[Soft tissue balancing in valgus gonarthrosis]

Deformity in valgus knee malalignment is not only in the femur but also in tibia or both, based on demographic and morphological analysis before and after knee osteotomies

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify the demographic and morphological features of valgus knee deformity with unilateral osteoarthritic knee in the coronal plane. A secondary aim was to identify the distinct phenotypes of valgus knees in Hirschmann's phenotype and the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classifications before and after a knee osteotomy (KO).

METHODS

A total of 107 patients (57 female and 50 male) with a mean age of 42.4 ± 17.2 years, who underwent varisation osteotomy for symptomatic unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) and constitutional valgus deformity, were enrolled in the study, and the mean follow-up period was 29.1 ± 7.3 months. The included cases comprised 60 cases of distal femoral osteotomy, 10 cases of double-level osteotomy and 33 cases of high tibial osteotomy. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative clinical, functional and radiological evaluations, analysed by analysis of variance tests.

RESULTS

An analysis of the location of the valgus deformities demonstrated that 56 cases (52.3%) were femoral based, 18 cases (16.8%) were both femoral and tibial based and 33 cases (30.9%) were tibial based. Twelve preosteotomy cases (11.2%) and 38 postosteotomy cases (35.5%) matched the most common eight Hirschmann's phenotypes, phenotyping the coronal lower limb alignment based on the native alignment in young patients without OA. Four (3.7%) preosteotomy cases and 89 postosteotomy cases (83.1%) matched the most common three CPAK phenotypes (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ) based on constitutional alignment and joint line obliquity in healthy and osteoarthritic knees.

CONCLUSION

In valgus knee malalignment, the location of the deformity is not only solely femoral-based but also solely tibial-based or combined femoral and tibial-based. An individualised osteotomy approach would be recommended to achieve careful preoperative planning that considers the location of the deformity and the resultant joint line. Hirschmann's and CPAK classification would not be relevant when KO is considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level Ⅳ, retrospective case-control study.

A Modified Lateral Approach for Total Knee Replacement in Type 2 Valgus Deformity

Total knee replacement for patients with osteoarthritis and valgus deformity remains challenging, with soft tissue balance often difficult to achieve. Most orthopedic surgeons use the medial parapatellar approach for total knee replacement. However, the lateral approach described in this case allows direct access to the pathology. The valgus deformity is corrected by using a modified lateral parapatellar arthrotomy with a staged and gradual release of the contracted lateral capsuloligamentous structures and the iliotibial tract. A Z-shaped dissection of the lateral retinaculum and careful dissection and preservation of the infrapatellar fat pad is performed. The creation of this laterally based vascularized flap provides the necessary tissue to cover the soft tissue gap resulting on the lateral aspect of the knee after valgus correction. The lateral approach has advantages, including ligament balancing and preservation of the medial retinaculum and the medial neurovascular structures for the supply of the patella. However, this approach should be used with caution by experienced surgeons. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):313-316.].

Geometry of the Valgus Knee: Contradicting the Dogma of a Femoral-Based Deformity

BACKGROUND

Realignment osteotomies of valgus knee deformities are usually performed at the distal femur, as valgus alignment is considered to be a femoral-based deformity. This dogma, however, has not been proven in a large patient population. Valgus malalignment may also be caused by a tibial deformity or a combined tibial and femoral deformity.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were (1) to analyze the coronal geometry of patients with valgus malalignment and identify the location of the underlying deformity and (2) to investigate the proportion of cases that require realignment osteotomy at the tibia, the femur, or both locations to avoid an oblique joint line.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The analysis included 420 standing full-leg radiographs of patients with valgus malalignment (mechanical femorotibial angle [mFTA], ≥4°). A systematic analysis of the coronal leg geometry was performed including the mFTA, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and joint-line convergence angle (JLCA). The localization of the deformity was determined according to the malalignment test described by Paley, and patients were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: femoral-based valgus deformity, tibial-based valgus deformity, femoral- and tibial-based valgus deformity, or intra-articular/ligamentary-based valgus deformity. Subsequently, the ideal osteotomy site was identified with the goal of a postoperative change of the joint line of two different maximum values, ±2° and ±4°, from its physiological varus position of 3°.

RESULTS

Measurements of the coronal alignment revealed a mean (±SD) mFTA of 7.4° ± 4.3° (range, 4°-28.2°). The mean mLDFA and mean mMPTA were 84.8° ± 2.4° and 90.9° ± 2.6°, respectively. The mean JLCA was 1.2° ± 3.1°. The majority (41.0%) of valgus deformities were tibial based, 23.6% were femoral based, 26.9% were femoral and tibial based, and 8.6% were intra-articular/ligamentary based. To achieve a straight-leg axis and an anatomic postoperative joint line with a tolerance of ±4°, the ideal site of a corrective osteotomy was tibial in 55.2% of cases and femoral in 19.5% of cases. A double-level osteotomy would be necessary in 25.2% of cases. With a tolerance of ±2°, the ideal osteotomy site was the proximal tibia in 41.0% of cases and the distal femur in 13.6% of cases; a double-level osteotomy would be necessary in 45.5% of cases.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to the widespread belief that valgus malalignment is usually caused by a femoral deformity, this study found that valgus malalignment was attributable to tibial deformity in the majority of patients. In addition, a combined femoral- and tibial-based deformity was more common than an isolated femoral-based deformity. As a clinical consequence, varus osteotomies to treat lateral compartment osteoarthritis must be performed at the tibial site or as a double-level osteotomy in a relevant number of patients to avoid an oblique joint line.

