MRI has been increasingly used as an outcome measure and proxy for healing and integration after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Despite this, it has not yet been established what a steady state graft MRI appearance is. MRI and clinical outcome measures were prospectively taken at 1 and minimum 2 years after hamstring autograft ACLR. MRI graft signal was measured using novel reconstructions both parallel and perpendicular to the graft, with lower signal indicative of better healing and expressed as the signal intensity ratio (SIR), and tunnel apertures analysed.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
An MRI-derived subject-specific finite element model of a knee joint was loaded with subject-specific kinetic data to investigate stress and strain distribution in knee cartilage during the stance phase of gait in-vivo. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been widely used to predict the local stress and strain distribution at the tibiofemoral joint to study the effects of ligament injury, meniscus injury and cartilage defects on soft tissue loading under different loading conditions. Previous studies have focused on static FEA of the tibiofemoral joint, with few attempts to conduct subject-specific FEA on the knee during physical activity. In one FEA study utilising subject-specific loading during gait, the knee was simplified by using linear springs to represent ligaments. To address the gap that no studies have performed subject-specific FEA at the tibiofemoral joint with detailed structures, the present study aims to develop a highly detailed subject-specific FE model of knee joint to precisely simulate the stress distribution at knee cartilage during the stance phase of the gait cycle.Summary Statement
Introduction
Osteonecrosis may be triggered by bone temperature above 45°C during routine orthopaedic bone cuts using power-driven saws, with potentially negative impacts on bone healing. A new oscillating-tip saw blade design (Precision; Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich) has been recently developed but the saw blade design may influence the amount of heat generated. We have therefore sought to compare the bone temperature during a standardised cutting task with two different saw blade designs. Three pairs of human cadaveric femora were obtained. Each femur was clamped and a distal femoral cutting jig was applied. An initial cut was performed to visualise the distal metaphyseal bone. The cutting block was then moved 2 mm proximal and a further cut performed, measuring the temperature of the bone with an infra-red camera. This was repeated, moving the block 2 mm proximal with each cut, alternating between a standard oscillating saw blade and the “Precision” saw blade. The density of the cut bone was then established from a CT scan of each specimen performed prior to the experiment.Introduction & aims
Method
Patient-matched instrumentation is advocated as the latest development in arthroplasty surgery. Custom-made cutting blocks created from preoperative MRI scans have been proposed to achieve perfect alignment of the lower limb in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of patient-specific cutting blocks by comparing them to navigation, the current gold standard. 60 TKA patients were recruited to undergo their surgery guided by Smith & Nephew Visionaire Patient-Matched cutting blocks. Continuous computer navigation was used during the surgery to evaluate the accuracy of the cutting blocks. The blocks were assessed for the fit to the articular surface, as well as alignment in the coronal, sagittal and rotational planes, sizing, and resection depth.Purpose
Methods
DXA areal-bone-mineral-density (aBMD) is used clinically as a surrogate for true volumetric-BMD to assess bone fragility. Trabecular-Bone-Score (TBS) provides an assessment of bone quality based on the DXA-derived two-dimensional images. Calculated from bone area (BA), aBMD may under- or overestimate true BMD in individuals with relatively low and high BA respectively. This study investigated relationships between BA at the lumbar-spine (L1–L4) and measurements of BMD and TBS. Lumbar spine scans were performed (GE Lunar Prodigy) on 114 women (mean 53 yrs). The study population was divided by L1–L4 BA using the 20th and 80th centiles, and BMD v TBS correlations calculated for the subgroups. BMD and TBS, converted to Z-scores, were correlated with BA.Introduction
Method
Precision error (PE) in Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is important for accurate monitoring of changes in Bone-Mineral-Density (BMD). It has been demonstrated that BMD PE increases with increasing BMI. In vivo PE for the Trabecular-Bone-Score (TBS) has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term PE (STPE)) of BMD and TBS and to investigate the effect of obesity on DXA PE. DXA lumbar spine scans (L1–L4) were performed using GE Lunar Prodigy. STPE was measured in 91 women (Group A) at a single visit by duplicating scans with repositioning in-between. PE was calculated as the percentage coefficient of variation (%CV). Group A was sub-divided into four groups based on BMI (A.1. <25kg/m2, A.2. 25–29.9kg/m2, A.3. 30–35kg/m2 and A.4. >35kg/m2) to assess the effect of obesity on STPE. Abnormally different vertebrae were excluded from the analysis in accordance with The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) recommendations.Introduction
Method
