vivo kinematics of eight normal knees in four male volunteers (mean age 41.8 years; 37 to 53) using 2D and 3D registration technique, and modelled the knees with a computer aided design program. Each subject squatted, kneeled, and sat cross-legged. We evaluated the femoral rotation and varus-valgus angle relative to the tibia and anteroposterior translation of the medial and lateral side, using the transepicodylar axis as our femoral reference relative to the perpendicular projection on to the tibial plateau. This method evaluates the femur medially from what has elsewhere been described as the extension facet centre, and differs from the method classically applied. . Results. During squatting and kneeling, the knees displayed femoral external rotation. When sitting cross-legged, femurs displayed internal rotation from 10° to 100°. From 100°, femoral external rotation was observed. No significant difference in varus-valgus angle was seen between squatting and kneeling, whereas a varus position was observed from 140° when sitting cross-legged. The measure kinematic pathway using our methodology found during squatting a medial pivoting pattern from 0° to 40° and bicondylar rollback from 40° to 150°. During kneeling, a medial pivot pattern was evident. When sitting cross-legged, a lateral pivot pattern was seen from 0° to 100°, and a medial pivot pattern beyond 100°. Conclusion. The kinematics of normal knees during high flexion are variable according to activity. Nevertheless, our study was limited to a small number of male patients using a different technique to report the kinematics than previous publications. Accordingly, caution should be observed in generalizing our findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:50–5

Varus and valgus joint laxity of the normal living knee in flexion was assessed using MRI. Twenty knees were flexed to 90° and were imaged in neutral and under a varus-valgus stress in an open MRI system. The configuration of the tibiofemoral joint gap was studied in slices which crossed the epicondyles of the femur. When a varus stress was applied, the lateral joint gap opened by 6.7 ± 1.9 mm (mean ± . sd. ; 2.1 to 9.2) whereas the medial joint gap opened by only by a mean of 2.1 ± 1.1 mm (0.2 to 4.2). These discrepancies indicate that the tibiofemoral flexion gap in the normal knee is not rectangular and that the lateral joint gap is significantly lax. These results may be useful for adequate soft-tissue balancing and bone resection in total knee arthroplasty and reconstruction surgery on ligaments

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study the normal knee. As well as revealing bone quality, MRI provided useful information on intra-articular and extra-articular soft tissues. Midsagittal views gave clear images of the cruciate ligaments, and of the patellar and quadriceps tendons. Parasagittal views were the best for delineating the menisci which, like ligaments and tendons, are of low intensity; the semimembranosus tendon and its insertion to the proximal tibia were also seen clearly in these views. The cruciate ligaments and menisci, though visible in the coronal view also, were better seen in the sagittal view. Axial views provided information on the structure of the patella, its cartilage, the patellofemoral joint and posterior soft-tissue structures

This prospective study used magnetic resonance imaging to record sagittal plane tibiofemoral kinematics before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous hamstring graft. Twenty patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, performed a closed-chain leg-press while relaxed and against a 150 N load. The tibiofemoral contact patterns between 0° to 90° of knee flexion were recorded by magnetic resonance scans. All measurements were performed pre-operatively and repeated at 12 weeks and two years.

Following reconstruction there was a mean passive anterior laxity of 2.1 mm (sd 2.3), as measured using a KT 1000 arthrometer, and the mean Cincinnati score was 90 (sd 11) of 100. Pre-operatively, the medial and lateral contact patterns of the injured knees were located posteriorly on the tibial plateau compared with the healthy contralateral knees (p = 0.014), but were no longer different at 12 weeks (p = 0.117) or two years postoperatively (p = 0.909). However, both reconstructed and healthy contralateral knees showed altered kinematics over time. At two years, the contact pattern showed less posterior translation of the lateral femoral condyle during flexion (p < 0.01).

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was imaged by MRI throughout flexion in neutral tibial rotation in six cadaver knees, which were also dissected, and in 20 unloaded and 13 loaded living (squatting) knees. The appearance of the ligament was the same in all three groups. In extension the ligament is curved concave-forwards. It is straight, fully out-to-length and approaching vertical from 60° to 120°, and curves convex-forwards over the roof of the intercondylar notch in full flexion. Throughout flexion the length of the ligament does not change, but the separations of its attachments do.

We conclude that the PCL is not loaded in the unloaded cadaver knee and therefore, since its appearance in all three groups is the same, that it is also unloaded in the living knee during flexion. The posterior fibres may be an exception in hyperextension, probably being loaded either because of posterior femoral lift-off or because of the forward curvature of the PCL. These conclusions relate only to everyday life: none may be drawn with regard to more strenuous activities such as sport or in trauma.

