The relevance of knee arthroscopy photographs in medicolegal proceedings.

PURPOSE: Whether photographs included in the operative report of knee arthroscopies can make the surgeon liable in the event of a legal investigation remains unknown. The main objective of this study was to establish inter-observer reliability in determining the presence or absence of lesions of the cartilage, meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Secondary objective was to assess the inter-observer reliability in classifying lesions. METHOD: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a continuous serie of 60 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy from the same operator. The photographs of each patient's operative report were presented separately to three experts, blinded to each other. Each expert had to decide on the presence or absence of injuries to the following structures: meniscal, cartilage and ACL and then, classify it. Primary and secondary endpoints were evaluated using the Fleiss' kappa index. RESULTS: Inter-observer reliability for lesion detection was between 0.4 and 0.61 for all structures with three exceptions: for cartilage, it was low (0.15) at the lateral tibial plateau and poor (-0.01) at the external condyle. On the contrary, the concordance was almost perfect (0.8) for the ACL. For classifying cartilaginous and meniscal lesions, inter-observer reliability was poor (from 0.03 to 0.14), except for at the lateral meniscus (0.65). CONCLUSION: Inter-observer reliability of arthroscopic knee diagnoses is poor when photographs alone are used. In the event of a legal investigation following knee arthroscopy, the photographs included in the operative report should not be used alone to hold the surgeon liable.

A predictive score of high tibial osteotomy survivorship to help in surgical decision-making: the SKOOP score.

INTRODUCTION: The high tibial osteotomy (HTO) survival rate is strongly correlated with surgical indications and predictive factors. This study aims to assess HTO survival in the long term, to determine the main predictive factors of this survival, to propose a predictive score for HTO based on those factors. METHODS: This multicentric study included 481 HTO between 2004 and 2015. The inclusion criteria were all primary HTO in patients 70 years old and younger, without previous anterior cruciate ligament injury, and without the limitation of body mass index (BMI). The assessed data were preoperative clinical and radiological parameters, the surgical technique, the complications, the HKA (hip knee ankle angle) correction postoperatively, and the surgical revision at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 7.8 ± 2.9 years. The HTO survival was 93.1% at 5 years and 74.1% at 10 years. Age < 55, female sex, BMI < 25 kg/m2 and incomplete narrowing were preoperative factors that positively impacted HTO survival. A postoperative HKA angle greater than 180° was a positive factor for HTO survival. The SKOOP (Sfa Knee OsteOtomy Predictive) score, including age (threshold value of 55 years), BMI (threshold values of 25 and 35 kg/m2), and the presence or absence of complete joint line narrowing, have been described. If the scale was greater than 3, the survival probability was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than if the scale was less than 3. CONCLUSION: A predictive score including age, BMI, and the presence or absence of joint line narrowing can be a helpful in making decisions about HTO, particularly in borderline cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study.

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) ≥ 10 degrees is a risk factor for further anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; BMI is not.

PURPOSE: This case-control study aimed to assess the influence of BMI and PTS on subsequent ACL injury affecting either ACL graft or the native ACL of the contralateral knee after primary ACL reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed using a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 using the same surgical procedure: Hamstring tendon autograft. The study group (group I) included all the patients (n = 94) during this period who sustained a subsequent ACL injury. The control group (group II) consisted of 94 patients randomly selected (matched Group I in terms of sex, age, and ACL graft) who did not sustain any further ACL injury. PTS was measured by two blinded surgeons on lateral knee view radiographs of the operated knee after primary ACL. BMI in kg/m2 was measured during the preoperative anesthesia consultation. Exclusion criteria were: non-true or rotated lateral knee radiographs of the operated knee post-ACLR, associated knee ligament injury requiring surgical management, iterative knee surgeries, open growth plate, and related fracture. RESULTS: The mean posterior tibial slope in group I was 7.5° ± 2.9, and 7.2° ± 2.0 in group II. A PTS angle cutoff was set at 10 degrees. The rate of patients showing a PTS ≥ 10° was significantly higher in group I compared to group II (p < 0.01). Patients with PTS ≥ 10° were 5.7 times more likely to sustain a subsequent ACL injury, (OR: 5.7 95% CI[1.858-17.486]). The Average BMI in group I was 24.5 ± 3.7 kg.m-2 compared to group II which was 23.3 ± 3.0 kg.m-2. There were no significant differences in any of the four BMI categories between both groups (p value 0.289). A series of BMI cut-offs were also analyzed at 23 to30 kg/m2, and there was no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A posterior tibial slope equal to or above 10 degrees measured on lateral knee radiographs was associated with 5.7 times higher risk of ACL graft rupture or contralateral native ACL injury; however, BMI was not.

