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Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 9 | Pages 436 - 441
1 Sep 2016
Pinsornsak P Naratrikun K Kanitnate S Sangkomkamhang T

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the joint space width between one-leg and both-legs standing radiographs in order to diagnose a primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods. Digital radiographs of 100 medial osteoarthritic knees in 50 patients were performed. The patients had undergone one-leg standing anteroposterior (AP) views by standing on the affected leg while a both-legs standing AP view was undertaken while standing on both legs. The severity of the osteoarthritis was evaluated using the joint space width and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) radiographic classification. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results. The mean medial joint space width found in the one-leg and in the both-legs standing view were measured at 1.8 mm and 2.4 mm, respectively (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7). 33%, 47.4% and 23.1% of the knees diagnosed with a KL grade of I, II and III in the both-legs standing views were changed to KL grade II, III and IV in the one-leg standing views, respectively. No changes for KL IV osteoarthritis diagnoses have been found between both- and one-leg standing views. Conclusions. One-leg standing radiographs better represent joint space width than both-legs standing radiographs. 32% of both-legs standing radiographs have changed the KL grading to a more severe grade than that in the one-leg standing radiographs. Cite this article: P. Pinsornsak, K. Naratrikun, S. Kanitnate, T. Sangkomkamhang. The one-leg standing radiograph: An improved technique to evaluate the severity of knee osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:436–441. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0049.R1


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 4 | Pages 472 - 477
1 Apr 2013
Liebs T Kloos S Herzberg W Rüther W Hassenpflug J

We investigated whether an asymmetric extension gap seen on routine post-operative radiographs after primary total knee replacement (TKR) is associated with pain at three, six, 12 and 24 months’ follow-up. On radiographs of 277 patients after primary TKR we measured the distance between the tibial tray and the femoral condyle on both the medial and lateral sides. A difference was defined as an asymmetric extension gap. We considered three groups (no asymmetric gap, medial-opening and lateral-opening gap) and calculated the associations with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index pain scores over time. Those with an asymmetric extension gap of ≥ 1.5 mm had a significant association with pain scores at three months’ follow-up; patients with a medial-opening extension gap reported more pain and patients with a lateral-opening extension gap reported less pain (p = 0.036). This effect was still significant at six months (p = 0.044), but had lost significance by 12 months (p = 0.924). When adjusting for multiple cofounders the improvement in pain was more pronounced in patients with a lateral-opening extension gap than in those with a medial-opening extension gap at three (p = 0.037) and six months’ (p = 0.027) follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:472–7


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 8 | Pages 320 - 327
1 Aug 2016
van IJsseldijk EA Valstar ER Stoel BC Nelissen RGHH Baka N van’t Klooster R Kaptein BL

Objectives. An important measure for the diagnosis and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis is the minimum joint space width (mJSW). This requires accurate alignment of the x-ray beam with the tibial plateau, which may not be accomplished in practice. We investigate the feasibility of a new mJSW measurement method from stereo radiographs using 3D statistical shape models (SSM) and evaluate its sensitivity to changes in the mJSW and its robustness to variations in patient positioning and bone geometry. Materials and Methods. A validation study was performed using five cadaver specimens. The actual mJSW was varied and images were acquired with variation in the cadaver positioning. For comparison purposes, the mJSW was also assessed from plain radiographs. To study the influence of SSM model accuracy, the 3D mJSW measurement was repeated with models from the actual bones, obtained from CT scans. Results. The SSM-based measurement method was more robust (consistent output for a wide range of input data/consistent output under varying measurement circumstances) than the conventional 2D method, showing that the 3D reconstruction indeed reduces the influence of patient positioning. However, the SSM-based method showed comparable sensitivity to changes in the mJSW with respect to the conventional method. The CT-based measurement was more accurate than the SSM-based measurement (smallest detectable differences 0.55 mm versus 0. 82 mm, respectively). Conclusion. The proposed measurement method is not a substitute for the conventional 2D measurement due to limitations in the SSM model accuracy. However, further improvement of the model accuracy and optimisation technique can be obtained. Combined with the promising options for applications using quantitative information on bone morphology, SSM based 3D reconstructions of natural knees are attractive for further development. Cite this article: E. A. van IJsseldijk, E. R. Valstar, B. C. Stoel, R. G. H. H. Nelissen, N. Baka, R. van’t Klooster, B. L. Kaptein. Three dimensional measurement of minimum joint space width in the knee from stereo radiographs using statistical shape models. Bone Joint Res 2016;320–327. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.58.2000626


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 7 | Pages 911 - 916
1 Jul 2013
Small SR Ritter MA Merchun JG Davis KE Rogge RD

Stress shielding resulting in diminished bone density following total knee replacement (TKR) may increase the risk of migration and loosening of the prosthesis. This retrospective study was designed to quantify the effects of the method of fixation on peri-prosthetic tibial bone density beneath cemented and uncemented tibial components of similar design and with similar long-term survival rates. Standard radiographs taken between two months and 15 years post-operatively were digitised from a matched group of TKRs using cemented (n = 67) and uncemented (n = 67) AGC tibial prostheses. Digital radiograph densitometry was used to quantify changes in bone density over time. Age, length of follow-up, gender, body mass index and alignment each significantly influenced the long-term pattern of peri-prosthetic bone density. Similar long-term changes in density irrespective of the method of fixation correlated well with the high rate of survival of this TKR at 20 years, and suggest that cemented and uncemented fixation are both equally viable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:911–16


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 9 | Pages 541 - 547
1 Sep 2018
Eijkenboom JFA Waarsing JH Oei EHG Bierma-Zeinstra SMA van Middelkoop M

Objectives. It has been hypothesized that patellofemoral pain, a common knee condition in adolescents and young adults, may be a precursor of degenerative joint changes and may ultimately lead to patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Since both conditions share several mechanical disease characteristics, such as altered contact area between the femur and patella and increased joint stress, we investigated whether these conditions share similar and different shape characteristics of the patella compared with normal controls. Methods. This cross-sectional study compared three different study populations: 32 patellofemoral pain subjects (mean age, 32 years (22 to 45); 72% female); 56 isolated radiological patellofemoral osteoarthritis subjects (mean age, 54 years (44 to 58); 89% female); and 80 healthy control subjects (mean age, 52 years (44 to 58); 74% female). Measurements included questionnaires, and lateral and skyline radiographs of the knee. Two separate 30-point 2D statistical shape models of the patella were created from the lateral and skyline radiographs. A general linear model was used to test for differences in standardized shape modes (a specific shape variant of the patella) between patellofemoral osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain, and controls, using Bonferroni correction and adjustment for body mass index and gender. Results. Five shape modes showed statistically significant differences between groups: skyline modes 1 (p < 0.001), 8 (p = 0.004), and 10 (p < 0.001); and lateral modes 5 (p = 0.002) and 7 (p = 0.002). Skyline mode 8 and lateral mode 5 were similar for patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain populations, while being statistically significant different from the control group. Conclusion. Our results indicate that patellofemoral pain and patellofemoral osteoarthritis share similar shape characteristics, which are different from control subjects. These findings support the proposed continuum disease model of patellofemoral pain predisposing to the development of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Cite this article: J. F. A. Eijkenboom, J. H. Waarsing, E. H. G. Oei, S. M. A. Bierma-Zeinstra, M. van Middelkoop. Is patellofemoral pain a precursor to osteoarthritis? Patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain patients share aberrant patellar shape compared with healthy controls. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:541–547. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.79.BJR-2018-0112.R1


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 10 | Pages 767 - 776
5 Oct 2022
Jang SJ Kunze KN Brilliant ZR Henson M Mayman DJ Jerabek SA Vigdorchik JM Sculco PK

