Aims. The transepicondylar axis is a well-established reference for the determination of femoral component rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, when severe bone loss is present in the femoral condyles, rotational alignment can be more complicated. There is a lack of validated landmarks in the supracondylar region of the distal femur. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA) and the suggested dorsal cortex line (DCL) in the coronal plane and the inter- and intraobserver reliability of its CT scan measurement. Methods. A total of 75 randomly selected CT scans were measured by three experienced surgeons independently. The DCL was defined in the coronal plane as a tangent to the dorsal femoral cortex located 75 mm above the joint line in the frontal plane. The difference between sTEA and DCL was calculated. Descriptive statistics and angulation correlations were generated for the sTEA and DCL, as well as for the distribution of measurement error for intra- and inter-rater reliability. Results. The external rotation of the DCL to the sTEA was a mean of 9.47° (SD 3.06°), and a median of 9.2° (IQR 7.45° to 11.60°), with a minimum value of 1.7° and maximum of 16.3°. The measurements of the DCL demonstrated very good to excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.80 to 0.99). Conclusion. This study reveals a correlation between the sTEA and the DCL. Overall, 10° of external rotation of the dorsal femoral cortical bone to the sTEA may serve as a reliable landmark for initial position of the femoral component. Surgeons should be aware that there are outliers in this study in up to 17% of the measurements, which potentially could result in deviations of femoral component rotation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1067–1071

Abstract. Background. Conventional TKR aims for neutral mechanical alignment which may result in a smaller lateral distal femoral condyle resection than the implant thickness. We aim to explore the mismatch between implant thickness and bone resection using 3D planning software used for Patient Specific Instrumentation (PSI) TKR. Methods. This is a retrospective anatomical study from pre-operative MRI 3D models for PSI TKR. Cartilage mapping allowed us to recreate the native anatomy, enabling us to quantify the mismatch between the distal lateral femoral condyle resection and the implant thickness. Results. We modelled 292 knees from PSI TKR performed between 2012 and 2015. There were 225 varus knees and 67 valgus knees, with mean supine hip-knee-angle of 5.6±3.1 degrees and 3.6±4.6 degrees, respectively. In varus knees, the mean cartilage loss from medial and lateral femoral condyle was 2.3±0.7mm and 1.1±0.8mm respectively; the mean overstuffing of the lateral condyle 1.9±2.2mm. In valgus knees, the mean cartilage loss from medial and lateral condyle was 1.4±0.8mm and 1.5±0.9mm respectively; the mean overstuffing of the lateral condyle was 4.1±1.9mm. Conclusions. Neutral alignment TKR often results in overstuffing of the lateral condyle. This may increase the patello-femoral pressure at the lateral facet in flexion. Anterior knee pain may be persistent even after patellar resurfacing due to tight lateral retinacular structures. An alternative method of alignment such as anatomic alignment may minimise this problem

