Aims. The impact of a diaphyseal femoral deformity on knee alignment varies according to its severity and localization. The aims of this study were to determine a method of assessing the impact of diaphyseal femoral deformities on knee alignment for the varus knee, and to evaluate the reliability and the reproducibility of this method in a large cohort of osteoarthritic patients. Methods. All patients who underwent a knee arthroplasty from 2019 to 2021 were included. Exclusion criteria were genu valgus, flexion contracture (> 5°), previous femoral osteotomy or fracture, total hip arthroplasty, and femoral rotational disorder. A total of 205 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 62.2 years (SD 8.4). The mean BMI was 33.1 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.5). The radiological measurements were performed twice by two independent reviewers, and included hip knee ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical medial distal femoral angle (mMDFA), anatomical medial distal femoral angle (aMDFA), femoral neck shaft angle (NSA), femoral bowing angle (FBow), the distance between the knee centre and the top of the FBow (DK), and the angle representing the FBow impact on the knee (C’KS angle). Results. The FBow impact on the mMDFA can be measured by the C’KS angle. The C’KS angle took the localization (length DK) and the importance (FBow angle) of the FBow into consideration. The mean FBow angle was 4.4° (SD 2.4; 0 to 12.5). The mean C’KS angle was 1.8° (SD 1.1; 0 to 5.8). Overall, 84 knees (41%) had a severe FBow (> 5°). The radiological measurements showed very good to excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements. The C’KS increased significantly when the length DK decreased and the FBow angle increased (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The impact of the diaphyseal femoral deformity on the mechanical femoral axis is measured by the C’KS angle, a reliable and reproducible measurement. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):262–272

Aims. While residual fixed flexion deformity (FFD) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been associated with worse functional outcomes, limited evidence exists regarding FFD changes. The objective of this study was to quantify FFD changes in patients with medial unicompartmental knee arthritis undergoing UKA, and investigate any correlation with clinical outcomes. Methods. This study included 136 patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted medial UKA between January 2018 and December 2022. The study included 75 males (55.1%) and 61 (44.9%) females, with a mean age of 67.1 years (45 to 90). Patients were divided into three study groups based on the degree of preoperative FFD: ≤ 5°, 5° to ≤ 10°, and > 10°. Intraoperative optical motion capture technology was used to assess pre- and postoperative FFD. Clinical FFD was measured pre- and postoperatively at six weeks and one year following surgery. Preoperative and one-year postoperative Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were collected. Results. Overall, the median preoperative navigated (NAV) FFD measured 6.0° (IQR 3.1 to 8), while the median postoperative NAV FFD was 3.0° (IQR 1° to 4.4°), representing a mean correction of 49.2%. The median preoperative clinical FFD was 5° (IQR 0° to 9.75°) for the entire cohort, which decreased to 3.0° (IQR 0° to 5°) and 2° (IQR 0° to 3°) at six weeks and one year postoperatively, respectively. A statistically significant improvement in PROMs compared with baseline was evident in all groups (p < 0.001). Regression analyses showed that participants who experienced a larger FFD correction, showed greater improvement in PROMs (β = 0.609, p = 0.049; 95% CI 0.002 to 1.216). Conclusion. This study found that UKA was associated with an approximately 50% improvement in preoperative FFD across all three examined groups. Participants with greater correction of FFD also demonstrated larger OKS gains. These findings could prove a useful augment to clinical decision-making regarding candidacy for UKA and anticipated improvements in FFD

Aims. This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts. Methods. A case-control radiological study was undertaken comparing 500 healthy knees (250 adults) with a consecutive sample of 710 OA knees (355 adults) undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were determined for each knee, and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) types were calculated. WSD was defined as a varus mHKA of < -2° in one limb and a valgus mHKA of > 2° in the contralateral limb. The primary outcome was the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between healthy and OA groups. Secondary outcomes were the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between constitutional varus and valgus CPAK types, and to explore associations between predefined variables and WSD within the OA group. Results. WSD was more prevalent in the OA group compared to the healthy group (7.9% vs 0.4%; p < 0.001, relative risk (RR) 19.8). There was a significant difference in means and variance between the mHKA of the healthy and OA groups (mean -1.3° (SD 2.3°) vs mean -3.8°(SD 6.6°) respectively; p < 0.001). No significant differences existed in MPTA and LDFA between the groups, with a minimal difference in aHKA (mean -0.9° healthy vs -0.5° OA; p < 0.001). Backwards logistic regression identified meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy as predictors of WSD (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 10.0), p = 0.002; OR 11.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 89.3); p = 0.016; OR 41.6 (95% CI 5.4 to 432.9), p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Conclusion. This study found a 20-fold greater prevalence of WSD in OA populations. The development of WSD is associated with meniscectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteotomy. These findings support WSD being mostly an acquired condition following skeletal maturity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):879–885

