Aims

A functional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has been assumed to be required for patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, this assumption has not been thoroughly tested. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the biomechanical effects exerted by cruciate ligament-deficient knees with medial UKAs regarding different posterior tibial slopes.

Aims. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has become a popular method of treating knee localized osteoarthritis (OA). Additionally, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is essential to maintaining the physiological kinematics and functions of the knee joint. Considering these factors, the purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects on PCL-deficient knees in medial UKA. Methods. Computational simulations of five subject-specific models were performed for intact and PCL-deficient UKA with tibial slopes. Anteroposterior (AP) kinematics and contact stresses of the patellofemoral (PF) joint and the articular cartilage were evaluated under the deep-knee-bend condition. Results. As compared to intact UKA, there was no significant difference in AP translation in PCL-deficient UKA with a low flexion angle, but AP translation significantly increased in the PCL-deficient UKA with high flexion angles. Additionally, the increased AP translation became decreased as the posterior tibial slope increased. The contact stress in the PF joint and the articular cartilage significantly increased in the PCL-deficient UKA, as compared to the intact UKA. Additionally, the increased posterior tibial slope resulted in a significant decrease in the contact stress on PF joint but significantly increased the contact stresses on the articular cartilage. Conclusion. Our results showed that the posterior stability for low flexion activities in PCL-deficient UKA remained unaffected; however, the posterior stability for high flexion activities was affected. This indicates that a functional PCL is required to ensure normal stability in UKA. Additionally, posterior stability and PF joint may reduce the overall risk of progressive OA by increasing the posterior tibial slope. However, the excessive posterior tibial slope must be avoided. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(9):593–600

Objectives. Posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) are critical factors in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A computational simulation was performed to evaluate the biomechanical effect of PCO and PTS on cruciate retaining TKA. Methods. We generated a subject-specific computational model followed by the development of ± 1 mm, ± 2 mm and ± 3 mm PCO models in the posterior direction, and -3°, 0°, 3° and 6° PTS models with each of the PCO models. Using a validated finite element (FE) model, we investigated the influence of the changes in PCO and PTS on the contact stress in the patellar button and the forces on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), patellar tendon and quadriceps muscles under the deep knee-bend loading conditions. Results. Contact stress on the patellar button increased and decreased as PCO translated to the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. In addition, contact stress on the patellar button decreased as PTS increased. These trends were consistent in the FE models with altered PCO. Higher quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force are required as PCO translated in the anterior direction with an equivalent flexion angle. However, as PTS increased, quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force reduced in each PCO condition. The forces exerted on the PCL increased as PCO translated to the posterior direction and decreased as PTS increased. Conclusion. The change in PCO alternatively provided positive and negative biomechanical effects, but it led to a reduction in a negative biomechanical effect as PTS increased. Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, J. Son, O-R. Kwon, J-S. Lee, S. K. Kwon. A computational simulation study to determine the biomechanical influence of posterior condylar offset and tibial slope in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:69–78. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0143.R1

Introduction

Malalignment of total knee arthroplasty components may affect implant function and lead to decreased survival, regardless of preferred alignment philosophy – neural mechanical axis restoration or kinematic alignment. A common technique is to set coronal alignment prior to adjusting slope. If the guide is not maintained in a neutral position, adjustment of the slope may alter coronal alignment. Different implant systems recommend varying degrees of slope for ideal function of the implant, from 0–7°. The purpose of this study was to quantify the change in coronal alignment with increasing posterior tibial slope comparing two methods of jig fixation.

Radiographs of 110 patients who had undergone 120 high tibial osteotomies (60 closed-wedge, 60 open-wedge) were assessed for posterior tibial slope before and after operation, and before removal of the hardware. In the closed-wedge group the mean slope was 5.7° (sd 3.8) before and 2.4° (sd 3.9) immediately after operation, and 2.4° (sd 3.4) before removal of the hardware. In the open-wedge group, these values were 5.0° (sd 3.7), 7.7° (sd 4.3) and 8.1° (sd 3.9) respectively, when stabilised with a non-locking plate, and 7.7° (sd 3.5), 9.4° (sd 4.1) and 9.1° (sd 3.8), when stabilised with a locking plate. The reduction in slope (−2.7° (sd 4.1)) in the closed-wedge group and the increase (+2.5° (sd 3.4), in the open-wedge group was significantly different before and after operation (p = 0.002, p = 0.003). In no group were the changes in slope directly after operation and before removal of the hardware significant (p > 0.05). There was no correlation between the amount of correction in the frontal plane and the post-operative change in slope.

