Deformity Correction: Do Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus and Tibia Change After Realignment Surgery?

Malalignment of the lower limb, distal tibia, foot, and hindfoot can all contribute to altered biomechanics in the ankle joint, resulting in increased focal pressure. The development of some osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint may share a similar pathophysiology, where eccentric loading to the talus or tibia within the ankle joint can lead to cartilage injury or adaptive changes. While the association between malalignment and the development of osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint may seem intuitive, the impact of realignment procedures on these lesions and patient symptoms remains a relatively underexplored topic in the literature. A comprehensive understanding of the potential role of realignment surgery in managing osteochondral lesions of the talus and tibia is crucial for advancing our knowledge of this challenging pathologic condition.

Intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: an analysis of rotational malunions using 3D EOS.

PURPOSE: Rotational malalignment and leg length discrepancy after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft are frequent. This study has three objectives: evaluate the rate of femoral rotational malalignment and leg length discrepancy using EOS imaging after antegrade intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fracture, find a relevant clinical examination to detect malrotation and identified risk factors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-centre study between January 2014 and January 2022. Fifty-eight patients were clinically and radiographically assessed at a minimum of three months. RESULTS: The femoral rotation of the operated side was significantly greater by a mean of 15.4° in internal rotation compared to the healthy side. There was no statically significant difference for the femoral length (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: When using EOS stereography following antegrade intramedullary nailing of post-traumatic diaphyseal femur fractures, a statistically significant difference of more than 15.4° in internal rotation was found for femoral rotation on the operated side compared to the healthy side.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [B. Poirot] Last name [Seynaeve]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.The last name of the first author was corrected : Given name = B. and last name = Poirot Seynaeve The details in matadata are correct LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Rotational Malalignment After Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures Is Predictable.

OBJECTIVES: Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for most tibial shaft fractures (TSF). However, an iatrogenic pitfall may be rotational malalignment. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine predictors of rotational malalignment following intramedullary nailing of TSF. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Single level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients who had a unilateral intramedullary nailing for TSF with a low-dose bilateral postoperative CT to assess rotational malalignment. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Bivariable analysis followed by multivariable analysis was then undertaken to assess for any independent predictors, such as fracture type/sight, surgeon experience, and side of fracture, predictive of rotational malalignment. RESULTS: In total, 154 patients (71% male, median age 37 years) were included in this study. Thirty-nine percent of variability in postoperative rotational malalignment could be explained using a model including (increased) tibial torsion of the noninjured side (mean [38.9 degrees ± 9.02 degrees] considered normal tibial torsion), side of tibial fracture, and spiral-type tibial fracture (R2 = 0.39, P ≤ 0.001, F = 31.40). In this model, there was a negative linear association between degrees of torsion on the noninjured side and rotational malalignment (-0.45, P < 0.001)-as baseline torsion increased from mean by 1 degree, malrotation in the opposite direction of 0.54 degrees seen. Positive linear associations between right-sided TSF and rotational malalignment (8.59 P < 0.001) as well as spiral fractures and rotational malalignment (5.03, P < 0.01) were seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that baseline reduced (internal) tibial torsion of the noninjured limb, spiral fractures, and right-sided TSF are predictive of postoperative external rotational malalignment. Conversely, increased baseline (external) tibial torsion of the noninjured limb and left-sided TSF are predictive of postoperative internal rotational malalignment. Surgeons may use this regression model preoperatively to predict what sort of postoperative rotational difference their patient may be prone to. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of Internal Malrotation of the Femur Followed by Derotational Osteotomy as Demonstrated by 3D Gait Analysis: A Case Report.

CASE: An 18-year-old man with 48° of internal malrotation of the femur after nailing underwent derotational osteotomy with gait dynamics and electromyography data collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Hip abduction and internal foot progression angles were significantly deviated from normal preoperatively compared with the contralateral side. At 10 months postoperatively, the hip was abducted and externally rotated throughout the entire gait cycle. His Trendelenburg gait had resolved, and he reported no residual functional concerns. Before corrective osteotomy, walking velocity was significantly slower with shorter stride lengths. CONCLUSION: Significant internal malrotation of the femur impairs hip abduction and foot progression angles as well as gluteus medius activation during ambulation. Derotational osteotomy considerably corrected these values.

