A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Assessing Intraoperative Anesthetic Therapies for Analgesic Efficacy and Morphine Consumption Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare intraoperative anesthetic therapies for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) regarding postoperative analgesic efficacy and morphine consumption by conducting a systematic literature search. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of TKA using various anesthetic therapies were identified from various databases from conception through December 31, 2021. A network meta-analysis of relevant literature was performed to investigate which treatment showed better outcomes. In total, 40 trials were included in this study. RESULTS: Surface under the cumulative ranking curve showed local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with saphenous nerve block (SNB) to produce the best pain relief on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2 and the best reduction of morphine consumption on PODs 1 and 3. However, femoral nerve block showed the largest effect on pain relief on POD 3, and liposomal bupivacaine showed the largest effect on reduction of morphine consumption on POD 2. CONCLUSIONS: According to this network meta-analysis, surface under the cumulative ranking curve percentage showed that LIA with SNB provided the best analgesic effect after TKA. Furthermore, patients receiving LIA with SNB had the lowest consumption of morphine. Although femoral nerve block resulted in better pain relief on POD 3, LIA with SNB could be selected first when trying to reduce morphine consumption or increase early ambulation.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction appears to be a better treatment than repair, proximal realignment, or conservative management for primary patellar dislocation: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes and re-dislocation rates of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, MPFL repair, combined proximal realignment (CPR), and conservative management for primary patellar dislocation by conducting a systematic literature search of the available studies. The hypothesis was that MPFL repair and MPFL reconstruction would be better options for treating primary patellar dislocation. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials or prospective studies of primary patellar dislocation treated with MPFL reconstruction, MPFL repair, CPR, or conservative management were identified from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases through December 31, 2021. A total of 626 patients met the prespecified inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using a risk of bias table, Detsky quality index, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The end-point data collected included comparisons of the mean in functional scores on knee outcomes scales and the number of patients who experienced re-dislocation. A network meta-analysis of the relevant literature was performed to investigate which treatment showed better outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 10 trials were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in the subgroup analysis in terms of the functional outcomes among MPFL reconstruction, MPFL repair, CPR, and conservative management. However, MPFL reconstruction showed statistically significantly better outcomes than MPFL repair, CPR, or conservative management in terms of the re-dislocation rate. Additionally, surface under the cumulative ranking curve percentage showed that MPFL reconstruction had a lower probability of re-dislocation than MPFL repair even though there was no significant difference (0.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.02-2.91). CONCLUSION: Using a network meta-analysis, this meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in functional outcomes in a subgroup analysis. In re-dislocation subgroup analysis, MPFL repair and MPFL reconstruction produced significantly better results than other treatments. Also, surface under the cumulative ranking curve percentage showed that MPFL reconstruction had a lower probability of re-dislocation than MPFL repair.

Risk of revision in UKA versus HTO: a nationwide propensity score-matched study.

INTRODUCTION: Our study aims to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for subsequent revision in patients treated with UKA compared with those treated with HTO. METHODS: In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we used data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2017. We compared patients who had undergone UKA or HTO as the primary surgical procedure longer than two years prior. We used multivariable logistic regression models to compare risk of revision between the groups after propensity matching with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Revision was defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after primary UKA or HTO. RESULTS: In this study, 73,902 patients with UKA and 72,215 patients with HTO were identified after applying IPTW. The risk of revision during the entire study period was higher for patients with HTO than for patients with UKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42). Kaplan-Meier 8-years survival was 96.8% in the UKA group and 95.1% in the HTO group. Patients with HTO who were at higher risk of revision had advanced age (60-69 years [HR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.76-2.67] and 70-79 years [HR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.81-4.62]), female sex (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.19-1.66), CHF (HR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.25-7.78), COPD (HR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.34-2.10), PVD (HR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.78), and CVA or TIA (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.13-3.08) compared with those with UKA. CONCLUSION: Risk of revision was higher for patients with HTO than for patients with UKA. Risk factors for subsequent revision in patients with HTO were advanced age (60-69, 70-79), female sex, and comorbidities such as CHF, COPD, PVD, CVA, or TIA. However, orthopedic surgeons should also consider that TKA conversion from UKA has higher risk of revision than TKA conversion from HTO before choosing between UKA and HTO.

