Aims. Dupuytren’s contracture is characterized by increased fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis, with eventual replacement of the surrounding fatty tissue with palmar fascial fibromatosis. We hypothesized that adipocytokines produced by adipose tissue in contact with the palmar aponeurosis might promote fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis. Methods. We compared the expression of the adipocytokines adiponectin and leptin in the adipose tissue surrounding the palmar aponeurosis of male patients with Dupuytren’s contracture, and of male patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as the control group. We also examined the effects of adiponectin on fibrosis-related genes and proteins expressed by fibroblasts in the palmar aponeurosis of patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. Results. Adiponectin expression in the adipose tissue surrounding the palmar aponeurosis was significantly lower in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture than in those with CTS. The expression of fibrosis-related genes and proteins, such as types 1 and 3 collagen and α-smooth muscle actin, was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by adding AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist. The expression of fibrosis-related genes and proteins was also suppressed by AdipoRon in the in vitro model of Dupuytren’s contracture created by adding TGF-β to normal fibroblasts collected from patients with CTS. Conclusion. Fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis in Dupuytren’s contracture in males may be associated with adiponectin expression in the adipose tissue surrounding the palmar aponeurosis. Although fibroblasts within the palmar aponeurosis are often the focus of attention when elucidating the pathogenesis of Dupuytren’s contracture, adiponectin expression in adipose tissues warrants closer attention in future research. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):486–493

Aims. As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Experimental knees were immobilized for either four weeks (72 mice) or eight weeks (72 mice), followed by a remobilization period of zero weeks (24 mice), two weeks (24 mice), or four weeks (24 mice) after suture removal. Half of the experimental knees also received an intra-articular injury. Biomechanical data were collected to measure passive extension angle (PEA). Histological data measuring area and thickness of posterior and anterior knee capsules were collected from knee sections. Results. Experimental knees immobilized for four weeks demonstrated mean PEAs of 141°, 72°, and 79° after zero, two, and four weeks of remobilization (n = 6 per group), respectively. Experimental knees demonstrated reduced PEAs after two weeks (p < 0.001) and four weeks (p < 0.0001) of remobilization compared to controls. Following eight weeks of immobilization, experimental knees exhibited mean PEAs of 82°, 73°, and 72° after zero, two, and four weeks of remobilization, respectively. Histological analysis demonstrated no cartilage degeneration. Similar trends in biomechanical and histological properties were observed when intra-articular violation was introduced. Conclusion. This study established a novel mouse model of robust knee contracture without evidence of OA. This was appreciated consistently after eight weeks of immobilization and was irrespective of length of remobilization. As such, this arthrofibrotic model provides opportunities to investigate molecular pathways and therapeutic strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(1):58–71

Aims. Traditionally, total hip arthroplasty (THA) templating has been performed on anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs. Recently, additional AP hip radiographs have been recommended for accurate measurement of the femoral offset (FO). To verify this claim, this study aimed to establish quantitative data of the measurement error of the FO in relation to leg position and X-ray source position using a newly developed geometric model and clinical data. Methods. We analyzed the FOs measured on AP hip and pelvis radiographs in a prospective consecutive series of 55 patients undergoing unilateral primary THA for hip osteoarthritis. To determine sample size, a power analysis was performed. Patients’ position and X-ray beam setting followed a standardized protocol to achieve reproducible projections. All images were calibrated with the KingMark calibration system. In addition, a geometric model was created to evaluate both the effects of leg position (rotation and abduction/adduction) and the effects of X-ray source position on FO measurement. Results. The mean FOs measured on AP hip and pelvis radiographs were 38.0 mm (SD 6.4) and 36.6 mm (SD 6.3) (p < 0.001), respectively. Radiological view had a smaller effect on FO measurement than inaccurate leg positioning. The model showed a non-linear relationship between projected FO and femoral neck orientation; at 30° external neck rotation (with reference to the detector plane), a true FO of 40 mm was underestimated by up to 20% (7.8 mm). With a neutral to mild external neck rotation (≤ 15°), the underestimation was less than 7% (2.7 mm). The effect of abduction and adduction was negligible. Conclusion. For routine THA templating, an AP pelvis radiograph remains the gold standard. Only patients with femoral neck malrotation > 15° on the AP pelvis view, e.g. due to external rotation contracture, should receive further imaging. Options include an additional AP hip view with elevation of the entire affected hip to align the femoral neck more parallel to the detector, or a CT scan in more severe cases. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):795–803

