Total knees designed for normal kinematics evaluated in an up‐and‐down crouching machine

We constructed a crouching machine to study the motion of the knee joint, in which a motor was used to wind the quadriceps tendon so as to move the knee from high flexion to extension and back into flexion, while springs simulated hamstrings forces. Seven human cadaveric knees were tested intact and then after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection. Motions of the femur, tibia, and patella were recorded by an optical tracking system. We then inserted plastic models representing commonly used total condylar and posterior stabilized knee replacement designs. Femoral motion was described by successive positions of the transverse axis of the femur projected onto the tibial surface. In the knee replacements, motions were similar to that of an ACL‐deficient knee. We then tested two new designs with features intended to prevent anterior paradoxical sliding and to promote a medial pivot motion with femoral rollback primarily on the lateral side. The motion path more closely followed that of the normal intact knee. We concluded that motion guiding features in a total knee replacement could reproduce a normal neutral path that might result in functional improvements for the patient. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1022–1027, 2009     

Preclinical Evaluation Method for Total Knees Designed to Restore Normal Knee Mechanics

The objective was to develop a simple, rapid, and low-cost method for evaluating proposed new total knee arthroplasty (TKA) models and then to evaluate 3 different TKA models with different kinematic characteristics. A “desktop” knee testing rig was used to apply forces and moments over a full flexion range, representing a spectrum of positions and activities; and the positions of the femur on the tibia were measured. The average neutral path of motion (for compressive force only) and the laxities about the neutral path (for superimposed shear and torque) were determined from 8 knee specimens to be used as a benchmark for the TKA evaluations. A typical posterior-stabilized TKA did not display the normal external femoral rotation with flexion and also showed abnormal anterior sliding on the medial side. A medial-pivot type of guided-motion design showed medial stability comparable to anatomical but still did not produce external femoral rotation and posterior lateral displacement with flexion. The addition of a central cam-post produced the rotation and displacement but only after 75° of flexion. It was concluded that the test method satisfied the objective and could be used as a design tool for evaluating new and existing designs, as well as for formulating a TKA with anatomical characteristics.     

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 Kinematic Analysis of a High-Flexion, Posterior-Stabilized, Mobile-Bearing Knee Prosthesis in Deep Knee Bending Motion

The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of a high-flexion, posterior-stabilized, mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in weight-bearing, deep knee bending motion. Thirteen patients implanted with the Legacy Posterior Stabilized Flex (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) mobile-bearing TKA were examined during a deep knee bending motion using fluoroscopy. Femorotibial motion was determined using a 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional registration technique, which used computer-assisted design models to reproduce the position of metallic implants from single-view fluoroscopic images. The average flexion range of motion between the metallic implants was 116°. The average rotation of the femoral component was 9.3° external rotation. The mean kinematic pathway was early rollback, lateral pivot with external rotation, and bicondylar rollback. We found that the kinematic pattern of the Legacy Posterior Stabilized Flex mobile-bearing TKA was different than normal knee kinematics.     

The posterior cruciate ligament in total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to answer 2 questions: Does the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) produce femoral rollback in a single-design, cruciate-sparing total knee arthroplasty (TKA)? Does the PCL prevent posterior tibial displacement when it is retained after a single-design, cruciate-sparing TKA? Knee kinematics and limits of motion were measured with the knees in the following states: (1) intact knee, (2) anterior cruciate-deficient knee, (3) PCL-retaining total knee of a single design (TKA), (4) PCL-retaining TKA with PCL cut, and (5) PCL-substituting TKA. Femoral rollback was then calculated from the above data. The results showed that the PCL was able to prevent posterior translation and maintain femoral rollback when it was preserved during TKA. Therefore, the PCL can be functional after TKA, in a single-design, cruciate-sparing TKA. When the PCL was cut, significant changes in knee kinematics were observed.     