Introduction. Oriental people habitually adopt formal sitting and squatting postures, the extreme flexion of the knees allowing of this. The influence exercised by pressure and posture are, therefore, found at the posterior side of knee joint. However, we don't have many report about articular cartilage of posterior femoral condyle. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to reveal the accurate prevalence and related factors to the presence of degenerative changing of the articular cartilage of posterior femoral condyle in cadaveric knee joints. Methods. One hundred and thirty two knees from 66 cadavers (42 male knees and 24 female knees, formalin fixed, Japanese anatomical specimens) were included in this study. The average age of the cadavers was 81.4 (56–101) years. Knees were macroscopically evaluated the depth of cartilage degeneration of the patellofemoral joint, medial and lateral femoral condyle, medial and lateral posterior femoral condyle following the Outerbridge's classification. Grading was as follows: Grade 1: normal cartilage or softening and swelling of the cartilage. Grade 2: partial-thickness defect which did not reach the subchondral bone and was less than 1.3 cm in diameter. Grade 3: partial-thickness defect which did not reach the subchondral bone and was more than 1.3 cm in diameter. Grade 4: exposed subchondral bone and visible reactive tissue formation. When there were multiple lesions of different Outerbridge's classification grades, the sizes of the lesions were added up. Lesions with degenerative changes more severe than Outerbridge's classification grade 3 were regarded as OA lesions. Statistical analysis was performed to reveal the correlation between the occurrences of cartilage degeneration of medial and lateral posterior femoral condyle and medial and lateral femoral condyle and gender. Results. The prevalence of OA-positive was 48.5% (64 knees). Analyzing in the prevalence in gender, male was 31% (26 knees) OA-positive, female was 79.2% (38knees) OA-positive. The frequency of OA-positive was significantly higher in females than in males (P < 0.001). The prevalence of OA-positive in posterior condyle was 53.1% (34 knees) in 64 knees of OA-positive. Analyzing in the prevalence in gender, male was 15.4% (4 knees) in 26 knees of OA-positive, female was 78.4% (30knees) in 38 knees of OA-positive. The frequency of OA-positive in posterior condyle was significantly higher in females than in males (P < 0.001). Conclusions. In this study, the prevalence of OA-positive in posterior condyle was evaluated in cadaveric knees. The prevalence of OA-positive in posterior condyle was 53.1% in OA-positive knees, and was significantly correlated with the gender

Large osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle still pose a difficult problem to treat. A variety of options is available but most of result in replacement with inferior fibrous or hyaline-like cartilage in the load-bearing zone of the knee joint. We present the five year results of Mega-OATS. This technique utilizes the posterior femoral condyle for coverage of osteochondral defects and is called Mega-OATS. From July 1999, 33 patients of mean age 34.3 years (15–59) were treated with MEGA-OATS. Fifteen patients additionally underwent high tibial osteotomy and two bone grafting using bone harvested from the proximal tibia. The average defect size was 6.2±1.8 cm2. The mean follow up was 66.4±13.2 months. The technique calls for excision of the posterior femoral condyle which is placed in a specially designed work station. The Lysholm score increased post-operatively from 49.0±19.4 to 88.5±14.9 12 months post surgery to 85.5±16.0 five years post surgery. Three months post-operatively, patients attained a full range of motion and became fully weight-bearing. There was no difference in patients undergoing combined surgery with high tibial osteotomy and patients undergoing Mega OATS as a single procedure after five years. No post-operative meniscal lesions of the posterior horn have been observed. Mega-OATS achieves a congruent reconstruction of the articular surface in the load bearing zone of the femoral condyle. We consider it a good alternative and salvage procedure in the treatment of large osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle

Large osteochondral defects are difficult to treat, but several treatment options are available. The posterior condyle transfer salvage technique described by Wagner in 1964 and Imhoff in 1990 has been developed further and is now used for coverage of large osteochondral defects in the load-bearing zone. The new technique is called MEGA-OATS. From July 1999, 25 patients of mean age 33.3 years (17 to 60) were treated with MEGA-OATS. Thirteen patients additionally underwent high tibial osteotomy and two bone grafting, using bone harvested from the proximal tibia. The mean follow up was 17.8 months. The technique calls for excision of the posterior femoral condyle which is placed in a specially designed work station. A MEGA-OATS cylinder of diameter 20 mm to 35 mm is prepared and, using the press-fit technique, grafted into the prepared defect zone. The Lysholm score increased postoperatively from 66.33 (49 to 71) to 87.8 (72 to 97). Three months postoperatively control MRI showed incorporation of all cylinders. Between six and 12 weeks postoperatively patients attained a full range of motion and became fully weight-bearing. To date one superficial infection resolving on oral antibiotics and two cases of arthrofibrosis four months postoperatively that required arthroscopic release were seen. No postoperative meniscal lesions of the posterior horn have been observed. MEGA-OATS achieves a congruent reconstruction of the articular surface in the load-bearing zone of the femoral condyle. We consider it a good alternative in the treatment of large osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle in young patients

