Extra-Articular Chondrolipoma of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Chondrolipoma is a rare benign mesenchymoma containing mature cartilage and adipose tissues. Chondrolipoma has been encountered mainly in the oral cavity and breast; however, this type of mesenchymoma occurs extremely rarely in the knee area. This paper reports a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with a two-year history of a palpable mass lesion at the anterior side of the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion adjacent to the medial side of the patellar tendon. The mass had a heterogenous nature, consisting of fat components and calcification. Surgical excision was performed. The size of the excised mass was approximately 4.5 cm×3 cm×4 cm, and it had a round shape and was encapsulated. The posterior part of the mass had a mixed pattern comprised of fat and cartilage tissues. A pathological examination showed that the chondrolipoma was composed of mature adipose and hyaline cartilage tissues.

Results and Factors Affecting Clinical Efficacy of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Gracilis Tendon Suture Technique

Background@#This study evaluated the outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using a gracilis tendon suture technique for patients with patellar instability. Potential factors affecting clinical efficacy were also evaluated. @*Methods@#This study included 22 patients diagnosed with patellar instability, who underwent MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon. Their mean age was 21.5 years (range, 15–48 years), and the mean follow-up period was 26.8 months (range, 12–66 months). Clinical evaluation included the determination of Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Radiographic evaluation included changes in congruence angle and arthritic changes in the patellofemoral joint. Additionally, patients were examined for any complications, including recurrent dislocation. Factors affecting clinical efficacy were also evaluated. @*Results@#All clinical scores improved at final follow-up. The mean congruence angle improved from 23.6° before surgery to –6.5° at final follow-up. Two of 15 patients developed osteoarthritic changes in the patellofemoral joint. Dislocation recurred in 2 patients with type C trochlear dysplasia, which showed a statistically significant association with recurrent dislocation when compared to type A and B dysplasia (p = 0.026). Kujala scores were significantly lower among patients with abnormal patellar tilts (p = 0.038), and Lysholm scores were significantly lower among patients with femoral internal rotation deformity (p = 0.024). @*Conclusions@#Satisfactory results were obtained after MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon suture technique for patients with patellar instability. However, dislocation recurred in patients with type C trochlear dysplasia, and clinical efficacy was lower among patients with femoral internal rotation and patellar tilt.

Graft Considerations for Successful Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Several factors need to be considered for a successful anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, such as preoperative planning, operation technique, and postoperative rehabilitation. Graft choice, fixation, preparation method, maturation, incorporation to host bone, and graft tension should also be considered to achieve a good outcome after an ACL reconstruction. Factors to consider when selecting a graft are the graft strength, graft fixation, fixation site healing, and donor site morbidity, as well as the effects of initial strength, size, surface area, and origin of the graft on its potential for weakening during healing. There are two types of graft for an ACL reconstruction, autograft or allograft. Several autografts have been introduced, including the bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring tendon, and quadriceps tendon-bone. On the other hand, each has its advantages and disadvantages. The recent increased use of allografts for an ACL reconstruction is the lack of donor site morbidity, decreased surgical time, diminished postoperative pain, and good availability of source.Despite this, there are no reports suggesting that an allograft may have a better long-term outcome than an autograft. Allografts have inherent disadvantages, including a longer and less complete course of incorporation, remodeling, biomechanically inferiority to autograft, the potential risk of an immunogenic reaction and disease transmission. Higher long-term failure rates and poorer graft maturation scores were reported for allografts compared to autografts. An autograft in an ACL reconstruction should remain the gold standard, although the allograft is a reasonable alternative. If adequate length and diameter of autograft can be obtained for an ACL reconstruction, an autograft with adequate graft fixation and postoperative rehabilitation should be chosen instead of an allograft to achieve better results.

Death due to Postoperative Ileus after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) after colonic and abdominal surgery is high. On the other hand, the reported incidence after lower extremity reconstruction ranges from 0.3% to 4.0%. This paper reports an 81-year-old woman who expired due to POI at six days after primary total knee arthroplasty. The risk factors, diagnosis, preventive methods, and treatment of POI were also investigated through literature reviews.

