The purpose of this study was to compare reoperation and revision rates of double plating (DP), single plating using a lateral locking plate (SP), or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PDFFs). All patients with PDFF primarily treated with DP, SP, or DFA between 2008 and 2022 at a university teaching hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was revision surgery for failure following DP, SP, or DFA. Secondary outcome measures included any reoperation, length of hospital stay, and mortality. All basic demographic and relevant implant and injury details were collected. Radiological analysis included fracture classification and evaluation of metaphyseal and medial comminution.Aims
Methods
Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the knee are challenging injuries. This study aims to describe the characteristics of knee PPFs and the impact of patient demographics, fracture types, and management modalities on in-hospital mortality. Using a multicentre study design, independent of registry data, we included adult patients sustaining a PPF around a knee arthroplasty between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Univariate, then multivariable, logistic regression analyses were performed to study the impact of patient, fracture, and treatment on mortality.Aims
Methods
Aims. Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) facilitates surgical exposure and protects the extensor mechanism during revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of bony union, complications, and reoperations following TTO during rTKA, to assess the functional outcomes of rTKA with TTO at two years’ minimum follow-up, and to identify the risk factors of failure. Methods. Between January 2010 and September 2020, 695 rTKAs were performed and data were entered into a prospective database. Inclusion criteria were rTKAs with concomitant TTO, without extensor mechanism allograft, and a minimum of two years’ follow-up. A total of 135 rTKAs were included, with a mean age of 65 years (SD 9.0) and a mean BMI of 29.8 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.7). The most frequent indications for revision were infection (50%; 68/135), aseptic loosening (25%; 34/135), and stiffness (13%; 18/135). Patients had standardized follow-up at six weeks, three months, six months, and annually thereafter. Complications and revisions were evaluated at the last follow-up. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion. Results. The mean follow-up was 51 months (SD 26; 24 to 121). Bony union was confirmed in 95% of patients (128/135) at a mean of 3.4 months (SD 2.7). The complication rate was 15% (20/135), consisting of nine tibial tubercle fracture displacements (6.7%), seven nonunions (5%), two delayed
To evaluate whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing at osteotomy sites and promotes functional recovery after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Overall, 90 patients who underwent OWHTO without bone grafting were enrolled in this nonrandomized retrospective study, and 45 patients treated with LIPUS were compared with 45 patients without LIPUS treatment in terms of bone healing and functional recovery postoperatively. Clinical evaluations, including the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were performed preoperatively as well as six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. The progression rate of gap filling was evaluated using anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively.Aims
Methods
Unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are successful treatments for osteoarthritis, but the solid metal implants disrupt the natural distribution of stress and strain which can lead to bone loss over time. This generates problems if the implant needs to be revised. This study investigates whether titanium lattice UKA and TKA implants can maintain natural load transfer in the proximal tibia. In a cadaveric model, UKA and TKA procedures were performed on eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, using conventional (solid) and titanium lattice tibial implants. Stress at the bone-implant interfaces were measured and compared to the native knee.Aims
Methods
To determine the relationship between articular cartilage status and clinical outcomes after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOHTO) for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis at intermediate follow-up. We reviewed 155 patients (155 knees) who underwent MOHTO from January 2008 to December 2016 followed by second-look arthroscopy with a mean 5.3-year follow-up (2.0 to 11.7). Arthroscopic findings were assessed according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of normal or nearly normal quality cartilage in the medial femoral condyle: good (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade I or II; n = 70), and poor (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade III or IV; n = 85) groups at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 36-Item Short Form survey.Aims
Methods
Debate continues regarding the optimum management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs). This study aims to determine which operative treatment is associated with the lowest perioperative morbidity and mortality when treating low (Su type II and III) PDFFs comparing lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA). This was a retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive unilateral (PDFFs) of Su types II (40/60) and III (20/60) in patients aged ≥ 60 years: 33 underwent LLP-ORIF (mean age 81.3 years (SD 10.5), BMI 26.7 (SD 5.5); 29/33 female); and 27 underwent DFA (mean age 78.8 years (SD 8.3); BMI 26.7 (SD 6.6); 19/27 female). The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications, calculated blood loss, transfusion requirements, functional mobility status, length of acute hospital stay, discharge destination and mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for reoperation after LLP-ORIF.Aims
Methods
Arthrodesis is rarely used as a salvage procedure for patients with a chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and little information is available about the outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, durability, and safety of this procedure as the definitive treatment for complex, chronically infected TKA, in a current series of patients. We retrospectively identified 41 patients (41 TKAs) with a complex infected TKA, who were treated between 2002 and 2016 using a deliberate, two-stage knee arthrodesis. Their mean age was 64 years (34 to 88) and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 kg/m2 (25 to 79). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 9). The extensor mechanism (EM) was deficient in 27 patients (66%) and flap cover was required in 14 (34%). Most patients were host grade B (56%) or C (29%), and limb grade 3 (71%), according to the classification of McPherson et al. A total of 12 patients (29%) had polymicrobial infections and 20 (49%) had multi-drug resistant organisms; fixation involved an intramedullary nail in 25 (61%), an external fixator in ten (24%), and dual plates in six (15%).Aims