Aims. Outcomes of current operative treatments for arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are not consistently positive or predictable. Pharmacological in vivo studies have focused mostly on prevention of arthrofibrosis. This study used a rabbit model to evaluate intra-articular (IA) effects of celecoxib in treating contracted knees alone, or in combination with capsular release. Methods. A total of 24 rabbits underwent contracture-forming surgery with knee immobilization followed by remobilization surgery at eight weeks. At remobilization, one cohort underwent capsular release (n = 12), while the other cohort did not (n = 12). Both groups were divided into two subcohorts (n = 6 each) – one receiving IA injections of celecoxib, and the other receiving injections of vehicle solution (injections every day for two weeks after remobilization). Passive extension angle (PEA) was assessed in live rabbits at 10, 16, and 24 weeks, and disarticulated limbs were analyzed for capsular stiffness at 24 weeks. Results. IA celecoxib resulted in greater mean PEA at ten weeks (69.6° (SD 4.6) vs 45.2° (SD 9.6), p = 0.004), 16 weeks (109.8° (SD 24.2) vs 60.9° (SD10.9), p = 0.004), and 24 weeks (101.0° (SD 8.0) vs 66.3° (SD 5.8), p = 0.004). Capsular stiffness was significantly reduced with IA celecoxib (2.72 Newton per cm (N·cm)/° (SD 1.04), p = 0.008), capsular release (2.41 N·cm/° (SD 0.80), p = 0.008), and capsular release combined with IA celecoxib (3.56 N·cm/° (SD 0.99), p = 0.018) relative to IA vehicle (6.09 N·cm/° (SD 1.64)). Conclusion. IA injections of a celecoxib led to significant improvements in passive extension angles, with reduced capsular stiffness, when administered to rabbit knees with established experimental contracture. Celecoxib was superior to surgical release, and the combination of celecoxib and a surgical release did not provide any additional value. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(1):32–39

Flexion contracture sometimes occurs after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In most cases, flexion contracture after TKA gradually improves over time. However, some severe cases require manipulation or revision surgery. We searched our clinical database for patients who underwent primary TKA at our institution between 2008 and 2015. By reviewing patient records, we identified three patients (one man and two women) with a severe flexion contracture 30° after primary TKA. Although all three patients gained more than 120° in flexion intraoperatively, they developed flexion contracture after discharge from our institution. We performed manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) for all three cases several months later. The two female patients had improved range of motion (ROM) right after the manipulation. However, one of them regained flexion contracture 1 year after the MUA. We report the details of the male patient, who had the worst flexion contracture (−60°). An 80-year-old man had right knee osteoarthritis. His history indicated only hypertension. The right knee ROM before the TKA was −20° extension and 135° flexion. His radiographs showed advanced-stage osteoarthritis. We performed cemented TKA (posterior stabiliser design). Three weeks after the operation, his right knee pain improved. The right knee ROM was −10° extension and 100° flexion just before discharge. However, he returned to our institution because of right knee pain and flexion contracture 31 months after the surgery. The flexion contracture gradually worsened without any trauma. When he returned, the right knee ROM was −60° extension and 135° flexion. Manipulation under general anaesthesia was not effective. Therefore, we performed revision TKA immediately. We excised the scar tissue of the posterior knee joint. Then, we shortened the distal femoral end by 1 cm and reduced the size of the femoral component. After the operation, the right knee ROM was improved to −10° flexion and 130° extension. The reported prevalence of stiffness after TKA was from 1.3% to 13%. Although the deleterious effects of persistent flexion contractures > 15° is well understood, whether they resolve with time or need surgical intervention is controversial. MUA is generally the initial option for patients with flexion contractures, with the possibility of some improvement. If severe flexion contracture remains after manipulation, revision TKA, which may be considered as a useful treatment option, should be considered

