Alignment of total knee arthroplasty: the relationship to radiolucency around the tibial component.

Between January 1982 and July 1985, 122 cemented 'Accord' total knee replacements were performed. Out of this number, 21 were lost to follow-up because of death (in 16), revision (2) due to infection, and failure to attend (3). The post-operative alignment of 101 prostheses were compared to the incidence of radiolucencies around the tibial component at 5 years follow-up. The mechanical axis was used as a reference. The mean alignment was 0.99 degrees valgus with a standard deviation of 2.48 degrees. Some 72% of knees were within 3 degrees and 94% within 5 degrees of true alignment. Using two methods of assessing radiolucencies there was a non-significant relationship between the alignment and radiolucencies. The alignment tolerance with this prosthesis is, therefore, at least 5 degrees.

Factors affecting the range of movement of total knee arthroplasty.

We have investigated those factors which influence the range of movement after total knee arthroplasty, including sex, age, preoperative diagnosis and preoperative flexion deformity and flexion range. We also compared cemented and cementless tibial fixation, the influence of collateral ligament and lateral parapatellar releases and of replacement of the patella, and of the period of postoperative immobilisation. We reviewed 516 Johnson-Elloy (Accord) knee arthroplasties performed between 1982 and 1989, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The most important factors in the range of flexion achieved after arthroplasty are the diagnosis and the preoperative range of flexion. In patients with osteoarthritis there was a mean loss of flexion; in rheumatoid arthritis there was a mean gain. In both groups, the stiffer knees gained motion and the more mobile knees lost it. Post-operative range of motion was not influenced significantly by cement fixation, collateral ligament or patellar retinacular releases, prolonged immobilisation or patellar replacement.

Five to eight year results of the Johnson-Elloy (Accord) total knee arthroplasty.

Between February 1982 and December 1985, 133 knees in 107 patients were replaced with a cemented Johnson-Elloy (Accord) total knee arthroplasty. Thirty-five knees were lost during the follow-up period because of death in 29, revision in 3, infection in 1, and refusal of follow-up evaluation in 2. The results of the remaining 98 knees in 76 patients with a 5-8 year follow-up period are presented. The procedure was carried out in all cases presenting for surgery, irrespective of pathology and degree of deformity. The range of flexion achieved as a mean of 93.5 degrees in the osteoarthritic group and 100 degrees in the rheumatoid arthritic group. Eighty-seven percent of the osteoarthritic group and 95% of the rheumatoid arthritic group achieved between 10 degrees and 50 degrees of rotation at 90 degrees of flexion, which was maintained for the duration of the study. Adequate stability in both groups, valgus-varus and rotation in extension, and anteroposterior in flexion was achieved. Survivorship was 97.7% at 80 months.

Do children need routine preoperative blood tests and blood cross matching in orthopaedic practice?

A review of 315 children admitted for elective orthopaedic surgery on 346 occasions showed that 88.7% had a full blood count and 8.1% had serum urea and electrolyte estimations performed preoperatively. Two abnormal haemoglobin concentrations were found. One was known beforehand and the other clinically suspected. No other haematological or urea and electrolyte abnormality was found. On 82 occasions (23.7%) blood was cross matched. Blood was transfused on 15 occasions (18.3%) using 23% of cross matched blood. Routine preoperative full blood count, serum urea and electrolyte estimations are not indicated in healthy children. In our experience, only children who may need blood transfused postoperatively need a preoperative haemoglobin concentration estimation as a baseline. These are patients undergoing major spinal, pelvic girdle and upper femoral surgery.

Acute volar compartment syndrome of the forearm secondary to fractures of the distal radius.

We present five cases of acute volar compartment syndrome developing as a complication of fractures of the distal radius. The patients were all males under the age of 50 years who sustained comminuted or displaced fractures of the distal radius. We suggest that this indicates an 'at risk' group. The interval between injury and the onset of symptoms of volar compartment syndrome varied between 12 and 48 hours. The diagnosis of each case was made clinically and confirmed at operation. With early extensive decompression full neurovascular recovery can be expected.