Objective To explore the technique of the soft tissue balancing inthe total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the patients with the knees of varus deformity and flexion contracture. Methods From January 2001 to December 2005, 86 patients (19 males, 67 females; age, 57-78 years;average, 66 years) with the knees of varus deformity and flexion contracture underwent primary TKA and the balancing of the soft tissues. All the patients had suffered from osteoarthritis. The unibilateral affection was found in 68 patients and the bilateral affection in 18. The varus deformity angle was averaged 12.3° (range, 6-34°). The soft tissue varus accounted for 56.7% and the bony varus accounted for 43.3%. The flexion contracture lt; 10° was found in 21 knees, 10-19° in 45 knees, 20-29° in 22 knees, and gt;30° in 16 knees, with an average angle of 18.9°. Results The flexion contractures were improved. Before operation the average angle ofthe flexion contracture was 18.9° but after operation only 4 patients had a residual flexion contracture of 5° and the remaining patients had a complete correction. The follow-up for 37 months (range, 6-72 months) in all the patients revealed that only 6 patients had a residual flexion contracture of 5-10° and the others had a full extension. Before operation the average varus angle was 12.3°(range, 6-34°) and the average tibiofemoral angle was 174.7° (range, 70.3-175.6°), but after operation the residual varus angle gt; 3° was only found in 2 patients. The complications occurring during operation and after operation were found in 6 patients, injuries to the attachment of the medial collateral ligaments in 2, patellar clunk syndromes in 2, cerebral embolism in 1, and lacunar infarction in 1, with no nerve disorders left after the medical treatment. No skin necrosis, the cut edge infection or deep infection occurred. Conclusion The balancing of the soft tissues is a major management for correction of the varus deformity and the flexion contracture. The proper balancing of the softtissues can achieve an obvious recovery of the function and correction of the varus deformity after TKA.
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.
Objective To make a retrospective analysis on an early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the knees with different degrees of flexion-contracture deformities. Methods Ninety-seven knees of 65 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with the Scorpio posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis from January 2000 to December 2003 were reviewed, including 51 osteoarthritis patients (74 knees) and 14 rheumatoid arthritis patients (23 knees). Thirtythree patients underwent unilateral TKA, and 32 patients underwent bilateral TKA. The average range of motion (ROM) before operation was 82.8°(range, 5-140°).According to the preoperative flexion-contracture degrees of the knees, these patients were divided into 2 groups, group A and group B. Group A consisted of the patients with flexioncontracture less than 20° (range, 0-15°), and group B consisted of the patients with flexion-contracture not less than 20° (range, 20-60°). In group A, the average flexion-contracture degree, ROM, KSS (knee society score), and function score were 10.7±8.0°, 104.6±20.0°, 29.1±18.0, and 32.6±20.7, respectively. But the corresponding data were much worse ingroup B than in group A, which were 28.2±7.8°, 60.8±26.6°, 12.1±13.2, and 26.8±18.1. All the operations were primary total knee arthroplasty, and they were performed by the same group of surgeons. The time for the prosthesis installed lasted for 25.6 minutes, and the average tourniquet time was 34.7 minutes. Three or four days after operation, the patients began the continuous passive motion (CPM) and active functional exercise of the knee.Results The patients were followed up for an average of 2 years and 7 months(range, 8 mon-3.5 yr). During the follow-up period, the average flexion-contracture degree, ROM, KSS, and function score in group A were 0.4±2.1°, 108.6±19.0°, 82.1±13.8, and 72.3±29.1, respectively; and the corresponding data in group B were 1.3±3.2°, 986±16.4°, 75.9±8.2, and 81.4±26.9, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. No revision or deep infection was found. Conclusion The curative effect is mainly determined by the surgeon’s good operational skills, rich clinical experience, and familiarity with the prosthesis, and it is not influenced by severity of the knee flexioncontracture deformity. The knee ROM after TKA, which has a “toward middle ROM”phenomenon, is influenced by many clinical factors. It is very important for the patientto perform a functional exercise of the knee as early as possible after operation.