Can medial stability be preserved after open wedge high tibial osteotomy?

Purpose@#This study evaluated the medial joint stability after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) releasing the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) without cutting and repairing. @*Methods@#Twenty-one patients who performed HTO were enrolled. After an L-shaped incision was made in the pes anserinus, the sMCL was released from the distal portion during surgery. After plate fixation, the sMCL was reattached and the pes anserinus was repaired underneath the plate. Plate removal was performed after 31.1 ± 14.2 months. Before HTO, a valgus force of 40 N was exerted at extension for reference values. Before and after plate removal, a valgus force of 40 N was exerted at extension and at a flexion position of 20°. Medial stability was evaluated by measuring the joint line convergence angle (JLCA). @*Results@#The JLCAs in the extension state before HTO and plate removal were 1.64° ± 1.15° and 1.83° ± 1.36°, respectively; there was no significant difference (p = 0.198). There was also no significant difference in JLCA before HTO and after plate removal (p = 0.835). There was also no significant difference in JLCA before and after plate removal both at a knee extension and flexion position of 20° (p = 0.348 and p = 0.456, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Releasing the sMCL without cutting and repairing the pes anserinus underneath the plate during medial open wedge HTO could facilitate the maintenance of medial joint stability.

Can medial stability be preserved after open wedge high tibial osteotomy?

Purpose@#This study evaluated the medial joint stability after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) releasing the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) without cutting and repairing. @*Methods@#Twenty-one patients who performed HTO were enrolled. After an L-shaped incision was made in the pes anserinus, the sMCL was released from the distal portion during surgery. After plate fixation, the sMCL was reattached and the pes anserinus was repaired underneath the plate. Plate removal was performed after 31.1 ± 14.2 months. Before HTO, a valgus force of 40 N was exerted at extension for reference values. Before and after plate removal, a valgus force of 40 N was exerted at extension and at a flexion position of 20°. Medial stability was evaluated by measuring the joint line convergence angle (JLCA). @*Results@#The JLCAs in the extension state before HTO and plate removal were 1.64° ± 1.15° and 1.83° ± 1.36°, respectively; there was no significant difference (p = 0.198). There was also no significant difference in JLCA before HTO and after plate removal (p = 0.835). There was also no significant difference in JLCA before and after plate removal both at a knee extension and flexion position of 20° (p = 0.348 and p = 0.456, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Releasing the sMCL without cutting and repairing the pes anserinus underneath the plate during medial open wedge HTO could facilitate the maintenance of medial joint stability.

Bilateral Lipoma Arborescens of the Knee in an Adolescent Patient / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Lipoma arborescens (LA) is a rare lesion that causes joint effusion and pain. LA usually presents as a unilateral knee lesion, and bilaterallesions are extremely rare. LA among adolescent patients is also extremely rare with the disorder having a much higher incidence amongadults. This paper reports a 14-year-old boy who was treated for bilateral knee LA. X-rays revealed the characteristic features of LA in bothknees, and arthroscopic synovectomy was performed to resect the lesions. Postoperative recovery progressed smoothly, and the patientwas eventually relieved of pain and swelling. LA should be considered when adolescent patients present with bilateral pain and swelling,even though this condition is rare in this age group. Furthermore, surgical synovectomy for a complete resection is an appropriate treatmentoption.

Modified Transosseous Wiring Technique for Neglected Fracture–Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

BACKGROUND: Fracture–dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger is challenging due to the high risk of stiffness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modified transosseous wiring technique for the management of chronic fracture–dislocations of the PIP joint. METHODS: Ten patients (nine men and one woman; mean age, 38.3 years; range, 21 to 69 years) with neglected fracture–dislocation of the PIP joint were included. The mean duration from injury to operation was 14.7 weeks (range, 3 to 66 weeks). The dorsolateral approach and extension block pinning were used to reduce dislocation. After thorough debridement of the scar tissues in the dorsal dead space and the fracture site, the reduction was maintained with transosseous wiring. Radiologic evaluations of bone union and arthritic changes and clinical evaluations (range of motion of the PIP joint and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score) were performed. The mean follow-up period was 12.9 months (range, 12 to 19 months). RESULTS: All patients demonstrated evidence of radiographic healing within a mean healing time of 6 weeks (range, 4 to 10 weeks); however, one had a widened gap and one had an early arthritic change. The mean range of motion in the PIP joint was 81° (range, 50° to 105°). The mean DASH score was 21.6 (range, 7.5 to 35.8). CONCLUSIONS: For chronic fracture–dislocation of the PIP joint, transosseous wiring with direct curettage and optimal bone purchase can provide satisfying outcome.

