胫骨结节前移的生物力学分析

本研究的目的是评估胫骨结节前移术（Ｍａｑｕｅｔ手术）降低髌股关节接触力的效果。采用膝关节活体几何学数据结合生物力学模型模拟Ｍａｑｕｅｔ手术。６例健康青年人在膝关节负重屈伸时（上一级楼梯）以视屏系统连续记录膝关节的动态Ｘ线影像，采用计算机系统分析数字化Ｘ线影像得到膝关节的几何学数据。根据上述数据对６例右膝进行计算机手术模拟，将髌腱止点前移３、５、１０、１５和２０°，随后，对模拟结果作生物力学分析。结果显示，膝屈曲角度达９０°时，Ｍａｑｕｅｔ手术仅能使髌股关节接触力减少２０％，只有在膝关节屈角度小于２０°及髌腔前移１５°或２０°时，髌股关节接触力才有明显下降，达５０％。髌腱前移１５°或２０°意味着胫骨结节前移几乎达１英寸。结果还显示，Ｍａｑｕｅｔ手术可使髌股装置的力传导效率下降２０％，因而在膝关节屈曲角度大于２０°时，手术效果变得很小。上述发现提示Ｍａｑｕｅｔ手术仅适用于屈膝角度较小的老年人或活动较少的病人。     

Effect of Q-angle on patellar positioning and thickness of knee articular cartilages

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether an increased quadriceps angle (Q-angle) has an effect on patellar positioning and/or the thickness of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articular cartilage and menisci, in a group of young asymptomatic individuals. These individuals were detected in a previous study with a decreased anatomical cross-sectional area of the vastus medialis and lateralis as a result of an increased Q-angle. Patellar positioning and the thickness of the articular cartilages were determined in 19 asymptomatic male individuals with high Q-angle (HQ-angle) (18.5° ± 2.6°) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seventeen male counterparts with low Q-angle (10.1° ± 1.9°) were used for comparison. The position of the patella was determined by measuring the sulcus angle, the lateral patella tilt, the patella-lateral condyle index and the bisect offset (BSO) with the quadriceps relaxed. The BSO, was also measured with the quadriceps under maximum isometric voluntary contraction. The thickness of the articular cartilages of the lateral and medial femoral condyles, the tibial condyles, the patellar facets and the menisci were also measured. Our data revealed that healthy individuals with HQ-angle are unlikely to demonstrate any changes in the position of the patella and/or the thickness of the knee articular cartilages. The decreased anatomical area of the vastus medialis and an almost equally atrophied vastus lateralis, which was previously observed in this group of individuals may prevent in part the misalignment of the patella and early wear of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articular cartilages.     

Evaluation of patello-femoral joint congruency using three-dimensional computed tomography

Thirteen patients with recurrent dislocation of the patella and 11 normal volunteers were examined in this study. The patello-femoral congruency and patellar tracking were evaluated with three-dimensional computed tomography (3-DCT). Multiple transaxial knee CT images were obtained with the subjects in the supine position, with the quadriceps relaxed. Measurements were obtained at 0, 30 and 60° of knee flexion. The scans were transferred to the SurgiPlan (Teijin System Research and Development Institute) computer system, and the patello-femoral contact area was visualised at 0, 30 and 60° of flexion. Contact areas of the patello-femoral joints in the patients group was clearly located laterally at each angle of flexion, and was much smaller than that in normals. Lateral shift of the contact area and its reduced size was a distinguishing difference between normal and pathological cases. The analysis of the patellar tracking using the method described above has the advantage of visualising the contact area in vivo.     

In-situ forces in the human posterior cruciate ligament in response to posterior tibial loading

Although some investigators have referred to the human posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) as the center of the knee, it has received less attention than the more frequently injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Therefore, our understanding of the function of the PCL is limited. Our laboratory has developed a method of measuring thein-situ forces in a ligament without contacting that ligament by using a universal force-moment sensor (UFS). In this study, we attached a USF to the tibia and measuredin-situ forces of the human PCL as a function of knee flexion in response to tibial loading. At a 50-N posterior tibial load, the force in the PCL increased from 25±11 N (mean±SD) at 30° of knee flexion to 48±12 N at 90° of knee flexion. At 100 N, the corresponding increases were to 50±17 N and 95±17 N, respectively. Of note, at 30° knee flexion, approximately 45% of the resistance to posterior tibial loading was caused by contact between the tibia and the femoral condyles, whereas, at 90° of knee flexion, no resistance was caused by such contact. For direction of thein-situ force, the elevation angle from the tibial plateau was greater at 30° of knee flexion than at 90° of knee flexion. The data gathered on the magnitude and direction of thein-situ force of the PCL should help in our understanding of the dependence of knee flexion angle of the forces within the PCL.     