High tibial osteotomy is a well established joint preserving procedure for the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Of particular interest are the alterations in knee loading compartments during dynamic activities such as locomotion. Computer modelling can indirectly assess contact and muscle forces in the patient. This study aimed to develop a valid model representative of high tibial osteotomy to assess the medial joint contact force at the knee during gait. Software for Interactive Musculoskeletal Modelling (version 2, SIMM Inc, USA) was used to develop a model to replicate the effects of high tibial osteotomy surgery on tibial alignment. The program was then used to perform a detailed analysis on gait data collected from two high tibial osteotomy patients preoperatively and 6 months post operatively. Inverse dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate knee joint contact force on the medial compartment of the two patients during the stance phase of their operated limbs. Significant decreases (p<0.05) in the medial joint contact force were observed during both early and late stance for both patients. Force generated in muscles crossing the knee was found to be the major contributor to the joint contact force. Total muscle force was found to increase significantly (p<0.05) following surgery, however decreased loads were calculated for the medial compartment. The pattern and magnitude of joint reaction force was found to be consistent before and after surgery and replicated the results of previous studies. The HTO-specific model was valid and sensitive to changes in joint reaction force, medial joint contact force and muscle forces crossing the knee. High tibial osteotomy reduced the medial joint contact force at the knee as a result of the coronal realignment of the limb. Osteoarthritis symptoms were relieved in terms of knee pain and function. Finally, a difference in compensatory strategies was observed between patients. This novel technique allows non-invasive assessment of the mechanical effect of procedures such as HTO. This should allow more accurate planning and assessment of such surgical procedures.
Patient-matched instrumentation is advocated as the latest development in arthroplasty surgery. Custom-made cutting blocks created from preoperative MRI scans have been proposed to achieve perfect alignment of the lower limb in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of patient-specific cutting blocks by comparing them to navigation, the current gold standard. 25 TKA patients were recruited to undergo their surgery guided by Smith & Nephew Visionaire Patient-Matched cutting blocks. Continuous computer navigation was used during the surgery to evaluate the accuracy of the cutting blocks. The blocks were assessed for the fit to the articular surface, as well as alignment in the coronal and sagittal planes, sizing, and resection depth. Actual postoperative alignment was then assessed by detailed CT scans following the Perth protocol, comparing the results with intraoperative measurements. All patient-matched cutting blocks were a good fit intra-operatively. Significant differences (p<0.05) in the resection depths of the distal femur and tibial plateau were observed between the cutting blocks and computer navigation for the medial compartment. Cutting block alignment of the femur and tibia in the coronal and sagittal planes also differed significantly (p<0.05) to navigation measurements. In addition, intraoperative assessment of sagittal femoral alignment differed to planned alignment by an average of 4.0 degrees (+/−2.3). This study suggests the use of patient-matched cutting blocks is not accurate, particularly in the guidance of the sagittal alignment in total knee arthroplasty. Despite this technique creating well fitting cutting blocks, intraoperative monitoring, validated by postoperative CT scans, revealed an unacceptable degree of potential limb mal-alignment, resulting in increased outliers particularly when compared with standard computer navigation.
Computer assisted surgical navigation has played an increasingly central role in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given the recognized importance of subtle component position changes in knee function, navigation has emerged as a promising tool for reducing the occurrence of significant malalignment. The ability of this technology to reliably measure multiple parameters intraoperatively allows analysis to possibly identify a correlation between intraoperative computer assisted surgical navigation data and functional outcomes of patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty. Intraoperative navigation data was collected for 121 patients undergoing cemented, posterior stabilized TKA. Three forward stepwise regression analyses were performed to associate intraoperative coronal alignment correction, tibiofemoral external rotation, and alignment under varus and valgus stress with one year outcomes, including range of motion, Oxford and SF-36 scores. The amount of alignment correction and the maximum flexion achieved intraoperatively were significantly correlated (p <0.05, R-sq = 13%) with clinically measured maximum flexion at one year. Maximum flexion achieved intraoperatively, external tibiofemoral rotation and maximum varus under stress were also significantly associated (p < 0.05, R-sq = 31%) with the physical component of the SF-36 outcome score. Analyses of computer navigation in TKA to date have primarily focused on precision of sagittal plane correction. Alternatively we have identified four intraoperative parameters that correlate with functional outcome at one year. Correct intraoperative interpretation of navigation data may allow surgeons to make subtle changes in real time to produce superior short-term outcomes for patients.
