Femoral Graft-Tunnel Angles in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Analysis with 3-Dimensional Models and Cadaveric Experiments

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare four graft-tunnel angles (GTA), the femoral GTA formed by three different femoral tunneling techniques (the outside-in, a modified inside-out technique in the posterior sag position with knee hyperflexion, and the conventional inside-out technique) and the tibia GTA in 3-dimensional (3D) knee flexion models, as well as to examine the influence of femoral tunneling techniques on the contact pressure between the intra-articular aperture of the femoral tunnel and the graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve cadaveric knees were tested. Computed tomography scans were performed at different knee flexion angles (0degrees, 45degrees, 90degrees, and 120degrees). Femoral and tibial GTAs were measured at different knee flexion angles on the 3D knee models. Using pressure sensitive films, stress on the graft of the angulation of the femoral tunnel aperture was measured in posterior cruciate ligament reconstructed cadaveric knees. RESULTS: Between 45degrees and 120degrees of knee flexion, there were no significant differences between the outside-in and modified inside-out techniques. However, the femoral GTA for the conventional inside-out technique was significantly less than that for the other two techniques (p<0.001). In cadaveric experiments using pressure-sensitive film, the maximum contact pressure for the modified inside-out and outside-in technique was significantly lower than that for the conventional inside-out technique (p=0.024 and p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The conventional inside-out technique results in a significantly lesser GTA and higher stress at the intra-articular aperture of the femoral tunnel than the outside-in technique. However, the results for the modified inside-out technique are similar to those for the outside-in technique.

Factors Affecting Outcome after Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcome and complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and to identify diabetes-related risk factors for negative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 222 primary TKAs in patients with diabetes were evaluated using Knee Society scores and Hospital for Special Surgery score. Postoperative complications were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up was 53.2 months. The effect of diabetes-related factors and comparison with a matched control group were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Significant improvements were noted in all the scores after TKA (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in clinical sores between the diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In multivariate analysis associating age, gender and body mass index with pain and knee score at the latest follow-up, the average knee scores in normal and overweight group were found to be significantly higher than those in the obese group. The diabetic patients had an increased overall incidence of postoperative complications (17.6%) compared with the control group (8.1%) (p < 0.05). Particularly, the rate of wound complications such as skin necrosis, bulla formation or erythema with drainage was higher in the diabetic group (p < 0.05). Diabetes-related factors did not influence the incidence of complications. Associated diseases were the only significant risk factors correlated with wound complications and meniscal bearing dislodgement. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes can benefit from TKA, even though diabetic patients are at an increased risk for overall postoperative and wound complications. Preoperative factors such as obesity and associated diseases may adversely affect the clinical outcome of TKA in diabetic patients.

Operative Treatment for Dorsal Lip Fracture of the Base of the Middle Phalanx / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of operative treatment for dorsal lip fracture of the base of the middle phalanx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2003 we experienced 9 cases of dorsal lip fracture of the middle phalangeal base that were treated surgically. Spinal needle fixation was used in cases with comminution. iniscrew fixation was performed in cases with a fragment larger than half of the articular surface. The pull-out technique was performed only in the cases with a fragment without comminution smaller than half of the articular surface. Bone union was evaluated using roentgenograms and clinical evaluations were done using Steel's scoring method. RESULTS: The average follow up after operation was 12.3 months. Cases showed union at an average of 7 weeks postoperatively. Two cases achieved excellent results, six cases good, and one case achieved a fair result; mean proximal interphalangeal joint flexion was 100 degrees (range 90-106). Extension deficit of 5 degrees was noted in 2 fingers. CONCLUSION: The pull-out technique, miniscrew fixation, and spinal needle fixation can produce a good clinical and radiological outcome in the treatment of dorsal lip fracture of the base of the middle phalanx.