Biomedical imaging is essential in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal pathologies and postoperative evaluations. In this context, Cone-Beam technology-based Computed Tomography (CBCT) can make important contributions in orthopaedics. CBCT relies on divergent cone X-rays on the whole field of view and a rotating source-detector element to generate three-dimensional (3D) volumes. For the lower limb, they can allow acquisitions under real loading conditions, taking the name Weight-Bearing CBCT (WB-CBCT). Assessments at the foot, ankle, knee, and at the upper limb, can benefit from it in situations where loading is critical to understanding the interactions between anatomical structures. The present study reports 4 recent applications using WB-CBCT in an orthopaedic centre. Patient scans by WB-CBCT were collected for examinations of the lower limb in monopodal standing position. An initial volumetric reconstruction is obtained, and the DICOM file is segmented to obtain 3D bone models. A reference frame is then established on each bone model by virtual landmark palpation or principal component analysis. Based on the variance of the model point cloud, this analysis automatically calculates longitudinal, vertical and mid-lateral axes. Using the defined references, absolute or relative orientations of the bones can be calculated in 3D. In 19 diabetic patients, 3D reconstructed bone models of the foot under load were combined with plantar pressure measurement. Significant correlations were found between bone orientations, heights above the ground, and pressure values, revealing anatomic areas potentially prone to ulceration. In 4 patients enrolled for total ankle arthroplasty, preoperative 3D reconstructions were used for prosthetic design customization, allowing prosthesis-bone mismatch to be minimized. 20 knees with femoral ligament reconstruction were acquired with WB-CBCT and standard CT (in unloading). Bone reconstructions were used to assess congruency angle and patellar tilt and TT-TG. The values obtained show differences between loading and unloading, questioning what has been observed so far. Twenty flat feet were scanned before and after Grice surgery. WB-CBCT allowed characterization of the deformity and bone realignment after surgery, demonstrating the complexity and multi-planarity of the pathology. These applications show how a more complete and realistic 3D geometric characterization of the of lower limb bones is now possible in loading using WB-CBCT. This allows for more accurate diagnoses, surgical planning, and postoperative evaluations, even by automatisms. Other applications are in progress

Abstract. Introduction. The paediatric population present unique challenges to the knee surgeon, particularly when treating recurrent patellofemoral instability(PFI), the management of which is poorly standardised. Through the EPPIC BASK National Trainee Collaborative, we aimed to identify which procedures (and in which combination) are being used to surgically manage recurrent PFI in skeletally immature patients across the UK. Methods. A retrospective national service evaluation via a trainee collaborative analysing local trust data between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2019. Data from institutions registered for EPPIC was compiled and compared to the national guidelines for adults. Results. A total of 333 patients were classified as skeletally immature(radiologically open physes) across 28 hospitals. Mean age was 14.1 years(+/- 4.5) with 64.9% being female. Mean number of procedures performed was 11.9 (+/-16.4). Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) was the most common procedure, performed in 65.8% of patients. Combined MPFLR and TTO was undertaken in 13.2% of patients. Proximal realignment surgery was performed in 5.1% of patients. Lateral releases were performed in 18.3% of patients with 8.4% performed in isolation. Conclusion. This study highlights the national variation in surgical treatment of PFI in skeletally immature patients. The guidance for adults cannot be applied universally to the skeletally immature, and it not always acceptable to delay treatment until physes close. This lack of standardisation within the UK in the management of recurrent PFI in skeletally immature patients highlights the need for a national consensus in appropriate surgical management of this patient population

Aims

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for patients with symptomatic meniscal loss has demonstrated good clinical results and survivorship. Factors that affect both functional outcome and survivorship have been reported in the literature. These are typically single-centre case series with relatively small numbers and conflicting results. Our aim was to describe an international, two-centre case series, and identify factors that affect both functional outcome and survival.

