Aim. Patients with late acute periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) and treated with surgical debridement have a high failure rate. Previous studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an independent risk factor for treatment failure. We conducted a case-control study to identify predictors for failure in late acute PJI treatment in RA patients. We hypothesize that patients with RA have a higher failure rate compared to controls due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Method. Data of an international multicenter retrospective observational study was used. Late acute PJI was defined as a sudden onset of symptoms and signs of a PJI, more than 3 months after implantation. Failure of treatment was defined as persistent signs of infection, relapse with the same or reinfection with a different micro-organism, need for prosthesis removal or death. Cases with RA were matched with cases without RA based on the affected joint. A Cox survival analyses, stratified for RA, was used to calculate hazard ratio's (HR) for failure. Subgroup analyses were used to explore other predictors for treatment failure in RA patients. Results. A total of 40 patients with RA and 80 controls without RA were included. Treatment failure occurred in 65% patients with RA compared to 45% for controls (p= .052). 68% of patients with RA used immunosuppressive drugs at time of PJI diagnosis. The use or continuation of immunosuppressive drugs in PJI was not associated with a higher failure rate; neither were the duration of symptoms and causative microorganism. The time between implantation of the prosthetic joint and diagnosis of infection was longer in RA patients: median 110 (IQR 41-171) vs 29 months (IQR 7.5–101.25). Exchange of mobile components was associated with a lower risk of treatment failure (HR 0.489, 95% CI 0.242–0.989, p-value .047). Conclusions. The use of immunosuppressive drugs does not seem to be associated with a higher failure rate in patients with RA. Mobile exchange in RA patients is associated with a lower risk of failure. This might be due to the significantly older age of the prosthesis in RA patients. Future studies are needed to explore these associations and its underlying pathogenesis

There has been an in increase in the availability of effective biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as a shift towards early diagnosis and management of the inflammatory process. This article explores the impact this may have on the place of orthopaedic surgery in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1287–9

Purpose. The failure rate of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in rheumatoid patients may be higher than in osteoarthritis patients due to the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and the comorbidities associated with this disease. The purpose of this study was to prospectively look at the intermediate-term outcomes of TAA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to compare the results to a matched cohort of patients with ankle osteoarthritis undergoing TAA. Method. This study is a prospective, multicentre comparison study of patients two to eight years post-TAA. A cohort of 57 patients with rheumatoid arthritis was identified from the prospective national database of TAAs (RA group). Matched controls were identified in the database using age, type of prosthesis, and follow-up time as matching criteria (OA group). The following data was collected: demographic information, previous and additional surgeries at the time of TAA and major and minor complications including revisions. Generic and disease specific, validated outcome scores collected include the Short-Form 36 (SF36) and Ankle Osteoarthritis Score (AOS). Results. Each group consisted of 42 female and 15 male patients with an average follow-up of four years. The two groups were similar with an average age of 59.55 years (33–82) in the RA group and 58.13 years (36–85) in the osteoarthritis group and an average BMI of 25.77 kg/m2 in the RA group and 27.70 kg/m2 in the OA group. Preoperative AOS scores were similar in both groups: 64.42 for pain and 72.59 for disability in the RA group and 58.39 for pain and 72.37 for disability in the OA group. There was a significant improvement at latest follow-up: 16.64 for pain and 27.03 for disability in the RA group and 11.75 for pain and 22.66 for disability in the OA group. The OA group had a greater improvement in the SF-36 physical component score (29.97 to 41.29 versus 26.88 to 34.82 in the RA group) whereas the RA group had a greater improvement in the mental component score (49.71 to 56.90 versus 48.99 to 52.02 in the OA group). There was a higher rate of additional surgeries, predominantly hindfoot fusions, in the RA group than the OA group (33 versus 13). Revision rates were similar between the two groups with two revisions in the RA group and three in the OA group. There were no major wound complications in the OA group and two in the RA group. Conclusion. Total ankle arthroplasty is a good option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A greater number of additional surgeries were required to balance the foot and support the ankle replacement in the rheumatoid patients than in the osteoarthritis patients. Both groups showed similar improvement in a generic quality of life outcome measure (SF36) and a disease specific functional outcome measure (AOS). Revision rates were similar between the groups; however, the patients with rheumatoid arthritis had a higher rate of wound complications

