Hip Pain after Distal Femoral Derotational Osteotomy for a Patient with Patellar Instability: A Case Report

Background

Increased torsional deformity of femur is one of the most important factors in recurrent patellofemoral instability. And distal femoral derotational osteotomy is an effective treatment option in patients with increased femoral torsional deformity. However, groin pain is a rare complication after femoral derotational osteotomy.

Case presentation

The patient was a 23-year-old female suffering from anterior knee pain and patellar instability in her left leg. Continuous CT scans of the hip, knee, and ankle were performed and the femoral anteversion was 44.99°. Considering the significant enlargement of the femoral internal torsion which may contribute most for dislocation of patella, we did a derotational osteotomy of distal femur. The anterior knee pain and patellar instability were resolved after surgery. The femoral internal torsion angle was corrected to 21.47°. But she developed left hip pain in the groin area which she had never encountered before 1 year after the surgery. We believed that the hip pain was closely related to the surgery. And the imaging and follow-up partly confirmed this.

Conclusions

The situation of the hip joint should be carefully evaluated before doing derotational osteotomy in recurrent patellofemoral instability and patient should be informed that derotational osteotomy may cause hip pain. Clinical studies are needed to further clarify the impact of derotational osteotomy on the hip.     

Using real‐time MRI to quantify altered joint kinematics in subjects with patellofemoral pain and to evaluate the effects of a patellar brace or sleeve on joint motion

Abnormal patellofemoral joint motion is a possible cause of patellofemoral pain, and patellar braces are thought to alleviate pain by restoring normal joint kinematics. We evaluated whether females with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal patellofemoral joint kinematics during dynamic, weight‐bearing knee extension and assessed the effects of knee braces on patellofemoral motion. Real‐time magnetic resonance (MR) images of the patellofemoral joints of 36 female volunteers (13 pain‐free controls, 23 patellofemoral pain) were acquired during weight‐bearing knee extension. Pain subjects were also imaged while wearing a patellar‐stabilizing brace and a patellar sleeve. We measured axial‐plane kinematics from the images. Females with patellofemoral pain exhibited increased lateral translation of the patella for knee flexion angles between 0°and 50° (p = 0.03), and increased lateral tilt for knee flexion angles between 0° and 20° (p = 0.04). The brace and sleeve reduced the lateral translation of the patella; however, the brace reduced lateral displacement more than the sleeve (p = 0.006). The brace reduced patellar tilt near full extension (p = 0.001), while the sleeve had no effect on patellar tilt. Our results indicate that some subjects with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal weight‐bearing joint kinematics and that braces may be effective in reducing patellar maltracking in these subjects. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 571–577, 2009     

Reproducibility of patellofemoral CT scan measurements

At least seven parameters have been described for the measurement of patellofemoral malalignment on CT scanning; three of which measure lateral patellar tilt, two lateral patellar shift and two femoral trochlear dysplasia. We studied 22 knees in 18 patients complaining of patellofemoral pain in order to investigate the reproducibility of these methods. CT scans of the patellofemoral joint were performed in each knee at 0 degrees and 20 degrees of flexion. The seven parameters were recorded from each scan by three independent observers in a blind study. The reproducibility was studied by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Parameters measuring lateral patellar tilt showed excellent reliability (ICC>75%). The measurements of lateral patellar shift and femoral trochlear dysplasia showed a fair or poor correlation (ICC<75%). We suggest that parameters for measuring lateral patellar tilt only should be used from CT scanning when planning treatment for patello-femoral malalignment.     

Chronological Changes in Axial Alignment of the Ipsilateral Hip and Knee After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Internal rotation of the hip and lateral patellar tilt increases after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it remains unknown whether these parameters change with time after the index THA.

Radiographic evaluation of patellofemoral alignment in kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty: A comparative study with mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundKinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (KA-TKA), in which femoral component is placed 3–5° of internal rotation relative to mechanically aligned (MA)-TKA, may have a potential risk of patellofemoral malalignment. This study aimed to assess patellofemoral alignment and compare the data between KA-TKA and MA-TKA, and the relationship with patellofemoral radiographic parameters and patient reported outcomes.MethodsAmong patients who underwent TKA in 2015 and 2016 in our institute, 28 KA-TKAs with a metal-backed patellar component were retrospectively assessed for patellofemoral alignment, and 28 MA-TKAs with a metal-backed patellar component served as controls. A year postoperatively, patellar tilt and shift at 30°, 60°, and 90° knee flexion were measured on Merchant views and compared between the two TKAs. Implant positioning in each patient was assessed based on preoperative CT images and correlations of femoral component positioning with patellar tilt/shift were assessed.ResultsPatellar shift at 30° flexion was significantly greater in KA-TKA than in MA-TKA (p = 0.04), whereas patellar tilt angle was comparable between the two TKAs. No statistical correlation was evident between femoral component positioning and patellar shift/tilt, regardless of knee flexion angle in the two TKAs. Knee Society Score 2011 at 1 year follow-up was comparable in all subcategories between the two TKAs.ConclusionRadiographic analysis of KA-TKA revealed lateral shift of the patella at 30° knee flexion at 1 year postoperatively, however patients with patellar shift were asymptomatic. Further long-term observation is required to examine the impact of KA-TKA on the patellofemoral complication.     