Posterior tibial slope decreases after closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy and increases after an open-wedge procedure because of the geometry of the proximal tibia. The changes in the slope are stable over time, emphasising the influence of the operative procedure rather than of the implant.

Abstract. Introduction. There is growing interest in the use of robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) to improve accuracy of component positioning. This is the first study to investigate the radiological accuracy of implant component position using the ROSA® knee system with specific reference to Joint Line Height, Tibial Slope, Patella Height and Posterior Condylar Offset. As secondary aims we compared accuracy between image-based and imageless navigation, and between implant designs (Persona versus Vanguard TKA). Methodology. This was a retrospective review of a prospectively-maintained database of the initial 100 consecutive TKAs performed by a high volume surgeon using the ROSA® knee system. To determine the accuracy of component positioning, the immediate post-operative radiograph was reviewed and compared with the immediate pre-operative radiograph with regards to Joint Line Height, Tibial Slope, Patella Height (using the Insall-Salvati ratio) and Posterior Condylar Offset. Results. Mean age of patients undergoing ROSA TKA was 70 years (range, 55 to 95 years). Mean difference in joint line height between pre and post-operative radiographs was 0.2mm (range −1.5 to +1.8mm, p<0.05), posterior condylar offset mean change 0.16mm (range −1.4 to +1.3mm, p<0.05), tibial slope mean change 0.1 degrees (p<0.05) and patella height mean change 0.02 (range −0.1 to +0.1 p<0.05). No significant differences were found between imageless and image-based groups, or between implant designs (Persona versus Vanguard). Conclusion. This study validates the use of the ROSA® knee system in accurately restoring Joint Line Height, Patella Height and Posterior Condylar Offset

The optimal management of the tibial slope in achieving a high flexion angle in posterior-stabilised (PS) total knee replacement (TKR) is not well understood, and most studies evaluating the posterior tibial slope have been conducted on cruciate-retaining TKRs. We analysed pre- and post-operative tibial slope differences, pre- and post-operative coronal knee alignment and post-operative maximum flexion angle in 167 patients undergoing 209 TKRs. The mean pre-operative posterior tibial slope was 8.6° (1.3° to 17°) and post-operatively it was 8.0° (0.1° to 16.7°). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the absolute difference between pre- and post-operative tibial slope (p < 0.001), post-operative coronal alignment (p = 0.02) and pre-operative range of movement (p < 0.001) predicted post-operative flexion. The variance of change in tibial slope became larger as the post-operative maximum flexion angle decreased. The odds ratio of having a post-operative flexion angle < 100° was 17.6 if the slope change was > 2°. Our data suggest that recreation of the anatomical tibial slope appears to improve maximum flexion after posterior-stabilised TKR, provided coronal alignment has been restored. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1354–8

Background. Advanced technologies, like robotics, provide enhanced precision for implanting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components; however, optimal component position and limb alignment remain unknown. This study purpose was to identify the ideal target sagittal component position and coronal limb alignment that produce optimal clinical outcomes. Methods. A retrospective review of 1,091 consecutive TKAs was performed. All TKAs were PCL retaining or sacrificing with anterior lipped (49.4%) or conforming bearings (50.6%) performed with modern perioperative protocols. Posterior tibial slope, femoral flexion, and tibiofemoral limb alignment were measured with a standardized protocols. Patients were grouped by the ‘how often does your knee feel normal?’ outcome score at latest follow-up. Machine learning algorithms were used to identify optimal alignment zones which predicted improved outcomes scores. Results. Mean age and BMI were 66 years and 34 kg/m. 2. with 67% female. Demographics and relevant covariates did not affect outcomes (p≥0.145) except for BMI (p=0.077) but the difference was not clinically significant. For sagittal alignment, approximating native tibial slope within 0 to +2° with some amount of femoral flexion within 0 to +3° (possibly up to +9°) was predictive of knees always feeling normal. For knees in preoperative varus or neutral, knees were more likely to always feel normal when postoperative tibiofemoral alignment was in varus (>−1°). Knees aligned in valgus preoperatively were more likely to always feel normal in valgus (<−7°) or varus (>−4°) postoperatively. Conclusion. Superior patient-reported outcomes correlated with approximating native tibial slope and incorporating some femoral flexion while maintaining similar preoperative coronal limb alignment. Excessive deviation from native tibial slope, excessive femoral flexion or any femoral component extension, or coronal alignment overcorrection beyond the preoperative limb alignment correlated with worse outcomes