Objectives. Biologic agents (BIO) drastically changed the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy from starting to use biologics at 2003 in Japan. The rate of orthopaedic surgery, especially total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may reflect trends in disease severity, management and health outcomes. Methods. We surveyed the number and rate of orthopaedic surgeries and TJA in RA treatment with BIO in the last decade, so called BIO-era. Results. We had 18,701 cases of orthopaedic surgeries, including 491 rheumatoid surgeries from 2004 to 2013. They contained 382 cases of total joint arthroplasties (78%), including 258 total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 80 total hip arthroplasty (THA), 18 total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), 14 total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), 4 swanson arthroplasty for fingers. The numbers of orthopaedic surgery increased year by year. The rate of rheumatoid surgeries not changed in the last decade (r=0.8, p<0.05, Fig. 1). The numbers of TSA and TEA in 2009–2013 increased twice compared to them in 2004–2008, but TKA and THA not changed. We had 241 RA patients treated by biologics agents from 2003, including 60 rheumatoid surgeries with the biologic therapy. Over half of rheumatoid surgeries were TJA (37 cases; 61%), including 26 cases for lower joint; 11 cases for upper joint. The rate of upper TJA more increased than that of lower joint in the RA patients with BIO in this decade. Conclusion. TJA for upper joint that improve the quality of life may increase in the RA patients with biologic therapy, because their disease activity and attitudes have changed year by year in this BIO-era

Introduction. The systematic effects of joint replacement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are that inflamed synovium and pathological articular cartilage has dissipated. Expectations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are reduction of inflammatory cytokines, decreased disease activity and improvement of drug efficacy and ADL. Remission of rheumatoid arthritis is defined as having a Disease Activity Score DAS28 (ESR) of less than 2.6 and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) – Disability Index, less than 0.5. Purpose. We investigated whether TKA could reduce disease activity and improve ADL, and subsequent remission levels of DAS and HAQ or not. Material and Methods. We analyzed the Knee Society Score (KSS), KOOS score and DAS28 in 15 patients, 23 rheumatoid arthritic knees at pre-operation and 1 year after operation. Preoperatively patients had used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisolone, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including methotrexate. TKA (Zimmer NexGen LPS Flex Knee implants and Stemmed Tibial component with stem) was performed with the modified gap technique or modified anatomical technique using original tensor with synovectomy. Results. Preoperative and postoperative KSS are 45.7±18.1 and 88.7±17.7 (P<0.01) respectively, and function scores were 40.1±21.7 and 74.8±24.0 (P<0.01) respectively (Figure 1). Preoperative and postoperative KOOS score (%) were ‘pain’ 50.6±37.8 and 95.4±19.3 (P<0.01), ‘symptom’ 56.6±32.8 and 94.7±18.6 (P<0.01), ‘ADL’ 60.6±27.9 and 89.5±32.4 (P<0.01), ‘QOL’ 28.4±32.1 and 63.6 ±22.9 (P<0.01) and ‘sport’ 20.56±29.52 and 47.10±33.9(P=0.06), respectively (Figure 2). Preoperative and postoperative DAS28(CRP) were 4.48±1.08 and 3.58±1.11(P<0.01), and DAS28 (ESR) were 4.90±1.02 and 4.13±0.99 (P=0.02) (Figure 3). Discussion. Each scores except ‘sport’ and DAS28 (ESR) improved statistically 1 year after operation. Function score, ‘ADL’ and ‘QOL’ scores also improved. HAQ score includes 2 categories related to walking ability and TKA was expected to improve the HAQ score, although the HAQ score is highly affected by upper arm function. The ‘sport’ score did not improve because almost all patients did not do sports preoperatively and postoperatively. DAS28 (ESR) and DAS28 (CRP) correlate strongly, but in this study there were statistical discrepancies in improvement. This might be because age, sex, disease duration, and existence of rheumatoid factors, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and DLA-DRB1 shared epitope have been shown to influence ESR. DAS28 improved by a little less than 1.0, but there was limited control of disease activity. It was reported that the average DAS 28 didn't drop below 3.2 in 3 years follow-up after TKA. In this study we did not assess depending on preoperative disease activity, but it was reported that TKA had a systematic effect on severe or moderate RA activity, not low disease activity

Aim:. To review the short to medium term radiological, clinical and functional outcomes of reconstructive surgery for severe forefoot deformities in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Methods:. We conducted a review of prospectively collected data of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis who received reconstructive surgery for forefoot deformities. Patients requiring metatarso-phalangeal joint arthrodesis and excision of the lesser metatarsals for hallux valgus, dislocation of the lesser metatarso-phalangeal joints and intractable plantar keratosis were included. The patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. X-Rays were performed preoperatively, postoperatively, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months follow-up. Patients completed a SF36, and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle Score) forefoot score preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Results:. Ten feet in eight patients were included in the study. Follow-up was for a minimum of 6 months. All patients were female, with an average age of 58 years (34–69 years). Radiologically there was an average correction in the hallux valgus angle from 48 degrees to 15 degrees. The inter-metatarsal angle improved from 14 to 9 degrees. Objective scores were significantly improved. The mean SF36 score pre-operatively was 36 (24–54) and 67 (54–82) post operatively (P < 0.05). The AOFAS score improved from a mean of 32 (28–50) pre operatively to 74 (64–78) post-operatively (p < 0.05). One patient required re-operation for further metatarsal shortening due to ongoing pain and two patients required oral antibiotics for minor superficial wound infections. All hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis procedures united in a mean time of 3.5 months. Conclusion:. Forefoot reconstruction in these very symptomatic, disabled patients resulted in significant deformity correction and improvement in function and pain. The complication rate was low. Adequate resection of the lesser metatarsals is necessary to avoid ongoing pain from the phalanx articulating with the metatarsal

