This study aimed to investigate the optimal sagittal positioning of the uncemented femoral component in total knee arthroplasty to minimize the risk of aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture. Ten different sagittal placements of the femoral component, ranging from -5 mm (causing anterior notch) to +4 mm (causing anterior gap), were analyzed using finite element analysis. Both gait and squat loading conditions were simulated, and Von Mises stress and interface micromotion were evaluated to assess fracture and loosening risk.Aims
Methods
To explore the clinical relevance of joint space width (JSW) narrowing on standardized-flexion (SF) radiographs in the assessment of cartilage degeneration in specific subregions seen on MRI sequences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) with neutral, valgus, and varus alignments, and potential planning of partial knee arthroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed 639 subjects, aged 45 to 79 years, in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study, who had symptomatic knees with Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 to 4. Knees were categorized as neutral, valgus, and varus knees by measuring hip-knee-angles on hip-knee-ankle radiographs. Femorotibial JSW was measured on posteroanterior SF radiographs using a special software. The femorotibial compartment was divided into 16 subregions, and MR-tomographic measurements of cartilage volume, thickness, and subchondral bone area were documented. Linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and Kellgren and Lawrence grade was used.Aims
Methods
Mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with a flat tibial plateau has not performed well in the lateral compartment, leading to a high rate of dislocation. For this reason, the Domed Lateral UKA with a biconcave bearing was developed. However, medial and lateral tibial plateaus have asymmetric anatomical geometries, with a slightly dished medial and a convex lateral plateau. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the extent at which the normal knee kinematics were restored with different tibial insert designs using computational simulation. We developed three different tibial inserts having flat, conforming, and anatomy-mimetic superior surfaces, whereas the inferior surface in all was designed to be concave to prevent dislocation. Kinematics from four male subjects and one female subject were compared under deep knee bend activity.Aims
Methods
The mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is recommended to be performed with the leg in the hanging leg (HL) position, and the thigh placed in a stirrup. This comparative cadaveric study assesses implant positioning and intraoperative kinematics of OUKA implanted either in the HL position or in the supine leg (SL) position. A total of 16 fresh-frozen knees in eight human cadavers, without macroscopic anatomical defects, were selected. The knees from each cadaver were randomized to have the OUKA implanted in the HL or SL position.Aims
Methods
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is one surgical option for treating symptomatic medial osteoarthritis. Clinical studies have shown the functional benefits of UKA; however, the optimal alignment of the tibial component is still debated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of tibial coronal and sagittal plane alignment in UKA on knee kinematics and cruciate ligament tension, using a musculoskeletal computer simulation. The tibial component was first aligned perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the tibia, with a 7° posterior slope (basic model). Subsequently, coronal and sagittal plane alignments were changed in a simulation programme. Kinematics and cruciate ligament tensions were simulated during weight-bearing deep knee bend and gait motions. Translation was defined as the distance between the most medial and the most lateral femoral positions throughout the cycle.Objectives
Methods
Elevated proximal tibial bone strain may cause unexplained pain, an important cause of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) revision. This study investigates the effect of tibial component alignment in metal-backed (MB) and all-polyethylene (AP) fixed-bearing medial UKAs on bone strain, using an experimentally validated finite element model (FEM). A previously experimentally validated FEM of a composite tibia implanted with a cemented fixed-bearing UKA (MB and AP) was used. Standard alignment (medial proximal tibial angle 90°, 6° posterior slope), coronal malalignment (3°, 5°, 10° varus; 3°, 5° valgus), and sagittal malalignment (0°, 3°, 6°, 9°, 12°) were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the volume of compressively overstrained cancellous bone (VOCB) < -3000 µε. The secondary outcome measure was maximum von Mises stress in cortical bone (MSCB) over a medial region of interest.Objectives
Methods
Posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) are critical factors in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A computational simulation was performed to evaluate the biomechanical effect of PCO and PTS on cruciate retaining TKA. We generated a subject-specific computational model followed by the development of ± 1 mm, ± 2 mm and ± 3 mm PCO models in the posterior direction, and -3°, 0°, 3° and 6° PTS models with each of the PCO models. Using a validated finite element (FE) model, we investigated the influence of the changes in PCO and PTS on the contact stress in the patellar button and the forces on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), patellar tendon and quadriceps muscles under the deep knee-bend loading conditions.Objectives
Methods
Objectives. Malalignment of the tibial component could influence the long-term survival of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The object of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of varus and valgus malalignment on the tibial component under stance-phase gait cycle loading conditions. Methods. Validated finite element models for varus and valgus malalignment by 3° and 5° were developed to evaluate the effect of malalignment on the tibial component in TKA. Maximum contact stress and contact area on a polyethylene insert, maximum contact stress on patellar button and the collateral ligament force were investigated. Results. There was greater total contact stress in the varus alignment than in the valgus, with more marked difference on the medial side. An increase in ligament force was clearly demonstrated, especially in the valgus alignment and force exerted on the medial collateral ligament also increased. Conclusion. These results highlight the importance of accurate surgical reconstruction of the
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a demanding procedure, with tibial component subsidence or pain from high tibial strain being potential causes of revision. The optimal position in terms of load transfer has not been documented for lateral UKA. Our aim was to determine the effect of tibial component position on proximal tibial strain. A total of 16 composite tibias were implanted with an Oxford Domed Lateral Partial Knee implant using cutting guides to define tibial slope and resection depth. Four implant positions were assessed: standard (5° posterior slope); 10° posterior slope; 5° reverse tibial slope; and 4 mm increased tibial resection. Using an electrodynamic axial-torsional materials testing machine (Instron 5565), a compressive load of 1.5 kN was applied at 60 N/s on a meniscal bearing via a matching femoral component. Tibial strain beneath the implant was measured using a calibrated Digital Image Correlation system.Objectives
Methods
Malrotation of the femoral component can result in post-operative complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including patellar maltracking. Therefore, we used computational simulation to investigate the influence of femoral malrotation on contact stresses on the polyethylene (PE) insert and on the patellar button as well as on the forces on the collateral ligaments. Validated finite element (FE) models, for internal and external malrotations from 0° to 10° with regard to the neutral position, were developed to evaluate the effect of malrotation on the femoral component in TKA. Femoral malrotation in TKA on the knee joint was simulated in walking stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions.Objectives
Materials and Methods
Because there have been no standard methods to determine pre-operatively
the thickness of resection of the proximal tibia in unicompartmental
knee arthroplasty (UKA), information about the relationship between
the change of limb alignment and the joint line elevation would
be useful for pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study
was to clarify the correlation between the change of limb alignment
and the change of joint line height at the medial compartment after
UKA. A consecutive series of 42 medial UKAs was reviewed retrospectively.
These patients were assessed radiographically both pre- and post-operatively
with standing anteroposterior radiographs. The thickness of bone
resection at the proximal tibia and the distal femur was measured
radiographically. The relationship between the change of femorotibial
angle (δFTA) and the change of joint line height, was analysed.Objectives
Methods
