Anterior talofibular ligament remnant quality is important for achieving a stable ankle after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair.

PURPOSE: The relationship between ligament remnant quality and postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair for chronic lateral ankle instability is controversial. This study aimed to determine whether the signal intensity of the anterior talofibular ligament on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and ligament remnant quality identified on arthroscopy are associated with recurrent ankle instability after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair. METHODS: A total of 68 ankles from 67 patients with chronic lateral ankle instability who underwent arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair were retrospectively studied. The signal intensity of the anterior talofibular ligament was evaluated using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Arthroscopy was used to evaluate the thickness and mechanical resistance of the anterior talofibular ligament by hook palpation and to classify ankles into two groups: the present anterior talofibular ligament group with adequate mechanical resistance and the absent anterior talofibular ligament group with no mechanical resistance. The outcomes included recurrent ankle instability (respraining of the operated ankle after surgery) and Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire scores. RESULTS: Thirteen ankles were diagnosed with recurrent ankle instability. Patients with a high anterior talofibular ligament T2 signal intensity experienced more recurrent ankle instability than those with a low intensity. As determined via arthroscopy, the absent anterior talofibular ligament group had a higher rate of recurrent ankle instability than the present anterior talofibular ligament group. There were no significant differences in Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire scores between patients with high and low anterior talofibular ligament T2 signal intensity, as well as between absent and present anterior talofibular ligament groups based on arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: Poor quality of the anterior talofibular ligament remnant could result in recurrent ankle instability after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair. Therefore, when treating chronic lateral ankle instability, surgeons should consider ligament quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

How does the postoperative medial arch height influence the patient reported outcomes of stage â ¡ acquired adult flatfoot deformity?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess how the postoperative medial arch height influenced postoperative patient-reported clinical outcomes after surgery for stage Ⅱ acquired adult flatfoot deformity. METHODS: A total of 30 feet of 30 patients (7 males, 23 females) who underwent surgery for stage Ⅱ acquired adult flatfoot deformity and could be followed up for at least 2 years were included. The average age at surgery was 60.0 (standard deviation, 13.0) years, and the average follow-up period was 40 (standard deviation, 15.4) months. Among them, 16 patients underwent lateral column lengthening and 14 patients did not. Patient-reported clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire. Radiographic alignment was evaluated by the talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle, medial cuneiform height, medial cuneiform to 5th metatarsal height, and calcaneal pitch. The correlation between postoperative Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and radiographic alignment was assessed with Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and radiographic alignment significantly improved postoperatively in all patients (P < 0.0001). In patients with severe deformity who needed lateral column lengthening, lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle was negatively and medial cuneiform to 5th metatarsal height was positively correlated with physical functioning Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire subscales (r = -0.56 and 0.55), and medial cuneiform height was positively correlated with physical functioning, social functioning and general health Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire subscales (r = 0.70, 0.55 and 0.73, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postoperative medial arch height could influence physical functioning, social functioning, and general health in patients with severe stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity.

Dynamic hip kinematics before and after periacetabular osteotomy in patients with dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: We prospectively analyzed the hip kinematics in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) before and after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and in healthy subjects while squatting to determine the influence of coverage of the femoral head on hip kinematics. METHODS: 14 hips in 14 patients with DDH and 10 hips in 10 volunteers were included. Continuous radiographs while squatting and computed tomography images were obtained to assess the in vivo kinematics of the hip and the rim-neck distance using density-based 3D-to-2D model-to-image registration techniques. RESULTS: The maximum hip flexion angles were 100.4° and 94.9° before and after PAO (p = 0.0863), respectively. The maximum hip flexion angles after PAO did not significantly differ from those of normal hips (102.2°; p = 0.2552). The hip abduction angles at maximum hip flexion were 31.7° and 26.2° before and after PAO (p = 0.1256), respectively. The rim-neck distance decreased from averaged 12.2 mm-8.9 mm (p = 0.0044) after PAO. The lateral center edge angle (LCEA) and anterior center edge angle (ACEA) significantly improved 14.7°-42.4° and 50.4°-54.0° after PAO (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0347), respectively; in particular, the ACEA after PAO did not significantly differ from that in the normal hips (p = 0.1917). The ACEA was not correlated with hip flexion, or the rim-neck distance (p = 0.9601, 0.8764). The LCEA was also not correlated with hip abduction (p = 0.1683). CONCLUSION: Patients after PAO showed no significant difference in maximum hip flexion while squatting compared to before PAO and normal hips. Horizontalized weight-bearing acetabulum with normalized ACEA could be adequate correction of the acetabular fragment to restore hip RoM without coxalgia that induce the inability to perform squats after PAO.