Twenty-four replacements were performed in 19 patients (13 female: 6 male), with average age of 33 years (18-40). All had severe polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis. Pre-operatively 12 ankles had no angular deformity, 9 were in valgus and 3 in varus. All had associated hindfoot disease. Some of these patients are part of two larger studies of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) and the Buechel-Pappas (BP) replacement. In this group there were 20 STAR and 4 BP replacements. Average follow-up was 62 months (36 to 120). Twenty-one replacements had good pain relief and function. The AOFAS hindfoot score for pain improved from 0 to 36 (max 40) and for function from 25 to 35 (max 60). Three have failed. One ankle had a 25-degree valgus deformity pre-operatively and this recurred and caused failure at 11 months. The second failed at 34 months due to aseptic loosening of the talar component. Both of these were converted to tibio-talo-calcaneal fusions with an intra-medullary nail. The third failure had never provided satisfactory pain relief in spite of appearing satisfactory on clinical and radiological examination. Exploratory surgery was carried out at 36 months but failed to produce an improvement and at 61 months the decision was made to revise the replacement to a fusion. However, due to concurrent health problems, this has not yet been done. We offer replacement to patients with severe polyarticular rheumatoid disease especially if there is a stiff but well aligned hindfoot. In the light of increased experience, we now consider valgus or varus deformity of greater than 20 degrees to be a contra-indication to replacement. This is because the deformity tends to recur leading to pain, loosening and failure

Various surgical treatment were reported on rheumatoid shoulder. However, there were no recommended surgeries in the Japanese 2. nd. basic published text of rheumatoid disease. We had performed total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA) and humeral head replacement (HHR) in patient with Rheumatoid shoulder from 1992. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of humeral head replacement, 2. nd. generation TSA and 3. rd. generation TSA in patients followed more than 5 years with rheumatoid shoulder. Material & Method. From 1992–2007, we performed shoulder arthroplasty in 42 shoulders in 40 patients. Six cases were not able to follow due to die and lost. All 36 shoulders in 34 patients could be followed with x-ray examinations more than 5 years. Averaged follow-up period was 8.6 years (range 5–14.5). HHR with intact cuff performed in 10 shoulders, 2. nd. generation TSA with intact cuff in 10, 3. rd. generation TSA in intact cuff in 10 and HHR with muscle tendon transfer in 6 shoulders. The shoulder score of Japanese Orthopaedic Association)JOA score. Modified Neer classification, ROM, lucent lines in X-ray and complications were investigated. Results. In JOA score, 3. rd. generation TSA revealed highest score (84 points). Also, in Modified Neer classification, excellent results were obtained 50% of cases in 3. rd. generation TSA. On the other hand, HHR with muscle tendon transfer group has no cases of excellent results. In flexion & external rotation, 3. rd. generation TSA had achieved satisfactory results. In X-ray, all glenoid component had a lucent line around the keel type glenoid in 2. nd. generation TSA. However, only 1.6 points in Lazarus claasification revealed in peg type component in 3. rd. generation TSA. No nerve injuries and instability were found after surgery. However, two infections and two glenoid resurfacing need after surgery. Discussion. In this mid-term results, 3. rd. generation type of TSA system could get favorable results in RA shoulders with intact cuff. However, the treatment for rheumatoid shoulder cases which has masssive rotator cuff defect is still remained as difficult problem

Introduction. Ceramic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced as a new-generation of knee prostheses in clinical practice, and are expected to reduce polyethylene wear due to its resistance to abrasion and lubrication. In 1992, we developed a cruciate retaining LFA-I total knee prosthesis (KYOCERA Medical Co., Japan), which comprises an alumina ceramic femoral component and a titanium-alloy tibial component with a polyethylene insert. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results in rheumatoid patients who were treated with the alumina-ceramic LFA-I prosthesis with a minimum 15-year follow-up period. Methods. A total of 70 primary TKAs were performed in 51 patients between 1993 and 1996 using the cemented alumina-ceramic LFA-I prosthesis. Sixteen of these patients (20 knees) had died by the time of this study, of causes unrelated to the index arthroplasty, and 11 patients (16 knees) were lost to the follow-up. The remaining 34 knees were clinically and radiographically evaluated in the present study. The average follow-up time was 16.7 years. The average age of the patients was 58.2 years at the time of the operation. The clinical assessment was conducted with the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee rating score and the Knee Society scoring system. The component alignment and bone-implant interface were evaluated according to the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation System. Results. The cumulative survival rate for revision for any reason at 15 years was 94.1%. The mean postoperative range of motion was 115.3 degrees at the time of the most recent follow-up. The mean postoperative knee score was 90.1 and 84.7 using the Knee Society and the Hospital for Special Surgery rating systems, respectively. Reoperations had been required on two knees due to loosening and on one knee due to infection. Periprosthetic radiolucencies or osteolysis were present in six knees. All lesions occurred around the prosthetic rim; 3 lesions at the anterior femoral flange, 5 lesions at the medial tibia, 2 lesions at the lateral tibia, and 1 lesion at the anterior tibia. These implants did not migrate, subside, or have circumferential radiolucencies that would indicate radiographic loosening. Discussion. In this series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the alumina-ceramic LFA-I prosthesis has performed well for the average 16.7 years of follow-up. It is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the superiority of the ceramic prosthesis with respect to wear and survivability, however, the lack of a ceramic breakage with this anatomical design has encouraged us to continue to use this ceramic prostheses