Methods
Metaphyseal fixation during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important, but potentially difficult when using historical designs of cone. Material and manufacturing innovations have improved the size and shape of the cones which are available, and simplified the required bone preparation. In a large series, we assessed the implant survivorship, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of new porous 3D-printed titanium metaphyseal cones featuring a reamer-based system. We reviewed 142 revision TKAs in 139 patients using 202 cones (134 tibial, 68 femoral) which were undertaken between 2015 and 2016. A total of 60 involved tibial and femoral cones. Most cones (149 of 202; 74%) were used for Type 2B or 3 bone loss. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (44 to 88), and 76 (55 %) were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 34 kg/m2 (18 to 60). The patients had a mean of 2.4 (1 to 8) previous operations on the knee, and 68 (48%) had a history of prosthetic infection. The mean follow-up was 2.4 years (2 to 3.6).Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to report the outcome of femoral condylar fresh osteochondral allografts (FOCA) with concomitant realignment osteotomy with a focus on graft survivorship, complications, reoperation, and function. We identified 60 patients (16 women, 44 men) who underwent unipolar femoral condylar FOCA with concomitant realignment between 1972 and 2012. The mean age of the patients was 28.9 years (10 to 62) and the mean follow-up was 11.4 years (2 to 35). Failure was defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty, revision allograft, or graft removal. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (mHSS) score.Aims
Patients and Methods
Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial-compartment
osteoarthritis of the knee can be complicated by intra-operative
lateral hinge fracture (LHF). We aimed to establish the relationship
between hinge position and fracture types, and suggest an appropriate
hinge position to reduce the risk of this complication. Consecutive patients undergoing OWHTO were evaluated on coronal
multiplanar reconstruction CT images. Hinge positions were divided
into five zones in our new classification, by their relationship
to the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). Fractures were classified
into types I, II, and III according to the Takeuchi classification.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this prospective randomised study was to compare the
time course of clinical improvement during the first two years following
a closing or opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). It was hypothesised
that there would be no differences in clinical outcome between the
two techniques. Between 2007 and 2013, 70 consecutive patients were randomly
allocated to undergo either a closing or opening wedge HTO. All
patients had medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), and were aged
between 30 years and 60 years. They were evaluated by independent
investigators pre-operatively and at three and six months, and one
and two years post-operatively using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis
Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Lysholm score,
the Tegner activity score, the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA) activity scale and range of movement (ROM).Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to investigate factors related to the technique of medial
opening wedge high tibial osteotomy which might predispose to the
development of a lateral hinge fracture. A total of 71 patients with 82 osteotomies were included in the
study. Their mean age was 62.9 years (37 to 80). The classification
of the type of osteotomy was based on whether it extended beyond
the fibular head. The level of the osteotomy was classified according
to the height of its endpoint.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of revision
total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with and without proximalisation of
the tibial tubercle in patients with a failed primary TKA who have
pseudo patella baja. All revision TKAs, performed between January 2008 and November
2013 at a tertiary referral University Orthopaedic Department were
retrospectively reviewed. Pseudo patella baja was defined using
the modified Insall-Salvati and the Blackburne-Peel ratios. A proximalisation
of the tibial tubercle was performed in 13 patients with pseudo
patella baja who were matched with a control group of 13 patients
for gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, length of surgery
and Blackburne-Peel ratio. Outcome was assessed two years post-operatively
using the Knee Society Score (KSS).Aims
Patients and Methods
Fractures around total knee arthroplasties pose
a significant surgical challenge. Most can be managed with osteosynthesis
and salvage of the replacement. The techniques of fixation of these
fractures and revision surgery have evolved and so has the assessment
of outcome. This specialty update summarises the current evidence
for the classification, methods of fixation, revision surgery and
outcomes of the management of periprosthetic fractures associated
with total knee arthroplasty. Cite this article:
An important measure for the diagnosis and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis is the minimum joint space width (mJSW). This requires accurate alignment of the x-ray beam with the tibial plateau, which may not be accomplished in practice. We investigate the feasibility of a new mJSW measurement method from stereo radiographs using 3D statistical shape models (SSM) and evaluate its sensitivity to changes in the mJSW and its robustness to variations in patient positioning and bone geometry. A validation study was performed using five cadaver specimens. The actual mJSW was varied and images were acquired with variation in the cadaver positioning. For comparison purposes, the mJSW was also assessed from plain radiographs. To study the influence of SSM model accuracy, the 3D mJSW measurement was repeated with models from the actual bones, obtained from CT scans.Objectives
Materials and Methods
This animal study compares different methods
of performing an osteotomy, including using an Erbium-doped Yttrium
Aluminum Garnet laser, histologically, radiologically and biomechanically.