Introduction. Surgeons commonly resect additional distal femur during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to correct a flexion contracture to restore range of motion and knee function. However, the effect of joint line elevation on the resulting TKA kinematics including frontal plane laxity is unclear. Thus, our goal was to quantify the effect of additional distal femoral resection on passive extension and mid-flexion laxity. Methods. Six computational knee models with capsular and collateral ligament properties specific to TKA were developed and implanted with a contemporary posterior-stabilized TKA. A 10° flexion contracture was modeled by imposing capsular contracture as determined by simulating a common clinical exam of knee extension and accounting for the length and weight of each limb segment from which the models were derived (Figure 1). Distal femoral resections of 2 mm and 4 mm were simulated for each model. The knees were then extended by applying the measured knee moments to quantify the amount of knee extension. The output data were compared with a previous cadaveric study using a two-sample two-tailed t-test (p<0.05) [1]. Subsequently, varus and valgus torques of ±10 Nm were applied as the knee was flexed from 0° to 90° at the baseline, and after distal resections of 2 mm, and 4 mm. Coronal laxity, defined as the sum of varus and valgus angulation in response to the applied varus and valgus torques, was measured at 30° and 45°of flexion, and the flexion angle was identified where the increase in laxity was the greatest with respect to baseline. Results. With 2 mm and 4 mm of distal femoral resection, the knee extended an additional 4°±0.5° and 8°±0.75°, respectively (Figure 2). No significant difference was found between the extension angle predicted by the six models and the results of the cadaveric study after 2 mm (p= 0.71) and 4 mm (p= 0.47). At 2 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 3.1° and 2.7° at 30° and 45°of flexion, respectively. At 4 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 6.5° and 5.5° at 30° and 45° of flexion, respectively (Figures 3a and 3b). The flexion angle corresponding to the greatest increase in coronal laxity for 2 mm of distal resection occurred at 22±7° of flexion with a mean increase in laxity of 4.0° from baseline. For 4 mm distal resection, the greatest increase in coronal laxity occurred at 16±6° of flexion with a mean increase in laxity of 7.8° from baseline. Conclusion. A TKA computational model representing a knee with preoperative flexion contracture was developed and corroborated measures from a previous cadaveric study [1]. While additional distal femoral resection in primary TKA increases passive knee extension, the consequent joint line elevation induced up to 8° of additional coronal laxity in mid-flexion. This additional midflexion laxity could contribute to midflexion instability; a condition that may require TKA revision surgery. Further studies are warranted to understand the relationship between joint line elevation, midflexion laxity, and instability. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Surgeons commonly resect additional distal femur during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to correct a flexion contracture. However, the effect of joint line proximalization on TKA kinematics is unclear. Thus, our goal was to quantify the effect of additional distal femoral resection on knee extension and mid-flexion laxity. Methods. Six computational knee models with TKA-specific capsular and collateral ligament properties were implanted with a contemporary posterior-stabilized TKA. A 10° flexion contracture was modeled to simulate a capsular contracture. Distal femoral resections of +2 mm and +4 mm were simulated for each model. The knees were then extended under standardized torque to quantify additional knee extension achieved. Subsequently, varus and valgus torques of ±10 Nm were applied as the knee was flexed from 0° to 90° at the baseline, +2 mm, and +4 mm distal resections. Coronal laxity, defined as the sum of varus and valgus angulation with respective torques, was measured at mid-flexion. Results. With +2 mm and +4 mm of distal femoral resection, the knee extended an additional 4°±0.5° and 8°±0.75°, respectively. At 30° and 45°of flexion, baseline laxity averaged 4.8° and 5.0°, respectively. At +2 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 3.1° and 2.7° at 30° and 45°of flexion, respectively. At +4 mm resection, mean coronal laxity increased by 6.5° and 5.5° at 30° and 45° of flexion, respectively. Maximal increased coronal laxity for a +4 mm resection occurred at a mean 16° (range, 11–27°) of flexion with a mean increased laxity of 7.8° from baseline. Conclusion. While additional distal femoral resection in primary TKA increases knee extension, the consequent joint line elevation induces up to 8° of coronal laxity in mid-flexion in this computational model. As such, posterior capsular release prior to resecting additional distal femur to correct a flexion contracture should be considered