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 analyze the relationship between the collateral ligament attachment and the epicondylar axis with rotational alignment of the femoral component in the total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods Twenty normal cadaver knee joints were anatomized and 2 holes were drilled on the distal femur from the deep and superficial insertions of the medial collateral ligaments to the lateral condylar part, respectively. Then, all the knees were scanned by MRI on the sagittal plane, making the drilled hole located relatively to the posterior condylar joint surface on the axial plane, and the posterior condylar angle (PCA) and thecondylar twist angle (CTA) were measured.Results The colateral ligament had the deep and superficial parts, and the deep part was strained during the knee flexing. PCA and CTA were 4.50±1.26° and 7.10±0.30° respectively, and there was a significant difference between them(P＜0.05), which were significantly greater than those reported abroad. On the sagittal plane, there wasno significant difference between the radiuses of the posterior medial and lateral condylar circles (Pgt;0.05). The distance from the center of the posterior condylar circle to the deep insertion of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) (d1) was 4.22±0.20 mm, and the distance to the superficial insertionof MCL (d2) was 7.36±0.13 mm. The difference between d1 and d2 was significant(Plt;0.05). Conclusion The center of the posterior condylar circle passes from the deep insertion of the collateral ligament, which can be regarded as a fixed flexionextension axis of the knee. By releasing the different parts of the collateral ligaments, the balance of the flexion and extension gap canbe obtained, and then varus, valgus or flexed contracture deformity of the kneecan be realigned. Besides, the rotational orientation of the femoral prothesis can be made by a reference to the epicondylar insertion of the collateral ligament.
Objective To analyze the effect of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining or not on knee-joint proprioception by comparing the proprioceptive difference between PCL retaining and no PCL retaining in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Between June 2009 and June 2010, 38 osteoarthritis patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into PCL retaining group (group A, n=19) and PCL-substituting group (group B, n=19) according to the random number table. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, the range of motion of the knee between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness and the knee-joint proprioception were separately assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and the passive angle reproduction test (30, 60, and 90° of knee flexion) preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results All incisons healed by first intention, without complications of infection, fracture, and deep vein thrombosis of lower limb. The patients were followed up 12-17 months (mean, 14.1 months). The knee function after operation was obviously improved when compared with preoperative one; significant differences were observed in the WOMAC scores and the results of passive angle reproduction test between at preoperation and at 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between group A and group B (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Whether PCL retaining or not in TKA both can improve knee-joint proprioception, and no obvious difference between them.
Objective To discuss the recent advancement of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the aspects of prosthesis selection, and compare the cl inical effect of every kind of knee prostheses so as to provide more information for cl inical appl ication. Methods The l iterature concerning prosthesis selection was extensively reviewed, and the methods and data were analyzed and summarized. Results The major disputes consisted of posterior cruciate retained versus excised,fixed-bearing versus mobile-bearing, high-flex versus standard implants and patella resurfacing versus nonresurfacing for TKA. Every kind of knee prostheses displayed safety and effectiveness in early and medium term follow-up, no significant differences were found in cl inical results. Conclusion Prosthesis selection in TKA should be overall considerated, and the merits of every kind of prostheses should be judged with long-term follow-up results.
Objective To analyze the effect of arteriovenous impulse system (AVIS) combined with lowmolecular-weight heparins calcium (LMWHC) for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods From March 2006 to March 2008, 76 cases of osteoarthritis patients (76 knees) accepted TKA, including 25 males and 51 females with an average age of 66.6 years (range, 58-79 years). The affected knees were left side in 41 cases and right side in 35 cases. They were randomly divided into experimental group and control group before surgery. Then LMWHC and rehabil itation training were routinely given in two groups before and after surgery. However, only experimental group was treated with AVIS continually during the first four days and then two times a day for 30 minutes one time during 5-7 days. At 7 daysd after operation, color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the occurrence condition of DVT. Results Five cases (13.16%) had thrombosis of calf and recovered after treated with urokinase and salvia in the experimental group. Eleven cases had thrombosis of calf and 3 cases had thrombosis of whole low extremities (36.84%), and improved after treated with urokinase and salvia in the control group. There was significant difference in DVT incidencerate between two groups (P lt; 0.05). No pulmonary embol ism or death was found in both groups. Conclusion AVIScan effectively accelerate the venous blood return velocity, a combination of AVIS and LMWHC has a better effect in theprevention of DVT following TKA.
