Morphology of the knee in adult patients with neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip

BACKGROUND: Although there have been numerous studies on the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip, few have focused on its natural history into adulthood. We observed valgus deformity of the knee in a group of adult patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no detailed study of that condition.The purpose of this study was to investigate structural changes of the knee in patients with neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip. METHODS: Thirty-four adult patients with neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip and ten healthy adults were evaluated. The lower extremities were grouped according to the severity of the dysplasia. The morphology of the knees was evaluated with radiographic measurements, and the groups were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the patients with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip had significant valgus deformity of the knee. This finding was associated with an increased vertical dimension of the medial femoral condyle, which led to a valgus inclination of the distal femoral articular surface. Although the femoral sulcus was shallower in the patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, patellofemoral congruency was not deranged. CONCLUSIONS: The pathologic condition of the hip joint in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip results in developmental changes in the osseous anatomy of the knee joint, with the development of a valgus deformity of the lower extremity. If any surgical intervention is planned in a patient with developmental dysplasia of the hip, the whole lower extremity should be carefully analyzed, with special attention to the morphology of the knee, to avoid creating problems of malalignment.     

儿童髌骨脱位合并膝外翻畸形的手术治疗探讨

目的探讨治疗儿童髌骨脱位的手术方法。方法回顾性分析我科1986年4月至2002年12月手术的13例儿童髌骨脱位的临床资料。结果随访时间1～4年,13例均无再髌骨脱位,膝关节稳定和患者对膝关节功能满意．6例合并膝关节外翻畸形获得纠正。所有患者均无伤口感染和膝关节活动受限。结论采用软组织与骨骺阻滞联合手术治疗儿童髌骨脱位,能达到既矫治软组织病变,又矫正骨关节畸形的双重目的。     

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for painful patellar subluxation in distal torsional malalignment: a case report

Complex two-level rotational malalignment of the lower extremity can cause maltracking of the patella with anterior knee pain. Double derotation osteotomy would correct the underlying pathology. However, it carries a high risk of complications such as nerve and vessel damage. We report a case of rotational malalignment in the femur and the tibia associated with trochlear dysplasia, which causes painful patellar instability. The patient was successfully treated with reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament and lateral release. Although the malrotation was not addressed, the position of the patella was corrected, and no dislocation occurred during a follow-up of 10 months.     

Complications In Brief: Osteotomy for Lower Extremity Malalignment

When performing an osteotomy for lower extremity malalignment, several complications can occur. These can include introducing iatrogenic malalignment, intraoperative fracture or vascular injury, postoperative recurrence of deformity, patella baja, and challenges when performing subsequent total knee replacement in the future. Likewise, a poor functional result can occur secondary to poor preoperative planning and patient selection. In this article, we review the complications that can occur as a result of errors made before, during, and after surgery. This article pertains to opening and closing wedge osteotomies of the distal femur and proximal tibia.     

Correction of knee deformity in patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Six knees in three patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome were treated with lateral soft tissue release and corrective osteotomy of the tibia at 10 years of age on average. The main feature was valgus deformity with lateral dislocation of the patella. All patellae were reduced. The valgus deformity improved from 35 degrees (range, 48 degrees-20 degrees) to 17 degrees (range, 35 degrees-5 degrees) of the femorotibial angle (FTA) on average, although the FTA in five of six knees was < 5 degrees after surgery. There was one recurrent case and one transient peroneal nerve palsy. The reason for undercorrection was a depression of the lateral tibial plateau. The deformity of the articular surface is the most important problem in correcting the valgus deformity of the knee in this syndrome.     