Flouroscopic Control of Tibial Torsion After Intramedullary Nailing: A Technical Trick.

SUMMARY: After intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures, torsional malalignment greater than 10 degrees occur in up to 41% of operated legs. The reason is the difficult clinical assessment of rotation intraoperatively, the large variation in absolute torsion of the tibia, and the absence of established reliable methods to fluoroscopically evaluate tibial rotation and compare with the contralateral side. We present here a fast and low-tech intraoperative method on how to achieve identical tibial torsion of the operated and noninjured side. The method can be used for tibia shaft and metaphyseal fractures and only requires a normal C-arm fluoroscope with 2 monitors. First, a true lateral image of the knee on the noninjured side with the femoral condyles aligned is obtained. Second, with the leg and the C-arm rotation and tilt fixed, the fluoroscope is moved parallel to the patient axis and a lateral ankle image is obtained and saved. The fibula position relative to the tibia at the level of the Volkmann tubercle on the lateral view defines the torsion of the tibia. The sequence described above is repeated on the operated side after implantation of the nail before proximal locking. On the operated side, the fibula position relative to the tibia should be identical to the noninjured side before proximal locking takes place. Otherwise, a rotational malalignment is present and must be corrected. The comparison between operated and noninjured side is easy on a fluoroscope with 2 monitors. The complete examination takes a few minutes and has minor additional radiation exposure. We performed the intraoperative torsion control in 10 patients and performed a postoperative low-dose Computer Tomography-control of the torsion of both legs and found the rotational deformity to be less than 10 degrees in all patients.

False malalignment after computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although computer navigation has improved component alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), radiographic outliers are reported with a wide range in literature even using this technique. We hypothesized that the postoperative malalignment after computer-navigated TKA was partially derived from the inherent problems with two-dimensional (2D) measurement such as inaccuracies in measurement due to the knee position during the radiographic examination and the direction of the X-ray beam. We therefore conducted this study to determine how often knees with malalignment on 2D imaging were truly mal-aligned on three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed imaging. METHODS: Sixty-two computer-navigated primary TKAs performed in 47 patients were included in this study. In all cases, a weight-bearing long-leg radiograph was obtained after TKA. 3D measurements were performed for outliers 2° or more in coronal alignment of the femoral or tibial component. RESULTS: For the 18 femoral mal-aligned components on 2D imaging, eight (44.4%) were not truly mal-aligned on 3D imaging (P = 0.0014). For the eight tibial mal-aligned components on 2D imaging, all knees (100%) were not truly mal-aligned on 3D imaging (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of the false malalignments were included on 2D measurement. Postoperative component alignment in the computer-navigated TKA might be much better than previously reported.

