Total knee arthroplasty of the stiff knee: three hundred and four cases

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in stiff knees (flexion ≤90° and/or flexion contracture ≥20°). Our hypothesis was that despite having poorer results than those obtained in a “standard” population and a high rate of complications, TKA was a satisfactory treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee associated with significant stiffness.

Methods

Three hundred and four consecutive primary HLS TKAs (Tornier), whose data were prospectively collected between October 1987 and October 2012, were retrospectively analysed at a mean of 60 months (range, 12–239) postoperatively. Two groups, those with a “flexion contracture” and those with a “flexion deficit”, were assessed for postoperative range of motion (as integrated to the Knee Society score [KSS]), physical activity level and patient satisfaction.

Results

At the latest follow-up, range of motion was significantly improved, as was the KSS. Ninety-four percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied, and activity levels were increased after surgery. The complication rate, however, was high in patients with a preoperative flexion deficit (17 %). Pain and residual stiffness were the most common complications.

Conclusion

TKA provides satisfactory results in patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with significant pre-operative stiffness. The surgical plan should be adapted to anticipate complications, which are particularly frequent in the presence of a flexion deficit.     

膝关节伸直位僵硬的人工关节置换治疗

目的 探讨膝关节伸直位僵硬的人工关节置换的手术方法及近期临床疗效.方法 对9例膝关节伸直位僵硬患者(12膝)行人工关节置换术,术中采用二次截骨加软组织松解的方法,分别记录手术前后膝关节HSS评分及关节活动度,并进行统计分析.结果 经过 12～56(36.2±9.61)个月的随访,膝关节HSS评分由术前13～45(28.6±7.12)分提高到术后56～89(65.45±6.25)分(P<0.01).关节活动度由术前0°提高到术后70°～110°(85.5°±10.18°)(P<0.01).结论 膝关节伸直位僵硬可以进行人工膝关节置换,手术效果满意.掌握熟练的手术技巧及正确术后康复至关重要.     

全膝关节置换术后严重异位骨化与关节僵硬

[目的]探讨全膝关节置换术后严重异位骨化与关节僵硬的关系。[方法]对420例接受全膝关节置换术的患者随访,其中9例出现了Ⅲ级异位骨化,分别测量并记录该9例患者术后2周、12个月的疼痛评分和膝关节活动度,拍摄X线片,测量异位骨的大小。随机抽取9例无异位骨化的关节置换术后患者作为对照组,并测量疼痛评分及活动度。分别将异位骨化组和对照组的结果进行对比。[结果]关节置换术后Ⅲ级异位骨化的发病率为2.1%,X线片显示异位骨>5 cm,侵及股四头肌,引起关节疼痛。异位骨化组术后2周疼痛评分平均25.6分,关节最大伸直角度平均1.1°,最大屈曲角度119.1°,与对照组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。异位骨化组术后12个月疼痛评分平均15.56分,低于术后2周(P<0.01),与对照组术后12个月(25分)比较有显著差异(P<0.01)。关节活动度:伸直6.1°,屈曲91.7°与术后2周和对照组术后12个月比较均有显著差异(P<0.01)。[结论]全膝关节置换术后Ⅲ级异位骨化可以导致关节疼痛和活动度受限,是术后关节僵硬的原因之一,严重影响置换术后临床效果。     

髌骨切除病人的全膝关节置换术

目的 :对髌骨切除病人的全膝关节置换术的效果进行评估。方法 :将 9例髌骨切除术后病人的TKA手术效果和正常病人的TKA手术效果对比。结果 :髌骨切除组的 7例病人疼痛完全缓解 ,另 2例病人仍有持续性疼痛。对照组病人的疼痛全部缓解。髌骨切除组病人的平均术前活动度是 78° ,术后为 90°。其中的 2例病人分别因为无菌性胫骨部件松动和感染而接受翻修术。对照组病人的平均术前活动度为 82° ,术后为 83°。对照组没有一个病人出现并发症。结论 :尽管髌骨切除术后的TKA病人有多种并发症 ,但是这一手术的结果还是可以接受的。     