Management of preoperative pain in elderly patients with moderate to severe cognitive deficits and hip fracture: a retrospective, monocentric study in an orthogeriatric unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cognitive deficits are 3 times more likely to suffer a hip fracture than geriatric patients of the same age group without cognitive deficits. The persistence of perioperative pain following hip fracture is a risk factor for the occurrence of delirium, poor functional prognosis, and the development of secondary chronic pain. Patients with cognitive deficits receive 20 to 60% less analgesics than those without cognitive deficits. Our retrospective descriptive monocentric study was performed in an orthogeriatric unit on a cohort of elderly patients hospitalized for hip fracture. The aim of the study was to compare the quantity of strong opioids delivered in a morphine sulfate equivalent daily during the preoperative period after a hip fracture between cognitively intact patients and those with cognitive deficits. RESULTS: Our total population of 69 patients had a median age of 90 years old, and 46% of these patients had moderate or severe cognitive deficits. During the preoperative period, the same quantity of strong opioids was administered to both groups of patients (13.1 mg/d versus 10.8 mg/d (p = 0.38)). Patients with moderate to severe cognitive deficits more often experienced delirium during their hospitalization (p < 0.01) and received more psychotropic drugs in the first 3 postoperative days (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: We reported that with standardized pain management in an orthogeriatric unit, patients aged 75 years and older received the same daily average quantity of strong opioids during the preoperative period regardless of the presence of cognitive deficits.

Better functional outcomes for ORIF in tibial eminence fracture treatment: a national comparative multicentric study of ORIF vs ARIF.

PURPOSE: Tibial eminence fractures can occur in adults and are equivalent to an acute ACL rupture. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the therapeutic outcomes of ARIF versus ORIF in tibial eminence fractures. Our hypothesis was that ARIF does not offer better results. METHODS: A retrospective national multicentric study was conducted in five university hospitals between 2010 and 2015. A total of 65 consecutive patients were included. 33 patients were treated with ARIF and 32 with ORIF. Clinical functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score and IKDC score. Radiographic findings were recorded, and a statistical analysis carried out. RESULTS: IKDC score at the mean last follow-up of 68.8 ± 11.8 months was significantly higher in the ORIF group with a mean difference of 20.2 points ± 8.9 (p = 0.028). There were early osteoarthritis findings in 12 patients (18.4%). At last follow-up, 7 patients (10.7%) presented complications. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective multicentric study, better functional outcomes were observed in the ORIF group. This difference needs to be carefully interpreted as many confounding factors exist. In terms of complications, the results for both ORIF and ARIF are similar at midterm follow-up. ORIF should remain gold standard for tibial eminence fracture treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Total knee arthroplasties from the origin to navigation: history, rationale, indications.

