Ten-year follow-up of a rotating-platform, posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The rotating-platform, posterior-stabilized knee was designed to decrease polyethylene wear and to address challenges associated with Low Contact Stress mobile-bearing knees. The purpose of the present prospective study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiographic results and the survival rate for this implant.

METHODS

From January 2000 to October 2001, 117 consecutive patients (138 knees) underwent rotating-platform posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty with cement. All patients were followed prospectively. At a mean of 10 ± 0.4 years (range, 9.5 to eleven years) of follow-up, twenty patients had died and eight had been lost to follow-up, leaving eighty-nine patients (106 knees) for analysis.

RESULTS

A good to excellent result according to the Knee Society pain score, which improved from an average of 44 to 94 points, was achieved in 96% (eighty-five) of the eighty-nine patients in the final cohort. The mean knee motion improved from 111° to 119°. The prevalence of postoperative pain was 14%. The prevalence of asymptomatic crepitation was 9.4%, and the prevalence of painful crepitation requiring scar excision was 3.8%. Radiographic analysis revealed no malalignment, aseptic loosening, or osteolysis. There were three revisions: one for the treatment of infection and two for the treatment of traumatic supracondylar fractures. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the ten-year survival rate was 100% with revision due to mechanical failure as the end point, 97.7% with revision for any reason as the end point, and 95% with any reoperation as the end point.

CONCLUSIONS

The ten-year follow-up of the rotating-platform, posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty demonstrated excellent clinical results and survival rates with no failures due to osteolysis or loosening.

Minimum 5-year wear analysis of first-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene in patients 65 years and younger

The purpose of this study was to analyze wear rates of highly cross-linked polyethylene comparing the Martell and the Roman methods in 112 total hip arthroplasties in patients 65 years and younger, with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. The mean wear rates in the Martell and Roman methods were 0.014 ± 0.05 mm/y and 0.011 ± 0.04 mm/y when including all values and 0.043 ± 0.028 mm/y and 0.038 ± 0.02 mm/y when negative values were assumed to be zero, respectively. Both Roman and Martell methods showed similar low wear rates with negative values. The Roman method had higher precision and was more user friendly because it required less steps to measure wear, especially when comparing with the manual feature of Martell method.

Safety and efficacy of a rotating-platform, high-flexion knee design three- to five-year follow-up

Our hypothesis was that a high-flexion rotating-platform posterior stabilized (RP-PS) design could maximize range of motion (ROM) and improve deep-flexion activities. Eighty-seven consecutive patients (109 knees) with high-flexion RP-PS design were prospectively followed up for a minimum of 3 years. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed using Knee Society Score criteria and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Good to excellent clinical scores were achieved in 96% of the knees. There were no cases of infection, malalignment, loosening, osteolysis, or spinout. The mean preoperative ROM improved from 110.7° to 124° postoperatively. High-flexion activities such as squatting and kneeling were achieved in 62% and 60% of patients, respectively. High-flexion knee implant is safe and improves ROM and deep-flexion activities. Persistent pain is an important cause of dissatisfaction after total knee arthroplasty.

All-polyethylene tibial implant in young, active patients a concise follow-up, 10 to 18 years

This is a long-term follow-up report of all-polyethylene tibial components in 60 years and younger, active patients. At the mean follow-up of 12.4 ± 2.7 (range, 10-18 years), no more patients were deceased or lost to follow-up, leaving 32 patients (44 knees) for final analysis. Good to excellent results were achieved in 96% of patients. The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score were 31 and 97, respectively. Sixty-two percent of patients were participating in sport activities such as running, gym exercises, and playing tennis or golf, with a mean UCLA score of 7.2. There were no cases of malalignment, aseptic loosening, excessive wear, or osteolysis. Seven patients (9 knees) had incomplete, nonprogressive demarcation at the zone 1 tibial interface. Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 10 years for revision due to mechanical reasons and for all failures was 97.7% and 95.5%, respectively.

