Aims. The aim of this study was to compare a bicruciate-retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA design in terms of kinematics, measured using fluoroscopy and stability as micromotion using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Methods. A total of 40 patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were included in this randomized controlled trial. All patients performed a step-up and lunge task in front of a monoplane fluoroscope one year postoperatively. Femorotibial contact point (CP) locations were determined at every flexion angle and compared between the groups. RSA images were taken at baseline, six weeks, three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical and functional outcomes were compared postoperatively for two years. Results. The BCR-TKA demonstrated a kinematic pattern comparable to the natural knee’s screw-home mechanism in the step-up task. In the lunge task, the medial CP of the BCR-TKA was more anterior in the early flexion phase, while laterally the CP was more posterior during the entire movement cycle. The BCR-TKA group showed higher tibial migration. No differences were found for the clinical and functional outcomes. Conclusion. The BCR-TKA shows a different kinematic pattern in early flexion/late extension compared to the CR-TKA. The difference between both implants is mostly visible in the flexion phase in which the anterior cruciate ligament is effective; however, both designs fail to fully replicate the motion of a natural knee. The higher migration of the BCR-TKA was concerning and highlights the importance of longer follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):35–46

The amount of anteroposterior laxity required for a good range of movement and knee function in a cruciate-retaining total knee replacement (TKR) continues to be debated. We undertook a retrospective study to evaluate the effects of anteroposterior laxity on the range of movement and knee function in 55 patients following the e-motion cruciate-retaining TKR with a minimum follow-up of two years. The knees were divided into stable (anteroposterior translation, ≤ 10 mm, 38 patients) and unstable (anteroposterior translation, > 10 mm, 17) groups based on the anteroposterior laxity, measured using stress radiographs. We compared the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, the Western Ontario MacMasters University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, weight-bearing flexion, non-weight-bearing flexion and the reduction of flexion under weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing conditions, which we referred to as delta flexion, between the two groups at the final follow-up. There were no differences between the stable and unstable groups with regard to the mean HHS and WOMAC total scores, as well as weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing flexion (p = 0.277, p = 0.082, p = 0.095 and p = 0.646, respectively). However, the stable group had a better WOMAC function score and less delta flexion than the unstable group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.005, respectively). Our results suggest that stable knees with laxity ≤ 10 mm have a good functional outcome and less reduction of flexion under weight-bearing conditions than unstable knees with laxity > 10 mm following an e-motion cruciate-retaining TKR

Aims. This study compares the PFC total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system in a prospective randomized control trial (RCT) of the mobile-bearing rotating-platform (RP) TKA against the fixed-bearing (FB) TKA. This is the largest RCT with the longest follow-up where cruciate-retaining PFC total knee arthroplasties are compared in a non-bilateral TKA study. Patients and Methods. A total of 167 patients (190 knees with 23 bilateral cases), were recruited prospectively and randomly assigned, with 91 knees receiving the RP and 99 knees receiving FB. The mean age was 65.5 years (48 to 82), the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.7 kg/m. 2. (20 to 52) and 73 patients were female. The Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Society Functional Score (KSFS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Scores (SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS) were gathered and recorded preoperatively, at five-years’ follow-up, and at ten years’ follow-up. Additionally, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were collected at five- and ten-year follow-ups. The prevalence of radiolucent lines (RL) on radiographs and implant survival were recorded at five- and ten-year follow-ups. Results. At the ten-year follow-up, the RP group (n = 39) had a statistically significant superior score in the OKS (p = 0.001), WOMAC (p = 0.023), SF-12 PCS (p = 0.019), KOOS Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (p = 0.010), and KOOS Sport and Recreation (Sport/Rec) (p = 0.006) compared with the FB group (n = 46). The OKS, SF-12 PCS, and KOOS Sport/Rec at ten years had mean scores above the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold. There was no significant difference in prevalence of radiolucency between groups at five-years’ follow-up (p = 0.449), nor at ten-years’ follow-up (p = 0.08). Implant survival rate at 14 years postoperative was 95.2 (95% CI 90.7 to 99.8) and 94.7 (95% CI 86.8 to 100.0) for the RP and FB TKAs, respectively. Conclusion. At ten-year follow-up, the mobile-bearing knee joint arthroplasty had statistically and clinically relevant superior OKS, SF-12 PCS, and KOOS (Sport/Rec) than the fixed-bearing platform. No difference was seen in prevalence of radiolucent lines. There was a greater than 94% implant survival rate for both cohorts at 14 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1336–44