Distalising tibial tubercle osteotomy decreases patellar tendon force — A treatment rationale for recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy

BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy is an overuse condition affecting athletes, often with a high morbidity if left untreated. High-level evidence fails to support the use of surgery. A tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) has been suggested as a surgical option to improve patient outcomes. Our aim was to explore whether a distalising TTO will alter the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio and the sagittal patellar tilt.MethodsSix cadaver limbs were placed in a custom jig with a mechanical testing machine applying cyclical loads of 200–500 N to the quadriceps tendon. The knee was fixed at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90° of flexion and a buckle transducer recorded the resultant patellar tendon force. Testing was performed with the native tibial tubercle position and with the tubercle distalised by 11 mm. Testing was also performed with the tubercle anteriorised by 10 mm at both of these tubercle positions, a total of four different testing positions.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio from 30–60° of knee flexion. There was a significant increase in the sagittal patellar tilt at 30° of knee flexion with distalisation.ConclusionThis biomechanical study shows that the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio can be altered with a distalising tibial tubercle osteotomy. A tibial tubercle osteotomy may be a biomechanical treatment option for recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy by decreasing the load through the patellar tendon, allowing the athlete to maintain higher training volumes and loads.     

改进Herbert螺钉修复髌韧带断裂的实验研究

目的　采用改进的Herbert螺钉修复髌韧带断裂,对其修复强度进行生物力学检测,明确该方法是否优于目前临床常用的骨钻孔修补法。方法　(1)22只新鲜羊膝关节标本在靠近胫骨结节6mm处切断髌韧带。分成两组,螺钉组和缝合组,分别对髌韧带进行修补缝合。测量缝合后髌韧带断裂时瞬间拉力和最大承受拉力。(2)11只活体狗手术切断双侧后腿髌韧带后,分别用螺钉和单纯缝合方法进行修补,4周后观察韧带愈合情况,并进行力学测试。结果　(1)螺钉组羊髌韧带缝合后断裂平均瞬间拉力为(71.13±14.23)N,缝合组为(46.09±8.41)N,两组间有显著差异(P<0.05)。螺钉组的平均最大拉力为(80.46±11.73)N,缝合组为(54.60±9.79)N,两组间亦有显著差异(P<0.05)。(2)活体狗螺钉组髌韧带完全愈合5例,缝合组2例。螺钉组平均断裂瞬间拉力为(202.99±12.17)N,缝合组为(162.41±15.80)N(P<0.05)。螺钉组最大拉力为(219.69±15.73)N,缝合组为(177.92±15.31)N(P<0.05)。结论　对于近止点的韧带断裂,改进的Herbert螺钉优于骨钻孔修补方法。     

全膝关节置换个体化患者右转步态的骨肌多体动力学仿真

目的构建个体化患者全膝关节置换(total knee replacement,TKR)的骨肌多体力学模型,模拟患者下肢右转步态时体内膝关节的生物力学行为。方法以1位具体患者的相关数据为材料,基于骨肌动力学仿真软件Any Body及其依赖于力的运动学建模方法,建立与患者相对应的TKR下肢骨肌多体动力学模型,并对患者的右转步态进行模拟。通过逆动力学分析右转步态,同时预测患者膝关节接触力、关节运动、肌肉活性和韧带力。结果模型预测的胫骨-股骨关节内、外侧接触力的均值均方根误差分别为285、164 N,相关系数分别为0.95和0.61,预测的髌骨接触力均值最大值为250 N。模型预测的接触力和肌肉活性与患者实验测量结果基本一致。此外,模型预测的胫骨-股骨的伸展弯曲、内外旋和内外翻运动的均值分布范围分别为3°~47°、-3.4°~1.5°、0.2°~-1.5°,胫骨-股骨的前后、上下和内外侧平移的运动范围分别为2.6~9.0 mm、1.6~3.2 mm、4.2~5.2 mm。模型还预测了内、外侧旁系韧带力和后交叉韧带力,其最大值分别为190、108、108 N。结论所开发的模型能够预测人工膝关节体内生物力学行为,为后续研究膝关节假体临床失效问题提供强有力的计算平台。     