The natural history of anterior knee pain in 2 posterior-stabilized, modular total knee arthroplasty designs

Anterior knee pain (AKP) has been a persistent complaint after total knee arthroplasty; however, the natural course of this complaint has not been fully investigated. This is a 10-year follow-up report of a prospective, randomized study between the Insall-Burstein II (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) and the Press Fit Condylar Modular (Johnson & Johnson, Raynham, MA) knees. Up to one third of total knee arthroplasties will experience mild to moderate AKP at 1-year follow-up, which will persist in approximately 30% of these previously symptomatic knees at 10-year follow-up. New-onset AKP will develop in approximately 10% of previously asymptomatic knees.

The posterior approach in THR: assuring capsular stability

Repair of the posterior capsule is advocated to reduce dislocation after total hip replacement (THR). To date, no predictable physical findings are reported in the literature to assess the capsular integrity and risk of hip dislocation after the posterior approach. The internal rotation test is performed at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively with the hip and knee flexed at 90° while the patient is supine. The test is positive if a firm endpoint is felt with internal rotation of ≤15°. Between January 2007 and January 2008, twenty-three patients who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a mean 1.8±0.7 years after posterior-approach THR were included in this study. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed by a blinded radiologist for the integrity of the posterior capsule and quadratus, the distance between the piriformis and conjoined tendon to bone, and the amount of piriformis obturator internus atrophy. Magnetic resonance imaging results in patients with positive internal rotation tests showed an intact posterior capsule and scarring of the tendons with no severe muscle atrophy. In patients with a negative internal rotation test, MRI showed incomplete healing of the tendons and severe muscle atrophy. Sensitivity and specificity of the internal rotation test for tendon/scar healing were 100% and 93%, respectively. The internal rotation test is a simple, reproducible test that, if positive, has a high correlation with capsule/tendon healing.

Robotic guidance in total hip arthroplasty: the shape of things to come

Surgeons want to perform a perfect total hip arthroplasty (THA) with every operation. Human performance has limitations, especially when performing a mechanical operation in a biological environment. Recent suggested changes to improve outcomes have been large femoral heads and anterior incisions, but unfortunately, neither has resulted in any scientific data that change has been effected. The scientific data tell us that poor component positions and impingement are the source of increasing mechanical complications. Therefore, attempts have been made to improve the surgeon's performance by precise quantitative knowledge in the operating room. Robotic-guided navigation provides numerical data for cup inclination plus anteversion and center of rotation; femoral leg length and offset; and combined anteversion of the cup and stem. The acetabular bone preparation is done with a reamer connected to a robotic arm, which prevents human error by the surgeon of reaming off line or too deep. This technology provides predictable and reproducible results.

Preliminary clinical and radiographic results of large ceramic heads on highly cross-linked polyethylene

Data are limited regarding large ceramic femoral heads with highly cross-linked polyethylene. We hypothesized that large ceramic head articulation with highly cross-linked polyethylene is safe with a low wear rate, comparable to metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene.The study group comprised 63 patients (72 hips) who had undergone total hip replacement (THR) with ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene between April 2006 and March 2007 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Postoperative Western Ontario and Mc-Master Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores were used for clinical assessment. Six-week and 2-year radiographs were analyzed by 2 independent observers using Roman 1.70 software. Twenty-six patients (29 hips) had 32-mm and 37 patients (43 hips) had 36-mm Biolox delta ceramic femoral heads (Ceramtec, Plochingen, Germany). Mean patient age was 60.9 ± 8.9 years, and mean follow-up was 2.9 ± 0.5 years. Mean postoperative WOMAC and HSS hip scores were 30.4 and 36.6, respectively. Mean wear at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was 0.06 ± 0.28 and 0.006 ± 0.12 mm/yr for all hips, respectively. Mean wear at 1 and 2 years postoperatively for the 32-mm femoral head was 0.063 ± 0.278 and 0.007 ± 0.126 mm/yr, respectively, and for the 36-mm femoral head was 0.057 ± 0.292 and 0.006 ± 0.118 mm/yr, respectively. No patient had any clinical complications, such as reoperation, infection, fractures, or radiographic evidence of osteolysis or loosening. The early results of THR with large ceramic heads demonstrate high safety and efficacy. Our data with 2-year follow-up show low wear rates, similar to published data for metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Management of failed trochanteric fracture fixation with cementless modular hip arthroplasty using a distally fixing stem

Failure of internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures is associated with delayed union or malunion resulting in persistent pain and diminished function. We evaluated 15 elderly patients treated with a tapered, fluted, modular, distally fixing cementless stem. At an average follow-up of 2.86 years, mean Harris hip score improved from 35.90 preoperatively to 83.01 (P < .01). Fourteen stems had stable bony on growth, and one stem was loose. Distal fixation with a tapered, fluted, modular cementless stem allows stable fixation with good functional outcome in a reproducible fashion in this challenging cohort of patients.

