Ten-year follow-up of the non-porous Allofit cementless acetabular component.

Cementless acetabular fixation has demonstrated superior long-term durability in total hip replacement, but most series have studied implants with porous metal surfaces. We retrospectively evaluated the results of 100 consecutive patients undergoing total hip replacement where a non-porous Allofit component was used for primary press-fit fixation. This implant is titanium alloy, grit-blasted, with a macrostructure of forged teeth and has a biradial shape. A total of 81 patients (82 hips) were evaluated at final follow-up at a mean of 10.1 years (8.9 to 11.9). The Harris Hip Score improved from a mean 53 points (23 to 73) pre-operatively to a mean of 96 points (78 to 100) at final review. The osseointegration of all acetabular components was radiologically evaluated with no evidence of loosening. The survival rate with revision of the component as the endpoint was 97.5% (95% confidence interval 94 to 100) after 11.9 years. Radiolucency was found in one DeLee-Charnley zone in four acetabular components. None of the implants required revision for aseptic loosening. Two patients were treated for infection, one requiring a two-stage revision of the implant. One femoral stem was revised for osteolysis due to the production of metal wear debris, but the acetabular shell did not require revision. This study demonstrates that a non-porous titanium acetabular component with adjunct surface fixation offers an alternative to standard porous-coated implants.

Femoral component rotation in mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

The surgical technique utilized for the LCS mobile-bearing since 1977 has been a tibial cut first method which requires determination of femoral rotation with tension spacing. We evaluated 38 randomly selected mobile-bearing TKA in which this technique was utilized. All cases had satisfactory clinical results. Spiral computed tomography scans measured the posterior condylar angle which is the angle of the femoral component posterior condyles in relation to the surgical transepicondylar axis. The mean femoral component alignment was 0.3 degrees of internal rotation to the transepicondylar axis (S.D.=2.2 degrees ; range=6 degrees internal to 4 degrees external). Four cases (10%) were outside of 3 degrees from the TEA. Lateral patellar tilt and subluxation was identified in one female who had a femoral component position of 5 degrees internal rotation. In 90% of cases, the posterior condylar angle was within 3 degrees of the surgical transepicondylar axis which is regarded as the functional ideal for conventional methods.

Femoral component rotation and arthrofibrosis following mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the femoral component rotation in a small subset of patients who had developed arthrofibrosis after mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Arthrofibrosis was defined as flexion less than 90 degrees or a flexion contracture greater than 10 degrees following TKA. From a consecutive cohort of 3,058 mobile-bearing TKAs, 49 (1.6%) patients were diagnosed as having arthrofibrosis, of which 38 (86%) could be recruited for clinical assessment. Femoral rotation of a control group of 38 asymptomatic TKA patients matched for age, gender, and body mass index was also evaluated. The surgical epicondylar axis was compared with the posterior condylar axis for the femoral prosthesis. Femoral components in the arthrofibrosis group were significantly internally rotated by a mean of 4.7 degrees (SD 2.2 degrees , range 10 degrees internal to 1 degrees external). In the control group, the femoral component had a mean 0.3 degrees internal rotation (SD 2.3 degrees , range 4 degrees internal to 6 degrees external). Following mobile-bearing TKA, there is a significant correlation between internal femoral component rotation and chronic arthrofibrosis.

Frontal plane kinematics after mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

Frontal plane kinematics including condylar lift-off and medial to lateral translation were investigated in 10 patients who had total knee arthroplasty with a mobile-bearing rotating platform or a similar implant that had been modified with a posterior stabilizer. The rotating platform had condylar lift-off (average, 2 mm) and medial tibial translation (average, 4.3 mm) in all implants tested. The posterior-stabilized prosthesis had significantly less condylar lift-off (average, 1.2 mm) and medial translation (average, 1.7 mm). The difference is attributed to constraint of the posterior stabilizer mechanism in the frontal plane. The important kinematic functions of frontal plane condylar lift-off and medial to lateral translation must be accounted for by contemporary total knee prosthetic designs because abnormalities may lead to abnormal wear and loss of prosthetic fixation.