Influence of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Patellar Kinematics and Patellofemoral Pressure

Background

Patellofemoral complications are one of the main problems after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The design of the TKA component may affect the patellar biomechanics, which may be associated with this postoperative complication. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of TKA and prosthesis designs on the patellar kinematics and patellofemoral pressure.

Do Changes in Patellofemoral Joint Offset Lead to Adverse Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty With Patellar Resurfacing? A Radiographic Review

Background

Patellofemoral joint biomechanics contribute to anterior knee pain, instability, and dysfunction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Information about specific factors leading to anterior knee pain and dysfunction is currently limited. Changes in patellofemoral joint offset (PFO) refers to a mismatch between the preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior geometry of the patellofemoral joint. It remains unclear whether these changes lead to adverse outcomes in TKA.

Arthroscopic treatment of patellar clunk.

Excellent results have been reported with posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. A common complication relating to patellofemoral articulation is patellar clunk syndrome. Patellar clunk syndrome occurs when a fibrous nodule develops just proximal to the patellar button. At approximately 30 degrees to 45 degrees from full extension, the nodule catches the anterior flange of the femoral prosthesis, resulting in the clunk and a painful range of motion. The present study examines the use of arthroscopic debridement for this disorder. Thirty consecutive patients (32 knees) with the diagnosis of patellar clunk syndrome were evaluated at 1 year after arthroscopic debridement. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to the Knee Society score. In addition, patients were questioned specifically regarding anterior knee pain and patellofemoral symptoms. Radiographs were evaluated further regarding patella and component position. Patients were diagnosed with patellar clunk at an average of 12 months after their latest knee arthroplasty, with a range of 3 to 47 months. All patients complained of anterior knee pain and the clunk. All patients had a hypertrophic nodule at the junction of the proximal pole of the patella and quadriceps tendon and underwent arthroscopic debridement through a superolateral portal. All patients were free of patellar clunk postoperatively; one patient reported persistent anterior knee pain. Knee Society scores increased from an average of 64 points preoperative to 93 points postoperative. Radiographs showed patella alta in eight knees, patella baja in two. Four femoral components were in 5 degrees flexion. The present study represents the largest collection of data regarding patellar clunk syndrome. The data appear to support arthroscopic debridement as a successful treatment of patellar clunk syndrome.     

减少髌骨厚度对膝关节置换术后髌股关节功能的影响

目的探讨减少髌骨厚度对膝关节置换术后髌股关节功能的影响。 方法收集2014年7月至2016年7月间在作者本院行单侧初次全膝关节置换术的122病例资料,分为常规髌骨打磨组与减少髌骨厚度组,术后随访2年。观察比较两组患者的一般情况、术前术后膝关节功能评分（HSS评分）、髌骨评分（Feller评分）、疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS评分）,复查X线观察髌骨倾斜角、合适角。 结果术前两组一般资料无差异性,术前的HSS评分及Feller评分比较,差异无统计学意义。两组患者术后3个月、术后半年、术后1年及术后2年HSS评分、Feller评分、疼痛评分（VAS）及膝关节活动度经过重复测量设计的方差分析,显示两组的组间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,组别与时间点间存在交互作用,减少髌骨厚度组及常规髌骨打磨组在除术后1月外的其余术后各时间点间差异均有统计学意义。术后随访X线的髌骨倾斜角及合适角的对比无差异性。 结论全膝关节置换术可明显改善膝关节功能,如适当减少髌骨厚度,减轻髌股关节压力,较常规髌骨打磨更有利于改善髌股关节功能。但减少髌骨厚度的远期疗效及可能出现的并发症有待进一步随访、观察。     