UKA 关节线安装误差对膝关节接触力学和运动学影响

目的 针对单髁膝关节置换(unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, UKA)内侧假体松动和外侧关节软骨退化问题,通过骨肌多体动力学方法研究不同生理活动中UKA关节线安装误差对膝关节接触力学和运动学的影响。方法 以内侧自然关节线为0 mm误差,分别考虑±2 mm、±4 mm、±6 mm共6种关节线安装误差情况,建立7个内侧UKA置换的骨肌多体动力学模型,对比研究步行和下蹲运动中膝关节接触力学和运动学的变化。结果 在步行步态周期70%时,相比于0 mm误差UKA假体关节线升高2 mm时内侧假体接触力增大127.3%,外侧软骨接触力减少12.0%;在UKA假体关节线降低4 mm时内侧假体接触力接近0 N,外侧软骨接触力增大10.1%;胫股关节总接触力在关节线升高和降低2 mm时分别增大19.7%和减小14.2%。在下蹲屈膝100°时,相比于0 mm误差膝关节内侧假体接触力和胫股骨关节总接触力在UKA假体关节线升高2 mm时分别增大31.6%和11.1%,在UKA假体关节线降低2 mm时分别减小24.5%和8.5%,而膝关节外侧软骨接触力变化不大。同时,在步行步态...     

Evaluation of patello-femoral alignment using MRI

In evaluating patello-femoral alignment, it is not enough to assess the conformity of the joint two-dimensionally, the direction of the extensor mechanism must be examined three-dimensionally. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we adopted an ideal extensor mechanism plane intersecting the patellar facet of the femur centrally and perpendicularly. We evaluated the alignment according to the extent to which the patella and/or the tibial tuberosity deviated from the plane. The results suggested that our method is useful for indicating proximal and distal realignment. Furthermore, two-dimensional finite element analysis in the patello-femoral joint showed that peak stress was significantly higher in the dislocation group than in the no-dislocation group. This indicates that osteoarthritic change in the future is a risk in the dislocation group.     

Modern femoral component design in total knee arthroplasty shows a lower patellar contact force during knee flexion compared with its predecessor

BackgroundThe relationship between the femoral component design in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and the patellofemoral contact force, as well as the soft tissue balance, has not been well reported thus far.MethodsTwenty-eight mobile-bearing posterior-stabilized (PS) TKAs using the traditional model (PFC Sigma) and 27 mobile-bearing PS TKAs using the latest model (Attune) were included. Surgeries were performed using the measured resection technique assisted with the computed tomography (CT)-based free-hand navigation system. After all the trial components were placed, patellar contact forces on the medial and lateral sides were measured using two uniaxial ultrathin force transducers with the knee at 0°, 10°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 135° of flexion. The joint component gap and the varus ligament balance of the femorotibial joint were also measured. The non-paired Student’s t-test was conducted to compare the values of the two groups.ResultsThe medial patellar contact force was significantly lower for Attune group than for PFC Sigma group at 120° of knee flexion (P = 0.0058). The lateral patellar contact force was also significantly lower for Attune group than PFC Sigma group at 120° and 135° of knee flexion (P = 0.0068 and P = 0.036). The joint component gap, as well as the varus ligament balance, showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionsReduced thickness and width of the anterior flange of the femoral component in the Attune may play a role in low patellar contact force.     

Relative positions of the contacts on the cartilage surfaces of the knee joint

The goal of this project was to determine the centers of contacts (points of closest approach of the articular surfaces) for the tibio-femoral and patello-femoral joints throughout the flexion range, with a focus on high flexion where there is potential overlap between the contacts. The purpose was to determine the implications to the design of joint replacements and tissue engineered implants. Eight cadaveric knees were mounted in a rig with different loading combinations applied to the femur, including axial load, anterior/posterior shear, and internal/external torque. The range of flexion was 0 degrees to 155 degrees . Reference points on the bones measured during the experiments were used to later reconstruct an accurate 3D computer model of the multiple joint positions and determine the centers of contact between the opposing bearing surfaces. The tibio-femoral contact at 0 degrees flexion was displaced 5 mm anterior to the notch (the end point of the articular cartilage on the mid-line of the femoral sulcus) on the medial side, while remaining level with the notch on the lateral side. The patella contacts on the femur extended 15 mm posterior to the intercondylar notch with a centerline between the lateral and medial paths being several millimeters lateral to the center of the femur. The centers of the patella contacts were close to the inner margin of the medial condyle and did not directly overlap with the centers of the tibial contacts. On the lateral side the patella contacts ended where the tibial contacts began. For applications to medial unicondylar knee replacement design it was shown that patellar impingement on the anterior of the femoral component would occur at 110 degrees flexion. For TKR design, a continuous patella contact up to high flexion could be obtained by extending the trochlea 15 mm posterior to the intercondylar notch.     

