Extrinsic Factors as Component Positions to Bone and Intrinsic Factors Affecting Postoperative Rotational Limb Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty

The comparison of three dimensional and two dimensional evaluation of varus/valgus stress X-rays following total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) evaluation of the stress X-rays following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed 51 consecutive rTKAs (four males and 44 females, both aged 74 ± 6 years). Postoperative varus/valgus stress X-rays were taken at maximum manual varus/valgus stress during knee extension under anesthesia, and were analyzed three-dimensionally using a 3D-2D image matching technique with 3D bone and component models. The 3D models of the femur and tibia, along with component-bone constructs, were reconstructed from CT data using 3D modeling software. The 2D evaluation of varus/valgus stress X-rays were carried out directly on the stress X-rays. The varus/valgus angle (VV angle) between components, Medial joint opening (MJO) and lateral joint opening (LJO) were assessed under conditions of no stress, valgus stress, and varus stress.

RESULTS

The VV angles under no stress, valgus stress, and varus stress in 3D and 2D evaluation were 3.6 ± 1.1 / 3.6 ± 1.1°, -0.6 ± 1.6 / -0.6 ± 1.6°, 7.1 ± 1.9 / 6.8 ± 2.5°, respectively. The MJO in the non-stress condition and under valgus stress in 3D and 2D evaluation were 0.0 ± 0.5 / -1.8 ± 0.8 mm,1.4 ± 1.0 / -0.2 ± 1.4 mm, and the LJO in the non-stress condition and under varus stress in 3D and 2D evaluation were 0.9 ± 1.0 / -0.6 ± 1.0 mm, 3.5 ± 1.9 / 2.1 ± 1.9 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study revealed that the 3D evaluation of varus/valgus stress X-rays following total knee arthroplasty is equivalent to 2D evaluation in VV angles, whereas different from 2Devaluation in MJO and LJO.

Rotation angle between the femoral and tibial components in varus/valgus stress X-rays following total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe impact of rotational angle between the femoral and tibial components is often overlooked in the 2D evaluation of varus/valgus stability after TKA with anterior-posterior knee X-rays. The rotation angle between the femoral and tibial components may influence the measured angle and distance between these components in 2D stress X-rays following TKA.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the rotational angle between the femoral and tibial components on the evaluation of varus/valgus stability using stress X-rays following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThis prospective study analyzed 48 consecutive rTKAs (three males, aged 68 ± 6.4 years; 45 females, aged 75 ± 5.9 years). Postoperative varus/valgus stress X-rays were taken at maximum manual stress during knee extension under anesthesia, and were analyzed three-dimensionally using a 2D-3D image matching technique with 3D bone and component models. The rotation angles of the components (CR angles) were assessed under conditions of no stress, valgus stress, and varus stress. Additionally, the varus/valgus angle (VV angle) between components was evaluated under the same conditions. Medial joint opening (MJO) and lateral joint opening (LJO) were also measured in both stressed and non-stressed states.ResultsThe CR angles under no stress, valgus stress, and varus stress were 9.9 ± 5.5°, 10.1 ± 6.2°, and 10.8 ± 5.1°, respectively. The VV angles under no stress, valgus stress, and varus stress were 3.6 ± 1.1°, 1.1 ± 1.4°, and 7.1 ± 1.9°, respectively. The MJO in the non-stress condition and under valgus stress were 0.0 ± 0.4 mm and 1.3 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The LJO in the non-stress condition and under varus stress were 0.9 ± 0.9 mm and 2.9 ± 2.7 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThis prospective study revealed two key findings: (1) the CR angle in varus stress was significantly more externally rotated compared to the CR angle in the non-stress condition, and (2) no significant correlations were found between the rotational angle of the components and the VV angle, MJO, or LJO.

To pass or not to pass? Determining the acceptability of anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs

INTRODUCTION

The criteria for determining the acceptability of total knee replacement (TKR) radiographs are not established in current clinical practice. In TKR patients, the implant components replaced the anatomical landmarks, making it more difficult for radiographers to determine the degree of rotation. This study aims to establish an acceptable range of knee rotation for TKR radiographs.

METHODS

Rejected TKR radiographs (199 AP and 186 lateral) were analysed retrospectively. Radiographers objectively measured rotation on the radiographs. A subset of 46 AP and 46 lateral radiographs were rated by orthopaedic surgeons for rotation and diagnostic value. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of radiographic measurements and surgeons' ratings were analysed using Bland-Altman and Cohen's kappa, respectively. Spearman's rank-order correlation and Receiver Operator Characteristic analyses were used to determine the correlation and diagnostic performance of the radiographic measurements against the surgeon's ratings.