Abnormal knee kinematics following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament may exist despite an apparent resolution of tibial laxity and functional benefit. We performed upright, weight-bearing MR scans of both knees in the sagittal plane at different angles of flexion to determine the kinematics of the knee following unilateral reconstruction (n = 12). The uninjured knee acted as a control. Scans were performed pre-operatively and at three and six months post-operatively. Anteroposterior tibial laxity was determined using an arthrometer and patient function by validated questionnaires before and after reconstruction. In all the knees with deficient anterior cruciate ligaments, the tibial plateau was displaced anteriorly and internally rotated relative to the femur when compared with the control contralateral knee, particularly in extension and early flexion (mean lateral compartment displacement: extension 7.9 mm (sd 4.8), p = 0.002 and 30° flexion 5.1 mm (sd 3.6), p = 0.004). In all ten patients underwent post-operative scans. Reconstruction reduced the subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau at three months, with resolution of anterior displacement in early flexion, but not in extension (p = 0.015). At six months, the reconstructed knee again showed anterior subluxation in both the lateral (mean: extension 4.2 mm (sd 4.2), p = 0.021 and 30° flexion 3.2 mm (sd 3.3), p = 0.024) and medial compartments (extension, p = 0.049).

Our results show that despite improvement in laxity and functional benefit, abnormal knee kinematics remain at six months and actually deteriorate from three to six months following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The restoration of knee alignment is an important goal during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In the past surgeons aimed to restore neutral limb alignment during surgery. However, previous studies have demonstrated alignment to be dynamic, varying depending on the position of the limb and the degree of weight-bearing, and between patients. We used a validated computer navigation system to measure the femorotibial mechanical angle (FTMA) in 264 knees in 77 male and 55 female healthy volunteers aged 18 to 35 years (mean 26.2). We found the mean supine alignment to be a varus angle of 1.2° (standard deviation (sd) 4), with few patients having neutral alignment. FTMA differs significantly between males and females (with a mean varus of 1.7° (sd 4) and 0.4° (sd 3.9), respectively; p = 0.008). It changes significantly with posture, the knee hyperextending by a mean of 5.6°, and coronal plane alignment becoming more varus by 2.2° (sd 3.6) on standing compared with supine.

Knee alignment is different in different individuals and is dynamic in nature, changing with different postures. This may have implications for the assessment of alignment in TKA, which is achieved in non-weight-bearing conditions and which may not represent the situation observed during weight-bearing.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:498–502

Aims. The results of kinematic total knee arthroplasty (KTKA) have been reported in terms of limb and component alignment parameters but not in terms of gap laxities and differentials. In kinematic alignment (KA), balance should reflect the asymmetrical balance of the normal knee, not the classic rectangular flexion and extension gaps sought with gap-balanced mechanical axis total knee arthroplasty (MATKA). This paper aims to address the following questions: 1) what factors determine coronal joint congruence as measured on standing radiographs?; 2) is flexion gap asymmetry produced with KA?; 3) does lateral flexion gap laxity affect outcomes?; 4) is lateral flexion gap laxity associated with lateral extension gap laxity?; and 5) can consistent ligament balance be produced without releases?. Patients and Methods. A total of 192 KTKAs completed by a single surgeon using a computer-assisted technique were followed for a mean of 3.5 years (2 to 5). There were 116 male patients (60%) and 76 female patients (40%) with a mean age of 65 years (48 to 88). Outcome measures included intraoperative gap laxity measurements and component positions, as well as joint angles from postoperative three-foot standing radiographs. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analyzed in terms of alignment and balance: EuroQol (EQ)-5D visual analogue scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), KOOS Joint Replacement (JR), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Results. Postoperative limb alignment did not affect outcomes. The standing hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was the sole positive predictor of the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) (p < 0.001). Increasing lateral flexion gap laxity was consistently associated with better outcomes. Lateral flexion gap laxity did not correlate with HKA angle, the JLCA, or lateral extension gap laxity. Minor releases were required in one third of cases. Conclusion. The standing HKA angle is the primary determinant of the JLCA in KTKA. A rectangular flexion gap is produced in only 11% of cases. Lateral flexion gap laxity is consistently associated with better outcomes and does not affect balance in extension. Minor releases are sometimes required as well, particularly in limbs with larger preoperative deformities. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:331–339

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).

Aims

The surgical target for optimal implant positioning in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty remains the subject of ongoing discussion. One of the proposed targets is to recreate the knee’s functional behaviour as per its pre-diseased state. The aim of this study was to optimize implant positioning, starting from mechanical alignment (MA), toward restoring the pre-diseased status, including ligament strain and kinematic patterns, in a patient population.