Introduction. Hoffa fractures are rare, intra-articular fractures of the femoral condyle in the coronal plane and involving the weight-bearing surface of the distal femur. Surgical fixation is warranted to achieve stability, early mobilisation and satisfactory knee function. We describe a unique type of Hoffa fracture in the coronal plane with sagittal split and intra-articular comminution. There is scant evidence in current literature with regards to surgical approaches, techniques and implants. We report of our case with a review of the literature. Case report. A 40 year old male motorcyclist was involved in a high speed road traffic collision. X-rays confirmed displaced unicondylar fracture of the lateral femoral condyle. CT showed sagittal split of the Hoffa fragment and intra-articular comminution. MRI showed partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The patient underwent definitive surgical treatment via a midline skin incision and lateral parapatellar approach using cannulated screws, headless compression screws and anti-glide plate. Weightbearing was commenced at 8 weeks. Arthroscopy and adhesiolysis was performed at 12 weeks to improve range of motion. The patient was discharged at one year with a pain-free, functional knee. Discussion. Hoffa fractures are high-energy fractures, often seen in young male motorcyclists with flexed and slightly abducted knee. Most papers recommend surgical fixation, however there is no widely accepted surgical method or rehabilitation regime. Varying surgical approaches, screw direction, choice of implants, and post-operative care have been described. Surgical approach depends on the configuration of the fracture. The medial/lateral parapatellar approach is commonly used as it does not compromise future arthroplasty, but it does not allow access to fix posterior comminution. Arthroscopic-assistance may be used with good outcomes and less tissue dissection. AP screws are widely reported in the literature, most likely due to easier access to the fracture site. PA screws may provide better stability, but access is more difficult. Fixation often involves passing screws through the articular surface, therefore the area damaged should be kept to a minimum by using the smallest possible screw; headless compression screws leave a smaller footprint in the articular cartilage. Locking plate augmentation generally gives good outcomes. Conclusion. Hoffa fractures are rare and difficult to treat. Surgical treatment is the best choice for optimum post-operative knee function. There is no consensus on choice of surgical approaches, techniques and implants, as these are dependent on fracture configuration. In this particular case we emphasise the importance of using an anti-glide plate to address the sagittal component. Despite the need for a secondary procedure, the treatment has had positive outcomes and may be used as a guide for treatment of future Hoffa fractures of a similar sub-type

Large osteochondral defects are difficult to treat, but several treatment options are available. The posterior condyle transfer salvage technique described by Wagner in 1964 and Imhoff in 1990 has been developed further, and is now used for coverage of large osteochondral defects in the load-bearing zone. The new technique is called MEGA-OATS. From July 1999, 17 patients of mean age 39 years (16 to 6) were treated by MEGA-OATS. Two patients additionally underwent high tibial osteotomy and two bone grafting, using bone harvested from the proximal tibia. The mean follow-up was 12 months. The technique calls for excision of the posterior femoral condyle, which is placed in a specially designed work station. A MEGA-OATS cylinder of diameter 20 mm to 35 mm is prepared and, using the press-fit technique, grafted into the prepared defect zone. The Lysholm score increased postoperatively from 63 (49 to 71) to 81 (72 to 85). Three months postoperatively control MRI showed incorporation of all cylinders. Between six and 12 weeks postoperatively, patients attained a full range of motion and became fully weight-bearing. To date no postoperative complications or meniscal lesions of the posterior horn have been observed. MEGA-OATS achieves a congruent reconstruction of the articular surface in the load-bearing zone of the femoral condyle. We consider it a good alternative in the treatment of large osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle in young patients