In vivo kinematics, component alignment and hardware variables influence on the liner-to-neck clearance during chair-rising after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is an interest in quantifying dynamic hip kinematics before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) during chair-rising: one of daily life activities. METHODS: The study consisted of 21 patients who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty for symptomatic osteoarthritis. We obtained continuous radiographs using a flat-panel X-ray detector while the participants rose from chair. We assessed the pre and postoperative hip joint's movements using three-dimensional-to-two-dimensional model-to-image registration techniques. We also measured minimum liner-to-neck distances at maximum hip flexion and extension as anterior and posterior liner-to-neck distances, respectively. Multivariate analyses were applied to determine which factors were associated with liner-to-neck distances. RESULTS: The cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem anteversion averaged 37.4°, 23.1°, and 30.1°, respectively. Significantly larger maximum hip flexion angle (72°) was found during chair-rising after THA compared to that before THA (63°, P < 0.01). The anterior pelvic tilt at the maximum hip flexion after THA (3° of anterior tilt) was significantly (P < 0.05) anterior compared to that before THA (1° of posterior tilt). The anterior and posterior liner-to-neck distances averaged 12.3 mm and 8.1 mm, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.01). No liner-to-neck contact was found in any hips. In multivariate analysis, the hip flexion angle, cup inclination, stem anteversion and head diameter were significantly associated with the anterior liner-to-neck distance (P < 0.05), the hip extension angle, cup anteversion, neck length and with or without elevated rim were significantly associated with the posterior liner-to-neck distance (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.05, 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that well-positioned THA provide increased range of hip flexion with sufficient anterior liner-to-neck clearance during chair-rising. Dynamic hip kinematics, component position, and hardware variables significantly influenced on the liner-to-neck clearance under weight-bearing conditions.

Does Preparation of the Subtalar Joint for Primary Union Affect Clinical Outcome in Patients Undergoing Intramedullary Nail for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hindfoot and Ankle?

This study aimed to evaluate whether preparation of the subtalar joint affects the clinical outcomes after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail with fins for rheumatoid ankle/hindfoot deformity. Fifty-three joints in 51 patients who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail with fins for rheumatoid arthritis at 2 institutions were included. Ten patients were male and 41 were female, with a mean age at surgery and follow-up period of 61.3 years and 71.6 months, respectively. Radiographic bone union was evaluated at the most recent visit. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the risk factors associated with nonunion. The mean postoperative Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle/hindfoot scale was 65.3 (range, 5-84). The tibiotalar nonunion rate was 0%, whereas the subtalar nonunion rate was 43.3% (23 joints). Revision surgery was performed in 5, all of which were due to painful subtalar nonunion. Absence of subtalar curettage and earlier postoperative weightbearing were significantly associated with subtalar nonunion (p = .0451 and p = .0438, respectively). Subtalar nonunion after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for rheumatoid hindfoot is associated with higher revision rate. To decrease the risk of subtalar nonunion after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail in rheumatoid patients, curettage for the subtalar joint should be performed, and full weightbearing should be delayed until at least 26 days postoperatively.

How does anteroposterior cup placement affect bone coverage and range of motion in primary total hip arthroplasty for hip dysplasia?

BACKGROUND: Due to anterior bone defects, high and/or posterior placement of an acetabular cup is often required to achieve sufficient coverage in patients with hip dysplasia. We examined whether posterior cup placement affected the postoperative range of motion (ROM) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Using computer software, bone coverage and ROM were examined in 32 patients with unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip with Crowe type II or III hip dysplasia. We determined the cup position to satisfy cup center-edge (Cup-CE) angle ≥0° and the required ROM. The cup was placed at the anatomic hip center and moved in 2-mm increments anteroposteriorly and 10-mm increments vertically. RESULTS: At vertical anatomic hip center, less than 68.8% hips fulfilled Cup-CE ≥0° regardless of anteroposterior position. Significantly more hips at higher hip center with posterior cup placement achieved Cup-CE ≥0° than hips at vertical anatomic hip center, and 10 mm higher hip center was the most suitable for achieving bone coverage. However, posterior and superior cup placement significantly decreased the flexion and IR due to early bone impingement, whereas ER and extension were not affected. A smoothing spline curve demonstrated that more posterior cup placement than 4.8 mm and 3.6 mm did not satisfy the required ROM at 10 mm and 20 mm higher hip center, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Posterosuperior cup placement gained more bone coverage but decreased the range of hip flexion and internal rotation. Consequently, posterosuperior cup placement did not satisfy the required ROM.