The question of whether to reconstruct an ACL-deficient knee as early as possible following injury or to delay surgery remains unanswered. Early reconstruction potentially reduces the risk of secondary damage. However, there is also concern regarding the risk of arthrofibrosis if surgery is undertaken too soon. The aim of this study was to investigate whether injury-to-surgery delay determines ACL-reconstruction outcomes at up to 2years post-operatively. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 211 knees with isolated primary ACL ruptures was performed. Patients were examined preoperatively, at 6months, 1 year, and 2 years post-operatively using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores. Side to side differences in knee laxity were also measured with a KT1000 arthrometer. Spearman's rho correlations were used to associate injury-to-surgery delay with outcome scores. Outcomes scores significantly increased for both IKDC (p<0.05) and Lysholm (p<0.05) questionnaires. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were also found between injury-to-surgery delay and IKDC and Lysholm subjective scores. Strongest correlation coefficients were noted at the 2yr follow-up for both IKDC and Lysholm scores (r = 0.79 and 0.8 respectively). Side-to-side laxity measures also showed significant positive correlations with injury-to-surgery delay at 1 year (r = 0.17) and 2 year (r = 0.41) follow ups. The positive correlation suggests that delayed surgery is positively related to subjective outcomes, as well as objective measures of knee laxity. However, this relationship also suggests that other factors such as the patient's functional status at time of surgery may play a role in their post-operative function. For example, those who can compensate for the ruptured ligament may function well following delayed surgery. These findings highlight the need for more detailed investigation of the interaction between functional status, injury-to-surgery delay and post-operative recovery.
An ACL reconstruction is designed to restore the normal knee function and prevent the onset and progression of degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. However, contemporary literature provides limited consensus on whether knee degeneration can be attenuated by the reconstruction procedure. The aim of this pilot study was to identify the presence of early osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction using MRI analysis. 19 patients who had undergone an ACL reconstruction (9 isolated ACL rupture, 8 ACL rupture and meniscectomy, 2 ACL rupture and meniscal repair) volunteered for this study. MRI's were collected preoperatively and postoperatively for analysis with a mean follow up of 23 months. The Boston-Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score (BLOKS) was used for the analysis of the articular cartilage by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Scores ranged from 0–3, with 0 being total coverage and thickness of the cartilage and 3 being no coverage. Qualitative analysis was then conducted on each patient to determine if the articular cartilage improved, degenerated, or did not change between preoperative and follow-up scans. All patients with isolated ACL rupture were found to either have no change or improved articular cartilage scores in their follow up scans compared preoperatively. In contrast, patients with a meniscal repair displayed worse cartilage scores postoperatively. Lastly, of the patients who had an associated meniscectomy, 6 had worse follow-up results, with the remaining patients showing no change or improved cartilage scores. The present results indicate that patients with an isolated ACL rupture have a reduced risk of developing OA compared to those with associated meniscal injuries. This has implications for analysing the outcome of current ACL reconstruction techniques and in predicting the likelihood of patients developing OA after ACL reconstruction. Future work will involve confirming this pattern in a larger patient sample, as well as exploring additional factors such as time to surgery delay and rehabilitation strategy.
Computer navigation has been shown to improve the accuracy of total knee replacement (TKR) when compared to intra or extra osseous referencing. Currently the surgical transepicondylar axis (TEA) is used to help determine femoral component rotation. This relies on the surgeon identifying medial and lateral epicondyles intra-operatively. This process has been shown to have a high variability and operator dependency. The functional flexion axis (FFA) of the femur is a kinematically derived reference axis which has previously been shown in a cadaveric model to correspond well with the transepicondylar axis. This study was therefore designed to evaluate its accuracy in vivo. 50 patients undergoing total knee replacement under the care of the three senior authors were prospectively recruited. A preoperative CT scan was obtained and the TEA evaluated by 2 independent clinicians. TKR was undertaken in the standard fashion using Stryker navigation. The FFA was derived at 3 time points during the procedure: pre-incision, post osseous registration and following component implantation. The deviations of the FFA and surgical TEA (surTEA) to the CT-derived TEA (ctTEA) was calculated and comparisons drawn between the 2 methods with respect to validity, as well as within and between-patient reproducibility. While the FFA results were highly correlated between pre and post-arthrotomy (r = 0.89), the post-incision FFA (−1.60+/−3.7) was significantly internally rotated (p<0.01) relative to the pre-incision FFA (−2.50+/−3.4). In addition the surgical TEA (−0.40+/−3.6) was significantly internally rotated (p = 0.02) relative to the post-incision FFA (1.80+/−3.7) for the combined data from all 2 surgeons. However, when examined individually, 1 of the 2 surgeons showed no significant difference between the FFA and TEA. In addition, the two methods demonstrated comparable between-patient variability in the knee axis, although surgeon-dependent patterns remained. The FFA has been shown to be of equivalent accuracy to the surgical TEA but surprisingly does not avoid its operator-dependency. Further evaluation of the FFA method with possible adjustments to the algorithm is warranted.
