The anteroposterior stability of cadaveric knees was investigated. There was a wide range of normal laxity; knees were more stable at 90 degrees than at 20 degrees flexion. Anterior cruciate ligament implants with different stiffnesses were inserted; normal stability could always be restored, and the stiffness or extensibility of implants did not affect knee behaviour significantly. The tightness of implants was critical--small tensioning errors caused subluxation, inhibited knee extension and allowed damagingly high implant tensions. It is concluded that the tension of ligament implants could not be adjusted simply with a pre-set instrument; the procedure will remain critically dependent on the judgment of the operating surgeon.

Forty-five patients with fractures of the tibial spine were reviewed 3 to 10 years after injury in order to determine the degree of residual laxity of the cruciate or collateral ligaments. After fractures which had been partially or completely displaced, some anterior cruciate laxity was evident, even if patients were asymptomatic. It was also found that an anatomical reduction did not prevent either laxity or some loss of full extension of the knee.

Most patients (95%) with fibular hemimelia have an absent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of such patients with respect to pain and knee function. We performed a retrospective review of patients with fibular hemimelia and associated ACL deficiency previously treated at our institution. Of a possible 66 patients, 23 were sent the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS) questionnaire and Lysholm knee score to complete. In all, 11 patients completed the MODEMS and nine completed the Lysholm score questionnaire. Their mean age was 37 years (27 to 57) at review. Five patients had undergone an ipsilateral Symes amputation. There was no significant difference in any subsections of the Short-Form 36 scores of our patients compared with age-matched controls. The mean Lysholm knee score was 90.2 (82 to 100). A slight limp was reported in six patients. No patients had episodes of locking of the knee or required a supportive device for walking. Four had occasional instability with sporting activities.

These results suggest that patients with fibular hemimelia and ACL deficiency can live active lives with a similar health status to age-matched controls.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure from rupture, attenuation, or malposition may cause recurrent subjective instability and objective laxity, and occurs in 3% to 22% of ACL reconstruction (ACLr) procedures. Revision ACLr is often indicated to restore knee stability, improve knee function, and facilitate return to cutting and pivoting activities. Prior to reconstruction, a thorough clinical and diagnostic evaluation is required to identify factors that may have predisposed an individual to recurrent ACL injury, appreciate concurrent intra-articular pathology, and select the optimal graft for revision reconstruction. Single-stage revision can be successful, although a staged approach may be used when optimal tunnel placement is not possible due to the position and/or widening of previous tunnels. Revision ACLr often involves concomitant procedures such as meniscal/chondral treatment, lateral extra-articular augmentation, and/or osteotomy. Although revision ACLr reliably restores knee stability and function, clinical outcomes and reoperation rates are worse than for primary ACLr. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):474–480

Aims. Osteoarticular reconstruction of the distal femur in childhood has the advantage of preserving the tibial physis. However, due to the small size of the distal femur, matching the host bone with an osteoarticular allograft is challenging. In this study, we compared the outcomes and complications of a resurfaced allograft-prosthesis composite (rAPC) with those of an osteoarticular allograft to reconstruct the distal femur in children. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 33 skeletally immature children with a malignant tumour of the distal femur, who underwent resection and reconstruction with a rAPC (n = 15) or osteoarticular allograft (n = 18), was conducted. The median age of the patients was ten years (interquartile range (IQR) 9 to 11) in the osteoarticular allograft group and nine years (IQR 8 to 10) in the rAPC group (p = 0.781). The median follow-up of the patients was seven years (IQR 4 to 8) in the osteoarticular allograft group and six years (IQR 3 to 7) in the rAPC group (p = 0.483). Limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. At final follow-up, the knee was unstable in 9/18 patients (50%) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 2/15 patients (13%) in the rAPC group (p = 0.026). The median range of motion (ROM) of the knee was 117° (IQR 115° to 120°) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 100° (IQR 95° to 105°) in the rAPC group (p < 0.001). The median MSTS score was 25 (IQR 23 to 26) in the osteoarticular allograft group and 28 (IQR 26 to 29) in the rAPC group (p = 0.007). Osteoarthritic change was detected in 11/18 patients (61%) in the osteoarticular allograft group and in 4/15 (26%) patients in the rAPC group (p = 0.048). Conclusion. In our series, a resurfaced allograft-prosthesis composite provided better knee stability and function, with a lower rate of osteoarthritis; an osteoarticular allograft was associated with better knee ROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1174–1179