Il posizionamento rotatorio della componente tibiale nella protesi totale di ginocchio

Correct rotational alignment of the femoral and tibial components is an important factor for successful TKA. The transepicondylar axis is widely accepted as a reference for the femoral component, but there is not a standard reference for the tibial component. Internally rotated components compromise knee biomechanics causing patellar maltracking, a tight medial flexion gap, and limited femoral rollback on a conforming lateral tibial condyle. In this article we show our “curve on curve” matching method to avoid tibial malrotation in primary TKA.     

Optimisation of the posterior stabilised tibial post for greater femoral rollback after total knee arthroplasty—a finite element analysis

Femoral rollback after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is necessary for flexion beyond 90-100 degrees. Femoral rollback in posterior cruciate substituting TKA occurs as a result of the interaction between the femoral cam and tibial post. The geometric design of the cam post mechanism determines the kinematics of rollback. The purpose of this study is to optimise the design of the femoral cam-tibial post articulation through finite element analysis and suggest various design parameters that would optimise femoral rollback. Modifications to the tibial post geometry without changing the relative post position or slope are made. Results are characterised in terms femoral rollback and pressure distribution at the tibial post. Small design modifications to the tibial post are seen to produce large changes in femoral rollback with relatively small accompanying increases in contact pressures at the tibial post.     

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.     

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。     

Improved kinematics of total knee replacement following partially navigated modified gap-balancing technique

Purpose

Navigation-based total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has proven its value for restoration of the limb axis. However, patient-orientated results after TKA show a wide variation from the correct implantation technique. Nonphysiological kinematics without posterior femoral rollback and tibial internal rotation in flexion could be one reason for this. We postulated that a modified gap-balancing technique with navigation of the tibia alone, in comparison to a conventional navigated technique, would: (1) obtain lateral femoral rollback, (2) alter condylar liftoff without midflexion instability, (3) significantly differ in femoral and tibial cuts, (4) not be inferior in leg-axis restoration and (5) be comparable in clinical short-term scores.

Methods

In this prospective study, we compared in vivo navigation-based kinematics pre- and postoperatively of 40 consecutive TKA comprising 21 conventional navigation-based TKA and 19 TKA with the modified gap-balancing technique and a reduced navigation workflow. All cuts were double checked and compared with cuts proposed by the navigation system. Clinical results were assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively.

Results

The modified gap-balancing technique resulted in significantly increased lateral femoral rollback (mean 16.3 mm) and lateral condylar liftoff (mean 1.3 mm) compared to the conventional group. The modified technique comprised an average of 2.1 mm less distal femoral resection and an average of 4° less external rotation and 3.5° more flexion of the femoral component compared with the control group. Average tibial resection height was 1.1 mm greater and average tibial slope was 0.5° elevated compared to the control group. A neutral leg axis was achieved in all cases. Results showed no significant differences in clinical scores between groups.

Conclusion

A partial navigation solely of the tibial cut can securely restore the leg axis. Modification of the surgical technique can possibly reproduce more physiological knee kinematics with higher lateral femoral rollback in flexion without midflexion instability. This might help reduce postoperative problems with the new implant and thus reduce the amount of unsatisfactory results. Despite equal short-term results, mid- to long-term results are needed to prove whether or not this correlates with better clinical results and at least equal implant longevity.     

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.

Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty Implant Position on Flexion Angle Before Implant-Bone Impingement

We generated patient-specific computer models of total knee arthroplasty from 10 patients to compute maximum flexion angle before implant-bone impingement. Motion was simulated for 5 different femoral implant positions and 11 different tibial insert positions at 4 different tibial posterior slopes. In the neutral position, the mean maximum flexion angle was 136.3°. The range because of anatomical variation among patients was 13.0°. A combination of 2-mm posterior translation of the femoral component with a 10-mm anterior translation of the insert and a 7° posterior slope increased flexion by a mean of 14° relative to the neutral position. The rate of change in flexion angle was 0.4°/mm to 1.5°/mm with respect to implant position and 1.5°/mm increase in the posterior condylar offset.     