A total of 24 New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups
(Group I: multihole-drilling; Group II: Gigli saw; Group III: electrical
saw blade and Group IV: laser). A proximal transverse diaphyseal
osteotomy was performed on the right tibias of the rabbits after the
application of a circular external fixator. The rabbits were killed
six weeks after the procedure, the operated tibias were resected
and radiographs taken. . The specimens were tested biomechanically using three-point bending
forces, and four tibias from each group were examined histologically.
Outcome parameters were the biomechanical stability of the tibias
as assessed by the failure to load and radiographic and histological
examination of the osteotomy site. . The osteotomies healed in all specimens both radiographically
and histologically. The differences in the mean radiographic (p
= 0.568) and histological (p = 0.71) scores, and in the mean failure
loads (p = 0.180) were not statistically significant between the
groups. . Different methods of performing an osteotomy give similar quality
of
A total of 22 patients with a tibial avulsion
fracture involving the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament
(PCL) with grade II or III posterior laxity were reduced and fixed
arthroscopically using routine anterior and double posteromedial
portals. A double-strand Ethibond suture was inserted into the joint
and wrapped around the PCL from anterior to posterior to secure
the ligament above the avulsed bony fragment. Two tibial bone tunnels
were created using the PCL reconstruction guide, aiming at the medial
and lateral borders of the tibial bed. The ends of the suture were
pulled out through the bone tunnels and tied over the tibial cortex
between the openings of the tunnels to reduce and secure the bony
fragment. Satisfactory reduction of the fracture was checked arthroscopically and
radiographically. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.5 months (19 to
28). Bone union occurred six weeks post-operatively. At final follow-up,
all patients had a negative posterior drawer test and a full range
of movement. KT-1000 arthrometer examination showed that the mean
post-operative side-to-side difference improved from 10.9 mm (standard
deviation ( We conclude that this technique is convenient, reliable and minimally
invasive and successfully restores the stability and function of
the knee. Cite this article:
The objective of this study was to validate the
efficacy of Takeuchi classification for lateral hinge fractures
(LHFs) in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). In all 74 osteoarthritic
knees (58 females, 16 males; mean age 62.9 years, standard deviation
7.5, 42 to 77) were treated with OWHTO using a TomoFix plate. The
knees were divided into non-fracture (59 knees) and LHF (15 knees)
groups, and the LHF group was further divided into Takeuchi types
I, II, and III (seven, two, and six knees, respectively). The outcomes
were assessed pre-operatively and one year after OWHTO. Pre-operative
characteristics (age, gender and body mass index) showed no significant
difference between the two groups. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic
Association score was significantly improved one year after operation
regardless of the presence or absence of LHF (p = 0.0015, p <
0.001, respectively). However, six of seven type I cases had no
LHF-related complications; both type II cases had delayed
The role of arthroscopy in the treatment of soft-tissue
injuries associated with proximal tibial fractures remains debatable.
Our hypothesis was that MRI over-diagnoses clinically relevant associated
soft-tissue injuries. This prospective study involved 50 consecutive
patients who underwent surgical treatment for a split-depression fracture
of the lateral tibial condyle (AO/OTA type B3.1). The mean age of
patients was 50 years (23 to 86) and 27 (54%) were female. All patients
had MRI and arthroscopy. Arthroscopy identified 12 tears of the
lateral meniscus, including eight bucket-handle tears that were
sutured and four that were resected, as well as six tears of the
medial meniscus, of which five were resected. Lateral meniscal injuries
were diagnosed on MRI in four of 12 patients, yielding an overall
sensitivity of 33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11 to 65). Specificity
was 76% (95% CI 59 to 88), with nine tears diagnosed among 38 menisci
that did not contain a tear. MRI identified medial meniscal injuries
in four of six patients, yielding an overall sensitivity of 67%
(95% CI 24 to 94). Specificity was 66% (95% CI 50 to 79), with 15
tears diagnosed in 44 menisci that did not contain tears. MRI appears to offer only a marginal benefit as the specificity
and sensitivity for diagnosing meniscal injuries are poor in patients
with a fracture. There were fewer arthroscopically-confirmed associated
lesions than reported previously in MRI studies. Cite this article:
