Incidence of Total Knee Arthroplasty After Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is unclear whether arthroscopic resection of degenerative knee tissues among patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee delays or hastens total knee arthroplasty (TKA); opposite findings have been reported. Objective: To compare the long-term incidence of TKA in patients with OA of the knee after nonoperative management with or without additional arthroscopic surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this ad hoc secondary analysis of a single-center, assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial performed from January 1, 1999, to August 31, 2007, 178 patients were followed up through March 31, 2019. Participants included adults diagnosed with OA of the knee referred for potential arthroscopic surgery in a tertiary care center specializing in orthopedics in London, Ontario, Canada. All participants from the original randomized clinical trial were included. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2021, to October 20, 2022. Exposures: Arthroscopic surgery (resection or debridement of degenerative tears of the menisci, fragments of articular cartilage, or chondral flaps and osteophytes that prevented full extension) plus nonoperative management (physical therapy plus medications as required) compared with nonoperative management only (control). Main Outcomes and Measures: Total knee arthroplasty was identified by linking the randomized trial data with prospectively collected Canadian health administrative datasets where participants were followed up for a maximum of 20 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare the incidence of TKA between intervention groups. Results: A total of 178 of 277 eligible patients (64.3%; 112 [62.9%] female; mean [SD] age, 59.0 [10.0] years) were included. The mean (SD) body mass index was 31.0 (6.5). With a median follow-up of 13.8 (IQR, 8.4-16.8) years, 31 of 92 patients (33.7%) in the arthroscopic surgery group vs 36 of 86 (41.9%) in the control group underwent TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.52-1.40]). Results were similar when accounting for crossovers to arthroscopic surgery (13 of 86 [15.1%]) during follow-up (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.53-1.44]). Within 5 years, the cumulative incidence was 10.2% vs 9.3% in the arthroscopic surgery group and control group, respectively (time-stratified HR for 0-5 years, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.41-2.75]); within 10 years, the cumulative incidence was 23.3% vs 21.4%, respectively (time-stratified HR for 5-10 years, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.45-2.51]). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. Conclusions and Relevance: In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of arthroscopic surgery for patients with OA of the knee, a statistically significant association with delaying or hastening TKA was not identified. Approximately 80% of patients did not undergo TKA within 10 years of nonoperative management with or without additional knee arthroscopic surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00158431.

Responders to Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) aims to improve symptoms for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and varus alignment, yet the likelihood of achieving a minimum clinical threshold of response and the factors predictive of response are unclear. We evaluated the proportion of patients meeting responder criteria based on the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society International consensus 2 years after medial opening wedge HTO and investigated predictors of response. METHODS: Patients in a prospective cohort with symptomatic knee OA and varus alignment completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire < 3 months before and 2 years after HTO. For our primary analysis, we calculated the proportion of responders with ≥ 20% relative improvement and an absolute change of ≥ 10 points in pain and function from baseline. We performed logistic regression to evaluate the association of predictors with response and completed sex-disaggregated analyses. RESULTS: At a mean of 20.3 (SD 6.2) months post-HTO, 406 patients (78%) met the responder criteria. Older age, higher BMI, and larger postoperative mechanical axis angles (ie, slight valgus) were associated with increased odds of achieving responder criteria, although odds ratios were small. When stratified by sex, 316/405 male patients (78%) and 90/118 female patients (76%) met the responder criteria. CONCLUSION: Based on responder criteria for knee OA, 78% of patients undergoing medial opening wedge HTO were responders at 2 years postsurgery. Although patients who are younger, male, and nonobese are viewed as appropriate candidates for HTO, patients who are female, are older, and have a high BMI also achieve sizable improvements in pain and function.

Total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy: time-to-event analysis and predictors.

BACKGROUND: An important aim of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is to prevent or delay the need for total knee replacement (TKR). We sought to estimate the frequency and timing of conversion from HTO to TKR and the factors associated with it. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee who underwent medial opening wedge HTO from 2002 to 2014 and analyzed the cumulative incidence of TKR in July 2019. The presence or absence of TKR on the HTO limb was identified from the orthopedic surgery reports and knee radiographs contained in the electronic medical records for each patient at London Health Sciences Centre. We used cumulative incidence curves to evaluate the primary outcome of time to TKR. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis to assess potential preoperative predictors including radiographic disease severity, malalignment, correction size, pain, sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and year of surgery. RESULTS: Among 556 patients who underwent 643 HTO procedures, the cumulative incidence of TKR was 5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3%-7%) at 5 years and 21% (95% CI 17%-26%) at 10 years. With the Cox proportional hazards multivariable model, the following preoperative factors were significantly associated with an increased rate of conversion: radiographic OA severity (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.96, 95% CI 1.12-3.45), pain (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96)], female sex (adjusted HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.08-2.58), age (adjusted HR 1.50 per 10 yr, 95% CI 1.17-1.93) and BMI (adjusted HR 1.31 per 5 kng/m2, 95% CI 1.12-1.53). INTERPRETATION: We found that 79% of knees did not undergo TKR within 10 years after undergoing medial opening wedge HTO. The strongest predictor of conversion to TKR is greater radiographic disease at the time of HTO.

Association Between Knee Load and Pain: Within-Patient, Between-Knees, Case-Control Study in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The association between knee loading and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis is reported to be low and of questionable importance, but may be confounded by several factors that differ between patients. We aimed to elucidate the association between dynamic knee load and pain by minimizing confounding using a study design that was within the same patient, with knees discordant for pain. METHODS: A total of 265 patients with knees discordant for pain (530 knees) rated the pain in each knee before and after walking for 6 minutes, and then underwent 3-dimensional gait analysis. RESULTS: The peak knee adduction moment and knee adduction impulse (proxies for medial knee loading) were associated with increased pain (odds ratio [OR] 2.43 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.77-3.33] and OR 6.62 [95% CI 3.46-12.7], respectively) and remained significant after controlling for radiographic disease severity. When split into quartiles, ORs indicated knees in the highest loading quartile had greater odds of experiencing increased pain with walking (OR 4.7 95% CI 2.3-9.5] for peak adduction moment; OR 9.0 [95% CI 4.0-20.1] for adduction impulse) compared to knees in the lowest loading quartile. CONCLUSION: When between-patient confounding is minimized, there is a strong association between medial knee load and increased knee pain during walking.

Correction to: A case series of lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for valgus malalignment.

Unfortunately, one of the co-author affiliation was incorrect in the original publication of this article. The correct affiliation is given below: Abdulaziz Z. Alomar, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A case series of lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for valgus malalignment.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy is a rarely employed surgical technique used for the treatment of lateral knee pain and degeneration in the setting of genu valgum. There exists little evidence of the suitability of this procedure for patients requiring osteotomies with a small correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of 23 patients (24 knees) undergoing lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a minimum follow-up of 2 years was performed between 2002 and 2008. A surgical technique avoiding the need for fibular osteotomy is described. Adverse events, patient-reported outcomes and radiographic measures of alignment were assessed at baseline, at 6 months postoperatively, and at time of final follow-up. A subgroup of 12 patients also underwent 3D gait analysis at the same time points. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 52 months (±20.4). Statistically and clinically significant improvements were identified in the lower extremity functional scale [mean change (95%CI) = 10 (2.4, 17.6)], and in the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [mean change (95%CI) = 10.9 (0.5, 21.4)]. Mechanical axis changed from 2.4 ± 2.4° valgus to 0 ± 2.6° varus (p<0.001), anatomical axis from 6.9 ± 2.8° to 4.7 ± 2.5° valgus (p < 0.001), with weight-bearing line offset changing from 60.2 ± 11.4% to 49.5 ± 12.4% (p < 0.001). Change in lateral tibial slope, from 6.5 ± 2.2° to 7.5 ± 2.3°, was very small and not statistically significant (n.s.). The peak knee adduction moment during gait significantly increased [mean change (95%CI) = 0.72%BW*Ht (0.42, 1.02), suggesting a medial shift in dynamic knee joint load. Two patients underwent total knee arthroplasty during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy is a viable surgical option for patients with lateral knee pain and valgus malalignment requiring small degrees of correction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pharmacologic treatment of knee osteoarthritis in athletic women.

