Introduction

The patella experiences large forces and variable kinematic patterns throughout flexion which could influence function and patient satisfaction after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze in vivo patellar mechanism forces and kinematics throughout flexion to determine influencing factors that may lead to patient dissatisfaction.

Introduction

Many groups consider passive flexion to be a good indicator of postoperative success, to the point where this outcome directly influences certain outcome scores such as Knee Society Scores (KSS). However, it is alternatively believed that normal-like kinematics result in better TKA outcomes, and previous fluoroscopy studies have demonstrated that there are many parameters that affect weight-bearing range-of-motion. The objective of this study to investigate the correlations between patient-reported outcomes, passive flexion, and weight-bearing knee kinematics.

Introduction

A common goal of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to restore normal knee kinematics. While substantial data is available on TKA kinematics, information regarding non-implanted knee kinematics is less well studied especially in larger patient populations. The objectives of this study were to determine normal femorotibial kinematics in a large number of non-implanted knees and to investigate parameters that yield higher knee flexion with weight-bearing activities.

Introduction

Forward solution joint models (FSMs) can be powerful tools, leading to fast and cost-efficient simulation revealing in vivo mechanics that can be used to predict implant longevity. Unlike most joint analysis methods, mathematical modeling allows for nearly instantaneous evaluations, yielding more rapid surgical technique and implant design iterations as well as earlier insight into the follow-up outcomes used to better assess potential success. The current knee FSM has been developed to analyze both the kinematics and kinetics of commercial TKA designs as well as novel implant designs.

Background

Although early TKA designs were symmetrical, during the past two decades TKA have been designed to include asymmetry, pertaining to either the trochlear groove, femoral condylar shapes or the tibial component. More recently, a new TKA was designed to include symmetry in all areas of the design, in the hopes of reducing design and inventory costs.

Introduction

Hip osteoarthritis can be debilitating, often leading to pain, poor kinematics and limiting range of motion. While the in vivo kinematics of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) are well documented, there is limited information pertaining to the kinematics of native, non-arthritic (normal) hips and degenerative hips requiring a THA.

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the in vivo kinematics of the normal hip with pre-operative, degenerative hips and post-operative THA.