Aims. Accurate identification of the ankle joint centre is critical for estimating tibial coronal alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the current study was to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the accuracy and effect of using different radiological anatomical landmarks to quantify mechanical alignment in relation to a traditionally defined radiological ankle centre. Methods. Patients with full-limb radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. A sub-cohort of 250 radiographs were annotated for landmarks relevant to knee alignment and used to train a deep learning (U-Net) workflow for angle calculation on the entire database. The radiological ankle centre was defined as the midpoint of the superior talus edge/tibial plafond. Knee alignment (hip-knee-ankle angle) was compared against 1) midpoint of the most prominent malleoli points, 2) midpoint of the soft-tissue overlying malleoli, and 3) midpoint of the soft-tissue sulcus above the malleoli. Results. A total of 932 bilateral full-limb radiographs (1,864 knees) were measured at a rate of 20.63 seconds/image. The knee alignment using the radiological ankle centre was accurate against ground truth radiologist measurements (inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99 (0.98 to 0.99)). Compared to the radiological ankle centre, the mean midpoint of the malleoli was 2.3 mm (SD 1.3) lateral and 5.2 mm (SD 2.4) distal, shifting alignment by 0.34. o. (SD 2.4. o. ) valgus, whereas the midpoint of the soft-tissue sulcus was 4.69 mm (SD 3.55) lateral and 32.4 mm (SD 12.4) proximal, shifting alignment by 0.65. o. (SD 0.55. o. ) valgus. On the intermalleolar line, measuring a point at 46% (SD 2%) of the intermalleolar width from the medial malleoli (2.38 mm medial adjustment from midpoint) resulted in knee alignment identical to using the radiological ankle centre. Conclusion. The current study leveraged AI to create a consistent and objective model that can estimate patient-specific adjustments necessary for optimal landmark usage in extramedullary and computer-guided navigation for tibial coronal alignment to match radiological planning. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):767–776


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 2 | Pages 101 - 108
6 Feb 2024
Jang SJ Kunze KN Casey JC Steele JR Mayman DJ Jerabek SA Sculco PK Vigdorchik JM

Aims. Distal femoral resection in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizes an intramedullary guide to determine coronal alignment, commonly planned for 5° of valgus. However, a standard 5° resection angle may contribute to malalignment in patients with variability in the femoral anatomical and mechanical axis angle. The purpose of the study was to leverage deep learning (DL) to measure the femoral mechanical-anatomical axis angle (FMAA) in a heterogeneous cohort. Methods. Patients with full-limb radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. A DL workflow was created to measure the FMAA and validated against human measurements. To reflect potential intramedullary guide placement during manual TKA, two different FMAAs were calculated either using a line approximating the entire diaphyseal shaft, and a line connecting the apex of the femoral intercondylar sulcus to the centre of the diaphysis. The proportion of FMAAs outside a range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) was calculated for both definitions, and FMAA was compared using univariate analyses across sex, BMI, knee alignment, and femur length. Results. The algorithm measured 1,078 radiographs at a rate of 12.6 s/image (2,156 unique measurements in 3.8 hours). There was no significant difference or bias between reader and algorithm measurements for the FMAA (p = 0.130 to 0.563). The FMAA was 6.3° (SD 1.0°; 25% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition one and 4.6° (SD 1.3°; 13% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition two. Differences between males and females were observed using definition two (males more valgus; p < 0.001). Conclusion. We developed a rapid and accurate DL tool to quantify the FMAA. Considerable variation with different measurement approaches for the FMAA supports that patient-specific anatomy and surgeon-dependent technique must be accounted for when correcting for the FMAA using an intramedullary guide. The angle between the mechanical and anatomical axes of the femur fell outside the range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) for nearly a quarter of patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):101–108


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1240 - 1248
1 Nov 2024
Smolle MA Keintzel M Staats K Böhler C Windhager R Koutp A Leithner A Donner S Reiner T Renkawitz T Sava M Hirschmann MT Sadoghi P

Aims. This multicentre retrospective observational study’s aims were to investigate whether there are differences in the occurrence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the conventional Attune baseplate and its successor, the novel Attune S+, independent from other potentially influencing factors; and whether tibial baseplate design and presence of RLLs are associated with differing risk of revision. Methods. A total of 780 patients (39% male; median age 70.7 years (IQR 62.0 to 77.2)) underwent cemented TKA using the Attune Knee System) at five centres, and with the latest radiograph available for the evaluation of RLL at between six and 36 months from surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between patient and implant-associated factors on the presence of tibial and femoral RLLs. Differences in revision risk depending on RLLs and tibial baseplate design were investigated with the log-rank test. Results. The conventional and novel Attune baseplates were used in 349 (45%) and 431 (55%) patients, respectively. At a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR 11 to 25), RLLs were present in 29% (n = 228/777) and 15% (n = 116/776) of the tibial and femoral components, respectively, and were more common in the conventional compared to the novel baseplate. The novel baseplate was independently associated with a lower incidence of tibial and femoral RLLs (both regardless of age, sex, BMI, and time to radiograph). One- and three-year revision risk was 1% (95% CI 0.4% to 1.9%)and 6% (95% CI 2.6% to 13.2%), respectively. There was no difference between baseplate design and the presence of RLLs on the the risk of revision at short-term follow-up. Conclusion. The overall incidence of RLLs, as well as the incidence of tibial and femoral RLLs, was lower with the novel compared to the conventional tibial Attune baseplate design, but higher than in the predecessor design and other commonly used TKA systems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1240–1248