Initial stability of a highly porous titanium cup in an acetabular bone defect model.

BACKGROUNDS: The purpose of this study was to quantify the initial stability of a highly porous titanium cup using an acetabular bone defect model. METHODS: The maximum torque of a highly porous titanium cup, with a pore size of 640 µm and porosity of 60%, was measured using rotational and lever-out torque testing and compared to that of a titanium-sprayed cup. The bone models were prepared using a polyurethane foam block and had three levels of bone coverage: 100, 70, and 50%. RESULTS: The highly porous titanium cup demonstrated significantly higher maximum torque than the titanium-sprayed cups in the three levels of bone defects. On rotational torque testing, it was found to be 1.5, 1.3, and 1.3 times stronger than the titanium-sprayed cups with 100, 70 and 50% bone coverage, respectively. Furthermore, it was found to be 2.2, 2.3, and 1.5 times stronger on lever-out testing than the titanium-sprayed cup. No breakage in the porous layers was noted during the testing. CONCLUSION: This study provides additional evidence of the initial stability of highly porous titanium cup, even in the presence of acetabular bone defects.

Visualization of a cam-type femoroacetabular impingement while squatting using image-matching techniques: a case report.

The in vivo assessment of the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the hip in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) under weight-bearing conditions has not been previously reported. We evaluated the pre- and postoperative hip kinematics of a 34-year-old man, with a cam-type FAI while squatting, using image-matching techniques with measurement of the rim-neck distance. Post-osteochondroplasty, the α-angle improved from 51.0° to 35.5° and the head-neck offset ratio from 0.04 to 0.23. Coxalgia during squatting disappeared, and the Harris Hip Score improved from 79 to 92 at 1 year post-surgery. Postoperative hip kinematic values (3.8° of posterior pelvic tilt and 101.2° of femoral flexion at 96.8° of maximum hip flexion) were similar to the preoperative values (2.9° of posterior pelvic tilt and 102.7° of femoral flexion at 98.8° of maximum hip flexion). Meanwhile, osteochondroplasty improved the minimum rim-neck distance at maximum hip flexion from 2.0 to 10.4 mm. In vivo 3D visualization of the clearance between the femoral head-neck junction and the acetabulum could assist surgeons in adequately identifying the location of impingement and confirming sufficient resection post-operatively.

Re-dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty for recurrent dislocation: a multicentre study.

PURPOSE: Although most case of dislocations after total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be managed with conservative treatment, recurrent dislocation may require surgical intervention. This multicentre study was conducted to evaluate the re-dislocation rate after revision THA for recurrent dislocation, and to determine the risk factors for re-dislocation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 88 hips in 88 patients who underwent revision THA for recurrent dislocation at five institutions between 1995 and 2014. The mean patient age at surgery was 68.5 years and the mean follow-up period was 53.1 months. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for re-dislocation. RESULTS: Sixteen hips in 16 patients (18.2 %) re-dislocated at a mean of 25.5 months (range, 1-83 months) after revision THA. Multivariate analysis identified osteonecrosis of the femoral head (odds ratio [OR] = 5.62 vs. osteoarthritis) and a femoral head size < 32 mm (OR = 3.86) as independent risk factors for re-dislocation. Eight hips required additional revision THA for re-dislocation. CONCLUSION: The re-dislocation rate after revision THA for recurrent dislocation remains high, suggesting the need for prevention measures. We recommend the use of a femoral head size ≥ 32 mm.

Dislocation and its recurrence after revision total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Dislocation is a leading cause of failure after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study was conducted to examine the risk factors for dislocation as well as their recurrence after revision THA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 178 revision THAs in 162 patients between 1998 and 2013. The mean patient age was 65.2 years at operation and the mean follow-up period was 6.7 years. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for dislocation, and further comparison was made between patients with single and recurrent dislocations. RESULTS: Sixteen hips in 15 patients (9.0 %) dislocated at a mean of 9.1 months (range, 0-83 months) after revision THA. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.94/10 years) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OR = 7.71) as the independent risk factors for any dislocations. Risk factors for recurrent dislocations, which were observed in eight hips (50 %), were later dislocations (≥4 months) and lower BMI. CONCLUSION: Dislocation is a serious problem after revision THA with multiple risk factors. Although our findings were limited to revision THAs done through posterolateral approach, recognition of these factors is helpful in patient education and surgical planning.