Total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing in isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Thirty-one patients (33 knees) with symptomatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis and minimal tibiofemoral changes underwent LCS total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing. Average age was 73 years (range, 58-89 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 5:1. Average follow-up was 20 months (range, 12-40 months). All except 4 patients had grade 3 or 4 patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Preoperatively, all patients had significant knee pain. Sleep disturbance was reported in 21 patients. All but 10 patients required walking aids. Average range of motion was 108 degrees (range, 80-125 degrees ). At latest review, 21 knees were pain-free, the remaining 12 knees being described as having only occasional knee pain. Two patients continued to have night pain. Average range of motion was 104 degrees (range, 70-135 degrees ). Lateral patellar tilt improved in all but 5 knees by an average of 7 degrees (range, 1-26 degrees ). Patellar congruency improved in all but 3 knees by an average of 18% (range, 3-63%). None of the patients to date have required revision surgery. Total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing is an effective option in older patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis.     

Total hip and total knee arthroplasty in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is indicated for patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) when marked joint destruction is present and pain or deformity compromises function despite optimal medical therapy. Relief of pain, reduction of the deformity, and dramatic improvement in functional status and quality of life can be achieved in most patients. Functional impairment and deformity rather than pain are usually the primary indications for THA or TKA. When there is both hip and knee involvement, hip arthroplasty should probably be done first. Regional anesthetic appears to be the anesthetic of choice. Careful preoperative planning and the availability of custom and minisized components are essential. Small bone size, osteoporosis, and severe soft tissue disease make the surgery technically demanding. Skeletal immaturity may not contraindicate surgery if the patient is otherwise bedridden with progressive deformity. In the hip trochanteric osteotomy is often necessary for adequate exposure, with the possible exception being a patient with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis who is subject to heterotopic bone formation. Although complete capsulectomy and psoas tenotomy may be necessary to relieve a hip flexion contracture, a soft tissue release that produces leg lengthening may lead to nerve palsy. In the hip component loosening has been less common in patients with JRA than in other young patients who have undergone THA, but it is still the most frequent cause of failure. In the knee preoperative and postoperative serial casts can aid in the correction of severe flexion contracture. Secondary patellar pain has been the most common cause of late failure. Patellar resurfacing should probably be performed at the time of the original knee arthroplasty in all patients with JRA.     

Anterior knee pain following primary total knee arthroplasty

Despite improvements in technique and technology for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), anterior knee pain impacts patient outcomes and satisfaction. Addressing the prosthetic and surgical technique related causes of pain after TKA, specifically as it relates to anterior knee pain, can aid surgeons in addressing these issues with their patients. Design features of the femoral and patellar components which have been reported as pain generators include: Improper femoral as well as patellar component sizing or designs that result in patellofemoral stuffing; a shortened trochlear groove distance from the flange to the intercondylar box; and then surgical technique related issues resulting in: Lateral patellar facet syndrome; overstuffed patella/flange combination; asymmetric patellar resurfacing, improper transverse plane component rotation resulting in patellar subluxation/tilt. Any design consideration that allows impingement of extensor mechanism anatomical elements has the possibility of impacting outcome by becoming a pain generator. As the number of TKA procedures continues to increase, it is increasingly critical to develop improved, evidence based prostheses that maximize function and patient satisfaction while minimizing pain and other complications.     

Axial computed tomography of the patellofemoral joint with and without quadriceps contraction

Computed tomography was used to analyze the patellofemoral relationship during the first 60° of knee flexion in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome (49 knees) and a healthy control group (15 knees). The patellofemoral joints were imaged axially through the center of the patella articular cartilage with the knee flexed 0°, 0° with maximal quadriceps muscle contraction, 30°, and 60°. In 0° of knee flexion, the sulcus angle was greater in the symptomatic group than in normal controls. The patella displaced further laterally, and the lateral patellar tilt was greater. The patellar lateral index was found to be greater at 0° and indicated severe abnormality with full quadriceps muscle contraction. The Laurin angle was pathologic with increased medial opening, especially with muscle contraction. At 30° of knee flexion, these differences were less marked than at 0°. No relevant differences were found with 60° of knee flexion. This study showed that the sulcus angle, lateral patellar displacement, lateral patellar tilt, patella lateral condyle index, and Laurin angle are relevant diagnostic features in 0° of knee flexion, indicating a pathological femoral patellar gliding mechanism. Our evaluation also demonstrated the influence of full quadriceps muscle contraction, especially regarding lateral patellar displacement and the Laurin angle, and it was most prominent on the patella lateral condyle index. Thus, quadriceps muscle contraction often creates a more pathological displacement of the patella, which can be depicted using axial computed tomography.     