Aims. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the long-term clinical, radiological, functional, and quality of life (QoL)-related outcome of patients treated with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) device for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods. A total of 41 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with the LARS device (mean age 39.8 years (SD 12.1 ); 32% females (n = 13)) were prospectively included between August 2001 and March 2005. MRI scans and radiographs were performed at a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.3 to 3.0; n = 40) and 12.8 years (IQR 12.1 to 13.8; n = 22). Functional and QoL-related outcome was assessed in 29 patients at a median follow-up of 12.8 years (IQR 12.0 to 14.0) and clinically reconfirmed at latest median follow-up of 16.5 years (IQR 15.5 to 17.9). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores were obtained pre- and postoperatively, and Lysholm score postoperatively only. At latest follow-up, range of motion, knee stability tests, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and IKDC scores were ascertained. Complications and reoperations during follow-up were documented. Results. Cumulative complication rate was 66% (n = 27), with 11 developing within one year from surgery and 16 after one year (including five patients with both early and late complications). Ten graft failures (24%) and eight cases of reactive synovitis were observed (20%). All 11 patients with early complications and ten with late complications underwent reoperation (including five with another surgical procedure for early complications), amounting to a cumulative reoperation rate of 51% (n = 21). Revision ACL reconstruction was performed in one patient (2.4%). Median IKDC at latest follow-up was 89.7 (IQR 78.2 to 93.1), being significantly worse in the event of previous complications. Lachman test was positive in 56% (n = 15) of reconstructed knees. All norm-based SF-36 items were at or above median at latest follow-up, and did not differ depending on development of complications. Conclusion. Despite good functional and QoL-related results in the long term, the cumulative complication rate of 66%, including graft failures and reactive synovitis, has to be viewed with great concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):242–248

Aims

Micromotion of the polyethylene (PE) inlay may contribute to backside PE wear in addition to articulate wear of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) with tantalum beads in the PE inlay, we evaluated PE micromotion and its relationship to PE wear.

Aims

To fully quantify the effect of posterior tibial slope (PTS) angles on joint kinematics and contact mechanics of intact and anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACLD) knees during the gait cycle.

Aims

The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and examine whether the risk of developing PTOA after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has decreased in recent decades.

Aims

Mid-level constraint designs for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are intended to reduce coronal plane laxity. Our aims were to compare kinematics and ligament forces of the Zimmer Biomet Persona posterior-stabilized (PS) and mid-level designs in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes under loads simulating clinical exams of the knee in a cadaver model.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), with those following ACLR and concomitant meniscal resection or repair.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of the anterolateral ligament (ALL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or both ALL and ACL on kinematics under dynamic loading conditions using dynamic simulation subject-specific knee models. Methods. Five subject-specific musculoskeletal models were validated with computationally predicted muscle activation, electromyography data, and previous experimental data to analyze effects of the ALL and ACL on knee kinematics under gait and squat loading conditions. Results. Anterior translation (AT) significantly increased with deficiency of the ACL, ALL, or both structures under gait cycle loading. Internal rotation (IR) significantly increased with deficiency of both the ACL and ALL under gait and squat loading conditions. However, the deficiency of ALL was not significant in the increase of AT, but it was significant in the increase of IR under the squat loading condition. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm that the ALL is an important lateral knee structure for knee joint stability. The ALL is a secondary stabilizer relative to the ACL under simulated gait and squat loading conditions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:509–517

Aims

Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs.

Aims

A functional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has been assumed to be required for patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, this assumption has not been thoroughly tested. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the biomechanical effects exerted by cruciate ligament-deficient knees with medial UKAs regarding different posterior tibial slopes.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if there are differences in short-term clinical outcomes among four different types of matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT).