High-flexion total knee replacement: functional outcome at one year

Implants designed for enhanced flexion offer the prospect of improved function after total knee replacement (TKR). Whereas most studies evaluating these implants have focused on the range of knee flexion achieved, this study investigated the quality of function in deep knee flexion. The influences of residual pain and maximum flexion angle on function in deep knee flexion were also examined. Eighty-three patients (100 knees) were prospectively followed for 1 year after TKR with a rotating-platform posterior-stabilized high-flexion prosthesis. Range of motion was measured and Knee Society scores were calculated. A questionnaire evaluated residual knee pain and function in high-flexion activities. Mean Knee Society score was 95, and mean knee flexion was 125°, yet 20% of patients could neither kneel, nor squat, nor sit on their heels. Fifty-seven percent were able to kneel without significant difficulty; 69% were able to squat without significant difficulty; and 46% were able to sit on their heels without significant difficulty. Function in deep flexion correlated with pain scores but did not correlate with knee flexion angles or Knee Society scores. Results 1 year after TKR with a rotating-platform posterior-stabilized high-flexion prosthesis are encouraging, but one in five patients remain significantly limited in high-flexion activities.

Revision total hip arthroplasty for ceramic head fracture: a long-term follow-up

The results of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for ceramic head fracture have generally been disappointing, largely due to third body wear after incomplete synovectomy. We have followed 8 patients who sustained ceramic head fractures and were subsequently revised to a metal-on-polyethylene articulation. There were no revisions for osteolysis or aseptic loosening at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. The yearly wear rates of each of 5 of these THAs after revision were compared with 6 matched metal-on-polyethylene THAs; there were no significant differences in wear rates. Greater than 10-year survivorship with a metal-on-polyethylene bearing couple is possible after revision THA for a ceramic head fracture if a complete and thorough synovectomy can be performed. Our technique of synovectomy will be described.

Extra-articular deformity is always correctable intra-articularly: in the affirmative

Patients with arthritis of the knee and an extra-articular deformity present a unique technical challenge, as it becomes more difficult to restore the mechanical axis during total knee replacement (TKR). Current treatment options include a 2-stage procedure in which an extra-articular correctional osteotomy is performed several months before the primary TKR, a 1-stage procedure in which an extra-articular correctional osteotomy is performed at the time of the index TKR, or a 1-stage procedure in which TKR is performed with correction of the extra-articular deformity. One-stage TKR with intra-articular correction of the extra-articular deformity is our treatment of choice. With proper planning, appropriate bone cuts to restore alignment, and the necessary soft tissue releases to balance the knee in flexion and extension, a satisfactory TKR can be achieved. Two patients with arthritis and a severe extra-articular deformity (varus/valgus deformity >20 degrees , recurvatum and malunion of a tibial or femoral fracture) were treated with 1-stage TKR with intra-articular correction of the extra-articular deformity. The technique followed had been successfully performed in 15 previous cases. The procedure was clinically successful in both patients without complications. At 2-year follow-up, Knee Society Scores improved from 40 to 95 and there was no evidence of instability in either case.

The squeaking hip: a phenomenon of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Early reports on modern ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements have demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic results with few cases of catastrophic failure, which, in the case of earlier designs, often had been caused by implant fracture. Several reports, however, have noted the presence of audible squeaking. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of squeaking in association with the use of this bearing couple.

METHODS

During the period from March 2003 to May 2005, three surgeons performed 159 total hip arthroplasties in 143 patients with use of a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing. One hundred and forty-nine hips (131 patients) were available for review after at least one year of follow-up. These patients were followed prospectively with use of the modified Hospital for Special Surgery hip score and a patient-administered questionnaire. Additionally, a control group of sixty hips (forty-eight patients) with a metal-on-polyethylene bearing was matched to the ceramic group on the basis of age, sex, and body mass index to compare the incidence of squeaking and other noises. Radiographic evaluations were performed according to previously established criteria.