Linear mixed modeling on the effects of varus knee surgery on the ankle joint weight-bearing axis.

BACKGROUND: Varus knee correction may affect the ankle and subtalar joints and impact the prognosis of ankle arthritis because the weight-bearing load on the lower extremity extends from the hip to the foot. We aimed to evaluate the changes in the mechanical axis and the weight-bearing axis of the ankle after varus knee surgery. METHODS: Patients with a varus knee were followed up after undergoing high tibial osteotomy or total knee replacement arthroplasty. The inclusion criteria were age (>18 years) and a history of preoperative and postoperative scanograms. The postoperative change to the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis and weight-bearing axis according to the hip-knee-ankle angle correction was adjusted by multiple factors using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: Overall, 257 limbs from 198 patients were evaluated. The linear mixed model showed that the change in the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis was not statistically significant after high tibial osteotomy and total knee replacement arthroplasty (p = 0.223). The ankle joint axis point on the weight-bearing axis moved laterally by 0.9% per degree of postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle decrease (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Varus knee correction could affect the subtalar joint and the ankle joint. Our findings require consideration when utilized during pre- and postoperative evaluations using the weight-bearing axis of patients undergoing varus knee correction.

Risk of stroke after unilateral or bilateral TKA (simultaneous and staged without discharge) in 327,438 matched patients using data from the National Health Insurance Claims for South Korea.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of stroke in patients treated with bilateral TKA compared with patients with unilateral TKA. METHODS: In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we compared patients undergoing unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2017 and included patients older than 40 years of age who underwent primary TKA by the index date as documented primary diagnosis and first additional diagnosis without a history of stroke during the preceding 1 year. We used matched Cox regression models to compare the incidence rate and risk factors of newly acquired stroke among patients treated with unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA after propensity score (PS) matching. RESULTS: In the present study, 163,719 patients who received unilateral TKA were matched to 163,719 patients with bilateral TKA based on PS. The risk of stroke during the study period was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.79). Patients who received bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: advanced age (70-79 years, HR 0.76), female sex (HR 0.75), rural area (HR 0.77), small- or medium-sized hospital (HR 0.75), health insurance (HR 0.77), history of hypertension drug use (HR 0.75), congestive heart failure (HR 0.70), connective tissue disease (HR 0.71), diabetes (HR 0.77), and diabetes with complication (HR 0.76). CONCLUSION: The risk of stroke was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA. Patients treated with bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: age (70-79 years), female sex, health insurance, history of hypertension drug use, and comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure, connective tissue disease, and diabetes.

Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation Versus Microfracture for Large, Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects in Older Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial and Extended 5-Year Clinical Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no optimal method for cartilage restoration in large, full-thickness cartilage defects in older patients. PURPOSE: To determine whether implantation of a composite of allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells and 4% hyaluronate (UCB-MSC-HA) will result in reliable cartilage restoration in patients with large, full-thickness cartilage defects and whether any clinical improvements can be maintained up to 5 years postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A randomized controlled phase 3 clinical trial was conducted for 48 weeks, and the participants then underwent extended 5-year observational follow-up. Enrolled were patients with large, full-thickness cartilage defects (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] grade 4) in a single compartment of the knee joint, as confirmed by arthroscopy. The defect was treated either with UCB-MSC-HA implantation through mini-arthrotomy or with microfracture. The primary outcome was proportion of participants who improved by ≥1 grade on the ICRS Macroscopic Cartilage Repair Assessment (blinded evaluation) at 48-week arthroscopy. Secondary outcomes included histologic assessment; changes in pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score from baseline; and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 114 randomized participants (mean age, 55.9 years; 67% female; body mass index, 26.2 kg/m2), 89 completed the phase 3 clinical trial and 73 were enrolled in the 5-year follow-up study. The mean defect size was 4.9 cm2 in the UCB-MSC-HA group and 4.0 cm2 in the microfracture group (P = .051). At 48 weeks, improvement by ≥1 ICRS grade was seen in 97.7% of the UCB-MSC-HA group versus 71.7% of the microfracture group (P = .001); the overall histologic assessment score was also superior in the UCB-MSC-HA group (P = .036). Improvement in VAS pain, WOMAC, and IKDC scores were not significantly different between the groups at 48 weeks, however the clinical results were significantly better in the UCB-MSC-HA group at 3- to 5-year follow-up (P < .05). There were no differences between the groups in adverse events. CONCLUSION: In older patients with symptomatic, large, full-thickness cartilage defects with or without osteoarthritis, UCB-MSC-HA implantation resulted in improved cartilage grade at second-look arthroscopy and provided more improvement in pain and function up to 5 years compared with microfracture. REGISTRATION: NCT01041001, NCT01626677 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Costal Chondrocyte-Derived Pellet-Type Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation versus Microfracture for Repair of Articular Cartilage Defects: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of costal chondrocyte-derived pellet-type autologous chondrocyte implantation (CCP-ACI) with microfracture (MFx) for repair of articular cartilage defects of the knee. DESIGN: Thirty subjects with an International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 3 to 4 chondral defect (2-10 cm2 in area; ≤4 cm3 in volume) were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 (CCP-ACI:MFx). Twenty patients were allocated in the CCP-ACI group and 10 patients in the MFx group. CCP-ACI was performed by harvesting costal cartilage at least 4 weeks before surgery. Implantation was performed without any marrow stimulation. Efficacy and safety were assessed at weeks 8, 24, and 48 after surgery according to the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: MOCART scores improved from baseline to 24 and 48 weeks postoperatively in both treatment groups. The improvement in MOCART scores in the CCP-ACI group was significantly greater than that in the MFx group at 24 and 48 weeks (39.1 vs 21.8 and 43.0 vs 24.8, respectively). The proportions of complete defect repair and complete integration were significantly higher in the CCP-ACI group than the MFx group at 48 weeks. Improvement in Lysholm score and KOOS subscores, including Function (Sports and Recreational Activity) and knee-related quality of life was significantly greater in the CCP-ACI group than the MFx group at 48 weeks (35.4 vs 31.5, 35.7 vs 28.5, and 27.9 vs 11.6, respectively). CONCLUSION: Treatment of cartilage defects with CCP-ACI yielded satisfactory cartilage tissue repair outcomes, with good structural integration with native cartilage tissue shown by magnetic resonance imaging at 24 and 48 weeks after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1: Randomized controlled study.

Patellofemoral Chondromalacia Does Not Influence Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes following High Tibial Osteotomy.

Effect of patellofemoral (PF) chondromalacia on results of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) has not been identified. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of PF chondromalacia on relatively short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes of HTO. Patients who underwent open wedge HTO (OWHTO) from February 2010 to January 2015 were enrolled. A total of 101 knees were divided into two groups: 56 knees without PF chondromalacia in group A, while 45 knees with PF chondromalacia extended to subchondral bone in group B. Radiologic outcomes were compared using mechanical tibiofemoral angle, ratio of weight-bearing line (WBL), and minimal joint space width of the lateral compartment. Clinical outcomes were compared using range of motion in affected knee, visual analog scale, modified Lysholm score, and Kujala score. The mean mechanical tibiofemoral angle was 4.6 degree in group A and 4.8 degree in group B. The mean ratio of WBL was 63.8% in group A and 63.6% in group B at final. The mean minimum joint space width of the lateral compartment was 5.8 mm in group A and 5.8 mm in group B on standing AP radiograph. It was 5.3 mm in group A and 5.4 mm in group B on Rosenburg view at final. The mean ROM was 137.2 degree in group A and 137.5 degree in group B. The mean visual analog scale was 2.1 in group A and 2.3 in group B at final. The mean modified Lysholm score was 90.6 in group A and 89.1 in group B at final. The mean Kujala score was 90.2 in group A and 89.1 in group B at final. PF chondromalacia does not influence short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes following OWHTO.