RESULTS

Strong IRR was observed for the radiographic measurements. Only slight to fair agreement was observed for the surgeons' rotation and diagnostic value ratings of the radiographs. Moderate to strong correlation was observed between the radiographic measurements and the surgeons' ratings. The radiographic measurements provided acceptable to excellent discrimination of acceptable and unacceptable radiographs. The acceptable range of measured rotation for usability was AP: 0-5.29 mm and lateral: 0-6.01 mm.

CONCLUSION

The proposed measurement methods and the established rotation range could potentially be used by radiographers in clinical practice to determine the acceptability of TKR radiographs. Follow-up studies could investigate uncommon knee implants and seek consensus across different institutions on the acceptable degree of rotation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The proposed method suggests that accepting radiographs within the threshold (AP: 5.29 mm, lateral: 6.01 mm) reduces repeated examination and radiation exposure and improves imaging efficiency.

Large variance in a lateral osteoarthritic population prior to and following lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty: An analysis of knee phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Disagreement exists on the optimal coronal alignment target for lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). An improved understanding of the distribution of coronal alignment and joint line orientation in lateral osteoarthritis (OA) might prove beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pre- and postoperative Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) distribution following lateral UKA and to evaluate the association between phenotypic variation and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS

A surgeon's registry was retrospectively reviewed between 2012 and 2022 to identify patients who received primary lateral UKA for advanced, lateral compartment OA. Radiographic measurements were performed, and CPAK phenotypes were determined. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Kujala, and patient satisfaction were analyzed at one-year and two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 305 knees were included. Preoperatively, seven phenotypes were observed and CPAK3 (54.1%) was most commonly observed. Postoperatively, all nine phenotypes were observed and CPAK6 (32.8%) was predominant. Preoperatively, 23.6% did not have a prearthritic valgus alignment. No significant differences in PROMs were found between individual phenotypes or between preserved and altered phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

Coronal alignment and joint line orientation were highly variable within a lateral compartment OA cohort. However, no association was demonstrated between superior postoperative PROMs and phenotype variation or phenotype preservation, which might suggest that there is not one universal optimal alignment target. Interestingly, 23.6% of knees with lateral compartment OA did not have a prearthritic valgus alignment, which may have been affected by joint line orientation.

Varus/valgus stability in imageless robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty applying three-dimensional assessment of varus/valgus stress X-rays

BACKGROUND

The postoperative varus/valgus stability assessment in stress X-rays has been established as an evaluation index. However, it is performed by the two-dimensional (2D) method rather than the three-dimensional (3D) method.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the precision and reproducibility of measuring varus/valgus stress X-rays three-dimensionally and to examine varus/valgus stability under anesthesia in imageless robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA).

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed 52 consecutive rTKAs (five males, 67 ± 5.3 years; 47 females, 74 ± 5.9 years). Postoperative varus/valgus stress X-rays in knee extension under anesthesia at manual maximum stress were three-dimensionally assessed by 2D-3D image matching technique using the 3D bone and component models. Varus/valgus angle between components (VV angle) in no stress, valgus stress, varus stress, medial joint opening (MJO), and lateral joint opening (LJO) were evaluated, clarifying this method's precision and reproducibility and valgus/varus stability.

RESULTS

All parameters' precision and reproducibility had <1° mean differences and high intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman plots showed no fixed and proportional bias. Non-stress VV angle, valgus VV angle, varus VV angle, MJO, and LJO were 3.6 ± 1.2°, 1.0 ± 1.4°, 7.1 ± 1.9°, 1.5 ± 1.0 mm, and 2.8 ± 2.7 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study demonstrated that (1) the three-dimensional measurement method provided sufficient precision and reproducibility, and (2) the rTKAs could achieve good postoperative varus/valgus stability with a small standard deviation.

Variability of functional knee phenotype for coronal alignment in advanced varus knee osteoarthritis in the Japanese population

PURPOSE

New concept of functional knee phenotypes in Caucasians demonstrated the variability of coronal alignment in knee osteoarthritis (OA), but it remains unclear in Japanese. This study aims to analyze the knee phenotype in advanced varus knee OA for Japanese. In addition, the ethnical difference is discussed.