Safety of Temporary Use of Recycled Autoclaved Femoral Components in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: Confirming Sterility Using a Sonication Method

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sonication technique for microbiological diagnosis and the sterility of the recycled autoclaved femoral components from infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a sonication method. METHODS: Nineteen femoral implants explanted from patients with infected TKA were sterilized with a standard autoclave method. Standard culture of the fluid before and after sonication of the sterilized implants was performed to detect pathogenic microorganisms. Additional experiments were performed to evaluate the sterility of the recycled implant by inducing artificial biofilm formation. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was inoculated into 10 implants and sterilization in a standard autoclave was performed, and then the fluid was cultured before and after sonication. RESULTS: Two of the 19 sterilized implants were positive for growth of bacteria after sonication, whereas no growth was detected in the cultured fluid from the sterilized implants before sonication. The bacteria were Staphylococcus species in all two cases. In one of 10 implants inoculated with MRSA, the culture was positive for growth of bacteria both before and after sonication. However, Staphylococcus epidermidis was cultured from both occasions and thus this implant was thought to be contaminated. CONCLUSIONS: We found sonication for identification of pathogens could be helpful, but this finding should be interpreted carefully because of the possibility of contamination. Sterilization of an infected femoral implant with an autoclave method could be a good method for using the temporary articulating antibiotic spacer in two-stage revision arthroplasty.

A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase III Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Polmacoxib Compared with Celecoxib and Placebo for Patients with Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of polmacoxib 2 mg versus placebo in a superiority comparison or versus celecoxib 200 mg in a noninferiority comparison in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This study was a 6-week, phase III, randomized, double-blind, and parallel-group trial followed by an 18-week, single arm, open-label extension. Of the 441 patients with knee or hip OA screened, 362 were randomized; 324 completed 6 weeks of treatment and 220 completed the extension. Patients were randomized to receive oral polmacoxib 2 mg (n = 146), celecoxib 200 mg (n = 145), or placebo (n = 71) once daily for 6 weeks. During the extension, all participants received open-label polmacoxib 2 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC)-pain subscale score from baseline to week 6. Secondary endpoints included WOMAC-OA Index, OA subscales (pain, stiffness, and physical function) and Physician's and Subject's Global Assessments at weeks 3 and 6. Other outcome measures included adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and physical examinations. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the polmacoxib-placebo treatment difference was −2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.4 to −0.6; p = 0.011) and the polmacoxib-celecoxib treatment difference was 0.6 (CI, −0.9 to 2.2; p = 0.425). According to Physician's Global Assessments, more subjects were “much improved” at week 3 with polmacoxib than with celecoxib or placebo. Gastrointestinal and general disorder AEs occurred with a greater frequency with polmacoxib or celecoxib than with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Polmacoxib 2 mg was relatively well tolerated and demonstrated efficacy superior to placebo and noninferior to celecoxib after 6 weeks of treatment in patients with OA. The results obtained during the 18-week trial extension with polmacoxib 2 mg were consistent with those observed during the 6-week treatment period, indicating that polmacoxib can be considered safe for long-term use based on this relatively small scale of study in a Korean population. More importantly, the results of this study showed that polmacoxib has the potential to be used as a pain relief drug with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for OA.

