Posterior cruciate ligament removal contributes to abnormal knee motion during posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty

Abnormal anterior translation of the femur on the tibia has been observed in mid flexion (20–60°) following posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. The underlying biomechanical causes of this abnormal motion remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to isolate the effects of posterior cruciate ligament removal on knee motion after total knee arthroplasty. We posed two questions: Does removing the posterior cruciate ligament introduce abnormal anterior femoral translation? Does implanting a posterior stabilized prosthesis change the kinematics from the cruciate deficient case? Using a navigation system, we measured passive knee kinematics of ten male osteoarthritic patients during surgery after initial exposure, after removing the anterior cruciate ligament, after removing the posterior cruciate ligament, and after implanting the prosthesis. Passively flexing and extending the knee, we calculated anterior femoral translation and the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began. Removing the posterior cruciate ligament doubled anterior translation (from 5.1 ± 4.3 mm to 10.4 ± 5.1 mm) and increased the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began (from 31.2 ± 9.6° to 49.3 ± 7.3°). Implanting the prosthesis increased the amount of anterior translation (to 16.1 ± 4.4 mm), and did not change the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began. Abnormal anterior translation was observed in low and mid flexion (0–60°) after removing the posterior cruciate ligament, and normal motion was not restored by the posterior stabilized prosthesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1494–1499, 2008     

In Vivo Knee Kinematics for a Cruciate Sacrificing Total Knee Arthroplasty Having Both a Symmetrical Femoral and Tibial Component

BackgroundEarly total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs were symmetrical, but lead to complications due to over-constraint leading to loosening and poor flexion. Next-generation TKAs have been designed to include asymmetry, pertaining to the trochlear groove, femoral condylar shapes, and/or the tibial component. More recently, an advanced posterior cruciate sacrificing (PCS) TKA was designed to include both a symmetrical femoral component with a patented V-shaped trochlear groove and a symmetrical tibial component with an ultracongruent insert, in an attempt to reduce inventory costs. Because previous PCS TKA designs produced variable results, the objective of this study is to determine and evaluate the in vivo kinematics for subjects implanted with this symmetrical TKA.MethodsTwenty-one subjects, implanted with symmetrical PCS fixed-bearing TKA, were asked to perform a weight-bearing deep knee bend (DKB) while under fluoroscopic surveillance. A 3-dimensional to 2-dimensional registration technique was used to determine each subject’s anteroposterior translation of lateral and medial femoral condyles as well as tibiofemoral axial rotation and their weight-bearing knee flexion.ResultsDuring the DKB, the average active maximum weight-bearing flexion was 111.7° ± 13.3°. On average, from full extension to maximum knee flexion, subjects experienced −2.5 ± 2.0 mm of posterior femoral rollback of the lateral condyle and 2.5 ± 2.2 mm of medial condyle motion in the anterior direction. This medial condyle motion was consistent for the majority of the subjects, with the lateral condyle exhibiting rollback from 0° to 60° of flexion and then experienced an average anterior motion of 0.3 mm from 60° to 90° of knee flexion. On average, the subjects in this study experienced 6.6°± 3.3° of axial rotation, with most of the rotation occurring in early flexion, averaging 4.9°.ConclusionAlthough subjects in this study were implanted with a symmetrical PCS TKA, they did experience femoral rollback of the lateral condyle and a normal-like pattern of axial rotation, although less in magnitude than the normal knee. The normal axial rotation pattern occurred because the lateral condyle rolled in the posterior direction, while the medial condyle moved in the anterior direction. Interestingly, the magnitude of posterior femoral rollback and axial rotation for subjects in this study was similar in magnitude reported in previous studies pertaining to asymmetrical TKA designs. It is proposed that more patients be analyzed having this TKA implanted by other surgeons.     

In vivo three-dimensional knee kinematics using a biplanar image-matching technique.

A biplanar image-matching technique was developed and applied to a study of normal knee kinematics in vivo under weightbearing conditions. Three-dimensional knee models of six volunteers were constructed using computed tomography. Projection images of the models were fitted onto anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the knees at hyperextension and every 15 degrees from 0 degrees to 120 degrees flexion. Knee motion was reconstructed on the computer. The femur showed a medial pivoting motion relative to the tibia during knee flexion, and the average range of external rotation associated with flexion was 29.1 degrees . The center of the medial femoral condyle translated 3.8 mm anteriorly, whereas the center of the lateral femoral condyle translated 17.8 mm posteriorly. This rotational motion, with a medially offset center, could be interpreted as a screw home motion of the knee around the tibial knee axis and a posterior femoral rollback in the sagittal plane. However, the motion of the contact point differed from that of the center of the femoral condyle when the knee flexion angle was less than 30 degrees. Within this range, medial and lateral contact points translated posteriorly, and a posterior femoral rollback occurred. This biplanar image-matching technique is useful for investigating knee kinematics in vivo.     