There is a greater incidence of anterior cruciate ligament tears due to noncontact sports injuries in women compared with men. Anterior cruciate ligament tears are associated with accelerated development of knee osteoarthritis (OA), which is also more prevalent in women than in men. This article considers therapeutic modalities that are best suited for athletic women with knee OA. Clinical data on the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapies for knee OA, including acetaminophen, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and topical NSAIDs, are discussed, with attention paid to special considerations for women who participate in athletic activity. Adverse events associated with the use of acetaminophen and oral NSAIDs place potential limits on the dose and duration of therapy and may be of greater concern in female athletes than in other patient groups. Topical NSAIDs, which effect relief through the same mechanism of action as oral NSAIDs, produce dramatically lower systemic NSAID exposure compared with oral NSAIDs and are associated with a lower incidence of systemic adverse events. These findings, along with additional future studies, may have particular relevance to the choice of the most effective treatment options for athletic women with OA of the knee.

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a prospective cohort study of gait, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy on gait, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes over a 2-year postoperative period in patients with varus alignment and medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, and to identify significant predictors of outcome. METHODS: We used an observational cohort study design and prospectively administered 3-dimensional quantitative gait analysis, hip to ankle weight-bearing radiographs, and patient-reported outcomes preoperatively and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Observed changes with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Multivariate linear regression and cluster analysis were used to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and 2-year outcomes in dynamic knee joint load (external knee adduction moment during gait) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS). RESULTS: A total of 126 patients (mean age 47.48 years) were included in the study. Mean changes suggested clinically important improvements in malalignment (change in mechanical axis angle 8.04 degrees [95% CI 7.16 degrees , 8.93 degrees ]), medial compartment load during gait (change in knee adduction moment -1.38 [95% CI -1.53, -1.22] percentage body weight x height), and all KOOS domain scores (change in pain 23.19 [95% CI 19.49, 26.89] KOOS points). A small (13%) increase in knee adduction moment was observed from 6 to 24 months postoperatively. Few preoperative clinical and/or gait characteristics assessed at baseline were significantly associated with 2-year outcomes. CONCLUSION: A medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with correction to approximately neutral alignment produces substantial and clinically important changes in dynamic knee joint load and patient-reported measures of pain, function, and quality of life 2 years postoperatively. Changes in knee adduction moment observed in the first 2 years postoperatively should be explored as potential predictors of longer-term success and subgroups of patients with poor outcomes.

Impact of medial opening or lateral closing tibial osteotomy on bone resection and posterior cruciate ligament integrity during knee arthroplasty.

To compare lateral closing to medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy regarding change in proximal tibial anatomy and PCL tibial attachment integrity after standard tibial arthroplasty resection. Controlled cadaveric study. Ten cadaveric lower limbs received either a 12 degrees lateral closing or 12.5-mm medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. Radiographs were performed before and after each osteotomy, and each PCL tibial attachment was dissected. Postosteotomy, tibial arthroplasty resection was performed and the remaining PCL attachment area calculated. Lateral closing wedge specimens demonstrated a greater change in proximal tibial anatomy. After tibial arthroplasty resection, there was a significant difference in remaining PCL tibial attachment percentage area. Proximal tibial anatomy is altered differently for each type of osteotomy despite similar correction angles. Arthroplasty conversion may be more challenging after lateral closing wedge procedures.

A randomized trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, randomized, controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery in patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomly assigned to surgical lavage and arthroscopic débridement together with optimized physical and medical therapy or to treatment with physical and medical therapy alone. The primary outcome was the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (range, 0 to 2400; higher scores indicate more severe symptoms) at 2 years of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical Component Summary score (range, 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better quality of life). RESULTS: Of the 92 patients assigned to surgery, 6 did not undergo surgery. Of the 86 patients assigned to control treatment, all received only physical and medical therapy. After 2 years, the mean (+/-SD) WOMAC score for the surgery group was 874+/-624, as compared with 897+/-583 for the control group (absolute difference [surgery-group score minus control-group score], -23+/-605; 95% confidence interval [CI], -208 to 161; P=0.22 after adjustment for baseline score and grade of severity). The SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores were 37.0+/-11.4 and 37.2+/-10.6, respectively (absolute difference, -0.2+/-11.1; 95% CI, -3.6 to 3.2; P=0.93). Analyses of WOMAC scores at interim visits and other secondary outcomes also failed to show superiority of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee provides no additional benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00158431.)

Outcome of posterior ankle arthroscopy for hindfoot impingement.