RESULTS

Fourteen (10.7%) of 131 patients described an audible squeak during normal activities. However, squeaking was reproducible clinically in only four patients, and only one patient complained of squeaking before being presented with the questionnaire. The average Hospital for Special Surgery score improved from 19.8 preoperatively to 38.4 at the time of the latest follow-up, indicating excellent clinical results. Ninety-five percent of the patients had a satisfaction score of > or =8 of 10. Three hips dislocated. One of those three hips squeaked and was revised because of recurrent dislocations. One patient was considering revision because of squeaking. In the matched metal-on-polyethylene cohort, there were no cases of squeaking.

CONCLUSIONS

The squeaking hip is a phenomenon that is unique to total hip replacements with hard-on-hard bearings. The incidence of squeaking in association with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings may be higher than previously reported as <1% of the patients in the present study reported this finding before being queried. The causes and implications of squeaking are yet to be determined. The use of hard-on-hard bearings offers many advantages in terms of wear reduction, especially for young and active patients. Nonetheless, patients considering ceramic-on-ceramic bearings should be counseled with regard to this phenomenon.

The use of hydroxyapatite on press-fit tapered femoral stems

The advantage of an HA coating includes superior proximal femoral osteointegration and reduced thigh pain, reduced subsidence risk, reduced distal wear particle migration, and better preservation of periprosthetic bone quality. Furthermore, the survivorship and clinical outcomes are at least comparable to cemented and uncoated uncemented systems without any substantial deleterious effect of the HA coating like third-body wear or late failures. In our opinion, these advantages justify the increased cost. With over 20 years of favorable cumulative data, the continued use of HA can be recommended as an effective and reliable adjunct to cementless tapered femoral fixation in primary THA.

The results of knee manipulation for stiffness after total knee arthroplasty with or without an intra-articular steroid injection

BACKGROUND

Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requiring manipulation has a reported incidence of 1.3-54%. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of stiffness warranting manipulation using two different pain management protocols. We also studied the effect of an intra-articular injection of local anesthetic and steroid given at the time of manipulation on the range-of-motion (ROM) at last follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 286 TKAs (248 patients between January 2002 and December 2003) were compared to a second group of 292 TKAs (251 patients between January 2004 and March 2006). The first group received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative pain management. The second group had a peri-articular injection of a steroid-containing local anesthetic at the time of surgery, but no postoperative PCA. All patients undergoing manipulation in the second group also received a similar intra-articular injection at the time of manipulation as well. Only patients with minimum 12 months follow-up after manipulation were included in the study.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of stiffness requiring manipulation in both groups was similar at 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively (P = 0.1). The end results of manipulation with and without injection showed a significantly higher final ROM in patients who had had an injection at the time of manipulation (P = 0.001). The difference was due to the fact that patients who had an injection lost no motion from that achieved at the time of manipulation.

CONCLUSION

We were unable to demonstrate a significant reduction in the incidence of stiffness after TKA using a modern pain management protocol. However, injection of a local anesthetic and steroid at the time of manipulation did have a significant influence on preserving the ROM that was obtained at the time of manipulation.

Pain management and accelerated rehabilitation for total hip and total knee arthroplasty

Improved pain management techniques and accelerated rehabilitation programs are revolutionizing our patients' postoperative experience after total hip and knee arthroplasty. The process involves regional anesthesia with multimodal pain control using local periarticular injections in combination with enhanced patient education and accelerated rehabilitation provided by a dedicated team of surgeons, physicians, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and social workers. With this system, it is now possible to achieve a painless recovery after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Although this is not always the case, it was unheard of in prior years. It is our hope that future research into this area will make painful, difficult recoveries after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty a distant memory.

Osteolysis after total knee arthroplasty

Osteolysis ranks as the most significant cause of revision surgery in both total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The factors leading to osteolysis in TKA are unique and sometimes preventable. Changes in polyethylene manufacturing and implant design are striving to improve overall wear. In this review, we discuss osteolysis as it relates to TKAs. The etiology, diagnosis, contributing factors, and management are presented. The final section focuses on future improvements in TKA design, which may ultimately decrease the rate of osteolysis.