Introduction. Stiffness postTotal Knee Replacement (TKR) is a common, complex and multifactorial problem. Many reports claim that component mal-rotation plays an important role in this problem. Internal mal-rotation of the tibial component is underestimated among surgeons when compared to femoral internal mal-rotation. We believe the internal mal- rotation of thetibial component can negatively affect the full extension of Knee. We performed an in-vivo study of the impact of tibial internal mal-rotation on knee extension in 31 cases. Method. During TKR, once all bony cuts were completed and flexion/extension gaps balanced, we assessed the degree of knee extension using the trial component in the setting of normaltibial rotation and with varying degrees of internal rotation (13–33°, mean 21.2±4.6°). Intra-operative lateral knee X-ray was done to measure the degree of flexion contracture in both groups. We also compared the degree of flexion contracture between CR and PS spacers. Results. The average degree of knee flexion contracture with normal rotation of the tibial component was 0.7±4.1° (range:-9 to 10), whereas after tibial internal rotation was 7.3±4.6° (range:-1 to 23)(P – value:0.001). The increase in the flexion contracture deformity was higher with PS spacer (7.18±2.61) than with CR spacers (5.22±2.05). Conclusion. The internal mal-rotation of the tibial component limits the ability of the tibia to externally rotate on the femur, thereby limiting full knee extension and leading to flexion contracture

Aims. Animal models have been developed that allow simulation of post-traumatic joint contracture. One such model involves contracture-forming surgery followed by surgical capsular release. This model allows testing of antifibrotic agents, such as rosiglitazone. Methods. A total of 20 rabbits underwent contracture-forming surgery. Eight weeks later, the animals underwent a surgical capsular release. Ten animals received rosiglitazone (intramuscular initially, then orally). The animals were sacrificed following 16 weeks of free cage mobilisation. The joints were tested biomechanically, and the posterior capsule was assessed histologically and via genetic microarray analysis. Results. There was no significant difference in post-traumatic contracture between the rosiglitazone and control groups (33° (standard deviation (. sd. ) 11) vs 37° (. sd. 14), respectively; p = 0.4). There was no difference in number or percentage of myofibroblasts. Importantly, there were ten genes and 17 pathways that were significantly modulated by rosiglitazone in the posterior capsule. Discussion. Rosiglitazone significantly altered the genetic expression of the posterior capsular tissue in a rabbit model, with ten genes and 17 pathways demonstrating significant modulation. However, there was no significant effect on biomechanical or histological properties. Cite this article: M. P. Abdel. Effectiveness of rosiglitazone in reducing flexion contracture in a rabbit model of arthrofibrosis with surgical capsular release: A biomechanical, histological, and genetic analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:11–17. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.51.2000593

Introduction. The effect of the implant posterior condylar offset has recently generated much enthusiasm among researchers. Some reports were concerned about the relationship between the posterior condylar offset and an extension gap. However, the posterior condylar offset was measured in a flexed knee position or in reference to femoral anatomy alone. Posterior femoral condylar offset relative to the posterior wall of the tibia (posterior offset ratio; POR) is possibly the risk of knee flexion contracture associated with posterior femoral condylar offset after TKA. However, there are no reports concerning the relationship between POR and flexion contracture in vivo. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the measurement of POR and flexion contracture of the knee in vivo. Methods. Twenty-seven patients who underwent a primary total knee arthroplasty (PFC Sigma RP-F) were participated in the study. The lateral femoro-tibial angle (lateral FTA) was measured using lateral radiographs obtained by two procedures. Two procedures are applied to obtain true lateral radiographs of the lower extremities. (1) Full-length true lateral radiographs on standing, (2) True lateral radiographs in the prone position (Fig. 1A). ‘Posterior offset ratio’ was defined as Fig. 1B. Significant differences among groups were assessed using two-tailed Student's t-tests. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between lateral FTA and posterior offset ratio of patients. Results. The mean value of the POR on standing was 14.94 ± 7.53%. The mean value of flexion contracture of the knee on standing was 11.67 ± 9.21 degree and that in the prone position was 4.22 ± 6.17 degree (P = 0.001). The POR was negatively correlated with flexion contracture of the knee in all procedures with statistical significance (standing: r = 0.62, P = 0.0039; prone: r = 0.66, P = 0.0001) (Fig. 2). Discussion. We have evaluated flexion contracture by two procedures. The mean value of flexion contracture of the knee on standing was 11.67 ± 9.21 degree, whereas that in the prone position was 4.22 ± 6.17 degree. We surmised that this discrepancy occurred due to the flexor muscle tension on standing. In terms of the evaluation of posterior soft tissue tightness of the knee, muscle relaxation can be achieved in prone position is rather than standing position. Our study investigated the relationship between the posterior protrusions of the posterior condyle of the femur relative to the tibia (POR) and flexion contracture after TKA evaluated by two measurement procedures. POR is strongly correlated with flexion contracture evaluated by both measurement procedures. The value of POR of this implant in vitro was about 25% in previous study, whereas the mean value of POR in vivo was 14.94%, suggesting that POR in the flexion contracture knee relatively reduced because posterior soft tissue pushed femoral component anteriorly. Our result clearly showed that if posterior clearance is insufficient, flexion contracture occur due to posterior soft tissue tightness. In conclusion, POR after TKA in vivo negatively correlate with flexion contracture presumably because posterior soft tissue pushed femoral component anteriorly

