Relationship between the knee and hindfoot axes in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis / Relação entre o eixo anatômico do joelho e o eixo do retropé em pacientes com gonartrose avançada

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation between knee axis and hindfoot axis in patients with advanced gonarthrosis, and the association between ankle function and angular deformities. Methods: 72 patients were enrolled in the study: 66% were women, and mean age was 58.7 years. The anatomical axis of the knee and hindfoot were measured by short knee radiographs and long axial view of the hindfoot. Results: Among the study group, 79.2% presented varus knee (mean 15º ± 7.69º) and 20.8% valgus (mean 15.9º ± 7.7º). 63.9% had hindfoot varus (mean 8.5º ± 6.07º) and 36.1% valgus (mean 3.9º ± 3.92º) (p < 0.05). The mean value for the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 74.26 points, and values were significantly higher among patients with hindfoot varus (p < 0.05). We found no correlation between gender or AOFAS score and knee and hindfoot axes, nor between deformities in the knee and hindfoot axes (p > 0.05). The subgroup genu valgum - hindfoot varus presented a moderate correlation (r = 0.564; p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found no association between the anatomical axes of the knee and hindfoot. Patients with gonarthrosis and hindfoot varus presented a better ankle function. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre o eixo do joelho e o eixo do retropé em pacientes com gonartrose avançada, e a relação da função do tornozelo com as deformidades angulares. Métodos: 72 pacientes, sendo 66% mulheres, idade média 58,7 anos participaram do estudo. Mediu-se o eixo anatômico do joelho e do retropé por meio de radiografias curtas dos joelhos e a incidência axial longa do retropé. Resultados: da amostra, 79,2% apresentavam eixo do joelho em varo (média 15º ± 7,69º) e 20,8% valgo (média 15,9º ± 7,7º). 63,9% retropé varo (média 8,5º ± 6,07º) e 36,1% valgo (média 3,9º ± 3,92º) (p < 0,05). O valor médio do escore AOFAS foi 74,26 pontos, com valores significativamente maiores nos pacientes com retropé varo (p < 0,05). Não houve correlação entre o sexo ou o escore AOFAS e os eixos do retropé e do joelho, ou entre desvios no eixo do joelho e os desvios no eixo do retropé (p > 0,05). Observou-se uma associação moderada no subgrupo genuvalgo - retropé varo (r = 0,564; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Não houve associação entre os eixos anatômicos do joelho e do retropé. Pacientes com gonartrose e retropé varo apresentaram melhor função do tornozelo. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

Relationship of pathogenic bacteria distribution with drug resistance and treatment cycle for periprosthetic joint infection after total joint arthroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Understanding the characteristics of bacteriology in periprosthetic joint infection and choosing specific anti-infective drugs are very important to control the periprosthetic joint infection. The results of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test can provide important reference for diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in periprosthetic joint infection patients, and analyze the effect of bacterial culture results on the treatment period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 59 patients who underwent artificial joint revision between September 2015 and September 2019. The infection time, results of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test, antibiotics application duration, prosthesis-free interval, total length of hospital stay from infection to renovation, recovery time of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were collected. The pathogenic bacteria distribution, drug resistance situation and the effect of the pathogenic bacteria and bacterial resistance on antibiotics application duration, prosthesis-free interval, and days in hospital were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Among the 59 patients with periprosthetic joint infection, there were 31 cases of hip joint and 28 cases of knee joint. The highest proportion of periprosthetic joint infection phase was delayed infection (49%). The pathogenic bacteria were cultured from 35 cases, and the positive rate of bacterial culture was 59%. (2) Among the cultured pathogens, staphylococcus aureus accounted for the highest proportion (29%). (3) The pathogenic bacteria of 18 patients were antibiotic resistant, and the drug resistance rate reached 51%. (4) The bacterial cultured negative group had longer prosthesis-free interval and longer recovery times of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein than those of the positive group (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with the group with sensitive antibiotics, the duration of antibiotic application and recovery times of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were longer in the group with resistant antibiotics (P < 0.05). (6) In this study, the positive rate of bacterial culture in periprosthetic joint infection patients was not high, but the resistance rate of pathogenic bacteria was relatively high; the treatment period with positive pathogenic bacteria and sensitive antibiotics was shorter.