Midterm results of mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty in patients younger than 65 years.

This study evaluated 117 patients younger than 65 years (average, 56 years) in whom mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasties were inserted. All patellae were resurfaced with a mobile-bearing patella implant. Followup averaged 102 months (range, 60-171 months). The average knee score was 91 points, with a pain score of 27 points (possible 30 points). There were eight (7%) revision surgeries in this series, with four malpositioned implants, one infection, and one case of osteolysis. Two patients had bearing revisions for bearing dislocation and polyethylene wear. Survivorship at 14 years was 88%.

Kinematics of the patellofemoral joint in total knee arthroplasty.

Sagittal plane patellofemoral kinematics was determined for 81 subjects while performing a weight-bearing deep knee bend under fluoroscopic surveillance. Fourteen normal knees, 12 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees, and 55 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were assessed. Of TKAs, 39 had resurfacing with a dome-shaped patella, 8 had resurfacing with an anatomic mobile-bearing patella, and 8 were unresurfaced. TKA patellae experienced more superior patellofemoral contact and higher patellar tilt angles compared with the normal knees and ACL-deficient knees (P <.05). Patellofemoral separation at 5 degrees (+/-3 degrees ) extension was seen in 86% cruciate-retaining and 44% cruciate-stabilized TKAs and 8% ACL-deficient knees but not in the normal knees or mobile-bearing TKAs (P <.05). The patellar kinematic patterns for subjects having a TKA were more variable than subjects having either a normal knee or an ACL-deficient knee. Kinematic abnormalities of the prosthetic patellofemoral joint may reduce the effective extensor moment after TKA.

A novel approach to knee kinematics.

We describe our experience with in vivo dynamic fluoroscopy that uses simple 2-plane video fluoroscopy of subjects performing maneuvers such as deep knee-bends, gait, and stair climbing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Kinematic analysis has evolved from 2-dimensional vector calculations to automated 3-dimensional computer-assisted design matching techniques that are accurate to 0.75-mm translation and 0.75 degrees rotation and that allow simultaneous determination of medial and lateral condyle contact positions. TKAs that retain the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) have consistently shown posterior contact in extension and anterior translation with flexion with a large variability among subjects. PCL-stabilized implants and mobile bearings with high conformity have posterior femoral rollback more consistent with normal knees--which is a function of prosthetic geometry. Condylar liftoff and screw-home rotation are typical kinematic features of all TKAs.

Femoral condylar lift-off in vivo in total knee arthroplasty.

We carried out weight-bearing video radiological studies on 40 patients with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), to determine the presence and magnitude of femoral condylar lift-off. Half (20) had posterior-cruciate-retaining (PCR) and half (20) posterior-cruciate-substituting (PS) prostheses. The selected patients had successful arthroplasties with no pain or instability. Each carried out successive weight-bearing knee bends to maximum flexion, and the radiological video tapes were analysed using an interactive model-fitting technique. Femoral lift-off was seen at some increment of knee flexion in 75% of patients (PCR TKA 70%; PS TKA 80%). The mean values for lift-off were 1.2 mm with a PCR TKA and 1.4 mm with a PS TKA. Lift-off occurred mostly laterally with the PCR TKA, and both medially and laterally with the PS TKA. Separation between the femoral condyles and the articular surface of the tibia was recorded at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion. Femoral condylar lift-off may contribute to eccentric polyethylene wear, particularly in designs of TKA which have flatter condyles. Coronal conformity is an important consideration in the design of a TKA.

Reconstruction of major column defects and pelvic discontinuity in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Acetabular reconstruction with severe bone loss after failed total hip arthroplasty is a difficult problem. Defects were defined as major segmental and cavitary loss (type III anterior or posterior) or pelvic discontinuity (type IV). Seventeen cases were treated, of which 7 were type III and 10 were type IV. Bulk allograft was used in 16 of 17 cases, of which 7 were whole acetabular grafts, 2 were posterior segmental acetabular grafts, and 7 were femoral heads. Fourteen of 17 patients were female. The extensile triradiate approach was used in 12 cases. Long pelvic bone plates were applied to the posterior column and anterior brim of the pelvis in most cases. Allografts united to host-bone in 15 cases. Average follow-up was 83 months. The overall revision rate was 47%, of which 3 of 7 press-fit and 2 of 10 cemented cups had failed. The dislocation rate for the extensile approach was 50%; 2 patients had excisional arthroplasty for infection, and 2 patients had exploration of the sciatic nerve for release from migrating pelvic plate screws. Because of the overall poor results, this approach cannot be recommended for general use.