Introduction. Stiffness post Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a common, complex and multifactorial problem. Many reports claim that component mal-rotation plays an important role in this problem. Internal mal-rotation of the tibial component is underestimated among surgeons when compared to femoral internal mal-rotation. We believe the internal mal-rotation of the tibial component can negatively affect the full extension of Knee. We performed an in-vivo study of the impact of tibial internal mal-rotation on knee extension in 31 cases. Method. During TKR, once all bony cuts were completed and flexion/extension gaps balanced, we assessed the degree of knee extension using the trial component in the setting of normal tibial rotation and with varying degrees of internal rotation (13–33°, mean 21.2±4.6°). Intra-operative lateral knee X-ray was done to measure the degree of flexion contracture in both groups. We also compared the degree of flexion contracture between CR and PS spacers. Results. The average degree of knee flexion contracture with normal rotation of the tibial component was 0.7±4.1° (range: −9 to 10), whereas after tibial internal rotation was 7.3±4.6° (range: −1 to 23) (P – value:0.001). The increase in the flexion contracture deformity was higher with PS spacer (7.18±2.61) than with CR spacers (5.22±2.05). Conclusion. The internal mal-rotation of the tibial component limits the ability of the tibia to externally rotate on the femur, thereby limiting full knee extension and leading to flexion contracture

Objectives. Injectable Bromelain Solution (IBS) is a modified investigational derivate of the medical grade bromelain-debriding pharmaceutical agent (NexoBrid) studied and approved for a rapid (four-hour single application), eschar-specific, deep burn debridement. We conducted an ex vivo study to determine the ability of IBS to dissolve-disrupt (enzymatic fasciotomy) Dupuytren’s cords. Materials and Methods. Specially prepared medical grade IBS was injected into fresh Dupuytren’s cords excised from patients undergoing surgical fasciectomy. These cords were tested by tension-loading them to failure with the Zwick 1445 (Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) tension testing system. Results. We completed a pilot concept-validation study that proved the efficacy of IBS to induce enzymatic fasciotomy in ten cords compared with control in ten cords. We then completed a dosing study with an additional 71 cords injected with IBS in descending doses from 150 mg/cc to 0.8 mg/cc. The dosing study demonstrated that the minimal effective dose of 0.5 cc of 6.25 mg/cc to 5 mg/cc could achieve cord rupture in more than 80% of cases. Conclusions. These preliminary results indicate that IBS may be effective in enzymatic fasciotomy in Dupuytren’s contracture. Cite this article: Dr G. Rubin. A new bromelain-based enzyme for the release of Dupuytren’s contracture: Dupuytren’s enzymatic bromelain-based release. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:175–177. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.BJR-2016-0072

Objectives. The goal of this study was to determine whether intra-articular administration of the potentially anti-fibrotic agent decorin influences the expression of genes involved in the fibrotic cascade, and ultimately leads to less contracture, in an animal model. Methods. A total of 18 rabbits underwent an operation on their right knees to form contractures. Six limbs in group 1 received four intra-articular injections of decorin; six limbs in group 2 received four intra-articular injections of bovine serum albumin (BSA) over eight days; six limbs in group 3 received no injections. The contracted limbs of rabbits in group 1 were biomechanically and genetically compared with the contracted limbs of rabbits in groups 2 and 3, with the use of a calibrated joint measuring device and custom microarray, respectively. Results. There was no statistical difference in the flexion contracture angles between those limbs that received intra-articular decorin versus those that received intra-articular BSA (66° vs 69°; p = 0.41). Likewise, there was no statistical difference between those limbs that received intra-articular decorin versus those who had no injection (66° vs 72°; p = 0.27). When compared with BSA, decorin led to a statistically significant increase in the mRNA expression of 12 genes (p < 0.01). In addition, there was a statistical change in the mRNA expression of three genes, when compared with those without injection. . Conclusions. In this model, when administered intra-articularly at eight weeks, 2 mg of decorin had no significant effect on joint contractures. However, our genetic analysis revealed a significant alteration in several fibrotic genes. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:82–8