This work studied the fibre bundle anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament. Three functional bundles--anteromedial, intermediate, and posterolateral--were identified in cadaver knees. Their contributions to resisting anterior subluxation in flexion and extension were found by repeated tests after sequential bundle transection. Changes of length in flexion and extension and in tibial rotation were measured. None of the fibres were isometric. The posterolateral bundle was stretched in extension and the anteromedial in flexion, which correlated with increased contributions to knee stability and the likelihood of partial ruptures in these positions. Tibial rotation had no significant effect. The fibre length changes suggested that the 'isometric point' aimed at by some ligament replacements lay anterior and superior to the femoral origin of the intermediate fibre bundle and towards the roof of the intercondylar notch

Many methods of reconstruction for ACL deficiency have been described, but little is known about their biomechanical properties. We examined extra-articular (EA), intra-articular (IA) and combined (EA+IA) reconstructions in ten cadaver knees after the ACL had been ruptured by the performance of a rapid anterior drawer movement. Stability at each stage before and after rupture and reconstruction was tested by anterior drawer, Lachman, varus-valgus and tibial rotation tests. Both IA and IA+EA reconstructions restored normal stability, while EA reconstructions improved stability but did not restore it to normal. The addition of an EA procedure to an IA procedure made no difference to knee stability. We conclude that in cases of isolated ACL deficiency there is no biomechanical basis for EA reconstruction, either alone or in addition to an IA reconstruction

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has become a popular method of treating knee localized osteoarthritis (OA). Additionally, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is essential to maintaining the physiological kinematics and functions of the knee joint. Considering these factors, the purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects on PCL-deficient knees in medial UKA.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the effects of posterior tibial slope (PTS) on knee kinematics involved in the post-cam mechanism in bi-cruciate stabilized (BCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using computer simulation.

We treated 21 patients with 22 dislocations of the knee by repair or reconstruction of all injured ligaments. Eight knees were treated in the acute phase (less than two weeks after injury); the remainder were treated more than six months after injury (6 to 72). Reconstructions were carried out with a combination of autograft and allograft tendons and by direct ligament repair where possible. At a mean follow-up of 32 months (11 to 77) the mean Lysholm score was 87 (81 to 91) in the acute group and 75 (53 to 100) in the delayed group. The mean Tegner activity rating was 5 in the acute group and 4.4 in the delayed group. The International Knee Documentation Committee assessment revealed no differences between the two groups. Instrumented testing of knee stability indicated better results for anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions which had been undertaken in the acute phase, but no difference in the outcome of posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. There was no difference in the loss of knee movement between the two groups. Although the differences were small, the outcome in terms of overall knee function, activity levels and anterior tibial translation were better in those knees which had been reconstructed within two weeks of injury

We treated 90 patients with an isolated injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft and interference screw fixation. Of these, 82 (91%) were available for review at 24 months. Two grafts and two contralateral ACLs had ruptured during sport and there was one case of atraumatic graft resorption. Using the assessment of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), 86% of the remaining patients were normal or nearly normal. The median Lysholm knee score was 95/100 and 84% of patients were participating in moderate to strenuous activity. All had grade-0 or grade-1 Lachman, pivot-shift and anterior-drawer tests. Measurement with the KT1000 arthrometer gave a side-to-side difference of < 3 mm of anterior tibial displacement in 90%. Sixty-six radiographs were IKDC grade A and one was grade B. Pain on kneeling was present in 31% and graft site pain in 44%. At 24 months after operation all patients had excellent knee stability, a high rate of return to sport and minimal radiological evidence of degenerative change. Our series therefore represents a basis for comparison of results using other techniques and after more severe injuries