Aims. The use of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to delay total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in young patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and constitutional deformity remains debated. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of TKA after HTO compared to TKA without HTO, using the time from the index OA surgery as reference (HTO for the study group, TKA for the control group). Methods. This was a case-control study of consecutive patients receiving a posterior-stabilized TKA for OA between 1996 and 2010 with previous HTO. A total of 73 TKAs after HTO with minimum ten years’ follow-up were included. Cases were matched with a TKA without previous HTO for age at the time of the HTO. All revisions were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed using revision of metal component as the endpoint. The Knee Society Score, range of motion, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results. Mean follow-up was 13 years (SD 3) after TKA in both groups. The 20-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimate was 98.6% in TKA post-HTO group (HTO as timing reference) and 81.4% in control group (TKA as timing reference) (p = 0.030). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes, and complications at the last follow-up. Conclusion. At the same delay from index surgery (HTO or TKA), a strategy of HTO followed by TKA had superior knee survivorship compared to early TKA at long term in young patients. Level of evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(2):62–71

Aims. To present our experience of using a combination of intra-articular osteotomy and external fixation to treat different deformities of the knee. Patients and Methods. A total of six patients with a mean age of 26.5 years (15 to 50) with an abnormal hemi-joint line convergence angle (HJLCA) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were included. Elevation of a tibial hemiplateau or femoral condylar advancement was performed and limb lengthening with correction of residual deformity using a circular or monolateral Ilizarov frame. Results. At a mean follow-up of 2.8 years (1.5 to 4.1), the mean HJLCA improved from 15.6° (10° to 23°) pre-operatively to 0.4° (0° to 2°). The mean MAD improved from 70.0 mm (20.1 to 118.5) pre-operatively to 9.1 mm (3 to 15). The mean tibiofemoral angle improved from 31.0° (8° to 54°) pre-operatively to 4.9° (2° to 8°). The mean limb-length discrepancy decreased from 6.3 cm (2.9 to 13.6) pre-operatively to 1.1 cm (0 to 5). All osteotomies and distraction zones healed without complications. Conclusion. The use of intra-articular corrective osteotomies combined with the Ilizarov technique allowed correction of deformities of the knee joint with satisfactory HJLCA and overall mechanical axis in six patients with a good functional and cosmetic outcome in the short term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:204–10

Fixed flexion deformities are common in osteoarthritic knees that are indicated for total knee arthroplasty. The lack of full extension at the knee results in a greater force of quadriceps contracture and energy expenditure. It also results in slower walking velocity and abnormal gait mechanics, overloading the contralateral limb. Residual flexion contractures after TKA have been associated with poorer functional scores and outcomes. Although some flexion contractures may resolve with time after surgery, a substantial percentage will become permanent. Therefore, it is essential to correct fixed flexion deformities at the time of TKA, and be vigilant in the post-operative course to maintain the correction. Surgical techniques to address pre-operative flexion contractures include: adequate bone resection, ligament releases, removal of posterior osteophytes, and posterior capsular releases. Post-operatively, extension can be maintained with focused physiotherapy, a specially modified continuous passive motion machine, a contralateral heel lift, and splinting