METHODS

This study analyzed 879 knees involving 186 males (74 years) and 693 females (74 years). The knee phenotypes were assessed by the definition in Hirschmann's group. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), femoral mechanical angle (FMA) and tibial mechanical angle (TMA) were assessed in CT data according to the coordinate system. The neutral angle was 180° in HKA, 93° in FMA and 87° in TMA. The smaller angle means larger varus angles.

RESULTS

The average angle (males, females) of the HKA (170.9 ± 4.3°, 169.4 ± 5.0°), FMA (91.5 ± 2.7°, 90.6 ± 3.0°), and TMA (82.4 ± 3.6°, 82.7 ± 3.7°) demonstrated varus angles with the sex difference (HKA, p < 0.001; FMA, p = 0.001). The phenotypes were 73 types in males and 150 types in females with a mild correlation between the HKA and the FMA or TMA. In 61.3% of males and 52.2% of females, the TMA was greater than the FMA, while the FMA was greater in 16.7% of males and 23.1% of females.

CONCLUSION

There were many functional knee phenotypes with sex differences for advanced varus knee OA in Japanese, showing ethnical differences of larger varus angles compared to those for Caucasians in the previous report.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The medial inclination of the proximal tibia is associated with the external knee adduction moment in advanced varus knee osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

Whether the inclined articular surface on the medial proximal tibia and the external knee adduction moment (KAM) correlate remains unclear. The hypothesis was that a steeper inclined articular surface correlated with a larger KAM in advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A total of 44 females (non-OA, 9 knees; early OA, 14 knees; advanced OA, 21 knees; mean age, 58 ± 16 years) were examined. Three-dimensional (3D) assessment was used on biplanar long-leg radiographs and 3D bone models using a 3D to 2D image registration technique. The approximation plane in the proximal tibia was determined using the least-square method. The joint moments were mathematically calculated in a gait analysis, applying a motion capture system and force plates. The main evaluation parameters were the femorotibial angle (FTA), the coronal inclination of the approximation plane in the medial proximal tibia (coronal inclination), and internal knee joint moments. The KAM means the external moments balanced with the internal knee abduction moments.

RESULTS

The advanced OA showed a larger internal abduction moment (p = 0.017) at the loading response than the other groups. The larger FTA and steeper coronal inclination correlated with the larger internal abduction moment (FTA, p < 0.001; coronal inclination, p = 0.003) at the loading response.

CONCLUSIONS

As the clinical relevance, the association among the coronal inclination of the medial proximal tibia, lower extremity alignment, and KAM is one of the key factors to help better understand the etiology of knee OA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Postoperative femoral anteroposterior position while standing correlates with the posterior tibial slope and posterior femoral condylar offset in medial pivot total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the femur tends to be located posteriorly under weight-bearing (WB) conditions, and a paradoxical femoral anterior motion occurs, leading to joint instability.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to clarify factors which affect the postoperative femoral anteroposterior position relative to the tibia under WB conditions (A-P position) in medial pivot (MP) TKA.

METHODS

Among 126 knees (81 women) with primary TKA using MP prosthesis for varus osteoarthritic knees, 70 knees had cruciate-retaining inserts (CR) with the reduced conformity and 56 knees had cruciate-substituting inserts (CS) with the full conformity. Using the three-dimensional (3D) assessment system, the associations between the A-P position and the factors including pre- and postoperative lower extremity alignment, component positions, and posterior femoral condylar offset (PCO), were assessed regarding the type of inserts.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were seen between the A-P position and posterior tibial slope (PTS), medial PCO, and lateral PCO. Regarding the difference between the two inserts, the PTS, medial PCO, and lateral PCO significantly correlated with the A-P position in the CR, but only the PTS correlated in the CS.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased PTS and decreased PCO were the dominant factors for the A-P position in MP TKA.

New evaluation indices for rotational knee angles in standing anteroposterior knee radiographs

BACKGROUND

Identifying the time course of rotational knee alignment is crucial for elucidating the etiology in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to propose new rotational indices for calculating the change in relative rotational angles between the femur and tibia in standing anteroposterior (AP) radiographs.