Neck fracture of femoral stems with a sharp slot at the neck: biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare complication. We have encountered 2 cases of neck fractures of the femoral stem occurring 9 and 12 years after THA. Morphological and biomechanical analysis were performed to investigate the mechanism of these fractures. METHOD: A titanium alloy femoral stem having a slot with sharp corners (R = 0.2 mm) at the neck had been implanted in both cases. Fracture surfaces were examined by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stress concentration was simulated by using a finite element method (FEM) to compare slots with sharp (R = 0.2 mm) and smooth (R = 2 mm) corners. RESULTS: Study of the retrieved stems revealed that neck fractures had occurred at the distal end of the slot in both cases. SEM revealed numerous fine fissures extending from the anterolateral edge, striations on the middle of the fracture surface, and dimples on the posteromedial surface, suggesting that the fractures had occurred from the anterolateral aspect toward the posteromedial aspect because of metallic fatigue. FEM analysis showed that mechanical stress was concentrated at the distal and anterolateral corners of the slot. Under 3500-N loading force, the stress at the sharp corner was 556 MPa, which was approximately twofold that at the smooth corner and exceeded the fatigue strength of titanium alloy. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the sharp corner of slot increased stress concentrations at the anterolateral aspect and led to the neck fractures.

Optimal anterior femoral offset for functional range of motion in total hip arthroplasty--a computer simulation study.

PURPOSE: Compared to medial femoral offset (MFO), the role of anterior femoral offset (AFO) on range of motion (ROM) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been fully examined. We therefore defined AFO as the anterior distance from the centre of the femoral head to the proximal femoral axis in the sagittal plane and determined the optimal AFO required for ROM needed for activities of daily living using a computer-simulated THA model. METHODS: Various AFOs were obtained by changing stem anteversion (stem-AV) and stem tilt in the sagittal plane (stem-tilt) using a CT-based simulation software. The required ROM was defined as: flexion ≥ 110°, internal rotation at 90° flexion (IR) ≥ 30°, external rotation (ER) ≥ 30°, and extension ≥ 30°, and we determined AFO and MFO to satisfy required ROM. RESULTS: AFO was positively correlated with stem-AV and anterior stem-tilt. MFO was negatively correlated with stem-AV and not influenced by stem-tilt. Flexion and IR increased with both increased AFO and MFO, whereas extension and ER decreased with increased AFO. A smoothing spline curve showed the optimal AFO and MFO for required ROM to be from 15 mm to 25 mm on average and more than 32.1 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that AFO directly influenced ROM in THA. Optimal AFO as well as MFO should be reconstructed to achieve sufficient ROM.

Hindfoot Alignment and Ankle Stability Following Arthroscopic Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair.

BACKGROUND: Hindfoot varus deformity is a known risk factor for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The impact of this deformity on clinical results following arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair (ALLR) for CLAI has not been studied. METHODS: Sixty-three ankles from 62 patients who received ALLR for CLAI were retrospectively examined. Preoperative plain radiographs were used to measure tibial articular surface (TAS) angles, and long axial hindfoot alignment radiographs were used to measure tibiocalcaneal angles (TCAs) pre- and postoperatively. Results included ratings on the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) and recurrent ankle instability (respraining of the operated ankle following surgery). RESULTS: Recurrent ankle instability, defined as incidence of any new ankle sprain after surgery reported in the follow-up period, occurred in 13 ankles. The TAS angles of these patients were significantly low, and their preoperative TCA was significantly high. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative TCA was an independent risk factor for recurrent ankle instability. The threshold values for preoperative TCA for recurrent instability were determined via the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to be 3.4 degrees. Patients were assigned to a low- or high-TCA group based on the reported average TCA (2.7 degrees) of healthy patients. In the high-TCA group, recurrent instability was significantly more frequent, and the scores on the pain subscale of the postoperative SAFE-Q were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Hindfoot varus alignment was associated with pooreroutcomes after ALLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Varus-Tilted Distal Tibial Plafond Is a Risk Factor for Recurrent Ankle Instability After Arthroscopic Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair.