PURPOSE: To provide short-term clinical results of posterior ankle arthroscopy in the treatment of posterior ankle impingement. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcomes of posterior ankle arthroscopy in a series of patients with posterior ankle pain. RESULTS: Of 23 patients who underwent 24 posterior ankle arthroscopies between July 1998 and February 2004, 15 patients (mean age, 25 years) with 16 posterior ankle arthroscopies were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 32 months (range, 6 to 74). Procedures carried out were: excision of os trigonum (11); decompression of prominent posterior talar process (5); tenolysis of flexor hallucis longus (5); removal of loose body (1); osteochondritis dissecans lesion debridement (1); and arthrotomy (1). The average time to return to work was 1 month (range, 0 to 3) and to sports, 5.8 months (range, 1 to 24). Fourteen patients returned to their preinjury level of athletics. Mean Health Survey Short Form (SF-12) scores were 51.80 for the mental component (range, 30.77 to 60.53) and 55.80 for the physical component (range, 44.26 to 63.33). Mean score on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot Scale was 91 (range, 77 to 100) and on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale was 75 (range, 65 to 80). Documented complications included temporary numbness in the region of the scar in 5 patients and temporary ankle stiffness in 1 patient. There were no permanent neurovascular injuries. All subjects reported significant improvement and indicated that they would undergo the surgery again if needed. CONCLUSIONS: Functional and clinical evaluations following posterior ankle arthroscopy revealed that all patients were very satisfied. They reported good to excellent health-related quality of life scores, satisfactory functional outcomes, and a high rate of return to sporting activities. Most importantly, no significant complications were encountered. This review suggests that posterior ankle arthroscopy is a safe and effective surgical procedure in the treatment of posterior ankle impingement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of functional knee brace and neoprene sleeve use after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of evidence for their effectiveness, functional knee braces are commonly prescribed to patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: This trial was conducted to compare postoperative outcomes in patients using an ACL functional knee brace and patients using a neoprene knee sleeve. HYPOTHESIS: Patients using a brace will have superior outcomes than those using a sleeve. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: One hundred fifty patients were randomized to receive a brace (n = 76) or neoprene sleeve (n = 74) at their 6-week postoperative visit after primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Patients were assessed preoperatively, then 6 weeks and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Outcome measures included disease-specific quality of life (Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Quality of Life [ACL-QOL] Questionnaire), anterior tibial translation (KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference), the single-limb forward hop test (limb symmetry index), and Tegner Activity Scale. Outcomes at 1 and 2 years were compared after adjusting for baseline scores. Subjective ratings of how patients felt while using the brace/sleeve were also collected for descriptive purposes using a questionnaire. Four a priori directional subgroup hypotheses were evaluated using tests for interactions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between brace (n = 62) and sleeve (n = 65) groups for any of the outcomes at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Adjusted mean differences at 2 years were as follows: -0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.52 to 5.64) for the ACL-QOL Questionnaire, -0.10 mm (95% CI, -0.99 to 0.81) for KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference, -0.87% (95% CI, -8.89 to 7.12) for hop limb symmetry index, and -0.05 (95% CI, -0.72 to 0.62) for the Tegner Activity Scale. Subjective ratings of confidence in the knee provided by the brace/sleeve were higher for the brace group than the sleeve group. Subgroup findings were minimal. Adverse events were few and similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A functional knee brace does not result in superior outcomes compared with a neoprene sleeve after ACL reconstruction. Current evidence does not support the recommendation of using an ACL functional knee brace after ACL reconstruction.