Since the early 1970s, total knee arthroplasties have undergone many changes in both their design and their surgical instrumentation. It soon became apparent that to improve prosthesis durability, it was essential to have instruments which allowed them to be fitted reliably and consistently. Despite increasingly sophisticated surgical techniques, preoperative objectives were only met in 75% of cases, which led to the development, in the early 1990s, in Grenoble (France), of computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery for knee prosthesis implantation. In the early 2000s, many navigation systems emerged, some including pre-operative imagery ("CT-based"), others using intra-operative imagery ("fluoroscopy-based"), and yet others with no imagery at all ("imageless"), which soon became the navigation "gold standard". They use an optoelectronic tracker, markers which are fixed solidly to the bones and instruments, and a navigation workstation (computer), with a control system (e.g. pedal). Despite numerous studies demonstrating the benefit of computer navigation in meeting preoperative objectives, such systems have not yet achieved the success they warrant, for various reasons we will be covering in this article. If the latest navigation systems prove to be as effective as the older systems, they should give this type of technology a well-deserved boost.

Influence of the post-operative axis on the clinical results of total knee replacement for severe varus deformities: does a slight residual varus improve the results?

PURPOSE: Some recent articles have suggested that in the case of large varus deformity, it may be advantageous to leave some residual post-operative varus as a means of improving functional outcome. The objective of this study is to compare the results of total knee replacement (TKR) performed for significant varus deformity (HKA < 170°) where there is a residual post-operative varus (HKA < 180°) to the results of TKR for significant varus deformity with either neutral post-operative (HKA = 180°) or mild valgus post-operative alignment (HKA > 180°). METHODS: This series was made up of 208 knees. The mean pre-operative HKA angle was 166 ± 3° (154-169°), of which 150 were followed up for a mean 8.5 years (58 lost to follow-up). Based on post-operative radiographs, two groups were formed: group 1 (88 knees) in which post-operative alignment was 177.8 ± 1° (175-179°) and group 2 (62 knees) in which post-operative alignment was 181 ± 1° (180-184°). RESULTS: The mean international knee society (IKS) score for group 1 was 178.8 ± 22 points (113-200) and 181.7 ± 22 points (95-200) for group 2. Oxford knee score was 20.4 ± 9 points (12-45) in group 1 and 19.2 ± 9 (12-50) in group 2. The results were slightly better in group 2 (in slight valgus) but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.44 and 0.4). CONCLUSION: The results of knee replacement performed for severe varus deformity are not adversely affected by post-operative valgus alignment. There is in fact a trend towards superior results for neutral or valgus alignment than slight residual varus, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Under-corrected knees do not fail more than aligned knees at 8 years in fixed severe valgus total knee replacement.

PURPOSES: A fixed severe valgus knee is a surgical challenge. A safe post-operative Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKA) range of 180° ± 4 was recommended, but recent studies mentioned equal results from outliers of this range. Nevertheless, no distinction was made between varus and valgus knees, as well as over-corrected or under-corrected knees. Did post-operative nonaligned total knee replacements (TKR) from fixed severe valgus knees behave differently from the properly aligned population? Did over-corrected knees behave differently from under-corrected knees? METHODS: Through a multi-center retrospective cohort study, we provided 557 knees of at least 10° of minimal pre-operative valgus; in this population 75 presented a post-operative Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKA) outside of the 180° ± 4 range; 23 of them had at least 5° of varus; 52 of them had at least 5° of valgus. Median pre-operative HKA of the entire cohort was 194° (range 190-198). Median follow-up was 8 years (range 5-11); Knee Society Score (KSS) results, HKA, Femoral and Tibial Mechanical Angles (FMA, TMA) and complication rates were obtained. The outlier group (HKA ≤ 175 or ≥ 185) was compared to the control group (HKA 180 ± 4); over-corrected (HKA ≤ 175) and under-corrected (HKA ≥ 185) sub-groups were individually tested against the control group. RESULTS: The outlier group had a lower Final Knee Score than the aligned group (p = 0.023). In the over-corrected sub-group, median post-operative FMA was 88° (SD 4°) and median TMA was 87° (SD 4°). The complication rate was higher (p = 0.019). Knee (p = 0.018), Function (p = 0.034) and Final Knee Scores (p = 0.03) were statistically lower than in the control group. In the under-corrected sub-group, mean post-operative FMA was 93° (SD 2°) and mean TMA was 91° (SD 2°). The complication rate was lower (p = 0.019) and there was no difference with the control group concerning KSS. CONCLUSIONS: In case of pre-operative fixed severe valgus knee, one should avoid over-correcting HKA angle and especially the TMA. Over-correction of a severe preoperative valgus in a post-operative varus was prejudicial for TKA survival. Keeping a severe valgus knee in low valgus to avoid using a more constrained implant and/or ligament releases will not decrease the 5-10 year implant survival and functional scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Case series.