Efficacy and safety of short-term use of a pelubiprofen CR and aceclofenac in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A double-blinded, randomized, multicenter, active drug comparative, parallel-group, phase IV, non-inferiority clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: At present, information about clinical efficacy and adverse events of controlled release (CR) form of pelubiprofen, a prodrug of 2-arylopropionic acid with relatively selective effects on cyclooxygenase-2 activity, remains scarce. In this study, we sought to determine non-inferiority of pelubiprofen CR 90 mg/day compared to aceclofenac 200 mg/day regarding clinical efficacy and adverse events after a 4-week course of medication in the patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 191 patients were randomly assigned to take either pelubiprofen CR 90 mg (n = 95) or aceclofenac 200 mg (n = 96). The primary outcome variable was non-inferiority of pain reduction between baseline and week 4 when assessed using a 100 mm pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Pelubiprofen was considered non-inferior to aceclofenac if the upper limit of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval for the difference in terms of pain VAS was above 15 mm (the average change of pain VAS in the pelubiprofen group-pain VAS reduction in the aceclofenac group). Secondary outcome variables were the changes in 100 mm pain VAS at week 2 versus baseline, K-Western Ontario, and McMaster University Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC) changes at weeks 2 and 4 as compared to baseline, patient global assessment at weeks 2 and 4. The frequency and amount of rescue medicine usage at weeks 2 and 4 were also evaluated as the secondary outcome variable. For safety analysis, adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and physical examinations were assessed and conducted at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: At week 4, the pain VAS values were significantly reduced in both groups receiving either pelubiprofen CR 90 mg or aceclofenac 200 mg as compared to the baseline. However, the pelubiprofen group and the aceclofenac group respectively showed the pain VAS changes of -22 and -21.9 in the pre-protocol set and -20.8 and -21.7 in the full analysis set, confirming non-inferiority. The pelubiprofen CR 90 mg showed a reduced incidence of adverse events compared to the aceclofenac 200 mg (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Pelubiprofen CR 90 mg is as effective as aceclofenac 200 mg with reduced adverse events for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Microfractures Versus a Porcine-Derived Collagen-Augmented Chondrogenesis Technique for Treating Knee Cartilage Defects: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of treating patients with a cartilage defect of the knee with microfractures and porcine-derived collagen-augmented chondrogenesis technique (C-ACT). METHODS: One hundred participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 48, microfracture) or the investigational group (n = 52, C-ACT). Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes were assessed 12 and 24 months postoperatively for efficacy and adverse events. Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) assessment was used to analyze cartilage tissue repair. MRI outcomes for 50% defect filling and repaired tissue/reference cartilage (RT/RC) ratio were quantified using T2 mapping. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and 20% improvement, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and patient acceptable symptom state for Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee score. RESULTS: MOCART scores in the investigation group showed improved defect repair and filling (P = .0201), integration with the border zone (P = .0062), and effusion (P = .0079). MRI outcomes showed that the odds ratio (OR) for ≥50% defect filling at 12 months was statistically higher in the investigation group (OR 3.984, P = .0377). Moreover, the likelihood of the RT/RC OR becoming ≥1 was significantly higher (OR 11.37, P = .0126) in the investigation group. At 24 months postoperatively, the OR for the VAS 20% improvement rate was significantly higher in the investigational group (OR 2.808, P = .047). Twenty-three patients (52.3%) in the control group and 35 (77.8%) in the investigation group demonstrated more than the MCID of KOOS pain from baseline to 1 year postoperatively, with a significant difference between groups (P = .0116). CONCLUSION: In this multicenter randomized trial, the addition of C-ACT resulted in better filling of cartilage defect of the knee joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level Ⅰ, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intraoperative Graft Isometry in Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the isometry of anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnel positions in vivo although it is closely related to graft tension throughout the range of motion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraoperative graft isometry in anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Graft length changes were assessed before bio-screw fixation in the tibial tunnel by pulling the graft with tensions of 20 lbs and 30 lbs in full extension at flexion angles of 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. RESULTS: At the flexion angle of 30°, 20 lbs and 30 lbs of tension showed -0.4 mm and -0.6 mm length changes, respectively. The greater the flexion angle of the knee, the shorter the graft length in the joint. At the flexion angles of 90° and 120°, there was significant difference in the graft length change between 20 lbs and 30 lbs of tension. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction was non-isometric. The graft length was the longest in full extension. The tension of graft became loose in flexion. At the flexion angles of 90° and 120°, there was significant difference in the graft length change between 20 lbs and 30 lbs of tension.