The influence of femoral rollback on patellofemoral contact loads in total knee arthroplasty

Increasing femoral rollback in flexion is thought to reduce patellofemoral contact load in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objectives of this study were to quantify the dependence of patellar load on rollback and to assess the effectiveness of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining, PCL-sacrificing, and PCL-substituting TKA types in generating rollback. Nine cadaver knees were tested in simulated squatting. Six TKAs that were expected to produce varying amounts of femoral rollback were evaluated: PCL-retaining TKA, PCL-sacrificing TKA, a commercially available PCL-substituting TKA, and 3 modified PCL-substituting TKAs in which the anteroposterior position of the tibial post was varied. Kinematics, quadriceps loads, and patellofemoral contact loads were recorded. Significant differences in rollback were observed in the 30 degrees to 90 degrees flexion range. PCL-sacrificing TKAs generated the least rollback. PCL-retaining TKAs produced greater rollback but had the most variability. PCL-substituting TKAs produced the greatest and most reproducible rollback. Moving the tibial post posteriorly further increased rollback. Increased rollback correlated with reduced patellar load (-2.2%/mm). Reductions in patellar load of 17.6% were observed. Quadriceps loads were reduced by increasing rollback but to a smaller degree (-0.9%/mm). Rollback primarily affects patellar load rather than quadriceps load or efficiency.     

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.     

The effect of geometry of the tibial polyethylene insert on the tibiofemoral contact kinematics in Advance Medial Pivot total knee arthroplasty

Background  

In modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is important to reproduce both medial pivot motion and posterior femoral rollback to obtain greater postoperative knee flexion. Several studies have reported the factors affecting knee motion and range of motion after TKA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the tibial insert geometry on the tibiofemoral contact kinematics, especially focusing on the medial pivot motion and posterior femoral rollback.     

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.     

Investigation of in vivo 6DOF total knee arthoplasty kinematics using a dual orthogonal fluoroscopic system.

Fluoroscopic techniques have been recently used to detect in vivo knee joint kinematics. This article presents a technique that uses two fluoroscopes to form a dual orthogonal fluoroscopic system for accurately measuring in vivo 6DOF total knee arthoplasty (TKA) kinematics. The system was rigorously validated and used to investigate in vivo kinematics of 12 patients after cruciate-retaining TKA. In a repeatability study, the pose of two different TKA components was reproduced with standard deviations (SD) of 0.17 mm and 0.57 degrees about all three axes. In an accuracy study, the reproduced component positions were compared to the known component positions. Position and rotation mean errors were all within 0.11 mm and 0.24 degrees, with SD within 0.11 mm and 0.48 degrees, respectively. The results of this study show that the matching process of the imaging system is able to accurately reproduce the spatial positions and orientations of both the femoral and tibial components. For CR TKA patients, a consistent anterior femoral translation was observed with flexion through 45 degrees of flexion, and thereafter, the femur translated posteriorly with further flexion. The medial-lateral translation was measured to be less than 2 mm throughout the entire flexion range. Internal tibial rotation steadily increased through maximum flexion by approximately 6 degrees. Varus rotation was also measured with flexion but had a mean magnitude less than 2.0 degrees. In conclusion, the dual orthogonal fluoroscopic system accurately detects TKA kinematics and is applicable towards other joints of the musculoskeletal system, including the wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, and spine.     

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.     

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     

Changes in the Functional Flexion Axis of the Knee Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Navigation System

Long term satisfaction of patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has lagged behind that of total hip arthroplasty. One possible reason is the failure of the artificial joint to recreate natural kinematics of the knee. This study evaluated the pre and post implant functional flexion axis in the knees of 285 total knee arthroplasty patients using a surgical navigation system. Results showed that post-implant there was less femoral rollback early in flexion on the lateral side of the joint than pre-implant. Designing future generations of knee implants to allow for this motion may give patients a more ‘natural’ feeling knee and may benefit outcomes.