Congenital dislocation of the patella

Purpose Congenital dislocation of the patella is permanent and manually irreducible, and it manifests immediately after birth with flexion contracture of the knee, genu valgus, external tibial torsion and foot deformity. We retrospectively reviewed the results of operative treatment of seven knees in six patients with congenital dislocation of the patella. Methods The age of the six patients at diagnosis ranged from 8 days to 3.6 years, with an average of 1.3 years, and their age at the time of operation ranged from 0.6 to 3.9 years, with an average of 2.1 years. Serial casting and/or a brace was attempted before surgery in five of seven knees, leading to improvement in the flexion contracture of the knee. All knees were treated operatively in combination with lateral release, medial plication, V-Y lengthening of the quadriceps, medial transfer of the lateral patellar tendon and posterior release of the knee. Results Although these deformities were noticed at birth in all seven knees, diagnosis was delayed in three knees due to the low suspicion of the disease and invisible patellae on radiographs. Ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of dislocation. The patella was centered in the groove of the femoral condyle after surgery in all knees, but subluxation of the knee with flexion was observed in one knee in which the operation was performed at 3.9 years. Genu valgus and external tibial torsion improved after surgery in all knees. The operated knee was mobile in all cases, with less than 10° flexion contracture of the knee. Flexion contracture did not increase in any of the knees. Conclusion Congenital dislocation of the patella should be suspected in every patient with knee flexion contracture, genu valgus, external tibial torsion, foot deformity and delayed walking. Successful results were obtained when the operation was performed in younger children. Other procedures, such as the semitendinosus tenodesis or tendon transfer, might have to be combined to achieve better stability with flexion in older children. None of the authors received financial support for this study.     

Dynamic lower extremity alignment in children with achondroplasia

The purpose of this study is to analyze lower extremity dynamic malalignment during gait using a 3-dimensional kinematics and kinetics in 13 children (3-17 years old) with achondroplasia and to compare measurements of alignment and malrotation between gait, radiographic, and clinical measures. Gait analysis in the coronal plane showed a varus malalignment of the knee (19 +/- 13 degrees) and variable tibial torsion abnormalities (13 [internal] +/- 15.7 degrees). Radiographs also showed knee varus malalignment (16 +/- 9 degrees); however, there was poor correlation with gait analysis measures (P > 0.05). In the sagittal plane, radiographs showed genu recurvatum deformity (23.5 +/- 13.2 degrees), although the sagittal plane knee kinematics were normal. Kinetic analyses of the knee showed high internal knee valgus moments (external varus moments, 0.48 +/- 0.25 N m/kg), which were significantly different from the normal population (P < 0.05). In conclusion, there is a 3-dimensional, complex, dynamic deformity of the lower extremity present in children with achondroplasia. We recommend a very careful assessment of the limb focusing on both the static and dynamic varus deformity and tibial torsion using a combination of radiographic, clinical, and gait analysis.     

Congenital dislocation of the patella

Congenital dislocation of the patella may occur as a persistent lateral dislocation of the patella that presents with a knee flexion contracture and the patella tethered lateral to the femoral condyles or as an intermittent dislocation of the patella. In the latter syndrome, the patella dislocates completely with each flexion and extension cycle of the knee and is best termed obligatory dislocation of the patella, because the patient has no control over the patella dislocating as he or she moves the knee. The first type of congenital dislocation, which is fixed, often is associated with syndromes such as arthrogryposis and should be corrected surgically by lateral release and realignment of the patella. Obligatory dislocation of the patella tends to be an isolated dysplastic anomaly and may be relatively well tolerated. Rebalancing of the patella usually is done at a later age because of less interference with function. The current author describes the natural history of patella femoral dysplasia, detailing the pathologic changes that are present, and recommends surgical techniques for correcting both types of congenital dislocation of the patella.     

Correction of tibial deformity in adults

 This report from five hospitals in Japan describes the results of correcting adult tibial deformities using external fixation. There were 49 patients with 59 lower limb deformities, with trauma being the most common cause of the deformity. Varus angulation was the most common deformity, and the most common magnitude was 11°–30°. Twenty-two patients had a leg-length discrepancy. The aim of the correction was to normalize both the mechanical axis and the inclination of the knee and ankle joints. In 63% of the patients corrections were performed gradually during bone lengthening or acutely after bone lengthening. Altogether, 71% of the patients were completely corrected, and no leg-length discrepancies remained after correction in 47%. Complications were encountered in 22 patients, about half of which were pin tract infections, 28% refractures, and the remainder delayed consolidation or fixator failure. There were no neurological or circulatory complications. The average fixation duration was 9 months. The average hospital charges were 3 740 000 yen in bilateral correction patients and 1 940 000 yen in unilateral correction patients. External fixation can correct not only the mechanical axis and joint inclination but also leg-length discrepancy simultaneously. Received: June 10, 2002 / Accepted: January 14, 2003 RID="*" ID="*" Offprint requests to: W. Sato     

Anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty: a narrative review

Anterior knee pain is one of the most common causes of persistent problems after implantation of a total knee replacement. It can occur in patients with or without patellar resurfacing. As a result of the surgical procedure itself many changes can occur which may affect the delicate interplay of the joint partners in the patello-femoral joint. Functional causes of anterior knee pain can be distinguished from mechanical causes. The functional causes concern disorders of inter- and intramuscular coordination, which can be attributed to preoperative osteoarthritis. Research about anterior knee pain has shown that not only the thigh muscles but also the hip and trunk stabilising muscles may be responsible for the development of a dynamic valgus malalignment. Dynamic valgus may be a causative factor for patellar maltracking. The mechanical causes of patello-femoral problems after knee replacement can be distinguished according to whether they increase instability in the joint, increase joint pressure or whether they affect the muscular lever arms. These causes include offset errors, oversizing, rotational errors of femoral or tibial component, instability, maltracking and chondrolysis, patella baja and aseptic loosening. In these cases, reoperation or revision is often necessary.     

Patella malalignment, pain and patellofemoral progression: the Health ABC Study

OBJECTIVE: Patellofemoral (PF) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is strongly correlated with lower extremity disability and knee pain. Risk factors for pain and structural progression in PF OA are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine the association between patella malalignment and its relation to pain severity, and PF OA disease progression. METHODS: We conducted an analysis of data from the Health ABC knee OA study. Health ABC is a community based, multi-center cohort study of 3075 Caucasian and Black men and women aged 70-79 at enrollment. Weight bearing skyline knee X-rays were obtained in a subset (595) of subjects, with and without knee pain, at year 2 and year 5 (mean follow-up 36 months). Films were read paired, and PF osteophytes (OST) and joint space narrowing (JSN) were scored on a 0-3 scale using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas. We defined progression of PF OA as any increase in JSN score. Three measures of patella malalignment were made: sulcus angle; patella tilt angle; and patella subluxation medially or laterally (bisect offset). Knee symptoms were assessed using a knee specific Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) knee pain subscale. We assessed the relationship between baseline patella malalignment and pain severity (linear regression for WOMAC) and compartment specific PF OA progression (logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes). We classified continuous measures of patella alignment into quartile groups. We performed multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, including age, gender and body mass index (BMI) to assess the relation of baseline patella alignment to the occurrence of PF JSN progression using generalized estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: The subjects had a mean age 73.6 (SD 2.9), BMI 28.8 (SD 4.9), 40.3% male, and 46% were Black. Medial displacement of the patella predisposed to medial JSN progression; odds for each quartile 1, 1.2, 1.2, 2.2 (P for trend=0.03), whilst protecting from lateral JSN progression; odds for each quartile 1, 0.7, 0.6, 0.4 (P for trend=0.0004). Increasing patella tilt protected from medial JSN progression; odds for each quartile 1, 0.8, 0.5, 0.2 (P<0.0001) and trended to increasing pain severity (P=0.09). CONCLUSION: Patella malalignment is associated with PF disease progression. Medial displacement and tilt of the patella predisposes to medial JSN progression, whilst lateral displacement is predictive of lateral JSN progression. The influence of patella malalignment has important implications since it is potentially modifiable through footwear, taping and/or knee bracing.     

Ultrasound in the early diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the patella

INTRODUCTION: Congenital dislocation of the patella is defined as lateral dislocation of the patella present at birth, impossibility of closed reduction and diagnosis before the age of 10 years. We report about a rare case of a bilateral congenital dislocation of the patella. CASE REPORT: Physical examination of an eight-month- old boy showed bilateral knee flexion contractures associated with moderate genu varum. On both sides the patella could not be palpated easily. Radiographic diagnosis could not show the patella as the patella normally ossifies later. Ultrasound examination located the patella lateral to the lateral femoral condyle on both sides. Closed reduction was impossible. An open reduction with division of the lateral soft tissues, lateral release, and derotation of the quadriceps femoris and refining of the medial structures was performed. After cast removal the patellae were both located in the intercondylar grooves as confirmed by clinical and ultrasound examinations of both knees. Active and passive exercises were started. CONCLUSION: Failure of internal rotation of the myotome which contains the quadriceps femoris and the patella is the etiology of congenital dislocation of the patella. The quadriceps acts as flexor, exerting a valgus stress on the knee, causing external rotation of the tibia. Diagnosis is often delayed because of the lack of pathological findings on plain radiographs. Early diagnosis is enabled by ultrasonography. Surgical treatment is necessary and results are good, as long as there are no secondary changes.     