The loss of full muscle activation contributes to weakness of the quadriceps muscle in patients with deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We examined whether a deficit of voluntary activation (VA) of the quadriceps muscle can be reversed by reconstruction of the ACL and assessed its influence on muscle strength and clinical parameters. We evaluated 12 male subjects with an isolated tear of the ACL and 12 matched control subjects before operation and two years after reconstruction of the ACL. Assessment included measurements of isometric knee-extension torque at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC force), knee stability tests, the International Knee Ligament Standard Evaluation Form and the Tegner activity score. A sensitive method of twitch interpolation was used to quantify the VA and to calculate true muscle force. Before operation we found a deficit of VA on both the injured (mean ±SEM 74.9 ± 3.5%) and the uninjured side (74.6 ± 3.0%) in comparison with the control group (91 ± 0.9%). Two years after reconstruction of the ACL the VA improved significantly on both sides but remained less than that of the controls. Correlation analysis revealed an improvement of the VA in patients who returned to a higher level of activity. The deficit of true muscle force, however, persisted regardless of the clinical outcome and ligament stability

Aims

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex injuries around the knee caused by high- or low-energy trauma. In the present study, we aimed to define the distribution and frequency of TPF lines using a 3D mapping technique and analyze the rationalization of divisions employed by frequently used classifications.

Aims

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and multiligament knee (MLK) injuries increase the risk of development of knee osteoarthritis and eventual need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There are limited data regarding implant use and outcomes in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the use of constrained implants and outcomes among patients undergoing TKA with a history of prior knee ligament reconstruction (PKLR) versus a matched cohort of patients undergoing TKA with no history of PKLR.

Aims

To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ≤ 80° range of movement (ROM) operated with a 2 mm increase in the flexion gap with matched non-stiff patients with at least 100° of preoperative ROM and balanced flexion and extension gaps.

Aims

Graft infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may lead to septic arthritis requiring multiple irrigation and debridement procedures, staged revision operations, and prolonged courses of antibiotics. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies reporting on how gentamicin pre-soaking of hamstring grafts influences infection rates following ACLR. We set out to examine this in our study accordingly.

Aims

Options for the treatment of intra-articular ligament injuries are limited, and insufficient ligament reconstruction can cause painful joint instability, loss of function, and progressive development of degenerative arthritis. This study aimed to assess the capability of a biologically enhanced matrix material for ligament reconstruction to withstand tensile forces within the joint and enhance ligament regeneration needed to regain joint function.

Aims

To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Aims

The success of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) depends on osseointegration at the graft-tunnel interface and intra-articular ligamentization. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated biological augmentation of graft healing in ACLR.

Objectives

Preservation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to near-normal post-operative joint mechanics and improved knee function. We hypothesised that a patient-specific bicruciate-retaining prosthesis preserves near-normal kinematics better than standard off-the-shelf posterior cruciate-retaining and bicruciate-retaining prostheses in TKA.

Aim

It has been suggested that the use of a pilot-hole may reduce the risk of fracture to the lateral cortex. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a pilot hole on the strains and occurrence of fractures at the lateral cortex during the opening of a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and post-surgery loading.

Objectives

The injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is thought to exhibit an impaired healing response, and attempts at surgical repair have not been successful. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is reported to be associated with wound healing, probably through transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1).

Aims

Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of the outcomes of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, comparing the use of different types of graft.

We report the clinical outcome and findings at second-look arthroscopy of 216 patients (mean age 25 years (11 to 58)) who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or augmentation. There were 73 single-bundle ACL augmentations (44 female, 29 male), 82 double-bundle ACL reconstructions (35 female, 47 male), and 61 single-bundle ACL reconstructions (34 female, 27 male).

In 94 of the 216 patients, proprioceptive function of the knee was evaluated before and 12 months after surgery using the threshold to detect passive motion test.

Second-look arthroscopy showed significantly better synovial coverage of the graft in the augmentation group (good: 60 (82%), fair: 10 (14%), poor: 3 (4%)) than in the other groups (p = 0.039). The mean side-to-side difference measured with a KT-2000 arthrometer was 0.4 mm (-3.3 to 2.9) in the augmentation group, 0.9 mm (-3.2 to 3.5) in the double-bundle group, and 1.3 mm (-2.7 to 3.9) in the single-bundle group: the result differed significantly between the augmentation and single-bundle groups (p = 0 .013). No significant difference in the Lysholm score or pivot-shift test was seen between the three groups (p = 0.09 and 0.65, respectively). In patients with good synovial coverage, three of the four measurements used revealed significant improvement in proprioceptive function (p = 0.177, 0.020, 0.034, and 0.026).