Gait analysis following medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is used to treat young and active patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and varus deformity. The medial compartment OA alters the patients' gait. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 21 consecutive patients operated for HTO due to knee OA with varus deformity. There were 14 men and 7 women, with a median age of 51.9 years (38-64). Their gait was analyzed preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, and compared to a healthy control group. Clinical assessment (KOOS, WOMAC, Lysholm, and SF-36 scores) was also performed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients with medial compartment OA had altered gait relative to the control population. Their walking speed was slower, step length was shorter, and single-leg stance time was shorter, while the double-leg stance time was longer (P < 0.001). Step width was not different between the two groups preoperatively (n.s.), but it was wider in the patient group postoperatively (P = 0.003). There were no differences in the patients' gait parameters before and after the osteotomy (n.s.). However, there was an improved perception of walking so that it is no longer different from controls (n.s.). The KOOS, WOMAC, Lysholm and SF-36 scores improved after HTO. The preoperative median of 7° varus (1-11) was corrected to 3° valgus (0-6). CONCLUSION: Medial compartment OA with varus deformity leads to gait modifications. HTO does not alter the time-distance parameters of gait; however, patients have improved perception of their walking ability. HTO leads to excellent results for knee function, and improves quality of life without modifying the gait pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Results with nine years mean follow up on one hundred and three KAPS® uni knee arthroplasties: eighty six medial and seventeen lateral.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the results of the KAPS® uni knee arthroplasty system, both mobile and fixed bearing with reference to function, alignment and complications in 103 implants with a mean follow-up of nine years. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 103 unicompartimental knee arthroplasties in 89 patients operated on between March 2005 and March 2010. The population was composed of 50 males and 39 females, with a mean age of 70.5 ± 7.5 years (41 - 90). Eighty-seven patients had a genu varum deformity (84.5%), one of whom had an osteoid osteoma of the lateral tibial plateau and 16 patients had a genu valgum (15.5%). Eighty-six medial prostheses were implanted (82 mobile bearings and 4 fixed bearings) and 17 lateral prostheses (all fixed bearings) including the osteoid osteoma. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 107.5 months (73-138), 72 knees (58 patients) were reviewed (70%). The mean IKS score was of 173 ± 31 points (58 - 200). The mean Oxford knee score was 21 ± 8 points (12 - 50). The cumulated survival rate at a follow up of 132 months was 98.2%. CONCLUSION: The KAPS® unicompartmental knee arthroplasty gives efficacious and safe outcomes in the majority of cases at a mean follow-up of nine years. The availability of both fixed and mobile bearings with the same instrumentation, allowing to choose the right implant intra-operatively, is a great advantage in order to avoid the occurrence of some complications, specific to mobile bearing prostheses (dislocation and over-correction).

