Aims

This Delphi study assessed the challenges of diagnosing soft-tissue knee injuries (STKIs) in acute settings among orthopaedic healthcare stakeholders.

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This study aims to identify the top unanswered research priorities in the field of knee surgery using consensus-based methodology.

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The primary objective of this registry-based study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of cementless and cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) during the first postoperative year. The secondary objective was to assess one- and three-year implant survival of both fixation techniques.

Aims. To identify unanswered questions about the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation and delivery of care of first-time soft-tissue knee injuries (ligament injuries, patella dislocations, meniscal injuries, and articular cartilage) in children (aged 12 years and older) and adults. Methods. The James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology for Priority Setting Partnerships was followed. An initial survey invited patients and healthcare professionals from the UK to submit any uncertainties regarding soft-tissue knee injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation and delivery of care. Over 1,000 questions were received. From these, 74 questions (identifying common concerns) were formulated and checked against the best available evidence. An interim survey was then conducted and 27 questions were taken forward to the final workshop, held in January 2023, where they were discussed, ranked, and scored in multiple rounds of prioritization. This was conducted by healthcare professionals, patients, and carers. Results. The top ten included questions regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The number one question was, ‘How urgently do soft-tissue knee injuries need to be treated for the best outcome?’. This reflects the concerns of patients, carers, and the wider multidisciplinary team. Conclusion. This validated process has generated ten important priorities for future soft-tissue knee injury research. These have been submitted to the National Institute for Health and Care Research. All 27 questions in the final workshop have been published on the JLA website. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):232–239

Aims

With up to 40% of patients having patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ OA), the two arthroplasty options are to replace solely the patellofemoral joint via patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), or the entire knee via total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to assess postoperative success of second-generation PFAs compared to TKAs for patients treated for PFJ OA using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and domains deemed important by patients following a patient and public involvement meeting.

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The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process.

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The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on the diagnosis, nonoperative management, and indications, if any, for medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) repair in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi approach.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- to long-term outcomes and complications of the Stanmore Modular Individualised Lower Extremity System (SMILES) rotating hinge implant in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) at a tertiary unit. It is hypothesized that this fully cemented construct leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

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Uncemented mobile bearing designs in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have seen an increase over the last decade. However, there are a lack of large-scale studies comparing survivorship of these specific designs to commonly used cemented mobile and fixed bearing designs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survivorship of these designs.

Limb alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) influences periarticular soft-tissue tension, biomechanics through knee flexion, and implant survival. Despite this, there is no uniform consensus on the optimal alignment technique for TKA. Neutral mechanical alignment facilitates knee flexion and symmetrical component wear but forces the limb into an unnatural position that alters native knee kinematics through the arc of knee flexion. Kinematic alignment aims to restore native limb alignment, but the safe ranges with this technique remain uncertain and the effects of this alignment technique on component survivorship remain unknown. Anatomical alignment aims to restore predisease limb alignment and knee geometry, but existing studies using this technique are based on cadaveric specimens or clinical trials with limited follow-up times. Functional alignment aims to restore the native plane and obliquity of the joint by manipulating implant positioning while limiting soft tissue releases, but the results of high-quality studies with long-term outcomes are still awaited. The drawbacks of existing studies on alignment include the use of surgical techniques with limited accuracy and reproducibility of achieving the planned alignment, poor correlation of intraoperative data to long-term functional outcomes and implant survivorship, and a paucity of studies on the safe ranges of limb alignment. Further studies on alignment in TKA should use surgical adjuncts (e.g. robotic technology) to help execute the planned alignment with improved accuracy, include intraoperative assessments of knee biomechanics and periarticular soft-tissue tension, and correlate alignment to long-term functional outcomes and survivorship.

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The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) was recently described as an MRI-based classification tool for the femoral trochlear. The authors demonstrated better inter- and intraobserver agreement compared to the Dejour classification. As the OBC could potentially provide a very useful MRI-based grading system for trochlear dysplasia, it was the aim to determine the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the classification system from the perspective of the non-founder.