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Cell and Gene Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

The aim of this study was to test the clinical efficacy of TissueGene-C (TG-C), a cell and gene therapeutic for osteoarthritis consisting of non-transformed and transduced chondrocytes (3:1) retrovirally transduced to overexpress transforming growth factor-ß1. A total of 163 Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to receive intra-articular TG-C or placebo. Primary efficacy measures included criteria for subjective assessment by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and pain severity by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for 52 weeks. Secondary efficacy measures included IKDC and VAS at 26 and 39 weeks; pain, stiffness, and physical function by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC); and pain, symptoms, daily activities, function in sports and recreation, and quality of life by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and soluble urine and blood biomarkers. TG-C was associated with statistically significant improvement over placebo in the total IKDC score and individual categories, and in the VAS score at 26, 39, and 52 weeks. WOMAC and KOOS scores also improved with TG-C over placebo. Patients treated with TG-C showed trends directed toward thicker cartilage and slower growing rates of subchondral bone surface area in the medial tibia, lateral tibia, lateral patella, and lateral patella femoral regions, although these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and urine CTX-II levels were lower over 1 year in TG-C than placebo-treated patients, with CTX-I level reaching statistical significance. These tendencies supported TG-C as holding great potential as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug. The most frequent adverse events in the TG-C group were peripheral edema (9%), arthralgia (8%), joint swelling (6%), and injection site pain (5%). TG-C was associated with statistically significant improvements in function and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The unexpected adverse events were not observed.

A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes and Second-Look Arthroscopic Findings between Remnant-Preserving Tibialis Tendon Allograft and Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Matched-Pair Design.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare stability, functional outcome, and second-look arthroscopic findings after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between remnant-preserving tibialis tendon allograft and remnant-sacrificing hamstring tendon autograft. METHODS: We matched two groups (remnant-preserving tibialis tendon allograft group and hamstring tendon autograft group) in terms of demographic characteristics, associated injury, and knee characteristics. Each group consisted of 25 patients. RESULTS: Operation time was longer in the remnant-preserving tibialis tendon allograft group, but there was no significant intergroup difference in stability, clinical outcome, and second-look arthroscopic findings. CONCLUSIONS: When an autograft is not feasible in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the remnant-preserving technique can produce comparable results in terms of restoration of function, stability of the knee, and degree of synovium coverage at second-look arthroscopy compared to remnant-sacrificing hamstring autograft.

Efficacy and safety of single injection of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate vs. three injections of high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate for osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind, randomized, multi-center, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: This randomized, double-blind, multi-center, non-inferiority trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a cross-linked hyaluronate (XLHA, single injection form) compared with a linear high molecular hyaluronate (HMWHA, thrice injection form) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Two hundred eighty seven patients with osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade I to III) were randomized to each group. Three weekly injections were given in both groups but two times of saline injections preceded XLHA injection to maintain double-blindness. Primary endpoint was the change of weight-bearing pain (WBP) at 12 weeks after the last injection. Secondary endpoints included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index; patient's and investigator's global assessment; pain at rest, at night, or in motion; OMERACT-OARSI responder rate; proportion of patients achieving at least 20 mm or 40% decrease in WBP; and rate of rescue medicine use and its total consumption. RESULTS: Mean changes of WBP at 12 weeks after the last injection were -33.3 mm with XLHA and -29.2 mm with HMWHA, proving non-inferiority of XLHA to HMWHA as the lower bound of 95% CI (-1.9 mm, 10.1 mm) was well above the predefined margin (-10 mm). There were no significant between-group differences in all secondary endpoints. Injection site pain was the most common adverse event and no remarkable safety issue was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a single injection of XLHA was non-inferior to three weekly injections of HMWHA in terms of WBP reduction, and supports XLHA as an effective and safe treatment for knee osteoarthritis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01510535 ). This trial was registered on January 6, 2012.