Tibial component coverage affects tibial bone resorption and patient-reported outcome measures for patients following total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of tibial component coverage (over-hang and under-hang) and the alignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components 1 week after surgery. We select patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) (the Knee Society score (KSS score) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain score (WOMAC pain score)) and tibial bone resorption (TBR) 2 years after surgery as the end points. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed 109 patients undergoing TKA (fixed-bearing prosthesis with asymmetrical tibial tray) from January 2014 to December 2017 in Huashan Hospital. By using standard long-leg X-rays, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of the knee, tibial component coverage (under-hang or over-hang), AP tibial-femoral anatomical angle (AP-TFA), AP femoral angle (AP-FA), AP tibial angle (AP-TA), and lateral tibial angle (L-TA) were measured at 1 week after surgery, while TBR was measured through postoperative 1-week and 2-year AP and lateral radiographs of the knee on three sides (medial side, lateral side on AP radiograph, and anterior side on lateral radiograph). The Pearson correlation analysis, simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, the Student's t test, and one-way ANOVA together with Tukey's post hoc test (or Games-Howell post hoc test) were used in the analyses. RESULTS: Tibial under-hang was more likely to appear in our patients following TKA (42%, medially, 39%, laterally, and 25%, anteriorly). In multivariate linear regression analysis of TBR, tibial under-hang (negative value) 1 week after surgery was positively correlated with TBR 2 years later on the medial (p = 0.003) and lateral (p = 0.026) side. Tibial over-hang (positive value) 1 week after surgery on the medial side was found negatively related with KSS score (p = 0.004) and positively related with WOMAC pain score (p = 0.036) 2 years later in multivariate linear regression analysis of PROMS. Both scores were better in the anatomically sized group than in the mild over-hang group (or severe over-hang) (p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between the alignment of TKA components at 1 week after surgery and the end points (TBR and PROMS) 2 years later. CONCLUSION: Under-hang of the tibial component on both the medial and lateral sides can increase the risk of TBR 2 years later. Over-hang of tibial component on the medial side decreases the PROMS (KSS score and WOMAC pain score) 2 years later. An appropriate size of tibial component during TKA is extremely important for patient's prognosis, while the alignment of components might not be as important.

Difference in the early postoperative change of the joint line convergence angle between opening wedge and closed wedge high tibial osteotomies.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correction error associated with soft tissue balance in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and the difference between opening wedge HTO (OWHTO) and closed wedge HTO (CWHTO). METHODS: A total of 170 knees of 130 patients (85 knees of 68 patients in OWHTO and 85 knees of 62 patients in CWHTO) were evaluated. Anteroposterior radiographs of the knee and full-length leg were taken preoperatively, immediately under general anesthesia postoperatively, 2 days, and 1 and 12 months postoperatively. The femorotibial angle (FTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured. RESULTS: The postoperative FTA was decreased from 170.5 ± 2.1° at 0 day to 168.6 ± 2.2° at 2 days in OWHTO (P < 0.05), whereas it was not changed from 168.7 ± 2.4° at 0 day to 168.1 ± 2.8° at 2 days in CWHTO. The JLCA was 4.8 ± 1.8° preoperatively, 4.2 ± 1.9° at 0 day, 2.2 ± 1.8° at 2 days (P < 0.05 vs 0 day), 2.6 ± 1.7° at 1 month, and 2.7 ± 1.6° at 12 months in OWHTO, and 7.1 ± 3.2° preoperatively, 4.1 ± 2.4° at 0 day (P < 0.05 vs preoperative), 3.4 ± 2.5° at 2 days, 3.9 ± 2.3° at 1 month, and 4.2 ± 2.6° at 12 months in CWHTO. Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative factors affecting change of the JLCA from preoperative to postoperative 1 month were the correction angle in OWHTO (P = 0.001) and the preoperative standing JLCA in OWHTO (P < 0.001) and CWHTO (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease of the JLCA occurred immediately after osteotomy under anesthesia in CWHTO, whereas in OWHTO there was no decrease under anesthesia, but it decreased several days postoperatively.

Does new instrument for Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty improve short-term clinical outcome and component alignment? A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Microplasty (MP) instrumentation designed for the Phase III Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) system is considered a better option to achieve more accurate component positioning and alignment. In the present study, we focused on short-term clinical and radiological outcomes to determine whether the MP instrumentation can reduce the short-term revision rate and occurrence of outliers of metallic components. METHODS: The literature in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was searched up to May 2020. Studies were scrutinized by two independent authors, and the revision rate, complication spectrum, and radiological assessment with outlier rates were specifically analyzed. RevMan 5.3 was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four studies reported both clinical and radiological outcomes, two reported only radiological outcomes, and one reported only clinical outcomes. The pooled analysis showed that the revision rate in the MP instrumentation group was 0.866 per 100 component years, while that in the control group was 1.124 (odds ratio, 0.77; p < 0.05). The subgroup analysis of the bearing dislocation rate showed a significantly greater reduction in the Korean population than in the populations of other countries (p < 0.05). The radiological assessment showed that the alignment of the femoral component was significantly improved (p < 0.05), while that of the tibial component was not (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The newly developed MP instrumentation for Oxford UKA significantly reduced the revision rate of this treatment. The positioning of the femoral component was also proven to be better by radiological assessments.