BACKGROUND: Although varus-tilted distal tibial deformity is an established risk factor for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI), no studies have reported whether this deformity influences ankle instability after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair (ALLR) for CLAI. METHODS: A total of 57 ankles from 57 patients who underwent ALLR for CLAI were retrospectively analyzed. Tibial articular surface (TAS) angles were measured on preoperative plain radiograph. After 12 months of follow-up, recurrent ankle instability and talar tilt angles on stress radiograph were evaluated as outcomes. Relationships between the TAS angle and these outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Recurrent ankle instability was observed in 10 ankles. The TAS angles of patients with recurrent instability were significantly lower (85.2 degrees vs 87.9 degrees). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the cutoff value of TAS angle for recurrent instability was 86.2 degrees. Based on this cutoff value, our patients were divided into 2 groups: low-TAS and high-TAS group. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that low TAS was an independent risk factor for recurrent ankle instability and greater postoperative talar tilt angles. CONCLUSION: Varus-tilted distal tibial plafond appears to be a risk factor for recurrent ankle instability after ALLR.

Computer simulation based on in vivo kinematics of a replaced hip during chair-rising for elucidating target cup and stem positioning with a safety range of hip rotation.

Background After total hip arthroplasty, dislocation can occur when a patient unexpectedly assumes internal/external limb positions, even during chair-rising, which is a frequently activity of daily life. Therefore, determining the target cup position to avoid impingement in unexpected limb positions using in vivo data of daily life activities is critical. Methods A computer simulation was performed on 21 total hip arthroplasty patients using patient-specific component placements and hip kinematics obtained during chair-rising analysis using image-matching techniques. The liner-to-neck distance and impingement were evaluated by simulating the change in internal/external rotation angle at maximum hip flexion/extension from 0 to 90°. The cutoff values of cup anteversion and combined anteversion at 60° of internal/external rotation were determined. Findings The anterior/posterior liner-to-neck distances were negatively correlated with internal/external rotation angles (r = -0.82 and -0.78, respectively) and decreased by 1.7 and 1.8 mm for every 15° increase, respectively. Three cases (14%) of anterior/posterior impingement were observed at 60° of internal/external rotation angle, respectively. The cutoff values for cup anteversion and combined anteversion to avoid impingement at 60° of internal/external rotation angle were 12°-25°/38°-62°, respectively. The stem anteversion, adjustable by cup anteversion to meet both the target cup anteversion and combined anteversion, was 13°-50°. Interpretation Simulated unintentional internal or external hip rotation, even during chair-rising, caused impingement and posed a dislocation risk. If the stem anteversion is excessively small or large in meeting the target combined anteversion, adjustments to stem anteversion could be recommended in addition to adjustments in cup anteversion.

Nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture in an adolescent athlete secondary to lateral ankle instability: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Medial malleolar stress fractures are relatively uncommon. This report describes the successful treatment of nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture due to chronic lateral ankle instability. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 13-year-old middle school student who belonged to a football club presented to our clinic with chronic medial left ankle pain lasting over a year. He had sprained his left ankle several times 6 years earlier. A plain anteroposterior ankle radiograph showed a vertical fracture line in the medial malleolus involving the epiphyseal plate, and computed tomography demonstrated the vertical fracture seen on the plain radiographs and bone sclerosis at the fracture site. We performed internal fixation for nonunion of the medial malleolar stress fracture with arthroscopic modified Broström for lateral ankle instability. Two years after surgery, the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire improved in all parameters, and both the anterior drawer and varus stress tests were negative. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis of medial malleolar stress fracture is important for a rapid return to sports. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for early diagnosis. Because lateral ankle instability can cause medial malleolar stress fracture, arthroscopic modified Broström procedure is meaningful for medial malleolar stress fracture with lateral ankle instability. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation and the arthroscopic modified Broström procedure could achieve good clinical outcomes for medial malleolar stress fractures with lateral ankle instability.

How does transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy change the dynamic three-dimensional intact ratio in hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head?