Measurement of Knee Rotation Angles Using a Smartphone Application: An Experimental Study of Porcine Knees

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a smartphone application in the measurement of rotation angles in porcine knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two K-wires were fixated to the femoral condyle and anterior tibial crest of 10 porcine legs. The angle created between the K-wires with an external rotation force applied was measured on a photograph and defined as the true angle. The same force was applied to the legs placed on a splint with a smartphone attached to the plantar side. The angle presented on a smartphone application was determined as the measured angle. The differences between the true and measured angles in 30° and 90° knee flexion and differences in measured angles depending on the status of the popliteus tendon were compared. RESULTS: In the intact knees, the mean true angles in 30° and 90° flexion were 20.5°±1.4° and 19.1°±1.3°, respectively, and the mean measured angles in 30° and 90° flexion were 21.1°±0.9° and 18.6°±1.6°, respectively. When the popliteus tendon was cut, the mean true angles in 30° and 90° flexion were 31.4°±1.1° and 38.5°±2.5°, respectively, and the mean measured angles in 30° and 90° flexion were 31.8°±1.2° and 39.2°±2.8°, respectively. The differences between the true and measured angles were not significant. The measured angle increased by more than 10° after cutting of the popliteus tendon in both 30° and 90° flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Using a smartphone application could be a good method of measuring knee rotation.

Evaluation of Infection after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction during a Short Period

PURPOSE: We encountered 7 cases (7.1%) of infection (5 deep and 2 superficial) in 98 cases of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autografts in a 17-month period. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of infection and to introduce our treatment strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the shelf-life of the fixation implants, the order of surgery, previous knee surgery, infectious pathogen, treatment of infection, and results of treatment. RESULTS: There was no problem with the expiration date of the fixation implants. The order of surgery was either the last or second to the last of all those performed on the same day. One patient had undergone knee surgery 8 months previously. The treatment after infection included aggressive debridement in all cases. Revision ACL reconstruction with graft removal was performed in 1 case of persistent infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. All cases had satisfactory clinical results without recurrence during a mean 24.9 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We could not verify the exact cause of the high incidence of infection during the 17-month period. However, preventive measures are important to decrease the incidence of infection after ACL reconstruction.

Results of High-Flex Total Knee Arthroplasty: Minimum 3-Year Follow-Up Result / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 355 patients (372 cases) who underwent total knee arthroplasty using high-flexion implants from January 2005 to December 2011. The patients included 36 men and 336 women with a mean age of 70.6 (52-88 years) years. Average follow-up duration was 59 months (36-77 months) months. Three types of high flexion implants were used in this study. We performed preoperative assessment and last follow-up clinical evaluation was performed using range of motion (ROM), knee score and function score according to the knee society clinical rating system and complications. Radiologic evaluation was performed using plain radiographs to evaluate loosening or osteolysis. RESULTS: The mean ROM increased from 114.9° preoperatively to 127.0° at the final follow-up. The average knee score improved from 60.5 points preoperatively to 90.9 points at final follow-up and knee function score improved from 49.0 to 84.4 points. The clinical results were improved in each type of implants. A radiolucent line was detected in 2 cases in the Sigma rotating platform flexion group and patellar tendon rupture occurred in 1 case in the NexGex legacy posterior-stabilized-flex group. Infection occurred in 2 cases after 2 and 5 years postoperatively in the Scorpio non-restrictive geometry group and were treated with revision arthroplasty. No significant loosening was observed. CONCLUSION: This study obtained good results after total knee arthroplasty using high-flexion implants, and no loosening was observed. There were no differences in the type of implants in regard to the ROM and clinical variables.

Quality of Life in Patients with Osteochondromatosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to help predict the prognosis of multiple osteochondromatosis patients with the investigation of social function, pain, physical function and quality of life of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five cases were diagnosed as multiple osteochondromatosis from March 1993 to June 2014. We performed a survey on pain, daily life, school or work life assessment of research and development-36. Forty-five people who responded to the survey completely were enrolled. Variable factors, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health state were considered as elements related to quality of life. In addition, we investigated significant factors for multiple osteochondromatosis patients, and analyzed the survey by scoring. Related factors included age (over 18 years and under 18 years), gender, body mass index, operation, joint deformity, recurrence of disease, family history, the number of involved joints and the location of tumor. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS ver. 9.3 (SAS Inc., Cary, NC, USA). p-values of <0.05 were deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients with a family history of multiple osteochondromatosis showed a significantly decreased result of assessment, physical function, vitality of life, social activities, and health state. In addition, there was a tendency of a poor influence in pain, emotional wellbeing, and general health. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that family history is a significant factor influencing and predicting the quality of life. In other words, the developed patients in the household including patients with severe enough for the rest of the family to know have poor prognosis. Through this study multiple osteochondromatosis is a chronic disease having a profound impact on quality of life.

High Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis

No abstract available.

Comparison of Cable Method and Miniaci Method Using Picture Archiving and Communication System in Preoperative Planning for Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare the accuracy of Miniaci method using picture archiving and communication system (PACS) with a cable method in high tibial osteotomy (HTO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed 47 patients (52 knees) with varus deformity and medial osteoarthritis. From 2007 to 2013, patients underwent HTO using either a cable method (20 knees) or Miniaci method based on a PACS image (32 knees). In the cable method, the 62.5% point of the mediolateral tibial plateau width was located using an electrocautery cord under fluoroscopy (cable group). The Miniaci method used preoperative radiographs to shift the weight bearing axis (PACS group). Full-length lower limb radiographs obtained preoperatively and at the sixth postoperative week were used to compare the percentage of crossing point of the weight bearing line on the tibial plateau with respect to the medial border. RESULTS: The weight bearing line on the tibial plateau was corrected from a preoperative 11.0±7.0% to a postoperative 47.2±7.4% in the cable group and from 12.7±4.9% to 59.5±5.3% in the PACS group. The mechanical femorotibial angle was corrected from varus 8.9±3.7° to valgus 0.3±4.0° in the cable group and from varus 9.0±3.3° to valgus 2.9±2.6° in the PACS group. CONCLUSIONS: In HTO, correction based on the Miniaci method using a PACS was more accurate than correction using the cable method.

Mid-Term Results after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Four-Strand Single Semitendinosus Tendon / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 81 patients (84 cases) who had undergone ACL reconstruction using an autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. The patients consisted of 77 men and 4 women with a mean age of 28.8 years (15-59 years) years. Most injuries were sports related, and the largest number of cases occurred during a soccer game (38 cases). Combined injuries were meniscus injuries in 43 cases, cartilage injuries in 6 cases and medial collateral ligament injuries in 8 cases. Femoral fixation device was PINN-ACL CrossPin in 44 cases and extracortical suspension device in 40 cases. Suture tie around a screw post and an additional bioabsorbable screw were used for tibial fixation. The mean time from injury to surgery was 9+/-16 months (7 days-10 years) and the mean follow-up period was 72.0+/-8.3 months (53-95 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using Lachman test, pivot-shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and return to pre-injury sports activity. Radiologic evaluation was performed using plain radiographs to evaluate joint space narrowing. RESULTS: All patients showed normal range of motion at the final follow-up. The Lachman test was positive in 4 cases, and pivot-shift test was positive in 3 cases. Lysholm score improved from 76.7 to 92.2, Tegner activity score improved from 5.1 to 6, IKDC score improved from 72.0 to 86.5, and mean anterior translation by KT-2000 improved from 7.4 mm to 2.3 mm, and 80.2micro of patients returned to pre-injury sports activity. No significant differences in joint space narrowing were observed in plain radiographs. CONCLUSION: In this study, good results were obtained after ACL reconstructions using the autologous four-strand single semitendinosus tendon with maintaining the joint stability at mid-term follow-up.

