Effect of medial-lateral malpositioning of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty on anterior knee pain at greater than 8 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The trochlea is often medialized after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) resulting in abnormal patellar tracking, which may lead to anterior knee pain. However, due to the difference in shape of the natural trochlea and the patellar groove of the femoral component, a medialization of the femoral component of 5 mm results in an equal patellar position at 0-30° of flexion. We tested the hypothesis that more medialization of the trochlea results in a higher VAS pain score and lower Kujala anterior knee pain score at midterm follow-up. METHODS: During surgery a special instrument was used to measure the mediolateral position of the natural trochlea and the prosthetic groove in 61 patients between 2004 and 2005. Patient reported outcome measures were used to investigate the clinical results (NRS-pain, NRS-satisfaction, KOOS-PS and Kujala knee score). RESULTS: In total 40 patients were included. The mean follow-up was 8.8 years. A medialization of ≥5 mm resulted in a significantly lower NRS-pain (0.2 vs. 1.4; p=0.004) and higher NRS-satisfaction (9.6 vs. 8.2; p=0.045). Overall clinical results were good; KOOS-PS was 33.9 and Kujala knee score was 72.1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that a more medial position may result in a better postoperative outcome, which can probably be explained by the non-physiological lateral orientation of the trochlear groove in TKA designs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Probability of mechanical loosening of the femoral component in high flexion total knee arthroplasty can be reduced by rather simple surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Some follow-up studies of high flexion total knee arthoplasties report disturbingly high incidences of femoral component loosening. Femoral implant fixation is dependant on two interfaces: the cement-implant and the cement-bone interface. The present finite-element model (FEM) is the first to analyse both the cement-implant interface and cement-bone interface. The cement-bone interface is divided into cement-cancellous and cement-cortical bone interfaces, each having their own strength values. The research questions were: (1) which of the two interfaces is more prone to failure? and (2) what is the effect of different surgical preparation techniques for cortical bone on the risk of early failure.? METHODS: FEM was used in which the posterior-stabilized PFC Sigma RP-F (DePuy) TKA components were incorporated. A full weight-bearing squatting cycle was simulated (ROM=50°-155°). An interface failure index (FI) was calculated for both interfaces. RESULTS: The cement-bone interface is more prone to failure than the cement implant interface. When drilling holes through the cortex behind the anterior flange instead of unprepared cortical bone, the area prone to early interface failure can be reduced from 31.3% to 2.6%. CONCLUSION: The results clearly demonstrate high risk of early failure at the cement-bone interface. This risk can be reduced by some simple preparation techniques of the cortex behind the anterior flange. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High-flexion TKA is currently being introduced. Some reports show high failure rates. FEM can be helpful in understanding failure of implants.

Femoral loosening of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty: the effect of posterior cruciate ligament retention and bone quality reduction.

High-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be more sensitive to femoral loosening than conventional TKA as the knee joint force increases during deep flexion. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the probability of femoral loosening is equal in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining and substituting high-flexion knee implants and whether loosening is related to femoral bone quality. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the knee was developed and a weight-bearing deep knee bend up to 155° was simulated. PCL conservation considerably increased the compressive tibio-femoral joint force as a maximal force of 4.7-6.0 × bodyweight (BW) was found, against a maximal force of 4.0 × BW for posterior-stabilized TKA. Roughly 14% of the fixation site beneath the anterior femoral flange was predicted to debond on the long-term in case of cruciate-retaining TKA compared to 20% in case of posterior-stabilized TKA. Reducing the femoral bone quality to 50% of its original bone mineral density increased the amount of potential anterior failure for cruciate-retaining TKA to 22% and posterior-stabilized TKA to 24%. We therefore conclude that the femoral fixation site has a similar failure potential for both cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized high-flexion TKA.

