Is Immediate Postoperative Mechanical Axis Associated with the Revision Rate of Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? A 10-Year Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND: Achieving neutral limb alignment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been considered an important determinant in the long-term prosthesis survival. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the immediate postoperative mechanical alignment of the lower limb and the rate of revision TKA by comparing an acceptable mechanical axis group (within ± 3° from neutral alignment) and an outlier group (> 3° deviation from neutral alignment). METHODS: Between 2000 and 2006, clinical and radiographic data of 334 primary TKAs were retrospectively reviewed to determine the 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate. Patients were divided into acceptable and outlier groups according to the mechanical axis checked postoperatively within a month. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Hospital for Special Surgery, Knee Society Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications and revision rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean change in mechanical axis between the immediate postoperative examination and the last follow-up was greater in the outlier group (1.6 ± 2.7) than in the acceptable group (0.8 ± 2.4). The revision rates were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.04). At the last follow-up, clinical scores were all improved in both groups compared to each preoperative condition. There were no significant differences in clinical scores between the two groups at the last follow-up. The 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a tendency towards better survival with restoration of neutral mechanical axis. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of neutral limb alignment is a factor that can result in a lower revision rate and higher longevity in TKA. However, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Factors Affecting Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance in Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

BACKGROUND: The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is used to determine the necessity of tibial tubercle osteotomy. We conducted this study to determine the extent to which each of the tibial tuberosity lateralization, trochlear groove medialization, and knee rotation angle affects the TT-TG distance in both normal and patella dislocated patients and thereby scrutinize the rationale for tuberosity transfer based on the TT-TG distance. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of rotational profile computed tomography was done for patella dislocated and control group patients. Femoral anteversion, tibial torsion, knee rotation angle, tuberosity lateralization, and trochlear groove medialization were assessed in all patients. Relationship of these parameters with the TT-TG distance was investigated to evaluate their effects on the TT-TG distance. RESULTS: We observed that the patellar dislocation group, compared to the control group, had increased TT-TG distance (mean, 19.05 mm vs. 9.02 mm) and greater tuberosity lateralization (mean, 64.1% vs. 60.7%) and tibial external rotation in relation to the femur (mean, 7.9° vs. −0.81°). CONCLUSIONS: Tuberosity lateralization and knee rotation were factors affecting patellar dislocation. These factors should be considered in addition to the TT-TG distance to determine the need for tibial tubercle osteotomy in patients with patellar dislocation.

Long-term Results of Modified Salter Innominate Osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, we reported clinical and radiographic results of our modified Salter innominate osteotomy technique in 16 hips affected by Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) with an average follow-up of 31.8 months. In this study, we present the long-term results of the osteotomy in LCPD patients followed until physeal closure. METHODS: Thirty hips of 29 patients were followed until skeletal maturation after modified Salter innominate osteotomy. The mean follow-up duration was 12.9 years (range, 9.1 to 16.0 years). Eleven hips (36.7%) were classified as Catterall group III and 19 (63.3%) as Catterall group VI. Stable interposition of a bone block was achieved using one biodegradable screw in nine hips and without any fixation device in 21 hips by simply changing the direction of osteotomy. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and hip function were evaluated at the last follow-up. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using Wiberg's center-edge angle, the Mose method, and Stulberg classification, and osteoarthritic changes were evaluated using the Tonnis classification. RESULTS: Mean HHS and WOMAC score were 80.2 points and 54 points, respectively, preoperatively and these were improved to 96.2 points and 28 points, respectively, at the last follow-up. Clinical results, according to Robinson's criteria, were good in 18, fair in seven, and poor in five hips. Radiological results assessed using the Mose method were good in 18, fair in six, and poor in six hips, and according to the Stulberg classification, nine hips were class I, nine were class II, eight were class III, and four were class IV. The mean center-edge angle improved from 19.7° preoperatively to 29.6° at the final follow-up. According the Tonnis classification, three hips were grade 2, five were grade 1, and 22 were grade 0. Of the three grade 2 hips, two underwent Chiari osteotomy 12.1 and 8.8 years postoperatively, and the other underwent total hip arthroplasty 12.9 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Salter innominate osteotomy produced relatively satisfactory long-term clinical and radiological results.

The Efficacy and Persistence of Selective Nerve Root Block under Fluoroscopic Guidance for Cervical Radiculopathy

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcomes of fluoroscopically guided selective nerve root block as a nonsurgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Only a few studies have addressed the efficacy and persistence of cervical nerve root block. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 28 consecutive patients with radicular pain due to cervical disc disease or cervical spondylosis. Myelopathy was excluded. Cervical nerve root blocks were administered every 2 weeks, up to 3 times. Outcomes were measured by comparing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, patient satisfaction, and medication usage before the procedure and at 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. In addition, complications associated with the procedure and need for other treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: The average preoperative VAS score was 7.8 (range, 5 to 10), and this changed to 2.9 (range, 1 to 7) at 3 months and 4.6 (range, 2 to 7) at 12 months. Patient satisfaction was 71% at 3 months and 50% at 12 months. Five patients used medication at 3 months, whereas 13 used medication at 12 months. Average symptom free duration after the procedure was 7.8 months (range, 1 to 12 months). Two patients were treated surgically. Only two minor complications were noted; transient ptosis with Horner's syndrome and transient causalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Although selective nerve root block for cervical radiculopathy is limited as a definitive treatment, it appears to be useful in terms of providing relief from radicular pain in about 50% of patients at 12 months.