Two-Stage Revision for Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: Based on Autoclaving the Recycled Femoral Component and Intraoperative Molding Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement on the Tibial Side

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of infection control and postoperative function for new articulating metal-on-cement spacer. METHODS: A retrospective study of 19 patients (20 cases), who underwent a two-stage revision arthroplasty using mobile cement prosthesis, were followed for a minimum of 2 years. This series consisted of 16 women and 3 men, having an overall mean age of 71 years. During the first stage of revision, the femoral implant and all the adherent cement was removed, after which it was autoclaved before replacement. The tibial component was removed and a doughy state, antibiotic-impregnated cement was inserted on the tibial side. To achieve joint congruency, intraoperative molding was performed by flexing and extending the knee joint. Each patient was evaluated clinically and radiologically. The clinical assessments included range of motion, and the patients were scored as per the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Knee Society (KS) criteria. RESULTS: The mean range of knee joint motion was 70degrees prior to the first stage operation and 72degrees prior to the second stage revision arthroplasty; following revision arthroplasty, it was 113degrees at the final follow-up. The mean HSS score and KS knee and function scores were 86, 82, and 54, respectively, at the final follow-up. The success rate in terms of infection eradication was 95% (19/20 knees). No patient experienced soft tissue contracture requiring a quadriceps snip. CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique provides excellent radiological and clinical outcomes. It offers a high surface area of antibiotic-impregnated cement, a good range of motion between first and second stage revision surgery for the treatment of chronic infection after total knee arthroplasty, and is of a reasonable cost.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability Using a Gracilis Autograft without Bone Tunnel

BACKGROUND: Several tendon graft and fixation methods have been introduced in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft fixation without bone tunnel in patients with recurrent patellar instability. METHODS: Nine patients (four males and five females) diagnosed with recurrent patellar instability from July 2009 to January 2013 and had MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft were included. The average age of the patients was 24.6 years (range, 13 to 48 years), and the average follow-up period was 19.3 months (range, 12 to 30 months). For every patient, femoral attachment was fixed using suture anchors securing the patella by suturing the periosteum and surrounding soft tissue. Clinical evaluation included the Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores; in addition, patients were examined for any complication including recurrent dislocation. The congruence angle and patella alta were assessed radiologically before and after surgery. RESULTS: The Kujala score improved from an average of 42.7 ± 8.4 before surgery to 79.6 ± 13.6 (p = 0.008) at final follow-up; the Lysholm score improved from 45.8 ± 5.7 to 82.0 ± 10.5 (p = 0.008); and the Tegner score improved from 2.8 ± 0.8 to 5.6 ± 1.5 (p = 0.007). The Insall-Salvati ratio changed from 1.16 ± 0.1 (range, 0.94 to 1.35) before surgery to 1.14 ± 0.1 (range, 0.96 to 1.29; p = 0.233) at the final follow-up without significance. The congruence angle significantly improved from 26.5°± 10.6° (range, 12° to 43°) before surgery to -4.0°± 4.3° (range, -12° to 5°; p = 0.008) at final follow-up. Subluxation was observed in one patient and hemarthrosis occurred in another patient 2 years after surgery, but these patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved good results with a patellar fixation technique in MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft employing soft tissue suturing in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation.

Biplanar Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in the Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: Comparison between the Aescula and TomoFix Plate

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of Aescula and TomoFix plates used for biplanar open wedge high tibial osteotomy in medial osteoarthritis of the knee joint with varus deformity. METHODS: A consecutive series of 50 cases of biplanar open wedge high tibial osteotomy were evaluated retrospectively. Group A contained 25 cases treated by using the Aescula plate, and group T contained 25 cases treated by using the TomoFix plate. Full weight-bearing was permitted at 6 weeks after surgery in group A and at 2 weeks in group T. Clinical evaluations were performed at the final follow-up by using postoperative knee scores and functional scores. Radiographic analysis included postoperative mechanical femur-tibia angle, change in posterior tibial slope angle, and complications related to implants. The mean follow-up periods were 30 months in group A and 26 months in group T. RESULTS: The knee and functional scores were improved at the final follow-up in both groups (p 0.05). An acceptable correction angle was obtained in 52% of group A and in 84% of group T (p = 0.015). Change in posterior tibial slope angle was larger in group A than in group T (p < 0.001), showing better maintenance of posterior tibial slope in group T. In group A, there were 3 cases of screw loosening and 4 cases of delayed union. In addition, there were residual varus deformities in 7 cases (6 in group A and 1 in group T). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that firm fixation using a TomoFix plate for open wedge high tibial osteotomy produces better radiologic results and a low complication rate than those of the Aescula spacer plate.