Mini-open Muscle Resection Procedure under Local Anesthesia for Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis

Background

This study examined the clinical results of surgical treatment using a mini-open muscle resection procedure under local anesthesia for intractable lateral or medial epicondylitis.

Methods

Forty two elbows (41 patients) were treated surgically for lateral or medial epicondylitis. The indication for surgery was refractory pain after six months of conservative treatment, or a history of more than three local injections of steroid, or severe functional impairment in the occupational activities. The treatment results were assessed in terms of the pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles & Maudsley score, and Nirschl & Pettrone grade.

Results

The preoperative VAS scores of pain were an average of 5.36 at rest, 6.44 at daily activities, and 8.2 at sports or occupational activities. After surgery, the VAS scores improved significantly (p < 0.01): 0.3 at rest, 1.46 at daily activities, and 2.21 at sports or occupational activities. The preoperative Roles & Maudsley score was acceptable in 6 cases, and poor in 36 cases, which was changed to excellent in 23 cases, good in 16 cases, acceptable in 3 cases after surgery. According to the grading system by Nirschl & Pettrone, 23 cases were excellent, 18 cases were good, and the remaining 1 case was fair. Overall, 41 cases (97.6%) achieved satisfactory results. Postoperative complications were encountered in three cases. Subcutaneous seroma due to the leakage of joint fluid in two patients was managed by additional surgery and suction drainage, and resulted in a satisfactory outcome. One patient complained of continuous pain on occupational activity, but her pain at rest was improved greatly.

Conclusions

The mini-open muscle resection procedure under local anesthesia appears to be one of effective methods for intractable lateral or medial epicondylitis.     

Prospective Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Home-Based Program of Isometric Strengthening Exercises: 12-Month Follow-up

Background

The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a home-based program of isometric strengthening exercises for the treatment of the lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the distal humerus. We hypothesized that 1) use of isometric strengthening exercises would result in clinical benefits similar to those provided by medication and pain relief and 2) functional improvements after exercise would be time-dependent.

Methods

Patients were assigned to one of two groups: 1) an immediate physical therapy group (group I), or 2) a delayed physical therapy group (group D). Group I patients (n = 16) were instructed how to do the exercises at their first clinic visit and immediately carried out the exercise program. Group D patients (n = 15) learned and did the exercises after being on medications for 4 weeks.

Results

Outcomes at the 1-month clinic visit indicated that pain (measured using a visual analogue scale [VAS]) had been significantly reduced in group I compared to group D (p < 0.01). However, significant differences between groups were not found at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up for either VAS scores or Mayo elbow performance scores. For modified Nirschl/Pettrone scores, a significant difference between groups was found only at the 1-month follow-up visit. By then, the number of participants who returned to all activities with no pain or occasional mild pain was six (37%) in Group I and two (13%) in Group D (p = 0.031). At the final follow-up visit, 88% of all participants performed physical activities without pain.

Conclusions

Isometric strengthening exercises done early in the course of LE (within 4 weeks) provides a clinically significant improvement.     

Does the quality,accuracy, and readability of information about lateral epicondylitis on the internet vary with the search term used?

Background

Concern exists over the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of online information about health care conditions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and readability of information available on the internet about lateral epicondylitis.

Methods

We used three different search terms (“tennis elbow,” “lateral epicondylitis,” and “elbow pain”) in three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) to generate a list of 75 unique websites. Three orthopedic surgeons reviewed the content of each website and assessed the quality and accuracy of information. We assessed each website’s readability using the Flesch–Kincaid method. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons.

Results

The mean reading grade level was 11.1. None of the sites were under the recommended sixth grade reading level for the general public. Higher quality information was found when using the terms “tennis elbow” and “lateral epicondylitis” compared to “elbow pain” (p < 0.001). Specialty society websites had higher quality than all other websites (p < 0.001). The information was more accurate if the website was authored by a health care provider when compared to non-health care providers (p = 0.003). Websites seeking commercial gain and those found after the first five search results had lower quality information.

