A Combined Closing Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy and Medial Reefing Procedure for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation with Genu Valgum

PURPOSE: Recurrent patellar dislocation is often associated with genu valgum. The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term results of single-incision, closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) combined with medial reefing and lateral release for recurrent patellar instability with genu valgum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Combined CWDFO/medial reefing/lateral release was performed on 10 knees. Clinical evaluation was based on pre- and postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) and Kujala patellofemoral score. Radiographic evaluation was performed with reference to the weight-bearing line (WBL), the femorotibial angle (FTA), and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angles in the knee-standing view. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 20±11.7 months (range, 12–42 months), KSS scores improved significantly, from 46.7±5.2 preoperatively to 87±4.4 postoperatively (p<0.001), as did the Kujala score, from 44±8 preoperatively to 86.6±6.8 postoperatively (p<0.001). The WBL decreased significantly, from 76±7% preoperatively to 41±11% postoperatively (p<0.001). The FTA was improved significantly, from 12.7±1.7° preoperatively to 4±4° postoperatively (p<0.001), as was the mLDFA, from 83±4° preoperatively to 91±1.3° postoperatively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Use of single-incision CWDFO combined with medial reefing and lateral release prevents patellar dislocation, corrects deformity, and improves clinical outcomes.

Anatomical Single-bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Freehand Transtibial Technique

PURPOSE: In anatomical single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the traditional transtibial approach can limit anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We present a novel three-point freehand technique that allows for anatomic SB ACL reconstruction with the transtibial technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2012, 55 ACL reconstructions were performed using the three-point freehand technique. All the patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months post-operatively. Clinical evaluation was done using the Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade. All patients were analyzed by 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) at 1 week after surgery. RESULTS: The mean Lysholm score improved from 68.2+/-12.7 points preoperatively to 89.2+/-8.2 points at final follow-up. At final follow-up, the IKDC grade was normal in 42 patients and nearly normal in 13 patients. None of the patients had a positive pivot shift test, anterior drawer test and Lachman test at final follow-up. The anatomical position of the femoral tunnel was confirmed on 3D CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: The three-point freehand technique for SB transtibial ACL reconstruction is a simple, anatomic technique showing good clinical results.

Spontaneous Healing of a Displaced Bucket-Handle Tear of the Lateral Meniscus in a Child

Bucket-handle tears less frequently occur in the lateral meniscus than in the medial meniscus. An 11-year-old male patient complained of painful swelling and locking due to a displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus. We recommended an arthroscopic surgery; however, the patient left the hospital without surgical treatment. Six weeks afterwards, he returned without any complain of pain and he regained full range of motion. The final follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed reduction of the torn meniscal fragment without any signal changes suggestive of a meniscal tear. We report a rare case of an isolated displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in an 11-year-old patient that healed spontaneously without surgical intervention.

Localized Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare disease. It is a benign neoplastic process typically affecting young to middle-aged adults and most commonly involving the knee, hip, and shoulder joints. The symptoms include diffuse pain and swelling with discomfort. We report a rare case of localized PVNS originating at the proximal tibiofibular joint in a 39-year-old female patient with radiologic changes for short duration of time. The clinical history, plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathologic findings of the reported patient were reviewed. Complete surgical excision was performed and there was no evidence of recurrence after one-year follow-up.

Biomechanical Properties of a New Anatomical Locking Metal Block Plate for Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: Uniplane Osteotomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of a new anatomical locking metal block plate by comparing the initial biomechanical stability of three different fixation constructs for open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sawbones composite tibiae were used to make a 10-mm opening osteotomy model with uniplane technique. The osteotomy was secured with three different types of plates: Group I, new osteotomy plate without a metal block (n=5); Group II, new osteotomy plate with a 10-mm metal block (n=5); and Group III, two short metal block plates (n=5). Single load to failure test and staircase load-controlled cyclical failure test were performed. In the single load to failure test, the yield load, maximum failure load, and the displacement of the osteotomy gap were measured. In the staircase cyclical load to failure test, the total number of cycles to failure was recorded. Failure modes were observed during both single and cyclic load tests. RESULTS: Group II showed the highest yield and ultimate loads (1829+/-319 N, 3493+/-1250 N) compared to Group I (1512+/-157 N, 2422+/-769 N) and Group III (1369+/-378 N, 2157+/-210 N, p<0.05). The displacement of the opening gap in Group II (0.34+/-0.35 mm) was significantly lesser than the other groups (p<0.05). In the staircase cyclical load to failure test, the total number of cycles to failure was 12,860 at 950 N in Group III, 20,280 at 1,140 N in Group I, and 42,816 at 1,330 N in Group II (p<0.05). All the specimens showed complete fracture of the intact lateral sawbones area and slight displacement of the distal fragment of the specimens in the single load to test. None of the specimens showed deformed or broken screws and plates during the single load to test. During the fatigue test with staircase cyclic loading, no fracture of the lateral sawbones area was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the new anatomical locking metal block plate could provide sufficient primary stability for open wedge HTO. The addition of a metal block to this new plate can increase the stability of the osteotomy compared to the one without a metal block.

Arthroscopic Excision of Solitary Intra-articular Osteochondroma of the Knee

Osteochondroma is the most common benign tumor of the growing bone commonly involving the knee joint region. It often involves the metaphysis of the long bone, occurring extra-articularly. In spite of this, solitary intra-articular osteochondroma has rarely been reported in the literature. A 41-year-old man presented with diffuse pain and discomfort of the left knee for over 2 months. Clinical examination revealed a bony prominence involving the superolateral aspect of the left distal femur. Diagnostic evaluation involved radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and a diagnostic arthroscopy, which showed features of an intra-articular osteochondroma in the left distal femur. Arthroscopic excision of the solitary intra-articular osteochondroma resulted in a complete relief of symptoms and return to full competitive activities. No recurrence of symptoms occurred during the one year of follow-up. Solitary intra-articular osteochondroma of the knee is an unusual case, which can be successfully managed with arthroscopy.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty : Short Term follow up Results of Semiconstrained Type and Unconstrained Type / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the two prosthesis that used for total ankle arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Sept. 2003 to Jun 2006, 13 patients and 14 ankles that could be follow up more than 1 months. Semiconstrained type (Group I, 7 cases) and Unconstrained type (Group II, 7 cases) were used for total ankle arthroplasty. Mean age was 63.2 year-old, 12 ankles are men and 2 ankles were women. Mean follow up periods were 29 months. The criteria to compare the clinical result were postoperative range of motion, AOFAS score and residual bone stock of medial malleolus. RESULTS: Postoperative range of motion of group I was 43.6+/-9.4 degrees and of group II was 50.7+/-7.3 degrees (p=0.115). Postoperative AOFAS score of group I was 77.1+/-13.0 points and of group II was 86.0+/-5.7 points (p=0.094). Resected bone stock in medial malleolus of group I was 10.7+/-2.5 mm and of group II was 5.1+/-1.2 mm (p=0.003). Total number of complication in our study was 9 cases. 3 cases were a malleolar fracture, two occurred at intra-operation, the other at follow-up period. Re-operation was done in 6 cases, 3 cases were calcaneal corrective osteotomy, 2 cases were resection of a heterotopic bone and one case was pedicular flap operation for skin problem. CONCLUSION: In our hospital, mobile bearing type prosthesis shows good result than a semiconstrained type in respect of residual bone stock in medial malleolus. Postoperative range of motion and AOFAS score between two groups shows no significant difference. But small number of patients and short term follow up period is a defect in our study, afterward more population and long term follow up period are needed.