Influence of preparation techniques to the strength of the bone-cement interface behind the flange in total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Recent clinical studies show an increased risk of femoral loosening in high-flexion TKA. Loosening seems to occur behind the anterior flange, which is covering both cancellous bone and cortical bone. It is important to optimize the interface strength between cement and both bone types to increase femoral component fixation. This study was performed to determine the cement-cortical bone interface strength for different preparation techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pure tensile and shear force was applied to interface specimens. The cortical surface area was prepared in three different ways: (1) Unprepared cortical bone with periosteum; (2) Periosteum removed and cortical bone roughened with a rasp; (3) Periosteum removed and three Ø 3.2mm holes drilled through the cortex. A reference group was added with a cancellous bone surface. RESULTS: The interface tensile strength of Group 1 was 0.06 MPa and the shear strength was 0.05 MPa. For Group 2, respectively 0.22 MPa and 1.12 MPa. For Group 3, respectively 1.15 MPa and 1.77 MPa. For cancellous bone a tensile strength of 1.79 MPa and a shear strength of 3.85 MPa were measured. CONCLUSION: The strength of the cement-cancellous bone interface is superior to the cement-cortical bone interface. The preferred preparation technique of the cortical bone is to remove all the periosteum and drill holes through the cortex within the footprint of the anterior flange, to prevent cortical weakening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultimately, the proposed preparation technique will lead to longer implant survival, particularly for prostheses which are used in the high-flexion range.

Numerical analysis of variations in posterior cruciate ligament properties and balancing techniques on total knee arthroplasty loading.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely used and successful orthopaedic procedure. During TKA, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can either be retained or substituted by a post-cam mechanism. One of the main functions of the PCL is to facilitate femoral rollback during knee flexion. For adequate PCL functioning, the PCL should be balanced correctly after TKA. A tight PCL leads to more femoral rollback at the expense of a higher joint compression and potential polyethylene wear. Frequently used surgical techniques to balance a tight PCL are PCL release and increasing the posterior tibial slope. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variations in PCL properties and balancing techniques on the mechanical outcome of a total knee replacement during a weight-bearing squatting movement (flexion range=45-150 degrees). For this purpose, a prosthetic finite element knee model was developed including a PCL having adjustable properties. Varying the PCL stiffness and PCL steepness (elevation angle) with respect to the tibial plateau considerably affected the TKA loading characteristics. Both a relatively high PCL stiffness and a low elevation angle at the start of the flexion cycle led to a high PCL force (1400-1500 N) and a high peak polyethylene contact stress of roughly 52 MPa during deeper knee flexion (120 degrees). Releasing the PCL with roughly 4 mm or increasing the posterior tibial slope to 7 degrees reduced the PCL force to 300-400 N and the polyethylene peak contact stress to 35-42 MPa at 120 degrees of flexion. The femoral rollback patterns during deep knee flexion were only marginally affected when extra posterior tibial slope was added, whereas additional PCL release resulted in paradoxical anterior movement of the femur.

Physical examination and in vivo kinematics in two posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee arthroplasty designs.

The aim of this study was to investigate anteroposterior instability in the CKS and the PFC total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs. Physical examinations, including VAS, IKS and WOMAC were performed in combination with a detailed fluoroscopic measurement technique for three-dimensional kinematic assessment of TKA design function. Anteroposterior instability rated with the IKS was not significantly different (p=0.34), but patients with a CKS design showed more limitations according to the WOMAC joint stiffness total score, and for items regarding higher flexion activities in the WOMAC score for knee disability. Kinematic analyses showed that the CKS design tended to have more anterior sliding of the femur on the tibia during mid- and deep flexion activities. The sliding distance was larger at the medial than at the lateral side. This phenomenon has also been described for posterior cruciate ligament deficient knees. Furthermore, the CKS design showed a significantly lower range of tibial rotation (p<0.05) from maximum extension to maximum flexion during deep knee bend activities. Kinematic differences can be ascribed to posterior cruciate ligament deficiency/laxity or differences in TKA designs.