Cavovarus: Fifth Metatarsal Fractures and Revision Open Reduction Internal Fixation.

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, specifically zones 2 and 3, are often treated surgically to lower risk of nonunion and shorten recovery and rehabilitation period. However, even with the advancement of surgical strategies, techniques, and implants, nonunions remain a challenge. One notable risk factor for a primary or recurrent Jones fracture is the cavovarus foot. If this is identified and a recurrent fifth metatarsal base fracture occurs, the surgeon should strongly consider addressing the malalignment in addition to revision open reduction internal fixation. This article provides guidelines for treatment of a recurrent fracture or nonunion with a concomitant cavovarus foot deformity.

Can accuracy of component alignment be improved with Oxford UKA Microplasty® instrumentation?

BACKGROUND: One factor in the long-term survivorship of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is the accuracy of implantation. In addition to implant designs, the instrumentation has also evolved in the last three decades to improve the reproducibility of implant placement. There have been limited studies comparing mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with contemporary instrumentation and fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with conventional instrumentation. This study aims to determine whether the Microplasty instrumentation in Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty allows the surgeon to implant the components more precisely and accurately. METHODS: A total of 150 patients (194 knees) were included between April 2013 and June 2019. Coronal and sagittal alignment of the tibial and femoral components was measured on postoperative radiographs. Component axial rotational alignment was measured on postoperative computer tomography. The knee rotation angle was the difference between the femoral and tibial axial rotation. A rotational mismatch was defined as a knee rotation angle of > 10°. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in each analysis. RESULTS: Between April 2013 to June 2019, 112 patients (150 knees) received Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, one patient (2 knees) had Journey unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and 37 patients (42 knees) received Zimmer unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. All femoral components in the Oxford group were implanted within the reference range, compared with 36.6% in the fixed bearing group (p < 0.001). 88.3% of Oxford knees had tibial component falling within the reference range, whereas 56.1% of knees in the fixed bearing group fell within the reference range (p < 0.001). 97.5% of Oxford knees had tibial slope that fell within reference range, whereas 53.7% fell within range for fixed bearing group (p < 0.001). Femorotibial rotational mismatch of more than 10° was noted in 13.8% in Oxford group and 20.5% in fixed bearing group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Microplasty instrumentation for Oxford mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is more accurate and precise compared to conventional fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in sagittal, coronal, and axial alignment. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to investigate the clinical implications.

Cervical sagittal alignment in adolescent high dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis: how does the cervical spine respond to the reduction of spondylolisthesis?

BACKGROUND: Although pelvic and related parameters have been well stated in lumbar developmental spondylolisthesis, cervical sagittal alignment in these patients is poorly studied, especially in high dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis (HDDS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in HDDS and how the cervical spine responds to reduction of spondylolisthesis. METHODS: Thirty-three adolescent patients with lumbar developmental spondylolisthesis who received preoperative and postoperative whole-spine x-rays were reviewed. They were divided into the HDDS group (n = 24, 13.0 ± 2.2 years old) and the low dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis (LDDS) group (n = 9, 15.6 ± 1.9 years old). Spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), were measured and compared between groups. In the HDDS group, the postoperative parameters were measured and compared with those before surgery. RESULTS: HDDS group had a higher proportion of cervical kyphosis (70.8% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.019), and there was a significant difference in CL between the two groups (- 8.5° ± 16.1° vs. 10.5° ± 11.8°, P = 0.003). CL was correlated with the Dubousset's lumbosacral angle (Dub-LSA), pelvic tilt (PT), and thoracic kyphosis (TK). In the HDDS group, CL in patients with a kyphotic cervical spine was significantly improved after reduction of spondylolisthesis (- 16.4° ± 5.9° vs. - 3.6° ± 9.9°, P < 0.001). In the HDDS group, 46% (6/13) of the patients with postoperative Dub-LSA < 90° still had sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis, [SVA] > 5 cm), while no sagittal imbalance was observed in patients with postoperative Dub-LSA > 90° (46% [6/13] vs. 0% [0/11], P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: HDDS can lead to cervical kyphosis through a series of compensatory mechanisms. Reduction of spondylolisthesis and correction of lumbosacral kyphosis may correct the cervical kyphosis and normalize the overall spinal sagittal profile. Correction of Dub-LSA to above 90° might be used as an objective to better improve the sagittal alignment of the spine.