Object. Although single-radius designs have theoretical advantages in some aspects, there has been a paucity of evaluation studies. The purpose of this study was to compare 10-year clinical, radiological, survivorship outcomes of single radius and multi radius posterior stabilized prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty(TKA) with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Method. In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed 240 patients (240 knees) with RA who underwent TKA between Oct 2005 and Dec 2007: SR group (120 patients, 120 knees, Stryker Scorpio NRG) and MR group (120 patients, 120 knees, Depuy sigma RP). A 1 : 1 matched case control study was conducted in two groups which were similar in terms of age, gender, BMI, ASA classification and operation team. Mean follow-up periods were 10.73±1.13 (range: 8–13) years and 10.82±1.09 (range: 7–13) years. Results. In SR group, the mean HSS score improved significantly from 38.63±8.76 to 87.67±6.62, the mean VAS score decreased significantly from 7.37±0.24 to 0.45±0.12. the mean range of motion improved significantly from 105.52°±7.78°to 124.32°±8.12° (p<0.001). In MR group, the mean HSS score improved significantly from 38.75±8.34 to 89.29±5.21, the mean VAS score decreased significantly from 7.62±0.26 to 0.33±0.10. the mean range of motion improved significantly from 104.18°±7.62° to 122.52°±8.03°(p<0.001). (See Figure 1) Clinical and functional improvements had no significant differences between the two groups. 6 complications were noted in SR group, including 2 cases of prosthetic loosening, 1 case of periprosthetic osteolysis, 3 cases of periprosthetic bright lines.6 complications were noted in MR group, including 2 cases of prosthetic loosening and 4 cases of periprosthetic bright lines. No case of infection was observed in two groups. Survivorship using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was 97.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.8–98.3%) for the SR at 10 years and 98.3% (95% CI: 97.3–99.5%) for the MR group at 10 years, with no significant difference (p=0.755). (See Figure 2). Conclusion. This study suggested that both single-radius and multi-radius posterior stabilized prostheses can lead to satisfactory outcomes for clinical function, radiological evaluation and survivorship among RA patients undergoing TKA, and no significantly clinical differences was shown in two types of prostheses

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term results of the Kudo type-5 total elbow prosthesis and compare the results of two types of cemented ulnar components. The Kudo type-5 unlinked total elbow prosthesis (Biomet UK Ltd, Bridgend Wales) was developed in 1993. The stem of humeral component is porous-coated with a plasma spray of titanium alloy for cementless use. The ulnar component may be metal-backed with a porous-coated stem or polyethylene alone; the latter designed mainly for cement use. A metal-backed type without a porous-coated stem designed for cement use also came into being after 2003. Between 1993 and 2010, the Kudo type-5 total elbow arthroplasty was performed on 364 elbows in 274 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age of the patients at the time of the operation was 60.7 (27–86) years. Twenty elbows had Larsen grade III, 224 had grade IV, and 120 had grade V changes pre-operatively. Before the operation, 346 elbows had severe or moderate pain, 95 had gross valgus-varus instability. Clinical symptoms and revision rates were assessed 4 to 20 years (mean, 9 years) postoperatively. The mean Mayo elbow performance scores were all poor except for three initially (mean overall score, 39.5 points). The overall score had improved substantially both at the early follow-up (1 to 3 years after the operation) and the latest follow-up (4 to 20 years after the operation), with 89.5 and 84.7 points, respectively. At the latest follow-up the overall result was excellent for 185 elbows, good for 103, fair for 11 and poor for 30, with almost complete relief from pain for 298. The arc of movement had increased from a mean of 85.7 °pre-operatively to 95.1 ° post-operatively, and to 98.1 °at the latest follow-up. Spot welds around the humeral stem suggesting solid osseous integration were often seen in the elbows with cementless fixation of the porous humeral stem. At the latest follow-up, implants were removed due to infection in 3 elbows. Twenty-five elbows required ulnar component revision due to loosening of the all-polyethylene component. Two elbows required ulnar component revision due to loosening of the metal-backed component. Seven elbows required humeral component revision due to loosening of the humeral components. One elbow required revision due to dislocation. A survival analysis with revision or removal of one or both components as the end point was performed according to the Kaplan and Meier method. The overall survival rate of the prosthesis was 75.2% at 19 years. The survival of 87.0% in the metal-backed group was higher than the 74.3% in the all-polyethylene group. Loosening of the all-polyethylene ulnar component was the main reason for deterioration in the long-term outcome. We conclude that the long-term results of the Kudo type-5 total elbow arthroplasty is acceptable and cemented fixation of metal-backed ulnar component had better long-term survival than the all-polyethylene component