[Briard's sagittal sliding osteotomy of the lateral condyle in total knee arthoplasty of the severe valgus knee]

OBJECTIVE

Distalization of the insertion of the lateral collateral ligament and popliteus tendon by sliding osteotomy of the lateral femur condyle in order to correct a residual contracture in extension in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of the severe valgus deformity.

INDICATIONS

Genuine and other valgus deformity of the knee.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe laxity of the medial collateral ligament; common contraindications of joint replacement.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Lateral parapatellar approach and stepwise osteotomy of the tubercle of the tibia, subperiostal release of the lateral contracted structures such as iliotibial band (ITB) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in flexion. Tibia first technique, verification of a balanced and stable flexion gap parallel to the epicondylar line. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is preserved. Referencing of the distal femoral cut by a spacer filled only in the medial extension gap. Finishing femoral chamfer cuts. If extension gap remains trapezoidal, further release of the residual lateral contracted structures in extension by means of sliding osteotomy of the lateral condyle and subperiostal release of the capsule and the lateral septum intermusculare is required. Termporary fixation of the lateral condyle by K-wires, resection of the bony excess, trial of test components, definite screw fixation.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Comparable to TKA in varus deformities by a medioparapatellar approach.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients (61 women, 18 men, average age 71 years at the time of surgery) with fixed valgus deformities were operated between June 2001 and December 2010 using TKA and sliding osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle. The preoperative valgus angle under defined valgus and varus stress was 19.5° (8-40), postoperative 4.7° (2-11). Mean medial angle (valgus stress) of the follow-up was 2.1° (0.5-5°), lateral angle (varus stress) 2.3° (0.5-5°). A total of 35 patients were followed-up, at a mean of 73.3 month (24-109 months). The postoperative Knee Society Score was 95 points (56-100 points), while the postoperative Function Score was 90 points (55-100 points) postoperatively. The Oxford Score improved from 22 points (3-43 points) preoperatively to 45 points (21-48 points) postoperatively. One knee had to be revised due to infection, one knee due to non-union of the tibial tubercle. Finally, there were 3 cases with complications associated with the procedure due to the sliding osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle; all were revised successfully. No conversion to a semi-constrained or constrained knee prosthesis was necessary.

Total knee arthroplasty in severe valgus knee deformity: comparison of a standard medial parapatellar approach combined with tibial tubercle osteotomy

PURPOSE

Primary TKA in valgus knees with a deformity of more than ten degrees may prove challenging, since bone and soft tissue abnormalities make accurate axis restoration, component orientation and joint stability attainment a difficult task. The purpose of this study was to determine which approach is optimal in these patients, by comparing the standard medial parapatellar approach to a lateral parapatellar combined with a tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO).

METHODS

Forty-four valgus knees--with an axis deviation ranging from 15 to 36 degrees (mean 24°)--were dealt with primary TKA and followed up for a minimum period of 7 years. Lateral parapatellar arthrotomy combined with TTO was performed in 22 individuals (Group A) and a standard medial parapatellar capsulotomy in the remaining patients (Group B). The International Knee Society System Score (IKSS) was used for clinical evaluation. Radiological assessment was performed yearly postoperatively using long films for assessment of the anatomical axis.

RESULTS

The postoperative IKSS scores showed no significant statistical difference between groups A and B (P < 0.05). In the alignment parameter, however, residual valgus deviation occurred in 9% of patients from Group A and in 32% from Group B. No late-onset instability was displayed.

CONCLUSION

Lateral parapatellar approach combined with TTO may prove highly beneficial in significant valgus deformities, as the anatomical axis is restored accurately and soft tissue release of the lateral contracted structures facilitated to an important extent.

How much tibial resection is required in total knee arthroplasty?

The purpose of our study was to calculate the optimal tibial resection depth in total knee arthroplasty. The data from 464 navigated total knee arthroplasties were analysed. An implant with a minimum insert thickness of 8 mm was used. Data regarding leg axis, joint line, insert thickness and tibial resection depth were recorded by the navigation device. An algorithm was developed to calculate the optimal tibial resection depth. The required tibial resection significantly correlates with the preoperative leg axis (p < 0.001). In valgus deformities the required resection depth averaged 5.1 mm and was significantly reduced compared to knees with a neutral leg axis (6.8 mm, p < 0.001) and varus deformities (8.0 mm, p < 0.001). Manufacturers recommend undercutting the high side of the tibial plateau to the depth of the thinnest insert available. However, our study demonstrates that in valgus deformities a reduced tibial resection depth is preferable. Hence, unnecessary bone loss can be avoided.