Controlling pain after total hip and knee arthroplasty using a multimodal protocol with local periarticular injections: a prospective randomized study

In this prospective randomized study, patients undergoing total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA) were randomized to either a study group receiving periarticular injections or a control group receiving patient-controlled analgesia with or without femoral nerve block (TKA patients). All patients received a comprehensive multimodal perioperative protocol. Pain, recovery of functional milestones, and overall satisfaction were assessed. The THA study group demonstrated significantly lower average pain scores and higher overall satisfaction than the control group. There was no significant difference in pain scores between the study and control groups in the TKA cohort. Both study groups demonstrated lower narcotic usage and side effects as well as improved early functional recovery. Periarticular injection with a multimodal protocol was shown to safely provide excellent pain control and functional recovery and can be substituted for conventional pain control modalities.

Controlling pain after total hip and knee arthroplasty using a multimodal protocol with local periarticular injections: a prospective randomized study

In this prospective randomized study, patients undergoing total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA) were randomized to either a study group receiving periarticular injections or a control group receiving patient-controlled analgesia with or without femoral nerve block (TKA patients). All patients received a comprehensive multimodal perioperative protocol. Pain, recovery of functional milestones, and overall satisfaction were assessed. The THA study group demonstrated significantly lower average pain scores and higher overall satisfaction than the control group. There was no significant difference in pain scores between the study and control groups in the TKA cohort. Both study groups demonstrated lower narcotic usage and side effects as well as improved early functional recovery. Periarticular injection with a multimodal protocol was shown to safely provide excellent pain control and functional recovery and can be substituted for conventional pain control modalities.

A randomized, parallel-group, open-label trial of recombinant human erythropoietin vs preoperative autologous donation in primary total joint arthroplasty: effect on postoperative vigor and handgrip strength

This randomized trial assessed the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) vs preoperative autologous donation (PAD) on postoperative vigor and handgrip strength in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty. Adults with baseline hemoglobin level of 11 to 14 g/dL received EPO (600 IU/kg once weekly for 4 doses, n = 130) or PAD (n = 121) before primary, unilateral hip or knee arthroplasty. Mean changes in vigor score and handgrip strength from baseline were not significantly different between treatment groups. Multivariate analyses found a significant treatment effect favoring EPO over PAD for vigor, but not for handgrip strength. Patients in the EPO group had higher hemoglobin levels and required fewer transfusions. Both treatments were well tolerated. Additional study is needed to elucidate the influence of blood management strategies on postoperative vigor.

Ten-year survivorship of the Anatomique Benoist Girard I total hip arthroplasty

The Anatomique Benoist Girard (ABG) I total hip arthroplasty has been widely used in Europe since 1989. Two recent midterm reports have shown high rates of component failure secondary to polyethylene wear. To further investigate this issue, our study prospectively follows 157 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties using the ABG I prosthesis at an average follow-up of 10 years. Clinical outcomes have been excellent, although the incidence of thigh pain was 7.2%. Radiographic evaluation of the cup showed eccentric polyethylene wear in 93.6% of the patients. The average polyethylene linear wear was 2.40 mm, whereas the average annual wear rate was 0.25 mm/y. There were 7 hips (5.6%) with severe periacetabular osteolysis. Nine revisions were performed for loosening or wear. The overall component survival rate was 92.6%. The overall survival rate was 92.6% (confidence interval, 78.55-96.47) for the acetabular component and 96.3% (confidence interval, 85.67-100) for the femoral component. Although the clinical and radiographic results of the ABG I total hip arthroplasty in this series have been acceptable, high rates of polyethylene wear, most likely related to sterilization by gamma-irradiation in air, have been the limiting factor in the long-term success of this design.

The use of local periarticular injections in the management of postoperative pain after total hip and knee replacement: a multimodal approach

Theoretically, an appropriately designed and implemented multimodal pain protocol should reduce postoperative pain levels, need for narcotic medication, and adverse events while improving functional recovery including ambulation, discharge from hospital, range of motion, and return to work. A complete, perioperative multimodal pain protocol for total hip replacement and total knee replacement, including use of a novel periarticular injection, has been described and early clinical results are reported.

