Outcome of arthroscopy-assisted treatment for distal clavicle fractures.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present study was described as the arthroscopically assisted procedure that uses a synthetic conoid ligament reconstruction using Zip Tight (Zimmer biomet, Warsaw, USA) and fracture-site fixation with K-wire. Our hypothesis was that this technique provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication. METHODS: 45 patients underwent operation to treat fractures of the distal clavicle between January 2014 and May 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) there is an episode of trauma and it is the first fracture (2) distal clavicle fracture of Neer type IIb with dislocation in image findings. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Neer type I, IIa and III of distal clavicle fracture (2) existing injury of rotator cuff, biceps tendon and labral during the arthroscopic procedure. Based on these criteria, 23 patients were included in this study. Clinical outcome assessments were performed using 1-year postoperative Quick DASH score, Constant-Murley score, ASES score. Radiological outcome consisted of antero-posterior and axillary radiographs. RESULTS: Mean clinical outcomes were as follows: Quick DASH score was 3.8 ± 2.8, ASES score was 92.3 ± 3.2 and Constant-Murley score was 94.1 ± 3.0. It was a highly satisfactory result in all of the score at 1-year follow-up. All patients had achieved radiographic union at a minimum 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of nonunion or osteolysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the arthroscopy-assisted treatment using Zip Tight and K-wire provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication with Neer type IIb fractures of the distal clavicle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series, Treatment study.

The quadrant method measuring four points is as a reliable and accurate as the quadrant method in the evaluation after anatomical double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The quadrant method was described by Bernard et al. and it has been widely used for postoperative evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this research is to further develop the quadrant method measuring four points, which we named four-point quadrant method, and to compare with the quadrant method. METHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) analyses were performed in 25 patients who underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction using the outside-in technique. The four points in this study's quadrant method were defined as point1-highest, point2-deepest, point3-lowest, and point4-shallowest, in femoral tunnel position. Value of depth and height in each point was measured. Antero-medial (AM) tunnel is (depth1, height2) and postero-lateral (PL) tunnel is (depth3, height4) in this four-point quadrant method. The 3D-CT images were evaluated independently by 2 orthopaedic surgeons. A second measurement was performed by both observers after a 4-week interval. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was calculated by means of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Also, the accuracy of the method was evaluated against the quadrant method. RESULTS: Intra-observer reliability was almost perfect for both AM and PL tunnel (ICC > 0.81). Inter-observer reliability of AM tunnel was substantial (ICC > 0.61) and that of PL tunnel was almost perfect (ICC > 0.81). The AM tunnel position was 0.13% deep, 0.58% high and PL tunnel position was 0.01% shallow, 0.13% low compared to quadrant method. CONCLUSIONS: The four-point quadrant method was found to have high intra- and inter-observer reliability and accuracy. This method can evaluate the tunnel position regardless of the shape and morphology of the bone tunnel aperture for use of comparison and can provide measurement that can be compared with various reconstruction methods. The four-point quadrant method of this study is considered to have clinical relevance in that it is a detailed and accurate tool for evaluating femoral tunnel position after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Higher patellofemoral compressive force does not affect anterior knee pain in anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty: In vivo prospective analysis of guided motion prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of the present study are 1) to measure intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force in patients undergoing anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty and to assess the relationship between intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force and patient reported outcome measurements and 2) to compare patellofemoral compressive force and patient reported outcome measurements among patients who underwent anatomical bi-cruciate retaining, cruciate retaining, and bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty, 20 patients who underwent cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty, and 24 patients who underwent bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty were assessed. Patient reported outcome measurements were evaluated at 1.5 years after surgery. FINDINGS: Intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force was significantly lower with anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty than with cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty at 60° to 140° of flexion and nearly equivalent to intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force with bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty at all knee flexion angles examined. With anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty, there were no significant correlations between intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force and almost all patient reported outcome measurements except for 2011 Knee Society Score expectations, which was positively correlated with patellofemoral compressive force at 10° of flexion, and Patella score quadriceps strength, which was negatively correlated with patellofemoral compressive force at 60° of flexion. INTERPRETATION: There were no significant correlations between intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force and anterior knee pain after anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Evidence level: 3.

Midterm Comparison of Tibial Fixation between Posterior Cruciate-Retaining and Substituting Porous Tantalum Total Knee Arthroplasty: Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Analysis.