固定平台后稳定型假体全膝关节置换术后的运动学研究

 目的 探讨固定平台后稳定型假体全膝关节置换(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)术后膝关节在负重屈膝下蹲时的运动学特征。方法 选取10名健康志愿者和10例固定平台后稳定型假体TKA术后患者。制作骨骼及膝关节假体三维模型,在持续X线透视下完成负重下蹲动作,膝关节屈曲度每增加15°截取一幅图像。通过荧光透视分析技术完成三维模型与二维图像的匹配,再现股骨与胫骨在屈膝过程中的空间位置,通过连续的图像分析比较正常与固定平台后稳定型假体TKA术后膝关节在负重下蹲时股骨内、外髁前后移动及胫骨内外旋转幅度。结果 负重下蹲时,正常膝关节平均屈曲136°,股骨内、外髁分别后移(7.3±1.2) mm和(19.3±3.1) mm,胫骨平均内旋23.8°±3.4°;TKA术后膝关节平均屈曲125°,股骨内、外髁分别后移(1.4±1.6) mm和(6.4±1.7) mm,胫骨平均内旋8.5°±3.4°。结论 固定平台后稳定型假体TKA术后膝关节运动与正常膝关节相似,均表现出股骨内、外髁后移及胫骨内旋运动,但幅度小于正常膝关节,且在屈膝过程中存在股骨矛盾性前移及胫骨外旋现象。     

Kinematic Performance of Gradually Variable Radius Posterior-Stabilized Primary TKA During Various Activities: An In Vivo Study Using Fluoroscopy

BackgroundPosterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with gradually variable radii (G-curve) femoral condylar geometry is now available. It is believed that a G-curve design would lead to more mid-flexion stability leading to reduced incidence of paradoxical anterior slide. The objective of this study was to assess the in vivo kinematics for subjects implanted with this type of TKA under various conditions of daily living.MethodsTibiofemoral kinematics of 35 patients having posterior-stabilized TKA with G-curve design were analyzed using fluoroscopy while performing three activities: weight-bearing deep knee bend, gait, and walking down a ramp. The subjects were assessed for range of motion, condylar translation, axial rotation, cam-spine engagement, and condylar lift-off.ResultsThe average weight-bearing flexion during deep knee bend was 111.4°. On average, the subjects exhibited 5.4 mm of posterior rollback of the lateral condyle and 2.0 mm of the medial condyle from full extension to maximum knee flexion. The femur consistently rotated externally with flexion, and the average axial rotation was 5.2°. Overall movement of the condyles during gait and ramp-down activity was small. No incidence of condylar lift-off was observed.ConclusionSubjects in this study experienced consistent magnitudes of posterior femoral rollback and external rotation of the femur with weight-bearing flexion. The variation is similar to that previously reported for normal knee where the lateral condyle moves consistently posterior compared to the medial condyle. Subjects experienced low overall mid-flexion paradoxical anterior sliding and no incidence of condylar lift-off leading to mid-flexion stability.     

In Vivo Kinematic Comparison of a Bicruciate Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Normal Knee Using Fluoroscopy

Background

The bicruciate stabilized (BCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) features asymmetrical bearing geometry and dual substitution for the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Previous TKA designs have not fully replicated normal knee motion, and they are characterized by lower magnitudes of overall rollback and axial rotation than the normal knee.

全膝关节置换术后股胫关节运动学轨迹的数字化模型研究

 目的 通过透视技术结合数字化模型注册技术分析全膝关节置换术后股骨假体与胫骨垫片之间的相对运动和接触位置。方法 2007年7月至2008年6月,接受GENESISⅡ假体全膝关节置换术患者16例,均为女性;年龄56～76岁,平均66.4岁。随访48～60个月,平均(56±3)个月。采用膝关节学会评分(Knee Society Score,KSS)评价膝关节功能;采用循环透视方法获取影像学数据,对假体逆向数字建模,进行数字模型和影像学数据的匹配,重建膝关节的三维运动;测量股骨内、外髁接触位置的移动,计算胫骨内旋角度,测量股骨凸轮和胫骨立柱的接触时相和范围。结果 末次随访时KSS膝评分(93±5)分,功能评分(88±13)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义。股骨内髁的移动范围(8.5±2.5) mm,外髁的移动范围(9.5±4.8) mm,胫骨内旋角度2.5°±8.4°。屈膝约30°～40°时凸轮和立柱发生接触,立柱后方的接触范围(8.0±1.8) mm。胫骨平台后倾角度越大,凸轮和立柱的接触越晚。结论 全膝关节置换术后股胫关节的运动学特征与正常膝关节不同,膝关节屈曲10°~30°时股骨内髁前移,屈曲大于40°后股骨内、外髁后移,胫骨平台后倾与凸轮和立柱的接触时相有相关性。     