Effect of tranexamic acid combined with carbazochrome sodium sulfonate on blood loss and safety after total knee arthroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The application of tranexamic acid in knee and hip arthroplasty can reduce blood loss safely and effectively. As a kind of hemostatic agent for strengthening blood vessels, the hemostasis process of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate does not depend on the coagulation system of human body, so it has better security. OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and blood loss of tranexamic acid combined with carbazochrome sodium sulfonate in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: From July 2018 to December 2019, 67 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, including 18 males and 49 females. They were randomly divided into two groups. The observation group (n=32) received intravenous injection of tranexamic acid before total knee arthroplasty, followed by intravenous injection of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate after total knee arthroplasty. The control group (n=35) received intravenous injection of tranexamic acid before total knee arthroplasty, followed by intravenous injection of saline after total knee arthroplasty. The total blood loss, hidden blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop, blood transfusion rate, incidence of thrombotic events (lower limb intermuscular vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), perioperative fibrinolytic parameters (fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer), inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) were compared between the two groups. The study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The decrease of total blood loss, hidden blood loss and maximum hemoglobin drop in the observation group was less than those in the control group (P 0.05). (3) The C-reactive protein level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group on day 1 and day 3 after surgery (P 0.05). (4) There was no blood transfusion, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs or pulmonary embolism in the two groups during their hospitalization. (5) The results showed that tranexamic acid combined with carbazochrome sodium sulfonate can further reduce the total blood loss, hidden blood loss and hemoglobin drop of patients after total knee arthroplasty, reduce the inflammatory reaction, and do not increase the risk of thrombosis, so it was safe.

Research progress of two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection after hip and knee arthroplasties / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To summarize the research progress of two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after hip and knee arthroplasties. Methods: The related literature on two-stage revision for PJI was summarized, and the new progress in the choice of spacers, systemic antibiotic therapy, and risk factors were analyzed. Results: Two-stage revision is a common way to treat infection after hip and knee arthroplasties. The types of spacers used in the one-stage operation are diverse and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Non-articular spacers are mainly used for the patients with poor soft tissue conditions around the joints and severe bone defects. But the joint mobility is not good after the placement of the spacer. Articular spacers can restore the affected joint movement after operation, which is beneficial to the joint mobility after two-stage operation. The use of antibiotics is an indispensable part of the treatment process, and the effectiveness of short-term antibiotic treatment is similar to long-term treatment. Identifying the relevant risk factors that influence the prognosis of the two-stage revision can help preoperative management and reduce the recurrence rate of infection. Conclusion: There are still controversies about the choice of spacers and systemic antibiotic therapy during the two-stage revision and treatment of PJI. The factors affecting the prognosis of the two-stage revision need to be explored and the further high-quality research is needed.

Effects of Facet Joint Arthroplasty at Different Positions under Lumbar Percutaneous Endoscopy on Range of Motion of Vertebral Bodies / 医用生物力学

Objective To evaluate the influence of facet joint arthroplasty at different positions under lumbar percutaneous endoscopy on range of motion (ROM) of vertebral bodies by using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method. Methods The 3D finite element model of normal L3-5 segment was established, and lumbar percutaneous endoscopy was simulated by doing cylindrical excision of bone with diameter of 7.5 mm on the tip or basement of L5 facet joint, so as to obtain normal lumbar vertebra model, L5 facet joint model with shaped tip, L5 facet joint model with shaped basement, respectively. Given specific loading conditions, the ROMs of adjacent vertebral bodies for the 3 models under flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation were compared. Results When L5 facet joint tip was shaped, the ROMs of L4-5 under extension，left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation and right rotation were obviously larger than those of the normal model, especially under left rotation. When the L5 facet joint basement was shaped, the ROMS of L4-5 under left and right rotation increased slightly compared with those of the normal model. However, the ROMs of L3-4 for both tip-shaped and basement-shaped L5 facet joint model showed no obvious changes under six different motions. Conclusions The influence of L5 facet joint with shaped tip on ROMs of L4-5 was relatively larger than that of L5 facet joint with shaped basement under lumber percutaneous endoscopy. There was no significant effect on the ROMs of L3-4 with L5 facet joint arthroplasty.

Prosthetic joint infection: A major threat to successful total joint arthroplasty

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common and reliable orthopaedic procedures that has significantly improved the quality of life of patients with degenerative joint diseases. Following the increase in the ageing population, availability of trained orthopaedic surgeons and advances in implantation procedures, demand for TJA both globally and in India is significantly increasing. Though TJA is one of the most cost-successful orthopaedic procedures, prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the major complications of joint arthroplasty. Accurate diagnosis of PJI is challenging. Since total hip and knee arthroplasties comprises the majority of TJAs, this review focuses on the current understanding of incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, causative microorganisms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PJI related to these two procedures.