[The past, present and future of the control of axial alignment of the lower extremity in high tibial osteotomy].

High tibial osteotomy(HTO) is an effective method for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis by transferring the weight bearing line to the lateral tibial plateau, which can significantly reduce the pressure and cartilage lesion of medial knee compartment.However, under- and over-correction of weight bearing line can lead to early postoperative failure.It is necessary to define the standard of axis correction, make correct preoperative plan, ensure the accuracy of operation and consider the risk factors of under- and over-correction of axis.With the advent of the era of intelligent medicine, the application of patient-specific instrumentation technology based on three dimention printing and navigation technology will help to achieve the precise control of axial alignment in high tibial osteotomy.

[Early clinical effects of total knee arthroplasty with kinematic alignment assisted by patient-specific instrumentation].

Objective: To examine the clinical effects of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis patients with kinematic alignment technique of total knee replacement (KA-TKA) assisted by patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with unilateral KA-TKA assisted by PSI at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from May 2018 to August 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 6 males and 8 females, aged 66.6 years (range: 56 to 79 years), 9 left knees and 5 right knees. The operation time, soft tissue release and extra varus or valgus osteotomy were recorded. The data of osteotomy blocks were measured and compared with the corresponding position of the prostheses. The hip knee ankle angle (HKA), the mechanical distal femoral lateral angle (mLDFA) and the proximal tibial medial angle (MPTA) were measured before and 3 months after the operation. The knee joint functional score (KS-F) , knee joint clinical score (KS-C) and the Western Ontario McMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index were recorded and compared by paired t test or Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Results: The operation time was (81.8±16.9) minutes (range: 60 to 115 minutes), 2 cases were manually increased varus osteotomy by 2 mm and 1 patient received lateral retinaculum release. There was no extra medial or lateral soft tissue release. Intraoperative measurement of the resection showed that the femoral side mismatch was within 2 mm. The medial and lateral condyle, the medial and lateral posterior condyles were relatively overcut by 0.50 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.93 mm, and 0.71 mm, respectively. The tibial side mismatch was within 1.5 mm, the medial and lateral plateau were relatively undercut by 0.43 mm and 0.32 mm. HKA was corrected from (8.8±5.6) ° to (1.6±4.3) ° (t=20.723, P=0.000) .KS-C improved from 28.21±13.47 preoperative to 78.07±8.01 postoperative (t=-16.570, P=0.000); KS-F improved from 41.00±15.25 preoperative to 84.93±10.85 postoperative (t=-14.675, P=0.000).WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index decreased from 53.5 (25.75) (M(Q(R))) preoperative to 5.5 (5.25) postoperative (Z=-3.297, P=0.001) .No statistically significant difference was found in mLDFA and MPTA before and after surgery. No significant patellofemoral complication was recorded during follow-up time. Conclusions: PSI assisted TKA resection has high accuracy. KA-TKA aims to restore the native anatomy of the knee joint, only corrects the malalignment of lower extremities caused by articular cartilage wear, with less interference to soft tissues, easy to obtain satisfactory knee joint laxity and has a promising early clinical effect.

Tibial tray rotation and posterior slope increase risk for outliers in coronal alignment.