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1150 computer-assisted total knee replacements and analysed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 45 knees that had arthritis with a pre-operative recurvatum deformity. The mean pre-operative hyperextension deformity of 11° (6° to 15°), as measured by navigation at the start of the operation, improved to a mean flexion deformity of 3.1° (0° to 7°) post-operatively. A total of 41 knees (91%) were managed using inserts ≤ 12.5 mm thick, and none had mediolateral laxity > 2 mm from a mechanical axis of 0° at the end of the surgery. At a mean follow-up of 26.4 months (13 to 48) there was significant improvement in the mean Knee Society, Oxford knee and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores compared with the pre-operative values. The mean knee flexion improved from 105° (80° to 125°) pre-operatively to 131° (120° to 145°), and none of the limbs had recurrent recurvatum. These early results show that total knee replacement using computer navigation and an algorithmic approach for arthritic knees with a recurvatum deformity can give excellent radiological and functional outcomes without recurrent deformity

Twenty complex tibial deformities due to anterior poliomyelitis in 18 patients were corrected by a modified O’Donoghue osteotomy. This technique allowed correction of the deformity in three planes. This was achieved by widening the rectangular window distally to correct both rotation and valgus and by trimming the anterior edges of the step cuts to correct flexion deformity. An above-knee cast was applied for eight to 13 weeks and the patients followed up for a mean of 3.2 years. One of the 18 patients developed delayed union because of fracture of the medial limb of the step cut. The results showed excellent correction of the three-plane deformity and there was no recurrence. This method of osteotomy is a safe and simple procedure which does not require internal fixation and allows correction of torsional and angular deformity

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of osteophyte excision on deformity correction and soft tissue gap balance in varus knees undergoing computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

We investigated fixed flexion deformity (FFD) after total knee replacement (TKR). Data relating to 369 cruciate-retaining unilateral TKRs performed at a single institution were collected prospectively. Fixed flexion was measured pre-operatively and at one week, six months, 18 months, three years and five years after surgery. Using binary logistic regression, pre-operative FFD was a predictor of post-operative FFD > 10° at one week (p = 0.006) and six months (p = 0.003) following surgery. Gender was a predictor at one week (p = 0.0073) with 24% of women showing a FFD > 10° compared with 37% of men. We have shown that a gradual improvement in knee extension can be expected up to three years after surgery in knees with FFD. By this time residual FFD is mild or absent in the majority of patients, including those who had a severe pre-operative FFD

Aims. Patients with a deformity of the hindfoot present a particular challenge when performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The literature contains little information about the relationship between TKA and hindfoot alignment. This systematic review aimed to determine from both clinical and radiological studies whether TKA would alter a preoperative hindfoot deformity and whether the outcome of TKA is affected by the presence of a postoperative hindfoot deformity. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Search terms consisted of “total knee arthroplasty/replacement” combined with “hindfoot/ankle alignment”. Inclusion criteria were all English language studies analyzing the association between TKA and the alignment of the hindfoot, including the clinical or radiological outcomes. Exclusion criteria consisted of TKA performed with a concomitant extra-articular osteotomy and case reports or expert opinions. An assessment of quality was conducted using the modified Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019106980). Results. A total of 17 studies were found to be eligible for review. They included six prospective and ten retrospective studies, and one case-control study. The effects of TKA showed a clinical improvement in the hindfoot deformity in three studies, but did not if there was osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle (one study) or a persistent deformity of the knee (one study). The radiological alignment of the hindfoot corrected in 11 studies, but did not in the presence of a rigid hindfoot varus deformity (in two studies). The effects of a hindfoot deformity on TKA included a clinical association with instability of the knee in one study, and a shift in the radiological weightbearing axis in two studies. The mean MINORS score was 9.4 out of 16 (7 to 12). Conclusion. TKA improves both the function and alignment of the hindfoot in patients with a preoperative deformity of the hindfoot. This may not apply if there is a persistent deformity of the knee, a rigid hindfoot varus deformity, or OA of the ankle. Moreover, a persistent deformity of the hindfoot may adversely affect the stability and longevity of a TKA. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the moderate methodological quality of the studies which were included. Therefore, further prospective studies are needed in order to determine at which stage correction of a hindfoot deformity is required to optimize the outcome of a TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):87–97