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 11 | Pages 885 - 893
14 Nov 2022
Goshima K Sawaguchi T Horii T Shigemoto K Iwai S

Aims. To evaluate whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing at osteotomy sites and promotes functional recovery after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods. Overall, 90 patients who underwent OWHTO without bone grafting were enrolled in this nonrandomized retrospective study, and 45 patients treated with LIPUS were compared with 45 patients without LIPUS treatment in terms of bone healing and functional recovery postoperatively. Clinical evaluations, including the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were performed preoperatively as well as six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. The progression rate of gap filling was evaluated using anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. The pain VAS and JOA scores significantly improved after OWHTO in both groups. Although the LIPUS group had better pain scores at six weeks and three months postoperatively, there were no significant differences in JOA score between the groups. The lateral hinge united at six weeks postoperatively in 34 (75.6%) knees in the control group and in 33 (73.3%) knees in the LIPUS group. The progression rates of gap filling in the LIPUS group were 8.0%, 15.0%, 27.2%, and 46.0% at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, whereas in the control group at the same time points they were 7.7%, 15.2%, 26.3%, and 44.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the progression rate of gap filling between the groups. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that LIPUS did not promote bone healing and functional recovery after OWHTO with a locking plate. The routine use of LIPUS after OWHTO was not recommended from the results of our study. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):885–893


Aims. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may provoke ankle symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), the talar tilt (TT) on ankle symptoms after TKA, and assess changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the subtalar joint, foot posture, and ankle laxity. Methods. Patients who underwent TKA from September 2020 to September 2021 were prospectively included. Inclusion criteria were primary end-stage osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence stage IV) of the knee. Exclusion criteria were missed follow-up visit, post-traumatic pathologies of the foot, and neurological disorders. Radiological angles measured included the mTFA, hindfoot alignment view angle, and TT. The Foot Function Index (FFI) score was assessed. Gait analyses were conducted to measure mediolateral changes of the gait line and ankle laxity was tested using an ankle arthrometer. All parameters were acquired one week pre- and three months postoperatively. Results. A total of 69 patients (varus n = 45; valgus n = 24) underwent TKA and completed the postoperative follow-up visit. Of these, 16 patients (23.2%) reported the onset or progression of ankle symptoms. Varus patients with increased ankle symptoms after TKA had a significantly higher pre- and postoperative TT. Valgus patients with ankle symptoms after TKA showed a pathologically lateralized gait line which could not be corrected through TKA. Patients who reported increased ankle pain neither had a decreased ROM of the subtalar joint nor increased ankle laxity following TKA. The preoperative mTFA did not correlate with the postoperative FFI (r = 0.037; p = 0.759). Conclusion. Approximately one-quarter of the patients developed ankle pain after TKA. If patients complain about ankle symptoms after TKA, standing radiographs of the ankle and a gait analysis could help in detecting a malaligned TT or a pathological gait. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1159–1167


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 3 | Pages 240 - 248
1 Mar 2024
Kim SE Kwak J Ro DH Lee MC Han H