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral component, five years postoperatively, between patients with a highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) insert and those with a conventional polyethylene (PE) insert in an uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We have previously reported the migration and outcome of the tibial components in these patients. Methods. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted including 96 TKAs. The migration of the femoral component was measured with radiostereometry (RSA) at three and six months and one, two, and five years postoperatively. PROMs were collected preoperatively and at all periods of follow-up. Results. There was no clinically relevant difference in terms of migration of the femoral component or PROMs between the HXLPE and PE groups. The mean difference in migration (maximum total point motion), five years postopeatively, was 0.04 mm (95% CI -0.06 to 0.16) in favour of the PE group. Conclusion. There was no clinically relevant difference in migration of the femoral component, for up to five years between the two groups. These findings will help to establish a benchmark for future studies on migration of femoral components in TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):826–833

Aims. The primary objective of this study was to compare the five-year tibial component migration and wear between highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) inserts and conventional polyethylene (PE) inserts of the uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary objectives included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods. A double-blinded, randomized study was conducted including 96 TKAs. Tibial component migration and insert wear were measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at three, six, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. PROMS were collected preoperatively and at all follow-up timepoints. Results. There was no clinically relevant difference in terms of tibial component migration, insert wear, and PROMs between the HXLPE and PE groups. The mean difference in tibial component migration (maximal total point migration (MTPM)) was 0.02 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07 to 0.11), which is below the value of 0.2 mm considered to be clinically relevant. Wear after five years for HXLPE was 0.16 mm (95% CI 0.05 to 0.27), and for PE was 0.23 mm (95% CI 0.12 to 0.35). The mean difference in wear rate was 0.01 mm/year (95% CI -0.02 to 0.05) in favour of the HXLPE group. Wear is mainly present on the medial side of the insert. Conclusion. There is no clinically relevant difference in tibial component migration and insert wear for up to five years between the HXLPE conventional PE inserts. For the implant studied, the potential advantages of a HXLPE insert remain to be proven under clinical conditions at longer-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):518–525

We performed a prospective study of 54 patients (76 knees) who underwent Osteonics series 3000 cruciate-retaining cementless total knee arthroplasty between December 1990 and June 1993. Five patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up (90.7% completion). One patient required revision at 10.5 years after operation.

The rate of survival was 100% at ten years and 96.7% at 13 years. The mean ten-year knee and function scores were 79 and 59 respectively. Both were significantly better than the pre-operative scores. The range of movement also improved. Although a radiolucent line around the tibial component enlarged in six knees (20.7%) at ten years, the clinical outcome was generally good. In a patient who died after 5.5 years, post-mortem examination of the knee showed no bony ingrowth into the tibial component. Despite poor bony ingrowth, press-fit fixation was satisfactory and good results can be obtained with this cementless, cruciate-retaining prosthesis.

