Nonunion after a tibial shaft fracture complicating tibial tubercle osteotomy

Tibial shaft fracture after tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee replacement is a rare complication. We report on a 67-year-old man who had a knee revision arthroplasty in which a long tubercle osteotomy was performed to facilitate exposure. Three weeks after surgery, he presented with a transverse shaft fracture, which became a nonunion requiring surgical management. This shaft nonunion and its solution after tibial tubercle osteotomy is discussed as well as relevant literature.     

The outcome of sequential repeated tibial tubercle osteotomy performed in 2-stage revision arthroplasty for infected total knee arthroplasty

Thirteen patients with infected total knee arthroplasty treated by 2-stage revision requiring tibial tubercle osteotomy in both stages for extensile exposure were retrospectively analyzed. The preoperative mean range of knee motion improved from 60° (range, 30°-90°) to 94° (range, 70°-120°) at latest follow-up. The Knee Society knee scores and function scores were 39 and 18 preoperatively and 78 and 67 at latest follow-up, respectively. Although proximal migration occurred in 3 cases and a partial proximal avulsion fracture of the osteotomy segment occurred in 1 case after the second-stage reimplantation, radiographic bony union was observed in all cases. Sequential repeated tibial tubercle osteotomy can be a useful extensile surgical approach in staged revision for infected total knee arthroplasty with satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes.     

Tibial tubercle osteotomy to improve exposure in complex knee fractures: A cadaveric study and case series

Adequate exposure is fundamental to safely and correctly perform open procedures around the knee. Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) has previously been described as a method to improve exposure, particularly in complex primary elective knee arthroplasty or revision surgery. We describe a tibial tubercle osteotomy technique to improve exposure in complex knee fractures and a cadaveric study and trauma case series.MethodsA cadaveric study using 8 knee specimens was conducted using a lateral subvastus approach to the knee. Standardised pictures were taken of the exposure, the tibial tubercle osteotomy was performed and pictures were taken of the new exposed area. These images were compared using a computer program that calculated the area of exposure before and after tibial tubercle osteotomy and the results analysed. The technique was then used in a case series of 6 different complex knee fractures including three distal femoral, one periprosthetic distal femur and two tibial plateau fractures. The outcomes of these patients were followed clinically and radiologically.ResultsAll specimens in the cadaveric study demonstrated an increase in area of exposure after the TTO with a mean increase of 148%. All tibial tubercle osteotomies performed in the trauma case series were united by 6 months without complication.ConclusionsTibial tubercle osteotomy is a recognised technique for improving exposure to the knee. This has been demonstrated in a cadaveric study and in a case series of six complex fractures around the knee. If performed properly, this technique can be extended to appropriate trauma cases with good results.     

The results of tibial tubercle osteotomy for revision total knee arthroplasty

Tibial tubercle osteotomy was used in the surgical exposure of 67 knees in 64 patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty. The clinical and radiographic results were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up time was 30 months (range, 5-60 months). Knee Society scores (KSS) confirmed good or excellent results in 87% of the knees, and the mean KSS was 86. The procedure was particularly effective in 2-stage exchanges for infected total knee arthroplasty, in which infection was eradicated in 9 of 10 cases, with a mean KSS of 82. In this series, no patellofemoral complications, no component malalignments, and no avulsions of the patellar tendon occurred. Serious complications directly related to the tibial tubercle osteotomy occurred in 5 patients (7%).     

TKA is More Durable Than UKA for Morbidly Obese Patients: A Two-Year Minimum Follow-Up Study

BackgroundUnicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) indications have expanded during the past two decades to include some morbidly obese patients (body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m²). Few published studies have compared UKA and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in this unique patient subgroup with conflicting observations.MethodsWe retrospectively compared 89 mobile bearing UKA (71 patients) and 201 TKA (175 patients) performed at a single institution with a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 3.4 years). Demographic characteristics were similar for both patient cohorts. A detailed medical record review was performed to assess the frequency of component revision, revision indications, minor secondary procedures (components retained), and infections.ResultsUKA was more frequently associated with clinical failure (29.2% vs 2.5%, P < .001) and component revision (15.7% vs 2.5%, P < .001), TKA was more frequently associated with extensor mechanism complications or knee manipulation (5.5% vs 0.0%, P = .02), and there was no difference in the infection rate (3.0% vs 2.2%, P = 1.0).ConclusionEarly complications were lower following UKA but were outweighed by higher component revision rates for arthritis progression and implant failure. The study findings suggest that TKA provides a more predictable mid-term outcome for morbidly obese patients considering knee arthroplasty surgery.     