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether achieving medial joint opening, as measured by the change in the joint line convergence angle (∆JLCA), is a better predictor of clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared with the mechanical axis deviation, and to find individualized targets for the redistribution of load that reflect bony alignment, joint laxity, and surgical technique. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed 121 knees in 101 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively, and were analyzed according to the surgical technique (opening or closing wedge), postoperative mechanical axis deviation (deviations above and below 10% from the target), and achievement of medial joint opening (∆JLCA > 1°). Radiological parameters, including JLCA, mechanical axis deviation, and the difference in JLCA between preoperative standing and supine radiographs (JLCA. PD. ), an indicator of medial soft-tissue laxity, were measured. Cut-off points for parameters related to achieving medial joint opening were calculated from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. Patients in whom the medial joint opening was achieved had significantly better postoperative PROMs compared with those without medial opening (all p < 0.05). Patients who were outliers with deviation of > 10% from the target mechanical axis deviation had significantly similar PROMs compared with patients with an acceptable axis deviation (all p > 0.05). Medial joint opening was affected by postoperative mechanical axis deviation and JLCA. PD. The influence of JLCA. PD. on postoperative axis deviation was more pronounced in a closing wedge than in an opening wedge HTO. Conclusion. Medial joint opening rather than the mechanical axis deviation determined the clinical outcome in patients who underwent HTO. The JLCA. PD. identified the optimal postoperative axis deviation necessary to achieve medial joint opening. For patients with increased laxity, lowering the target axis deviation is recommended to achieve medial joint opening. The target axis deviation should also differ according to the technique of undergoing HTO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):240–248


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 3 | Pages 210 - 218
28 Mar 2023
Searle HKC Rahman A Desai AP Mellon SJ Murray DW

Aims. To assess the incidence of radiological lateral osteoarthritis (OA) at 15 years after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and assess the relationship of lateral OA with symptoms and patient characteristics. Methods. Cemented Phase 3 medial Oxford UKA implanted by two surgeons since 1998 for the recommended indications were prospectively followed. A 15-year cumulative revision rate for lateral OA of 5% for this series was previously reported. A total of 163 unrevised knees with 15-year (SD 1) anterior-posterior knee radiographs were studied. Lateral joint space width (JSW. L. ) was measured and severity of lateral OA was classified as: nil/mild, moderate, and severe. Preoperative and 15-year Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) and American Knee Society Scores were determined. The effect of age, sex, BMI, and intraoperative findings was analyzed. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test, with significance set at 5%. Results. The mean age was 80.6 years (SD 8.3), with 84 females and 79 males. The mean JSW. L. was 5.6 mm (SD 1.4), and was not significantly related to age, sex, or intraoperative findings. Those with BMI > 40 kg/m. 2. had a smaller JSW. L. than those with a ‘normal’ BMI (p = 0.039). The incidence of severe and moderate lateral OA were both 4.9%. Overall, 2/142 (1.4%) of those with nil/mild lateral OA, 1/8 (13%) with moderate, and 2/8 (25%) with severe subsequently had a revision. Those with severe (mean OKS 35.6 (SD 9.3)) and moderate OA (mean OKS 35.8 (SD 10.5)) tended to have worse outcome scores than those with nil/mild (mean OKS 39.5 (SD 9.2)) but the difference was only significant for OKS-Function (p = 0.044). Conclusion. This study showed that the rate of having severe or moderate radiological lateral OA at 15 years after medial UKA was low (both 4.9%). Although patients with severe or moderate lateral OA had a lower OKS than those with nil/mild OA, their mean scores (OKS 36) would be classified as good. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):210–218


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1059 - 1066
1 Oct 2024
Konishi T Hamai S Tsushima H Kawahara S Akasaki Y Yamate S Ayukawa S Nakashima Y

Aims. The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification has been developed to predict individual variations in inherent knee alignment. The impact of preoperative and postoperative CPAK classification phenotype on the postoperative clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains elusive. This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative CPAK classification phenotypes (I to IX), and their pre- to postoperative changes on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods. A questionnaire was administered to 340 patients (422 knees) who underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis (OA) between September 2013 and June 2019. A total of 231 patients (284 knees) responded. The ­Knee Society Score 2011 (KSS 2011), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (KOOS-12), and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Using preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior full-leg radiographs, the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated and classified based on the CPAK classification. To investigate the impact on PROMs, multivariable regression analyses using stepwise selection were conducted, considering factors such as age at surgery, time since surgery, BMI, sex, implant use, postoperative aHKA classification, JLO classification, and changes in aHKA and JLO classifications from preoperative to postoperative. Results. The preoperative and postoperative CPAK classifications were predominantly phenotype I (155 knees; 55%) and phenotype V (73 knees; 26%), respectively. The change in the preoperative to postoperative aHKA classification was a significant negative predictive factor for KOOS-12 and FJS-12, while postoperative apex proximal JLO was a significant negative predictive factor for KSS 2011 and KOOS-12. Conclusion. In primary TKA for OA, preoperative and postoperative CPAK phenotypes were associated with PROMs. Alteration in varus/valgus alignment from preoperative to postoperative was recognized as a negative predictive factor for both KOOS-12 and FJS-12. Moreover, the postoperative apex proximal JLO was identified as a negative factor for KSS 2011 and KOOS-12. Determining the target alignment for each preoperative phenotype with reproducibility could improve PROMs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1059–1066