Porous tantalum tibial component is durable with excellent bone ingrowth, higher knee scores, and long-term survivorship. However, to our knowledge, the effect of posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior cruciate-substituting (PS) porous tantalum tibial component has not been reported. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prosthetic bone quality between CR porous tantalum tibial component and PS using three-dimensional multi-detector-row computed tomography (3D-MDCT). Porous twenty-two (22) CR total knee arthroplasties and 22 PS received 3D-MDCT at every 6 months up to 5.5 years postoperatively to assess prosthetic bone quality (bone marrow contents/tissue volumes [BMC/TV, mg/cm3]) underneath the pegs of porous tantalum modular tibial component. Clinical outcomes (Knee Society score [KSS], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), FJS-12, Patella score) were evaluated at a minimum follow-up period of 5.5 years. No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, body mass index, KSS, and BMC/TV volumes in the proximal tibia between the two groups before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There were also no significant differences between the CR and PS groups with regard to BMC/TV at every 6 months up to 5.5 years after TKA. At 5.5 years postoperatively, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the KSS, WOMAC, forgotten joint score (FJS-12), and Patella score. The present study revealed that the prosthetic bone quality of the CR porous tantalum tibial component and PS were equivalent at every 6 months up to 5.5 years after TKA. This study reflects level II evidence.

Minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty is less popular, but the prosthesis designed specifically for MIS provides good survival and PROMs with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

BACKGROUND: The concept of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was introduced in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the late 1990s. The number of MIS TKAs has clearly decreased in recent years. An implant designed specifically for MIS TKA has been used all over the world, but there are no reports of long-term postoperative results. The purpose of this study was to characterize long-term clinical results with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. METHODS: This retrospective study included 109 consecutive patients with 143 NexGen CR-Flex prostheses, which are MIS tibial component prostheses designed specifically for MIS TKA. Twelve-year survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Revision surgery for any reason was the endpoint. Long-term clinical and radiographic results of 74 knees (55%) in 60 patients with more than 10 years of follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rate of the single-radius posterior-stabilized TKA of 74 knees was 94.7% (95% confidence interval, 90-99%) at 12 years after surgery. Seven knees (9%) required additional surgery during the 10-year follow-up because of periprosthetic infections. Mean postoperative Knee Society knee score and functional score were 91 and 74 points, respectively. There were no cases of prosthesis breakage, polyethylene wear, or aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: The prosthesis designed specifically for MIS TKA is associated with good survival and clinical results with a minimum follow-up of 10 years, even though MIS TKA has become less popular. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Greater postoperative relatively medial loose gap at 90° of flexion for varus knees improves patient-reported outcome measurements in anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to measure the intraoperative joint gap using tensor device and pre- and, postoperative joint stability at 0, 30 and 90° of flexion using stress radiography and to identify whether these factors influence patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) in anatomical bi-cruciate retaining (BCR) knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Fifty-three knees with preoperative varus osteoarthritis of the knee underwent anatomical BCR TKA with oblique three-degree angle femorotibial joint line. The intraoperative medial and lateral joint gap using a tensor device and gap difference (lateral minus medial; varus laxity) were also calculated. Postoperative joint stability was measured using stress radiographs. PROM was also evaluated at 1.5 years postoperatively. The effect of intraoperative and postoperative joint stabilities on PROMs were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: Intraoperative greater difference between medial joint gap at 140° and 0° of flexion showed significant positive correlation with postoperative function of patellofemoral joint. Intraoperative varus laxity at extension improved postoperative symptoms in 2011 Knee Society Score (2011 KSS); greater postoperative lateral stability at 30 and 90° of flexion with the varus stress test was associated with the better patient expectation in 2011 KSS. Postoperative medial laxity at 90° of flexion with the valgus stress test positively correlated with the patient expectation and satisfaction in 2011 KSS. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should notice that the postoperative lateral stability and medial laxity at 90° of flexion improved PROM in anatomical BCR TKA.

Erratum to "Greater postoperative relatively medial loose gap at 90° of flexion for varus knees improves patient-reported outcome measurements in anatomical bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty" [The Knee 27(5) (2020) 1534-1541]".