Aims. Distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) are commonly used for the correction of valgus deformities and lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the impact of a DFO on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function remains a subject of debate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral DFO on subsequent TKA function in patients with bilateral TKAs, using the contralateral knee as a self-matched control group. Methods. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA after prior unilateral DFO between 1972 and 2023. The type of osteotomy performed, osteotomy hardware fixation, implanted TKA components, and revision rates were recorded. Postoperative outcomes including the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Tegner Activity Scale score, and subjective knee preference were also obtained at final follow-up. Results. A total of 21 patients underwent bilateral TKA following unilateral DFO and were followed for a mean of 31.5 years (SD 11.1; 20.2 to 74.2) after DFO. The mean time from DFO to TKA conversion was 13.1 years (SD 9.7) with 13 (61.9%) of DFO knees converting to TKA more than ten years after DFO. There was no difference in arthroplasty implant systems employed in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees (p > 0.999). At final follow-up, the mean FJS-12 of the DFO-TKA knee was 62.7 (SD 36.6), while for the TKA-only knee it was 65.6 (SD 34.7) (p = 0.328). In all, 80% of patients had no subjective knee preference or preferred their DFO-TKA knee. Three DFO-TKA knees and two TKA-only knees underwent subsequent revision following index arthroplasty at a mean of 12.8 years (SD 6.9) and 8.5 years (SD 3.8), respectively (p > 0.999). Conclusion. In this self-matched study, DFOs did not affect subsequent TKA function as clinical outcomes, subjective knee preference, and revision rates were similar in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees at mean 32-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1013–1019

Aims. Alternative alignment concepts, including kinematic and restricted kinematic, have been introduced to help improve clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, along with patient satisfaction, following TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment. Methods. A total of 121 consecutive TKAs performed between 11 February 2018 to 11 June 2019 with preoperative varus deformity were reviewed at minimum one-year follow-up. Three knees were excluded due to severe preoperative varus deformity greater than 15°, and a further three due to requiring revision surgery, leaving 109 patients and 115 knees to undergo primary TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment with advanced technology. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the preoperative limb varus deformity: Group A with 1° to 5° varus (43 knees); Group B between 6° and 10° varus (56 knees); and Group C with varus greater than 10° (16 knees). This study group was compared with a matched cohort of 115 TKAs and 115 patients using a neutral mechanical alignment target with manual instruments performed from 24 October 2016 to 14 January 2019. Results. Mean overall patient satisfaction for the entire cohort was 4.7 (SE 0.1) on a 5-point Likert scale, with 93% being either very satisfied or satisfied compared with a Likert of 4.3 and patient satisfaction of 81% in the mechanical alignment group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.006 respectively). At mean follow-up of 17 months (11 to 27), the mean overall Likert, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Forgotten Joint Score, and Knee Society Knee and Function Scores were significantly better in the kinematic group than in the neutral mechanical alignment group. The most common complication in both groups was contracture requiring manipulation under anaesthesia, involving seven knees (6.1%) in the kinematic group and nine knees (7.8%) in the mechanical alignment group. Conclusion. With the advent of advanced technology, and the ability to obtain accurate bone cuts, the target limb alignment, and soft-tissue balance within millimetres, using a restricted kinematic alignment concept demonstrated excellent patient satisfaction following primary TKA. Longer-term analysis is required as to the durability of this method. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):59–66

Aims. An algorithm to determine the constitutional alignment of the lower limb once arthritic deformity has occurred would be of value when undertaking kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine if the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) algorithm could estimate the constitutional alignment of the lower limb following development of significant arthritis. Methods. A matched-pairs radiological study was undertaken comparing the aHKA of an osteoarthritic knee (aHKA-OA) with the mechanical HKA of the contralateral normal knee (mHKA-N). Patients with Grade 3 or 4 Kellgren-Lawrence tibiofemoral osteoarthritis in an arthritic knee undergoing TKA and Grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis in the contralateral normal knee were included. The aHKA algorithm subtracts the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) from the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) measured on standing long leg radiographs. The primary outcome was the mean of the paired differences in the aHKA-OA and mHKA-N. Secondary outcomes included comparison of sex-based differences and capacity of the aHKA to determine the constitutional alignment based on degree of deformity. Results. A total of 51 radiographs met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference between aHKA-OA and mHKA-N, with a mean angular difference of −0.4° (95% SE −0.8° to 0.1°; p = 0.16). There was no significant sex-based difference when comparing aHKA-OA and mHKA-N (mean difference 0.8°; p = 0.11). Knees with deformities of more than 8° had a greater mean difference between aHKA-OA and mHKA-N (1.3°) than those with lesser deformities (-0.1°; p = 0.009). Conclusion. This study supports the arithmetic HKA algorithm for prediction of the constitutional alignment once arthritis has developed. The algorithm has similar accuracy between sexes and greater accuracy with lesser degrees of deformity. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:339–345