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. Methods. We developed the validated models to evaluate the post-operative kinematics in patient-specific bicruciate-retaining, standard off-the-shelf bicruciate-retaining and posterior cruciate-retaining TKA under gait and deep knee bend loading conditions using numerical simulation. Results. Tibial posterior translation and internal rotation in patient-specific bicruciate-retaining prostheses preserved near-normal kinematics better than other standard off-the-shelf prostheses under gait loading conditions. Differences from normal kinematics were minimised for femoral rollback and internal-external rotation in patient-specific bicruciate-retaining, followed by standard off-the-shelf bicruciate-retaining and posterior cruciate-retaining TKA under deep knee bend loading conditions. Moreover, the standard off-the-shelf posterior cruciate-retaining TKA in this study showed the most abnormal performance in kinematics under gait and deep knee bend loading conditions, whereas patient-specific bicruciate-retaining TKA led to near-normal kinematics. Conclusion. This study showed that restoration of the normal geometry of the knee joint in patient-specific bicruciate-retaining TKA and preservation of the anterior cruciate ligament can lead to improvement in kinematics compared with the standard off-the-shelf posterior cruciate-retaining and bicruciate-retaining TKA. Cite this article: Y-G. Koh, J. Son, S-K. Kwon, H-J. Kim, O-R. Kwon, K-T. Kang. Preservation of kinematics with posterior cruciate-, bicruciate- and patient-specific bicruciate-retaining prostheses in total knee arthroplasty by using computational simulation with normal knee model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:557–565. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.69.BJR-2016-0250.R1

Aims. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability to kneel after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing, and its effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Secondary aims included identifying which kneeling positions were most important to patients, and the influence of radiological parameters on the ability to kneel before and after TKA. Methods. This prospective longitudinal study involved 209 patients who underwent single radius cruciate-retaining TKA without patellar resurfacing. Preoperative EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the ability to achieve four kneeling positions were assessed including a single leg kneel, a double leg kneel, a high-flexion kneel, and a praying position. The severity of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was graded and the pattern of OA was recorded intraoperatively. The flexion of the femoral component, posterior condylar offset, and anterior femoral offset were measured radiologically. At two to four years postoperatively, 151 patients with a mean age of 70.0 years (SD 9.44) were included. Their mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.36) and 60 were male (40%). They completed EQ-5D, OKS, and Kujala scores, assessments of the ability to kneel, and a visual analogue scale for anterior knee pain and satisfaction. Results. The ability to kneel in the four positions improved in between 29 (19%) and 53 patients (35%) after TKA, but declined in between 35 (23%) and 46 patients (30%). Single-leg kneeling was most important to patients. After TKA, 62 patients (41%) were unable to achieve a single-leg kneel, 76 (50%) were unable to achieve a double-leg kneel, 102 (68%) were unable to achieve a high-flexion kneel and 61 (40%) were unable to achieve a praying position. Posterolateral cartilage loss significantly affected preoperative deep flexion kneeling (p = 0.019). A postoperative inability to kneel was significantly associated with worse OKS, Kujala scores, and satisfaction (p < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis identified significant independent associations with the ability to kneel after TKA (p < 0.05): better preoperative EQ-5D and flexion of the femoral component for single-leg kneeling; the ability to achieve it preoperatively and flexion of the femoral component for double-leg kneeling; male sex for high-flexion kneeling; and the ability to achieve it preoperatively, anterior femoral offset, and patellar cartilage loss for the praying position. Conclusion. The ability to kneel was important to patients and significantly influenced knee-specific PROMs, but was poorly restored by TKA with equal chances of improvement or decline. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1514–1525

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention, PCL recession, and PCL excision during cruciate-retaining total knee replacement. Methods. A total of 3018 anatomic graduated component total knee replacements were examined; 1846 of these retained the PCL, 455 PCLs were partially recessed, and in 717 the PCL was completely excised from the back of the tibia. Results. Clinical scores between PCL groups favored excision for flexion (p < 0.0001), and recession and retention for stairs (p < 0.0001). There was a mild difference in long-term all-cause aseptic survivorship between PCL-retained (96.4% at 15 years) combined with PCL-recessed groups (96.6% at 15 years) when compared with the PCL-excised group (95.0% at 15 years) (p = 0.0411, Wilcoxon; p = 0.0042, log-rank), as well as tibial or femoral loosening, which reported prosthesis survival of 97.8% at 15 years for PCL-retained knees, 98.2% for recessed knees, and 96.4% for excised knees (p = 0.0934, Wilcoxon; p = 0.0202, log-rank). Conclusions. Despite some trade-off in clinical performance, if the PCL is detached at the time of operation, conversion to a posterior-stabilised prosthesis may not be necessarily required as long as stability in the anteroposterior and coronal planes is achieved