METHODS

Forty healthy elderly volunteers (20 women and 20 men; mean age, 70 ± 6 years) were assessed. The evaluation parameters were as follows: (1) femoral rotational index: the distance between the sphere center of the medial posterior femoral condyle and the lateral edge of the patella, and (2) tibial rotational index: the distance between the medial eminence of the tibia and the lateral edge of the fibula head. The indices were standardized by the diameter of the sphere of the medial posterior femoral condyle. This study (1) identified the relationship between changes in rotational indices and the simulated rotational knee angles in the standing position, (2) proposed a regression equation for the change in relative rotational angles between the femur and tibia in standing AP radiographs, and (3) verified the accuracy of the regression equation.

RESULTS

The rotational indices increased in direct proportion to simulated rotational knee angles (femoral index: r > 0.9,p < 0.0001; tibial index: r > 0.9, p < 0.0001). Based on the results, the regression equation with the accuracy of 0.45 ± 0.26° was determined.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed regression equations can potentially predict the change in relative rotational angles between the femur and tibia in a pair of standing AP radiographs taken at different dates in longitudinal studies.

Comparison of post-operative three-dimensional and two-dimensional evaluation of component position for total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the post-operative three-dimensional (3D) femoral and tibial component positions in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by the same co-ordinates' system as for pre-operative planning and to compare it with a two-dimensional (2D) evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five primary TKAs due to osteoarthritis were included. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the femur and tibia was obtained and pre-operative 3D planning was performed. Then, 3D and 2D post-operative evaluations of the component positions were performed. KneeCAS (LEXI, Inc., Tokyo, Japan), a lower-extremity alignment assessment system, was used for the 3D post-operative evaluation. Standard short-knee radiographs were used for the 2D post-operative evaluation. Differences between the pre-operative planning and post-operative coronal and sagittal alignment of components were investigated and compared with the results of the 3D and 2D evaluations.

RESULTS

According to the 3D evaluation, the difference between the pre-operative planning and actual post-operative sagittal alignment of the femoral component and the coronal and sagittal alignments of the tibial component were 2.6° ± 1.8°, 2.2° ± 1.8° and 3.2° ± 2.4°, respectively. Using the 2D evaluation, they were 1.9° ± 1.5°, 1.3° ± 1.2° and 1.8° ± 1.4°, making the difference in 3D evaluation significantly higher (p = 0.013, = 0.003 and < 0.001). For the sagittal alignment of the femoral component and the coronal and sagittal alignment of the tibial component, the outlier (> ± 3°) ratio for the 3D evaluation was also significantly higher than that of the 2D evaluation (p < 0.001, = 0.009 and < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The difference between the pre-operative planning and post-operative component alignment in the 3D evaluation is significantly higher than that of the 2D, even if the same cases have been evaluated. Two-dimensional evaluation may mask or underestimate the post-operative implant malposition. Three-dimensional evaluation using the same co-ordinates' system as for pre-operative planning is necessary to accurately evaluate the post-operative component position.

Association between the toe angle and bony factors in the transverse plane for osteoarthritic knees compared with healthy knees

BACKGROUND

The association between the toe angle and bony rotational factors is critical to explain issues related to the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to clarify the association between the toe angle and each of the femoral and tibial transvers direction relative to gait direction, rotational knee alignment, and bony torsional deformity for the subjects with knee OA.

METHODS

This study evaluated 58 knees in 24 healthy elderly (72 ± 5 years) and 34 varus knee OA (72 ± 6 years). A three-dimensional (3D) assessment system was used on 3D models and biplanar long-leg radiographs with the toe angle reflecting gait direction, applying a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The main parameters on the transverse plane were: (1) toe angle, (2) transverse direction of the femur and tibia relative to the gait direction, (3) femoral neck anteversion, (4) condylar twist angle, (5) tibial torsion, and (6) rotational knee alignment.

RESULTS

The alignment parameters, except for the tibial transverse direction, were different between healthy and osteoarthritic knees. In knee OA, the femoral neck anteversion - femoral transverse direction (p = 0.001), femoral transverse direction - tibial transverse direction (p < 0.001), and tibial transverse direction - toe angle (p < 0.001) were associated.

CONCLUSIONS

The osteoarthritic knees showed that the femoral neck anteversion was associated with the femoral transverse direction, which determined the tibial transverse direction by adjusting the rotational knee alignment, leading to the toe angle.

Three-dimensional morphology of the distal femur based on surgical epicondylar axis in the normal elderly population

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze the surface morphology of the distal femur in three dimensions for the healthy elderly, based on the concept that the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) is a better surrogate for the flexion-extension axis of the knee joint.