Lateral patellar maltracking due to trochlear dysplasia: A computational study

BackgroundThe study focuses on the influence of trochlear dysplasia on patellar tracking related to patellar instability.MethodsKnee extension against gravity and dual-limb squatting were simulated with seven models representing knees being treated for recurrent instability. Trochlear depth was altered to represent lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) values of 6°, 12° and 24°. Repeated measures analyses compared patellar lateral shift (bisect offset index) across different LTI values. Peak bisect offset index during extension and squatting was correlated with patella alta (Caton–Deschamps index) and maximum lateral position of the tibial tuberosity.ResultsBisect offset index varied significantly (p < 0.05) between different LTI values at multiple flexion angles throughout simulated knee extension and squatting. Average bisect offset values were 1.02, 0.95, and 0.86 for LTI = 6°, 12°, and 24°, respectively, at 0° of flexion for knee extension. The strongest correlation occurred between peak bisect offset index and lateral position of the tibial tuberosity for knee squatting with LTI = 6° (r² = 0.81, p = 0.006). The strength of the correlation decreased as LTI increased. Caton–Deschamps was only significantly correlated with patellar tracking for LTI = 24° during knee squatting.ConclusionsA shallow trochlear groove increases lateral patellar maltracking. A lateral tibial tuberosity in combination with trochlear dysplasia increases lateral patellar tracking and the risk of patellar instability. Patella alta has relatively little influence on patellar tracking in combination with trochlear dysplasia due to the limited articular constraint provided by the trochlear groove.     

Biomechanics of the knee joint in flexion under various quadriceps forces

Bioemchanics of the entire knee joint including tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints were investigated at different flexion angles (0° to 90°) and quadriceps forces (3, 137, and 411 N). In particular, the effect of changes in location and magnitude of restraining force that counterbalances the isometric extensor moment on predictions was investigated. The model consisted of three bony structures and their articular cartilage layers, menisci, principal ligaments, patellar tendon, and quadriceps muscle. Quadriceps forces significantly increased the anterior cruciate ligament, patellar tendon, and contact forces/areas as well as the joint resistant moment. Joint flexion, however, substantially diminished them all with the exception of the patellofemoral contact force/area that markedly increased in flexion. When resisting extensor moment by a force applied on the tibia, the force in cruciate ligaments and tibial translation significantly altered as a function of magnitude and location of the restraining force. Quadriceps activation generated large ACL forces at full extension suggesting that post ACL reconstruction exercises should avoid large quadriceps exertions at near full extension angles. In isometric extension exercises against a force on the tibia, larger restraining force and its more proximal location to the joint substantially decreased forces in the anterior cruciate ligament at small flexion angles whereas they significantly increased forces in the posterior cruciate ligament at larger flexion angles.     

The ‘quadriceps angle’: correlation between clinical and radiographic measurements from a study in North Bengal

Introduction: Quadriceps angle (Q angle) is one of the most important indicators of stability of patello-femoral joint. Orthopedic surgeons often measure the Q angle clinically in patients suffering from patello-femoral joint dysfunction or in subjects particularly young active sportspersons who are prone to injury of this joint. But the clinical method of measurement of Q angle is not standardized, and its value depends on various methods used. But the radiological method of measurement of Q angle is more accurate. However, due to the expense and time involved, the clinical method is preferred over the radiological one in practice. Aim: This study was aimed at studying the correlation and regression between the radiographic Q-angle values and the clinical ones, so that the former can be predicted easily from the latter. Materials and methods: Q angle was measured both clinically and radiographically in both knee joints of 93 adult subjects in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Result: Statistically significant correlation followed by the regression analysis could reveal simple linear regression equations for predicting the radiological Q-angle values from the clinical Q angle, derived separately in both males and females in right and left sides, separately. Conclusion: Thus, from a known clinical Q-angle value, we can derive the respective radiological Q angle, indirectly avoiding the entire troublesome maneuver in regular practice. So the present study recommends this method in clinical fields because this is a more rational and ideal approach to estimate the radiological Q angle. Increase in the Q angle beyond 20–22° predisposes to patellar dislocation which should be kept in mind while screening athletes, especially females. This tendency can be countered by quadriceps exercises and appropriate footwear.     