Advances in the study of early ambulation situation and impediments to implementation among postoperative patients undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty / 中国实用护理杂志

With the rapid development of an aging society, the number of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty continues to increase, which makes the country medical insurance funds and elderly patients burden with medical treatment increasing. The early ambulation of postoperative patients with Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty can effectively shorten the length of hospital stay, save hospitalization costs, and improve joint function. Therefore, this article reviews the concept, status, implementation obstacles, promotion measures and other aspects of early ambulation of postoperative patients undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, with a view to provide theoretical reference for the development of standar-dized and efficient early ambulation of medical personnel.

Effects of cyclamic acid on dynamic monitoring D-Dimer and thromboembolic prophylaxis during total hip arthroplasty / 中国综合临床

Objective To study the effects of use of cyclamic acid on monitoring D-Dimer and predicting deep venous thrombosis on lower limbs during total hip arthroplasty.Methods Ninety-three cases patients who received total hip arthroplasty operations at Joint Surgery Department of the Central Hospital of Zhuzhou city and Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University from December 2015 to May 2016 were selected as subjects and randomly assigned into study group with 50 cases and control group with 43 cases.During the operations,cyclamic acid was used intravenously and locally as a routine in the study group while saline was utilized instead in the control group.The D-Dimer was dynamically monitored before operation and 1,3,5,7,9 d after the operation,and venous color ultrasonography of both lower limbs were taken 3,6,9 d after the operation to check the conformation of thrombosis.Results The total blood loss after treatment in the study group was (350.5 ± 65.2) ml,intraoperative blood loss of (129.3 ± 43.1) ml,postoperative drainage volume of (80.9± 12.6) ml,occult blood loss of (141.9± 20.6) ml,corresponding to the control group were (560.8±60.6) ml,(208.9± 57.8) ml,(150.8 ± 18.9) ml,(202.9±23.9) ml.The above indicators were lower in the study group than in the control group,the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(t =16.02,7.59,21.24,13.22,P＜0.05).There were significant differences in terms of D2-dimer level of 1,3,5 d after the operation between the study group and the control group (P＜0.05),but at 7,9 d after the operation,the difference between the two groups were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The study group and the control group at 9 d after operation with color Doppler ultrasound examination showed that there were 1 cases of patients with calf vein thrombosis both in two groups,there was no significant difference between the two groups(2.00％ vs.2.32％,x2 =0.012,P＞ 0.05).Conclusion The proper use of cyclamic acid can reduce blood loss and will not increase the risk of thrombosis.Monitoring dynamically on D-Dimer and deep venous color ultrasonography on lower limbs is helpful for early detection of thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty.However,the use of cyclamic acid during total hip arthroplasty will affect the monitoring on D-Dimer and therefore needs to be taken seriously.

Effects of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint arthroplasty:a meta-analysis / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint arthroplasty by meta-analysis.Methods We searched online Pubmed,Web of science,Cochrane li-brary,CNKI,CBM and searched the literature of the Chinese series journals.All randomized controlled trials (RCT)that met their standards of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint ar-throplasty were collected.The quality of trials was strictly assessed.RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis.Results Twenty-one RCTs involving 1 874 cases were included.Compared with general anaesthesia,the pooled data showed that the neuraxial anaesthesia significantly reduced blood loss (WMD=-97.52,95% CI = - 1 73.60-- 21.44,P = 0.01 ),associated with lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (RR=0.68,95%CI=0.48-0.95,P =0.02)and pulmonary embolism (RR=0.58, 95%CI=0.35-0.91,P =0.03),decreased the number of postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR=0.74,95%CI=0.60-0.92,P =0.008).Subgroup analysis showed that compared with general anaes-thesia,the neuraxial anaesthesia associated with lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (RR=0.5 1,95%CI=0.38-0.69,P < 0.000 01 )and pulmonary embolism (RR = 0.34,95% CI = 0.18-0.65,P =0.001)in patients who did not receive chemical antithrombotic prophylaxis.Conclusion Neuraxial anaesthesia seems to improve the outcome of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty and reduce postoperative complications.