Results with eight and a half years average follow-up on two hundred and eight e-Motion FP® knee prostheses, fitted using computer navigation for knee osteoarthritis in patients with over ten degrees genu varum.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiographic results of 208 e-Motion® posterior cruciate-retaining, mobile bearing prostheses (BBraun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) fitted using computer navigation, for knee osteoarthritis with a genu varum greater than 10°. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two patients were operated on with 208 e-Motion® prostheses fitted, between January 2006 and December 2011, using the OrthoPilot® computer navigation system. Average pre-operative IKS score was 70 ± 27 points (6-143) with a function score of 38 ± 20.5 (0-90) and a knee score of 32.5 ± 13 (0-63). Average flexion was 116.5° ± 13° (65-140°). Average pre-operative HKA angle was 166° ± 3° (154-169°). RESULTS: 2Results are available for 134 patients, with a total of 150 knees operated on (38 lost to follow-up and 20 deceased). Average follow-up was 104.5 months (60-116 months). On last follow-up, the average IKS was 180 ± 22 points (95-200) with 86.5 ± 16 points (25-100) for the function score and 93.5 ± 8 points (55-100) for the knee score. Knee flexion was 116° ± 10.5° (80-135°) and average HKA angle was 179° ± 2° (175-184°). The pre-operative objective was achieved in 90.5% of knees. CONCLUSION: The e-Motion® mobile bearing posterior cruciate-retaining prosthesis, fitted using computer navigation, offers excellent results after an average of 8.5 years follow-up. These results are at least equivalent, even superior, to those of the posterior-stabilised prostheses usually used for this type of deformity.

Results of the Latarjet coracoid bone block procedure performed by mini invasive approach.

INTRODUCTION: The coracoid block technique described by Latarjet was modified by Patte and Walch in order to increase the glenoid surface. Saragaglia further modified this technique and described a minimally invasive approach which allows faster post-operative recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term functional and radiological results of this technique. METHODS: This is a single surgeon cohort of 40 shoulders in 38 patients (32 men, 6 women) with an average age of 34.5 years operated on between January and December 2014. The skin incision was 3 to 6 cm long allowing the bony block to be passed under the subscapularis tendon without sectioning it and to be placed in lying position. The bone block was fixed with a 6.5 cancellous screw or a 7.0 cannulated screw. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 48 months, there were no recurrent dislocations. The average WOSI score was 42, the average Constant score was 95 corrected to 97% and the average SSV was 97. Visual analogue scores were 0 at rest and 0.6 with activity. The bone block healed in 92.5% of cases. It was flush with the edge of the glenoid in 84% of cases, lateralised in 10% and medialised in 6% of cases. Mean internal rotation power was 12 kg in the operated shoulder compared with 9 kg in the non-operated shoulder. CONCLUSION: The treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability by mini invasive Latarjet gives excellent medium-term functional results. The rate of recurrent dislocation in this series was zero and internal rotation power was well preserved. This is an excellent alternative to arthroscopic procedures which are yet to demonstrate their superiority over open surgery.

Ganglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular articulation: the role of arthrodesis and combined partial fibula excision.

PURPOSE: Cysts of the proximal tibiofibular articulation are rare and their optimal treatment remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of the treatment of synovial ganglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular articulation by simple excision or by excision and fusion of the proximal tibiofibular joint with a limited fibula excision. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2016, seven male patients with an average age of 46 years were treated for a ganglion cyst of the proximal tibiofibular articulation. Nine procedures were performed in total. Four patients underwent primary cyst excision, two underwent revision cyst excision and three underwent revision cyst excision with arthrodesis of the proximal tibiofibular joint and partial excision of the fibula (two patients underwent two procedures). RESULTS: Average follow-up was 79 months. The recurrence rate was 25% for simple cyst excision, 100% for revision cyst excision and 0% for cyst excision with arthrodesis. Average kitaoka score was 98 for simple cyst excision and 100 for cyst excision with arthrodesis (P = 0.34); resting visual analogue scores (VAS) were zero in both groups. With activity VAS was 0 for simple cyst excision and 1.6 in the arthrodesis group (P = 0.33). Two of the three arthrodesis patients went on to successful fusion. The third patient has an asymptomatic pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSION: Simple primary cyst excision has a high failure rate at 25%. Revision cyst excision without fusion failed in all cases. We therefore recommend arthrodesis with limited fibula excision.

Computerised navigation of unicondylar knee prostheses: from primary implantation to revision to total knee arthroplasty.