Introduction. Existing studies report more accurate implant placement with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA); however, surgeon experience has not always been accounted for. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of an experienced, high-volume surgeon to published data on robotic-assisted UKA tibial component alignment. Methods. One hundred thirty-one consecutive manual UKAs performed by a single surgeon using a cemented, fixed bearing implant were radiographically reviewed by an independent reviewer to avoid surgeon bias. Native and tibial implant slope and coronal alignment were measured on pre- and postoperative lateral and anteroposterior radiographs, respectively. Manual targets were set within 2° of native tibial slope and 0 to 2° varus tibial component alignment. Deviations from target were calculated as root mean square (RMS) errors and were compared to robotic-assisted UKA data. Results. One hundred twenty-eight UKAs were analyzed. The proportion of manual UKAs within the target for tibial component alignment (66%) exceeded published values comparing robotic (58%) to manual (41%) UKA. RMS error for tibial component alignment (1.5°) was less than published RMS error rates in robotic UKAs (range 1.8 to 5°). Fifty-eight percent of study UKAs were within the surgeon's preoperative goal for tibial slope, closer to published findings of 80% for robotic UKAs vs. 22% of manual UKAs. RMS error for tibial slope in study UKAs (1.5°) was smaller than RMS error rates for tibial slope in robotic UKAs (range 1.6 to 1.9°). Conclusion. These data demonstrate that an experienced, high-volume surgeon's accuracy in manual UKA can meet or exceed robotic-assisted UKA. Therefore, a surgeon's experience and aptitude should be taken into account when determining the value of robotics in knee arthroplasty. Further, the relationship between implant position and patient outcomes, and consensus on ideal surgical targets for optimal survivorship need further elucidation