Biomechanical analysis of posterior cruciate ligament retaining high-flexion total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: High-flexion knee replacements have been developed to accommodate a large range of flexion (>120 degrees ) after total knee arthroplasty. Both posterior cruciate ligament retaining and sacrificing high-flexion knee designs have been marketed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical performance of a cruciate-retaining high-flexion knee replacement. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviour of this high-flexion knee replacement was compared to both a cruciate-retaining conventional and a posterior-stabilized high-flexion knee replacement. METHODS: A finite element prosthetic knee model was developed to analyze the mechanical performance of the knee designs evaluated in this study. Polyethylene stresses and the amount of femoral rollback were studied during a squatting movement (flexion 120 degrees), whereas the cruciate-retaining designs showed a paradoxical anterior movement of the femoral condyles during high-flexion (flexion>120 degrees). INTERPRETATION: The current study demonstrates a cruciate-retaining high-flexion knee replacement produces a lower prosthetic load than a conventional cruciate-retaining replacement during deep knee flexion. Compared to a posterior-stabilized high-flexion design, the cruciate-retaining high-flexion design demonstrated an equivalent prosthetic loading along with an inferior amount of femoral rollback in the high-flexion range. Posterior cruciate ligament balancing is an important surgical aim for high-flexion knee arthroplasty.

Continuous femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: A continuous femoral nerve block is frequently used as an adjunct therapy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is still debate on its benefits. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, patients received a basic analgesic regimen of paracetamol and dicloflenac for the first 48 h postoperatively. In addition, the study group received a continuous femoral nerve block. A morphine patient-controlled analgesia pump was also available as a rescue analgesic to all the patients. Patients' numeric rating scores for pain, the amount of morphine consumed and its side effects during the first 48 h were recorded. Knee flexion angles achieved during the first week were registered. Three months postoperatively, patients completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score. RESULTS: The study group (n=27) had less pain (P=0.0016) during the first 48 h, was more satisfied with the analgesia (P<0.001) and used less morphine (P=0.007) compared with the control group (n=26). Fewer patients were nauseated, vomited or were drowsy in the study group (P=0.001). Also, the study group achieved better knee flexion in the first 6 days after surgery (P=0.001), with more patients reaching 90 degrees flexion than the control group. However, after 3 months, there were no significant functional differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: A continuous femoral nerve block leads to better analgesia, less morphine consumption and less morphine-related side effects after TKA. Early functional recovery is improved, resulting in more patients reaching 90 degrees knee flexion after 6 days. However, after 3 months, no significant functional benefits were found.

Thigh-calf contact: does it affect the loading of the knee in the high-flexion range?

Recently, high-flexion knee implants have been developed to provide for a large range of motion (ROM>120 degrees ) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Since knee forces typically increase with larger flexion angles, it is commonly assumed that high-flexion knee implants are subjected to larger loads than conventional knee implants. However, most high-flexion studies do not consider thigh-calf contact which occurs during high-flexion activities such as squatting and kneeling. In this study, we hypothesized that thigh-calf contact reduces the knee forces during deep knee flexion as the tibio-femoral load shifts from occurring inside the knee towards the thigh-calf contact interface. Hence, the effect of thigh-calf contact on the knee loading was evaluated using a free body diagram and a finite element model and both the knee forces and polyethylene stresses were analyzed. Thigh-calf contact force characteristics from an earlier study were included and a squatting movement was simulated. In general, we found thigh-calf contact considerably reduced both the knee forces and polyethylene stresses during deep knee flexion. At maximal flexion (155 degrees ), the compressive knee force decreased from 4.89 to 2.90 times the bodyweight (BW) in case thigh-calf contact was included and the polyethylene contact stress at the tibial post decreased from 49.3 to 28.1MPa. Additionally, there was a clear correlation between a subject's thigh and calf circumference and the force reduction at maximal flexion due to thigh-calf contact (R=0.89). The findings presented in this study can be used to optimize the mechanical behavior of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty designs.