The P.F.C. sigma RP-F total knee arthroplasty: designed for improved performance

The new P.F.C. Sigma RP-F (rotating-platform high-flexion) knee has been designed to permit 155 degrees of flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without compromising wear, polyethylene contact stresses, patellofemoral tracking, or stability. The purpose of this article is to describe the design features of the P.F.C. Sigma RP-F TKA. It is our belief that future primary posterior-stabilized TKA will incorporate many of the design features of the RP-F knee for improved performance.

The P.F.C. sigma RP-F TKA designed for improved performance: a matched-pair study

The press fit condylar P.F.C. Sigma RP-F (rotating-platform, high flexion) knee is designed to provide a range of motion (ROM) of 155 degrees without compromising wear, polyethylene contact stresses, patellofemoral tracking, or stability. The first 50 TKA surgeries using the Sigma RP-F knee performed at the author's institution were matched to 50 rotating-platform knees for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, duration of follow-up, and preoperative ROM to determine the effect of design on postoperative ROM. The mean increase in active ROM in the Sigma RP-F group was 17 degrees, compared with 6 degrees in the rotating-platform group (P =.0011). The mean increase in active ROM in patients who had less than 120 degrees of preoperative motion was 27 degrees in the Sigma RP-F group, compared with 16 degrees in the rotating-platform group (P = .006). With the new P.F.C. Sigma RP-F design, greater ROM can be achieved independent of preoperative ROM.

Experience with an all-polyethylene total knee arthroplasty in younger, active patients with follow-up from 2 to 11 years

There are few modern reports that document the results of all-polyethylene (all-poly) tibial components in younger, active patients. The potential benefits of this design are the elimination of backside wear and lower implant cost than modular, metal-backed components. Nonetheless, since the mid 1980s, modular, metal-backed tibial trays have dominated the total knee arthroplasty market based on finite-element analysis studies that demonstrated superior force distribution compared with conventional all-poly components. As a result, backside wear has become an emerging problem and refocused design efforts on unitized components. Our clinical experience indicates that an all-poly tibial component fixed with cement can provide excellent performance and survivorship even in younger, active patients at intermediate follow-up.

Total knee arthroplasty for severe valgus deformity

BACKGROUND

In 1985, the senior author (C.S.R.) developed a new soft-tissue release technique to balance valgus knees to avoid unacceptably high rates of late-onset instability and the need for primary constrained implants. This report describes the soft-tissue release technique and its long-term results when performed in primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with a severe valgus knee deformity.

METHODS

Four hundred and ninety consecutive total knee arthroplasties were performed by one surgeon between January 1988 and December 1992. In this group, seventy-one patients (eighty-five knees) had a valgus deformity of 10 degrees . Thirty-two patients (thirty-six knees) died, and four patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up, leaving thirty-five patients (forty-two knees) followed for a minimum of five years. These twenty-seven women and eight men had a mean age of sixty-seven years at the time of the index operation. The technique included an inside-out soft-tissue release of the posterolateral aspect of the capsule with pie-crusting of the iliotibial band and resection of the proximal part of the tibia and distal part of the femur to provide a balanced, rectangular space. Cemented, posterior stabilized implants were used in all knees. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at one, five, and ten years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean modified Knee Society clinical score improved from 30 points preoperatively to 93 points postoperatively, and the mean functional score improved from 34 to 81 points. The mean range of motion was 110 degrees both preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean coronal alignment was corrected from 15 degrees of valgus preoperatively to 5 degrees of valgus postoperatively. Three patients underwent revision surgery because of delayed infection, premature polyethylene wear, and patellar loosening in one patient each. There were no cases of delayed instability.

CONCLUSIONS

The inside-out release technique to correct a fixed valgus deformity in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty is reproducible and provides excellent long-term results.

Total knee arthroplasty for severe valgus deformity. Five to fourteen-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

In 1985, the senior author (C.S.R.) developed a new soft-tissue release technique to balance valgus knees to avoid unacceptably high rates of late-onset instability and the need for primary constrained implants. This report describes the soft-tissue release technique and its long-term results when performed in primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with a severe valgus knee deformity.