Aims. Once knee arthritis and deformity have occurred, it is currently not known how to determine a patient’s constitutional (pre-arthritic) limb alignment. The purpose of this study was to describe and validate the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle (aHKA) algorithm as a straightforward method for preoperative planning and intraoperative restoration of the constitutional limb alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. A comparative cross-sectional, radiological study was undertaken of 500 normal knees and 500 arthritic knees undergoing TKA. By definition, the aHKA algorithm subtracts the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) from the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). The mechanical HKA (mHKA) of the normal group was compared to the mHKA of the arthritic group to examine the difference, specifically related to deformity in the latter. The mHKA and aHKA were then compared in the normal group to assess for differences related to joint line convergence. Lastly, the aHKA of both the normal and arthritic groups were compared to test the hypothesis that the aHKA can estimate the constitutional alignment of the limb by sharing a similar centrality and distribution with the normal population. Results. There was a significant difference in means and distributions of the mHKA of the normal group compared to the arthritic group (mean -1.33° (SD 2.34°) vs mean -2.88° (SD 7.39°) respectively; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between normal and arthritic groups using the aHKA (mean -0.87° (SD 2.54°) vs mean -0.77° (SD 2.84°) respectively; p = 0.550). There was no significant difference in the MPTA and LDFA between the normal and arthritic groups. Conclusion. The arithmetic HKA effectively estimated the constitutional alignment of the lower limb after the onset of arthritis in this cross-sectional population-based analysis. This finding is of significant importance to surgeons aiming to restore the constitutional alignment of the lower limb during TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(5):351–358

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. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods. This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing primary robot-assisted PS TKA. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps before and after PCL resection in extension and 90° knee flexion. Measurements were made after excision of the anterior cruciate ligament and prior to bone resection. There were 54 men (49.1%) and 56 women (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 years (. sd. 6.2) at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 4.1° varus (. sd. 3.4). Results. PCL resection increased the mean flexion gap significantly more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 mm (. sd. 1.5) vs 1.3 mm (. sd. 1.0); p < 0.001) and lateral (3.3 mm (. sd. 1.6) vs 1.2 mm (. sd. 0.9); p < 0.01) compartments. The mean gap differences after PCL resection created significant mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 mm (. sd. 2.5); p < 0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 mm (. sd. 2.1); p = 0.51). PCL resection significantly improved the mean FFD (6.3° (. sd. 4.4) preoperatively vs 3.1° (. sd. 1.5) postoperatively; p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL resection (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.81; p < 0.001). PCL resection did not significantly affect limb alignment (mean change in alignment: 0.2° valgus (. sd. 1.2); p = 0.60). Conclusion. PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in the medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity before PCL resection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1230–1237

Aims. Neither a surgeon’s intraoperative impression nor the parameters of computer navigation have been shown to be predictive of the outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether a surgeon, with robotic assistance, can predict the outcome as assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for pain (KPS), one year postoperatively, and establish what factors correlate with poor KOOS scores in a well-aligned and balanced TKA. Methods. A total of 134 consecutive patients who underwent TKA using a dynamic ligament tensioning robotic system with a tibia first resection technique and a cruciate sacrificing ultracongruent TKA system were enrolled into a prospective study. Each TKA was graded based on the final mediolateral ligament balance at 10° and 90° of flexion: 1) < 1 mm difference in the thickness of the tibial insert and that which was planned (n = 75); 2) < 1 mm difference (n = 26); 3) between 1 mm to 2 mm difference (n = 26); and 4) > 2 mm difference (n = 7). The mean one-year KPS score for each grade of TKA was compared and the likelihood of achieving an KPS score of > 90 was calculated. Finally, the factors associated with lower KPS despite achieving a high-grade TKA (grade A and B) were analyzed. Results. Patients with a grade of A or B TKA had significantly higher mean one-year KPS scores compared with those with C or D grades (p = 0.031). There was no difference in KPS scores in grade A or B TKAs, but 33% of these patients did not have a KPS score of > 90. While there was no correlation with age, sex, preoperative deformity, and preoperative KOOS and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical scores, patients with a KPS score of < 90, despite a grade A or B TKA, had lower PROMIS mental health scores compared with those with KPS scores of > 90 (54.1 vs 50.8; p = 0.043). Patients with grade A and B TKAs with KPS > 90 were significantly more likely to respond with “my expectations were too low”, and with “the knee is performing better than expected” compared with patients with these grades of TKA who had a KPS score of < 90 (40% vs 22%; p = 0.004). Conclusion. A TKA balanced with robotic assistance to within 1 mm of difference between the medial and lateral sides in both flexion and extension had a higher KPS score one year postoperatively. Despite accurate ligament balance information, a robotic system could not guarantee excellent pain relief. Patient expectations and mental status also significantly affected the perceived success of TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):67–73