Survival of massive allografts in segmental oncological bone defect reconstructions.

Reconstructions of large segmental bone defects after resection of bone tumours with massive structural allografts have a high number of reported complications including fracture, infection and non-union. Our goal is to report the survival and complications of massive allografts in our patients. A total of 32 patients were evaluated for fracture, infection, non-union rate and survival of their massive allograft reconstructions. The average follow-up for this group was five years and three months. The total fracture rate was 13% with a total infection rate of 16%. We found a low union rate of 25%. The total survival of the allografts was 80.8% (+/- 18.7%) after five years. We found a five-year allograft survival of 80.8% which is comparable with other studies.

How to quantify knee function after total knee arthroplasty?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is being undertaken in a younger population than before and as a result the functional demands on the knee are likely to be increasing. As a consequence, it is important to define quantitative functional knee tests that can monitor any increase. A valuable functional knee test has to be able to distinguish small differences (selectivity) and has to be independent of pain (content validity). In this study, patient-based questionnaires (WOMAC and Knee Society score) and performance-based tests (sit-to-stand movement, maximal isometric contraction and timed-up-and-go) were used to assess which of these tests are selective and valid to measure knee function. Tests were considered to be selective if they could discriminate between knee patients and healthy control subjects, and to have functional content validity if they were relatively independent of pain. Twenty-eight patients were measured 16 months after surgery and compared to a healthy control group of 31 subjects. The sit-to-stand movement and timed-up-and-go test were both selective and functionally content valid. The timed-up-and-go test can be used for a quick initial assessment of global function and the sit-to-stand movement as a more biomechanical instrument identifying how the knee function of the patient is affected.

A mechanical comparison of high-flexion and conventional total knee arthroplasty.

The question addressed in this study was whether high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs improve the mechanical behaviour of TKAs in high flexion and whether they maintain the mechanical performance of conventional TKAs at normal flexion angles. A finite element study was performed in which the mechanical behaviour of the conventional Sigma RP and the new high-flexion Sigma RP-F were compared, during a dynamic simulation of a high-flexion squatting activity. Forces, stresses, and contact positions were calculated during different stages of the simulations. In general, higher stresses were found with larger flexion angles for both designs. Mechanical parameters were similar in normal flexion. In high flexion, lower stress and deformation values were found for the high-flexion Sigma RP-F, except for the contact stress at the post of the insert. This study confirms that a high-flexion design can improve mechanical behaviour at high-flexion without changing the performance in normal flexion. Hence, although a high-flexion TKA may show a similar or better performance in comparison with a conventional TKA, high-flexion activities still cause an increase in the implant stress levels. Therefore, the patient's demand for large flexion angles may reduce the longevity of TKA implants.

Thigh-calf contact force measurements in deep knee flexion.

BACKGROUND: Knee models often do not contain thigh-calf contact which occurs in deep knee flexion. Thigh-calf contact is expected to reduce muscle forces and thereby affects internal stresses in the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to measure thigh-calf contact forces. Two deep knee flexion activities were selected: squatting and kneeling. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects participated in the experiment. Contact pressures between the thigh and calf were measured using the Tekscan Conformat pressure mapping sensor. Knee flexion angles were measured unilaterally using an infrared motion capture system. Contact forces were averaged in terms of means and standard deviations. The magnitude and location of the resultant contact force were calculated. Correlations between anthropometric subject parameters and experimental outcome were studied. FINDINGS: In general, thigh-calf contact did not take place below 130 degrees knee flexion. The average maximal contact forces for each leg were 34.2% bodyweight during squatting and 30.9% bodyweight during kneeling. Corresponding average maximal knee flexion angles were 151.8 degrees during squatting and 156.4 degrees during kneeling. Thigh and calf circumferences were correlated with the contact force measurements. INTERPRETATION: The current study shows that thigh-calf contact is substantial (>30% bodyweight on one leg) and likely reduces the forces inside the knee during deep knee flexion. Subsequently, total knee replacements may be subjected to lower loads than assumed before, which reduces the risk of implant failure at large flexion angles. Results presented in this study can be utilized in knee models that focus on deep knee flexion.