The cruciate ligaments in total knee arthroplasty: a kinematic analysis of 2 total knee arthroplasties.

In vivo weight-bearing fluoroscopic kinematic analysis using an interactive model fitting technique with 3-dimensional computer-aided design solid models was done using 16 anterior and posterior (bicruciate)-sparing and 6 posterior cruciate-sparing total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). All patients had a satisfactory clinical result with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. The femorotibial contact position of TKAs started posterior to the midline in extension. Bicruciate TKAs revealed gradual posterior femoral rollback and limited anterior-posterior translation but remained posterior to the sagittal plane midline in all positions. Posterior cruciate-sparing TKAs began significantly posterior in extension, demonstrated progressive anterior translation with flexion, and had exaggerated medial condyle translation on deep knee bend. The posterior cruciate-retaining TKAs of this study had the most abnormal kinematic performance.

A determination of ankle kinematics using fluoroscopy.

In vivo weight-bearing studies utilizing dynamic video fluoroscopy have been shown to offer an accurate and reproducible method for determining the kinematics of a joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate translational and rotational motions of the distal tibia relative to the talus in the sagittal and frontal planes. Ten subjects, each having a normal ankle and a total ankle arthroplasty on the opposite side (Buechel-Pappas Total Ankle, Endotec, South Orange, NJ), were studied under in vivo, weight-bearing conditions using video fluoroscopy. All ten subjects were judged to have a successful arthroplasty without demonstrable pain or ligament instability. Under weight-bearing conditions, each subject performed successive motions moving from maximum dorsiflexion to plantarflexion. At maximum dorsiflexion, both the normal and implanted ankles had similar sagittal midline talar contact positions but with plantar flexion, implanted ankles had increased posterior talar contact. Contact points on the distal tibia revealed that the lateral surface contacted at the midline or posterior throughout range-of-motion with minimal translation. The medial distal tibia contacted the talus posterior on plantarflexion and often moved anteriorly with dorsiflexion. This translation described relative external rotation of the distal tibia on plantar flexion and internal rotation on dorsiflexion. The measured distances were larger for the implanted ankles with higher variability. The average range-of-motion was 37.4 degrees for normal ankles and 32.3 degrees for implanted ankles. This study defines the normal kinematic rotational and translational motions of the ankle joint by accurately describing the three dimensional joint orientations. The implanted ankles experienced rotational and translational motions but had contacts more posterior, possibly related to surgical technique or alterations of ligamentous tension.

In vivo kinematic comparison of posterior cruciate ligament retention or sacrifice with a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty.

Video fluoroscopy and computer photogrammetry was used to evaluate 20 knees with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining and 19 knees with PCL sacrificing total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) with a mobile bearing total condylar prosthesis compared with 10 normal patients. In extension, femorotibial contact was posterior for TKA patients (P<.05) and demonstrated anterior translation from 60 degrees-90 degrees flexion. However, posterior rollback with limited translation was seen from 0 degrees-40 degrees, which may reflect the high congruity of this prosthesis. Fifty percent of meniscal bearing implants demonstrated bearing translation. Kinematics and weight-bearing range of motion were similar with PCL retention or sacrifice.

Total knee arthroplasty with a mobile-bearing prosthesis: comparison of retention and sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament in cementless implants.