Aims

The aim of this study was to inform the epidemiology and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

Aims. Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) has well documented biochemical and mechanical risk factors. Femoral and acetabular morphologies seem to be equally important. Acetabular retroversion has a low prevalence in asymptomatic adults. Hips with dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and Perthes’ disease, however, have higher rates, ranging from 18% to 48%. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of acetabular retroversion in patients presenting with SUFE using both validated radiological signs and tomographical measurements. Methods. A retrospective review of all SUFE surgical cases presenting to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, from 2012 to 2019 were evaluated. Preoperative plain radiographs were assessed for slip angle, validated radiological signs of retroversion, and standardized postoperative CT scans were used to assess cranial and mid-acetabular version. Results. In all, 116 SUFEs presented in 107 patients who underwent surgical intervention; 47 (52%) were male, with a mean age of 12.7 years (7.5 to 16.6). Complete radiological data was available for 91 patients (99 hips) with adequate axial CT imaging of both hips. Overall, 82 patients (82%) underwent pinning in situ (PIS), with subcapital realignment surgery (SRS) performed in 17 patients (18%) (slip angles > 75°). Contralateral prophylactic PIS was performed in 72 patients (87%). On the slip side, 62 patients (68%) had one or more radiological sign of retroversion. Tomographical acetabular retroversion was more pronounced cranially than caudally of the acetabulum on both the affected side and the contralateral side (p < 0.001) as expected in the normal population. Increasing severity of the slip was found to be directly proportional to the degree of reduction in cranial and central acetabular version (p < 0.05) in the SUFE hips. Conclusion. Acetabular retroversion is more prevalent in patients with SUFE than previously reported, and have been shown be correlated to the severity of the slip presentation. The presence of radiological signs of acetabular retroversion could be used to justify prophylactic contralateral pinning. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):158–164

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the association between knee alignment and the vertical orientation of the femoral neck in relation to the floor. This could be clinically important because changes of femoral neck orientation might alter chondral joint contact zones and joint reaction forces, potentially inducing problems like pain in pre-existing chondral degeneration. Further, the femoral neck orientation influences the ischiofemoral space and a small ischiofemoral distance can lead to impingement. We hypothesized that a valgus knee alignment is associated with a more vertical orientation of the femoral neck in standing position, compared to a varus knee. We further hypothesized that realignment surgery around the knee alters the vertical orientation of the femoral neck. Methods. Long-leg standing radiographs of patients undergoing realignment surgery around the knee were used. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and the vertical orientation of the femoral neck in relation to the floor were measured, prior to surgery and after osteotomy-site-union. Linear regression was performed to determine the influence of knee alignment on the vertical orientation of the femoral neck. Results. The cohort included 147 patients who underwent knee realignment-surgery. The mean age was 51.5 years (SD 11). Overall, 106 patients underwent a valgisation-osteotomy, while 41 underwent varisation osteotomy. There was a significant association between the orientation of the knee and the coronal neck-orientation. In the varus group, the median orientation of the femoral neck was 46.5° (interquartile range (IQR) 49.7° to 50.0°), while in the valgus group, the orientation was 52.0° (IQR 46.5° to 56.7°; p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that HKA demonstrated a direct influence on the coronal neck-orientation (β = 0.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 0.7); p = 0.002). Linear regression also showed that realignment surgery was associated with a significant influence on the change in the coronal femoral neck orientation (β = 5.6 (95% CI 1.5 to 9.8); p = 0.008). Conclusion. Varus or valgus knee alignment is associated with either a more horizontal or a more vertical femoral neck orientation in standing position, respectively. Subsequently, osteotomies around the knee alter the vertical orientation of the femoral neck. These aspects are of importance when planning osteotomies around the knee in order to appreciate the effects on the adjacent hip joint. The concept may be of even more relevance in dysplastic hips. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1057–1061