Juvenile Osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) in humans and subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) in horses (also termed radiolucencies) share similarities: they develop in skeletally immature individuals at the same location in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and their etiology is only partially understood but trauma is suspected to be involved. JOCD is relatively uncommon in people whereas SCLs arise in 6% of young horses leading to lameness. Ischemic chondronecrosis is speculated to have a role in both osteochondrosis and SCL pathogenesis. We hypothesize that MFC radiolucencies develop very early in life following a focal internal trauma to the osteochondral junction. Our aims were to characterize early MFC radioluciencies in foals from 0 to 2 years old. Distal femurs (n=182) from Thoroughbred horses (n=91, 0–2 years old), presented for post-mortem examination for reasons unrelated to this study, were collected. Radiographs and clinical tomodensitometry were performed to identify lesions defined as a focal delay of ossification. Micro-tomodensitometry (m-CT) and histology was then performed on the MFCs (CT lesions and age-matched subset of controls). Images were constructed in 3D. The thawed condyles, following fixation, were sectioned within the region of interest, determined by CT lesion sites. Hematoxylin eosin phloxin and safran (HEPS) and Martius-Scarlet-Blue (MSB) stains were performed. Histological parameters assessed included presence of chondronecrosis, fibrin, fibroplasia and osteochondral fracture. An additional subset of CT control (lesion-free) MFCs (less 6 months old) were studied to identify early chondronecrosis lesions distant from the osteochondral junction. One MFC in clinical CT triages controls had a small lesion on m-CT and was placed in the lesion group. All m-CT and histologic lesions (n=23) had a focal delay of ossification located in the same site, a weight bearing area on craniomedial condyle. The youngest specimen with lesions was less than 2 months old. On m-CT 3D image analysis, the lesions seemed to progressively move in a craniolateral to caudomedial direction with advancing age and development. Seventy-four percent (n=17/23) of the lesions had bone-cartilage separation (considered to be osteochondral fractures) confirmed by the identification of fibrin/clot on MSB stains, representing an acute focal bleed. Fibroplasia, indicating chronicity, was also identified (74%, n=17/23). In four cases, the chondrocytes in the adjacent cartilage were healthy and no chondronecrosis was identified in any sections in the lesions. Nineteen cases had chondronecrosis and always on the surface adjacent to the bone, at the osteochondral junction. None of the subset of control specimens, less than 6 months old (n=44), had chondronecrosis within the growth cartilage. Early subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle may arise secondary to focal internal trauma at the osteochondral junction. The presence of fibrin/clot is compatible with a recent focal bleed in the lesion. Medial femorotibial joint internal forces related to geometry could be the cause of repetitive trauma and lesion progression. In the juvenile horse, and potentially humans, the early diagnosis of MFC lesions and rest during the susceptible period may reduce progression and promote healing by prevention of repetitive trauma, but requires further study

Introduction:In the last years spontaneous osteonecro-sis of the knee is described to be an important, but underestimated cause of osteoarthritis of the knee. The most frequent one is located in the medial femoral condyle. Materials and methods:Between 1993 and 2000, 24 cases with osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle in stage II, III and IV were surgically treated. Mean age at surgery was 59 (range 33–66), 17 female, 7 male. The mean follow Ð up period was 27(range 12–44) month. The etiology was found in 27% of the cases (trauma, intraarticular steroid therapy, dislipidemy). In 73% of patients the cause was not identiþed. At 3 patients the location was bicompartimental. This surgical technique well þxed modiþes the center of the mechanical unload protecting the osteonecrosis area allowing its revascularization. Results:From 24 patients surgically treated with this technique the results were very good in 69,2%, good in 25,2%and failure in 5,6%. The very good and good results were obtained at patients with osteonecrosis of medial femoral condyle stages II and III. Conclusions:In conditions of redistribution of mechanical requirement at knee level, of good þxing HTO without bone grafting represent a technique of treatment in osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle allowing the revascularization of the area, improvement or even the disappearance of the symptoms well as the prevention or the delaying of osteoarthrites of the knee