Aims. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, maximum knee extension, and limb alignment during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. This prospective study included 140 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary robotic-arm assisted TKA. All operative procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess study outcomes pre- and post-ACL resection with knee extension and 90° knee flexion. This study included 76 males (54.3%) and 64 females (45.7%) with a mean age of 64.1 years (SD 6.8) at time of surgery. Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.1° varus (SD 4.6° varus). Results. ACL resection increased the mean extension gap significantly more than the flexion gap in the medial (mean 1.2 mm (SD 1.0) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.7) respectively; p < 0.001) and lateral (mean 1.1 mm (SD 0.9) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.6) respectively; p < 0.001) compartments. The mean gap differences following ACL resection did not create any significant mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension (gap difference: mean 0.1 mm (SD 2.4); p = 0.89) or flexion (gap difference: mean 0.2 mm (SD 3.1); p = 0.40). ACL resection did not significantly affect maximum knee extension (change in maximum knee extension = mean 0.2° (SD 0.7°); p = 0.23) or fixed flexion deformity (mean 4.2° (SD 3.2°) pre-ACL release versus mean 3.9° (SD 3.7°) post-ACL release; p = 0.61). ACL resection did not significantly affect overall limb alignment (change in alignment = mean 0.2° valgus (SD 1.0° valgus; p = 0.11). Conclusion. ACL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the extension gap more than the flexion gap. However, gap differences following ACL resection do not create any mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension or flexion. ACL resection does not affect maximum knee extension or overall limb alignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):442–448

Aims. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using functional alignment aims to implant the components with minimal compromise of the soft-tissue envelope by restoring the plane and obliquity of the non-arthritic joint. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of TKA with functional alignment on mediolateral soft-tissue balance as assessed using intraoperative sensor-guided technology. Methods. This prospective study included 30 consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA using the Stryker PS Triathlon implant with functional alignment. Intraoperative soft-tissue balance was assessed using sensor-guided technology after definitive component implantation; soft-tissue balance was defined as intercompartmental pressure difference (ICPD) of < 15 psi. Medial and lateral compartment pressures were recorded at 10°, 45°, and 90° of knee flexion. This study included 18 females (60%) and 12 males (40%) with a mean age of 65.2 years (SD 9.3). Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.3° varus (SD 2.7°). Results. TKA with functional alignment achieved balanced medial and lateral compartment pressures at 10° (25.0 psi (SD 6.1) vs 23.1 psi (SD 6.7), respectively; p = 0.140), 45° (21.4 psi (SD 5.9) vs 20.6 psi (SD 5.9), respectively; p = 0.510), and 90° (21.2 psi (SD 7.1) vs 21.6 psi (SD 9.0), respectively; p = 0.800) of knee flexion. Mean ICPD was 6.1 psi (SD 4.5; 0 to 14) at 10°, 5.4 psi (SD 3.9; 0 to 12) at 45°, and 4.9 psi (SD 4.45; 0 to 15) at 90° of knee flexion. Mean postoperative limb alignment was 2.2° varus (SD 1.0°). Conclusion. TKA using the functional alignment achieves balanced mediolateral soft-tissue tension through the arc of knee flexion as assessed using intraoperative pressure-sensor technology. Further clinical trials are required to determine if TKA with functional alignment translates to improvements in patient satisfaction and outcomes compared to conventional alignment techniques. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):507–514