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Our objective is to describe our early and mid-term results with the use of a new simple primary knee prosthesis as an articulating spacer in planned two-stage management for infected knee arthroplasty. As a second objective, we compared outcomes between the group with a retained first stage and those with a complete two-stage revision.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femoral condyle in patients with trochlear dysplasia and lateral patellar instability. Methods. A total of 90 patients (64 female, 26 male; mean age 22.1 years (SD 7.2)) with lateral patellar dislocation and trochlear dysplasia who were awaiting surgical treatment between January 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent CT scans of the lower limb to assess the femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femur. The femoral torsion at various levels was assessed using the a) femoral anteversion angle (FAA), b) proximal and distal anteversion angle, c) angle of the proximal femoral axis-anatomical epicondylar axis (PFA-AEA), and d) angle of the AEA–posterior condylar line (AEA-PCL). Representative measurements of distal condylar length were taken and parameters using the ratios of the bianterior condyle, biposterior condyle, bicondyle, anterolateral condyle, and anteromedial condyle were calculated and correlated with reference to the AEA, using the Pearson Correlation coefficient. Results. The femoral torsion had a strong correlation with distal condylar morphology. The FAA was significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.355; p = 0.009), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.340; p = 0.001) and the ratio of the anterolateral condyle and lateral condyle (ALC-LC) (r = 0.309; p = 0.014). The PFA-AEA angle was also significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.319; p = 0.008), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.231; p = 0.031), and the ratio of ALC-LC (r = 0.261; p = 0.034). In addition, the bianterior condyle ratio showed a significant correlation with the biposterior condyle ratio (r = -0.324; p = 0.027) and the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.342; p = 0.021). Conclusion. Increased femoral torsion correlated with a prominent anterolateral condyle and a shorter posterolateral condyle compared with the medial condyle. The deformities of the anterior and posterior condyles are combined deformities rather than being isolated and individual deformities in patients with trochlear dysplasia and patella instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):868–873

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.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate cartilaginous patellotrochlear congruence and patellofemoral alignment parameters after deepening trochleoplasty in severe trochlear dysplasia. Patients and Methods. The study group comprised 20 patients (two male, 18 female; mean age 24 years (16 to 39)) who underwent deepening trochleoplasty and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent lateral patellar dislocation due to severe trochlear dysplasia (Dejour type B to D). Pre- and postoperative MRI investigations of the study group were compared with MRI data of 20 age- and gender-matched control patients (two male, 18 female; mean age 27 years (18 to 44)) regarding the patellotrochlear contact ratio, patellotrochlear contact area, posterior patellar edge-trochlear groove ratio, and patellar tilt. Results. Preoperatively, all parameters in the study group indicated significant patellar malalignment, including a reduced patellotrochlear contact ratio (mean 0.38 (0.13 to 0.59) vs mean 0.67 (0.48 to 0.88); p < 0.001), reduced contact area (mean 128 mm. 2. (87 to 190) vs mean 183 mm. 2. (155 to 227); p < 0.001), increased patellar lateralization (mean 0.82 (0.55 to 1.0) vs mean 0.99 (0.93 to 1.1); p < 0.001) and increased patellar tilt (mean 25.8° (8.1° to 43.0°) vs mean 9.1° (0.5° to 16.8°); p < 0.001). Postoperatively, all parameters in the study group improved significantly and reached normal values compared with the control group. The patellotrochlear contact ratio increased to a mean of 0.63 (0.38 to 0.85) (p < 0.001), the contact area increased to a mean of 187 mm. 2. (101 to 255) (p < 0.001), the posterior patellar edge-trochlear groove ratio improved to a mean of 0.96 (0.83 to 0.91) (p < 0.001), and the patellar tilt decreased to a mean of 13.9° (8.1° to 22.1°) (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Conclusion. Deepening trochleoplasty and MPFL reconstruction normalized the patellotrochlear congruence and patellofemoral alignment parameters. Modifying the dysplastic trochlea involves approximating the trochlear morphology to the shape of the patella rather than inducing a patella and trochlea mismatch. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:325–330

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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?