晚期类风湿关节炎合并膝关节强直或僵直畸形行人工膝关节置换术

目的探讨晚期类风湿关节炎（RA）患者合并强直或僵直畸形行人工膝关节置换手术及其效果。方法 对1987至2006年,11例晚期RA患者16个屈膝位强直（或僵直）膝关节和3例（3膝）合并伸膝位强直的膝关节行人工膝关节表面置换手术治疗,通过定期随访,记录关节活动度和膝关节协会评分（KSS）及功能评分的改善程度,并记录相应并发症及其预后情况。结果 本组11例（16膝）屈膝位强直或僵直畸形的患者术后恢复良好,术后平均随访8·4年（1-19年）,膝关节平均活动度数为72·5°（45-100°）,残留伸展滞缺平均7·8°（0-15°）,KSS评分平均为78·5分（70-89分）,比术前提高了47·6分。住院期间无伤口感染、皮缘坏死、下肢深静脉血栓及肺栓塞发生,有3例患者术后出现单侧腓总神经一过性麻痹现象,半年后恢复正常。康复中1例发生股骨髁上骨折,2例患者发生远期感染行翻修手术。本组3例患者共3个膝关节为伸直位强直畸形,术后平均随访38·8个月（6个月-9年）,术前膝关节平均活动度为7·4°（0-15°）,KSS评分平均43分（20-85分）,功能评分平均22·9分（0-55分）,最近随访显示膝关节平均屈曲度为90·0°（75-110°）,KSS评分平均79·5分（77-85分）,功能评分85·4分（75-90分）。1个膝关节发生髌腱在胫骨结节止点撕脱,术后残留5°伸展滞缺,1个膝关节术后发生伤口皮缘坏死,1个膝关节发生早期浅部感染,无深部感染、下肢深静脉血栓或肺栓塞,无腓总神经麻痹或侧副韧带损伤。没有膝关节假体发生晚期感染、松动、移位等情况,无异位骨化和关节僵直发生。结论 合并强直畸形的RA患者,尤其对于伸直位强直的膝关节行人工膝关节置换手术具有很高的技术难度;充分显露是强直性膝关节置换的基础和前提;采用二次截骨与软组织松解相结合显露强直膝关节,并通过术后强化康复训练使患膝达到良好的功能;术中和术后并发症的发生率高于常规人工膝关节置换术,应予以相应的预防和处理。     

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with stiff knees

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty and analyze the prognostic factors in patients with stiff knees. Thirty-two patients (39 knees) with severe knee arthritis and an arc of motion of 50° or less were treated by total knee arthroplasty. The mean follow-up period was 58 months (range, 24-123 months). The mean arc of motion improved from 35° before the operation to 94° at the time of the latest follow-up (P<.05). Improvement in knee motion after postoperative 3 months was insignificant. The most important factor related to the final arc of knee motion was preoperative arc of knee motion. The V-Y quadricepsplasty was associated with an inferior clinical outcome. Total knee arthroplasty in patients with stiff knees has substantially improved in the clinical outcome and the arc of motion.     

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with hypersensitivity to metals

Purpose

We evaluated the risk of hypersensitivity to metals in a population of consecutive subjects undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also proposed a diagnostic pathway to address any sensitivity to metals. We finally presented the mid-term outcomes of a full non allergenic knee implant.

Methods

We developed a protocol based on the medical history, patch testing, and on specific laboratory assays, in order to assess a sensitization to metals. Twenty-four patients (25 knees) with referred or suspected allergy to metals were found in more than 1,000 treated patients, with a mean age of 72.9 years. We proceeded to a radiologic study, a clinical evaluation by the visual analogic scale (VAS), and Knee Society rating system (KSS). In all cases a full anallergic cemented implant with an oxidized zirconium femoral component and an all-polyethylene tibial baseplate was chosen.