Introduction. The range of motion (ROM) obtained after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an important measurement to evaluate the postoperative outcomes impacting other measures such as postoperative function and satisfaction. Flexion contracture is a recognized complication of TKA, which reduces ROM or stability and is a source of morbidity for patients. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of intra-operative soft tissue release on correction of flexion contracture in navigated TKA. Methods. This is prospective cohort study, 43 cases of primary navigation assisted TKA were included. The mean age was 68.3 ± 6.8 years. All patients were diagnosed with grade 4 degenerative arthritis in K-L grading system. The average preoperative mechanical axis deviation was 10.3° ± 5.3 and preoperative flexion contracture was 12.8° ± 4.8. All arthroplasties were performed using a medial parapatellar approach with patellar subluxation. First, medial release was performed, and posterior cruciate ligament was sacrificed. After all bone cutting was performed and femoral and tibial trials were inserted, removal of posterior femoral spur and capsular release were performed. The degree of correction of flexion contracture was evaluated and recorded with navigation. Results. After the medial soft tissue release, as a first step, the flexion contracture was recorded as 7.2° ± 4.3 and 4.1° ± 4.0 as varus. The second step, posterior cruciate ligament was sacrificed, the flexion contracture was recorded as 7.2° ± 4.4 and 5.5° ± 3.0 as varus. After posterior clearing procedure and capsular release, the flexion contracture was showed as 3.9° ± 1.2 and 1.4° ± 1.2 as varus. The final angles after cemented real implant were recorded as 3.3° ± 1.4 in flexion contracture, 0.9° ± 1.8 in varus. There were significant differences all steps except between medial release step and posterior cruciate sacrifice step and between posterior clearing step and final angle. Conclusions. The appropriate soft tissue balancing could correct flexion contracture intra-operatively. The medial release could correct the flexion contracture around 5° compared with preoperative flexion contracture, and posterior clearing procedure could improve further extension. However, the sacrifice of posterior cruciate ligament provided little effect on correction of the flexion contracture intra-operatively

Dupuytren's contracture is a common condition affecting 25% of men over the age of 65. With less advanced disease or with patients not suitable for a general or regional anaesthetic needle fasciotomy is the surgical option of choice. The aim of this audit is to see whether the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust comply with the NICE guidelines. All patients who underwent needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from December 2008 and November 2010 were identified. The case notes of these patients were reviewed. In a 23 month period 9 patients (13 fingers), underwent needle fasciotomy. There were 6 female and 3 male patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (61-84 years). Of the 13 MCPJ contractures 12 had a full correction. At the PIPJ 5 of the 8 had a full correction. Of the one contracture affecting the DIPJ, this was fully corrected. None of the patients undergoing needle fasciotomy had any complications recorded. At a minimum follow up 4 months and a mean follow up of 14 months, none of our patients have returned to the unit with recurrence of disease. In our unit needle fasciotomy is a safe and effective in correcting deformity. To date we have no complications or recurrence. None of these patients have returned for further surgery. We are compliant with the NICE guidelines

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between knee flexion contracture and spinal alignment. Methods: Ten healthy women (mean age 62) participated in this study. Subjects were examined with posture analysis system, using twelve retro-reflective markers (placed at bilateral acromion, bilateral anterior and posterior superior iliac spine, iliaccrest, greater trochanter, lateral knee joint, lateral malleolus, lateral calcaneus, and fifth metatarsal head), five cameras and a force plate. Unilateral (only right side) knee flexion contractures were simulated by using a hard brace at 0, 15 and 30 degrees. First, relaxed standing was measured without simulation, and then the same measurement was performed with each simulation. The posture without brace was used as control. The shoulder tilting angle was defined by the height difference in right and left acromions. The pelvic tilting angle was defined by the height difference in right and left superior posterior iliac spines. The anterior-bent of the trunk was defined by the slope linked right acromion and right iliac crest. The posterior-bent of the pelvis was defined by the slope linked right superior anterior iliac spine and right superior posterior iliac spine. Knee resultant force (% body weight) was calculated by using inverse dynamics technique. Results: When contracture angle increased, the trunk was significantly tilted leftward (1.4 degrees at 30 degrees contracture), and the pelvis was significantly tilted rightward (1.8 degrees at 30 degrees contracture). In anterior-bent of the trunk, no significant difference was detected. The posterior-bent of the pelvis was significantly increased (1.5 degrees at 30 degrees contracture). The severer the right knee contracture, the smaller the right knee resultant force (41.5 at controls, 28.7 at 30 degrees contracture) and the larger the left knee resultant force (40.2 at controls, 59.9 at 30 degrees contracture). Conclusions: This study showed the influence of knee flexion contracture not only in the sagittal plane, as the previous study reported, but also in the coronal plane. Severe unilateral knee flexion contracture can cause the lumbar spine bent convexly to the contracture side. This may result in Knee-Spine Syndrome