The aim of mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty is to align all knees into a fixed neutral position, even though not all knees are the same. As a result, mechanical alignment often alters a patient’s constitutional alignment and joint line obliquity, resulting in soft-tissue imbalance. This annotation provides an overview of how the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification can be used to predict imbalance with mechanical alignment, and then offers practical guidance for bone balancing, minimizing the need for soft-tissue releases.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):525–531.

Objective patellar instability has been correlated with dysplasia of the femoral trochlea. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that trochleoplasty would increase patellar stability and normalise the kinematics of a knee with a dysplastic trochlea. Six fresh-frozen knees were loaded via the heads of the quadriceps. The patella was displaced 10 mm laterally and the displacing force was measured from 0° to 90° of flexion. Patellar tracking was measured from 0° to 130° of knee flexion using magnetic sensors. These tests were repeated after raising the central anterior trochlea to simulate dysplasia, and repeated again after performing a trochleoplasty on each specimen. The simulated dysplasia significantly reduced stability from that of the normal knee (p < 0.001). Trochleoplasty significantly increased the stability (p < 0.001), so that it did not then differ significantly from the normal knee (p = 0.244). There were small but statistically significant changes in patellar tracking (p< 0.001). This study has provided objective biomechanical data to support the use of trochleoplasty in the treatment of patellar instability associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia

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).

Abnormal sagittal kinematics after total knee replacement (TKR) can adversely affect functional outcome. Two important determinants of knee kinematics are component geometry and the presence or absence of a posterior-stabilising mechanism (cam-post). We investigated the influence of these variables by comparing the kinematics of a TKR with a polyradial femur with a single radius design, both with and without a cam-post mechanism. We assessed 55 patients, subdivided into four groups, who had undergone a TKR one year earlier by using an established fluoroscopy protocol in order to examine their kinematics in vivo. The kinematic profile was obtained by measuring the patellar tendon angle through the functional knee flexion range (0° to 90°) and the results compared with 14 normal knees. All designs of TKR had abnormal sagittal kinematics compared with the normal knee. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between those of the two TKRs near to full extension. The presence of the cam-post mechanism did not influence the kinematics for either TKR design. These differences suggest that surface geometry is a stronger determinant of kinematics than the presence or absence of a cam-post mechanism for these two designs. This may be because the cam-post mechanism is ineffective

We studied the kinetics of the knee in 20 patients (22 knees) 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), by using three-dimensional radiostereometry and film-exchanger techniques. Eleven knees had a concave (constrained) tibial implant and 11 a posterior-stabilised prosthesis. Eleven normal knees served as a control group. In the posterior-stabilised knees there was less proximal and posterior displacement of the centre of the tibial plateau during extension from 45° to 15°, with a decrease in the anterior translation of the femoral condyles of 4 mm at 45°. There was less internal tibial rotation and increased distal positioning of the centre of the tibial plateau with both designs when compared with the normal knees, and in both the centre of the plateau was displaced posteriorly by more than 1 cm. Increased AP translation has been recorded in all prosthetic designs so far studied by radiostereometry. The use of a posterior-stabilised design of tibial insert could reduce this translation but not to that of the normal knee

Axial radiographs were obtained under valgus and external rotation stress at 45° of knee flexion with and without contraction of the quadriceps muscle in order to assess the dynamics of patellar subluxation or dislocation. The radiography was performed on 82 knees in 61 patients with patellofemoral instability, and on 44 normal knees. The lateral patellofemoral angle and the congruence angle were measured and compared with the conventional Merchant views. Both parameters showed greater differences between symptomatic and normal knees on the stress radiographs obtained without quadriceps contraction. There was a major difference in the lateral patellofemoral angles between the groups, which clearly distinguished symptomatic knees from normal controls. Congruence angles on stress radiography had a significant correlation with the functional scores obtained after a period of conservative treatment and a positive correlation with the frequency of patellar subluxation. When the quadriceps contracted, two patterns of patellar shift were observed. While the patella reduced into the trochlear groove in all normal knees and about 70% of the symptomatic knees, contraction of the quadriceps caused further subluxation of the patella in the remaining symptomatic knees. All the knee joints which showed this displacement failed to respond to conservative treatment and eventually required surgical treatment. Thus, this technique of stress radiography is a simple, cost-effective and useful method of evaluating patellar instability and predicting the prognosis

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.