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to measure the intraoperative joint gap using tensor device and pre- and, postoperative joint stability at 0, 30 and 90° of flexion using stress radiography and to identify whether these factors influence patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) in anatomical bi-cruciate retaining (BCR) knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Fifty-three knees with preoperative varus osteoarthritis of the knee underwent anatomical BCR TKA with oblique 3° angle femorotibial joint line. The intraoperative medial and lateral joint gap using a tensor device and gap difference (lateral minus medial; varus laxity) were also calculated. Postoperative joint stability was measured using stress radiographs. PROM was also evaluated at 1.5 years postoperatively. The effect of intraoperative and postoperative joint stabilities on PROMs were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: Intraoperative greater difference between medial joint gap at 140° and 0° of flexion showed significant positive correlation with postoperative function of patellofemoral joint. Intraoperative varus laxity at extension improved postoperative symptoms in 2011 Knee Society Score (2011 KSS); greater postoperative lateral stability at 30 and 90° of flexion with the varus stress test was associated with the better patient expectation in 2011 KSS. Postoperative medial laxity at 90° of flexion with the valgus stress test positively correlated with the patient expectation and satisfaction in 2011 KSS. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should notice that the postoperative lateral stability and medial laxity at 90° of flexion improved PROM in anatomical BCR TKA.

The influence of tibiofemoral joint forces on patient-reported outcome measurements after bicruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Insall advocated that a successful clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) depends on soft tissue balance procedure. Spacer blocks, balancer, and instrumented tibial sensor (VERESENSE, OrthoSensor, Dania, Florida, USA) are the current methods of soft tissue balancing during TKA. The purpose of the study is to assess intraoperative medial and lateral tibiofemoral compressive force (TFCF) using novel insert sensor and investigate the relationship between TFCF and patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs). METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent bicruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA were evaluated retrospectively. We measured intraoperative medial and lateral TFCF in neutral position as well as the force ratio (FR %:medial TFCF/medial + lateral TFCF) in varus and valgus position using the novel insert sensor throughout the range of motion (ROM) and assessed the relationship between intraoperative medial and lateral TFCF and PROM at 6 months after TKA. RESULTS: Medial TFCF increased and lateral TFCF decreased throughout ROM. The mean FR was 0.44% ± 0.22 throughout ROM. Medial and lateral TFCF differences at 60° of ROM in neutral position showed a positive correlation with physical function in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). Medial and lateral TFCF differences at 30° and 140° of ROM in valgus stress test showed a positive correlation with symptoms in 2011 Knee Society Scores (r = 0.49, p < 0.05; r = 0.51, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that BCS TKA reproduces the coronal laxity, which is similar to healthy knee. These results suggest that intraoperative medial stability is important for function and symptoms, therefore, surgeons should not release medial soft tissue for achieving better clinical outcomes after BCS TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A 2-year follow-up of isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction by using soft suture anchor and adjustable cortical fixation system.

PURPOSE: Numerous surgical techniques and fixation methods have been described in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction such as choice of graft, graft fixation method of patella/femur and initial tension. We describe short term clinical results of MPFL reconstruction by using soft suture anchor and adjustable cortical fixation system. METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction by using soft suture anchor and adjustable cortical fixation system were included in this study. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and pre-operative and 2 years post-operative Kujala score, IKDC score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were used to assess clinical outcome. Radiographic evaluation included the Q angle, congruence angle and patellar tilt angle. Pre- and post-operative changes were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were no complications including re-dislocation, patella fracture, infection, and joint contracture. The apprehension test was positive in 4.2% post-operatively. A statistically significant improvement in clinical scores and radiographic evaluation were evident after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated MPFL Reconstruction using soft suture anchor and adjustable cortical fixation system led good restoration of patellar stability and significant improvement of knee function in short-term results. This surgical technique can reduce complications such as patella fractures, and can be done safely. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This technique may be a treatment option with little associated complications in the treatment for patellar instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Bi-cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improved medio-lateral instability in mid-flexion range.

PURPOSE: Appropriate medio-lateral (ML) stability is an important factor of good clinical outcome following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that a newly introduced Bi-Cruciate Stabilized substituting (BCS) prosthesis reduces the medio-lateral instability in mid-flexion range. The purpose of this study was to measure the ML stability (varus ligament balance) using a new tensor device after implantation of BCS TKA and to analysis the association between varus ligament balance and clinical results after TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 33 patients who underwent 39 Journey. 2. BCS TKA using the measured resection technique. We measured the gaps after implantation from extension to full flexion with reduced patella by constant distraction force with 120N. The varus ligament balance gap was defined as the gap calculated by subtracting from Lateral to medial component gap. The clinical results at 2years after operation was compared with intraoperative varus ligament balance. RESULTS: Varus ligament balance showed its maximum gap at full knee extension and 120° flexion. Varus ligament balance at 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion were significant differences in the varus ligament balance at full extension. (* p < 0.05). The varus ligament balance gap was negatively corrected with postoperative 2011 Knee society score (patient's satisfaction) (r = 0.661, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The most important findings of the present study are that BCS TKA can reduces the ML instability in mid-flexion range, and improve simultaneously the patient's satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III.