Introduction. Component position and overall limb alignment following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been shown to influence prosthetic survivorship and clinical outcomes. 1. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy to plan of three-dimensional modeled (3D) TKA with manual TKA for component alignment and position. Methods. An open-label prospective clinical study was conducted to compare 3D modeling with manual TKA (non-randomized) at 4 U.S. centers between July 2016 and August 2018. Men and women aged > 18 with body mass index < 40kg/m. 2. scheduled for unilateral primary TKA were recruited for the study. 144 3DTKA and 86 manual TKA (230 patients) were included in the analysis of accuracy outcomes. Seven high-volume, arthroplasty fellowship-trained surgeons performed the surgeries. The surgeon targeted a neutral (0°) mechanical axis for all except 9 patients (4%) for whom the target was within 0°±3°. Computed tomography (CT) scans obtained approximately 6 weeks post-operatively were analyzed using anatomical landmarks to determine femoral and tibial component varus/valgus position, femoral component internal/external rotation, and tibial component posterior slope. Absolute deviation from surgical plan was defined as the absolute value of the difference between the CT measurement and the surgeon's operative plan. Smaller absolute deviation from plan indicated greater accuracy. Mean component positions for manual and 3DTKA groups were compared using two-sample t tests for unequal variances. Differences of absolute deviations from plan were compared using stratified Wilcoxon tests, which controlled for study center and accounted for skewed distributions of the absolute values. Alpha was 0.05 two-sided. At the time of this report, CT measurements of femoral component rotation position referenced from the posterior condylar axis were not yet completed; therefore, the current analysis of femoral component rotation accuracy to plan reflects one center that exclusively used manual instruments referencing the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results. Coronal positions of the femoral components measured via CT for manual and 3D TKA, respectively, were (mean ± standard deviation) 0.1°±1.6° varus and 0.0°±1.4° varus (p=0.533); positions of the tibial components were 1.9°±2.4° varus and 0.9°±2.0° varus (p=0.002). Positions of external femoral component rotation relative to the TEA were 1.1°±2.3° and 0.5°±2.3°, respectively (p=0.036). Tibial slopes were 3.7°±3.0° and 3.2°±1.8°, respectively (p=0.193). Comparing absolute deviation from plan between groups, 3DTKA demonstrated greater accuracy for tibial component alignment [median (25. th. , 75. th. percentiles) absolute deviation from plan, 1.7° (0.9°, 2.9°) vs. 0.9°(0.4°, 1.9°), p<.001], femoral component rotation [1.4° (0.9°, 2.5°) vs. 0.9° (0.7°, 1.5°), p=0.015], and tibial slope [2.9° (1.5°, 5.0°) vs. 1.1° (0.6°, 2.0°), p<.001] (Table 1). Accuracy for femoral component alignment was comparable [1.0° (0.4°, 1.7°) vs. 0.9° (0.4°, 1.5°), p=0.159] (Table 1). Discussion and Conclusions. Our findings support improved accuracy to the surgical plan utilizing 3DTKA compared with manual TKA. Compared to manual TKA, 3DTKA cases were typically 47% more accurate for tibial component alignment, 62% more accurate for tibial slope, and 36% more accurate for femoral component rotation (calculated as percent reduction of median absolute deviation). The evaluation of femoral component coronal alignment reflected already very good baseline accuracy of the surgeons utilizing the intramedullary femoral guide system (Table 1). As optimal component position in TKA affects joint kinematics and may positively influence implant longevity, it is important for surgeons to maximize the opportunity to direct component positioning. Further clinical data is needed to study potential longer-term benefits of robotic technologies. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

We report the outcome of 32 patients (37 knees) who underwent hemicallostasis with a dynamic external fixator for osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the knee. There were 16 men (19 knees) and 16 women (18 knees) with a mean age at operation of 54.6 years (27 to 72). The aim was to achieve a valgus overcorrection of 2° to 8° or mechanical axis at 62.5% (± 12.5%). At a mean follow-up of 62.8 months (51 to 81) there was no change in the mean range of movement, and no statistically significant difference in the Insall-Salvati index or tibial slope (p = 0.11 and p = 0.15, respectively). The mean hip-knee-ankle angle changed from 190.6 (183° to 197°) to 176.0° (171° to 181°), with a mean final position of the mechanical axis of 58.5% (35.1% to 71.2%). The desired alignment was attained in 31 of 37 (84%) knees. There were 21 excellent, 13 good, two fair and one poor result according to the Oxford knee score with no correlation between age and final score. This score was at its best at one year with a statistically significant deterioration at two years (p = 0.001) followed by a small but not statistically significant deterioration until the final follow-up (p = 0.17). All the knees with Ahlback grade 1 osteoarthritis had excellent or good results. Complications included pin tract infections involving 16.4% of all pins used, delayed union in two, knee stiffness in four, fracture of the lateral cortex in one and ring sequestrum in one. In conclusion, hemicallostasis provides precision in attaining the desired alignment without interfering with tibial slope or patellar height, and is relatively free of serious complications

Aims. The purpose of our study was three fold; firstly to assess the survival of closing wedge high tibial osteotomies (CWHTO), secondly to assess any clinical factors or radiological alignment which may affect survival and thirdly to assess the change in tibial inclination and patella height. Methods. Details of 51 patients undergoing CWHTO for varus gonarthrosis between 1999 and 2007 were assessed for age, BMI, gender, range of movement, meniscal integrity and grade of arthritis. Radiological evaluation included pre and post-operative femoro-tibial axis, tibial slope and patella height. Outcome was also evaluated by Oxford knee score and UCLA activity score. Failure was considered as conversion to arthroplasty. Results. At 8 years Kaplan Meier analysis demonstrated 81%survival (95% CI 0.62 to 0.91) with arthroplasty as the endpoint. Cox proportional hazard ratios demonstrated no significant relationship to gender, pre-operative range of movement, meniscal integrity grade of osteoarthritis or post-operative leg alignment, but failure was more likely to occur in the older patient. Radiologically there was a statistically significant reduction in tibial slope but only a minimal change in patella height. Conclusion. We believe CWHTO can have good medium term results for younger patients with osteoarthritis. Although we could not find any significant relationship to survival for leg alignment, it will reduce the tibial slope and minimally affect the patella height

