Objective To investigate the effectiveness of lateral condyle sliding osteotomy (LCSO) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of lateral femoral bowing deformity. Methods The clinical data of 17 patients with lateral femoral bowing deformity treated by LCSO during TKA between July 2018 and July 2020 was retrospectively analysed. There were 3 males and 14 females, with an average of 63.2 years (range, 58-68 years). The etiology of lateral femoral bowing deformity included 12 cases of femoral developmental deformity and 5 cases of femoral fracture malunion. Kellgren-Lawrence classification of knee osteoarthritis was 4 cases of grade Ⅲ and 13 cases of grade Ⅳ. The preoperative hip-knee shaft was 9.5°-12.5° (mean, 10.94°). The disease duration was 3-25 years (mean, 15.1 years). The mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of the distal femur were measured before operation and at last follow-up to evaluate the correction of extra-articular deformities in the joints and the recovery of mechanical force lines of the lower extremities. The knee society score (KSS) knee score and function score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee joint range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate effectiveness. The knee varus/valgus stress test and osteotomy healing by X-ray films were performed to evaluate the joint stability and the safety of LCSO. Results All incisions of the patients healed by first intention after operation, and there was no early postoperative complication such as infection of the incision and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. All 17 patients were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 23.9 months. The osteotomy slices all achieved bony healing, and the healing time was 2-5 months, with an average of 3.1 months. After operation, the knee varus/valgus stress tests were negative, and there was no relaxation and rupture of the lateral collateral ligament, instability of the knee joint, loosening, revision and infection of the prosthesis occurred. At last follow-up, mLDFA, HKA, MAD, knee ROM, VAS score, KSS knee score and function score significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Conclusion LCSO is effective and safe in TKA with lateral femoral bowing deformity. Extra-articular deformities are corrected intra-articularly. The mechanical force line and joint balance of the lower extremities can be restored simultaneously in an operation.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the shared decision-making scheme in postoperative out-of-hospital extended care for patients with total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Methods Patients who underwent THA/TKA in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between October 2023 and April 2024 were included using convenience sampling. Patients were divided into the control group (odd-numbered dates) and the intervention group (even-numbered dates) based on the surgical dates. The intervention group was received care guided by a shared decision-making protocol, whereas the control group was followed the standard post-arthroplasty follow-up procedures. Differences between the two groups were compared in terms of decision-making capacity, decision satisfaction, and hip/knee function at the following time points: on the day of discharge, 3 weeks after discharge, 2 months after discharge, and 3 months after discharge. Results A total of 118 patients were included, with 59 cases in each group. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). In terms of decision-making, compared with the control group, the experimental group had stronger decision-making ability, lower decision-making conflict, and more satisfaction with the decision-making process (P<0.05). In terms of joint function, the experimental group showed better joint function than the control group at 3 weeks, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the pain dimension of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index between the two groups (P=0.199). Conclusions Compared with the traditional follow-up protocol, the shared decision-making protocol can enhance patient engagement in medical decision-making, reduce decisional conflict, improve satisfaction with the decision-making process, and simultaneously promote joint functional recovery and expedite the rehabilitation process.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the midvastus approach in total knee arthroplasty. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and CBM to identify clinical controlled trials comparing the midvastus approach with the medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty. The quality of the included studies was critically assessed and the data analyses were performed by the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.0. Results Eight studies were included, involving 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 quasi-RCTs and 2 non-RCTs. Meta-analyses showed that rate of lateral retinacular release (RR=0.75, 95%CI 0.52 to 1.08, P=0.12), range of motion at 6 week postoperation (MD=2.65, 95%CI –1.20 to 6.50, P=0.18), operation time (MD=1.04, 95%CI –3.50 to 5.58), and adverse events postoperation (OR=1.04, 95%CI 0.43 to 2.52, P=0.94) were similar between the midvastus approach and the medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty. One study showed that there was no significant difference in blood loss interoperation between the two approaches, and two showed that the midvastus approach had less blood loss interoperation than the medial parapatellar approach. There was no statistical analysis about the blood loss interoperation in one study. For the time of straight leg raise, there was no significant difference in two studies. But in one study, it showed that patients needed longer time for straight leg raise. Conclusion Based on the current evidence, the midvastus approach for total knee arthroplasty is as safe and effective as the medial parapatellar approach, but blood loss interoperation and time of straight leg raise are not decided. Due to the poor quality of the included trials, more high-quality RCTs are needed.