Conclusions

Reliable information about lateral epicondylitis is available online, especially from specialty societies. However, the quality and accuracy of information vary significantly with the search term, website author, and order of search results. This leaves less educated patients at a disadvantage, particularly because the information we encountered is above the reading level recommended for the general public.     

Medium term outcomes of primary and revision Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement

Background:

Total elbow replacement (TER) is indicated in inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis and fractures that are not amenable to reconstruction. There is no series in literature, to the best of our knowledge, regarding the results of revision of the Souter-Strathclyde prosthesis (SSP) to the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis (CMP). The aim of this study is to present the medium term results of primary CMP total elbow replacement and revision of the SSP to CMP.

Materials and Methods:

50 primary CMPs (Group I) and 11 revision CMPs (Group II) were included in the study. Demographic, operative, followup and radiological data were analysed. The indication for revision of the primary implant was peri-prosthetic fracture in six cases, aseptic loosening in four cases and instability in one case.

Results:

The mean age in Group I was 67.28 ± 12.45 years and in Group II was 57.09 ± 11.25 years. The mean period of followup was 8.08 ± 2.95 years and 7.46 ± 2.39. There was a significant improvement in range of motion and pain in both groups. The complications seen were nerve palsy, infection, fractures and heterotopic ossification. The 5-year survival rate in Group I was 94%. The results were good in 36 elbows, fair in 8 elbows and poor in 5 elbows. In Group II, the results were good in 8 elbows, fair in 2 elbows and poor in 1 elbow. The complications seen were nerve palsy, fractures and heterotopic ossification.

Discussion:

Primary CMP TER provides a functionally useful range of movement of 100° which is enough to perform most activities of daily living. It also produces a pain free and stable joint. Similar results are achieved after revision of the SSP to CMP. The unique toggle-hinge mechanism of articulation provides inherent stability and good survivorship.

Conclusion:

Semiconstrained prostheses like CMP provide good functional results and survivorship and are the implant of choice in both primary and revision total elbow replacements.     

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Epicondylitis,Elbow: Simultaneous Lateral and Medial Versus Lateral Versus Medial

Objective

Lateral and medial epicondylitis are relatively common diseases, but they do not improve quickly and are known to reduce patients' quality of life. Much research has been done on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis, but research on medial epicondylitis is lacking. The purpose of this study is to compare: (i) the pain intensity; and (ii) the functional outcome between the simultaneous treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis and the treatment of only lateral or medial epicondylitis using PRP.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 209 patients treated with PRP on epicondylitis between March 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled. Simultaneous treatment was underwent 68 patients (group I). Seventy patients were treated for lateral epicondylitis (group II). The remaining 71 patients were treated for medial epicondylitis (group III). The visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were evaluated for clinical outcomes at the initial visit and 6 months after injection.

Results

VAS for pain and MEPS showed significant improvement in all three groups compared to before treatment. There was no significant difference between three groups on –ΔVAS (P > 0.05). However, in case of ΔMEPS, group III showed significantly lower compared to groups II and III (P < 0.05). No patients showed worsening of symptoms or complications during the treatment.

Conclusion

PRP injection for the patient with elbow medial and lateral epicondylitis can be treated effectively simultaneously in terms of pain. From a functional point of view, the effect of simultaneous treatment may be lessened than in the case of only lateral and medial treatment.     

Elbow dislocation with irreparable fracture radial head

Background:

Treatment of elbow dislocation with irreparable radial head fracture needs replacement of radial head to achieve stability of elbow. An alternate method in cases of elbow dislocation with radial head fracture can be resection of radial head with repair of medial collateral ligament. We report a retrospective analysis of cases of elbow dislocation with irreparable radial head treated by excision head of radius and repair of MCL.