We compared patient outcome after total knee arthroplasties with two types of low-contact-stress (LCS) cementless implants: a meniscal-bearing implant that retained the posterior cruciate ligament (n = 147), and a rotating-platform implant requiring sacrifice of this ligament (n = 44). The minimum follow-up was 5 years (mean, 68.5 months). Pain was occasional or nonexistent at follow-up in 94.6% of patients with meniscal-bearing implants and 93.2% of patients with rotating-platform implants. The mean total range of motion was 120 degrees for patients with meniscal-bearing implants and 108 degrees for those with rotating-platform implants (P < 0.001). Mean total scores on the New Jersey Orthopaedic Hospital Knee Scale were 93.2 for meniscal bearings and 87.6 for rotating platforms (P < .001). Patellar complications, including two fractures, were seen in 1.0% of cases. Five meniscal-bearing and no rotating-platform implants have been revised. The 7-year overall survival rate was 97.5% for meniscal bearings and 100% for rotating platforms.

Factors influencing choice of implants in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: perspectives of surgeons and patients.

To determine the factors influencing surgeons' choice of implants for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 650 surveys were mailed to all active members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons practicing in the United States; 364 surveys (56%) were completed and returned. Analysis revealed that the average number of total hip and total knee replacements performed by the respondents in 1997 was 81 and 97; there was substantial regional variation. The average number of hip implant and knee implant brands used by these surgeons in 1997 was 2.4 and 1.8. Anticipated improvement in clinical results and cost of components were the most frequently listed reasons for changing brands. Surgeons were also queried about cost reduction programs at their particular institution. The most frequently listed strategies for cost reduction of implants included surgeon cost-awareness programs and volume discounting. More than half of the respondents (53.5%) anticipate manufacturers to decrease the cost of implants in the next 2 years. Most of the respondents (93.7%) currently have the ability to choose a particular implant. About half (46.7%) anticipate losing some or all control of this decision in the next 3 years. These respondents foresee their hospitals requiring the use of a discounted implant in the future. An additional survey was completed by 102 consecutive patients scheduled either for primary THA (64) or primary TKA (38) at our institution. When asked about implant selection, 93.1% responded that their orthopaedic surgeon should choose the prosthesis; 5.9% responded that their physician in consultation with the patient should choose the prosthesis. When asked what should be the primary determinant of implant choice, cost or quality, the overwhelming majority (97.1%) chose quality. A small percentage (2.9%) chose cost and quality. No patient chose cost alone. A large number of patients (84.8%) responded that they would pay additional costs if their insurance companies or health maintenance organizations refused to pay for a better but more expensive implant. Most patients realized how expensive components are, and 51% of the respondents correctly estimated the cost of an implant. Orthopaedic surgeons perceive that they are losing control of implant choice in THA and TKA. Cost of implants is one of the most significant factors influencing which implant is chosen. Patients (the true payors), however, overwhelmingly want their surgeons to choose the implant used at surgery, and they want quality, not cost, to be the primary determinant of this decision.

In vivo determination of condylar lift-off and screw-home in a mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

Twenty subjects implanted with the low-contact stress (LCS) cruciate-sacrificing, mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty underwent dynamic videofluoroscopy during in vivo weight-bearing conditions using a 3-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) interactive modeling method. Ninety percent of the subjects demonstrated significant lift-off during stance phase of gait. Condylar lift-off was present at both the medial and the lateral condyles. The maximal medial lift-off was 2.12 mm, whereas the greatest lateral lift-off was 3.53 mm. The maximal positive screw-home was 9.6 degrees, whereas the maximal negative or reverse screw-home was 6.2 degrees. The average screw-home rotation was positive 0.5 degrees. In 50% of patients, medial condylar translation was unexpectedly greater than lateral condylar motion. Condylar lift-off and screw-home motion are significant kinematic functions in this rotationally unconstrained total condylar knee arthroplasty.

Detrimental kinematics of a flat on flat total condylar knee arthroplasty.