关节镜下自体腘绳肌腱重建内侧髌股韧带治疗复发性髌骨脱位

目的探讨关节镜下采用自体腘绳肌腱重建内侧髌股韧带治疗复发性髌骨脱位的疗效。方法 2005年1月-2010年1月,对22例(22膝)复发性髌骨脱位患者采用关节镜下外侧支持带松解,取自体腘绳肌腱重建内侧髌股韧带治疗。男5例,女17例;年龄15～19岁,平均17.3岁。髌骨脱位3～8次,平均4次。主要临床症状为患膝关节疼痛、肿胀、无力,活动受限。髌骨倾斜试验、恐惧试验、内侧髌股韧带止点处压痛、髌骨向外推移时恐惧征均呈阳性。根据国际膝关节文献委员会(IKDC)评分标准,膝关节功能主观评分为(36.7±4.7)分,Lysholm评分为(69.3±3.8)分。X线片示患者髌骨向外倾斜。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间18～49个月,平均34个月。术后患者关节疼痛、肿胀、无力等症状较术前明显改善。随访期间患者髌骨脱位无复发。末次随访时,IKDC膝关节功能主观评分为(92.4±5.3)分,Lysholm评分为(91.7±5.2)分,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论关节镜下取自体腘绳肌腱重建内侧髌股韧带可明显改善髌骨稳定性,是治疗复发性髌骨脱位的有效方法之一。     

Rotating platform knees did not improve patellar tracking: a prospective, randomized study of 240 primary total knee arthroplasties

Renewed interest in mobile-bearing total knee replacement designs has been generated by the concept of self alignment and the suggestion that those designs can accommodate small mismatches in the rotational position of the tibial and femoral components. Self alignment might improve patellar tracking, decrease the prevalence of lateral retinacular release and postoperative patellar tilt or subluxation, improve knee flexion, and improve patellofemoral function during daily activities such as stair climbing. This prospective randomized study of 240 patients used a single posterior-stabilized femoral component and included three groups of 80 patients: an all-polyethylene group, a modular metal-backed group, and a rotating platform tibia group. The prevalence of lateral retinacular release was 3.8% in each group. The prevalence of patellar tilt was 5% (all-polyethylene group), 7% (modular metal-backed group), and 11% (rotating platform group). Preoperative motion was not significantly different and both the 3-month flexion (112 degrees , 110 degrees , and 108 degrees ) and 1-year flexion (116 degrees , 117 degrees , and 115 degrees ) were not significantly different among the all-polyethylene, modular metal-backed, and rotating platform groups, respectively. Preoperative stair climbing scores were not significantly different and both the 3-month (38, 41, and 35 points) and 1-year (44, 46, and 42 points) scores were not significantly different. In this prospective randomized study, the rotating platform knee design did not decrease the prevalence of lateral retinacular release or patellar tilt or subluxation and did not increase knee flexion or improve stair climbing ability at 3 months or at 1 year postoperatively when compared with a posterior-stabilized, fixed-bearing knee.     

Patellaposition und Patellofemoralarthrose nach unikompartimentellem Kniegelenkersatz

Background

Changes of patellar position (height, tilt, and shift) and arthritis of the patellofemoral joint might potentially influence outcome after unicompartmental knee replacement.

Objectives

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the influence of the aforementioned parameters on postoperative outcome.

Methods

Literature analysis via PubMed.

Results

A total of 12 relevant studies (three about Patellar height, two about patellar tilt and shift, seven about patellofemoral osteoarthritis) could be identified. Regarding Patellar height, two out of three studies demonstrated a postoperative decrease. With regard to patellar tilt and shift, only one study identified postoperative lateralization of the patella to be a predictor for poor outcome. The radiological appearance of arthritis of the patellofemoral joint does not significantly influence postoperative knee function except for cases where only the lateral patellar facet is affected. Anterior knee pain has no influence on clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Literature data do not allow for a precise statement about the possible influence of patellar position on the outcome after unicompartmental knee replacement. With proper patient selection, good results can be achieved despite patellofemoral osteoarthritis.     