Functional evaluation of the TKA patient using the coordination and variability of rising.

A kinematic analysis of the knee function is important for the evaluation of total knee arthroplasties (TKA). We used the coordination and variability of rising from a chair as functional knee parameters. Twelve knee patients were measured prior to surgery (=pre-TKA group) and one year after surgery (=post-TKA group). A group of 15 healthy, age-matched subjects was selected as control group. The WOMAC questionnaire, frequently used by orthopaedic surgeons, was administered prior to the test. The test consisted of 10 times rising from a low chair and 10 times from a high chair. Knee and hip angles and angular velocities were measured with electrogoniometers. The relative phase (=MRP) between hip and knee was a measure for the coordination of rising and the standard deviation of the relative phase of the 10 trials (=SRP) was a measure for the variability. The coordination and variability of rising of the TKA patients were compared to the control group, and the relationship with the WOMAC questionnaire was calculated. The coordination of rising from a high chair and the variability of rising from both chair heights were significantly different for the pre-TKA group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The post-TKA group showed no significant differences with the control group, which indicates a functional recovery after TKA implantation. The functional parameters correlated adequately with the subjective WOMAC questionnaire. This study showed that our method is an objective measure of functionality and it will be worthwhile to use it as an additional evaluation tool.

The feasibility of total ankle prosthesis for severe arthropathy in haemophilia and prothrombin deficiency.

The standard treatment for end-stage arthropathy of the ankle joint in haemophilia has been fusion of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement is used in osteoarthritis and especially in rheumatoid arthritis with good medium-term results. In this case series three patients are being described, in which a total of five total ankle replacements have been preformed. After a median follow up of 4.3 years (range 1-8.7) all prostheses were still in place and did not show any signs of loosening. Clinical scores showed a good to excellent result. In this small series total ankle replacement in patients with bleeding disorders show promising results. Further studies are needed to show the value of this relatively new type of surgery in haemophilic patients.

The difference in trochlear orientation between the natural knee and current prosthetic knee designs; towards a truly physiological prosthetic groove orientation.

The patella groove of total knee replacements has evolved from a groove with a neutral orientation to a groove with a lateral (also referred to as valgus) orientation. In this study the authors questioned whether femoral components with a lateral groove orientation more closely approximate the configuration in the natural knee. The groove orientations of an implanted CKS femoral component, available in different sizes and with different groove orientations, were determined and compared with formerly published measurements of the natural trochlear orientation. It was found that the prosthetic groove orientations differed considerably from human anatomy, up to a maximum deviation of 6.4 degrees. The orientations of the prosthetic grooves were all equal within the area of the natural trochlea. The area of the natural trochlea guides the patella between about 30 degrees and 120 degrees of knee flexion. The orientations of the prosthetic grooves were different in the area of the supracondylar pouch/proximal anterior flange. This area guides the patella between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees of knee flexion. As this study showed a considerable deviation between natural and prosthetic groove orientation, an optimal prosthetic groove orientation, matching the average orientation in the natural knee, was mathematically determined.

A three-dimensional dynamic finite element model of the prosthetic knee joint: simulation of joint laxity and kinematics.