The Correlation of Tunnel Position, Orientation and Tunnel Enlargement in Outside-in Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a frequently described phenomenon. The possible etiology is multi-factorial with some mechanical and biological factors. Among those, we intended to determine the relation between the location and orientation of the femoral tunnel and the femoral tunnel enlargement after outside-in single-bundle ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study including 42 patients who received single-bundle ACL reconstruction with the outside-in technique was conducted. Femoral and tibial tunnel locations were evaluated with the quadrant method and bird's-eye view using volume-rendering computed tomography. The angle and diameter of bone tunnel and the degree of tunnel enlargement were evaluated using standard radiographs. RESULTS: The degree of femoral tunnel enlargements were 42% and 36% on the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs, respectively, and the degree of tibial tunnel enlargements were 22% and 23%, respectively. Shallower location of the femoral tunnel was significantly correlated with greater femoral tunnel enlargement on the AP radiograph (r=0.998, p=0.004) and the lateral radiograph (r=0.72, p=0.005) as was the higher location of the femoral tunnel on the AP radiograph (r=-0.47, p=0.01) and the lateral radiograph (r=-0.36, p=0.009) at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that more anterior and higher location and more horizontal orientation of the femoral tunnel in coronal plane could result in widening of the femoral tunnel in outside-in single-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Periprosthetic fractures following total knee arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty may occur in any part of the femur, tibia and patella, and the most common pattern involves the supracondylar area of the distal femur. Supracondylar periprosthetic fractures frequently occur above a well-fixed prosthesis, and risk factors include anterior femoral cortical notching and use of the rotational constrained implant. Periprosthetic tibial fractures are frequently associated with loose components and malalignment or malposition of implants. Fractures of the patella are much less common and associated with rheumatoid arthritis, use of steroid, osteonecrosis and malalignment of implants. Most patients with periprosthetic fractures around the knee are the elderly with poor bone quality. There are many difficulties and increased risk of nonunion after treatment because reduction and internal fixation is interfered with by preexisting prosthesis and bone cement. Additionally, previous soft tissue injury is another disadvantageous condition for bone healing. Many authors reported good clinical outcomes after non-operative treatment of undisplaced or minimally displaced periprosthetic fractures; however, open reduction or revision arthroplasty was required in displaced fractures or fractures with unstable prosthesis. Periprosthetic fractures around the knee should be prevented by appropriate technique during total knee arthroplasty. Nevertheless, if a periprosthetic fracture occurs, an appropriate treatment method should be selected considering the stability of the prosthesis, displacement of fracture and bone quality.

Morphologic Changes of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament on Magnetic Resonance Imaging before and after Reconstruction of Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the morphologic change of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear before and after reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the MRI image after ACL reconstruction, a base line (BL) was drawn between the femoral and tibial insertion sites of the PCL. Point A was established as the vertically farthest point from BL. Line 1 and 2 were drawn respectively between point A and the insertions of PCL. The angles between BL and Line1 and 2 were defined as angle a and angle b. Correlations between the preoperative anterior knee instability assessed with the KT 1000 arthrometer and the parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The average angle a was 52.3°±7.1° preoperatively and 30.1°±3.4° postoperatively, and the average angle b was 28.95°±4.62° preoperatively and 22°±2.9° postoperatively (p<0.05). The preoperative manual maximal side-to-side difference was 7.2±2.3 mm, which had no significant correlation with angle b. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative buckling of PCL in the case of chronic ACL injury disappeared after ACL reconstruction. The degree of PCL buckling had no correlation with the degree of preoperative anterior instability.

Treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in patients older than 60 years.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in the elderly population has increased; however, no consensus has been reached regarding the management of shoulder dislocations in elderly patients. PURPOSE: This study investigated the clinical manifestations of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in patients older than 60 years and evaluated the functional outcomes of different treatment modalities based on associated abnormalities and the number of dislocations. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients older than 60 at the time of primary shoulder dislocation were included. Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography was performed on all patients to confirm associated injuries. Fifty-two patients were treated for primary shoulder dislocation and 15 for recurrent dislocation. RESULTS: Postinjury examinations revealed no associated injuries in 31 patients with primary shoulder dislocation; these patients recovered shoulder function after rehabilitation (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score: 93 ± 6; Constant score: 89 ± 8). For the other 36 patients, 33 were found to have rotator cuff tears (isolated cuff tears in 16), and 3 were found to have an isolated Bankart lesion. The average ASES score of the 17 patients with primary shoulder dislocation who were treated operatively was 83 ± 10, and the average Constant score was 78 ± 13 at final follow-up. The average ASES score of patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation was 89 ± 9, and the average Constant score was 84 ± 13. No statistically significant differences in functional shoulder outcomes between patients with primary and recurrent dislocation were evident (P > .05). However, patients who were treated nonoperatively showed significantly better recovery of shoulder function than patients who were treated operatively regardless of the number of dislocations (P < .001). No recurrent shoulder dislocation was observed in any patient during an average follow-up period of 55 months. CONCLUSION: The accurate diagnosis of associated injuries after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in patients older than 60 is critical for the recovery of shoulder function because more than half of patients had rotator cuff tears or anterior capsulolabral lesions, which may lead to recurrent shoulder dislocation. Satisfactory clinical outcomes without recurrence were obtained after early detection of abnormalities and different treatment modalities based on associated injuries and the number of dislocations experienced.

Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for acromioclavicular dislocation using 2 suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer.

BACKGROUND: The ideal surgical treatment for complete acromioclavicular dislocation is considered to be restoring separately each ligament supporting the joint to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments using 2 suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer in patients with acromioclavicular dislocation provides reliable clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with acute acromioclavicular dislocation were treated using the devised technique. All patients had type V acromioclavicular dislocation and underwent surgery within 3 weeks of injury. Two 3.5-mm suture anchors with doubly loaded sutures were separately inserted into the anterolateral and posteromedial portions of the coracoid process, the coracoid insertions of the trapezoid, and conoid ligaments. For each suture anchor, 2 clavicular holes were made above the anchor through which the suture strands were passed, and the strands were tied over the clavicle. The coracoacromial ligament was then transferred to the undersurface of the distal end of the clavicle. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 28 months, mean Constant score improved to 97 points. All 29 patients returned to normal life at a mean of 3 months postoperatively. According to radiologic findings, 24 patients achieved anatomical reduction of the acromioclavicular joint. In 2 patients, the mean vertical coracoclavicular distance difference between both shoulders was 50% to 100%. Three patients showed reduction loss of more than 100% within 3 weeks after the operation. CONCLUSION: Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using 2 suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer in complete acromioclavicular dislocation is a reliable technique for restoring stability to the acromioclavicular joint.

The effects of ACL deficiency on mediolateral translation and varus-valgus rotation.

BACKGROUND: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constrains the anterior translation and axial rotation of the tibia. However, the effect of ACL injury on the mediolateral translation and varus-valgus rotation of the tibia is unknown. Because of the oblique orientation of the ACL, we hypothesized that ACL deficiency alters mediolateral translation and varus-valgus rotation. METHODS: The kinematics of 9 cadavers from full extension to 90 degrees of flexion under various loading conditions were measured before and after ACL resection using a robotic testing system. RESULTS: ACL deficiency increased the medial translation of the tibia and valgus rotation, especially at 15 degrees and 30 degrees of flexion. For example, at 15 degrees, ACL deficiency increased the medial translation from 1.2 (SD 0.9) mm to 1.8 (SD 1.1) mm in response to a quadriceps load. The valgus rotation also increased from 0.8 degrees (SD 0.6) to 1.7 degrees (SD 0.8). INTERPRETATION: ACL deficiency altered both the mediolateral tibial translation and valgus-varus rotation under various loading conditions. The increased medial tibial translation could shift the contact in the medial compartment towards the medial tibial spine, a region where degeneration is observed in ACL-deficient patients. In addition to restoring anterior laxity, ACL reconstruction might need to restore the mediolateral translation of the tibia and varus-valgus rotation of the knee.