Effect of tibial slope or posterior cruciate ligament release on knee kinematics

An experimental study using fresh human cadaver knees was designed to evaluate the effect of partial posterior cruciate ligament release or posterior tibial slope on knee kinematics after total knee arthroplasty. Varus and valgus laxity, rotational laxity, anteroposterior laxity, femoral rollback, and maximum flexion angle were evaluated in a normal knee, an ideal total knee arthroplasty, and a total knee arthroplasty in which the ligaments were made to be too tight in flexion. The total knee arthroplasty specimens then were subjected to either partial posterior cruciate ligament release or increased posterior tibial slope, and the tests were repeated. Posterior tibial slope increased varus and valgus laxity, anteroposterior laxity, and rotational laxity in the knee that had flexion tightness. Posterior cruciate ligament release corrected only anteroposterior tightness, and had no effect on the abnormal collateral ligament tightness. Increased posterior tibial slope significantly improved varus and valgus laxity and rotational laxity in the knee that was tight in flexion more than with release of the posterior cruciate ligament. Therefore increasing posterior tibial slope is preferable for a knee that is tight in flexion during total knee arthroplasty.     

In vivo kinematic analysis of cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing deep knee bending

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo kinematics of the posterior cruciate ligament-retaining total knee arthroplasty during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing deep knee bending and compare these 2 different conditions. We evaluated the in vivo kinematics of the knee using fluoroscopy and femorotibial translation relative to the tibia tray by 2-dimensional/3-dimensional registration. In the weight-bearing state, the femoral component showed central pivot and bicondylar posterior rollback pattern. During non-weight-bearing, the movement anteriorly occurred on both the medial and lateral side during early flexion, whereas bicondylar femoral component rollback occurred after that. During non-weight-bearing, both the medial and lateral condyle significantly moved anteriorly compared with the weight-bearing state during early flexion. However, bicondylar femoral rollback occurred under both these conditions.     

Observations of femoral rollback in cruciate-retaining knee arthroplasty

The current study evaluated kinematics of the knee during a stair-climbing activity after total knee arthroplasty. All patients received a posterior cruciate ligament retaining prosthesis of the same design, having an anatomically shaped femoral component and an unconstrained tibial insert. All patients had the same surgical technique done by two experienced surgeons. Patients had some posterior femoral rollback and screw-home type axial rotations during weightbearing activities. However, patients treated by different surgeons had different patterns of tibiofemoral motions. In Group 1, rollback occurred early in the flexion range and was maintained until 80 degrees flexion. In Group 2, the lateral condyle had rollback in early flexion, but both condyles translated forward as flexion increased to 80 degrees. An anatomic femoral component seems to be necessary to produce consistent early femoral rollback. However, soft tissue balance can have a significant effect on the kinematics of sagittally unconstrained posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty, because it may vary among surgeons.     

Decreased posterior tibial slope increases strain in the posterior cruciate ligament following total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to measure the strain in the posterior cruciate ligament as a function of knee flexion angle and posterior tibial slope following total knee arthroplasty with a posterior cruciate ligament-retaining design. Posterior cruciate ligament strain was measured in seven fresh-frozen cadavers for posterior tibial slopes of 10°, 8°, and 5°. For all three levels of tibial slope tested, strain in the posterior cruciate ligament increased with increasing flexion angle to approximately 100° and then decreased with increasing flexion. The strain measured at 8° posterior tibial slope was greater than that measured at 10°, but the difference was not significant. The strain measured at 5° posterior slope was significantly greater than strain measured at both 8° and 10°. This increased strain may result in altered knee kinematics and reduced range of motion at higher flexion angles.     