Application of Autar risk assessment scale for assessing the risk of deep vein thrombosis in joint patients with arthroplasty / 医学研究生学报

Objective Early identification of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) risk in patients with joint arthroplasty helps to reduce the incidence of DVT.The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Autar risk assessment model in assessing DVT risk in patients with joint arthroplasty.Methods 72 patients with DVT from 10 hospitals from November 2014 to February 2016 were selected as the case group, and 144 non-DVP patients who hospitalized during the same period served as the control group.The medical history, laboratory tests and other related clinical data of the patients were collected, and Autar risk assessment scale was used to evaluate the patients.Multiple logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between the risk scale of DVT and the risk of DVT formation.Results 216 patients were included in the research.The Autar score of DVT patients (17.09±2.83) in case group was higher than that of control group (14.25±2.46) and the difference is of statistical significance(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve of Autar scale in case group was 0.789 (95％CI: 0.719, 0.858,P<0.05).When the ROC curve cutoff point was 15, the sensitivity and the specificity of Autar scale were 88.57％ and 57.90％ respectively.In Autar scale, the main risk factors of DVT incidence were age≥70 years old, BMI≥30, strict bed rest, varicose veins, lower limb injuries and orthopedic surgery.The result of logistic regression analysis showed the difference of Autar risk rating between these two groups was of statistical significance(P<0.05).In comparison with low risk group, the DVT risk of patients with joint arthroplasty at medium risk was of no significant difference (OR=1.178, 95％ CI: 0.733-1.490, P=0.053) while that of patients with joint arthroplasty at high risk was of significant difference (OR=5.536, 95％ CI:3.577-7.132, P<0.001).Conclusion Autar DVT risk assessment scale assessed patients with joint arthroplasty at high risk are high risk group of DVT.The risk of DVT increases with the risk rating in patients with joint arthroplasty.Therefore, Autar risk assessment scale can be applied in the assessment of DVT risk in patients with joint arthroplasty.

The Fixation Method according to the Fracture Type of the Greater Trochanter in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures Undergoing Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: We conducted a study on patients who underwent hip joint arthroplasty because of unstable femur intertrochanteric fractures with greater trochanter bony fragments. After dividing patients into three groups depending on their fracture patterns, we evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of different operation methods applied to each of these groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Evan's classification, we defined an unstable intertrochanteric fracture as those characterized as stage 4 or 5. Of the 137 patients presenting with an intertrochanteric fracture with osteoporosis (bone mineral density, <−2.5) between March 2014 and October 2015, 63 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. Next, patients were divided into three groups based on their greater trochanter fracture patterns (discerned with three-dimensional computed tomography images); different fixation methods were applied to each group by a single orthopaedic surgeon. RESULTS: Taken as a whole, 50 out of 63 patients experienced no reduction in walking distance in their daily lives. Harris hip score increased from 74.8 to 85.7 point and we considered this a relatively good result. Radiologically, we observed complete bone union in 62 cases (98.4%); the lone exception was in a patient who experienced osteolysis. There were also 3 cases who removed greater trochanter reattachment device due to broken implant and 1 case of dislocation. CONCLUSION: The different fixation methods applied to three distinct groups with varying fractures patterns were successful in achieving proper reduction and fixation of greater trochanteric fractures. We also observed reduced bone union periods when arthroplasty was performed in patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Lastly, we believe these approaches may also aid in achieving early ambulation and early rehabilitations.

The patients′risk factors for prosthetic joint infection after primary hip and knee arthroplasty / 医学研究生学报

Periprosthetic infection is one of catastrophic complications which appear anytime after joint arthroplasty. Resear?ches show that the patients′risk factors are the keys to affect prosthetic joint infection after primary hip and knee arthroplasty. The au?thor summarized new study progress about risk factors for prosthetic joint infection after primary hip and knee arthroplasty at home and abroad. To investigate risk factors for prosthetic joint infection, the condition were analyzed by investigator from the following three as?pects:the patients′features, comorbidity, and preoperative medication.