Introduction. The decreased bone mass or local osteoporosis at the proximal femur is often recognized in patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the cancellous bone will be lost when rasping technique is applied for the preparation of stem insertion. In addition, cutting or elongation for contracted muscles around the hip joint can be required to insert the stem. To avoid these problems, the non-broaching, non-rasping impaction technique for the stems was applied in THA for the patients with RA. We report clinical and radiographic results of this method. Materials and Methods. In surgery, the femoral neck was cut and prepared without using a box chisel, reamer or broaches, instead, a series of trial stems were used with the method of impaction technique. After impaction of cancellous bone with the final size of the trial stem, the stem is fixed by bone cement without taking any cement mantle. Full weight bearing was allowed for all patients from the next day of the surgery. We investigated short-term clinical and radiographic results and the incidence of complication that was related to this technique. Post-operative radiological results with the minimum follow-up of 12 months after surgery were analyzed in 31 joints (25 cases) with this technique. The mean age at the time of surgery was 66.3 years (46∼82). The mean duration after surgery was 62 months (14∼108). Results. No case showed hypotension, decrease of saturation of oxygen concentration during this technique in surgery. Neither pulmonary embolism nor venous thrombosis of the leg was recognized in those cases. All cases showed good walking performance and did not show any hip and thigh pain at the time of follow up. The preoperative mean HHS score was 32.7 (±12.1) and improved to 79.4 (±11.7) at the time of follow up. Although two cases showed slight subsidence of the stem, no case showed the development of the loosening or any adverse effect such as radiolucent line, breakage of the bone cement, and any migration around the stem at the time of follow up. Conclusion. Although the number of our cases is small and also the follow up period is short, the non-broaching, non-rasping impaction method for stem in THA is thought to be better technique to preserve cancellous bone of the proximal femur, to avoid cutting or elongation of muscles around the hip joint, and to obtain good implant fixation for the patients with osteoporotic proximal femur

Introduction. Balancing of joint gap is a prerequisite in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recently, the tensor has been developed which can measure the joint gap with the patellofemoral joint reduced for more physiological assessment, and the results for osteoarthritis (OA) patients indicated that the flexion gap is larger than the extension gap during posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA. However with respect to the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the soft tissue balance in TKA is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was toinvestigate thecharacteristics of thejoint gap during TKAsurgeryforpatients with RA. Methods. We implanted 90 consecutive knees with a PS TKA using a NexGen LPS-flex (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN). OA was the underlying disease in 60 knees and RA was the disease in30 knees. Surgical procedure. We performed all operations with a measured resection technique. The rotational position of the femoral component was determined based on the epicondylar axis of the femur with anterior reference for anteroposterior sizing. Joint gap measurements. After bone cuts and soft tissue balancing, we measured the joint gap with the femoral component in position using seesaw-type tenser device with the patella reduced position after repair of the medial arthrotomy with a few stitches. The center width and asymmetry (tilting) of joint gaps under 40-lb distracting force were measured at 0 degree extension and 90 degrees of knee flexion. Results. The changes in the joint gap from 0 to 90 degrees were 3.2 ± 0.3 mm in OA group and 4.3 ± 0.4 mm in RA group. The increase of joint gap from 0 to 90 degrees in RA was significantly larger than that in OA group (Figure 1). The tilting angle of the joint gap (varus gap expressed as positive values) at 90 degrees of knee flexion in RA group (5.3 ± 0.5 degrees) was significantly larger than that in OA group (2.6 ± 0.4 degrees) (Figure 2). In RA group, there was a positive correlation (r= 0.34, p <0.05) between the increase of joint gap from 0 to 90 degrees and the tilting angle of the joint gap at 90 degrees of knee flexion (Figure 3). Discussion. In this study, the increase of joint gap from 0 to 90 degrees in RA group was significantly larger than that in OA group. In addition, the lateral gap in knee flexion, calculated from the tilting angle of the joint gap, was significantly larger in RA group and was correlated with the increase of joint gap from 0 to 90 degrees of knee flexion. These differences could be attributed to reduced stiffness of the lateral structure, such as lateral collateral ligament and popliteofibular ligament, as well as the extensor mechanism in patients with RA. Therefore, it is necessary to considerthe individual stiffness of soft tissues, together with the applied tension, to decide the rotation of femoral component by reference to the flexion gap during TKA for RA patients