Purpose of study. Internal rotation (IR) contracture of the shoulder is a frequent complication of obstetric brachial plexus injury, even in the face of full neurological recovery. Surgical procedures to treat this complication include tendon transfers, capsular release and osteotomies. We compared the outcomes in patients who had arthroscopic release only and those who also underwent a tendon transfer. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of all patients with OBPI presenting to our unit in the years 2002–2012 who underwent surgical procedures for the treatment of an IR contracture of the shoulder. Increase in range of external rotation (ER) in adduction and abduction intra-operatively was recorded. At follow-up, active ER, the Mallet score, presence of an ER contracture and the “drop-arm” sign was recorded. Results. 25 procedures were performed in 22 patients. Mean intra-operative gain in ER was greatest in those patients who had simultaneous arthroscopic release and a tendon transfer (83.3° and 60.5° in adduction and abduction respectively). This group had the greatest average range of active ER at follow up (47.5°), the lowest incidence of a “drop-arm” sign (14%), but also the highest incidence of ER contracture (75%). Patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior shoulder release only, had the highest average Mallet score at final follow up (17.1 compared to 16.3 in the scope and tendon transfer group), 45% incidence of a “drop-arm” sign and also the lowest incidence of ER contracture (32%). General satisfaction was greatest in the scope plus tendon transfer group. Conclusion. Patients who had arthroscopic release and tendon transfer had better ER range and power but more severe ER contractures than patients who underwent arthroscopic release only. Patient satisfaction and Mallet scores were comparable between the two groups and therefore bring into question the need for early tendon transfer in these patients. NO DISCLOSURES

Flexion contracture is a common deformity encountered in patients requiring total knee replacements (TKR). Both the soft tissue envelope and articular bones are involved in the knee extension lag. A few studies in the past have assessed the relationship between bone cuts and extension deficit by using goniometers and rulers. Using navigation for TKR enables the accurate measurement of knee flexion contracture and bone cuts. The aim of this study was to try to establish a relationship between extension lag correction and the size of bone cuts made. 104 continuous TKR were completed by a single consultant using the OrthoPilot. ®. (BBraun, Aesculap) navigation system and Columbus implants. 74 knees had preoperative flexion contracture (including neutral knees) while 30 were in hyperextension. Data was recorded prospectively using the navigation system. These included preoperative flexion and extension angles, actual bone cuts of tibia and femur (both medial and lateral), postoperative correction of flexion and extension angle, size of the prosthesis with thickness of polyethylene and soft tissue release. Of the 74 knees with fixed flexion, 57 had no release and 13 had a posterior release (4 had an intermediate release and were excluded from the study). For knees with fixed flexion (n=70) there was a significant statistical difference between the pre and post implant extension angle (p < < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the thickness of bone cuts and postoperative extension lag either for the group with no release (p=0.495) or posterior release (p=0.516). There was also no correlation between bone cuts and preoperative angles for either type of release (p=0.348 and p=0.262). There was a significant difference between the preoperative extension deformity for the two soft tissue releases performed (p=0.00019), the mean fixed flexion angles being −4.4° and −10.4° for no release and posterior release respectively. Flexion contracture deformity in TKR can theoretically be solved in two ways: either by extensively releasing the soft tissue or by increasing the extension gap by cutting more bone (logically the distal femur). Appropriate soft tissue management and release in TKR is crucial in balancing the prosthesis in the coronal as well as the lateral plane. This study seems to confirm the supremacy of soft tissue management and release over bone cut resection. Cutting more or less bone could in fact lead to a poorer outcome as this will change the joint line level without having any additional beneficial effect in correcting the flexion contracture. Conversely adequate soft tissue release has corrected the flexion contracture when needed. In conclusion, there was no correlation between bone cut resection and extension lag correction and with large extension deficits, a posterior soft tissue release and osteophytes resection was more important than bone cuts