AIMS: The extensive variation in axial rotation of tibial components can lead to coronal plane malalignment. We analyzed the change in coronal alignment induced by tray malrotation. METHODS: We constructed a computer model of knee arthroplasty and used a virtual cutting guide to cut the tibia at 90° to the coronal plane. The virtual guide was rotated axially (15° medial to 15° lateral) and with posterior slopes (0° to 7°). To assess the effect of axial malrotation, we measured the coronal plane alignment of a tibial tray that was axially rotated (25° internal to 15° external), as viewed on a standard anteroposterior (AP) radiograph. RESULTS: Axial rotation of the cutting guide induced a varus-valgus malalignment up to 1.8° (for 15° of axial rotation combined with 7° of posterior slope). Axial malrotation of tibial tray induced a substantially higher risk of coronal plane malalignment ranging from 1.9° valgus with 15° external rotation, to over 3° varus with 25° of internal rotation. Coronal alignment of the tibial cut changed by 0.07° per degree of axial rotation and 0.22° per degree of posterior slope (linear regression, R2 > 0.99). CONCLUSION: While the effect of axial malalignment has been studied, the impact on coronal alignment is not known. Our results indicate that the direction of the cutting guide and malalignment in axial rotation alter coronal plane alignment and can increase the incidence of outliers. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):43-48.

Revision of Malaligned Lapidus and Nonunited Lapidus.

"Lapidus arthrodesis is becoming more of a common procedure for treatment of hallux valgus deformities. Like other procedures, complications are possible. The common complications associated with Lapidus arthrodesis procedures include nonunion and malunion. Malunion is typically broken down into recurrence, elevated first ray, shortened first ray, or plantarflexed first ray. This article discusses these common complications after Lapidus arthrodesis.

Gender difference in bowing of the sagittal femoral morphology measurement using magnetic resonance imaging.

The importance of femoral sagittal bowing on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been actively discussed. Femoral sagittal bowing can lead to cortex damage, fractures, or femoral malalignment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate femoral sagittal bowing at different segments of the femur in the Korean population, and to discuss the implications on total knee arthroplasty. Differences in the morphology of femoral sagittal bowing for 978 patients-829 women and 148 men-were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The angle between the femoral mechanical axis and the anterior cortex line was measured for all the patients. In addition, the gender difference in femoral sagittal bowing was investigated. The angle of femoral sagittal bowing with the mechanical axis was 2.8˚ ± 2.2˚. The angles for femoral sagittal bowing were 2.9˚ ± 2.2˚ and 2.3˚ ± 2.6˚ for females and males, respectively. Thus, a gender difference was found in the femoral sagittal bowing (p < 0.05). Excessive sagittal bowing of the femur can affect the final sagittal position of the femoral component, and this has implications for implant design selection. We recommend that surgeons accurately perform pre-operative evaluation of femoral bowing to prevent potential malalignment, rotation, and abnormal stresses between the femur and implant.