Medical and allied health staff are beginning to incorporate the Nintendo Wii-Fit into musculoskeletal rehabilitation protocols. One potential application is the assessment of standing balance following Orthopaedic lower limb surgery. The Wii Balance Board (WBB) has been shown to be a valid equivalent to a laboratory grade force platform for the assessment of standing balance. Our objective was to investigate the validity and reliability of the balance tests included with the Wii-Fit software. Initially, a single subject performed multiple repeats of a standing balance test. The data was collected simultaneously from a commercial force platform using its integrated software that measured centre of pressure and from the WBB using the Wii-Fit software that generated a percentage score. The data from each was compared and analyzed, applying the equations of known, validated standing balance measurements. Then, thirty subjects free of lower limb pathology performed a series of standing balance tests combining single leg and double leg stance with their eyes open and then closed. Data was collected from one set of trials on the WBB using the Wii-Fit software and another using bespoke centre of pressure software on a laptop computer. The tests were then repeated on a second occasion within 2 weeks. The algorithm used by the Wii-Fit software to generate the ‘Stillness’ standing balance score was calculated with a predictive value (R squared) of 0.94. This correlated well to a known, valid measure of standing balance. Test-retest reliability was examined for the data from both pieces of software. Both demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest reliability within ‘software’. The laptop data was transformed using the algorithm and the between ‘software’ reliability was calculated as good-to-excellent. The Wii-Fit software collects standing balance data from the WBB at a fraction of the cost of laboratory grade systems. The score generated by the Wii-Fit software is reliable and valid as an overall assessment of standing balance. Although its application would be limited for detailed assessment of balance disorders, it could still provide surgeons with an affordable, clinic based balance-screening tool. This could form part of an assessment protocol following lower limb surgery.
Femoral nerve block is a reliable and effective method of providing anaesthesia and analgesia in the peri-operative period but there remains a small but serious risk of neurological complication. We aimed to determine incidence and outcome of neurological complications following femoral nerve block in patients who had major knee surgery. During the period January 2003 to August 2008, medical records of all patients undergoing knee surgery by Dr Myles Coolican and Dr David Parker, who had been administered femoral block for peri-operative analgesia, were evaluated. Patients with a neurological complication were invited take part in the study. A detailed physical examination including sensory responses, motor response and reflexes in both limbs was performed by an independent orthopaedic surgeon. Subjective outcome and pain specific questionnaires as well as clinical measurements were also collected. Out of 1393 patients administered with femoral nerve block anaesthesia during this period, 28 subjects (M:F= 5:23) were identified on the basis of persistent symptoms (more than three months) of femoral nerve dysfunction. All the patients had sensory dysfunction in the autonomous zone of femoral nerve sensory distribution. The incidence of neurological complications was 2.01%. One patient was deceased of unrelated causes and five patients declined to participate in the study. 14 patients out of the 22 have been examined so far. Nine cases had a one shot nerve block and five had continuous peripheral nerve block catheter. Areas of hypoesthesia/anaesthesia involving femoral nerve distribution occurred in 7 subjects and hyperaesthesia/paresthesia occurred in four. One subject had a combination of hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia in different areas of the femoral nerve distribution. Three subjects had bilateral symptoms following bilateral simultaneous nerve blocks. Dysesthesias in the affected dermatomes were found in seven cases and paresthesias were found in eight cases. Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) score of ï3 4 was found in all the patients (average value: 5.55). The average scores for tingling, pins and needles and burning sensation (in a scale from 0 to 10) are 3.8, 3.1 and 2.9 respectively. The incidence of persistent neurological complication after femoral nerve block in our series is much higher compared to the reported incidence in the contemporary literature (Auroy Y. et al. Major complications of regional anesthesia in France: Anesthesiology 2002; 97:1274 80). The symptoms significantly influence the quality of life in the affected cases and question the value of the femoral nerve block in knee surgery.