Results

Four (16.6%) of the 24 patients were considered to be hypersensitive to metals. The mean follow-up was 79.2 months. No patient reported any reaction related to hypersensitivity or complications after TKA. The VAS improved from a mean preoperative value of 7.2 to 1.8 postoperatively; the KSS and the functional score increased from 38 to 91 points and from 39 to 88 points, respectively.

Conclusions

We consider careful research of medical history for metals hypersensitivity crucial, and we perform patch testing and lab assays in case of doubtful sensitization. The choice of a modern hypoallergenic implant may prevent any kind of potential reactions.     

膝骨关节炎膝内翻畸形的全膝关节置换术

目的：探讨人工全膝关节置换术治疗膝骨关节炎膝内翻畸菜的临床疗效。方法：对40例人工全膝关节置换术进行3个月～6年的随访,手术的假体均使用后稳定型人工膝关节,并应用HSS膝关节评分系统进行分析。结果：手术优良率为95％,忠者术后在疼痛、功能及关节活动度等方面都有明显改善,各种产发症的发生率低。结论：全膝关节置换术是治疗膝骨关节炎膝内翻畸形的有效方法,术中应注意膝周软组织平衡的重要性,术后应加强功能康复训练。     

屈曲挛缩畸形的膝关节置换术

目的：探讨屈曲挛缩畸形的膝关节行关节置换的方法及疗效。方法：收集膝关节屈曲挛缩畸形病例56例,63膝,行膝关节置换。分别记录术前术后膝关节畸形程度,HSS评分,活动范围。并进行比较。结果：所有病例获得随访,屈曲挛缩畸形均得到改善,膝关节HSS评分由术前20．7分提高到术后平均73．6分。膝关节活动范围由术前平均32．6°（0°～55°）提高到术后平均92．7°（80°～125°）。结论：晚期骨性关节病所致的屈曲挛缩畸形的膝关节行膝关节置换术,着重注意软组织松解,力线调整。疗效满意。     

Hydroxyapatite in knee arthroplasty

Summary HA interface remains controversial in knee replacement especially as regards the tibial component. When speaking about non cemented knees the poor results afforded by the porous coatings especially microbeads or fibermesh made many surgeons fall in doubt about non using acrylic cement. HA coatings provide us with a very new biologic system and has to be considered as definitely different :1- Biological evidence of reliable implant bonding: Histological analysis performed by many authors including Thomas Bauer from Cleveland demonstrated that there is a very intimate contact between bony formations and metallic substract thanks to HA. This provides very good interlock and long lasting fixation. If the coating resorbs after several years, this resorbtion is a part of the regular bony turn over and HA is replaced by bone. This is finally the ultimate goal of replacement when reliable and sound fixation is achieved directly by the host bone.2- Hip HA experience is very successful at 10 year of FU: We started our hip experience 12 years ago in May '87. To date our personal experience with HA hips reaches 2 000 cases. Results were reported at the Barcelona '97 meeting held by the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedic and Traumatology (EFORT). This paper summed up the results of a non selected series. Then global survival rate was 0.985 at 10 year and these results look encouraging and at least as good as the best cemented series.3- HA total knee arthroplasty. A 9-year experience: Our personal experience in TKR using the Omnifit knee started 9 years ago in 1990. The first implant was the 3000 distal-coated Omnifit knee and we now currently use the 7000 fully coated knee. Based upon a series of 51 cases over 5 year of FU (5 to 7 year) of which 100% were reviewed for this study, the knee score according to the International Knee Society score was 96.2 out of 100 (ranging 77 up to 100). The mean function score was 93.2 (ranging from 85 up to 100). To date the failure rate is 0% and we had no clinical failure and no evidence of loosening. Finally the most important finding as regards the HA biological interface was demonstrated by the ability for bone to fill in previous lucent line due to fibrous tissue layer.Finally HA seems to be considered as a reliable third track as our 7 year experience is very encouraging. Radiological stability of patterns over 5 to 9 year, the seal afforded by HA preventing from migrating osteolysis, and mainly the ability for HA to fill in gaps over the years and transform fibrous tissue into bone may be considered as critical assets.     