Impact of pelvic obliquity on coronal alignment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate pelvic obliquity prevalence and its coronal alignment effects in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Pelvic obliquity observed on standing radiographs could affect coronal alignment; however, its incidence or relationship with coronal alignment remains unclear. METHODS: Data of 141 patients with AIS (11 men, 130 women; mean age, 14.2 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Pelvic obliquity (pelvic coronal obliquity angle (PCOA) value ≥ 3°) was evaluated on standing radiographs; PCOAs were classified into two groups: right-upward and left-upward. Cobb angle and flexibility of proximal thoracic, main thoracic, thoracolumbar/lumbar curve, radiographic shoulder height (RSH), L4 tilt, and coronal balance were measured. Iliac crest and femoral head height differences were measured to evaluate correlations between pelvic obliquity and leg length discrepancy. We compared patients with and without pelvic obliquity according to Lenke classifications. RESULTS: Among 141 patients, 33 (23%) showed pelvic obliquity: 12 were type 1, 3 were type 2, 1 was type 3, 13 were type 5, and 4 were type 6. Right-upward obliquity was observed in 25 patients (76%), all B or C curves; left-upward obliquity was observed in 8 (24%) and most were lumbar modifier A curves. PCOA and iliac crest height difference correlated with femoral head height difference. Among patients with Lenke type 1 with and without pelvic obliquity, those with right-upward pelvic obliquity showed significantly greater absolute RSH values, while those with left-upward pelvic obliquity showed significant smaller absolute RSH values. Among patients with Lenke types 5 and 6, those with pelvic obliquity showed significantly greater L4 tilt absolute values. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic obliquity was frequently observed in patients with AIS, especially lumbar scoliosis. Right-upward pelvic obliquity influenced by lumbar curves promoted shoulder imbalance and left-upward obliquity compensated for shoulder imbalance in Lenke type 1. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Kinematic comparison of the use of walking sticks versus a rolling walker during gait in adult degenerative scoliosis patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A repeated-measurement, single-center, prospective study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the spatiotemporal and kinematic data using gait analysis in adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) patients using walking sticks (WS) versus rolling walkers (RW). ADS patients undergo compensatory changes that can result in an altered gait pattern. RW are frequently prescribed, but result in a forward flexed kyphotic posture during ambulation. Gait using WS allows for more upright alignment in ADS patients. METHODS: Fifty-three ADS patients with symptomatic degenerative scoliosis performed over-ground walking at self-selected speed with WS and with a RW. Trunk and lower extremity angles along with spatiotemporal parameters were measured and compared. RESULTS: When using WS, patients exhibited less flexion at the head (WS: - 4.8° vs. RW: 11.0°, p = 0.001), and lumbar spine (WS: - 0.9° vs. RW: 4.2°, p = 0.001); while there was significantly more extension, of the cervical spine (WS: - 1.6° vs. RW: - 7.4°, p = 0.002) when using the RW. At the initial contact phase of gait, patients using WS showed decreased flexion at the ankle (WS 0.7° vs. RW: 3.8°, p = 0.018), knee (WS: 0.3° vs. RW: 4.8°, p = 0.001), hip (WS: 22.6° vs. RW: 27.3°, p = 0.001), and pelvis (WS: 10.2° vs. RW: 14.8°, p = 0.001). In contrast, the use of WS resulted in slower ambulation (WS: 0.6 m/s vs. RW: 0.7 m/s, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In ADS patients who have not undergone surgical correction, the use of WS resulted in a more upright posture, which may be more beneficial to the compensatory changes that lead to gait disturbance in ADS patients. Ambulation using WS resulted in slower gait versus a RW, due to the momentum induced by the forward flexed posture when using a RW. We recommend the use of WS for patients with ADS as it improves gait kinematics and may be a safer option.

Correction of Genu Valgum in Patients With Congenital Fibular Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Patients with congenital fibular deficiency often develop genu valgum secondary to lateral femoral condylar hypoplasia. Guided growth strategies are often performed to correct limb alignment when adequate skeletal growth remains. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity managed with an amputation strategy and who had a guided growth procedure for coronal plane limb malalignment during their course of treatment was performed. Clinical and radiographic data, including measures of coronal plane deformity and alignment, type of amputation, subsequent operative procedures, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (20 extremities) met study inclusion criteria (mean follow-up 8.8 y). Foot ablation and hemiepiphysiodesis for valgus deformity of the knee was performed in all extremities. The average age at the time of initial hemiepiphysiodesis was 11.2 years at an average of 8.8 years from the initial amputation procedure. The mean preoperative mechanical axis deviation was 26.5 mm, which was corrected to a mean mechanical axis deviation of 7.0 mm. Fifteen (75%) of the extremities had correction of the deformity to neutral alignment after the initial procedure. Lack of correction occurred in 3 extremities, and overcorrection occurred in 2 extremities. Additional procedures were required in 5 extremities for rebound valgus deformity after hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with postaxial hypoplasia, regular monitoring of the residual limb for growth-related changes must occur to ensure optimal function and prosthetic fit. Timing of the guided growth procedure is critical, as younger patients may be more likely to experience rebound deformity. Families and patients should be made aware that growth might be unpredictable in this population with risks of both overcorrection and undercorrection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.