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Different methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been described for skeletally immature patients before closure of the growth plates. However, the outcome and complications following this treatment remain unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the outcome and complications of different techniques which may be used for reconstruction of the ACL in these patients.

Aims. The Bereiter trochleoplasty has been used in our unit for 12 years to manage recurrent patellar instability in patients with severe trochlea dysplasia. The aim of this study was to document the outcome of a large consecutive cohort of patients who have undergone this operation. Patients and Methods. Between June 2002 and August 2013, 214 consecutive trochleoplasties were carried out in 185 patients. There were 133 women and 52 men with a mean age of 21.3 years (14 to 38). All patients were offered yearly clinical and radiological follow-up. They completed the following patient reported outcome scores (PROMs): International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scale, the Kujala score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score and the short-form (SF)-12. . Results. Outcomes were available for 199 trochleoplasties in 173 patients giving a 93% follow-up rate at a mean of 4.43 years (1 to 12). There were no infections or deep vein thromboses. In total, 16 patients reported further patella dislocation, giving an 8.3% rate of recurrence. There were 27 re-operations, giving a rate of re-operation of 14%. Overall, 88% were satisfied with the operation and 90% felt that their symptoms had been improved. . Conclusion. All PROMs improved significantly post-operatively except for the mental component score of the SF-12. Trochleoplasty performed using a flexible osteochondral flap is an effective treatment for recurrent patellar instability in patients with severe trochlea dysplasia and gives good results in the medium term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:344–50

Patellar instability most frequently presents during adolescence. Congenital and infantile dislocation of the patella is a distinct entity from adolescent instability and measurable abnormalities may be present at birth. In the normal patellofemoral joint an increase in quadriceps angle and patellar height are matched by an increase in trochlear depth as the joint matures. Adolescent instability may herald a lifelong condition leading to chronic disability and arthritis.

Restoring normal anatomy by trochleoplasty, tibial tubercle transfer or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the young adult prevents further instability. Although these techniques are proven in the young adult, they may cause growth arrest and deformity where the physis is open. A vigorous non-operative strategy may permit delay of surgery until growth is complete. Where non-operative treatment has failed a modified MPFL reconstruction may be performed to maintain stability until physeal closure permits anatomical reconstruction. If significant growth remains an extraosseous reconstruction of the MPFL may impart the lowest risk to the physis. If minor growth remains image intensifier guided placement of femoral intraosseous fixation may impart a small, but acceptable, risk to the physis.

This paper presents and discusses the literature relating to adolescent instability and provides a framework for management of these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:159–70.

An increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is related to patellar maltracking and instability. Tibial tubercle transfer is a common treatment option for these patients with good short-term results, although the results can deteriorate over time owing to the progression of osteoarthritis. We present a ten-year follow-up study of a self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy in 60 knees, 30 with maltracking and 30 with patellar instability. Inclusion criteria were a TT-TG ≥ 15 mm and symptoms for > one year. One patient (one knee) was lost to follow-up and one required total knee arthroplasty because of progressive osteoarthritis. Further patellar dislocations occurred in three knees, all in the instability group, one of which required further surgery. The mean visual analogue scores for pain, and Lysholm and Kujala scores improved significantly and were maintained at the final follow-up (repeated measures, p = 0.000, intergroup differences p = 0.449). Signs of maltracking were found in only a minority of patients, with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). An increase in patellofemoral osteoarthritis was seen in 16 knees (31%) with a maximum of grade 2 on the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. The mean increase in grades was 0.31 (0 to 2) and 0.41 (0 to 2) in the maltracking and instability groups respectively (p = 0.2285). This self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy provides good results at ten years’ follow-up without inducing progressive osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:329–36