Full thickness cartilage defects of the femoral condyles are frequent, can be highly symptomatic, and pose treatment challenges when encountered in middle-aged patients. A history of biological repair procedures is frequent and patient management is complex in order to delay joint replacement procedures in active patients. Focal metallic resurfacing provides a joint preserving bridging procedure with a clinical exit into primary arthroplasty. Methods. This study presents a review of several multicenter investigations exploring the clinical benefits and validity of focal resurfacing in 78 patients, ages 35–67, with a follow-up ranging from 2 to 6 years. All patients were treated with a 15 or 20 mm contoured resurfacing implant on the medial or lateral femoral condyle. Results. At 2 years follow up, average scores for WOMAC domains improved by over 100% (40 preop to 86 postop where 100 = best). At 3 year follow-up KOOS scores were within 88 to 102% of a normal aged matched population (domain range 72–91 where 100 = best). At a minimum of 5 years, the KOOS domains were close to normative reference levels on pain relief, symptoms, and activities of daily living (range 83–89% of normal). Radiographic results demonstrated solid fixation, preservation of joint space, and no change in the osteoarthritic stage. Conclusion. The procedure adds a new layer to reconstructive treatment options in the long-term management of knee arthrosis and arthritis and allows for a clinical alternative to lifestyle changes required by many patients who failed cartilage procedures and continue to have an isolated symptomatic defect precluding them from joint arthroplasty

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) usually involves a single condyle or plateau. The medial femoral condyle is most often involved and spontaneous osteonecrosis of medial tibial plateau is a rare condition, representing only 2 % of all necrosis reported in the knee. Therefore, SPONK with both involvement of medial femoral condyle(MFC) and medial tibial plateau(MTP) might be extremely rare. SPONK in each MFC or MTP respectively might be extended into corresponding side of the knee at their advanced final stage, howevere, in that situations, significant degenerative change would accompany and it might be difficult to differentiate final staged SPONK form severe osteoarthritis. To the best of our knowledge, SPONK affecting both medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau without significant secondary osteoarthritis changes is not reported, even though it was difficult to know which occurred first. We experienced 3 patients with histologically proven osteonecrosis of the medial tibial condyle and medial tibial plateau, and report their radiologic features. All 3 patients showed similar ridiograhic patterns. Medial portion of medial tibial plateau and lateral portion of medial femoral condyle showed longitudinal fracture like-subchondral collapse. Standing anteroposterior radiograph at 30 degree knee flexion showed well fitted features such as “locked” medial condyle. Varus angulation was present. Significant degenerative changes was not shown except for subchondral sclerosis. T1-weighted coronal and Fat suppressed T2-weighted MR images showed subchondral collapse with ill-defined diffuse bone marrow edema changes on both tibial and femoral condyles. At surgical findings, longitudinal track-like groove was shown in both medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau. Articular cartilage was denuded and showed glistening surface with bone defect of lateral side of medial femoral condyle and medial side of tibial articular surface. Histological analysis shows necrotic bone, surrounded by an area of fibrovascular granulation tissue on both femoral and tibial sides. Total knee arthoplasty was performed in all 3 patients. As a result of very low prevalence of both involvement of MFC and MTP and limited number of our cases, we could not conclude that radiologic features in our cases are typical radiologic pattern of both involvement. However, based on our cases, we believe that this characteristic radiologic features may considered as one of the possible various radiologic findings of simultaneous involvement in MFC and MTP and allow diagnosis for SPONK with both involvement in MFC and MTP to be facilitated

Introduction:. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has been shown to have lower morbidity, quicker rehabilitation and more normal kinematics compared to conventional TKA, but subchondral defects, or severe osteoarthritic changes, of the medial compartment may complicate component positioning. Successful UKA in these patients requires proper planning and exact placement of the components to ensure adequate and stable fixation and proper postoperative kinematics. This study presents a series of three patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee receiving a UKA with CT-based haptic robotic guidance. Methods:. This series includes two females and one male with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle who underwent outpatient mini-incision medial UKA using the MAKO Surgical Rio Robotic Arm System. Pre-operatively all patients were found to have pain with weight bearing that would not improve despite non-arthroplasty treatment. Results:. The first patient was a 69 year old female (BMI of 22.85) with a left medial femur size 3, tibia size 4, bearing size 4×8 mm. The patient improved her ROM from 3–112° pre-operatively to 0–130° at 18 months post-operatively. The second patient was a 69 year old female (BMI of 25.68) with a right medial size 2 femur and 3 tibia and a 3×9 mm bearing. ROM increased from 0–120° pre-operatively to 0–145° at 2 year follow-up. The third patient was a 74 year old male (BMI of 26.5) who underwent previous knee arthroscopy with subsequent SPONK. Conclusion:. The difficulty in treatment of SPONK with UKA solutions includes planning for the full coverage of the ON lesions while also addressing alignment, tracking and balancing needs simultaneously. Using the advanced planning tools of the MAKO Rio software, full coverage of ON lesions can be safely planned and verified preoperatively. The intraoperative flexibility of the system allows surgeon to map out the lesions intraoperatively, where visible, and aid in the proper implant positioning and size adjustment as necessary