复合软组织手术对儿童习惯性髌骨脱位髌股关节适应性的影响

目的 研究复合软组织手术治疗不同年龄段儿童习惯性髌骨脱位后,髌股关节适应性的变化情况.方法 回顾性分析2000至2007年收治的习惯性髌骨脱位患儿73例.男24例,女49例;平均年龄7.1岁(3～15岁);单侧47例,双侧26例.按照年龄分为A、B两组:A组年龄3～8岁(包括8岁),24例(30膝);B组年龄8～15岁,49例(69膝).复合软组织手术包括膝关节外侧充分松解、内侧紧缩、髌腱半腱上点移位(Roux-Goldthwait手术)和股内侧肌止点下移术.术前及随访中分别行髌骨轴位和侧位X线检查,测量股骨滑车角、髌骨高度、髌骨-滑车适配角及髌骨倾斜角(Laurin角)的变化情况,以评价髌股关节适应性.结果 73例患儿均获随访,平均随访38个月(25～98个月).末次随访时髌骨脱位均无复发,其中2例发生髌骨内侧脱位.股骨滑车角:A组由术前的150.1°±5.1°改善为144.3°±6.0°,手术前后差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);B组手术前后差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).其余测量指标在两组均无显著变化.结论 复合软组织手术对儿童习惯性髌骨脱位髌股关节的塑型有影响,对于手术年龄在8岁以下儿童可以明显促进股骨髁的发育,降低股骨滑车角,改善髌股关节适应性;8岁以上儿童在随访期内股骨滑车角的变化不显著,髌股关节适应性改变不明显.     

Effect of femoral and tibial component position on patellar tracking following total knee arthroplasty: 10-year follow-up of Miller-Galante I knees

Rotational alignment of the femoral and tibial components using computed tomography (CT) was evaluated to establish if errors of alignment have a significant effect on patellofemoral complications. From 1987-1990, 54 knees in 39 patients were replaced with the Miller-Galante I knee system. Of these, 10 patients (13 knees) comprised this study. All patients had osteoarthritis. Mean patient age at surgery was 70.3 years. Mean follow-up was 10.3 years. On CT, rotational position of the femoral component relative to the epicondylar axis and the position of the tibial component relative to the tibial tubercle were evaluated. Patellar displacement and patellar tilt angle also were evaluated when the knee was flexed at 30 degrees. Mean rotation of the femoral component was 6.1 degrees of internal rotation (2.7 degrees-11.2 degrees). Mean rotation of the tibial component was 16.7 degrees of internal rotation (2.4 degrees-27.7 degrees). Mean lateral patellar tilt angle was 2.9 degrees (-6.0 degrees-11.9 degrees), and mean lateral displacement was 2.7 mm (-3.2-8.9 mm). Rotational position of both the femoral and tibial components showed a statistically significant correlation with the patellar tilt angle. This study showed the internally rotated femoral and tibial component were related to the patellar maltracking. This malalignment of the components, as well as nonanatomical patellar groove and metal-backed patellar component, could be one of the causes of the patellofemoral complications with the Miller-Galante I knee.     

复发性髌骨脱位的股骨踝部的旋转畸形

目的：通过CT测量,使用TEA(Transepicondylar Axis,TEA)作为股骨远端的标志来检测青少年髌股关节紊乱时的下肢排列和股骨远端形态。材料与方法：选用3组病人。脱位组：26例病人共38个膝关节;膝前痛组;43例共67膝;对照组：12例24膝。对各组病人均行股骨颈、股骨远端、胫骨折、远端的CT检查。得到以TEA为基准的股前倾角、前髁角和后髁角以及膝旋转,同时测量常用的髁角、髌骨倾斜角及胫骨旋转等。结论：发现脱位组后髁角有显著增大,内、外侧付韧带的股骨附着点有异常改变,进而TEA发生外旋。本研究是同类研究中首次使用TEA作为新的标志。使用TEA作为基准线可在股骨髁发生几何变化以前反映出下肢的排列状况。     

Radiographic measures in subjects who are asymptomatic and subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Lateral tilt and displacement of the patella are considered characteristic features of patellofemoral pain syndrome. It has been suggested that abnormal patellar tilt and displacement are detected best with the knee near full extension, which requires computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The objective of the current study was to determine whether alignment abnormalities could be detected in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome from axial radiographs obtained at 35 degrees knee flexion using a new, standardized radiographic technique. Thirty-three subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome and 33 matched control subjects were recruited from a military population. Lateral and axial (unloaded and with quadriceps contraction) radiographs were taken using the Patellofemoral QUESTOR Precision Radiograph system. Measures of patellar tilt and displacement, and anatomic measures (sulcus angle, patellar facet angle, patella alta) were obtained from the radiographs. No significant differences in patellar tilt or displacement were detected between the groups (paired t tests) in either the unloaded or loaded (quadriceps contracted) condition, suggesting that these measures, obtained at this knee angle are not useful diagnostic or outcome measures in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Patellar angle, sulcus angle, and patellar height also did not differ between groups suggesting that these are not etiologic factors in patellofemoral pain syndrome.