Improved surgical techniques and new fixation methods have revived interest in high tibial osteotomy surgery in recent years. Our aim was to review our first 59 cases. All patients underwent radiological and clinical review including pre and post operative scores. Mean age at surgery was 43 (22-59) and mean follow up is 22 months. The mean pre-operative limb alignment was 5.4° varus (range 1°-16°) with correction to 2° valgus (range -1° - 7°). HTO is known to increase tibial slope and in this series the change in tibial slope from -5.2° (95%CI: -6.36 to -4.07)) to -7.8° (-8.83 to –6.89) was statistically significant. p= 0.0014 (Mann Whitney). Patellar height is often reduced following opening wedge HTO and this is confirmed in our series. The Blackburne-Peel ratio changed from 0.74 to 0.58 and the Caton-Descamps from 0.83 to 0.7. Both were statistically significant at p<0.0001 and p=0.0001 respectively. All scores improved post operatively, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome (KOOS) from 48 (8-91) to 73 (27-96), the Oxford knee score (OKS) from 25 (3-47) to 37 (9-48), and the EQ5D from 189809 (11221-32333) to 14138 (11111-22233) with the EQ5D VAS improving from 58 to 75. There was no correlation between change in limb alignment, tibial slope or patellar height and any of the scores used. There were three superficial wound infections, and one non union which was treated with grafting and re fixation. Six patients have had their plate removed. Improvement in clinical scores in these patients confirms that medial opening wedge HTO is a reliable joint preserving procedure in the short term and our surgical technique is reproducible and consistent with other published series

Introduction. In major orthopaedic departments, typically several total knee systems are used. Each system requires several sets of instruments, each set with many trays of complicated and expensive parts. The logistics and costs of maintainance are considerable. Our overall goal is to investigate the feasibility of autoclavable single-use 3D printed instruments made from a polymeric material, used for any type of total knee design. The procedure will be standardized and adjustments easy to implement. Each set will be packaged individually, and used for a single case. There are many aspects to this study; in this part, the aims are to identify suitable materials for autoclavability and strength, and then to compare the accuracy of a novel design of 3D printed tibial cutting guide with a current metallic guide. Methods. Test samples were designed to simulate shapes in current instruments, such as mating pegs and holes, threaded screws, and slotted blocks. Each set was produced in biocompatible materials, ABS-M30i, VeroClear (MED610), Ultem1010, and Nylon 12. Each part was laser scanned, and then imaged virtually using a reverse engineering software (GeoMagic). Manual measurements of key dimensions were also made using calipers. The parts were autoclaved using a standardized protocol, 30 minutes at 250° F. All parts were re-scanned and measured to determine any changes in dimensions. To test for strength and abrasion resistance, the slotted blocks were pinned to sawbones model tibias, and an oscillating saw used to cut through the slot. A compact 3D printed tibial cutting guide was then designed which fitted to the proximal tibia and allowed varus-valgus, tibial slope and height adjustments. A small laser attached to the guide projected to a target at the ankle. Tests were made on 20 sawbones, and compared with 20 with a standard metal cutting guide. Digitization was used to measure the angles of the cuts. Results. Prior to autoclaving, the mating parts of all parts were congruent, except for Nylon 12 which had processing debris in slots and screw threads. The ABS-M30i shapes became grossly deformed after autoclaving. The other materials experienced only small changes in dimensions without loss of overall shape, but the slot of the Nylon 12 block was stenotic, 1.4 mm compared to 0.9 mm before autoclaving. In saw blade testing, the VeroClear block fractured through the corner of the slot, while the Nylon 12 block deformed due to heating. The Ultem1010 block produced a small amount of debris, but maintained its shape without any structural damage. In the tests of the tibial cutting guide the 3D printed laser-guided tibial cutting guide resulted in a mean absolute error of 1.72°±1.31° and 1.19°±0.93°, for the tibial slope and varus-valgus respectively. For the conventional guides, these values were 3.78°±1.98° and 2.33°±0.98°, respectively. These measurements were found to be statistically significant with p values of 0.004 and 0.001, respectively. Conclusions. Thus far, apart from patient specific cutting guides and trial components, 3D printing has had limited applications in total knee surgery. As cost containment remains prominent, the use of 3D printing to produce standardized instruments may become viable. These instruments would not require pre-op planning such as CT or MRI, yet allow patient-specific angular settings. Our results indicated that Ultem1010 is a promising material, while a novel tibial cutting guide showed higher accuracy than standard, as well as being quicker to use. These initial tests indicated the viability of 3D printed instruments, but further work will include design and evaluation of the other cutting guides, manufacturing logistics such as in-house or company- based, and economics