Back ground. In 1970's, condylar type knee prosthese with anatomic design appeared, however, joint flexion was not satisfactory. Y/S II total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was developed to obtain deep flexion together with bilateral ligament balance in 1980. The articular surface of the tibial component was flattened to permit femoral shift posteriorily during knee flexion. Medial and lateral soft tissue release was determined by a unique ligament tensor both at flexion and extension. A metal tray was embedded in polyethylene, which had a shape of glasses frame. Though the usage of Y/SII TKA was finished in 1984, we here studied its long term surgical results using the Kaplan-Meyer method. Study design. From 1988 to 1991, 122 knees were replaced by Y/SII TKA in 81 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among them, 24 joints in 12 patients were examined directly. The average age of follow-up was 19.5 years. The survival rate was investigated according to medical records. Results. The HSS knee score was 53.6 prior to the operation and 76.8 at the final observation. The average flexion was improved from 110.7degrees to 124.0 degrees after the operation, and was 115.8 degrees at the follow up. Radiological analysis showed no distinct clear zone around the femoral and tibial components. There was no breakage of components or polyethylene wear that cause a metal contact. The survival rate was 99% at 4 years and 97% at 19 years after the operation. Three prostheses were removed due to loosening in 2 and infection in 1. Discussion. While modern knee prostheses are designed to get deep flexion and long-term durability, the purposes of TKA in the earlier era were pain relief, stability and correction of deformity. Y/SII TKA was developed in such period, and obtained fairly deep flexion probably by its design and soft tissue release using the special instrument. Another result was that Y/SII TKA had long durability with a high rate of survival. One of the reasons was considered as the structure of femoral component. The metal tray with a shape of glasses frame conducts mechanical load anatomically to the bone and prevent from metal contact when polyethylene wears. The number of the size of component was only 3 and was fewer compared to current-generation prostheses. While this requires some technique when an operator inserts Y/SII prostheses, only a few instruments are needed during operation. Conclusively, we showed the good long term results of Y/SII TKA developed in relatively early era of knee prostheses

Background. Previously, the Coonrad-Morrey elbow system has typically been performed using linked-type total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) implants. However, this implant have been reported to be associated with some problems, such as wearing down, loosening, the complexity of the necessary surgical techniques and inappropriate implant size for Asian people. The Discovery elbow system (Biomet Inc., Warsaw, US) has recently been developed and it has many advantages when compared to Coonrad-Morrey implant, but the treatment outcome for this system is unclear in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objectives. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of TEA using the Discovery elbow system. Methods. Eleven RA patients (13 elbows) who underwent TEA using the Discovery elbow system were investigated in this study. Two patients (3 elbows) were males, and 9 patients (10 elbows) were females. Ten were right elbows, and 3 were left elbows. Two elbows has Larsen grade “disease, 7 had grade” disease and 4 elbows underwent revision surgery. The surgical approach used for all cases was Campbell's posterior approach. The Discovery elbow system was installed using cemented fixation. Two weeks after the operation, ROM exercise was started. The elbow ROM, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and any complications observed at baseline, 6 months and 24 months after surgery were assessed. Results. The preoperative elbow ROM (mean±SD) was −33.4±4.4° in extension, 133.5±3.4° in flexion, 48.5±8.4° pronation and 67.7±5.7° in supination. The postoperative elbow ROM (mean±SD) was −18.5±6.2° in extension, 112.7±6.1° in flexion, 70.0±3.4° in pronation and 73.7±1.6° in supination. As a result, a significant improvement was observed in extension, flexion and pronation. The MEPS improved significantly at 6 months and 24 months after surgery. In addition, no implant loosening was found or revision surgery was required at 24 months after surgery. Conclusions. In this study, the elbow function was observed to significantly improve by TEA using the Discovery elbow system based on the short-time outcome. However, further study is still needed to clarify the long-term outcome of this implant in RA patients