Kinematic analysis of kneeling in cruciate‐retaining and posterior‐stabilized total knee arthroplasties

Kneeling is an important function of the knee for many activities of daily living. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo kinematics of kneeling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using radiographic based image‐matching techniques. Kneeling from 90 to 120° of knee flexion produced a posterior femoral rollback after both cruciate‐retaining and posterior‐stabilized TKA. It could be assumed that the posterior cruciate ligament and the post‐cam mechanism were functioning. The posterior‐stabilized TKA design had contact regions located far posterior on the tibial insert in comparison to the cruciate‐retaining TKA. Specifically, the lateral femoral condyle in posterior‐stabilized TKA translated to the posterior edge of the tibial surface, although there was no finding of subluxation. After posterior‐stabilized TKA, the contact position of the post‐cam translated to the posterior medial corner of the post with external rotation of the femoral component. Because edge loading can induce accelerated polyethylene wear, the configuration of the post‐cam mechanism should be designed to provide a larger contact area when the femoral component rotates. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:435–442, 2008     

Significant Effect of the Posterior Tibial Slope on the Weight-Bearing,Midflexion In Vivo Kinematics After Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of the present study was to compare weight bearing (WB) and non-WB conditions, and to evaluate the effect of the posterior tibial slope (PTS) on the in vivo kinematics of 21 knees after posterior cruciate ligament-retaining total knee arthroplasty during midflexion using 2-dimensional/3-dimensional registration. During WB, medial pivot and bicondylar rollback were observed. During non-WB, both the medial and lateral condyles moved significantly more anteriorly as compared to the WB state. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to their PTS. The large PTS group showed a significant posterior displacement of the medial femoral condyle as compared with the small PTS group, but no significant difference was observed at the lateral femoral condyle during both WB and non-WB. The PTS influenced knee kinematics through gravity (124/125).     

In vivo comparison of knee kinematics for subjects having either a posterior stabilized or cruciate retaining high-flexion total knee arthroplasty

The objective of this study was to determine the in vivo kinematics for subjects having either a fixed posterior stabilized (PS) or cruciate retaining (CR) high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Three-dimensional kinematics from full extension to maximum flexion were determined for 30 subjects (15 PS, 15 CR) using fluoroscopy. On average, the PS subjects demonstrated 112 degrees of weight-bearing (WB) flexion, -6.4 mm of posterior femoral rollback, and 2.9 degrees of axial rotation. The CR subjects averaged 117 degrees of WB flexion, -4.9 mm of posterior femoral rollback, and 4.8 degrees of axial rotation. Posterior femoral rollback of the lateral condyle occurred for all PS TKAs and in 93% of the CR TKAs. Only 2 subjects in each group experienced greater than 1.0 mm of condylar lift-off. Subjects in both TKA groups demonstrated excellent WB ranges of motion and kinematic patterns similar to the normal knee, but less in magnitude.     

Posterior tilting of the tibial component decreases femoral rollback in posterior-substituting knee replacement: A computer simulation study

Posterior tilting of the tibial component is thought to increase the range of motion in posterior cruciate-retaining total knee replacement, but its effect on implant motion in posterior cruciate-substituting total knee replacement is unknown. This issue has become of interest recently because manufacturers have introduced instrumentation that produces a posteriorly tilted tibial cut for both implant types. The purpose of this study was to investigate how motion of posterior cruciate-substituting total knee replacement is affected when the tibial component is installed with posterior tilt. Sagittal plane implant motions were predicted from prosthesis geometry with use of a computer simulation in which the femoral condyles were assumed to sit in the bottoms of the tibial condylar wells when the knee was in extension. Rollback of the femoral component was produced by a cam-spine mechanism at higher angles of flexion. The simulations revealed that even small degrees of posterior tilt reduced rollback by limiting the interaction between the cam and spine. Tilting the component posteriorly by 5° caused the cam to contact the spine at a knee flexion angle that was 18° higher than with the untilted component. The results suggest that posterior tilting of the tibial component in posterior cruciate-substituting knee replacement may not produce the same beneficial effects that have been reported for the tilting of tibial components in posterior cruciate-retaining knee replacement.     

Posterior Bearing Overhang Following Medial and Lateral Mobile Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Replacements

This study explores the extent of bearing overhang following mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (OUKR) (Oxford Phase 3, Zimmer Biomet). The Oxford components are designed to be fully congruent, however knee movements involve femoral rollback, which may result in bearing overhang at the posterior margin of the tibial implant, with potential implications for; pain, wear, and dislocation. Movement is known to be greater, and therefore posterior overhang more likely to occur, with; lateral compared to medial implants, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency (ACLD) compared to ACL intact (ALCI), and at extremes of movement. Twenty‐four medial, and 20 domed lateral, OUKRs underwent sagittal plane knee fluoroscopy during step‐up and forward lunge exercises. The bearing position was inferred from the relative position of the femoral and tibial components. On the basis of the individual component sizes and geometry the extent the posterior part of the bearing which overhung the posterior part of the tibial component was calculated. There was no significant posterior overhang in knees with medial implants. Knees with lateral domed implants exhibited overhang at flexion angles beyond 60°, the magnitude of which increased with increasing flexion angle, reaching a maximum of 50% of the bearing length at 140° (range 0–140°). This demonstrates a clear difference between the kinematics, and prevalence and extent of posterior bearing overhang between medial and lateral OUKRs. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1938–1945, 2019     

Influence of Increased Posterior Tibial Slope in Total Knee Arthroplasty on Knee Joint Biomechanics: A Computational Simulation Study

Background

The reconstructed posterior tibial slope (PTS) plays a significant role in restoring knee kinematics in cruciate-retaining-total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A few studies have reported the effect of the PTS on biomechanics.