Fourteen subjects having a flat on flat condylar posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty were evaluated under different in vivo weightbearing conditions, with six performing a deep knee bend and eight walking at normal gait. An interactive model fitting algorithm was used to convert two-dimensional fluoroscopic images into three-dimensional computer aided design solid model images. The femorotibial contact positions for the medial and lateral condyle started posterior at full extension. With a deep knee bend the lateral condyle acted as a pivot, and the medial condyle slid in the anterior direction. Five of six had lateral condyle liftoff (maximum 1.6 mm) and abnormal positive screw home motion was seen from 0 degree to 90 degrees flexion. During gait, all femorotibial contact positions were posterior in extension and throughout the cycle. Six of eight patients experienced lateral condyle liftoff (maximum 3.5 mm), but minimal screw home motion was seen. Abnormal medial condyle posteroanterior sliding, lateral condyle liftoff, and erratic screw home motion may be related to abnormal wear characteristics of this flat on flat condylar design.

Range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: the effect of implant design and weight-bearing conditions.

Knee range of motion was determined in 60 patients to assess the effect of weight bearing on maximal knee flexion. Three patient subgroups were investigated: patients with normal knees, patients implanted with posterior cruciate-retaining (PCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and patients implanted with posterior cruciate-substituting (PS) TKA. Maximal knee flexion was determined using videofluoroscopy both in a passive, non-weight-bearing mode and during active weight bearing. Flexion was diminished with weight bearing in all three subgroups (P < .045). Patients with normal knees exhibited significantly greater knee flexion than either TKA subgroup when measured either with or without weight bearing (P < .001). Knee flexion of both TKA subgroups was similar when measured passively without weight bearing. Patients with PS TKA demonstrated greater flexion than patients with PCR TKA when measured in weight bearing (P < .025), despite having less range of motion and lower clinical performance ratings preoperatively. Measurement of knee range of motion in a weight-bearing fashion may be a superior method of assessment of functional capabilities.

Late sciatic nerve entrapment following pelvic plate reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty.

Delayed sciatic neuropathy due to pelvic reconstruction plate loosening following complex acetabular reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty seems not be have been previously reported. We identified a 79-year-old woman who developed progressive neurologic signs of entrapment 6 months following reconstruction of a pelvic discontinuity due to fracture nonunion caused by radiation necrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was unrevealing and electromyography demonstrated a peripheral neurogenic process involving the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve exploration was done at 12 months after surgery finding a loose screw in the pelvic plate impinging the nerve. Substantial improvement in clinical symptoms resulted from removal and nerve release.

Mathematical model of the lower extremity joint reaction forces using Kane's method of dynamics.

This report describes a new mathematical model for defining the joint reaction forces of the lower extremity using Kane's method of dynamics. Our model utilized average lower extremity joint motion and force/plate data from one healthy female patient during gait. From a cadaver specimen, the anatomical mass centers of the pelvis, femur, tibia, and foot were determined. Joint angular motion during the normal gait cycle was computed using Cardan angles for each distal segment relative to the proximal segment. Fluoroscopy of four normal knees determined average femorotibial and patellofemoral contact positions throughout flexion. A three-dimensional model of the lower extremity was defined in weight-bearing motion by 30 differential equations. During normal walking, the joint reaction forces for the subject tested ranged from 1.9 to 2.6 times body weight at the hip joint and 1.7-2.3 times body weight at the knee joint, depending primarily on gait speed. The method correlates well with known in vivo telemetrically measured forces at the hip joint.

Comparison of range of motion after posterior cruciate ligament retention or sacrifice with a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty.

This study evaluated factors affecting range of motion at 24 months in 782 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed between 1983 and 1987 in a nonrandomized, multicenter clinical trial by 17 independent surgeons. A mobile bearing prosthesis was used with either a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining or PCL-sacrificing technique. Age and gender did not reveal any differences in outcome. For individual surgeons, the outcome was highly variable and did not reflect the number of cases performed. Postoperative range of motion was greater for the PCL-retaining implant; however, there was also a significant difference in the preoperative motion compared with the PCL-sacrificing device. Postoperative motion improved from preoperative for the whole group. Preoperative motion groups of < 90 degrees gained 28 degrees, 90 degrees to 105 degrees gained 15 degrees, and > 105 degrees lost 1 degree. The change in motion for patients without prior surgery was greater than for those with prior surgery.