Aims. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to assess the accuracy of positioning and alignment of the components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), comparing those undertaken using standard intramedullary cutting jigs and those with patient-specific instruments (PSI). Patients and Methods. There were 64 TKAs in the standard group and 69 in the PSI group. The post-operative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and positioning was investigated using CT scans. Deviation of > 3° from the planned position was regarded as an outlier. The operating time, Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores were recorded. Results. There were 14 HKA-angle outliers (22%) in the standard group and nine (13%) in the PSI group (p = 0.251). The mean HKA-angle was 0.5° varus in the standard group and 0.2° varus in the PSI group (p = 0.492). The accuracy of alignment in the coronal and axial planes and the proportion of outliers was not different in the two groups. The femoral component was more flexed (p = 0.035) and there were significantly more tibial slope outliers (29% versus 13%) in the PSI group (p = 0.032). Operating time and the median three-month OKS were similar (p = 0.218 and p = 0.472, respectively). Physical and mental SF-12 scores were not significantly different at three months (p = 0.418 and p = 0.267, respectively) or at one year post-operatively (p = 0.114 and p = 0.569). The median one-year Oxford knee score was two points higher in the PSI group (p = 0.049). Conclusion. Compared with standard intramedullary jigs, the use of PSI did not significantly reduce the number of outliers or the mean operating time, nor did it clinically improve the accuracy of alignment or the median Oxford Knee Scores. Our data do not support the routine use of PSI when undertaking TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1043–9

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for dislocation of the bearing after a mobile-bearing Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and to test the hypothesis that surgical factors, as measured from post-operative radiographs, are associated with its dislocation. From a total of 480 UKRs performed between 2001 and 2012, in 391 patients with a mean age of 66.5 years (45 to 82) (316 female, 75 male), we identified 17 UKRs where bearing dislocation occurred. The post-operative radiological measurements of the 17 UKRs and 51 matched controls were analysed using conditional logistic regression analysis. The post-operative radiological measurements included post-operative change in limb alignment, the position of the femoral and tibial components, the resection depth of the proximal tibia, and the femoral component-posterior condyle classification. We concluded that a post-operative decrease in the posterior tibial slope relative to the pre-operative value was the only significant determinant of dislocation of the bearing after medial Oxford UKR (odds ratio 1.881; 95% confidence interval 1.272 to 2.779). A post-operative posterior tibial slope < 8.45° and a difference between the pre-operative and post-operative posterior tibial slope of > 2.19° may increase the risk of dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:914–22

We studied the intra- and interobserver reliability of measurements of the position of the components after total knee replacement (TKR) using a combination of radiographs and axial two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT images to identify which method is best for this purpose. A total of 30 knees after primary TKR were assessed by two independent observers (an orthopaedic surgeon and a radiologist) using radiographs and CT scans. Plain radiographs were highly reliable at measuring the tibial slope, but showed wide variability for all other measurements; 2D-CT also showed wide variability. 3D-CT was highly reliable, even when measuring rotation of the femoral components, and significantly better than 2D-CT. Interobserver variability in the measurements on radiographs were good (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.65 to 0.82), but rotational measurements on 2D-CT were poor (ICC 0.29). On 3D-CT they were near perfect (ICC 0.89 to 0.99), and significantly more reliable than 2D-CT (p < 0.001). 3D-reconstructed images are sufficiently reliable to enable reporting of the position and orientation of the components. Rotational measurements in particular should be performed on 3D-reconstructed CT images. When faced with a poorly functioning TKR with concerns over component positioning, we recommend 3D-CT as the investigation of choice