Osteotomies are performed in patients with lower limb malalignment, usually associated with osteoarthritis of the knee or instability. The surgery realigns the mechanical axis of the leg by either an opening or closing wedge procedure with the goal of decreasing symptoms, improving function, and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. The 103 patients that had undergone osteotomy surgery were studied prospectively, and data was analysed one year post surgery. We examined subjective outcomes, patient history and surgical variables using backwards stepwise multiple regression models to determine whether there were any associations between these. Subjective outcomes from a total of 103 osteotomy patients at one year post surgery were compared to patient history and surgical variables. All categories of KOOS and WOMAC scores were improved after surgery. The multivariate models showed that variables significantly influencing the outcomes were pre-operative flexion, pre-operative weight, the size of the HTO plate used and tourniquet time. Greater pre-operative flexion; lower weight; larger plate used, indicating larger corrections; and lower tourniquet times were shown to result in improved scores. Not all variables influenced all categories of the scores. While flexion and pre-operative weight influenced across the categories of both scores, plate size influenced KOOS pain and symptoms and tourniquet time influenced KOOS sport and quality of life. Knee flexion and body weight were the most influential variables when considering KOOS and WOMAC outcome scores as a measure of success. The size of the correction may have influenced the pain and symptom scores because patients with greater malalignment may have initially had worse symptoms and their perception of their current function and pain is affected by their previous levels of pain and function. Osteotomy results in improved function and pain scores and our results indicate that there are several variables which significantly influence patient outcomes and may be of greater importance than other variables.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a well established procedure for restoration of stability following ACL rupture. Several methods exist for fixation of soft tissue grafts on the tibia, without general agreement about the optimal method. This study compared two different methods of tibial fixation using hamstring grafts in ACL reconstruction. 113 consecutive patients were randomized into two groups at the time of surgery. In group one, fixation was with a metal interference screw (RCI) and staples and in group two, with a polyethylene screw and sheath (Intrafix). Evaluation of outcomes was conducted using KT-1000 arthrometer, Lysholm, IKDC subjective and Mohtadi scores. 7 reinjuries occurred within the time frame of the study, mostly related to sporting injuries, with 5 in group 2. 81% of remaining participants were successfully followed at 2 years post surgery. No significant difference in mean KT-1000 side-to-side measurements was found between groups at an average follow-up of 30 months (1.5 ± 1.9mm and 1.8 ± 1.9mm, respectively; p >
0.05). The mean Lysholm score for group one was 65.2 ± 15.5 preoperatively and 90.8 ± 9.5 postoperatively; for group two these scores were 62.0 ± 20.7 preoperatively and 88.8 ± 14.3 postoperatively. This improvement in scores after surgery was similar for both groups and was not significantly different between groups (p >
0.05). Both the IKDC subjective and Mohtadi scores showed significant (p <
0.05) improvements postoperatively compared with pre-operatively but no significant difference between fixation groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups for any outcome value, with both methods of graft fixation producing good results. The newer Intra-fix device had a higher reinjury rate but this was not significantly different from the screw and staple fixation, and on all other outcome measures the Intrafix device was equivalent to an interference screw and staples for tibial-sided graft fixation in ACL reconstruction.
Multi-ligament knee injuries require complex surgery. Hinged external fixators propose to control the tibio-femoral relationship, protect reconstructions and allow early mobilisation. However, a uniaxial hinge may be too simplistic for such a complex joint. We investigated the influence of an external fixation device on ligament strains and joint contact forces. Six fresh frozen cadaveric lower limbs (41–56 years old) were obtained. Displacement transducers (Microstrain, USA) were attached to mid-substance lateral (LCL) and medial collateral (MCL) ligaments, and the anterior and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments through minimal soft tissue incisions. Joint pressures were measured by transducers (Tekscan) introduced in the medial and lateral compartments through small sub-meniscal arthrotomies. Flouroscopic imaging was used to construct the hinged fixator centred over the epicondylar axis. Ligament tensile strains and joint contact forces were determined through a passive arc of 20 to 110 degrees of flexion and extension, with and without the external fixator (ExFix™, EBI Biomet Australia). The application of the external fixation device resulted in minimal change in the mean peak percentage strain of the PCL, MCL and ACL ligaments, while the LCL peak percentage strain decreased. Generally the peak percentage strain for each ligament occurred at or near the same flexion angle in both the un-instrumented and instrumented case within each limb, but the peak percentage strain flexion angles varied significantly across limbs. Peak joint contact forces increased significantly (p <
0.05) in the lateral compartment after attachment of the external fixation device. There was no difference seen in the medial compartment joint contact forces. This study shows that a uniaxial hinged external fixator can be used in a multi-ligament reconstructed knee to maintain joint congruence and allow early postoperative rang of motion without compromising the results of reconstructions or repairs.