Abstract. Objective. To assess the prevalence of acetabular retroversion in patients presenting with Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis using both validated radiological signs and CT-angle measurements. Methods. A retrospective review of all cases involving surgical management for acute SUFE presenting to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne were assessed from 2012–2018. Pre-operative plain radiographs were assessed for slip angle, validated radiological signs of retroversion (post wall/crossover/ischial spine sign) and standardised post-operative CT Scans were used to assess cranial and mid-acetabular version. Results. 116 SUFEs presented in 107 patients who underwent surgical intervention; 47 females and 60 boys, with an average age of 12.7 years (range 7.5–16.6 years). Complete radiological data was available for 91 patients (99 hips) with adequate axial CT imaging of both hips. 82% patients underwent pinning in situ (PIS) with subcapital realignment surgery (SRS) performed in 18% (slip angles >75°). Contralateral prophylactic hip PIS was performed in 72 patients (87%). On the slip side, 68% of patients had 1 or more radiological signs of retroversion in the slipped hip, with 60% on the contralateral side. The mean cranial and mid-acetabular version measurements were −8°(range −30 – 8°) and 10.5°(range −10 – 25°), respectively. Conclusions. Acetabular retroversion is rare in the normal population with studies reports ranging from 0–7%. This study showed an increased prevalence of 68% in SUFE patients, which is likely to be a primary anatomical abnormality, subsequently increasing the shear forces across the proximal femoral growth plate due to superior over-coverage. The resulting CAM lesion from SUFE in combination with the pincer lesion due to retroversion can lead to premature hip impingement and degeneration. Further larger studies are required to assess if acetabular retroversion is a true risk factor, and its role in helping guide management including prophylactic pinning. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Osteoarthritis (OA), characterised by pain, disability and joint degeneration, is common and has no cure. Prevalence of severe radiographic knee OA is 19% in over 45's and 50% in over 75's in the US and Europe. Abnormal joint loading, or injury, increase risk of OA. We have discovered that glutamatergic signalling is mechanically regulated and glutamate receptors (GluR) drive inflammation, degeneration and pain representing potential drug targets in osteoarthritic joints. Joints from OA and knee injured patients, and rodent models of arthritis, show increased synovial fluid glutamate concentrations and abundant GluR expression. Since AMPA/kainate GluRs regulate IL-6, a critical mediator of arthritic degeneration, we tested protective effects of the AMPA/KA GluR antagonist, NBQX in animal models of arthritis. In rodent antigen induced arthritis, and osteoarthritis (meniscal transection and anterior cruciate ligament rupture), NBQX reduced joint swelling, degeneration and pain, exceeding anti-degenerative effects of other drugs tested similarly. 3D osteocyte/osteoblast co-cultures and human bone samples taken from patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy joint realignment surgery, revealed underlying cellular mechanisms mediated by bone cells. Related drugs, already used in humans for epilepsy and migraine, represent a repurposing opportunity and are effective in our models of arthritis

Introduction. Epidemiologic studies indicate that isolated patellofemoral (PF) arthritis affects nearly 10% of the population over 40 years of age, with a predilection for females. A small percentage of patients with PF arthritis may require surgical intervention. Surgical options include non-arthroplasty procedures (arthroscopic debridement, tibial tubercle unloading procedures, cartilage restoration, and patellectomy), and patellofemoral or total knee arthroplasty (PFA or TKA). Historically, non-arthroplasty surgical treatment has provided inconsistent results, with short-term success rates of 60–70%, especially in patients with advanced arthritis. Although TKA provides reproducible results in patients with isolated PF arthritis, it may be undesirable for those interested in a more conservative, kinematic-preserving approach, particularly in younger patients, who may account for nearly 50% of patients undergoing surgery for PF arthritis. Due to these limitations, patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) has become utilised more frequently over the past two decades. Indications for PFA. The ideal candidate for PFA has isolated, non-inflammatory PF arthritis resulting in “anterior” pain and functional limitations. Pain should be retro- and/or peri-patellar and exacerbated by descending stairs/hills, sitting with the knee flexed, kneeling and standing from a seated position. There should be less pain when walking on level ground. Symptoms should be reproducible during physical examination with squatting and patellar inhibition testing. An abnormal Q-angle or J-sign indicate significant maltracking and/or dysplasia, particularly with a previous history of patellar dislocations. The presence of these findings may necessitate concomitant realignment surgery with PFA. Often, patients with PF arthritis will have significant quadriceps weakness, which should be treated with preoperative physical therapy to prevent prolonged postoperative pain and functional limitations. Tibiofemoral joint pain suggests additional pathology, which may not be amenable to PFA alone. Conclusion. PFA is effective for the treatment of arthritis localised to the PF compartment. Outcomes can be optimised with proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and selection of an onlay-style implant that can be positioned perpendicular to the AP axis of the femur. Minimizing the risk of patellar instability by using onlay-design PFAs has enhanced mid- and long-term results, and leaves progressive tibiofemoral arthritis as the primary failure mechanism beyond 10–15 years