Soft tissue balancing is critical to successful knee arthroplasty. Pre-operative planning ensures that the surgeon is prepared for any eventuality. We report a large femoral exostosis resulting in gross instability, requiring revision to a constrained implant. An 81 year old female presented with osteoarthritis of the left knee. Xray showed a medial bony mass. CT noted a large bony exostosis arising from the posteromedial femoral condyle. Review showed the exostosis was not related to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). At surgery, the exostosis was noted to be tenting the MCL – excision resulted in complete flaccidity. A trial of the Biomet AGC prosthesis revealed gross medial instability. The decision was taken to convert to a DePuy Sigma TC3 system. Whilst removing TC3 trial components, a lateral condyle fracture occurred. This was fixed with a 1/3 tubular plate and interfragmentary screw. The TC3 system and an AGC patellar button were found to be congruent. A small lateral release was performed, the deep MCL was replaced with tagging sutures through the MCL and the pes anserinus. At 9 weeks post operatively, the patient was pain free and mobilising independently. The knee was stable, with range of movement from 0 to 110 degrees. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a complication in the literature. It highlights that despite optimal preoperative planning, the surgeon must be prepared to adapt to the situation at hand. It also highlights the importance of having ‘bail out’ options available on shelf when performing routine surgery

Introduction: Recent studies suggested that trans-epicondylar axis (TEA) as the origin of collateral ligament was valuable axis for the parallel cut of the posterior condyle. An alternative landmark of the angle between the TEA and anterior trochlear line of the lateral and medial femoral condyles (trochleo-epicondylar angle) for determining the rotational positioning of the femoral component could be considered. We here report a simple radiographic view with a landmark of the anterior and posterior femoral condyle for determining the rotational alignment of the femoral component in TKA. Subjects and methods: Our new radiograph presented an axial view of distal femur of a patient. The patient lay in the supine position and flexed the knee about 120 to 130 degrees. An x-ray beam was applied to the knee at the angle of 20 degrees to the ground surface. We measured the external rotational angle between posterior condylar (PC) line and clinical TEA that was condylar twist angle, and the internal rotational angle between the anterior trochlear line (AT line) and clinical TEA. This study involved 122 knees in 82 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, an average age of 67.3 years. And we compared our measured angle with the angle from 3D reconstructed images with 3-dimensional helical CT system (n=35). Results: The former angle was 5.6° ± 2.8° and the latter was −5.7° ± 3.2°. There was a variation by individual patients, the condylar twist angle was negative correlation with tibio-femoral angle. The internal rotation angle of the trochlear line and clinical TEA (trochleo-epicondylar angle) was 4.9°±2.1°. The tibio-femoral angle was positively correlated with the trochlear line angle. The trochlear line angle from 3D-CT was 5.6°±2.0°. The average of the difference between our view and the 3D-CT was 0.5°± 1.0°, R=0.87 with a Spearman’s rank test. Discussion and conclusion: We improved the simple radiographic view in order to evaluate the TEA and PC line, and also the anterior trochlear line, for assessing the rotational alignment of the distal femur in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We are able to measure and evaluate both angles and do double-checking the condylar twist angle and trochlear line angle. Our new radiographic technique is easy to measure the condylar twist angle, and the angle between AT line and clinical TEA (trochleo-epicondylar angle), simple and reliable, and may be an alternative method for the assessment of TEA of the femur in TKA as preoperative planning