Efficacy of Long-term Effect and Repeat Intraarticular Botulinum toxin in Patients with Painful Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: Based on recent success of intra-articular (IA) Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A; OnabotulinumtoxinA) in patients with osteoarthritis, we examined if repeat IABoNT/ A is an effective antinociceptive in patients with refractory arthroplasty pain. Methods: 11 patients with refractory chronic arthroplasty joint pain without any evidence of infection or prosthesis loosening were referred by orthopedic surgeons. After discussion of off-label use, each patient underwent IA injection of BoNT/A, repeated based on return of pain on numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional limitation on composite validated scales, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) or Shoulder Pain and Disability (SPADI). Results: 11 patients (10 men, 1 woman) with 14 painful arthroplasty joints (3 bilateral; 12 knee and 2 shoulder) underwent ≥1 IA-BoNT/A injections (8 joints injected once, one joint injected twice only, five joints injected thrice) with doses ranging 100-300 units. Mean age was 68 years (standard deviation, 12) and follow-up ranged 1-28 months. Clinically meaningful reduction of 2-units in pain severity and really meaningful reduction in pain severity (50% reduction) were reported by 6/11 patients (6/13 joints) and 3/11 patients (3/13 joints), respectively, 1 month after the first IA-BoNT/A (100-units each). Significant improvements were noted in composite functional scales (WOMAC/SPADI). Pain relief was sustained at 3-4 month follow-up and was reproducible in those who received repeat injections. No significant adverse events were seen in any patients. Conclusions: A single intra-articular injection of BoNT/A improved pain and function in patients with chronic, refractory painful knee or shoulder arthroplasty, which sustained with repeat injections. Patients, who were refractory to the first injection, did not respond to subsequent injections of higher dose of IA-BoNT/A.

Thromboprophylaxis for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism after Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Low Incidence Population

Postoperative venous thromboembolism is one of the most serious complications following total joint arthroplasty. Pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis methods are used to reduce the risk of postoperative symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Use of pharmacological prophylaxis requires a fine balance between the efficacy of the drug in preventing deep vein thrombosis and the adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs. In regions with a low prevalence of deep vein thrombosis such as Korea, there might be a question whether the benefits of using pharmacological prophylaxis outweigh the risks involved. The current article reviews the need for thromboprophylaxis, guidelines, problems with the guidelines, pharmacological prophylaxis use, and the current scenario of deep vein thrombosis, and discusses whether the use of pharmacological prophylaxis should be mandatory in low incidence populations.

Minocycline-induced Periarticular Black Bones in Inflamed Joints Which Underwent Arthroplastic Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Minocycline-induced pigmentation of bone (black bone) is well described in tooth-bearing intra-oral bone, but is less known in periarticular bone in patients who have undergone total joint arthroplasty. On a retrospective basis, we investigated the short-term clinico-radiological results of total joint arthroplasties in which the patient developed minocycline-induced periarticular black bone. METHODS: We found 5 cases (0.08%), in 4 patients, of periarticular bone pigmentation revealed during total joint arthroplasties (2 hips, 2 knees, and 1 ankle) in our series of total joint surgeries (6,548 cases) over a 10-year time period in our 3 institutes. Their mean age was 56 years at surgery. All patients had received long-term minocycline treatment. Mean dosage and duration of minocycline was 160 mg/day and 2.2 years, respectively. Minocycline had been prescribed for reactive arthritis (one), rheumatoid arthritis (two) and late infection after total joint arthroplasty (two patients). Mean follow-up period was 3.4 years after the surgeries. RESULTS: All cases had black or brown pigmentation in the periarticular bones during the surgery. There was no pigmentation in the cartilage or soft tissues of the joints. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score or Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale for rheumatoid arthritis foot and ankle joints at latest follow-up (case 1, 66; case 2, 87; case 3, 77; case 4, 77; case 5, 80) improved compared to those of pre-surgery (case 1, 47; case 2, 45; case 3, 55; case 4, 34; case 5, 55). No implant loosening was noted on radiographic examination during the follow-up period. No abnormal bone formation, bone necrosis, hemosiderin deposition, malignancy or metallic debris was found on histological examination. CONCLUSIONS: No clinico-radiological symptoms of total joint arthroplasties showed in the patients with minocycline-induced periariticular black bone in the short-term. Systemic minocycline treatment has the potential to induce significant black pigmentation of many tissues. In particular, minocycline-induced pigmentation of periarticular bone may be accelerated by inflammation due to rheumatic or pyogenic arthritis. Surgeons should recognize the risk of bone pigmentation in inflamed joints due to the systemic treatment of minocycline and explore its influence on periarticular bone and total joint arthroplasty in the long-term.

The evloution of total knee and hip joint arthroplasty

The evolution of total joint replacement is not merely of historical interest. We review the historic development of total joint arthroplasty to look at what has been selected and what has not selected in the past. For more than 30 years, total joint arthroplasty has been progressively developed to improve functional outcomes and survivorship. There has been debate regarding the presence of posterior cruciate ligament (cruciate retaining vs. posterior stabilized) and bearing articulation (fixed vs. mobile). Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is used through minimally invasive surgery with relatively good results. Still, liner wear and limitation in the range of motion were concerns, prompting the development of highly cross-linked polyethylene and hyperflexion design prostheses. Although there have been a number of improvements in the design and concepts behind hip joint arthroplasty for many years, fixation methods and bearing surfaces are still in debate. Future developments in total joint arthroplasty should be focused on improved function, wear reduction, enhanced kinematics, and increased range of motion. We can look forward to further advancements in total joint arthro-plasty in the area of new materials and designs.