人工全膝关节置换治疗膝关节骨关节炎

目的探讨人工全膝关节置换术(TKA)治疗终末期膝关节骨关节炎的临床疗效。方法对行TKA治疗的181例终末期膝关节骨关节炎患者(226膝)分别于手术后40、120、180、360 d进行定期随访观察,对患者HSS膝关节功能评分及膝关节最大活动度进行比较。结果患者均获得随访,时间1~2年。膝关节功能HSS评分:优209膝(92.5%),良13膝(5.8%),可3膝(1.3%),差1膝(0.4%),优良率98.2%。术后各时间段的HSS评分及膝关节最大活动度均较术前显著提高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 TKA是治疗终末期膝关节骨关节炎的有效方法,正确的手术操作和合理的功能锻炼是取得满意临床效果决定性因素。     

Total knee arthroplasty for post-traumatic arthrosis

The outcomes of total knee arthroplasty for post-traumatic arthrosis were studied in 31 knees. The average age at arthroplasty was 60 years old (range, 36-78 years). The interval from fracture to total knee arthroplasty averaged 13 years. Simultaneous corrective osteotomy was necessary in 4 patients to correct axial alignment and preserve ligamentous integrity. Follow-up averaged 46 months. Mean arc of motion increased significantly, from 94 degrees to 100 degrees (P = .027). Average function score improved from 44 to 72 points. This change was statistically significant (P<.0001). Knee Society knee scores also improved significantly, from 36 to 78 points (P<.0001). At most recent follow-up, the functional scores were considered excellent or good in 58%; knee scores were considered excellent or good in 71% of cases. All periarticular osteotomies and tibial tubercle osteotomies healed uneventfully within 16 weeks. Complications occurred in 57% of cases, including aseptic failure (26%), septic failure (10%), patellar tendon rupture (3%), patellar subluxation (6%), thromboembolism (6%), and wound breakdown requiring debridement and muscle flap coverage (6%). Despite significant improvements in motion and function, patients with post-traumatic arthrosis are susceptible to high rates of complications. Adverse outcomes can be minimized by restoring limb alignment, soft tissue balance, and component alignment and by preserving vascularity of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.     

Total knee arthroplasty after failed high tibial osteotomy

The objective of this review was to propose surgical techniques for different technical problems in total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy and to discuss the literature on the subject. Whereas early results of high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee were promising, long-term follow-up indicates recurrence of symptoms and finally the need for total knee replacement in most cases. One of the major problems caused by high tibial osteotomy is an extraarticular deformity difficult to correct with ligament balancing. Based on the parameters “valgus angle”, “ROM” and “patella position”, the knees were evaluated and classified, then surgical techniques for the different grades of this classification were described. Most studies show that arthroplasty in a knee after osteotomy is more prone to complications such as persisting pain, malalignement and infections. After reviewing the literature, the overall results of total knee arthroplasties after failed high tibial osteotomy were found to be inferior to that after primary total knee arthroplasty. We concluded that total knee arthroplasty after failed high tibial osteotomy is technically more demanding than primary arthroplasty and that the use of the appropriate technique, determined by meticulous preoperative planning, is crucial for the outcome of the procedure.     

Total knee arthroplasty using the total condylar III knee prosthesis

Twenty-seven total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed in 24 patients using the total condylar III knee prosthesis (TCP III) and were evaluated clinically and radiographically with a mean follow-up period of 4 years. Eighteen were revision TKAs, and nine were primary knee arthroplasties. Evaluations were made using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scale as well as the Knee Society radiographic evaluation method. Clinical results for all knees were 11% (3 of 27) excellent, 70% (19 of 27) good, 15% (4 of 27) fair, and 4% (1 of 27) poor. The one poor rating resulted from an intraoperative vascular injury. The results showed no statistical difference between revision and primary TKA. After operation, pain relief, range of motion, walking, function, and activity level improved in both the primary and revision patients. Radiolucencies 2 mm or greater in width were found in 6 of the 27 tibial components, in none of the 27 femoral components, and in 1 of the 19 patellar components. Only two tibial implants showed progressive radiolucencies. No correlation was found between the radiographic position of the implants and the clinical results. The authors conclude that the TCP III is a satisfactory choice for TKA in selected knees in which there is significant instability and in which intramedullary fixation is required.     