Variation in tibial tuberosity lateralization and distance from the tibiofemoral joint line: An anatomic study

Background

To describe variation in tibial tuberosity position in a normal adult population and inter-rater reliability of measurements of tibial tuberosity position.

Automatic string generation for estimating in vivo length changes of the medial patellofemoral ligament during knee flexion

Modeling ligaments as three-dimensional strings is a popular method for in vivo estimation of ligament length. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for automated generation of non-penetrating strings between insertion points and to evaluate its feasibility for estimating length changes of the medial patellofemoral ligament during normal knee flexion. Three-dimensional knee models were generated from computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 healthy subjects. The knee joint under weight-bearing was acquired in four flexion positions (0°–120°). The path between insertion points was computed in each position to quantify string length and isometry. The average string length was maximal in 0° of flexion (64.5 ± 3.9 mm between femoral and proximal patellar point; 62.8 ± 4.0 mm between femoral and distal patellar point). It was minimal in 30° (60.0 ± 2.6 mm) for the proximal patellar string and in 120° (58.7 ± 4.3 mm) for the distal patellar string. The insertion points were considered to be isometric in 4 of the 10 subjects. The proposed algorithm appears to be feasible for estimating string lengths between insertion points in an automatic fashion. The length measurements based on CT images acquired under physiological loading conditions may give further insights into knee kinematics.     

胫骨旋转对髌股关节应力分布的影响

目的探明胫骨旋转状态对髌股关节应力分布的影响。方法选取7个新鲜离体膝关节,在屈膝30°、60°、90°状态下,分别用压敏片测量胫骨中立位、内旋10°、20°、30°和外旋10°、20°、30°时的内、外侧髌股关节接触压力与峰值。结果外旋过程中,外侧髌股关节的接触压均值和接触压峰值呈非线性递增趋势,内侧呈非线性递减趋势;内旋过程中,外侧髌股关节的接触压均值和峰值逐渐减小,内侧则增加显著。上述变化在内旋20°到外旋20°的范围内较有规律。结论胫骨旋转畸形使髌股关节应力分布严重失衡,可能是引起髌股关节退变的重要因素。     

Dynamic tracking influenced by anatomy following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: Computational simulation

Background

Continued patellar instability can occur following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Computational simulation of function was used to investigate the influence of the lateral position of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia and patella alta on lateral patellar tracking following MPFL reconstruction.

内侧髌股韧带重建治疗复发性髌骨脱位疗效观察

目的 探讨内侧髌股韧带重建治疗复发性髌骨脱位的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析湖北省荆州市中心医院2017年1月至2019年6月通过关节镜辅助下内侧髌股韧带双束重建治疗的29例复发性髌骨脱位患者的临床资料.其中,男10例,女19例,年龄14.0～29.5岁,平均19.4岁.测量TT-TG距离、髌骨倾斜角,计算Caton指数....     

Patellar resurfacing has minimal impact on in vitro tibiofemoral kinematics during deep knee flexion in total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundWhile patellar resurfacing can affect patellofemoral kinematics, the effect on tibiofemoral kinematics is unknown. We hypothesized that patellar resurfacing would affect tibiofemoral kinematics during deep knee flexion due to biomechanical alteration of the extensor mechanism.MethodsWe performed cruciate-retaining TKA in fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees (N = 5) and recorded fluoroscopic kinematics during deep knee flexion before and after the patellar resurfacing. To simulate deep knee flexion, cadaver knees were tested on a dynamic, quadriceps-driven, closed-kinetic chain simulator based on the Oxford knee rig design under loads equivalent to stair climbing. To measure knee kinematics, a 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional fluoroscopic registration technique was used. Component rotation, varus-valgus angle, and anteroposterior translation of medial and lateral contact points of the femoral component relative to the tibial component were calculated over the range of flexion.ResultsThere were no significant differences in femoral component external rotation (before patellar resurfacing: 6.6 ± 2.3°, after patellar resurfacing: 7.2 ± 1.8°, p = 0.36), and less than 1° difference in femorotibial varus-valgus angle between patellar resurfacing and non-resurfacing (p = 0.01). For both conditions, the medial and lateral femorotibial contact points moved posteriorly from 0° to 30° of flexion, but not beyond 30° of flexion. At 10° of flexion, after patellar resurfacing, the medial contact point was more anteriorly located than before patellar resurfacing.ConclusionDespite the potential for alteration of the knee extensor biomechanics, patellar resurfacing had minimal effect on tibiofemoral kinematics. Patellar resurfacing, if performed adequately, is unlikely to affect postoperative knee function.