Materials and Methods:

Nine patients of elbow dislocation with associated irreparable fractures of the head of the radius were included in this analysis (6 F:3 M, Age: 35-47 years). Radial head excision was done through the lateral approach and MCL was sutured using no 3 Ethibond using medial approach. Above elbow plaster was given for 6 weeks and gradual mobilization was done thereafter. All patients were assessed at final followup using Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).

Results:

Mean followup was 19.55 ± 7.12 months (range 14-36 months). There was no extension deficit when compared to opposite side with mean range of flexion of 138.8° ± 6.97° (range 130 -145°). Mean pronation was 87.7° ± 4.4° (range 80-90°) and mean supination was 87.7 ± 4.62° (range 80-90°). The mean MEPS was 98.8 ± 3.33 (range 90-100). No patient had pain, sensory complaints, subluxation or redislocation. All were able to carry out their daily activities without disability.

Conclusion:

Radial head excision with MCL repair is an acceptable option for treatment of patients with elbow dislocation and irreparable radial head fracture.     

Management of ��floating elbow�� in children

Background:

Supracondylar fractures associated with ipsilateral forearm fractures, aptly termed as “floating elbow” is a rare injury in children after a fall from height. The various authors have reported their results with conservative treatment of one or both injuries to aggressive emergency operative fixation of both components.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of three years, the author managed four cases of floating elbow in children. All cases were managed by closed reduction and pinning of both components of the injury.

Results:

All patients recovered full elbow range of motion at three months followup and were rated as excellent as per modified Flynn''s criteria. None of the patients developed cubitus varus deformity, complications related to the pins or delayed union.

Conclusions:

Early closed reduction and K wire fixation of both components of this injury gives better stability and prevents development of complications like compartment syndrome and elbow deformities.     

Tuberculosis of the elbow: A clinicoradiological analysis

Background:

The incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) of elbow is 2-5% of all skeletal locations. Most reports of TB elbow have focused attention on the diagnosis. The management options and classification has been missing. We present a retrospective clinicoradiological analysis of 38 cases (40 elbows) of TB of elbow joint.

Materials and Methods:

The patients presented with pain, swelling and loss of motion. Two cases had bilateral involvement. The average delay between onset of symptoms and presentation was 8 months. The elbows were classified according to modified Martini''s radiological classification, which distinguishes between osseous lesions close to joint line (e.g. coronoid, condyles) and lesions away from the joint line (e.g. epicondyles, olecranon). We modified the classification to subdivide into para-articular bony lesions that had invaded the joint and those that were threatening to invade joint. All patients received antitubercular chemotherapy and immobilization in above-elbow plaster slab for 4–8 weeks. Twenty patients underwent surgical interventions (synovectomy, intraarticular debridement).

Results:

The average followup period was 5.3 years (range 1.5-14.2 years). The range of movement at final followup averaged 107° for stage 2, 90° for stage 3A, 47° for stage 3B and 32° for stage 4. Range of supination and pronation was less satisfactory as compared to flexion and extension and all elbows with bony involvement had less than 90° arc of supination and pronation.

Conclusion:

Surgical intervention could appreciably alter the outcome especially in patients with extra-articular involvement close to the joint. We have classified this subgroup separately.     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in painful refractory vertebral hemangiomas

Background:

Painful vertebral hemangiomas are often inadequately managed medically. We evaluated the outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of painful vertebral hemangiomas refractory to medical management.

Materials and Methods:

14 patients (four thoracic and ten lumbar vertebra) with painful vertebral hemangiomas presenting with severe back pain for more than 6 months not responding to medical therapy were treated by vertebroplasty. Cross sectional imaging of the spine with magnetic resonance was done. Blood investigations were done to exclude coagulopathy excluded. PVP was performed under local anesthesia.