For testing purposes of prostheses at a preclinical stage, it is very valuable to have a generic modelling tool, which can be used to optimize implant features and to avoid poor designs being launched on to the market. The modelling tool should be fast, efficient, and multi-purpose in nature; a finite element model is well suited to the purpose. The question posed in this study was whether it was possible to develop a mathematically fast and stable dynamic finite element model of a knee joint after total knee arthroplasty that would predict data comparable with published data in terms of (a) laxities and ligament behaviour, and (b) joint kinematics. The soft tissue structures were modelled using a relatively simple, but very stable, composite model consisting of a band reinforced with fibres. Ligament recruitment and balancing was tested with laxity simulations. The tibial and patellar kinematics were simulated during flexion-extension. An implicit mathematical formulation was used. Joint kinematics, joint laxities, and ligament recruitment patterns were predicted realistically. The kinematics were very reproducible and stable during consecutive flexion-extension cycles. Hence, the model is suitable for the evaluation of prosthesis design, prosthesis alignment, ligament behaviour, and surgical parameters with respect to the biomechanical behaviour of the knee.

Mechanical testing of impaction bone grafting in the tibia: initial stability and design of the stem.

Clinical experience of impaction bone grafting for revision knee arthroplasty is limited, with initial stability of the tibial tray emerging as a major concern. The length of the stem and its diameter have been altered to improve stability. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the type of stem, support of the rim and graft impaction on early stability of the tray. We developed a system for impaction grafting of trays which we used with morsellised bone in artificial tibiae. Trays with short, long thick or long thin stems were implanted, with or without support of the rim. They were cyclically loaded while measuring relative movement. Long-stemmed trays migrated 4.5 times less than short-stemmed trays, regardless of diameter. Those with support migrated 2.8 times less than those without. The migration of short-stemmed trays correlated inversely with the density of the impacted groups. That of impaction-grafted tibial trays was in the range reported for uncemented primary trays. Movements of short-stemmed trays without cortical support were largest and sensitive to the degree of compaction of the graft. If support of the rim was sufficient or a long stem was used, impacted morsellised bone graft achieved adequate initial stability.

Increased expression of CCL18, CCL19, and CCL17 by dendritic cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and regulation by Fc gamma receptors.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DC) have a role in the regulation of immunity and tolerance, attracting inflammatory cells by the production of various chemokines (CK). Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma R) may be involved in regulation of the DC function. OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression of CK by immature (iDC) and mature DC (mDC) and its regulation by Fc gamma R in patients with RA and healthy donors (HC). METHODS: Expression of CK by DC from patients with RA and from HC was determined by real time quantitative PCR and ELISA. DC were derived from monocytes following standardised protocols. To study the potential regulation by Fc gamma R, iDC were stimulated with immune complexes (IC) during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced maturation. The presence of CK was studied in synovial tissue from patients with RA, osteoarthritis, and healthy subjects by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: iDC from patients with RA had markedly increased mRNA levels of the CK CCL18 and CXCL8. Upon maturation with LPS, expression of CCL18, CCL19, CXCL8, CCL3, and CCL17 increased dramatically, reaching significantly higher levels in patients with RA. Monocytes failed to express these CK, except for CXCL8 and CCL3. IC-mediated triggering of the Fc gamma R on DC from patients with highly active RA down regulated all CK, whereas the reverse was seen when DC from patients with low disease activity and healthy donors were stimulated. CCL18 was significantly increased in RA synovial tissue. CONCLUSION: Increased CK expression by DC was found in patients with RA. This expression is partly regulated by Fc gamma R triggering and results in an inhibitory DC subtype in RA upon Fc gamma R-mediated triggering.

Are surgeons equally satisfied after total knee arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: We performed a clinical follow-up study to investigate whether three orthopaedic surgeons were equally satisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (39 TKAs, mean follow-up 12 months) were reviewed, using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS). For the assessment of satisfaction a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used. RESULTS: We did not find a significant difference in satisfaction between the surgeons. However, there was a significant difference in the knee score and function score of the KSCRS as evaluated by the orthopaedic surgeons (p=0.006 and p=0.04, respectively). The correlation between the knee score and the surgeons' satisfaction was high, which indicates that pain, range of motion and deformity are important success criteria for surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, surgeons scored differently in the KSCRS but were equally satisfied after TKA.