The influence of muscle load on tibiofemoral knee kinematics

A comparative kinematics study was conducted on six cadaver limbs, comparing tibiofemoral kinematics in five conditions: unloaded, under a constant 130 N ankle load with a variable quadriceps load, with and without a simultaneous constant 50 N medial and lateral hamstrings load. Kinematics were described as translation of the projected centers of the medial (MFT) and lateral femoral condyles (LFT) in the horizontal plane of the tibia, and tibial axial rotation (TR) as a function of flexion angle. In passive conditions, the tibia rotated internally with increasing flexion to an average of −16° (range: −12/−20°, SD = 3.0°). Between 0 and 40° flexion, the medial condyle translated forwards 4 mm (range: 0.8/5.5 mm, SD = 2.5 mm), followed by a gradual posterior translation, totaling −9 mm (range: −5.8/−18.5 mm, SD = 4.9 mm) between 40–140° flexion. The lateral femoral condyle translated posteriorly with increasing flexion completing −25 mm (range: −22.6 to −28.2 mm, SD = 2.5 mm). Dynamic, loaded measurements simulating a deep knee bend were carried out in a knee rig. Under a fixed ankle load of 130 N and variable quadriceps loading, tibial rotation was inverted, mean TR = 4.7° (range: −3.3°/11.8° SD = 5.4°), MFT = −0.5 mm (range: = −4.3/2.4 mm, SD = 2.4 mm), LFT = 3.3 mm (range: = −3.6/10.6 mm, SD = 5.1 mm). Compared to the passive condition, all these excursions were significantly different (p ≤ 0.015). Adding medial and lateral hamstrings force of 50 N each reduced TR, MFT, and LFT significantly compared to the passive condition. In general, loading the knee with hamstrings and quadriceps reduces rotation and translation compared to the passive condition. Lateral hamstring action is more influential on knee kinematics than medial hamstrings action. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:419–428, 2010     

Motion of the femoral condyles in flexion and extension during a continuous lunge

Numerous studies have reported on in‐vivo posterior femoral condyle translations during various activities of the knee. However, no data has been reported on the knee motion during a continuous flexion‐extension cycle. Further, few studies have investigated the gender variations on the knee kinematics. This study quantitatively determined femoral condylar motion of 10 male and 10 female knees during a continuous weightbearing flexion‐extension cycle using two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional fluoroscopic tracking technique. The knees were CT‐scanned to create three‐dimensional models of the tibia and femur. Continuous images of each subject were taken using a single‐fluoroscopic imaging system. The knee kinematics were measured along the motion path using geometric center axis of the femur. The results indicated that statistical differences between the flexion and extension motions were only found in internal‐external tibial rotation and lateral femoral condylar motion at the middle range of flexion angles. At low flexion angles, male knees have greater external tibial rotation and more posteriorly positioned medial femoral condyle than females. The knee did not show a specific pivoting type of rotation with flexion. Axial rotation center varied from lateral to medial compartments of the knee. These data could provide useful information for understanding physiological motion of normal knees. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:591–597, 2015.     

In vivo determination of total knee arthroplasty kinematics: a multicenter analysis of an asymmetrical posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty

The objective of this study was to determine if consistent posterior femoral rollback of an asymmetrical posterior cruciate retaining (PCR) total knee arthroplasty was mostly influenced by the implant design, surgical technique, or presence of a well-functioning posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Three-dimensional femorotibial kinematics was determined for 80 subjects implanted by 3 surgeons, and each subject was evaluated under fluoroscopic surveillance during a deep knee bend. All subjects in this present study having an intact PCL had a well-functioning PCR knee and experienced normal kinematic patterns, although less in magnitude than the normal knee. In addition, a surprising finding was that, on average, subjects without a PCL still achieved posterior femoral rollback from full extension to maximum knee flexion. The findings in this study revealed that implant design did contribute to the normal kinematics demonstrated by subjects having this asymmetrical PCR total knee arthroplasty.