Results:

The pain intensity numeric rating scale (PI-NRS-11) of these patients was in the range of 7-10 (Severe Pain). After vertebroplasty 8 patients were completely free of pain (PI NRS Score 0) while 6 were significantly relieved (PI-NRS Score 1-3). No complications were observed. Two patients with associated radicular pain had good pain relief following PVP. No recurrence was found during 36 months of postoperative followup.

Conclusion:

PVP is a safe and effective procedure in patients with painful vertebral hemangiomas refractory to medical management.     

Functional outcome of surgical management of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis

Background:

The long term outcomes of decompressive surgery on relief of pain and disability in degenerative lumbar canal stenosis are unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of surgical management of secondary degenerative lumbar canal stenosis and to analyze the effect on outcome variables using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two patients of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis managed surgically were included in this study. Laminectomy (n=2), laminectomy with disectomy (n=23), laminectomy and disectomy with instrumental stabilization (n=5), and laminectomy, disectomy with posterior interbody fusion (n=2) were performed. JOA scoring system for low backache was used to assess the patients. The recovery rate was calculated as described by Hirabayashi et al. (1981). Surgical outcome was assessed based on the recovery rate and was classified using a four-grade scale: Excellent, improvement of >90%; good, 75–89% improvement; fair, 50–74% improvement; and poor, below 49% improvement. The patients were evaluated at 3 months, one year and at last followup.

Results:

At 3-month followup, 18.75% patients showed excellent outcome, 62.50% patients showed good outcome, and 18.75% showed fair outcome. At 1-year followup, 64% patients showed excellent outcome and 36% patients showed good outcome. At >1 year followup (average 34.2 months, range: 2–110 months), 64% patients showed excellent outcome, 28% showed good outcome, and 8% showed fair outcome. No patient had poor outcome. Outcome of the patients improved as the time after surgery increased till 1 year and was sustained thereafter till the last followup.

Conclusion:

Operative treatment in patients of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis yields excellent results as observed on the basis of JOA scoring system. No patient got recurrence of symptoms of nerve compression.     

Lateral epicondylosis and calcific tendonitis in a golfer: a case report and literature review

Objective

To detail the progress of a young female amateur golfer who developed chronic left arm pain while playing golf 8 months prior to her first treatment visit.

Clinical Features

Findings included pain slightly distal to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, decreased grip strength, and positive orthopedic testing. Diagnostic ultrasound showed thickening of the common extensor tendon origin indicating lateral epicondylosis. Radiographs revealed an oval shaped calcified density in the soft tissue adjacent to the lateral humeral epicondyle, indicating calcific tendonitis of the common extensor tendon origin.

Intervention and Outcome

Conventional care was aimed at decreasing the repetitive load on the common extensor tendon, specifically the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Soft tissue techniques, exercises and stretches, and an elbow brace helped to reduce repetitive strain. Outcome measures included subjective pain ratings, and follow up imaging 10 weeks after treatment began.

Conclusion

A young female amateur golfer with chronic arm pain diagnosed as lateral epicondylosis and calcific tendonitis was relieved of her pain after 7 treatments over 10 weeks of soft tissue and physical therapy focusing specifically on optimal healing and decreasing the repetitive load on the extensor carpi radialis brevis.     

Outcome of distraction interference arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joint for sacroiliac arthritis

Background:

After lumbar or lumbosacral fusion for various spine disorders, adjacent segment disease has been reported. Most of the studies have focused on proximal segment disease. The author has reported sacroiliac joint degeneration in these patients. Based on our own experiences with an increasing number of patients with sacroiliac joint (SIJ) arthralgia after multi-level lumbar or lumbosacral fusion procedures, we evaluated a surgical procedure called distraction arthrodesis of the SIJ for patients with refractory severe pain of the SIJ.

Materials and Methods:

Nineteen (19) consecutive patients were recruited and evaluated prospectively after undergoing distraction arthrodesis of the SIJ. The inclusion criteria for the surgical procedure were degeneration of the SIJ and failed conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and CT scans were performed in all cases. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). CT scans were performed postoperatively and again at the final followup to evaluate assess fusion. The data was analyzed using the SPSS software (version 10.0; SPSS, Chicago, IL) and statistical analysis was performed. The P values were based on the Student t-test.