Surgical factors for total knee arthroplasty in younger patients

With improvements in implant modularity and polyethylene, it is important to assess the contemporary performance of cement vs. cementless fixation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Aseptic loosening is the most common indication for revision. Registry data indicates that the type of fixation (cemented, cementless, or hybrid) makes little difference in revision rates for younger patients (<55 years old). Regardless of the type of fixation, there is an opportunity for improvement. Attention to surgical factors, such as coronal alignment and cementing technique, can improve the survivorship of TKA.     

混合型单髁与全膝关节置换治疗膝内侧间室骨关节炎的疗效比较

目的：探讨Oxford第3代混合型单髁置换（unicompartmental knee arthroplasty,UKA）与全膝关节置换（total knee arthroplasty,TKA）治疗膝关节内侧间室骨关节炎的疗效。方法：回顾性分析2017年10月至2019年10月行膝关节置换术的156例患者,男44例,女112例,年龄50~75（58.76±4.97）岁。根据不同治疗方式分为单侧TKA组和单侧Oxford第3代混合型UKA组。单侧TKA 81例（81膝）,男23例,女58例,年龄51~75（58.60±5.01）岁;单侧Oxford第3代混合型UKA 75例（75膝）,男21例,女54例,年龄50~72（58.92±4.95）岁。比较两组临床评估指标,包括手术一般情况、相关并发症、美国膝关节协会评分（American Knee Society score,AKSS）临床评分和功能评分;影像评估指标包括髋膝踝角（hip-knee-ankle angle,HKA）、股骨假体内外翻角（femoral component valgus/varus angle,FCVA）、股骨假体后倾角（femoral component posterior slope angle,FCPSA）、胫骨假体内外翻角（tibial component valgus/varus angle,TCVA）、胫骨假体后倾角（tibial component posterior slope angle,TCPSA）,是否发生膝关节外侧间室进展、衬垫脱位、假体下沉、松动。结果：UKA组术中出血量、手术时间、住院天数均显著优于TKA组（P<0.05）,两组术后均未出现并发症。两组患者均获随访,时间24~54（38.01±8.90）个月。末次随访两组AKSS临床评分、功能评分、HKA均优于术前（P<0.05）。末次随访UKA组AKSS临床评分、功能评分均优于TKA组（P<0.05）,TKA组HKA优于UKA组（P<0.05）。末次随访两组TCVA、FCVA差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,UKA组TCPSA、FCPSA大于TKA组（P<0.05）,UKA组未出现外侧室进展。结论：Oxford第3代混合型UKA治疗膝关节内侧间室骨关节炎,较TKA具有手术创伤小、失血量少、手术时间短、住院时间短、术后快速康复、膝关节功能恢复更好等优势,疗效满意。     

全膝关节置换术围手术期镇痛

目的探讨全膝关节置换术(TKA)围手术期镇痛效果,获得最佳的镇痛方案。方法2005年1月至2006年4月的82例单侧TKA手术患者随机分成两组,采用不同的镇痛方案进行围手术期镇痛治疗。对术后疼痛进行评分分析并观察并发症。结果两种镇痛方法均具有明显的镇痛效果,患者满意率及功能康复效果取得明显改善,并发症发生率较低。结论TKA围手术期采用积极的综合镇痛措施,具有重要意义。     

Total knee arthroplasty using subvastus approach in stiff knee: A retrospective analysis of 110 cases