We performed a randomised controlled trial comparing computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional surgery (CONV) in total knee replacement (TKR). Between 2009 and 2011 a total of 192 patients with a mean age of 68 years (55 to 85) with osteoarthritis or arthritic disease of the knee were recruited from four Norwegian hospitals. At three months follow-up, functional results were marginally better for the CAS group. Mean differences (MD) in favour of CAS were found for the Knee Society function score (MD: 5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 11.4, p = 0.039), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales for ‘pain’ (MD: 7.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 13.6, p = 0.012), ‘sports’ (MD: 13.5, 95% CI 5.6 to 21.4, p = 0.001) and ‘quality of life’ (MD: 7.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 14.3, p = 0.046). At one-year follow-up, differences favouring CAS were found for KOOS ‘sports’ (MD: 11.0, 95% CI 3.0 to 19.0, p = 0.007) and KOOS ‘symptoms’ (MD: 6.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 13.0, p = 0.035). The use of CAS resulted in fewer outliers in frontal alignment (> 3° malalignment), both for the entire TKR (37.9% vs 17.9%, p = 0.042) and for the tibial component separately (28.4% vs 6.3%, p = 0.002). Tibial slope was better achieved with CAS (58.9% vs 26.3%, p < 0.001). Operation time was 20 minutes longer with CAS. In conclusion, functional results were, statistically, marginally in favour of CAS. Also, CAS was more predictable than CONV for mechanical alignment and positioning of the prosthesis. However, the long-term outcomes must be further investigated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:609–18

Introduction. Implant malalignment is an important predictor of prosthetic failure following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of outliers for common alignment targets and the impact of surgeon volume and experience on the accuracy of implant alignment with current generation manual instrumentation. Methods. This study was a retrospective, multi-center, radiographic analysis of 1675 consecutive primary uncomplicated TKAs from seven surgeons at three academic and state-funded centers in the US and UK. Surgeons were categorized as “high-volume” (≥50 TKAs/year) and “high-experience” (≥5 years post-fellowship). Femorotibial, tibial varus/valgus, and posterior tibial slope angles were digitally measured using postoperative radiographs. Femorotibial (<2° or >8° valgus), tibial (> ±3° deviation from the neutral axis), and tibial slope (<0° or >7° of flexion for cruciate retaining, <0° or >5° of flexion for posterior stabilized) angle outliers were identified. The proportion of outliers among surgeons in each subgroup was compared. Results. When comparing high-and low-volume surgeons, the proportion of femorotibial (12% vs. 19%, p <0.0001), posterior slope (17% vs. 28%, p <0.0001), and total outliers (12% vs. 19%, p <0.0001) was significantly lower in the high-volume group. Furthermore, the proportion of knees with well-aligned implants in all three measurements (69% vs. 53%, p <0.0001) was significantly higher in the high-volume group. When comparing high-and low-experience surgeons, the proportion of femorotibial (14% vs. 17%, p = 0.046), tibial (9% vs. 6%, p = 0.030), posterior slope (19% vs. 26%, p <0.0001), and total outliers (14% vs. 17%, p = 0.006) was higher in the low-volume group. Furthermore, the proportion of knees with well-aligned implants in all three measurements (64% vs. 58%, p = 0.008) was significantly higher in the high-experience group. Conclusions. Low surgeon volume and experience predispose to implant malalignment following TKA, with surgical volume bearing a greater influence on alignment accuracy. Even among high volume, high experience surgeons, outliers in at least one standard alignment target occur in over 30% of cases with current standard instrumentation

Aims

Sagittal plane imbalance (SPI), or asymmetry between extension and flexion gaps, is an important issue in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare SPI between kinematic alignment (KA), mechanical alignment (MA), and functional alignment (FA) strategies.