In recent years, reports of domestic robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty have gradually increased. In response to problems that may arise during the perioperative period, West China Hospital of Sichuan University has adopted measures such as the establishment of multidisciplinary team, adequate preoperative evaluation, precise intraoperative operations, and whole process optimization management (incision management, pain management, functional exercise and follow-up management). Combined with the actual clinical situation, a domestic robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty management program during the perioperative period was explored and formulated to promote the recovery of patients. This article introduces the above-mentioned program, and aims to provide a reference for the management optimization of domestic robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty during the perioperative period.
Objective To evaluate the radiographic and postoperative function of computer navigation versus traditional methods for total knee arthroplasty through meta-analysis. Methods we searched the specialized trials registered in Cochrane muscle group, The Cochrane Library (CCTR), MEDLINE (1966 to 2009), EMbase (1980 to 2009), PubMed (1966 to 2009), NRR (http://www.update-software.com/National/), CCT (http://www.controlled-trials.com), and CBMdisc (1979 to July 2009), and we manually searched some Chinese orthoopaedics journals. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. Randomized controlled trials of computer navigation and traditional methods for total knee arthroplasty were included. The quality of the included trials was critically assessed. RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for data analysis. Results Eighteen RCTs of computer navigation and traditional methods for total knee arthroplasty were included. A total of 2 349 patients met the inclusion criteria for the review. The results showed that, computer navigation versus traditional methods for the total knee arthroplasty: a) about radiography: there was difference in the precise measurement of lower limbs mechanical axis (WMD= – 0.56, 95%CI – 0.74 to – 0.38, Plt;0.00001), but no obvious difference in measurement of the femoral frontal axis (WMD= – 0.29, 95%CI – 0.58 to 0.00, P=0.05), sagittal axis (WMD= – 1.64, 95%CI – 3.49 to 0.21, P=0.08) and angle of rotation (WMD= – 0.11, 95%CI – 0.87 to 0.66, P=0.79). Obvious difference was not found in the tibial frontal axis (WMD= – 0.31, 95%CI – 0.69 to 0.06, P=0.10), but found in the tibial sagittal axis (WMD= – 0.69, 95%CI – 1.10 to – 0.28, P=0.001). No difference was found in the tibiafemoral angle (WMD= 0.03, 95%CI – 0.78 to 0.84, P=0.95), patella tilt angle (WMD= – 1.45, 95%CI – 3.12 to 0.22, P=0.09) and patella angle of rotation (WMD= – 0.34, 95%CI – 0.71 to 0.02, P=0.06); b) there was obvious difference in operating time (WMD= 13.31, 95%CI 10.00 to 16.63, Plt;0.000 01), but no obvious difference in the complications (RR= 1.65, 95%CI 0.87 to 3.13, P=0.13) and the hemorrhage volume (WMD= – 74.81, 95%CI – 184.71 to 35.09, P=0.18); and c) about the evaluation of postoperative function: the follow-up in all studies was more than 6 months; there was no obvious difference in joint motion (WMD= – 2.17, 95%CI – 5.66 to 1.33, P=0.22), KSS scores (WMD= 6.28, 95%CI – 3.69 to 16.25, P=0.22), and OXFORD scores (WMD= – 0.31, 95%CI – 2.05 to 1.43, P=0.72). Conclusions Compared with traditional methods, computer navigation using for the total knee arthroplasty: a) is much accurate in measurement of the lower limbs mechanical axis and tibial sagittal axis, but is not superior in measurement of the femoral frontal axis, femoral sagittal axis, femoral angle of rotation, tibial frontal axis, tibiafemoral angle, patella tilt angle, and patella angle of rotation; b) may spend a longer operating time if not performed by proficient for it is a kind of new technique realm, but is similar in decreasing complications and hemorrhage volume; and c) is not obvious different in function evaluation after over 6 months follow-up which has to be further studied.