BACKGROUND: The intact ratio (the ratio of the intact area of the femoral head) on a two-dimensional anteroposterior radiograph is associated with the prognosis of hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head after transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy. However, changes of the three-dimensional intact ratio during dynamic weight-bearing activity and correlation of the three-dimensional intact ratio with clinical scores are still unknown. METHODS: Kinematics of eight hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head that underwent anterior rotational osteotomy were analyzed using image-matching techniques during chair-rising and squatting preoperatively and postoperatively. Two types of dynamic three-dimensional intact ratios were examined, including the lunate covered area (IRLC) and in vivo peak contact force vector intersected area (IRFV). The static three-dimensional intact ratio in each octant of the femoral head was also examined. FINDINGS: The mean Harris hip score significantly improved from 67 preoperatively to 90 postoperatively. During chair-rising rising/squatting, the mean IRLC and IRFV significantly increased from 42%/41% and 7%/4% preoperatively, to 66%/65% and 79%/77% postoperatively, respectively. IRLC significantly changed during the motion whereas substantial postoperative IRFV was maintained throughout the motion. Additionally, Harris hip score and the static three-dimensional intact ratio in the superolateral regions had significant positive correlations with both IRLC and IRFV. INTERPRETATION: Hip kinematics affected IRLC but not IRFV, which suggests that substantial intact bone occupies the region in which peak contact forces are applied during deep hip flexion. Additionally, improving intact ratio in the superolateral region led to improvements in both IRLC and IRFV with favorable clinical scores.

Compensatory Function of the Subtalar Joint for Lower Extremity Malalignment.

It is important to evaluate the subtalar joint and hip-knee-ankle alignment to understand lower extremity alignment. In this review, we focused on the compensatory changes in the subtalar joint alignment for the deformity of the knee and ankle joint, reviewing previous research. The subtalar joint alignment was compensatory valgus in patients with varus knee and ankle deformity, whereas it was uncertain whether the subtalar joint alignment was compensatory varus in patients with valgus knee and ankle deformity. The subtalar joint valgus alignment improved after total knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomy for varus knee deformity, even if the deformity was severe. In contrast, whether the subtalar joint alignment changed after the surgery for ankle or valgus knee deformity has not been considered. Further research on the compensatory function of the subtalar joint is needed.

In vivo kinematic analysis of replaced hip during stationary cycling and computer simulation of optimal cup positioning against prosthetic impingement.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic hip kinematics during stationary cycling after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been unclear. Furthermore, no computer simulation of optimal cup position based on in vivo kinematics has yet been assessed. METHODS: This study consisted of 7 patients who underwent unilateral primary THA for symptomatic osteoarthritis. Using a flat-panel X-ray detector, continuous radiographs were obtained during stationary cycling. We analyzed the three-dimensional replaced hip kinematics from the top to the bottom position of the crank using image-matching techniques and quantified minimum liner-to-stem neck distance. Simulation analyses with in vivo kinematics were performed to examine patient-specific optimal cup placement against prosthetic impingement. FINDINGS: During stationary cycling, pelvis showed 27.1° of posterior tilt on average without significant change. Hip flexed by 59.4° and 19.3° on average at the top and bottom positions, respectively. Minimum liner-to-neck distance was 8.8 mm on average at the bottom position. Liner-to-neck, bone-to-bone, or bone-to-component impingement was not observed at any positions in any hips. Simulation analysis of cup placement showed that larger cup anteversion, inclination, and use of elevated liner significantly decreased the minimum distance between posterior liner and stem neck. Cup anteversion of more than 30° with elevated liner could cause posterior liner-to-neck impingement at bottom position. INTERPRETATION: Stationary cycling after THA provides no excessive hip range of motion or liner-to-neck contact. Cup placement and use of elevated liner significantly influence the minimum liner-to-neck distance, in some cases simulating posterior prosthetic impingement.

Pre- and post-operative evaluation of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement during squat using image-matching techniques: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Although combined evaluation of hip joint kinematics and bone morphology is necessary for accurate assessment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), there are no report which evaluated hip kinematics of pincer-type FAI. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The pre- and postoperative hip kinematics of a 46-year-old man, with a pincer-type FAI during squat were evaluated using image-matching techniques and the rim-neck distance was measured. Preoperative simulation of squatting was also performed using patient's bone models and healthy subject's kinematics data to detect the overlapping lesion between the acetabulum and the femur. Post-acetabuloplasty, right coxalgia during squat disappeared, and the Harris Hip Score improved from 79 to 92 at one year after surgery. Posterior pelvic tilt, femoral and hip flexion angle changed from 24.0°, 101.1°, and 70.8° to 23.3°, 92.6°, and 63.3°, respectively. The minimum rim-neck distance at maximum hip flexion improved from 1.8mm to 7.3mm. DISCUSSION: We could evaluate both of hip kinematics and morphology with image-matching techniques, and could visualize the clearance between the femoral head-neck junction and the acetabular rim. CONCLUSION: Image-matching techniques were clinically useful to assist surgeons in detecting the location of the impingement and confirming resection of the pincer lesion post-operatively.