We used fluoroscopy to study the kinematics of the knee in 47 patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and four control subjects with normal knees while performing a single-leg deep-knee bend. The videos were analysed using still photographs taken at 5 degrees increments of flexion. Femorotibial contact points, patellar ligament rotation, and patellar rotation were calculated from each image. Maximum weight-bearing flexion was determined for each knee. Compared with the control group, posterior-cruciate-retaining TKA did not reproduce normal knee kinematics in any case, but showed a starting point posterior to the tibial midline which translated anteriorly with flexion. The curves from successive knee bends could not be consistently reproduced. Under weight-bearing conditions, the maximum flexion for any PCR TKA was 98 degrees and several patients could not flex beyond 70 degrees

We have investigated the changes in anterior laxity of the knee in response to direct electrical stimulation of eight normal and 45 reconstructed anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). In the latter, the mean time from reconstruction was 26.7 months (24 to 32). The ACL was stimulated electrically using a bipolar electrode probe during arthroscopy. Anterior laxity was examined with the knee flexed at 20° under a force of 134 N applied anteriorly to the tibia using the KT-2000 knee arthrometer before, during and after electrical stimulation. Anterior tibial translation in eight normal and 17 ACL-reconstructed knees was significantly decreased during stimulation, compared with that before stimulation. In 28 knees with reconstruction of the ACL, in 22 of which the grafts were found to have detectable somatosensory evoked potentials during stimulation, anterior tibial translation was not decreased. These findings suggest that the ACL-hamstring reflex arc in normal knees may contribute to the functional stability and that this may not be fully restored after some reconstructions of the ACL

Aims. The purpose of this study was to report the experience of dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation (DIS) using the Ligamys device for the treatment of acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Patients and Methods. Between March 2011 and April 2012, 50 patients (34 men and 16 women) with an acute rupture of the ACL underwent primary repair using this device. The mean age of the patients was 30 years (18 to 50). Patients were evaluated for laxity, stability, range of movement (ROM), Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores over a follow-up period of two years. Results. At final follow-up, anteroposterior translation differed from the normal knee by a mean of 0.96 mm (-2 mm to 6 mm). Median (interquartile range) IKDC, Tegner, Lysholm and VAS scores were 98 (95 to 100), 6 (5 to 7), 100 (98 to 100) and 10 (9 to 10), respectively. Pre-injury Tegner activity levels were reached one year post-operatively. A total of nine patients (18%) required a secondary intervention; five developed instability, of whom four underwent secondary hamstring reconstructive surgery, and five required arthroscopic treatment for intra-articular impingement due to scar tissue which caused a fixed flexion deformity. In addition, 30 patients (60%) required removal of the tibial screw. Conclusion. While there was a high rate of secondary interventions, 45 patients (90%) retained their repaired ACL two years post-operatively, with good clinical scores and stability of the knee. Take home message: Dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation presents a promising treatment option for acute ACL ruptures, eliminating the need for ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:793–8

The shape of the flexion gap in 20 normal knees was evaluated by axial radiography of the distal femur, and the results compared with those obtained in a previous study by MRI. The observed asymmetry was reduced by 29% using radiography, with a mean value of 3.6° (1.5° to 6.3°) compared with that obtained by MRI of 5.1° (2.6° to 9.5°), a mean discrepancy of 1.49°. The results obtained by radiography and MRI showed a strong correlation (r = 0.78). Axial radiography is acceptable for the evaluation of the flexion gap and is less expensive and more comfortable to perform than MRI. Additionally, no metallic artefact occurs when the radiological method is used for assessment after arthroplasty

Aims

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture commonly leads to post-traumatic osteoarthritis, regardless of surgical reconstruction. This study uses standing MRI to investigate changes in contact area, contact centroid location, and tibiofemoral alignment between ACL-injured knees and healthy controls, to examine the effect of ACL reconstruction on these parameters.

Aims

The patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a level of wellbeing, which is measured by the patient. The aim of this study was to determine if the proportion of patients who achieved an acceptable level of function (PASS) after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) was different based on the status of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the time of surgery.

Aims

In the last decade, interest in partial knee arthroplasties and bicruciate retaining total knee arthroplasties has increased. In addition, patient-related outcomes and functional results such as range of movement and ambulation may be more promising with less invasive procedures such as bicompartmental arthroplasty (BCA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes after a third-generation patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) combined with a medial or lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at mid- to long-term follow-up.

The Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement was designed to reproduce normal mobility and forces in the knee, but its detailed effect on the patellofemoral joint has not been studied previously. We have examined the effect on patellofemoral mechanics of the knee by simultaneously measuring patellofemoral kinematics and forces in 11 cadaver knee specimens in a supine leg-extension rig. Comparison was made between the intact normal knee and sequential unicompartmental and total knee replacement. Following medial mobile-bearing unicompartmental replacement in 11 knees, patellofemoral kinematics and forces did not change significantly from those in the intact knee across any measured parameter. In contrast, following posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee replacement in eight knees, there were significant changes in patellofemoral movement and forces. The Oxford device appears to produce near-normal patellofemoral mechanics, which may partly explain the low incidence of complications with the extensor mechanism associated with clinical use

We report a retrospective analysis of the results of combined arthroscopically-assisted posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and open reconstruction of the posterolateral corner in 19 patients with chronic (three or more months) symptomatic instability and pain in the knee. All the operations were performed between 1996 and 2003 and all the patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively by physical examination and by applying three different ligament rating scores. All also had weight-bearing radiographs, MR scans and an examination under anaesthesia and arthroscopy pre-operatively. The posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted single anterolateral bundle technique and the posterolateral corner structures were reconstructed using an open Larson type of tenodesis. The mean follow up was 66.8 months (24 to 110). Pre-operatively, all the patients had a grade III posterior sag according to Clancy and demonstrated more than 20° of external rotation compared with the opposite normal knee on the Dial test. Post-operatively, seven patients (37%) had no residual posterior sag, 11 (58%) had a grade I posterior sag and one (5%) had a grade II posterior sag. In five patients (26%) there was persistent minimal posterolateral laxity. The Lysholm score improved from a mean of 41.2 (28 to 53) to 76.5 (57 to 100) (p = 0.0001) and the Tegner score from a mean of 2.6 (1 to 4) to 6.4 (4 to 9) (p = 0.0001). We conclude that while a combined reconstruction of chronic posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner instability improves the function of the knee, it does not restore complete stability

A total of 218 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were randomly assigned to one of four groups. In group A an anatomical double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed; group B were treated by a single bundle using an Endobutton for femoral fixation; in group C by a single bundle using RigidFix cross pins for femoral fixation; and in group D by a single bundle using a bioabsorbable TransFix II screw for femoral fixation. For tibial fixation a bioabsorbable Intrafix interference screw was used for all the groups and the graft was fashioned from the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in all patients. In all, 18 patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 200 were subjected to a clinical evaluation, with assessment of the anterior drawer, Lachman’s and the pivot-shift tests, and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement. They also completed the International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm knee and Tegner activity scores. At a mean of 29 months (25 to 38) follow-up there were no significant differences concerning time between injury and range of movement and Lysholm knee scores among the four groups. However, the double bundle method showed significantly better results for the pivot-shift test (p = 0.002). The KT 1000 measurements showed a mean difference between the reconstructed knee and the patients’ normal knee of 1.4 mm in the double bundle group and 2.4 mm in the single bundle group; which was statistically significant. The Lachman and anterior drawer tests also showed superior results for the double bundle method. The International Knee Documentation Committee scale showed no significant difference among the groups (p < 0.001). On clinical evaluation the double bundle group showed less laxity than the single bundle groups. However, regardless of the technique, all knees were improved by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with their pre-operative status

Aims

A comprehensive classification for coronal lower limb alignment with predictive capabilities for knee balance would be beneficial in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This paper describes the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification and examines its utility in preoperative soft tissue balance prediction, comparing kinematic alignment (KA) to mechanical alignment (MA).

Progressive degenerative changes in the medial compartment of the knee following lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) remains a leading indication for revision surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in the congruence and joint space width (JSW) of the medial compartment following lateral UKA. The congruence of the medial compartment of 53 knees (24 men, 23 women, mean age 13.1 years; . sd. 62.1) following lateral UKA was evaluated pre-operatively and six weeks post-operatively, and compared with 41 normal knees (26 men, 15 women, mean age 33.7 years;. sd . 6.4), using an Interactive closest point algorithm which calculated the congruence index (CI) by performing a rigid transformation that best aligns the digitised tibial and femoral surfaces. Inner, middle and outer JSWs were measured by sub-dividing the medial compartment into four quarters on pre- and post-operative, weight bearing tunnel view radiographs. The mean CI of knees following lateral UKA significantly improved from 0.92 . (sd . 0.06) pre-operatively to 0.96 . (sd . 0.02) (p < 0.001) six weeks post-operatively. The mean CI of the healthy control group was 0.99 sd 0.01. Post-operatively, the mean inner JSW increased (p = 0.006) and the outer decreased (p = 0.002). The JSW was restored post-operatively as no significant differences were noted in all three locations compared with the control group (inner JSW p = 0.43; middle JSW p = 0.019, outer JSW p = 0.51). . Our data suggest that a well conducted lateral UKA may improve the congruence and normalise the JSW of the medial compartment, potentially preventing progression of degenerative change. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:50–5