Between 1995 and 2000, nine patients between the ages of 12 and 15 years were treated for very large osteochondral fractures of the lateral femoral condyle with internal fixation of the displaced osteochondral fragment with bioabsorbable pins. Initial healing in these patients has been assessed with either follow up arthroscopy or MRI scanning. Early results suggested very good healing of the detached fragments. The aim of this study was to review these patients at greater than five years follow up to assess how the healed articular cartilage has survived and performed. Eight of the nine patients were able to be followed up for clinical assessment, IKDC rating, Noyes Cincinnati Knee rating, radiologic and MRI assessment. Under the IKDC Knee Scoring system, five patients scored a final grade of A, two patients scored a grade of B and one patient scored C. Under the Noyes Cincinnati Knee Scoring system, three of the eight patients scored excellent, two scored good and three had a final rating of fair. There were no poor results. X-rays, including weight bearing views, were assessed for evidence of lateral compartment degeneration. Six patients had normal knee x-rays. Two patients had subchondral bony irregularity in the lateral compartment with subtle lateral compartment narrowing. We found that MRI scanning with specific cartilage sequences was an accurate way to assess healing and integrity of the articular cartilage at greater than 5 years. All patients had intact articular cartilage in the lateral compartment with no area of full thickness articular cartilage loss. Six of the eight patients had a small abnormal cleft-like signal corresponding to the likely posterior margin of the initial fracture fragment. Two patients had no cleft-like signal. The meniscii appeared normal in all patients. No evidence of pin tracts remained. Our five-year follow up results suggest that the majority of the reattached articular cartilage does survive and these young, active patients’ knees have functioned well. The outcome in the longer term remains guarded. We recommend that internal fixation of these fragments with bioabsorbable pins, or other appropriate means of fixation, is a worthwhile procedure

Aims: To compare mosaicplasty with microfractures in the knee joint osteochondral defects treatment. Methods: Between 1998 and 2001 twenty-three patients underwent mosaicplasty and 23 patients (controls) microfracture procedures for the knee joint osteochondral or chondral pathology treatment. Patients were selected and evaluated randomly through ICRS and modiþed HSS scales, arthroscopicaly, histologically, rent-genologicaly and with MRI. Average follow-up was 12,4(range 10–14 months) and 23,6 months (range 22 –25 months). Results: The defect-size in these patients ranged between 12 mm² and 23 mm² in diameter and had an average-size of 15 mm². 22(95,6%)mosaicplasty results were excellent and good at the time of last follow-up. 16(69,5%) in the control group results were excellent and good and 7(30,4%) Ð fair 23,6 months post operations. Modiþed ICRS and HSS evaluations showed statistically signiþcantly better results in the mosaic-plasty group at the 12,4 and 23,6 months (p< 0.005; p< 0.0001) post operations. Last follow-up showed deterioration in microfracture group (p< 0,02). Conclusions: Mosaicplasty can be recommended for the treatment of osteochondral defects in the weight-bearing area of the knee as a safe procedure for transplantation of hyaline cartilage.

Background

High tibial osteotomy is a common procedure to treat symptomatic osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the knee with varus alignment. This is achieved by overcorrecting the varus alignment to 2–6° of valgus. Various high tibial osteotomy techniques are currently used to this end. Common procedures are medial opening wedge and lateral closing wedge tibial osteotomies. The lateral closing wedge technique is a primary stable correction with a high rate of consolidation, but has the disadvantage of bone loss and change in tibial condylar offset. The medial opening wedge technique does not result in any bone loss but needs to be fixated with a plate and may cause tibial slope and medial collateral ligament tightening.