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 4 | Pages 277 - 285
8 Apr 2024
Khetan V Baxter I Hampton M Spencer A Anderson A

Aims. The mean age of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has reduced with time. Younger patients have increased expectations following TKA. Aseptic loosening of the tibial component is the most common cause of failure of TKA in the UK. Interest in cementless TKA has re-emerged due to its encouraging results in the younger patient population. We review a large series of tantalum trabecular metal cementless implants in patients who are at the highest risk of revision surgery. Methods. A total of 454 consecutive patients who underwent cementless TKA between August 2004 and December 2021 were reviewed. The mean follow-up was ten years. Plain radiographs were analyzed for radiolucent lines. Patients who underwent revision TKA were recorded, and the cause for revision was determined. Data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Island, the Isle of Man and the States of Guernsey (NJR) were compared with our series. Results. No patients in our series had evidence of radiolucent lines on their latest radiological assessment. Only eight patients out of 454 required revision arthroplasty, and none of these revisions were indicated for aseptic loosening of the tibial baseplate. When compared to data from the NJR annual report, Kaplan-Meier estimates from our series (2.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 5.87)) show a significant reduction in cumulative estimates of revision compared to all cemented (4.82 (95% CI 4.69 to 4.96)) or cementless TKA (5.65 (95% CI 5.23 to 6.10)). Our data (2.94 (95% CI 1.24 to 5.87)) also show lower cumulative revision rates compared to the most popular implant (PFC Sigma Cemented Knee implant fixation, 4.03 (95% CI 3.75 to 4.33)). The prosthesis time revision rate (PTIR) estimates for our series (2.07 (95% CI 0.95 to 3.83)) were lower than those of cemented cases (4.53 (95% CI 4.49 to 4.57)) from NJR. Conclusion. The NexGen trabecular (tantalum) cementless implant has lower revision rates in our series compared to all cemented implants and other types of cementless implants, and its use in younger patients should be encouraged. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):277–285


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1168 - 1176
1 Nov 2023
Yüksel Y Koster LA Kaptein BL Nelissen RGHH den Hollander P

Aims. Conflicting clinical results are reported for the ATTUNE Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated five-year follow-up results comparing cemented ATTUNE and PFC-Sigma cruciate retaining TKAs, analyzing component migration as measured by radiostereometric analysis (RSA), clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological outcomes. Methods. A total of 74 primary TKAs were included in this single-blind RCT. RSA examinations were performed, and PROMs and clinical outcomes were collected immediate postoperatively, and at three, six, 12, 24, and 60 months’ follow-up. Radiolucent lines (RLLs) were measured in standard anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks, and 12 and 60 months postoperatively. Results. At five-year follow-up, RSA data from 61 patients were available and the mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the femoral components were: ATTUNE: 0.96 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.14) and PFC-Sigma 1.37 mm (95% CI 1.18 to 1.59) (p < 0.001). The PFC-Sigma femoral component migrated more in the first postoperative year, but stabilized thereafter. MPTM of the tibial components were comparable at five-year follow-up: ATTUNE 1.12 mm (95% CI 0.95 to 1.31) and PFC-Sigma 1.25 mm (95% CI 1.07 to 1.44) (p = 0.438). RLL at the medial tibial implant-cement interface remained more prevalent for the ATTUNE at five-year follow-up compared to the PFC-Sigma (20% vs 3%). RLL did not progress over time, and varied between patients at different timepoints for both TKA systems. Clinical outcomes and PROMs improved compared with preoperative scores, and were not different between groups. Conclusion. MTPM migration at five-year follow-up of the femoral and tibial component of the ATTUNE were similar and as low as that of the PFC-Sigma. MTPM migration of both knee implants did not significantly change from one year post-surgery, indicating stable fixation. Long-term ATTUNE performance may be expected to be comparable to the clinically well-performing PFC-Sigma. We have not found evidence of increased tibial component migration as measured by RSA to support concerns about cement debonding and a higher risk of aseptic loosening with the ATTUNE TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1168–1176