METHODS

Four hundred and ninety consecutive total knee arthroplasties were performed by one surgeon between January 1988 and December 1992. In this group, seventy-one patients (eighty-five knees) had a valgus deformity of > or =10 degrees . Thirty-two patients (thirty-six knees) died, and four patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up, leaving thirty-five patients (forty-two knees) followed for a minimum of five years. These twenty-seven women and eight men had a mean age of sixty-seven years at the time of the index operation. The technique included an inside-out soft-tissue release of the posterolateral aspect of the capsule with pie-crusting of the iliotibial band and resection of the proximal part of the tibia and distal part of the femur to provide a balanced, rectangular space. Cemented, posterior stabilized implants were used in all knees. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at one, five, and ten years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean modified Knee Society clinical score improved from 30 points preoperatively to 93 points postoperatively, and the mean functional score improved from 34 to 81 points. The mean range of motion was 110 degrees both preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean coronal alignment was corrected from 15 degrees of valgus preoperatively to 5 degrees of valgus postoperatively. Three patients underwent revision surgery because of delayed infection, premature polyethylene wear, and patellar loosening in one patient each. There were no cases of delayed instability.

CONCLUSIONS

The inside-out release technique to correct a fixed valgus deformity in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty is reproducible and provides excellent long-term results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of smooth versus rough stems using cement fixation: minimum 5-year follow-up

This prospective randomized double-blind study aims to evaluate the effect of surface finish of the cemented femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty. Between January 1996 and May 1997, a single surgeon prospectively implanted 244 primary THAs (237 patients) using cemented femoral stems with modified third-generation cement technique in selected patients. Patients were randomized to receive the Ranawat-Burstein prosthesis (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) with 1 of 2 finishes (smooth-Ra 17 or rough-Ra 170). At a minimum 5-year follow-up, no statistical differences were found between the 2 groups. One patient with a smooth stem underwent revision of the femoral component at 2 years secondary to aseptic loosening. There was no other evidence of radiographic loosening or osteolysis. As an isolated variable, surface finish does not appear to significantly influence results at mean follow-up of 6.5 years.

Mastering the art of cemented femoral stem fixation

Cemented femoral stem fixation is reproducible and provides excellent early recovery of hip function in patients 60 to 80 years old. The durability of fixation has been evaluated up to 20 years with 90% survivorship. Achieving a uniform cement mantle and minimizing polyethylene wear has been shown to reduce the incidence of fixation failure. This article describes the senior author's (C.S.R.) technique for cemented total hip arthroplasty with particular emphasis on the art of cemented femoral stem fixation and his experience with 3 different cemented stem designs over 30 years. The results of using this cement technique with a modern stem design with a surface roughness of 30 to 40 microinches have produced a 95% survivorship at 10- to 20-year follow-up in patients 60 to 80 years old.

Comparison of the PFC Sigma fixed-bearing and rotating-platform total knee arthroplasty in the same patient: short-term results

This study compares the fixed-bearing PFC Sigma Total Knee Arthroplasty to the recently introduced rotating-platform version of the same design in 26 patients. At an average follow-up time of 46 months for the fixed-bearing side and 16 months for the rotating-platform side, no significant differences were found in terms of knee preference, knee pain, range of motion, overall satisfaction, or Knee Society scores (KSSs). No revisions, subluxations, dislocations, or infections were seen. Also no radiographic evidence of component loosening, osteolysis, or malalignment was found in any knee. The results of cementing the PFC Sigma rotating-platform, posterior-stabilized total knee show excellent patient satisfaction at 1 year and comparable clinical and radiographic results to the fixed-bearing version.

Total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation protocol: what makes the difference?

The goals of any rehabilitation protocol should be to control pain, improve ambulation, maximize range of motion,develop muscle strength, and provide emotional support. Over 85% of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients will recover knee function regardless of which rehabilitation protocol is adopted. However, the remaining 15% of patients will have difficulty obtaining proper knee function secondary to significant pain, limited preoperative motion, or the development of arthrofibrosis. This subset will require a special, individualized rehabilitation program that may involve prolonged oral analgesia, continued physical therapy, additional diagnostic studies, and occasionally manipulation. Controlling pain is the mainstay of any treatment plan. The program described herein has been used at the Ranawat Orthopaedic Center over the past 10 years in more than 2,000 TKAs.