Background:

Subvastus approach used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is known to produce an earlier recovery but is not commonly utilized for TKA when the preoperative range of motion (ROM) of the knee is limited. Subvastus approach is known for its ability to give earlier recovery due to less postoperative pain and early mobilization (due to rapid quadriceps recovery). Subvastus approach is considered as a relative contraindication for TKA in knees with limited ROM due to difficulty in exposure which can increase risk of complications such as patellar tendon avulsion or medial collateral injury. Short stature and obesity are also relative contraindications. Tarabichi successfully used subvastus approach in knees with limited preoperative ROM. However, there are no large series in literature with the experience of the subvatus approach in knees with limited preoperative ROM. We are presenting our experience of the subvastus approach for TKA in knees with limited ROM.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted retrospective analysis of patients with limited preoperative ROM (flexion ≤90°) of the knee who underwent TKA using subvastus approach and presenting the 2 years results. There were a total 84 patients (110 knees) with mean age 64 (range 49–79 years) years. The mean preoperative flexion was 72° (range 40°–90°) with a total ROM of 64° (range 36°–90°).

Results:

Postoperatively knee flexion improved by mean 38° (P < 0.05) which was significant as assed by Student''s t- test. The mean knee society score improved from 36 (range 20–60) to 80 (range 70–90) postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was one case of partial avulsion of patellar tendon from the tibial tubercle.

Conclusions:

We concluded that satisfactory results of TKA can be obtained in knees with limited preoperative ROM using subvastus approach maintaining the advantages of early mobilization.     

Results of contralateral total knee arthroplasty in patients with a history of stiff total knee arthroplasty

This study seeks to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a second primary total knee arthroplasty in patients whose initial (contralateral) primary total knee arthroplasty was complicated by stiffness. We retrospectively compared the preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Knee Society Scores from a study group of 15 patients with an age-matched control group. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant difference in final postoperative range of motion or Knee Society Scores between the 2 groups. However, there was a statistically significant higher rate of closed manipulation in the study group. Therefore, although the study group did show a higher rate of early stiffness, eventual functional outcome was comparable with a nonstiffness control group.     

Less valgus alignment in total knee arthroplasty for the varus knee

Constitutional varus of the leg is well recognizable anatomically. Moreland[1] studied long standing radiographs of normal males with a range of varus from 2.6-3° in the proximal tibia. Victor et al. [2] reported constitution varus of 3 degree in 32% men, 17% women. The authors routine technique during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to cut the distal femur at 5° valgus and the tibia at neutral for the valgus leg and cut the distal femur at 5° valgus and the tibia 2° varus for varus aligned limbs. 127 consecutive long standing knee radiographs were not retrospectively studied pre and post operatively with 2 year minimum follow up. Average age was 68 years (range 51-90). Average weight was 215 lbs (range 110 – 333). Average tourniquet time was 32 minutes for all patients prior to closure.For the varus group (72 knees), average pre-op tibial femoral alignment was 3.3° varus (range 0-13°). Post-op tibial femoral alignment was 1.2° valgus (range 1° varus - 5° valgus) with the mechanical axis falling into the medial compartment in all patients. Average pre-op knee score was 88 and post-op was 180 at minimum of 2 years.For the valgus group (55 knees), average pre-op tibial femoral alignment was 7.5° (range 2°-24°) valgus. Average post-op tibial femoral alignment was 3.8° (range 1°-10°) valgus. Average pre-op knee score was 107 and post-op was 182 at minimum of 2 years. The authors agree with aiming for valgus alignment for the classic valgus leg (mechanical axis centered on hip, knee, ankle) and less valgus alignment for the varus knee (mechanical axis into the medial compartment). Following the patients anatomy eliminates the need for major soft tissue releases while still avoiding “malalignment”. No special soft tissue releases were required in any patient with pre-op varus or valgus alignment. The clinical outcome is not effected by leaving pre-op varus aligned extremities in less valgus with their TKA’s.