The October 2013 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Make it easy, release the MCL; Do patients remember clinical information in day surgery?; Osteoarthritis and arthroscopy?; How best to double your bundles; When to operate for infection; Cementless unicompartment knee replacement?; Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove confusion; Tarts, cherries and osteoarthritis

This study is a prospective analysis of clinical outcome in 201 consecutive patients treated with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an autologous semitendinosus graft between October 2005 and January 2011. Patients received pre and post-operative clinical evaluation, radiological assessment and outcome scoring systems. 193 patients (92 male, 119 female) underwent 211 procedures, with mean age 26 (16–49) and follow-up 16 months (6–42 months). Indications were atraumatic recurrent patella dislocation (68%), traumatic recurrent dislocation (22.8%), instability (5%), single dislocation (2.7%) and anterior knee pain (1.4%). Trochlea dysplasia was moderate in 57% and mild in 35%. There have been no recurrent dislocations/ subluxations. 10 patients have required further surgery. The mean pre-op Kujala Scores were 55 (SE 5.21) and post-op scores improved to mean 82 (31–100) (SE 1.18)(p < 0.001). This improvement and significance is mirrored with Oxford (27 to 41), WOMAC (76 to 93), Fulkerson (53 to 83), IKDC (46 to 75), Tegner (4.1 to 5.3) and SF12 (38 to 51) scores (p < 0.005). 93% of patients were satisfied with their operation. History of prior realignment surgery was associated with significantly worse outcomes compared to patients where MPFL reconstruction was their first realignment procedure (p < 0.05). This series is the largest reported in the literature for any technique of MPFL surgery. This technique allows for objective intra-operative evaluation of the required graft tension to optimise patella tracking

Purpose. To assess the midterm functional results after Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with single semitendinosis autograft in patients with patellofemoral instability. Methods - Results. Forty six knees (45 patients) with patellofemoral instability were treated with surgical stabilisation of the patella with a single semitendinosis autograft and followed up for a minimum of 24 months. The average follow-up was 33.5 months (range 24-54 months). Clinical evidence of patellar instability and radiological (MRI) evidence of MPFL rupture or deficiency was documented prior to surgery. The average post injury interval was 22.3 months. Ipsilateral joint co-morbidities included previous lateral release or distal realignment (n=10), patellofemoral joint (PFJ) dysplasia (n=14) and concurrent ACL, PCL and/or MCL rupture (n=6). Knee function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the use of Kujala, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. There were 34 male and 11 female patients with a mean age of 32.5 years (range 17 - 60 years). All measured knee function scores improved postoperatively. Kujala score improved from 58 to 77 (95%CI +/− 9.71). Tegner score improved from 3 to 5 (95%CI+/− 0.65). IKDC score improved from 51 to 75 (95%CI +/− 5.27) and Lysholm score improved from 59 to 79 (95%CI +/− 6.5). Conclusions. MPFL reconstruction with semitendinosis autograft is an effective treatment at a minimum of 24 months (midterm) follow-up in patients with patellofemoral instability even in the presence of heterogeneous knee co-morbidities such as PFJ dysplasia, previous lateral release and failed realignment surgery

Proximal femoral deformity is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), contributing to hip instability and ambulation difficulties. This population-based cohort study investigates the prevalence and significance of these deformities in relation to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. Children with a confirmed diagnosis of CP born within a three-year period were identified from a statewide register. Motor type, topographical distribution and GMFCS level were obtained from clinical notes. Neck Shaft Angle (NSA) and Migration Percentage (MP) were measured from an anteroposterior pelvis x-ray with the hips internally rotated. Measurement of FNA was by the Trochanteric Palpation Test (TPAT) or during fluoroscopic screening of the hip with a guide wire in the centre of the femoral neck. Linear regression analysis was performed for FNA, NSA and MP according to GMFCS level. 292 children were eligible. FNA was increased in all GMFCS levels. The lowest measurements were at GMFCS levels I and II p<0.001. GMFCS levels III, IV, and V were uniformly high p<0.001. Neck shaft angle increased sequentially from GMFCS levels I to V (p<0.001). This study confirms a very high prevalence of increased FNA in children with CP in all GMFCS levels. In contrast, NSA and MP progressed step-wise with GMFCS level. We propose that increased FNA in children with CP represents failure to remodel normal fetal alignment because of delay in ambulation and muscle imbalance across the hip joint. In contrast, coxa valga is an acquired deformity and is largely related to lack of weight bearing and functional ambulation. The high prevalence of both deformities at GMFCS levels IV and V explain the high rate of displacement in these hips and the need for proximal femoral realignment surgery in the prevention and management of hip displacement