Introduction. Total Wrist Arthroplasty (TWA) for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of wrist allows pain relief and preservation of the movements. Aims. The aims of current study were to evaluate outcomes of Universal-2® TWA at a tertiary centre. Methods. This was a retrospective review of case notes of 92 Universal-2® wrist replacements performed from 2003 to 2009. There were 63 female and 14 male patients. Ten patients had bilateral wrist replacements. There were 5 patients lost to follow-up and 2 patients died at 2 and 4 years following TWA, due to un-related causes. The available literature related to Universal implant was also reviewed. Results. The indication was RA in 83 wrists, 3 had severe osteoarthritis and one had post-traumatic arthritis following scaphoid fracture. Mean age was 60 years (26 to 86 years) and mean follow-up of 51 months (13 to 94 months). Post-operatively pain relief was achieved in 91.2% and patient satisfaction was 86%. Movements were preserved with mean dorsiflexion of 23. o. and palmarflexion of 21. o. An interim study of 34 patients showed VAS pain score improved from 5.4 to 1.7 and DASH score improvement of 14 points. Radiologically, intercarpal fusion was noted in 85% of the cases. Minor complications included; joint stiffness (10%, n=14), wrist pain (9%, n=8) and superficial infection in 2 cases (2.3%). Major complications were revision of wrist arthroplasty in 4.7% (n=4) and 3.5% salvage arthrodesis (n=3). Conclusion. Pain relief and patient satisfaction following wrist arthroplasty was consistently high in our series. The incidence of major complications was 8.1% in this study, compared to the literature review which shows rates of 12% for Universal-2® TWA and up to 50% in earlier Universal® implant. Universal-2® Wrist Arthroplasty is recommended for pain relief and preservation of function. Further studies are required particularly focusing on Carpal component loosening and long term outcomes

Background. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has become an established procedure in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is little information on whether limited extension of the elbow affects clinical outcome scores after TEA and what causes the limited extension. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed fifty-four cases of primary TEA in patients with RA. There were seven men and thirty-nine women with a mean age of 63.6 years (range, thirty to eighty years). Thirty-seven of Coonrad-Morrey and seventeen of Discovery prostheses were used. The mean length of follow-up was 7.1 ± 4.0 years (range 2.0–14.6 years). Mayo Elbow Performing Score (MEPS) and radiological measurements were recorded. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were assessed before and after the operation and at the latest follow-up. Widening of the joint space was calculated by subtracting the length measured on the postoperative radiograph from that on the preoperative radiograph. Results. MEPS was significantly improved after surgery (51.2 to 91.1), especially in the domains of pain (18.6 to 43.1), stability (5.9 to 10) and daily function (10.7 to 21.0). Range of motion was significantly improved, in flexion (111.3° to 140.6°), pronation (62.1° to 72.3°), and supination (60.2° to 72.3°), but not in extension (30.0° to 28.8°). Simple and multivariate analyses showed that longer disease duration (p = 0.004), higher Larsen grade (p = 0.013), worse pronation/supination arc (p = 0.004) and worse postoperative extension (p = 0.033), but not postoperative flexion (p = 0.532), were significantly correlated with lower MEPS daily function. Conversely, simple and multivariate analyses showed that worse postoperative extension was correlated with lower MEPS daily function (p = 0.005) and worse preoperative extension (p < 0.001). Radiological analyses showed that, in the limited extension group (≧40°), the degree of extension was correlated with radiological widening of the joint. Conclusions. In linked TEA, perioperative widening of the elbow joint caused limited extension and worse daily function in patients with RA

Objective. Rotational malalignment of the femoral component still causes patellofemoral complications that result in failures in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To achieve correct rotational alignment, a couple of anatomical landmarks have been proposed. Theoretically, transepicondylar axis has been demonstrated as a reliable rotational reference line, however, intraoperative identification of the transepicondylar axis is challenging in some cases. Therefore, surgeons usually estimate the transepicondylar axis from posterior condylar axis (PCA) using twist angle determined by the preoperative X-rays and CT. While PCA is the most apparent landmark, radiographs are not able to detect posterior condylar cartilage. In most osteoarthritic knees, the cartilage thickness of the posterior condyle is different between medial and lateral condyles. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the posterior condylar cartilage on rotational alignment of the femoral component in large number of arthritic patients. Furthermore, we investigated whether the effect of posterior condylar cartilage is different between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Ninety-nine OA knees and 36 RA knees were included. Detailed information is summarized in Table 1. All cases underwent TKA using navigation system. The institutional review board approved the study protocol and informed consent was obtained from each participants. To evaluate the effect of posterior condylar cartilage, we measured two different condylar twist angle (CTA) using navigation system and intraoperative fluoroscopy-based multi-planner reconstruction (MPR) images obtained by a mobile C-arm. To uniform the SEA in two different measuring systems, we temporary inserted a suture anchors in medial and lateral prominence. The CTA that does not include the posterior condylar cartilage (MPR CTA) is evaluated on MPR images and the CTA that does include the posterior condylar cartilage (Navi. CTA) is calculated by navigation system. The difference between these two angles corresponds to the effect of posterior condylar cartilage on the rotation of the femoral component (Fig. 1). The paired or unpaired t test was used to compare the obtained data. The statistics were performed using GraphPad Prism 6. A P value of 0.05 or less is considered as a significant difference. Results. The average MPR CTA in OA patients is 6.7 ± 2.1°, while the average MPR CTA in RA patients is 7.1 ± 2.0° (Fig 2A). On the other hand, the average Navi. CTA is 4.9 ± 2.1°, while the average Navi. CTA is 6.0 ± 2.1° (Fig. 2B). The difference of these two angles that corresponds to the cartilage remnant is 1.8 ± 1.4° in OA group and 1.1 ± 1.0° in RA groups. When we compared these angles between OA and RA population, the MPR CT – Navi CT was smaller in OA population than that of RA population (p < 0.05) (Fig. 2C). Conclusion. These results has demonstrated that twist angle measured on the X-rays or CT that does not include the cartilage would be overestimated compared to the true twist angle that includes cartilage in osteoarthritic knee. The effect of posterior condylar cartilage has less impact on femoral rotation in RA population