Despite the growing success of OCA transplantation in treating large articular cartilage lesions in multiple joints, revisions and failures still occur. While preimplantation subchondral drilling is intended to directly decrease allograft bioburden and has been associated with significant improvements in outcomes after OCA transplantation, the effects of size, number, and spacing of subchondral bone drill sites have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drill size with or without pulse-lavage of OCA subchondral bone by quantifying remnant marrow elements using histomorphometry. With IRB and ACUC approvals, human and canine OCAs were acquired for research purposes. Portions of human tibial plateau OCAs acquired from AATB-certified tissue banks that would otherwise be discarded were recovered and sectioned into lateral and medial hemiplateaus (n=2 each) with a thickness of 7 mm. Canine femoral condyles and tibial plateaus were split into lateral and medial components with a thickness of 7 mm (n=8). Using our clinical preimplantation preparation protocol, holes were drilled into the subchondral bone of each condyle and hemiplateau OCA using either 1.6 mm OD or 3.2 mm OD drill bits from the cut surface to the cortical subchondral bone plate. One femoral condyle and one hemiplateau per drill bit size were pulse-lavaged while the corresponding OCAs were not. The mean total %-fill remaining marrow elements for each treatment group was calculated. Little to no quantifiable bone marrow element retention was noted to remain within the subchondral bone of human or canine OCA specimens after subchondral drilling of allograft bone with either drill bit size evaluated and with or without pulse-lavage. The %-fill was consistent across zones, ranging from 1-5%. This project was designed to provide a preliminary histologic evaluation of the effects of drill size on OCA preimplantation preparation efficacy based on amount of remaining bone marrow elements in human and canine femoral condyle and tibial plateau specimens. Based on these initial findings, choice of drill bit size for OCA subchondral drilling may need to be based on the associated biomechanical effects rather than effects on donor bone marrow element removal

Knee arthroscopy is typically approached from the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral portals. Access to the posterior compartments through these portals can cause iatrogenic cartilage damage and create difficulties in viewing the structures of the posterior compartments. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of needle arthroscopy using direct posterior portals as both working and visualising portals. For workability, the needle scope was inserted advanced from anterior between the cruciate ligament bundle and the lateral wall of the medial femoral condyle until the posterior compartments were visualised. For visualisation, direct postero-lateral and -medial portals were established. The technique was performed in 9 knees by two experienced researchers. Workability and instrumentation of the posteromedial compartment and meniscus was achieved in 56%. The posterior horns could not be visualised in four specimens as the straight lens could not provide a more medial field of view. Visualisation from the direct medial posterior portal allowed a clear view of the medial meniscus, femoral condyle and posterior cruciate ligament in all specimens. Workability and instrumentation of the posterolateral compartment was not possible with the needle scope. Direct posterior approaches for the posteromedial compartment access are challenging with the current needle scope options and could only be achieved in over 50%. The postero-lateral compartment was not accessible. An angled lens or a flexible Needle scope would be better suited for developing this technique further

This study was performed at Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis (ADFH) using intra-articular plates for the correction of paediatric fixed knee flexion deformities (FKFD) has two main documented complications: postoperative knee pain and implant loosening. This study describes a biomechanical analysis and a preliminary report of a novel extra-articular technique for ADFH. Sixteen femoral sawbones were osteotomized at the level of the distal femoral physis and fixed by rail frames to allow linear distraction simulating longitudinal growth. Each sawbone was tested twice: first using the conventional technique with medial and lateral parapatellar eight plates (group A) and then with the plates inserted in the proposed novel location at the most anterior part of the medial and lateral surfaces of the femoral condyles with screws in the coronal plane (group B). Gradual distraction was performed, and the resulting angular correction was measured. Strain gauges were attached to the plates, and the amount of strain (and equivalent stress) over the plates was recorded. This technique was then applied to 9 paediatric FKFDs of different aetiologies. The preoperative FKFD and the amount of subsequent angular correction were measured. The amount of angular correction was higher in group B at 5, 10-, and 15-mm of distraction (p<0.001). The maximum and overall stresses measured throughout the distraction process were higher in group A (p<0.001). The mean FKFD improved from 24 ± 9° preoperatively to 9 ± 7° after 10 ± 3° months (p<0.001). The correction rate was 1.81 ± 0.65° per month. During ADFH, the fixation of the eight plates in the coronal plane at the anterior part of the femoral condyles may produce greater correction and lower stresses over the implants as compared to the conventional technique. Preliminary results from our initial series seem to support the effectiveness of this technique with respect to the degree of angular correction achieved