Results:

The mean followup was 13.2 months. All patients had an instrumented lumbar or lumbosacral fusion. The overall fusion rate of SIJ was 78.9% (15/19 joints). All patients demonstrated significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores compared to preoperative values. The mean VAS score was 8.5 before surgery and was 6 at final followup, demonstrating 30% improvement. The mean ODI scores were 64.1 before surgery and 56.97 at the final followup, demonstrating 12% improvement.

Conclusions:

Refractory sacroiliac pain as a result of multi-level fusion surgery can be successfully treated with minimally invasive arthrodesis. It offers a safe and effective treatment for severe SIJ pain. Careful patient selection is important.     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in symptomatic hemangioma versus osteoporotic compression fracture

Background:

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is more commonly used for osteoporotic compression fractures (OCFs) and osteolytic vertebral body tumors. This study aimed to study the differences between OCFs and vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) treated with PVP.

Materials and Methods:

Between September 2007 and January 2010, we prospectively treated 28 consecutive patients of OCFs (43 recently symptomatic OCFs) and 24 cases of VHs (26 VHs). We used visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to evaluate the patients. The followup period in group 1 and 2 were 25.1 months (range 12 - 31 months) and 21.3 months (range 14 - 28 months), respectively. Comparison of means was carried out with the Chi Square Tests, t-test, and N Par-Test for multiple comparisons, whenever appropriate. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Following PVP the VAS score decreased to 4.57 and 4.17 in group 1 and 2, respectively. The ODI scores were 32.5% and 30%, respectively. This decrease in ODI scores lasted throughout the followup period.

Conclusions:

Although the preoperative scores were significantly different between group 1 and 2, there was no significant difference between two groups following the PVP.     

The effectiveness of structured patient education for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the extremities: a systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration

Purpose:

To determine the effectiveness of structured patient education for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the extremities.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 1990 to March 14, 2015. Paired reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for eligibility. The internal validity of studies was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria. Results from studies with a low risk of bias were synthesized using the best-evidence synthesis methodology.

Results:

We identified two randomized trials with a low risk of bias. Our review suggests that: 1) multimodal care and corticosteroid injections lead to faster pain relief and improvement than reassurance and advice in the short-term and similar outcomes in the long-term for patients with persistent lateral epicondylitis; and 2) providing health education material alone may be less effective than multimodal care for the management of persistent patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Conclusion:

Our systematic search of the literature demonstrates that little is known about the effectiveness of structured patient education for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the extremities. Two studies suggest that when used alone, structured patient education may be less effective than other interventions used to manage persistent lateral epicondylitis and persistent patellofemoral syndrome.     

It’s time to change perspective! New diagnostic tools for lateral elbow pain

Purpose

The presence of intra-articular findings that may complement the extra-articular pathology in lateral epicondilytis has been suggested, and a role for minor instability of the elbow as part of the causative process of this disease has been postulated. This study was designed to describe two new clinical tests, aimed at detecting intra-articular pathology in patients affected by recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis and investigate their diagnostic performance.

Methods

Ten patients suffering of atraumatic lateral elbow pain unresponsive to conservative treatment were considered in this study. Two clinical tests were developed and administrated prior to arthroscopy: Supination and Antero-Lateral pain Test (SALT); Posterior Elbow Pain by Palpation-Extension of the Radiocapitellar joint (PEPPER). Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy of SALT and PEPPER as diagnostic tests for seven intra-articular findings were calculated.

Results

In 90% of the patients, at least one test was positive. All patients with signs of lateral ligamentous patholaxity or intra-articular abnormal findings had a positive response to at least one of the two tests. SALT proved to have a high sensitivity but a low specificity and is accurate in detecting the presence of intra-articular abnormal findings, especially synovitis. PEPPER test was sensible, specific and accurate in the detection of radial head chondropathy.