METHODS

We studied 77 healthy elderly volunteers (40 males and 37 females; age, 68 ± 6 years). The medial and lateral contact lines were calculated three-dimensionally, using the highest points of the medial and lateral condyles in 201 cross-sectional planes around the SEA (every 1°, -60° (hyperextension) to 140° (flexion)). A piecewise fitting function consisting of two linear segments was applied to detect the inflection point of the constant radii in the sagittal plane. The main assessment parameters were knee flexion angle at the inflection point of the radius (inflection angle), mean radius from 0° to the inflection angle (constant radius), and coronal tilt angle of the contact line.

RESULTS

The inflection angles, constant radii, and coronal tilt angles were 78.2 ± 8.6°, 26.1 ± 2.3 mm, and -0.6 ± 3.2° and 65.6 ± 9.2°, 23.9 ± 2.2 mm, and 6.2 ± 3.2° in the medial and lateral condyles, respectively (all, P < 0.001). The coronal alignment was 88.7 ± 2.2°.

CONCLUSIONS

The medial and lateral femoral condyles showed asymmetrical morphologies with the almost 'constant' radius of sagittal curvature from 0° to around 80° and 65° of knee flexion, respectively.

Preoperative tibiofemoral rotational alignment is a risk factor for component rotational mismatch in total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Rotational mismatch between the femoral and tibial components is reported to be a risk factor for unsuccessful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the rotational mismatch can still occur even when each component is aligned within the desired angle. Therefore, there may be other unknown factors. This study aims to investigate a risk factor for component rotational mismatch in TKA. The authors hypothesized a significant correlation between the rotational mismatch angle and not only the rotational alignments of components, but also the preoperative tibiofemoral rotation angle.

METHOD

This retrospective cohort study included 79 knees who underwent TKA. Computed tomography images were obtained preoperatively and 2 weeks after surgery for the component positional measurement. The postoperative component rotational mismatch angle between the tibial and femoral components and the rotational alignment of each tibial and femoral component to anatomical axes was evaluated. In addition, the preoperative rotational angle between the tibia and femur bones and patients' demographics were also investigated. The correlation between the postoperative component rotational mismatch angle and perioperative variables was analyzed to identify risk factors for component rotational mismatch.

RESULTS

The mean component rotational mismatch angle was 1.8° of internal rotation of the tibial component relative to the femoral component, and the angle ranged from 11.3° of internal rotation to 7.3° of external rotation of the tibial component. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the preoperative rotational alignment between the tibia and femur and the rotational alignment of each component were influential factors in the postoperative component rotational mismatch angle.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative tibiofemoral rotational alignment and the rotational alignment of each tibial and femoral component and are risk factors for the postoperative component rotational mismatch in TKA.

Articular surface of the medial proximal tibia is aligned parallel to the ground in three-dimensional space under weight-bearing conditions in healthy and varus osteoarthritic knees

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that an inclined articular surface on the medial proximal tibia is aligned more parallel to the ground in three-dimensional (3D) space under weight-bearing (WB) conditions (parallel phenomenon) than under non-WB (NWB) conditions in healthy and varus osteoarthritic knees.

METHODS

We examined 55 healthy knees (26 women, 29 men; mean age, 70 ± 6 years) and 108 varus osteoarthritic knees (66 women, 16 men; mean age, 74 ± 7 years). For the evaluation under WB conditions, a 3D assessment system was used on biplanar long-leg radiographs and 3D bone models using a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. In addition, the least square method was used to determine the approximation plane. The angles between the normal vector for the approximation plane of an articular surface on the medial proximal tibia and each axis of the tibial or world coordinate system were calculated.

RESULTS

Morphologically, the inclination of the approximation plane was steeper in osteoarthritic knees than in healthy knees (p < 0.0001). The approximation plane was aligned more parallel to the ground under WB conditions than under NWB conditions in healthy (p < 0.0001) and osteoarthritic knees (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The parallel phenomenon in the medial proximal tibia was confirmed for healthy and varus osteoarthritic knees. The medial proximal tibia plays an important role in the parallel phenomenon, assumingly associated with varus alignment and varus thrust. The inclination of the medial proximal tibia may become a new parameter for imaging investigations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Functionally Oriented Alignment of the Lower Extremity Reflecting the Direction of Gait for Healthy Elderly, Knee Osteoarthritis, and Total Knee Arthroplasty Subjects

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional lower extremity alignment based on both position and motion [functionally oriented alignment (FOA)] of the knee in healthy elderly, varus osteoarthritis (OA), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) subjects.