Background. A navigation system is useful tool to evaluate the intraoperative knee kinematics. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often need to have TKA operation, however, there are few TKA kinematics studies comparing RA and Osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraoperative TKA kinematics, and to describe the difference of kinematics between RA and OA patients. Materials and methods. Seventy-four patients, 86 knees were included in this study. Unilateral posterior stabilized TKAs were performed (male 14, female 72, age 70 ± 1.1 years) using navigation system. Sixty-one knees had OA and 25 had RA. Evaluation items are coronal gaps, AP translation and rotation. Coronal gaps were defined as the distance between the femoral and tibial cut surface. Medial and lateral gaps are also measured. AP translation was defined as the sagittal movement between the center of femoral and tibial condyle. Rotation was defined as axial difference of axis between femur and tibia. All items were evaluated by navigation system at every 10 degrees of knee flexion from 0 degrees of extension to 140 degrees of deep flexion. Results. In extension range, mean medial joint gaps (RA / OA) were 22.5 / 21.6 mm at 0 degree and decreased to 17.3 /15.0mm at 40 degrees, respectively. They were significantly different at 40 degrees. Lateral joint gaps were 16.4, 15.5mm at zero degree and slightly decreased to 21.0 / 20.0 mm at 40 degrees. In flexion range, mean medial joint gaps were 17.3 / 17.2 mm, 20.9 / 21.6 mm and 34.9 / 37.3 mm at 50 / 90 mm and 140 degrees. Mean lateral joint gaps were 16.4 / 15.5 mm, 21.8 / 21.6 mm and 29.0 / 31.4 mm. Both gaps were increased as knee was bent deeply(see Figure 1). Regarding to AP translation, femoral component was once moved 6.5 / 6.1 mm forward up to 50 degrees, then moved 25.8 / 23.5 mm backward with flexion. There was no significant difference (see Figure 2). Rotation kinematics showed significant difference in early flexion range. Consecutive external rotation of femur was recognized in RA group, but internal rotation was occurred in OA group from 0 to 60 degrees. External rotation was recognized in both groups from 60 degrees to deep flexion (see Figure 3). Conclusion. In this study, although joint gaps and AP translation were almost similar between RA and OA, it became clear that most significant difference was rotation movement in early range of knee flexion. It recognized opposite rotation between two groups. The limitation of this study was the situation of under anesthesia and no muscle strain were loaded during the measurement of knee kinematics. However, navigation system is available not only for the accurate implantation but also the measurement of intra operative knee kinematics

Objective. High molecular weight hyaluronan (HA) is widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by intra-articular injection. However, comparative studies of HA actions on catalytically activated cartilages in different pathologic conditions have rarely been investigated. Fibronectin fragments increased in OA and RA joints are known to cause cartilage damage through their catabolic activities. This study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of HA on nitric oxide (NO) production by COOH-terminal heparin-binding fibronectin fragment (HBFN-f) between normal and diseased cartilages. Methods. Articular cartilage explants from normal, OA, or RA joints or isolated chondrocytes in monolayer were incubated with HBFN-f in the presence or absence of HA. Secreted NO levels in conditioned media were determined. Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and activation of nuclear factor-?B (NF-?B) were assessed with immunoblotting. Cultures were pre-treated with the specific inhibitor to evaluate the role of NF-?B in HBFN-f action. Immunofluorescence histochemistry was performed using fluoresceinated anti-CD44 antibody. Results. When articular cartilage explants from normal, OA, or RA joints were incubated with HBFN-f, the RA and OA cartilages produced higher levels of NO compared with normal cartilage. Pre-treatment with 2700 kDa HA resulted in significant suppression of HBFN-f-stimulated NO production in OA and RA cartilages. While CD44 was up-regulated in OA and RA cartilages, anti-CD44 antibody reversed HA inhibition of HBFN-f action in those cartilages. While NF-?B activation contributed to HBFN-f-stimulated NO production, HA inhibited HBFN-f-activated phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-?B. Conclusion. The present results clearly demonstrated that HA blocked HBFN-f actions in OA and RA cartilages through interaction with CD44. Down-regulation of NF-?B could involve HA inhibition of HBFN-f action. Intra-articular administration of HA, which targets CD44 highly expressed on OA and RA chondrocytes, could suppress catabolic actions by fibronectin fragments like HBFN-f in diseased cartilage