Conclusions

Two new diagnostic tests (SALT and PEPPER) were specifically designed to evoke pain from intra-articular structures. These tests could be a valid support in the diagnostic algorithm of recalcitrant lateral elbow pain. Positive findings may be indicative of a minor instability of the lateral elbow condition.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic study, development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients, level II.

     

Effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in three major tendon diseases

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a conservative treatment for several painful musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study was the assessment of the relief from pain by the shockwave therapy in a population of consecutive patients affected by specific pathologies.

Materials and methods

A group of consecutive patients were studied and treated. They were affected by calcific tendonitis of the shoulder (129 patients), chronic Achilles tendinopathy (102 patients), and lateral epicondylitis of the elbow (80 subjects). Each patient had 3 applications with a monthly interval, and was followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Results were evaluated by the numeric rating scale (NRS) in all cases, the Constant Murley Score for the assessment of the shoulder function, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score for subjects affected by chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and the Oxford Elbow Score for those affected by a lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

Results

One year after treatment, the results were considered satisfactory with an almost complete resolution of symptoms. There were statistically significant results at the 12-month follow-ups regarding the mean NRS score (from 6.25 to 0.2), the Constant Murley Score (from 66.7 to 79.4), the Oxford Elbow Score (from 28 to 46), and the AOFAS (from 71 to 86).

Conclusions

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be considered a safe, economic, and effective treatment for several chronic musculoskeletal disorders, allowing satisfactory pain relief and improvement of function ability.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

     

Impairment assessment of lateral epicondylitis through electromyography and dynamometry

Objectives:

To investigate changes in muscular activity and strength of subjects diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis (LE). To assess the appropriateness of these measures in the patient’s follow-up.

Methods:

Twenty-four subjects (11 men and 13 women) with LE, were evaluated at baseline and after 5 weeks of an experimental treatment. Measurements included: the (1) pain-free grip (PFG), (2) maximal isometric strength, (3) surface electromyography (EMG) of forearm muscle (healthy and affected), (4) a visual analogue scale (VAS), and (5) the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) (Canadian-French version).

Results:

All subjects showed improvement in VAS and PRTEE. The maximal isometric strength during flexion and extension of the wrist and the EMG analysis failed to discriminate the affected from the healthy elbow during the initial assessment. Only the PFG measured with the elbow in extension could discriminate elbows with LE from the healthy ones.

Conclusions:

The use of the PFG with the elbow in extension seems to be the most indicated strength measurement to monitor the recovery of patients with LE. The EMG acquisition protocol used in this research was not adequate to monitor effectively the recovery of LE.     

Midterm results of cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty in patellectomized patients

Background:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patellectomized patients gives inferior results when compared with those in which the patella is present. The literature is ambiguous about the role of cruciate retaining or sacrificing implants for these knees. In this study, we assessed the midterm results of TKA in patellectomized knees using a cruciate retaining implant.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty three patients with a prior patellectomy underwent a cruciate retaining TKA and were followed up for an average of 9.3 years (range 2-14 years). At each followup visit, they were evaluated clinically, radiologically and by the Hospital for Special Surgery Scoring System.

Results:

Twenty one knees did not have any pain or difficulty in climbing stairs, 10 knees were slightly painful on stairs but pain free on walking on flat ground and two knees experienced mild to moderate pain on walking up and down stairs as well as on flat ground. The average range of motion preoperatively was 87°, which postoperatively increased to 118°. The average Hospital for Special Surgery Knee scores increased from 52 to 89 points. None of the knees showed any progressive radiolucencies or evidence of any loosening/osteolysis or fractures in followup.

Conclusion:

Cruciate retaining TKA offers good results at midterm followup in patients with a prior patellectomy.