We conclude that ACL augmentation is a reasonable treatment option for patients with favourable ACL remnants.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1325–32

Aims

To examine the rates of hamstring graft salvage with arthroscopic debridement of infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as reported in the literature and discuss functional outcomes.

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to analyse the effects of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on forces of the posterolateral corner structure and on tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) contact force under dynamic-loading conditions.

The June 2015 Research Roundup360 looks at: Tranexamic acid: just give it – it’s not important how!; The anterolateral ligament re-examined; Warfarin a poor post-operative agent; Passive exoskeleton the orthosis of the future?; Musculoskeletal medicine: a dark art to UK medical students?; Alendronic acid and bone density post arthroplasty; Apples with oranges? Knee functional scores revisited

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most devastating and frequent injuries of the knee. Surgical reconstruction is the current standard of care for treatment of ACL injuries in active patients. The widespread adoption of ACL reconstruction over primary repair was based on early perception of the limited healing capacity of the ACL. Although the majority of ACL reconstruction surgeries successfully restore gross joint stability, post-traumatic osteoarthritis is commonplace following these injuries, even with ACL reconstruction. The development of new techniques to limit the long-term clinical sequelae associated with ACL reconstruction has been the main focus of research over the past decades. The improved knowledge of healing, along with recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, has resulted in the discovery of novel biologically augmented ACL-repair techniques that have satisfactory outcomes in preclinical studies. This instructional review provides a summary of the latest advances made in ACL repair.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:20–31.

Instability is the reason for revision of a primary total knee replacement (TKR) in 20% of patients. To date, the diagnosis of instability has been based on the patient’s symptoms and a subjective clinical assessment. We assessed whether a measured standardised forced leg extension could be used to quantify instability.

A total of 25 patients (11 male/14 female, mean age 70 years; 49 to 85) who were to undergo a revision TKR for instability of a primary implant were assessed with a Nottingham rig pre-operatively and then at six and 26 weeks post-operatively. Output was quantified (in revolutions per minute (rpm)) by accelerating a stationary flywheel. A control group of 183 patients (71 male/112 female, mean age 69 years) who had undergone primary TKR were evaluated for comparison.

Pre-operatively, all 25 patients with instability exhibited a distinctive pattern of reduction in ‘mid-push’ speed. The mean reduction was 55 rpm (sd 33.2). Post-operatively, no patient exhibited this pattern and the reduction in ‘mid-push’ speed was 0 rpm. The change between pre- and post-operative assessment was significant (p < 0.001). No patients in the control group exhibited this pattern at any of the intervals assessed. The between-groups difference was also significant (p < 0.001). This suggests that a quantitative diagnostic test to assess the unstable primary TKR could be developed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1339–43.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the mid- to long-term clinical outcomes for a medial-pivot total knee replacement (TKR) system. The objectives were to synthesise available survivorship, Knee Society Scores (KSS), and reasons for revision for this system.

At least four ways have been described to determine femoral component rotation, and three ways to determine tibial component rotation in total knee replacement (TKR). Each method has its advocates and each has an influence on knee kinematics and the ultimate short and long term success of TKR. Of the four femoral component methods, the author prefers rotating the femoral component in flexion to that amount that establishes a stable symmetrical flexion gap. This judgement is made after the soft tissues of the knee have been balanced in extension.

Of the three tibial component methods, the author prefers rotating the tibial component into congruency with the established femoral component rotation with the knee is in extension. This yields a rotationally congruent articulation during weight-bearing and should minimise the torsional forces being transferred through a conforming tibial insert, which could lead to wear to the underside of the tibial polyethylene. Rotating platform components will compensate for any mal-rotation, but can still lead to pain if excessive tibial insert rotation causes soft-tissue impingement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:140–3.

