Using a new, non-invasive method, we measured the patellofemoral force (PFF) in cadaver knees mounted in a rig to simulate weight-bearing. The PFF was measured from 20° to 120° of flexion before and after implanting three designs of knee prosthesis. Medial unicompartmental arthroplasty with a meniscal-bearing prosthesis and with retention of both cruciate ligaments caused no significant change in the PFF. After arthroplasty with a posterior-cruciate-retaining prosthesis and division of the anterior cruciate ligament, the PFF decreased in extension and increased by 20% in flexion. Implantation of a posterior stabilised prosthesis and division of both cruciate ligaments produced a decrease in the PFF in extension but maintained normal load in flexion. There was a direct relationship between the PFF and the angle made with the patellar tendon and the long axis of the tibia. The abnormalities of the patellar tendon angle which resulted from implantation of the two total prostheses explain the observed changes in the PFF and show how the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint depend upon the kinematics of the tibiofemoral articulation

Aims

The intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate reconstruction. The effects on human articular cartilage, however, remains unknown. Our aim, in this study, was to investigate any detrimental effect of TXA on chondrocytes, and to establish if there was a safe dose for its use in clinical practice. The hypothesis was that TXA would cause a dose-dependent damage to human articular cartilage.

Objectives

During open orthopaedic surgery, joints may be exposed to air, potentially leading to cartilage drying and chondrocyte death, however, the long-term effects of joint drying in vivo are poorly understood. We used an animal model to investigate the subsequent effects of joint drying on cartilage and chondrocytes.