AIM: Computerized navigation of unicondylar knee arthroplasties (UKA) is not a widespread technique. The lifespan of a UKA depends on the quality of its implantation. We know that overcorrection leads to a rapid extension of the osteoarthritis to the opposite side of the knee and undercorrection to a rapid loosening or wear of the prosthesis. Because of these difficulties and following a long experience with navigation of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) and osteotomies around the knee, we began using navigation for revisions to TKA in 2003 and for UKAs in 2008. The aim of this work is to present, firstly, the axial alignment of 79 medial and 19 lateral computer-assisted UKAs and, secondly, the axial alignment of 23 computer-assisted UKA revisions to TKA. METHODS: In all the cases we used the Orthopilot® device (BBraun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany), which is a non image-based navigation system. RESULTS: For medial prostheses, the main objective was to obtain a post-operative HKA angle of 177° ± 2°, i.e. an under correction of 1-5°. This objective was met in 88.5 % of the cases. For lateral prostheses, the main objective was to achieve a post-operative HKA angle of 183° ± 2°, i.e. also an under correction of 1-5°. This objective was met in 84 % of the cases (3 cases at 186° and no cases of over correction). Regarding UKA revisions, the main objective was to ensure an HKA angle of 180° ± 3°. This was met in 92.4 % of the cases. CONCLUSION: As for TKA and osteotomies, computerized navigation of UKAs and UKA revisions allows the pre-operative goal to be met easily.

Ultrasonographic Identification of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee.

PURPOSE: To determine ultrasonography's sensitivity for identifying the anterolateral ligament (ALL). METHODS: A descriptive study of 18 cadaveric knees was performed. Ultrasonography was used to locate any anterolateral structures at the knee that could correspond to the ALL. The structure's length and relation with other notable anatomic landmarks (fibular head, Gerdy tubercle, joint line, lateral femoral epicondyle, popliteus tendon insertion) were quantified. The ultrasonography measurements were validated by dissecting each knee. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for detecting the ALL and the agreement between the ultrasonographic and cadaveric measurements (Cohen κ) were determined by statistical analysis. RESULTS: The ALL was found in all 18 cadaveric knees and corresponded anatomically to the ultrasonographic descriptions. Ultrasonography had 100% sensitivity for detecting the presence of the ALL. The ALL's insertion on the lateral femoral condyle was, on average, 12.08 mm (SD, 4 mm; range, 7 to 15 mm) proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle and 20.5 mm (SD, 3 mm; range, 16 to 24 mm) proximal to the middle of the popliteus tendon insertion. The ALL inserted onto the tibia, midway between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head; the distance between the midpoint of the tibial insertion and middle of the Gerdy tubercle was 19.05 mm (SD, 2.1 mm; range, 15 to 25 mm), and the distance was 19.13 mm (SD, 2.3 mm; range, 14 to 23 mm) to the tip of the fibular head. The agreement between the ultrasonographic and cadaveric findings was excellent (Cohen κ coefficient between 0.88 and 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging is a suitable tool for identifying the ALL of the knee, and it allowed for a detailed analysis of the entire ALL in all 18 knees. However, its ability to evaluate any injuries to the ALL must still be shown. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography can be used to confirm the integrity of the ALL.

Triple osteotomy of the pelvis for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: a mean fifteen year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study presents the results of a prospective consecutive cohort of patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) operated with triple osteotomy of the pelvis (TOP) between 1989 and 2005. We attempted to determine whether the results of TOP remain stable with time and consequently lower the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis. The primary study aims were to determine the maintenance of head coverage and joint congruity, and functional outcomes of this surgery. METHODS: Forty-five patients with a mean follow-up of 15.2 years (range eight to 24) were included. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, two patients were lost to follow-up, and two required a surgical reoperation. Cumulative maintenance of head coverage and joint congruity rate for all TOP was 84.6 % (95 % CI: 82.3-90.6 %) at 15 years. Factors significantly associated with poor long-term results were the age at diagnosis and Greene index. CONCLUSION: TOP in LCPD provides satisfactory and reproducible long-term clinical results.