The December 2013 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Conflict of interest and hyaluronic acid; Will time indeed tell in microfracture?; Contralateral knee pain and joint replacement outcomes; Patient satisfaction and knee replacement?; Hope in the cytokines for painful TKRs?; Pain severity, cytokines and osteoarthritis?; Quadriceps weakness and pain; and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

Component malalignment can be associated with pain following total knee replacement (TKR). Using MRI, we reviewed 50 patients with painful TKRs and compared them with a group of 16 asymptomatic controls to determine the feasibility of using MRI in evaluating the rotational alignment of the components. Using the additional soft-tissue detail provided by this modality, we also evaluated the extent of synovitis within these two groups. Angular measurements were based on the femoral transepicondylar axis and tibial tubercle. Between two observers, there was very high interobserver agreement in the measurements of all values. Patients with painful TKRs demonstrated statistically significant relative internal rotation of the femoral component (p = 0.030). There was relative internal rotation of the tibial to femoral component and combined excessive internal rotation of the components in symptomatic knees, although these results were significant only with one of the observers (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between the presence and severity of synovitis and painful TKR (p < 0.001).

MRI is an effective modality in evaluating component rotational alignment.

Between 2003 and 2007, 99 knees in 77 patients underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. We evaluated the effect of initial stable fixation combined with an artificial bone substitute on the mid- to long-term outcome after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartmental osteoarthritis or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee in 78 knees in 64 patients available for review at a minimum of five years (mean age 68 years; 49 to 82). The mean follow-up was 6.5 years (5 to 10). The mean Knee Society knee score and function score improved from 49.6 (sd 11.4, 26 to 72) and 56.6 (sd 15.6, 5 to 100) before surgery to 88.1 (sd 12.5, 14 to 100) and 89.4 (sd 15.6, 5 to 100) at final follow-up (p <  0.001) respectively. There were no significant differences between patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years. The mean standing femorotibial angle was corrected significantly from 181.7° (sd 2.7°, 175° to 185°) pre-operatively to 169.7° (sd 2.4°, 164° to 175°) at one year’s follow-up (p < 0.001) and 169.6° (sd 3.0°, 157° to 179°) at the final follow-up (p = 0.69 vs one year).

Opening-wedge HTO using a stable plate fixation system combined with a bone substitute is a reliable procedure that provides excellent results. Although this treatment might seem challenging for older patients, our results strongly suggest that the results are equally good.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:339–44.

There are several methods for evaluating stability of the joint during total knee replacement (TKR). Activities of daily living demand mechanical loading to the knee joint, not only in full extension, but also in mid-flexion. The purpose of this study was to compare the varus-valgus stability throughout flexion in knees treated with either cruciate-retaining or posterior-stabilised TKR, using an intra-operative navigation technique. A total of 34 knees underwent TKR with computer navigation, during which the investigator applied a maximum varus-valgus stress to the knee while steadily moving the leg from full extension to flexion both before and after prosthetic implantation. The femorotibial angle was measured simultaneously by the navigation system at every 10° throughout the range of movement. It was found that posterior-stabilised knees had more varus-valgus laxity than cruciate-retaining knees at all angles examined, and the differences were statistically significant at 10° (p = 0.0093), 20° (p = 0.0098) and 30° of flexion (p = 0.0252).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:493–7.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the early migration characteristics and functional outcome of the Triathlon cemented knee prosthesis with its predecessor, the Duracon cemented knee prosthesis (both Stryker).

We evaluated the long-term outcome of isolated endoscopically-assisted posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 26 patients using hamstring tendon autografts after failure of conservative management. At ten years after surgery the mean International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee score was 87 (sd 14) of a possible 100 points. Regular participation in moderate to strenuous activities was possible for only seven patients pre-operatively; this increased to 23 patients post-operatively. The mean Lysholm score improved from 64 (sd 15) to 90 (sd 14) at ten years (p = 0.001).

At ten years endoscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament with hamstring tendon autograft is effective in reducing knee symptoms. Of the series, 22 patients underwent radiological assessment for the development of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. In four patients, grade 2 changes with loss of joint space was observed and another four patients showed osteophyte formation with moderate joint space narrowing (grade 3). These findings compared favourably with non-operatively managed injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament.