Understanding of mechanical factors influencing knee joint loading is crucial for insight into OA progression and development of prevention and treatment strategies. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) changes knee alignment. Forces and moments should also be altered and reduce loading on one compartment. 15 subjects undergoing high tibial osteotomy were enrolled in the study. Markers were placed on prominent anatomical landmarks to indicate 12 body segments. Three dimensional positions of each marker were calculated using fourteen cameras (Eagle 8 mm, Motion Analysis Corp.) recording at 100Hz and a motion analysis system (EvaRT4.6, Motion Analysis Corp.). Three-dimensional external moments and inter-segmental joint forces were calculated using inverse dynamics in the Kintrak™ software. Kinematic and kinetic data from
The AMMFL is an anatomical variant of the attachment of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus to the posterolateral wall of the intercondylar notch. It is distinct from the meniscofemoral ligaments of Wrisberg and Humphrey. This large series prospectively documented its incidence and any associated meniscal or chondral pathology. The study period was from September 2006 until December 2007. All patients that underwent arthroscopy of the knee for meniscal, chondral or ligamentous pathology including arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were included. The procedures were performed by the two senior authors, according to their standard protocols at one of two hospitals. All the findings from the arthroscopies were prospectively recorded in a standardized datasheet. This recorded all meniscal, chondral and miscellaneous pathology including the presence or absence of an AMMFL. This data was entered into a database including all patients. The results of 401 arthroscopic procedures were recorded during the study period. Of these patients, 14 were found to have AMMFLs, resulting in an incidence of 3.49%, higher than previously reported. ( The associated pathology was most commonly a radial tear of the medial meniscus, found in six patients. One had a bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus. There were three lateral meniscus tears, two of which were associated with an ACL rupture. Two patients had an ACL rupture as the only other pathology at arthroscopy. One patient was found to have a ruptured AMMFL as her only pathology. This anatomical variant is more common in this Australian sample than has been described in the literature, and there seems to be a relationship between the presence of the AMMFL and a particular pattern of medial meniscus tear, suggesting an influence of this anatomical variant on meniscal pathology.
This study reports the survivorship free of revision or radiographic loosening of one hundred and eight consecutive cemented Miller-Galante unicompartmental knee arthroplasties at a mean ten-year follow-up. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the Miller-Galante (MG) unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at a mean ten-year follow-up in order to determine if this procedure can provide durable long-term clinical results. One hundred and eight cemented MG-UKAs in eighty-two patients performed by two surgeons between 1988 and 1997 were reviewed. There were one hundred and six medial and two lateral MG-UKAs performed. Mean age at surgery was sixty-seven years (range, thirty-nine to eighty-seven). There were forty-four males and thirty-eight females. Mean follow-up was ten years (range, five to thirteen). A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis using an end-point of revision surgery or radiographic loosening was employed to determine probability of survival at five and ten years. Of the eighty-two patients (one hundred and eight knees), nine patients (eleven knees) died and one patient (two knees) was lost to follow-up. Eleven patients (eleven knees) were revised at a mean of four years (range, one to nine), and one patient demonstrated radiographic loosening of the tibial component at seven years. Of the eleven revisions, only two required use of revision components. Mean pre-operative and final follow-up Knee Society clinical and functional scores were forty-seven and fifty-three, and ninety and seventy-nine points, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis revealed a probability of survival free of revision or radiographic loosening of 93% at five years and 88% at ten years. The results of this study demonstrate that the MG-UKA can provide reliable pain relief and restoration of function in selected patients. Our experience has shown that the survivorship of the MG-UKA approaches that of tricompartmental knee arthroplasty, and suggests that UKA may offer the advantage of ease of revision.