Extended tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee arthroplasty

Thirty tibial tubercle osteotomies were performed to obtain exposure and facilitate patellar tracking in 29 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. The thickness and width of the bone fragment were gradually tapered from proximal to distal. Fixation was obtained with three or four titanium screws. Average follow-up period was 18 months. Twenty-nine of the osteotomies healed primarily. In one patient, postoperative displacement of the tibial tubercle developed requiring additional screw and suture fixation. Extended tibial tubercle osteotomy is a useful technique during difficult total knee arthroplasty. Poor tibial bone stock is a relative contraindication. The authors recommend that a long tapered bone fragment that is 1.5 to 2 cm thick at the level of the tibial tubercle be elevated and fixation achieved with screws.     

Tibial tubercle osteotomy with absorbable suture fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty: a report of 23 cases

Objective

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a well-known technique for improving exposure in difficult total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We have performed 23 revision TKAs with TTO. The tibial tubercle was fixated with only absorbable sutures afterwards. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical results and complications of this procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 23 patients (mean age 69.6 years, range 43–84 years) who underwent TTO with only absorbable suture fixation. Clinic charts were reviewed to identify any complications that occurred. Obvious proximal migration and union of the tibial tubercle was evaluated on the postoperative radiographs. Knee Society scores and SF-36 were assigned at latest follow-up.

Results

The mean follow-up was 16.1 months (1–43). Two patients died of causes unrelated to surgery. In one case a fracture of the TTO occurred. No obvious migration of the osteotomy was detected. In two cases there was partial consolidation of the osteotomy, but without clinical consequences of pain or extension lag. In five patients a tibial plateau fracture occurred intraoperative which allowed partial weight bearing during 6 weeks. These fractures were not related to the surgical technique of the TTO. In 15 out of 23 patients a Knee Society Score could be assigned. The mean total knee score (maximum 200 points) after revision was 99.5 (17–166) (clinical KSS 52.1, functional KSS 47.3) at latest follow-up. SF-36 scores could be assigned to 16 patients; the mean SF-36 (maximum 100) was 88 (range 74–98).

Conclusion

Tibial tubercle osteotomy with only absorbable suture fixation is a reliable and simple method of fixation and provides adequate stability. It is a straightforward surgical technique which is less time-consuming and expensive compared with screw and cerclage wire fixation and no hardware removal will be necessary. Therefore, this method is a beneficial technique for the enhancement of surgical exposure in difficult revision TKA.     

膝关节置换术后不同参照点测得关节线与膝关节功能的相关性研究

目的探讨人工全膝关节置换术(TKA)后选择不同参照点测量关节线(JL)变化与膝关节临床功能评估的相关性。 方法回顾性分析于2015年5月至2017年5月在安徽省滁州市皖东人民医院骨科接受TKA手术的患者,分别以腓骨头、股骨内收肌止点、胫骨结节为参照点测量JL变化,评估术前及术后12个月后患者美国膝关节协会(KSS)评分、关节活动度(ROM)及Feller髌骨评分。将不同参照点下JL变化情况与KSS评分变化、ROM变化及Feller髌骨评分变化等资料进行相关性检验。 结果与术前比较,术后患者KSS评分、ROM、Feller髌骨评分均显著增高(P<0.05)。以腓骨头、股骨内收肌止点为参照点测得的JL变化之间呈正相关性(r＝0.874,P<0.01)。术后12个月,以胫骨结节为参照点测得的JL变化,与TKA术后12个月KSS评分变化(r＝－0.521,P<0.01)、髌骨Feller评分变化(r＝－0.493,P<0.01)具有负向相关性。 结论以胫骨结节为参照点测量JL变化,与TKA术后膝关节KSS评分变化、髌骨Feller评分变化呈负相关性;以胫骨结节为参照点测量JL变化能更好地评估TKA术后膝关节临床功能。     

Patellar Rebar Augmentation in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIn revision total knee arthroplasty, osteolysis, mechanical abrasion, and infection may leave patellar bone stock severely attenuated with cavitary and/or segmental rim deficiencies that compromise fixation of patellar implant pegs. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the use of cortical “rebar” screws to augment cement fixation in revision patelloplasty.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2018, dorsal patellar rebar technique was used for patellar reconstruction in 128 of 1037 revision total knee arthroplasty cases (12.3%). Follow-up was achieved with serial radiographs and prospective comparison of Knee Society Scores (KSSs) for clinical outcome. Complications and implant failures requiring reoperation or modified rehabilitation were also assessed.ResultsOf the 128 patellar revisions performed using the rebar technique, 69 patients were women and 59 patients were men. The average age of the group was 69.5 years (range, 32-83 years). The mean follow-up of the cohort was 37 months (range, 13-109 months). The most common causes for revision were kinematic conflict, periprosthetic joint infection, and aseptic loosening. The median number of rebar screws used was 5 (range, 1-13). Preoperative KSSs for the study cohort averaged 50 (range, 0-90) At latest follow-up, mean KSS was 85 (range, 54-100). There were 4 patellar-related complications (3.1%) with no implant failures at study conclusion. Retrieval analysis revealed rigid fixation of the reconstructed patellar component in all cases.ConclusionsPatellar rebar screw augmentation is a useful technique when there are significant cavitary deficiencies and limited segmental rim deficiencies. This technique allows the surgeon to extend indications for patellar revision arthroplasty.     