This procedure for symptomatic patients with posterior cruciate ligament laxity who have failed conservative management offers good results.

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.

Animal studies have shown that implanted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts initially undergo a process of revascularisation prior to remodelling, ultimately increasing mechanical strength. We investigated whether minimal debridement of the intercondylar notch and the residual stump of the ruptured ACL leads to earlier revascularisation in ACL reconstruction in humans. We undertook a randomised controlled clinical trial in which 49 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using autologous four-strand hamstring tendon grafts. Randomised by the use of sealed envelopes, 25 patients had a conventional clearance of the intercondylar notch and 24 had a minimal debridement method. Three patients were excluded from the study. All patients underwent MR scanning postoperatively at 2, 6 and 12 months, together with clinical assessment using a KT-1000 arthrometer and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation. All observations were made by investigators blinded to the surgical technique. Signal intensity was measured in 4 mm diameter regions of interest along the ACL graft and the mid-substance of the posterior cruciate ligament.

Our results indicate that minimal debridement leads to earlier revascularisation within the mid-substance of the ACL graft at two months (paired t-test, p = 0.002). There was a significant reduction of mid-substance signal six months after the minimal debridement technique (paired t-test, p = 0.00007). No statistically significant differences were found in tunnel placement, incidence of Cyclops lesions, blood loss, IKDC scores, range of movement or Lachman test between the two groups.

We carried out a prospective study of 71 patients who had undergone reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the ABC scaffold. Their mean age was 28 years (18 to 50). All had either sub-acute or chronic traumatic deficiency of the ligament. The mean period of follow-up was five years (four to seven). Assessment included the use of the International Knee Documentation Committee score, the modified Lysholm score, the Tegner Activity score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score and measurement with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Two patients had mild recurrent synovitis. There were no infections and no failures of the ligament. During the period of study, two patients sustained a traumatic fracture of a femoral condyle. The implants retained their integrity in both cases. All patients returned to their previous or enhanced levels of daily activity by three months after operation and 56 (79%) achieved their pre-injury level of sporting activity by six months. The patients who were competing in National level sports returned to play at one level less after operation than before. The Lysholm score showed that 58% of the patients (41) were excellent, 34% (24) good, and 8% (6) fair, with a mean post-operative score of 93. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee score, 35% of knees (25) were ‘normal’, 52% (37) ‘nearly normal’ and 13% (9) ‘abnormal’. Complete satisfaction was noted in 90% of patients (64). The development of osteoarthritis and the management of anterior cruciate deficiency associated with laxity of the medial collateral ligament remains uncertain. Our results indicate that in the medium-term, the ABC ligament scaffold is suitable and effective when early and safe return to unrestricted activities is demanded. We acknowledge the current general hostility towards reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with artificial materials following reports of early failure and chronic synovitis associatiated with the production of particulate debris. We did not encounter these problems.

We reviewed 34 knees in 24 children after a double-elevating osteotomy for late-presenting infantile Blount’s disease. The mean age of patients was 9.1 years (7 to 13.5).

All knees were in Langenskiöld stages IV to VI. The operative technique corrected the depression of the medial joint line by an elevating osteotomy, and the remaining tibial varus and internal torsion by an osteotomy just below the apophysis. In the more recent patients (19 knees), a proximal lateral tibial epiphysiodesis was performed at the same time.

The mean pre-operative angle of depression of the medial tibial plateau of 49° (40° to 60°) was corrected to a mean of 26° (20° to 30°), which was maintained at follow-up. The femoral deformity was too small to warrant femoral osteotomy in any of our patients. The mean pre-operative mechanical varus of 30.6° (14° to 66°) was corrected to 0° to 5° of mechanical valgus in 29 knees. In five knees, there was an undercorrection of 2° to 5° of mechanical varus. At follow-up a further eight knees, in which lateral epiphysiodesis was delayed beyond five months, developed recurrent tibial varus associated with fusion of the medial proximal tibial physis.