Supracondylar osteotomy of the femur with use of compression. Osteosynthesis with a malleable implant

BACKGROUND: The goal of treatment of a valgus deformity of the knee that is secondary to osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment is to obtain axial correction of the malalignment of the extremity. Osteosynthesis of the osteotomized femur with use of internal fixation and a stiff implant has not been as successful as expected. We evaluated the accuracy and maintenance of correction and the stability of fixation with a malleable plate after a supracondylar osteotomy of the distal aspect of the femur that was performed to correct a valgus deformity of the knee. METHODS: We performed an incomplete oblique osteotomy of the distal aspect of the femur in nineteen patients (twenty-one knees) and stabilized the osteotomy site with a malleable semitubular plate, which was bent to form an angled plate, and lag-screws. Postoperatively, the patients were immediately encouraged to walk, with partial weight-bearing on the affected extremity. The mean age of the patients was fifty-seven years (range, thirty-nine to seventy-one years), and the mean duration of follow-up was five years (range, two to twelve years). RESULTS: In seventeen knees, the osteosynthesis withstood the mechanical loading that occurred during the postoperative functional rehabilitation program. Prolonged use of crutches or immobilization, or both, was necessary after the operation in three knees. The osteosynthesis failed in one knee. The loss of correction in eighteen knees, after bone-healing, averaged 1.7 degrees (range, 0 to 4 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: Our method of achieving osteosynthesis is based on the concept that inherent endogenous stability mechanisms can be mobilized by circumferentially compressing the two cortical tubes with the cut ends congruently apposed to each other. We believe that our technique provides an alternative to osteosynthesis with use of a stiff implant such as a fixed-angle blade-plate device.     

Outcome after temporary physeal stapling for knee valgus deformity in children with JIA

Introduction  Majority of children with secondary knee valgus deformity due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are affected by the polyarthritic disease subtype. Progressive rheumatoid knee destruction in patients with JIA and valgus deformity may necessitate total knee replacement (TKR) at a young age. Temporary physeal arrest is a safe and effective method for correction of knee valgus malalignment prior to closure of the epiphyseal growth plates even during active arthritis. Results  Most of the angular correction achieved in the stapled knees (n = 103) in the present cohort remained the same through the long-term follow-up though in some patients the deformity did recur. The advantages of angular correction prior to possible future TKR include easier soft tissue balancing, diminished bony deformity and less deranged collateral ligaments reducing the need for expensive custom and constrained implants. Conclusion  However, the effect of the correction on postponing the early need for TKR is limited.     

Degenerative arthritis of the knee secondary to fracture malunion

Degenerative arthritis of the knee is a complication of femoral or tibial fractures potentially avoidable by the correction of various degrees of malalignment. To better clarify the malalignment problem, the records of 14 patients (15 limbs), with degenerative arthritis of the knee and a history of tibial or femoral fracture were retrospectively reviewed. The average follow-up was 31.7 years. Static biomechanical frontal plane analyses were evaluated. The calculated increased force on either the medial or lateral tibial plateau, due to the malunion, was strongly associated with presence of a varus or valgus deformity at the knee (p less than 0.0005). A normal tibial plateau force for the malaligned condition multiplied by the time since fracture correlated directly with the amount of subsequent varus or valgus deformity at the knee (p less than 0.01). Lower limb fracture alignment should be restored to as near normal as possible to reduce the likelihood of gonarthrosis.     

Congenital aplasia of the cruciate ligaments. A report of six cases

Instability of the knee is frequently found in association with congenital leg-length discrepancy. We have studied six such patients clinically, radiologically and arthroscopically. Clinical signs of knee instability and significant radiological changes were present in all, and at arthroscopy the anterior cruciate ligament was completely absent in four patients and functionless in the other two. This deficiency appears to be a congenital condition which may predispose to meniscus injury or retropatellar pain; it may also lead to subluxation or dislocation of the knee during leg-lengthening procedures.     