We used single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine the long-term risk of degenerative change after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Our study population was a prospective series of 31 patients with a mean age at injury of 27.8 years (18 to 47) and a mean follow-up of ten years (9 to 13) after bone-patellar tendon-bone reconstruction of the ACL. The contralateral normal knee was used as a control. All knees were clinically stable with high clinical scores (mean Lysholm score, 93; mean Tegner activity score, 6). Fifteen patients had undergone a partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction at or before reconstruction of their ACL. In the group with an intact meniscus, clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) were found in only one patient (7%), who was also the only patient with marked isotope uptake on the SPECT scan compatible with OA. In the group which underwent a partial meniscectomy, clinical symptoms of OA were found in two patients (13%), who were among five (31%) with isotope uptake compatible with OA. Only one patient (7%) in this group had evidence of advanced OA on plain radiographs. The risk of developing OA after ACL reconstruction in this series is very low and lower than published figures for untreated ACL-deficient knees. There is a significant increase (p < 0.05) in degenerative change in patients who had a reconstruction of their ACL and a partial meniscectomy compared with those who had a reconstruction of their ACL alone

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in order to determine the changes in the anatomy of the knee and alignment of the lower limb following surgery.

This annotation considers the place of extra-articular reconstruction in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Extra-articular reconstruction has been employed over the last century to address ACL deficiency. However, the technique has not gained favour, primarily due to residual instability and the subsequent development of degenerative changes in the lateral compartment of the knee. Thus intra-articular reconstruction has become the technique of choice. However, intra-articular reconstruction does not restore normal knee kinematics. Some authors have recommended extra-articular reconstruction in conjunction with an intra-articular technique. . The anatomy and biomechanics of the anterolateral structures of the knee remain largely undetermined. Further studies to establish the structure and function of the anterolateral structures may lead to more anatomical extra-articular reconstruction techniques that supplement intra-articular reconstruction. This might reduce residual pivot shift after an intra-articular reconstruction and thus improve the post-operative kinematics of the knee.

We present the first reported case of symptomatic medial dislocation of the medial meniscus in a patient who had no previous history of trauma and who had an otherwise normal knee. The treatment of instability of the medial meniscus is controversial and studies have indicated that certain individuals without a firm meniscal bony insertion may be predisposed to meniscal dislocation. In our patient, the meniscal instability interfered with daily activities. Operative stabilisation by reconstruction of the meniscotibial ligaments cured the symptoms

Aims

To report mid- to long-term results of Oxford mobile bearing domed lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and determine the effect of potential contraindications on outcome.

A new method of demonstrating sagittal laxity in the anterior cruciate-deficient knee is described. Seventy such knees were compared to 70 normal knees. Sagittal laxity was recorded as the average displacement of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. This displacement index was significantly different between the two groups of knees (P less than 0.0001). A range for normal and abnormal knees is discussed. Quantitative assessment of the degree of sagittal laxity by clinical evaluation is shown to be unreliable. Only the pivot-shift test demonstrated any significant correlation with the amount of sagittal displacement (P less than 0.05)

There have been many reports which suggest that in patients with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, a reduction in joint space is demonstrated better on weight-bearing radiographs taken with the knee in semiflexion than in full extension. The reduction has been attributed to the loss of articular cartilage in the contact area in a semiflexed arthritic knee. None of these studies have, however, included normal knees. We have therefore undertaken a prospective, double-blind, randomised study in order to evaluate the difference in the joint-space of arthroscopically-proven normal tibiofemoral joints as seen on weight-bearing full-extension and 30° flexion posteroanterior radiographs. Twenty-two knees were evaluated and the results showed that there may be a difference of up to 2 mm in the two views. This difference could be attributed to the inherent differential thickness of the articular cartilage in different areas of the femoral and tibial condyles and a change in the areas of contact between them

Using roentgen stereophotogrammetry we have recorded the three-dimensional movements of the knee during an anteroposterior laxity test in 36 patients with torn anterior cruciate ligaments and in three cadaver knees. At 30 degrees of knee flexion and before loads were applied the tibia occupied a more laterally rotated position if the anterior cruciate ligament had been injured. When the tibia was pulled anteriorly knees with cruciate deficiency rotated more laterally and were more abducted than normal knees. Posterior traction induced lateral rotation in the injured knee and medial rotation in the intact one. Precise knowledge of the three-dimensional instability of the anterior cruciate deficient knee may be important when the laxity is evaluated only in relation to one of the three cardinal axes

1. A concept and design of polycentric knee arthroplasty based on the biomechanics of normal knee movement is presented. The diseased articular surfaces of the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus are replaced separately by prosthetic implants secured with cement. The collateral and cruciate ligaments are retained to maintain joint stability. 2. The early results from this arthroplasty in twenty-two knees are assessed. The operation gave relief of pain in twenty-two, a range of movement greater than 90 degrees in thirteen, no lateral instability in sixteen of twenty-two knees and an increased degree of mobility for nineteen of twenty individuals (two bilateral arthroplasties). 3. Operative complications consisted of delayed wound healing in four knees and common peroneal nerve palsy in one. One knee was subsequently arthrodesed for lack of functional improvement