Radiographic measures of knee alignment in patients with varus gonarthrosis: effect of weightbearing status and associations with dynamic joint load.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic measures of lower limb malalignment are used to indicate abnormal loading of the knee and to plan corrective procedures. HYPOTHESES: Weightbearing status during hip-to-ankle radiographs will significantly affect malalignment measures; malalignment in single-limb standing will be most highly correlated to the external knee adduction moment during gait, a proposed dynamic measure of functional knee joint load. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Mechanical axis angle was measured in 40 patients with varus gonarthrosis from hip-to-ankle radiographs taken with patients in single-limb standing, double-limb standing, and supine positions. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during walking and used to calculate the peak adduction moment about the knee. RESULTS: Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Scheffé post hoc tests indicated that mechanical axis angle measured on single-limb standing radiographs (-8.7 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees) was significantly greater than on double-limb standing radiographs (-7.1 degrees +/- 3.8 degrees), which was significantly greater than on supine radiographs (-5.5 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees). The peak knee adduction moment (2.8 +/- 0.8 percentage body weight x height) was only moderately correlated with mechanical axis angle on single-limb standing (r = -0.46), double-limb standing (r = -0.45), and supine (r = -0.43) radiographs. CONCLUSION: Patient position significantly affects frontal plane knee alignment. However, the peak knee adduction moment is only moderately correlated to mechanical axis angle, regardless of weightbearing status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings are inconsistent with the hypothesis that mechanical axis angle measured in single-limb standing is more representative of dynamic joint load and further highlight the differences between static and dynamic measures. Results also underscore the importance of reporting patient position during radiographs and keeping positions consistent when evaluating patients over time.

Foot rotational effects on radiographic measures of lower limb alignment.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical planning of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) typically requires the measurement of lower limb alignment from standing anteroposterior radiographs. Although every effort is made to maintain a standardized patient position, factors such as pain or anatomic constraints may necessitate acquiring the radiograph in a less than optimal patient position. One such constraint is natural rotation of the feet with respect to the tibia. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the magnitude of the effect of foot rotation on radiographic measures of lower limb alignment. METHODS: We analyzed 19 lower limbs from radiographs obtained from 10 people who reported to an orthopedic injuries clinic. Each patient was radiographed in 3 positions: 15 degrees of internal foot rotation, no foot rotation and 15 degrees of external foot rotation. We measured and compared the mechanical axis angle (hip-knee-ankle) and the mechanical axis deviation from each position. RESULTS: Compared with the position with no foot rotation, internal foot rotation resulted in less measured varus alignment and less mechanical axis deviation from the knee joint centre, whereas external foot rotation produced greater measured varus alignment and increased mechanical axis deviation from the knee joint centre. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that patient positioning is an important factor when measuring lower limb alignment from radiographs. As a result, special care must be taken when acquiring these radiographs for use in planning surgical procedures such as HTO.

The familial predisposition toward tearing the anterior cruciate ligament: a case control study.

PURPOSE: A study of 171 surgical cases and 171 matched controls was conducted to investigate whether a familial predisposition toward tearing the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee exists. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were matched by age (within 5 years), gender, and primary sport to subjects without an anterior cruciate ligament tear. All 342 subjects completed a questionnaire detailing their family history of anterior cruciate ligament tears. RESULTS: When controlling for subject age and number of relatives, participants with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were twice as likely to have a relative (first, second, or third degree) with an anterior cruciate ligament tear compared to participants without an anterior cruciate ligament tear (adjusted odds ratio = 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.33). When the analysis was limited to include only first-degree relatives, participants with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were slightly greater than twice as likely to have a first-degree relative with an anterior cruciate ligament tear compared to participants without an anterior cruciate ligament tear (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-4.00). CONCLUSIONS: Findings are consistent with a familial predisposition toward tearing the anterior cruciate ligament. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Future research should concentrate on identifying the potentially modifiable risk factors that may be passed through families and developing strategies for the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Reliability of lower limb frontal plane alignment measurements using plain radiographs and digitized images.

This study evaluated the reliability of lower limb frontal plane alignment measures obtained from plain radiographs measured manually and digitized images measured using a custom computer software package (TheHTO Pro; Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, London, Ontario, Canada). Radiographic measurements used in the planning of high tibial osteotomy, including the mechanical axis angle and mechanical axis deviation, were measured on 42 hip-to-ankle radiographs on two separate occasions by two different raters (A.V.S., J.J.D.). Intraclass correlation coefficients (0.96-0.99) indicated excellent agreement between the manual and computer measurements, suggesting both methods can be used interchangeably. Although test-retest and inter-rater reliability tended to be slightly better when using TheHTO Pro, intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent for both methods (0.97-0.99). The standard errors of measurement were <1 degree for mechanical axis angle and <2 mm for mechanical axis deviation, regardless of method or rater. Based on the observed standard errors of measurement, conservative estimates for the error associated with an individual's mechanical axis angle at one point is approximately 1.5 degrees, and the minimal detectable change on reassessment is approximately 2 degrees. The error associated with an individual's mechanical axis deviation at one point is approximately 4 mm, and the minimal detectable change on reassessment is approximately 6 mm. These results suggest that manual and computer measurements of lower limb frontal plane alignment can be calculated with minimal measurement error. However, the small errors associated with both methods should be considered when making clinical decisions.