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1126 - 1131
1 Oct 2022
Hannon CP Kruckeberg BM Pagnano MW Berry DJ Hanssen AD Abdel MP

Aims. We have previously reported the mid-term outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for flexion instability. At a mean of four years, there were no re-revisions for instability. The aim of this study was to report the implant survivorship and clinical and radiological outcomes of the same cohort of of patients at a mean follow-up of ten years. Methods. The original publication included 60 revision TKAs in 60 patients which were undertaken between 2000 and 2010. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision TKA was 65 years, and 33 (55%) were female. Since that time, 21 patients died, leaving 39 patients (65%) available for analysis. The cumulative incidence of any re-revision with death as a competing risk was calculated. Knee Society Scores (KSSs) were also recorded, and updated radiographs were reviewed. Results. The cumulative incidence of any re-revision was 13% at a mean of ten years. At the most recent-follow-up, eight TKAs had been re-revised: three for recurrent flexion instability (two fully revised to varus-valgus constrained implants (VVCs), and one posterior-stabilized (PS) implant converted to VVC, one for global instability (PS to VVC), two for aseptic loosening of the femoral component, and two for periprosthetic joint infection). The ten-year cumulative incidence of any re-revision for instability was 7%. The median KSS improved significantly from 45 (interquartile range (IQR) 40 to 50) preoperatively to 70 (IQR 45 to 80) at a mean follow-up of ten years (p = 0.031). Radiologically, two patients, who had not undergone revision, had evidence of loosening (one tibial and one patellar). The remaining components were well fixed. Conclusion. We found fair functional outcomes and implant survivorship at a mean of ten years after revision TKA for flexion instability with a PS implant. Recurrent instability and aseptic loosening were the most common indications for re-revision. Components with increased constraint, such as a VVC or hinged, should be used in these patients in order to reduce the risk of recurrent instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1126–1131


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 5 | Pages 441 - 447
23 May 2022
Mikkelsen M Wilson HA Gromov K Price AJ Troelsen A

Aims. Treatment of end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) of the knee is commonly approached using one of two surgical strategies: medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study we aim to investigate if there is any difference in outcome for patients undergoing UKA or TKA, when treated by high-volume surgeons, in high-volume centres, using two different clinical guidelines. The two strategies are ‘UKA whenever possible’ vs TKA for all patients with AMOA. Methods. A total of 501 consecutive AMOA patients (301 UKA) operated on between 2013 to 2016 in two high-volume centres were included. Centre One employed clinical guidelines for the treatment of AMOA allowing either UKA or TKA, but encouraged UKA wherever possible. Centre Two used clinical guidelines that treated all patients with a TKA, regardless of wear pattern. TKA patients were included if they had isolated AMOA on preoperative radiographs. Data were collected from both centres’ local databases. The primary outcome measure was change in Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the proportion of patients achieving the patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) at one-year follow-up. The data were 1:1 propensity score matched before regression models were used to investigate potential differences. Results. The matched cohort included 400 patients (mean age 67 years (SD 9.55), 213 (53%) female, mean BMI 30.2 kg/m. 2. , 337 (84%) American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≤ 2). We found a mean adjusted difference in change score of 3.02 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 4.63; p < 0.001) and a significantly larger likeliness of achieving PASS (odds ratio 3.67 (95% CI 1.73 to 8.45); p = 0.001) both in favour of the UKA strategy. Conclusion. UKA and TKA are both good strategies for treating end-stage AMOA. However, when compared as a strategy, UKA achieved larger improvements in OKS, and were more likely to reach the PASS value at one-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):441–447


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 12 | Pages 1075 - 1081
17 Dec 2021
Suthar A Yukata K Azuma Y Suetomi Y Yamazaki K Seki K Sakai T Fujii H