In a prospective study, 41 consecutive patients with a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, diagnosed by arthroscopy, were reviewed after an average of 17 months, having been in plaster for six weeks after injury. Their average age was 29 years and review included clinical examination, measurement of anterior and posterior laxity with the Stryker knee laxity tester as well as evaluation of knee function and activity level. Twenty-one patients had unstable knees at follow-up; the mean total anteroposterior laxity for these patients was 12.6 +/- 3.9 mm compared with 7.1 +/- 4.3 mm for the normal knee. Most patients had few symptoms, but there was a significant reduction in the mean level of activity in the unstable group

A biomechanical study has been carried out on 20 cadaveric knees to investigate their load-absorbing mechanism. The impact load was applied using a weight falling onto the transected proximal femur and the force transmitted through the knee was measured at the transected distal tibia using a load transducer. The peak force transmitted increased as, sequentially, meniscus, articular cartilage and subchondral bone were damaged or removed. The most striking result was found in an implanted knee replacement where the transmitted force reached 180% of that in the intact knee. The results show that the joint has an impact-absorbing property in each segment and that in the osteoarthritic knee there is less absorption of shock than in the normal knee. The high impact force in an implanted knee suggests that microfractures of the cancellous bone might be expected and may produce loosening

When the Oxford unicompartmental meniscal bearing arthroplasty is used in the lateral compartment of the knee, 10% of the bearings dislocate. A radiological review was carried out to establish if dislocation was related to surgical technique. The postoperative radiographs of 46 lateral unicompartmental arthroplasties were analysed. Five variables which related to the position and alignment of the components were measured. Dislocations occurred in six knees. Only one of the five variables, the proximal tibial varus angle, had a statistically significant relationship to dislocation. This variable quantifies the height of the lateral joint line. The mean proximal tibial varus angle for knees the bearings of which had dislocated was 9° and for those which had not it was 5°. In both groups it was greater than would be expected in the normal knee (3°). Our study suggests that a high proximal tibial varus angle is associated with dislocation. The surgical technique should be modified to account for this, with care being taken to avoid damage to or over-distraction of the lateral soft tissues

An operation using either the medial or the lateral meniscus to effect the late repair of torn cruciate ligaments is described. Forty-three patients under fifty years of age who were unable to return to their work because of severe joint laxity have been treated in this way and reviewed after one to thirty years. Sagittal stability was measured by a special apparatus, and a comparison was made between normal knees and affected knees before and after operation. The review of forty-five knees showed normal stability in thirty-one, slight instability in twelve and no improvement in two. Forty-one patients had returned to their former work: twenty-two complained of instability when tired; all had pain-free joints. The use of a meniscus for the reconstruction of either cruciate ligament is considered to be simple, safe and effective

We reviewed 74 partial medial meniscectomies in 57 patients with stable knees, to assess the long-term functional and radiological outcome. The International Knee Documentation Committee score and the residual laxity were assessed in both knees. At the time of surgery the mean age of the patients was 36 ± 11 years and the mean follow-up was 12 ± 1 years. All had a limited medial meniscectomy. The anterior cruciate ligament was intact in all cases. The meniscal tear was vertical in 95% and complex in 5%. The posterior part of the meniscus was removed in 99%. A peripheral rim was preserved in all cases. After 12 years 95% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their knee(s). Objectively, 57% had grade A function and 43% were grade B. The outcome correlated only with the presence of anterior knee pain at final follow-up. In the 49 cases of arthroscopic meniscectomy for which there was a contralateral normal knee there was narrowing of the ‘joint-space’ in 16% of the operated knees. There was no correlation between this and other parameters such as age or different meniscal pathologies

Little is known of the effects of synovectomy on articular cartilage. In order to investigate this matter, anterior synovectomy of the knee was performed in thirty-five normal adult rabbits and in thirty-five which were given 25 milligrams of hydrocortisone intramuscularly each week afterwards. The animals were killed at intervals from four to 110 days after synovectomy. Histological examination of the regenerating synovium in both groups showed complete structural and functional regeneration by eighty days in the first group and a delay in regeneration in the steroid group. . 35. Sulphur autoradiographs of the articular cartilage of femoral and tibial condyles revealed surface fibrillation and chondrocyte death in 23 per cent of normal knees after eighty days but only 1·8 per cent of knees of animals receiving hydrocortisone. Thus synovectomy in a healthy joint may have an unfavourable effect on the physiology of cartilage by alteration of synovial composition and hyaluronate content in normal joints. Systemically-administered hydrocortisone may reduce this harmful effect in normal cartilage