We undertook a prospective study to analyse the outcome of 48 malunited pronation-external rotation fractures of the ankle in 48 patients (25 females and 23 males) with a mean age of 45 years (21 to 69), treated by realignment osteotomies. The interval between the injury and reconstruction was a mean of 20.2 months (3 to 98).

In all patients, valgus malalignment of the distal tibia and malunion of the fibula were corrected. In some patients, additional osteotomies were performed. Patients were reviewed regularly, and the mean follow-up was 7.1 years (2 to 15).

Good or excellent results were obtained in 42 patients (87.5%) with the benefit being maintained over time. Congruent ankles without a tilted talus (Takakura stage 0 and 1) were obtained in all but five cases. One patient required total ankle replacement.

Background: No studies exist about the long-term correlation of patellofemoral osteoarthrosis to poor outcome after traditional realignment surgery for chronic patellofemoral instability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the recurrent instability and symptomatic osteoarthrosis over a long follow-up period. Methods: Fifty-two patients underwent distal realignment surgery for chronic patellar instability, 28 with Roux-Goldthwait procedure and 24 with Krogius procedure. A follow-up evaluation was performed at a mean 12 years (range, 8 to 22 years) after surgery, in which 39 of 52 patients participated. Recurrent instability and osteoarthrotic characteristics were evaluated by plain radiographs and magnetic resonance images obtained at follow-up. The original hospital data were reviewed to assess patients’ background. Subjective symptoms were assessed with patellofemoral scores. Results: Of the 39 controlled patients, 10 had chronic patellar instability, including 4 patients who underwent reoperation during follow-up. The mean patient age at follow-up was 33 years (range, 26 to 43). Patellofemoral full-thickness cartilage lesions were found on MRI in 29 (75%) of patients and all of the patients had mild lesions. A joint space narrowing was present in 6 cases in plain radiographs indicating severe patellofemoral osteoarthrosis. Only 48% of the patients reported satisfaction with the patellar stability and anterior knee symptoms and the unsatisfactory result was associated with patellofemoral osteoarthrosis (P=0.05). The mean Kujala score was 83 (range 52–100) points. The surgical technique employed did not affect the overall outcome. Conclusion: The long-term outcome of traditional realignment surgery for chronic patellofemoral instability seemed to be strongly associated with patellofemoral osteoarthrosis. Despite the relatively rare occurrence of recurrent instability, less than half of patients achieved a satisfactory result. Patellofemoral osteoarthrosis seems to be the long-term consequence in patients treated with traditional surgical procedures for patellar instability. In future studies focusing on patellar stability, preventive methods against the development of patellofemoral osteoarthrosis should be emphasized

We carried out 123 consecutive total ankle replacements in 111 patients with a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 8). Patients with a hindfoot deformity of up to 10° (group A, 91 ankles) were compared with those with a deformity of 11° to 30° (group B, 32 ankles). There were 18 failures (14.6%), with no significant difference in survival between groups A and B. The clinical outcome as measured by the post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons score was significantly better in group B (p = 0.036). There was no difference between the groups regarding the post-operative range of movement and complications. Correction of the hindfoot deformity was achieved to within 5° of neutral in 27 ankles (84%) of group B patients. However, gross instability was the most common mode of failure in group B. This was not adequately corrected by reconstruction of the lateral ligament.

Total ankle replacement can safely be performed in patients with a hindfoot deformity of up to 30°. The importance of adequate correction of alignment and instability is highlighted.