Isokinetic evaluation of internal/external tibial rotation strength after the use of hamstring tendons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the knee after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the use of the semitendinosus and gracilis (hamstring) autografts has primarily focused on flexion and extension strength. The semitendinosus and gracilis muscles contribute to internal tibial rotation, and it has been suggested that harvest of these tendons for the purpose of an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction contributes to internal tibial rotation weakness. HYPOTHESIS: Internal tibial rotation strength may be affected by the semitendinosus and gracilis harvest after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of internal and external tibial rotation strength. METHODS: Inclusion criteria for subjects (N = 30): unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at least 2 years previously, a stable anterior cruciate ligament (<5-mm side-to-side difference) at time of testing confirmed by surgeon and KT-1000 arthrometer, no history of knee problems after initial knee reconstruction, a normal contralateral knee, and the ability to comply with the testing protocol. In an attempt to minimize unwanted subtalar joint motion, subjects were immobilized using an ankle brace and tested at angular velocities of 60 degrees /s, 120 degrees /s, and 180 degrees /s at a knee flexion angle of 90 degrees . RESULTS: The mean peak torque measurements for internal rotation strength of the operative limb (60 degrees /s, 17.4 +/- 4.5 ft-lb; 120 degrees /s, 13.9 +/- 3.3 ft-lb; 180 degrees /s, 11.6 +/- 3.0 ft-lb) were statistically different compared to the nonoperated limb (60 degrees /s, 20.5 +/- 4.7 ft-lb; 120 degrees /s, 15.9 +/- 3.8 ft-lb; 180 degrees /s, 13.4 +/- 3.8 ft-lb) at 60 degrees /s (P = .012), 120 degrees /s (P = .036), and 180 degrees /s (P = .045). The nonoperative limb demonstrated greater strength at all speeds. The mean torque measurements for external rotation were statistically similar when compared to the nonoperated limb at all angular velocities. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown through our study that patients who undergo surgical intervention to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament with the use of autogenous hamstring tendons demonstrate with weaker internal tibial rotation postoperatively at 2 years when compared to the contralateral limb.

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for symptomatic hyperextension-varus thrust.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in a young, active group of patients with instability rather than osteoarthritis. METHODS: The results of 17 opening wedge HTOs in 16 patients with a symptomatic hyperextension-varus thrust were evaluated. Functional results were evaluated according to the activity scoring system of Tegner and Lysholm and using a 5-point visual analogue scale to assess change in knee stability and satisfaction. Radiographs were analyzed to determine changes in femorotibial and mechanical axis alignment, tibial slope, and patellar height. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 56 months. All patients had an increase in their activity score postoperatively. Nine patients rated their symptoms as significantly better and seven as somewhat better. All but one were satisfied with the surgery. Femorotibial axis alignment was changed to a mean of 6 degrees valgus, mechanical axis alignment was corrected to a mean of 46% toward the lateral compartment, posterior tibial slope was increased a mean of 8 degrees, and the ratio of patellar height was decreased a mean of 0.17. CONCLUSION: Opening wedge HTO can produce good functional and radiographic results in selected patients with a symptomatic thrust.

The effect of early arthroscopic stabilization compared to nonsurgical treatment on proprioception after primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

This randomized clinical trial compared the effect of early arthroscopic stabilization and rehabilitation vs. standard immobilization and rehabilitation on measures of shoulder proprioception. Subjects with primary traumatic anterior dislocations of the shoulder were randomized into one of two groups: standard therapy of immobilization and rehabilitation (n=13) or arthroscopic stabilization followed by rehabilitation (n=11). At a minimum of 3 months posttreatment (mean 19 months) proprioception was evaluated using threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) and reproduction of passive positioning (RPP) at 30 degrees and 60 degrees external rotation. There were no statistically significant differences between surgical and standard treatment groups in either TTDPM or RPP at start positions of 30 degrees and 60 degrees. These findings suggest that treatment by early arthroscopic stabilization and rehabilitation after primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder does not enhance proprioception more than standard immobilization and rehabilitation.