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in patellar height and clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (5 to 10) after fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA). Methods. We retrospectively evaluated knee radiographs of 165 knees, which underwent fixed-bearing PS-TKA with patella resurfacing. The incidence of patella baja and changes in patellar height over a minimum of five years of follow-up were determined using Insall-Salvati ratio (ISR) measurement. We examined whether patella baja (ISR < 0.8) at final follow-up affected clinical outcomes, knee joint range of motion (ROM), and Knee Society Score (KSS). We also assessed inter- and intrarater reliability of ISR measurements and focused on the relationship between patellar height reduction beyond measurement error and clinical outcomes. Results. The ISR gradually decreased over five years after TKA, and finally 33 patients (20.0%) had patella baja. Patella baja at the final follow-up was not related to passive knee ROM or KSS. Interestingly, when we divided into two groups - patella baja and patella normal-alta (ISR ≥ 0.8) - the patella baja group already had a lower patellar height before surgery, compared with the patella normal-alta group. The ISR measurement error in this study was 0.17. Both passive knee flexion and KSS were significantly decreased in the group with a decrease in ISR of ≥ 0.17 at final follow-up. Conclusion. Patellar height gradually decreased over five years of follow-up after TKA. The reduction in patellar height beyond measurement error following TKA was associated with lower clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1075–1081


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 6 Supple A | Pages 101 - 106
1 Jun 2020
Shah RF Bini SA Martinez AM Pedoia V Vail TP

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a machine-learning algorithm to diagnose prosthetic loosening from preoperative radiographs and to investigate the inputs that might improve its performance. Methods. A group of 697 patients underwent a first-time revision of a total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at our institution between 2012 and 2018. Preoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs, and historical and comorbidity information were collected from their electronic records. Each patient was defined as having loose or fixed components based on the operation notes. We trained a series of convolutional neural network (CNN) models to predict a diagnosis of loosening at the time of surgery from the preoperative radiographs. We then added historical data about the patients to the best performing model to create a final model and tested it on an independent dataset. Results. The convolutional neural network we built performed well when detecting loosening from radiographs alone. The first model built de novo with only the radiological image as input had an accuracy of 70%. The final model, which was built by fine-tuning a publicly available model named DenseNet, combining the AP and lateral radiographs, and incorporating information from the patient’s history, had an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 88.3%, 70.2%, and 95.6% on the independent test dataset. It performed better for cases of revision THA with an accuracy of 90.1%, than for cases of revision TKA with an accuracy of 85.8%. Conclusion. This study showed that machine learning can detect prosthetic loosening from radiographs. Its accuracy is enhanced when using highly trained public algorithms, and when adding clinical data to the algorithm. While this algorithm may not be sufficient in its present state of development as a standalone metric of loosening, it is currently a useful augment for clinical decision making. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):101–106


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 6 Supple A | Pages 150 - 157
1 Jun 2021
Anderson LA Christie M Blackburn BE Mahan C Earl C Pelt CE Peters CL Gililland J

Aims. Porous metaphyseal cones can be used for fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and complex TKAs. This metaphyseal fixation has led to some surgeons using shorter cemented stems instead of diaphyseal engaging cementless stems with a potential benefit of ease of obtaining proper alignment without being beholden to the diaphysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of TKA cases performed using 3D-printed metaphyseal cones. Methods. A retrospective review of 86 rTKAs and nine complex primary TKAs, with an average age of 63.2 years (SD 8.2) and BMI of 34.0 kg/m. 2. (SD 8.7), in which metaphyseal cones were used for both femoral and tibial fixation were compared for their knee alignment based on the type of stem used. Overall, 22 knees had cementless stems on both sides, 52 had cemented stems on both sides, and 15 had mixed stems. Postoperative long-standing radiographs were evaluated for coronal and sagittal plane alignment. Adjusted logistic regression models were run to assess malalignment hip-knee-ankle (HKA) alignment beyond ± 3° and sagittal alignment of the tibial and femoral components ± 3° by stem type. Results. No patients had a revision of a cone due to aseptic loosening; however, two had revision surgery due to infection. In all, 26 (27%) patients had HKA malalignment; nine (9.5%) patients had sagittal plane malalignment, five (5.6%) of the tibia, and four (10.8%) of the femur. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, there was a significantly increased risk for malalignment when a cone was used and both the femur and tibia had cementless compared to cemented stems (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 10.05). Conclusion. Porous 3D-printed cones provide excellent metaphyseal fixation. However, these central cones make the use of offset couplers difficult and may generate malalignment with cementless stems. We found 3.19-times higher odds of malalignment in our TKAs performed with metaphyseal cones and both femoral and tibial cementless stems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):150–157