Methods

This study evaluated 87 knees in 24 healthy elderly (72 ± 5 years), 39 varus OA (72 ± 6 years), and 24 TKA (75 ± 4 years) subjects. A 3D assessment system was used on 3D models and biplanar long-leg radiographs with the toe angle reflecting gait direction, by applying a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. In the world coordinate system, the y-, z-, and x-axes were defined as gait direction, gravity direction, and the cross product of y- and z-axes, respectively. The parameters were: (a) coronal inclination, sagittal inclination, and transverse direction of the femur and tibia relative to the ground and (b) the difference between the yz-plane of the world coordinate system (functional plane) and the yz-plane of the femoral or tibial coordinate system (anatomical plane).

Results

The femur had more medial and posterior inclination and the tibia had more lateral and anterior inclination in osteoarthritic knees as compared to healthy knees, and TKA knees had inclinations similar to healthy knees. Rotation was similar or different in the anatomical and functional planes among the subjects with the healthy, knee OA, and TKA.

Conclusions

The association between the anatomical and functional planes and the position of each bone relative to gravity varied depending on the condition of the knees.

Level of Evidence: Level of III

Effect on inclined medial proximal tibial articulation for varus alignment in advanced knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The inclination of the medial compartment of the proximal tibia (MCT) is assumed to be a critical factor for varus alignment in advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study was aimed at investigating; (1) whether the inclination of MCT is aligned parallel to the ground under weight-bearing (WB) conditions; (2) whether this is associated with the change in alignment and the relative position between the bones; and (3) whether the tibia or femur mainly contributes to the changes.

METHODS

We examined 102 knees (84 women, 18 men; mean 75 years). A three-dimensional (3D) assessment system was applied on biplanar whole lower extremity radiographies using 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The evaluation parameters were 1) MCT angle, 2) femorotibial angle (FTA), 3) medial-lateral femoral location to the tibia (M-L femoral location), 4) WB line passing point, and 5) tibial position to WB line (tibial position) and 6) femoral postion to WB line (femoral position). Each parameter was evaluated in non-WB and WB conditions, and the differences (Δ-parameters).

RESULTS

MCT angle in the world coordinate system was larger than that in the tibial coordinate system (p <  0.0001). ΔMCT angle was correlated with ΔFTA (p = 0.002) and ΔM-L femoral location (p = 0.004). The tibial position was the more dominant factor for ΔMCT angle (p = 0.001), ΔFTA (p <  0.0001), and ΔWB line passing point (p <  0.0001) .

CONCLUSIONS

The inclination in MCT was aligned parallel to the ground under WB conditions (tibial parallel phenomenon). The parallel phenomenon was associated with the change of alignment and the relative position between the bones in the coronal plane. These phenomena were produced mainly by the tibia, not the femur.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Correlation between posterior tibial slope and sagittal alignment under weight-bearing conditions in osteoarthritic knees

INTRODUCTION

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) and sagittal alignment are important factors in the etiology of knee osteoarthritis and knee surgery. Clinically, sagittal alignment, which indicates flexion contracture of the knee, contributes to knee function in weight-bearing (WB) conditions. PTS and sagittal alignment under WB conditions in varus osteoarthritic knees are presumed to affect each other, but their association remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 140 osteoarthritic varus knees were investigated. Under WB conditions, a three-dimensional (3D) alignment assessment system was applied via biplanar long-leg X-rays, using 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The evaluation parameters were as follows: 1) 3D mechanical flexion angle (3DMFA) in regards to sagittal alignment, 2) passing point in the WB line (PP), and 3) medial and lateral PTS.

RESULTS

The medial and lateral PTS showed a positive correlation with 3DMFA and PP, respectively (medial PTS-3DMFA, p = 0.001; medial PTS-PP, p < 0.0001; lateral PTS-3DMFA, p < 0.0001; lateral PTS-PP, p = 0.002). The flexion contracture group with 3DMFA >5° demonstrated greater PTS than non-flexion contracture group (medial PTS, p = 0.006; lateral PTS, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Both medial and lateral PTS were correlated with sagittal alignment under WB conditions and were larger in the flexion contracture group. This finding can explain the function to take the load articular surface parallel to the ground for holding the balance in WB conditions in the sagittal plane for osteoarthritic knees. Moreover, surgeons may be required to decrease the PTS during knee arthroplasty to restore full extension in knees of patients with fixed flexion contracture.