Flexion contracture is a common deformity encountered in patients requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Both the soft tissue envelope and articular bones are involved in the knee extension lag. A few studies in the past have assessed the relationship between bone cuts and extension deficit by using goniometers and rulers. Using navigation for TKA enables the accurate measurement of knee flexion contracture and bone cuts. The aim of this study was to try to establish a relationship between extension lag correction and the size of bone cuts made. One hundred and four continuous TKA were completed by a single consultant using the OrthoPilot® (BBraun, Aesculap) navigation system and Columbus implants. Seventy-four knees had preoperative flexion contracture (including neutral knees) while 30 were in hyperextension. Data was recorded prospectively using the navigation system. These included preoperative flexion and extension angles, actual bone cuts of tibia and femur (both medial and lateral), postoperative correction of flexion and extension angle, size of the prosthesis with thickness of polyethylene and soft tissue release. Of the 74 knees with fixed flexion, 57 had no release and 13 had a posterior release (four had an intermediate release and were excluded from the study). For knees with fixed flexion (n = 70) there was a significant statistical difference between the pre and post implant extension angle (p < < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the thickness of bone cuts and postoperative extension lag either for the group with no release (p = 0.495) or posterior release (p = 0.516). There was also no correlation between bone cuts and preoperative angles for either type of release (p = 0.348 and p = 0.262). There was a significant difference between the preoperative extension deformity for the two soft tissue releases performed (p = 0.00019), the mean fixed flexion angles being −4.4° and −10.4° for no release and posterior release respectively. Flexion contracture deformity in TKA can theoretically be solved in two ways: either by extensively releasing the soft tissue or by increasing the extension gap by cutting more bone (logically the distal femur). Appropriate soft tissue management and release in TKA is crucial in balancing the prosthesis in the coronal as well as the lateral plane. This study seems to confirm the supremacy of soft tissue management and release over bone cut resection. Cutting more or less bone could in fact lead to a poorer outcome as this will change the joint line level without having any additional beneficial effect in correcting the flexion contracture. Conversely adequate soft tissue release has corrected the flexion contracture when needed. In conclusion, there was no correlation between bone cut resection and extension lag correction and with large extension deficits, a posterior soft tissue release and osteophytes resection was more important than bone cuts

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of knee flexion contracture on trunk kinematics. Ten healthy old women, averaged sixty-two years, participated in this study. Subjects were tested at our laboratory with use of gait analysis system which consisted of eight retro-reflective markers (placed at bilateral acromion, anterior and posterior superior iliac spine, and iliaccrest), and five cameras. Unilateral (only right side) knee flexion contractures of zero, fifteen, and thirty degrees were simulated with a hard brace. All subjects performed walking trials at their preferred speed with or without simulation. First, level walking was measured without simulation, and then, with simulation at zero, fifteen and thirty degrees of flexion in order. Walking trials without brace was used as control. We evaluated walking velocity (m/s) and trunk kinematics (degrees). In the coronal plane, shoulder-pelvis bending angle was defined as the angle between shoulder girdle line and pelvic line. In the sagittal plane, anterior inclination of the trunk was defined by the slope linked right acromion and iliac crest, and anterior inclination of the pelvis was defined by the slope linked right superior anterior iliac spine and right superior posterior iliac spine. Shoulder-pelvis rotation angle was defined as the angle between shoulder girdle line and pelvic line in the axial plane. Maximum values were calculated. Walking velocity was significantly decreased at thirty degrees contracture (1.19 at controls, 0.98 at thirty degrees contracture). In the coronal plane, trunk significantly tilted leftward rather (4.5) than rightward (1.8) at thirty degrees contracture. In the sagittal plane, trunk anterior inclination significantly increased at thirty degrees contracture (0.1 at controls, 3.1 at thirty degrees contracture). However, pelvic anterior inclination was similar. In the axial plane, trunk significantly rotated rightward (6.7) rather than leftward (4.3) at thirty degrees contracture. Knee flexion contracture significantly influences physiological trunk kinematics in each plane. In particular, lateral bending to the contracture side was restricted, and this fact indicated that the lumbar spine may bend convexly to knee contracture side. These facts may result in Knee-Spine Syndrome