Soft tissue balancing in valgus gonarthrosis

Implanting a condylar knee in patients with valgus deformity is challenging both for the surgeon and in terms of clinical instrumentation. Valgus deformity - defined as an anatomic angle >10 degrees - consists of a bony and a soft tissue component. Frequently, the lateral femoral condyle is hypoplastic and can create a secondary osteochondral lesion on the tibial plateau. Concomitantly, there is a soft tissue contracture of the lateral side with an elongation of the medial collateral ligament. Correction of the deformity and restoration of anatomic alignment should be achieved to maximize the longevity of the replaced components. Soft tissue balancing is crucial for successful treatment. This is achieved if a symmetrical flexion and extension gap together with a centralized patella position is obtained. We describe our surgical approach to address valgus deformities in primary total knee arthroplasty with special emphasize on a stepwise release of tight lateral capsular and ligamentous structures controlled by a knee balancer.     

The Coronal Plane High Tibial Osteotomy. Part 1: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of Intermediate Term Outcomes

The coronal plane high tibial osteotomy is a novel technique that is used to treat tibiofemoral malalignment. The authors hypothesize that the coronal plane high tibial osteotomy is (1) efficacious in treating both varus and valgus tibiofemoral malalignment; (2) does not alter the slope of the proximal tibia; and (3) does not alter the relationship between the patella and tibial tubercle. A retrospective review of 25 patients with tibiofemoral malalignment (19 varus/6 valgus) treated with a coronal plane osteotomy with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was performed. A Kaplan–Meyer survival curve was performed using knee arthroplasty and a Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score <70 as failure criteria. The Insall–Salvati ratio and the proximal tibial slope were measured. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant. At 60-month follow-up, knees with initial varus malalignment had an 84% survival rate using both knee arthroplasty and the HSS score as endpoints. Knees with initial valgus malalignment had an 84 and 60% survival rate using knee arthroplasty and the HSS score as endpoints, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in the Insall–Salvati ratio and proximal tibial slope after coronal plane osteotomy. The coronal plane osteotomy is efficacious in treating varus and valgus tibiofemoral malalignment and does not alter the patellar–tibial tubercle relationship or the posterior tibial slope [case series (level of evidence: IV)].     

Distraction osteogenesis for nonunion after high tibial osteotomy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether distraction osteogenesis can be used to treat hypertrophic nonunion associated with angular deformity and shortening after Coventry style high tibial osteotomy. Five consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. In all patients the alignment had collapsed into excessive varus or valgus and leg length discrepancy was present. The leg length discrepancy, malalignment, and nonunion were treated simultaneously with distraction. Union was achieved by the time of fixator removal, which averaged 4.4 months. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score significantly improved from 42 to 89. The mechanical axis deviation significantly improved by 5 cm. The coronal plane deformity significantly improved by 13 degrees, and leg length discrepancy improved significantly from 2.3 to 0.5 cm. Metaphyseal bone stock increased by 43%, and the Insall-Salvati ratio increased from 1.1 to 1.2 and remained within normal limits. All patients were satisfied with the procedure, and none have had or need a total knee replacement at an average followup of 4 years. Distraction osteogenesis of nonunion after high tibial osteotomy is a minimally invasive and successful procedure. It leads to bony union with correction of deformity and leg length discrepancy and prevents the need for total knee replacement at intermediate-term followup. The increase in metaphyseal bone stock may make total knee replacement technically easier.     

Weichteilbalanzierung bei Valgusgonarthrose

Implanting a condylar knee in patients with valgus deformity is challenging both for the surgeon and in terms of clinical instrumentation. Valgus deformity – defined as an anatomic angle >10° – consists of a bony and a soft tissue component. Frequently, the lateral femoral condyle is hypoplastic and can create a secondary osteochondral lesion on the tibial plateau. Concomitantly, there is a soft tissue contracture of the lateral side with an elongation of the medial collateral ligament. Correction of the deformity and restoration of anatomic alignment should be achieved to maximize the longevity of the replaced components. Soft tissue balancing is crucial for successful treatment. This is achieved if a symmetrical flexion and extension gap together with a centralized patella position is obtained. We describe our surgical approach to address valgus deformities in primary total knee arthroplasty with special emphasize on a stepwise release of tight lateral capsular and ligamentous structures controlled by a knee balancer.