Objective To investigate a modified robotized hydraulictensor for management of the ligament balance in the total knee arthroplasty. Methods The effect of the modified robotized hydraulic tensor on the mechanical behaviour of the ligament system balance in the total knee arthroplasty was analyzed andthe related information was obtained. Results The robotized hydraulic tensor acted as a tensorsensor system, which could assist the surgeon by providing thequantitative information to align the lower limb in extension, equalize the articular spaces in extension and flexion, balance the internal and external forces, and define the femoral component rotation, and by providing the information toplan the releasing of the soft tissues and the rotating of the femoral component. Conclusion The modified robotized hydraulic tensor can enable the surgeon to properly manage the ligament balance in the total knee arthroplasty.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the treatment of severe medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA clinical data of 69 patients (69 knees), who underwent joint replacement due to severe medial compartment OA between February 2015 and September 2018 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 38 cases were treated with UKA (UKA group) and 31 cases with TKA (TKA group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, course of disease, lesion side, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Feller score, range of motion of knee, physiological and psychological scores of short-form 12 health survey scale (SF-12) between the two groups (P>0.05). The femorotibial angle (FTA) of TKA group was bigger than that of UKA group, and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was smaller, showing significant differences (P<0.05). The operative time, incision length, blood loss, time for flexion 90°, ambulation time, hospital stay, and incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity were recorded and compared between the two groups. The VAS score, HSS score, WOMAC score, Feller score, range of motion, and physiological and psychological scores of SF-12 were used to evaluate patients’ quality of life. FTA, HKA, and prosthesis looseness were observed by X-ray films. Kaplan-Merier survival analysis was used to evaluate the survival rate of prosthesis.ResultsAll operations were successfully completed in both groups. Compared with TKA group, UKA group had shorter incision length, longer operative time, and less blood loss (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in time for flexion 90°, ambulation time, hospital stay, and the incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity between the two groups (P>0.05). The incisions in both groups healed by first intention. During follow-up, 3 patients in the UKA group and 1 patient in the TKA group developed mild anterior knee pain. Patients were followed up (30.7±9.6) months in the UKA group and (34.9±8.7) months in the TKA group, and the difference was not significant (t=–1.832, P=0.071). At last follow-up, there were significant differences in the HSS score, Feller score, WOMAC score, range of motion, VAS score, and physiological and psychological scores of SF-12 between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). The range of motion in the UKA group was bigger than that in the TKA group (Z=–2.666, P=0.008), and there was no significant difference in the other indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray films showed that the alignment of the two groups recovered well, and the FTA and HKA of the two groups were improved at 1 week after operation (P<0.05). No radiolucency was found around the prosthesis during follow-up, no prosthesis loosening and meniscal bearing dislocation occurred. The survival rates of the prostheses in the two groups were 100%.ConclusionFor severe medial compartment OA, the early survival rates of the two prostheses are similar, but UKA has less traumatic, can preserve the normal structure of the knee, and the range of motion of the knee after operation is significantly better than TKA.
ObjectiveTo summarize the prevention and treatment of iatrogenic medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThe relevant literature about iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA was summarized, and the symptoms, causes, preventions, and treatments were analyzed.ResultsPreventions on the iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA is significantly promoted. With the occurrence of MCL injuries, the femoral avulsion can be fixed with the screw and washer or the suture anchors; the tibial avulsion can be treated with the suture anchors fixation, bone staples fixation, or conservative treatment; the mid-substance laceration can be repaired directly; the autologous quadriceps tendon, semitendinosus tendon, or artificial ligament can be used for the patients with poor tissue conditions or obvious residual gap between the ligament ends; the use of implant with greater constraint can be the last alternative method.ConclusionNo consensus has been reached to the management of iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA. Different solutions and strategies can be integrated and adopted flexibly by surgeons according to the specific situation.
Objective To investigate the rotational mismatch of total kneereplacement with medial 1/3 of tibial tuberosity as bony landmark in osteoarthritic patients with varus or valgus deformity. Methods Axial images on computed tomography of 62 knees (including 55 varus deformities and 7 valgus deformities) in 32 Chinese osteoarthritic patients who had total knee arthroplasty were analyzed, compared with that of 10 healthy knees. On images of the distal femur, the angle between the lines of surgical epicondylar axis(SEA) and posterior condylar axis was measured as posterior condylar angle (PCA), and on images of the proximal tibia, a baseline for the anteriorposterior axis of each component was drawn based on the SEA for the femur and the medial 1/3 of the tibial tuberosity for the tibia. The angle between these lines (Angle α) was defined as therotational mismatch between the components when they were aligned to the anatomic landmarks of each bone. Results The sulcus of medial epicondyle of femur could be identified on CT images of over 80% osteoarthritic knees; the median value of PCA was +2.36°, with an individual variation of 0° to +7.5°. Angle α was +6.45±3.68°(range, 0° to +11.8°) in 10 healthy knees, which increased significantly to +10.85±10.47°(range, 0° to +28.1°)in 55 varus knees (P＜0.05), which also increased significantly to +11.6±7.3°(range, -6.5° to +26.8°) in 7 valgus knees (P＜ 0.05). Conclusion With the medial 1/3 of the tibial tuberosity as the rotational landmark for the tibial component, there was a tendency to align the tibial component in external rotational position relative to the femoral component in knees with normal alignment, the rotational mismatch increased in Chinese osteoarthritic knees with varus and valgus deformity.
ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement of femoral rotation alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by robotic-arm assisted positioning and osteotomy and its short-term effectiveness.MethodsBetween June 2020 and November 2020, 60 patients (60 knees) with advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, who met the selection criteria, were selected as the study subjects. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. Patients were treated with robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA) in trial group, and with conventional TKA in control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side and course of osteoarthritis, body mass index, and the preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior condylar angle (PCA), knee society score-knee (KSS-K) and KSS-function (KSS-F) scores between the two groups (P>0.05). The clinical (KSS-K, KSS-F scores) and imaging (HKA, LDFA, MPTA, PCA) evaluation indexes of the knee joints were compared between the two groups at 3 months after operation.ResultsAll patients were successfully operated. The incisions in the two groups healed by first intention, with no complications related to the operation. Patients in the two groups were followed up 3-6 months, with an average of 3.9 months. KSS-K and KSS-F scores of the two groups at 3 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray re-examination showed that the prosthesis was in good position, and no prosthesis loosening or sinking occurred. HKA, MPTA, and PCA significantly improved in both groups at 3 months after operation (P<0.05) except LDFA. There was no significant difference in HKA, LDFA, and MPTA between the two groups (P>0.05). PCA in trial group was significantly smaller than that in control group (t=2.635, P=0.010).ConclusionRATKA can not only correct knee deformity, relieve pain, improve the quality of life, but also achieve the goal of restoring accurate femoral rotation alignment. There was no adverse event after short-term follow-up and the effectiveness was satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of digital three-dimensional (3D) printing osteotomy guide plate assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with femoral internal implants. Methods The clinical data of 55 KOA patients who met the selection criteria between July 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 26 cases combined with femoral implants were treated with digital 3D printing osteotomy guide plate assisted TKA (guide plate group), and 29 cases were treated with conventional TKA (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, side, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, knee range of motion, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, postoperative first ambulation time, surgical complications; VAS score, knee HSS score, knee range of motion before operation, at 1 week and 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up; distal femoral lateral angle, proximal tibial medial angle, hip-knee-ankle angle and other imaging indicators at last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. ResultsThe operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative first ambulation time in the guide plate group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the control group, there were 1 case of incision rupture and bleeding and 1 case of lower limb intermuscular venous thrombosis, which was cured after symptomatic treatment. There was no complication such as neurovascular injury, incision infection, or knee prosthesis loosening in both groups. Patients in both groups were followed up 12-26 months, with an average of 16.25 months. The VAS score, HSS score, and knee range of motion improved at each time point after operation in both groups, and further improved with time after operation, the differences were significant (P<0.05). The above indicators in the guide plate group were significantly better than those in the control group at 1 week and 3 months after operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the distal femoral lateral angle, the proximal tibial medial angle, and the hip-knee-ankle angle in the guide plate group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of digital 3D printing osteotomy guide plate assisted TKA in the treatment of KOA patients with femoral implants can simplify the surgical procedures, overcome limitations of conventional osteotomy guides, reduce surgical trauma, achieve individualized and precise osteotomy, and effectively restore lower limb alignment and knee joint function.
Objective To conduct a systematic bibliometric analysis of recent research on robot-assisted orthopedic surgery, in order to reveal the research trends, hotspots, main contributors, and future development directions in this field. Methods On August 27, 2024, WoSCC (Web of Science Core Collection Database) was searched and relevant literature on robot-assisted orthopedic surgery from 2003 to 2023 was included. Excel 2016, VOSviewer (version 1.6.10), and CiteSpace (version 6.2.R6) were used for data collection and analysis. Results The total citation frequency of 1718 retrieved literature was 28978 times, with an average citation frequency of 16.87 times per article. The total citation frequency of articles in 2019 was the highest (4330 times), and the publication volume in 2023 was the highest (315 articles). Among the top 5 countries in terms of publication volume, the United States had the highest publication volume and total citation frequency, while China ranked second in terms of publication volume, but had the lowest average citation frequency per article. Analysis of cooperation between countries showed that the United States, China, Germany, and other countries had the most cooperation. Babar Kayani’s articles were cited the most frequently. Among the top 10 institutions in terms of publication volume, the Hospital for Special Surgery (United States) had the highest publication volume, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (United States) had the highest total citation frequency for publications, and the average citation frequency of each article published by the University of Pittsburgh (United States) was the highest. The dynamic evolution of research hotspots suggested that early research mainly focused on the combination of traditional surgical techniques and navigation, while in recent years, research had mainly focused on computer-aided surgery, augmented reality, and medical robotics technology. Conclusions In recent years, significant progress has been made in the research of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery, with the United States taking a leading position in this field and having extensive global cooperation. Research hotspots show that with the continuous development of computer-aided surgery, augmented reality, and robotics technology, the field of orthopedic surgery is evolving towards more precise, individualized, and minimally invasive directions.