Effect of Early Rehabilitation Training Combined with Continuous Passive Motion on Knee Joint Function after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of early rehabilitation training combined with continuous passive motion (CPM) on knee joint function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods23 patients (28 knees) post TKA were randomly divided into the treatment group (15 knees) and control group (13 knees). The patients of the treatment group were treated with early rehabilitation training combined with CPM, and those of the control group were treated with CPM only.ResultsThe scores of knee grade and function grade of the treatment group were not different from those of the control group before treatment ( P>0.05), but two weeks later, there was a significnat difference between two groups ( P<0.01).ConclusionThe early rehabilitation training combined with CPM can improve recovery of function of knee joint after TKA.

Birmingham Resurfacing Hip Joint Arthroplasty: Minimum 5 Year follow-up study

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate more than 5 years of the clinical follow-up results of Birmingham hip joint resurfacing arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 cases of Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasties were performed in 17 patients (8 males and 9 females) between August 2001 and April 2002. Eleven patients had avascular necrosis of the femoral head, nine had osteoarthritis and two had ankylosing spondylitis. All the patients could be followed-up and the mean age at the time of operation was 35.9 (range: 22~65) years. Clinical evaluation was done with using the Harrris hip score; the osteolysis, migration of the femoral component and acetabular cup, the presence of femoral neck fracture and the secondary changes around the components were evaluated according to the radiological follow up findings. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Harris hip score of 38 points was improved to 94 points at the time of the final follow-up. Complications developed in the avascular necrosis patients, in the two cases of femoral neck fracture and in one case of incomplete sciatic nerve palsy. There was no osteolysis or movement of the femoral cap, peg and acetabular cup on the radiological evaluation. Some degree of periacetabular osteoporosis and some change of the trabecular pattern were found in all cases due to the secondary change from mechanical stress. CONCLUSION: Birmingham resurfacing hip arthroplasty provided excellent clinical and radiological results, and especially in the osteoarthritis patients. Special concern might be needed for the patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head and for protecting the sciatic nerve.

Interobserver variation in the measurement of patellar height after total knee arthroplasty / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objeetive] To assess the reproducibility and accuracy of four ratios used to measure patellar height,named the Blackburne-Peel,Caton Deschamps,Insall-Salvati and modified Insall-Salvati,before and after totalknee arthroplasty.[Methods]The patellar height was measured,by means of the four ratios,on the pre-and post-operative lateral radiographs of 44 patients(45 knees)who had undergone total knee arthroplasty.Two independent observers measured the films sequentially,in identical conditions,totally 720 measurements per observer.[Results]Before operation there was greater interobserver variation using either the Insall-Salvati or modified Insall-Salvati ratios than that when using the Caton-Deschamps or Blackburne-Peel methods.This was due to difficulty in identifying the insertion of the patellar tendon.Before operation,there was a minimal difference in reliability between these methods.After operation the interobserver difference was greatly reduced using both the Caton-Deschamps and Blackburne-Peel methods,which used the prosthetic joint line,compared with the Insall-Salvati and modified Insall-Salvati,which refered to the insertion of the patellar tendon.[Conclusion]The theoretical advantage of using the Insall-Salvati and modified Insall-Salvati ratios in measuring true patellar height after total knee arthroplasty needs to be balanced against their significant interobserver variability and inferior reliability when compared with other ratios.

Gap Discrepancy in Posterior Cruciate Ligament-Sacrificing Total Knee Joint Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) resection on the flexion and extension gap during TKA (total knee joint arthroplasty). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2002 to August 2003, we quantitatively measured and ana-lyzed prospectively the flexion and extension gap before and after PCL resection during TKA in 26 cases among 23 patients of osteoarthritis. A tensioning device was used to measure the gap and a torque wrench attached to the device was used to apply constant force. RESULTS: Before resection, the average flexion gap was 24.9 mm and the average extension gap was 25.3 mm. After resection, the average flexion gap was 29.8 mm and average extension gap was 27.6 mm. The extension gap was increased 2.2 mm and the flexion gap was increased 4.9 mm which implies that using a thicker polyethylene insert would be favorable after PCL resection. CONCLUSION: After PCL resection, both flexion and extension gaps were increased but the flexion gap was increased more than the extension gap.