Objectives. The use of the haptically bounded saw blades in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) can potentially help to limit surrounding soft-tissue injuries. However, there are limited data characterizing these injuries for cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA with the use of this technique. The objective of this cadaver study was to compare the extent of soft-tissue damage sustained through a robotic-assisted, haptically guided TKA (RATKA) versus a manual TKA (MTKA) approach. Methods. A total of 12 fresh-frozen pelvis-to-toe cadaver specimens were included. Four surgeons each prepared three RATKA and three MTKA specimens for cruciate-retaining TKAs. A RATKA was performed on one knee and a MTKA on the other. Postoperatively, two additional surgeons assessed and graded damage to 14 key anatomical structures in a blinded manner. Kruskal–Wallis hypothesis tests were performed to assess statistical differences in soft-tissue damage between RATKA and MTKA cases. Results. Significantly less damage occurred to the PCLs in the RATKA versus the MTKA specimens (p < 0.001). RATKA specimens had non-significantly less damage to the deep medial collateral ligaments (p = 0.149), iliotibial bands (p = 0.580), poplitei (p = 0.248), and patellar ligaments (p = 0.317). The remaining anatomical structures had minimal soft-tissue damage in all MTKA and RATKA specimens. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that less soft-tissue damage may occur when utilizing RATKA compared with MTKA. These findings are likely due to the enhanced preoperative planning with the robotic software, the real-time intraoperative feedback, and the haptically bounded saw blade, all of which may help protect the surrounding soft tissues and ligaments. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:495–501

Aims

The primary aim was to assess whether robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had a greater early knee-specific outcome when compared to manual TKA (mTKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether rTKA was associated with improved expectation fulfilment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared to mTKA.

Aims

This prospective study reports longitudinal, within-patient, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) over a 15-year period following cemented single radius total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included reporting PROMs trajectory, 15-year implant survival, and patient attrition from follow-up.

Orthopaedic surgeons are currently faced with an overwhelming number of choices surrounding total knee arthroplasty (TKA), not only with the latest technologies and prostheses, but also fundamental decisions on alignment philosophies. From ‘mechanical’ to ‘adjusted mechanical’ to ‘restricted kinematic’ to ‘unrestricted kinematic’ — and how constitutional alignment relates to these — there is potential for ambiguity when thinking about and discussing such concepts. This annotation summarizes the various alignment strategies currently employed in TKA. It provides a clear framework and consistent language that will assist surgeons to compare confidently and contrast the concepts, while also discussing the latest opinions about alignment in TKA. Finally, it provides suggestions for applying consistent nomenclature to future research, especially as we explore the implications of 3D alignment patterns on patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):102–108.

Aims

The tibial component of total knee arthroplasty can either be an all-polyethylene (AP) implant or a metal-backed (MB) implant. This study aims to compare the five-year functional outcomes of AP tibial components to MB components in patients aged over 70 years. Secondary aims are to compare quality of life, implant survivorship, and cost-effectiveness.

Aims

The aim was to assess whether robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had greater knee-specific outcomes, improved fulfilment of expectations, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared with manual TKA (mTKA).

Aims

Bi-unicondylar arthroplasty (Bi-UKA) is a bone and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-preserving alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when the patellofemoral joint is preserved. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes and biomechanics of Bi-UKA.

The December 2022 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Effect of physical therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: the ESCAPE trial at five years; Patellofemoral arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial; Rehabilitation versus surgical reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament injury; End-stage knee osteoarthritis in Australia: the effect of obesity; Do poor patient-reported outcome measures at six months relate to knee revision?; What is the cost of nonoperative interventions for knee osteoarthritis?

Aims

Patient dissatisfaction is not uncommon following primary total knee arthroplasty. One proposed method to alleviate this is by improving knee kinematics. Therefore, we aimed to answer the following research question: are there significant differences in knee kinematics based on the design of the tibial insert (cruciate-retaining (CR), ultra-congruent (UC), or medial congruent (MC))?

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.