The cause of dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains elusive. Much attention has been focused on static mechanical alignment as a basis for surgical success and optimising outcomes. More recently, research on both normal and osteoarthritic knees, as well as kinematically aligned TKAs, has suggested that other specific and dynamic factors may be more important than a generic target of 0 ± 3º of a neutral axis. Consideration of these other variables is necessary to understand ideal targets and move beyond generic results. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):81–3

We have followed for 13 years a consecutive series of 31 patients who had open repair of a torn meniscus. They were between 13 and 43 years of age at the time of operation and all had intact stabilising ligaments. Comparison was made with a matched group of normal subjects of similar age and level of activity. The total rate of failure after meniscal repair was 29%; three of the repaired menisci did not heal and six reruptured during the follow-up period. At follow-up 80% of the patients had normal knee function for daily activities. Radiological changes were found in seven. Two had reduction of the joint space (Ahlbäck grade 1), one with successful and one with failed repair. In the control group of uninjured subjects one knee showed Fairbank changes but none had changes according to Ahlbäck. The incidence of radiological changes did not differ between the group with meniscal repair and the control group but knee function was reduced after meniscal repair (p < 0.001). We conclude that the long-term results of meniscal repair in stable knees are good with nearly normal function and a low incidence of low-grade radiological changes

We have measured anterior and posterior displacement in 563 normal knees and 487 knees with chronic deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We performed stress radiography using a simple apparatus which maintained the knee at 20° of flexion while a 9 kg load was applied. There was no significant difference in posterior translation dependent on the condition of the ACL. Measurement of anterior translation in the medial compartment proved to be more reliable than in the lateral compartment for the diagnosis of rupture of the ACL, with better specificity, sensitivity and predictive values. We have classified anterior laxity based on the differential anterior translation of the medial compartment and identified four grades in each of which we can further distinguish four subgrades for laxity of the lateral compartment. Within each of these subgroups, either internal or external rotation may dominate and sometimes there is a major translation of both compartments. Radiological evaluation of displacement of the knee in 20° of flexion provides conclusive evidence of rupture of the ACL. A detailed study of pathological displacement is the basis for a classification of laxity. It is then possible to decide for each type of laxity, the surgical treatment which is specifically adapted to the lesion, and to define a reference value for judging outcome

We measured joint position sense in the knee by a new method which tests the proprioceptive contribution of the joint capsule and ligaments. The leg was supported on a splint, and held in several positions of flexion. The subjects' perception of the position was recorded on a visual analogue model and compared with the actual angle of flexion. Eighty-one normal and 45 osteoarthritic knees were examined, as were 10 knees with semi-constrained and 11 with hinged joint replacements. All were assessed with and without an elastic bandage around the knee. There was a steady decline in joint position sense with age in subjects with normal knees. Those with osteoarthritic knees had impaired joint position sense at all ages (p less than 0.001). Knee replacement improved the joint position sense slightly (p less than 0.02); semi-constrained replacement had a greater effect than hinged replacement. The effect of an elastic bandage in subjects with poor position sense was dramatic, improving accuracy by 40% (p less than 0.001). It is proposed that reduced proprioception in elderly and osteoarthritic subjects may be responsible for initiation or advancement of degeneration of the knee

Aims

This study aims to determine the proportion of patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) possibly suitable for partial (PKA) or combined partial knee arthroplasty (CPKA) according to patterns of full-thickness cartilage loss and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) status.

1 . Current theories of the etiology of chondromalacia patellae do not explain satisfactorily either its great frequency or its common site of origin on the medial patellar facet. 2. The etiology can be more logically explained by the presence of a ridge on the upper anterior border of the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle, in most knees. This ridge, consisting of cartilage, or cartilage and bone, varies considerably in height and, in normal knee joint movement, causes considerable friction on the medial patellar facet. 3. The degenerative changes were found to be greater in the presence of the larger ridges, and–because of longer wear and tear–in the older patients. 4. This study indicates that chondromalacia was more severe in women than in men, and in patients overweight. Although the activity of the individual and the power of the quadriceps mechanism must play an extremely important part in this condition, it was not possible to assess this. 5. Two factors previously considered to be important in the etiology of this condition, namely, the length of the patellar tendon and Wiberg's Type III patellar shape, have not been confirmed in this study. 6. Resulting from the present investigation certain precautions are suggested in rehabilitation after operations on the knee, and a surgical method for discouraging the progress of this common, and sometimes disabling, condition has been devised