Can the gracilis replace the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee? A biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a four-strand gracilis-only construct possesses the biomechanical properties needed to act as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft. METHODS: This was a pilot study with 32 cadaver specimens. The biomechanical properties of three types of grafts were determined using validated tensile testing methods: patellar tendon (BTB), both hamstring tendons together (GST4) and gracilis alone (G4). RESULTS: The maximum load at failure of the G4 was 416.4 N (±187.7). The GST4 and BTB had a maximum load at failure of 473.5 N (±176.9) and 413.3 N (±120.4), respectively. The three groups had similar mean maximum load and stiffness values. The patellar tendon had significantly less elongation at failure than the other two graft types. CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical properties of a four-strand gracilis construct are comparable to the ones of standard grafts. This type of graft would be useful in the reconstruction of the anteromedial bundle in patients with partial ACL ruptures.

Computer-assisted total knee replacement after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: medium-term results in a series of ninety cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of total knee replacements (TKRs) after medial opening wedge valgising tibial osteotomy to those of primary TKR (TKR1). The hypothesis being that there would be no difference in results between these groups. METHODS: Series 1 was made up of 45 TKRs after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MHTO)-30 men and ten women at an average age of 69 ± seven years (54-82). This was compared to a second series of TKR1s-30 men and ten women at an average age of 69 ± seven years (55-78). The average IKS scores were 91 ± 22.5 points (42-129) and 86 ± 18 points (38-116) in the two groups respectively. The average pre-operative HKA angle was 179 ± 5° (169-193°) in group 1, and 173 ± 7.5° (161-193°) in group 2. Tibial mechanical axes were 90.5 ± 4° (of which 24 knees had a valgus angle) and 85.05 ± 3.5° (79-93°) in the two groups respectively. RESULTS: All patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 47 ± 24.5 months for series 1 and 185 ± 8.5 months for series 2. The average IKS score was 184 ± 6 for series 1 (172-200) and 185 ± 8.5 (163-200) for series 2 (p = 0.872). Thirty-seven patients in series 1 and 38 patients in series 2 were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with the intervention. The average post-operative HKA angle was 180.5 ± 2.5° and 181 ± 2° (p = 0.122) and the average tibial mechanical axis was 89 ± 1.5° against 90 ± 1° (p = 0.001). The results of the 24 knees with a valgus tibial mechanical axis were statistically no different. CONCLUSIONS: TKRs post medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy have identical results to primary TKRs even in knees with a valgus tibial mechanical axis.

The role of the deep medial collateral ligament in controlling rotational stability of the knee.

PURPOSE: The tibial insertion of the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) is frequently sacrificed when the proximal tibial cut is performed during total knee arthroplasty. The role of the dMCL in controlling the knee's rotational stability is still controversial. The aim of this study was to quantify the rotational laxity induced by an isolated lesion of the dMCL as it occurs during tibial preparation for knee arthroplasty. METHODS: An isolated resection of the deep MCL was performed in 10 fresh-frozen cadaver knees. Rotational laxity was measured during application of a standard 5.0 N.m rotational torque. Maximal tibial rotation was measured at different knee flexion angles using an image-guided navigation system (Medivision Surgetics system, Praxim, Grenoble, France) before and after dMCL resection. RESULTS: In all cases, internal and external tibial rotation increased after dMCL resection. Total rotational laxity increased significantly for all knee flexion angles, with an average difference of +7.8° (SD 5.7) with the knee in extension, +8.9° (SD 1.9) in 30° flexion, +7° (SD 2.9) in 60° flexion and +5.3° (SD 2.8) in 90° flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Sacrificing the tibial insertion of the deep MCL increases rotational laxity of the knee by 5°-9°, depending on the knee flexion angle. Based on our findings, new surgical techniques and implants that preserve the dMCL insertion such as tibial inlay components should be developed. Further clinical evaluations are necessary.