Does Aseptic Revision Risk Differ for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients Who Have and Do not Have a Prior Primary or Revision Arthroplasty?

BackgroundWe sought to evaluate the risk of aseptic revision in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who have and do not have a history of primary or revision arthroplasty of a different major joint.MethodsWe conducted a matched cohort study using data from Kaiser Permanente’s arthroplasty registries. Patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA (index knee) were identified (2009-2018). Two matches based on exposure history were performed: (1) 33,714 TKAs with a history of primary arthroplasty of a different joint (contralateral knee, either hip, and/or either shoulder) were matched to 67,121 TKAs without an arthroplasty history and (2) 597 TKAs with a history of aseptic revision in a different joint were matched to 1,190 TKAs with a history of a prior arthroplasty in a different joint, but without any revision. After the matches were performed, Cox regressions were used to evaluate aseptic revision risk of the index knee using the no history groups as the reference in regression models.ResultsNo difference in aseptic revision risk for the index knee was observed when comparing patients who had a prior primary arthroplasty in a different joint to those who did not have an arthroplasty history (hazard ratio = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.86-1.06). Those patients who did not have any prior aseptic revision history in a different joint had higher risk of aseptic revision in the index knee (hazard ratio = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.17-3.63).ConclusionPatients who had a prior revision history had over a 2-fold higher risk of aseptic revision in the index knee, warranting close surveillance of these patients.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

胫骨高位截骨术后全膝关节置换的疗效分析

[目的]目前采用胫骨高位截骨术治疗膝关节内侧间室骨性关节炎已在临床广泛开展,对于其中预后不佳者可采用全膝关节置换,本文对其临床效果进行分析.[方法]对38例胫骨高位截骨术后接受全膝关节置换术患者进行回顾分析.术后随访时间平均8年,对其中期疗效进行评估.[结果]特种外科住院评分由术前平均39分提高到术后平均86.5分.优良率达87%.[结论]与未接受过胫骨高位截骨术患者相比,胫骨高位截骨术后接受全膝关节置换的中期疗效令人满意.     

Tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee arthroplasty surgery

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a recognized technique for improving exposure when performing total knee arthroplasty surgery. Forty-two patients were reviewed at a mean of 8 years after TTO. Preoperatively, mean extension was 8 degrees +/- 14 degrees , mean flexion 74 degrees +/- 30 degrees , and Knee Society score 73 +/- 37. At latest follow-up, mean extension was 4 degrees +/- 15 degrees , mean flexion 91 degrees +/- 22 degrees , and Knee Society score 124 +/- 42.6 (P < or = .0001). Seventy-three percent of patients had an excellent/good score at latest follow-up. Twenty-five percent of patients experienced no extensor lag, and 66% of extensor lags had resolved within 6 months. Mean time for osteotomy union was 14 weeks. In this series, TTO performed to enhance surgical exposure did not adversely affect the outcome after total knee arthroplasty but resulted in serious complications in 5% of patients.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty After Failed Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. Clinical Results,Radiologic Findings,and Technical Tips

Background

The loss of anatomic references and bone stock turns unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) revision surgery difficult, and according to some authors, it is technically as challenging as a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision surgery.

Difference Between Screw Cement Filling and Adequate Osteotomy With Thick Liner for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Rand IIb Tibial Defects

BackgroundThe effectiveness of 2 treatment options, screw-cement fill, and adequate osteotomy with a thick liner, in treating patients with Rand IIb tibial defects (tibial plateau defects to a depth of 5 to 10 millimeters) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the differences between these 2 treatments.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent primary TKA for Rand IIb tibial plateau defects from 2015 to 2020 from a department database. Patients were categorized into the screw-cement and thick liner groups based on the different options used to repair tibial defects. We evaluated Knee Society Score, range of motion (ROM), Insall-Salvati index (ISI), and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) in both groups. We also compared differences in prosthesis survival, stiffness, myasthenia, and joint clicking between the 2 groups at mean 2 years postoperatively (range, 2 to 2.3). A power analysis was performed on the number of cases in the cohort.ResultsPostoperative femur-tibia mechanical axis (FTMA) correction was significantly higher in the screw-cement group than in the thick-liner group: 18.8 (±5.6°) versus 15.4 (±5.9°) (P < .01); At mean 2 years after surgery, the American Knee Society Functional Score improvement values were higher in the thick-liner group than in the screw-cement group: 36.3 (±12.4) versus 42.4 (±16.4) (P = .05). Postoperative ISI scores were 0.95 (±0.12) points in the screw-cement group and 0.89 (±0.13) points in the-thick liner group (P = .03). There were no statistically significant differences in the Knee Society Clinical Score, ROM, FJS, stiffness, myasthenia, joint clicking, and revision rate.ConclusionThe results of this study showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 reconstruction strategies of the screw cement fill technique and the adequate osteotomy and thick liner technique for Rand IIb tibial plateau defects. However, in patients who have FTMA deformities greater than 20° or in younger patients who need to preserve bone volume, we recommend the screw cement filling technique to ensure stable postoperative results and to prepare these patients for possible later surgery.     

Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy in Revision Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Obtaining adequate exposure while maintaining the integrity of the extensor mechanism is crucial to the success of revision knee arthroplasty. This is particularly important in infected cases where staged procedures are necessary. While the use of a long, tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is an established method to improve exposure, controversy still exists concerning complication rates and sequential use.

The Effect of Povidone-Iodine Lavage in Preventing Infection After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundDilute povidone-iodine (PI) lavage, a simple disinfection method, could reduce postoperative infection risk. However, there is no clinical consensus regarding its efficacy in total joint arthroplasties (TJAs). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated PI lavage’s efficacy in preventing infection after TJA.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published before November 22, 2019, that compared postoperative infection rates in patients who underwent TJA with or without PI lavage before wound closure. Subgroup analyses were designed to identify the differences in infection site (overall or deep), type of surgery (total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty), time until diagnosis of infection (3 or 12 months postoperatively), and primary/aseptic revision arthroplasties.ResultsWe included 7 studies with 31,213 TJA cases, comprising 8861 patients who received PI lavage and 22,352 who did not. Pooled odds ratio for overall infection rate for the PI and non-PI lavage groups was 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.19, P = .17) and for the deep infection rate was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.27-2.98, P = .86). Subgroup analyses revealed no differences in postoperative infection rates between the PI and non-PI lavage groups in terms of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty, diagnosis of infection at 3 and 12 months postoperatively, or primary and aseptic revision arthroplasties.ConclusionWe detected no differences in the overall postoperative infection rates between the PI and non-PI lavage groups before wound closure in TJA including all studies in the subgroup analyses.     

Evaluation of Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed With and Without Computer Navigation: A Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Study

Sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty performed on 54 patients utilizing navigation (CAS-TKA) in one knee and traditional instrumentation (T-TKA) in the contralateral knee was reviewed at a mean follow-up duration of 2.5 years. There were no differences with regard to KSS, ROM, postoperative anatomic alignment, mechanical axis, or tibial angle. There was a statistically significant decrease in outliers for the CAS-TKA group with respect to anatomic alignment (3.7% vs. 17.0%, P = 0.024), mechanical axis (6.1 vs. 20.4%, P = 0.037) and tibial component alignment (0% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.042). There is no apparent benefit of CAS-TKA with regards to KSS, ROM, or alignment in the hands of fellowship-trained total joint specialists. The clinical relevance of reduced outliers in the CAS-TKA group is unknown with the current follow-up interval.     

Outcomes of Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty for Secondary Osteonecrosis of the Knee

BackgroundSecondary osteonecrosis of the knee (SOK) generally occurs in relatively young patients; at advanced stages of SOK, the only viable surgical option is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We conducted a retrospective study to investigate implant survivorship, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications of contemporary cemented bicompartmental TKA with/without patellar resurfacing for SOK.MethodsThirty-eight cemented TKAs in 27 patients with atraumatic SOK, mean age 43 years (17 to 65), were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-four percent had a history of corticosteroid use, and 18% had a history of alcohol abuse. Patellar osteonecrosis was coincidentally found in six knees (16%), and all were asymptomatic without joint collapse. The mean followup was 7 years (2 to 12). Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at 6 weeks, 1 year, then every 2 to 3 years.ResultsNinety-two percent had implant survivorship free from revision with significant improvement in KSS. Causes of revision included aseptic tibial loosening (one), deep infection (one), and instability with patellofemoral issues (one). Four of six cases also with patellar osteonecrosis received resurfacing, including one with periprosthetic patellar fracture after minor trauma, with satisfactory clinical results after conservative treatment. None of the unrevised knees had progressive radiolucent lines or evidence of loosening. An unresurfaced patella, use of a stem extension or a varus-valgus constrained prosthesis constituted 18%, 8% and 3%, respectively.ConclusionCemented TKAs with selective stem extension in patients with SOK had satisfactory implant survivorship and reliable outcomes. Secondary osteonecrosis of the patella should be carefully evaluated prior to operation.