Multiplanar deformity analysis of untreated Blount disease

Although varus malalignment of the proximal tibia is the primary pathology in Blount disease, other deformities may exist. To assess multiplanar lower limb deformities, children with previously untreated early- and late-onset Blount disease who subsequently needed surgical correction were identified. Preoperative frontal and sagittal plane deformity analysis using Paley's methodology and rotational profile assessment using prone clinical examination were performed by a single examiner. Results were compared between the 2 groups and with uninvolved limbs within each group. Additionally, rotational profile of the lower limb was compared with age-matched values. Over an 8-year period, 60 limbs (40 patients) including 26 with early-onset and 34 with late-onset Blount met the inclusion criteria. Although both groups exhibited proximal tibial varus, procurvatum, and internal torsion, patients with early-onset Blount disease had greater severity. Unlike the younger patients, approximately one third of the varus malalignment of the affected extremity was attributed to the distal femur in the late-onset patients. Neither group showed any significant deformity of the proximal femur and distal tibia or sagittal plane deformity of the distal femur. There was a correlation between the severity of varus malalignment of the limb with magnitude of proximal tibial deformities in both groups and with distal femoral varus in the late-onset group of patients. Multiplanar deformity analysis is a valuable tool in the comprehensive evaluation of children with Blount disease.

Effect of anatomic realignment on muscle function during gait in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) and genu varum use different movement and muscle activation patterns to increase joint stability during gait. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether opening-wedge high-tibial osteotomy (OW-HTO) corrected pathomechanical abnormalities associated with the progression of knee OA.

METHODS

Fifteen patients diagnosed with medial knee OA and genu varum who were scheduled for OW-HTO were tested prior to and 1 year following OW-HTO. Fifteen age- and sex-matched controls were also tested. Frontal plane laxity was measured from stress radiographs. All participants underwent quadriceps strength testing with a burst superimposition technique and gait analysis with surface electromyography to calculate knee joint kinematics and kinetics and muscle co-contraction during the stance phase of gait. Participants rated their knee function and instability using a self-report questionnaire.

RESULTS

Static alignment improved following the surgery. Medial laxity (P = 0.003) and instability (P = 0.002) significantly improved, and statistical reductions in the adduction moment resulted in lower levels of vastus medialis-medial gastrocnemius muscle co-contractions (P = 0.089). Despite improvements in global rating of knee function (P = 0.001), the OA group's ratings remained significantly lower than those of the healthy controls (P = 0.001). Quadriceps strength deficits and knee flexion impairments persisted.

CONCLUSION

Persistent quadriceps weakness and impaired knee kinematics after realignment suggest that the movement strategy may perpetuate joint destruction and impede the long-term success of realignment. Rehabilitation should focus on quadriceps strength and improving joint mobility to improve the long-term function of individuals with medial knee OA.

Early revision for component malrotation in total knee arthroplasty

Component malrotation may result in unsuccessful total knee arthroplasty. We asked whether revision improves function in patients with malrotated total knee arthroplasty components. We retrospectively reviewed 22 revision total knee arthroplasties performed for femoral and/or tibial component malrotation. Revision surgery was performed within 2 years of the primary arthroplasty in 81% of the cases (18 of 22) with the remainder within 5 years. Although all patients had pain, 32% of patients had associated instability and 36% of patients had poor range of motion. Average Knee Society Scores improved from 42 preoperatively to 77 postoperatively. Average Oxford Knee Scores improved from 38 preoperatively to 29 postoperatively. Although clinical and functional improvement was observed, these results are inferior to those for primary knee arthroplasty, and they emphasize the need for proper component rotational positioning during primary total knee arthroplasty. Internal component malrotation leads not only to patellofemoral problems, but also to difficulty in gap balancing and femoral component sizing, which may in turn lead to either poor range of motion or symptoms of knee instability.

Patient satisfaction after medial opening high tibial osteotomy and microfracture

High tibial osteotomy has become an accepted treatment for patients with varus degenerative arthritis of the knee. We sought to determine factors associated with patient satisfaction and functional outcome following medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for the degenerative varus knee. Sixty-one patients (14 women and 47 men) undergoing medial opening wedge osteotomy and chondral resurfacing procedure (microfracture) for medial knee pain, with minimum 2-year follow-up, were identified through our clinical database. Mean patient age was 52.2 years (range: 35-65 years). Thirty patients were treated with plate fixation, and 31 with distraction osteogenesis and external fixation. Nineteen patients had Outerbridge grade III or IV patellofemoral lesions at initial surgery. The mean preoperative Lysholm score of 49.9 improved postoperatively to 75.4 (P < .001). Mean satisfaction score was 7.6 (1 = not satisfied, 10 = very satisfied). Women showed a significantly higher improvement in Lysholm and satisfaction scores than men (P = .029, P = .034). A positive correlation was observed between satisfaction and postoperative Lysholm score (P < .001). The independent multivariate predictor of patient satisfaction was the postoperative Lysholm score. Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy is an efficacious surgical option for the treatment of the degenerative varus knee, as demonstrated by both patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores.

[Correction of lower limb deformity by using an expandable nail system. Adaption of osteosynthesis to dystrophe soft-tissue situation]

Operative procedures on the lower limb demand crucial handling of the surrounding soft tissues. Otherwise skin necrosis may develop and in cases of overlapping to the bone there is a risk of osteitis. Therefore the operative treatment requires an approach which reduces operative trauma to a minimum. However, in some cases even a minimal incision is too traumatic. The case we present, describes the use of an expandable nail-system to correct a valgus deformity in a lower limb, years after radiation therapy for synovial sarcoma. The distinctiveness in this case is the dystrophic skin after irradiation and the surgical options for correction.

Accuracy of correction of tibia vara: acute versus gradual correction

The purpose was to assess the accuracy of deformity correction achieved in patients with tibia vara using acute intraoperative correction compared with gradual postoperative correction. Acute correction (AC) group consisted of 14 patients (14 tibiae) with a mean age of 11.4 years and whose tibia vara was corrected acutely and held using an EBI external fixator. Gradual correction (GC) group consisted of 18 patients (18 tibiae) with a mean age of 10.2 years and whose tibia vara was corrected gradually using 6-axis deformity analysis and Taylor Spatial Frame. Deformity measurements were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at latest follow-up. At latest follow-up, medial proximal tibial angle deviation from normal was similar for the 2 groups; posterior proximal tibial angle was significantly greater in the AC group (5.6 degrees) than in the GC group (1.9 degrees). Mechanical axis deviation was significantly greater in the AC group (17.1 mm) than in the GC group (3.1 mm). Postoperatively, frequency of accurate translation corrections (achieved translation within 5 mm of preoperative required translation) was significantly greater in the GC group (18/18) than in the AC group (7/14). Frequency of accurate angulation corrections (medial proximal tibial angle within 3 degrees of normal and posterior proximal tibial angle within 5 degrees of normal) was significantly greater in the GC group (17/18) than in the AC group (7/14). For both groups, all tibiae with preoperative internal rotation deformity had accurate rotation correction. Correction of preoperative limb-length inequality was achieved in 5 of the 7 patients in the AC group and 11 of the 11 patients in the GC group. Gradual deformity correction is a more accurate treatment method of tibia vara than acute correction.

Gelenkerhaltende chirurgische Therapie der Gonarthrose im mittleren Lebensalter

Several treatment options for the osteoarthritis of the knee in middle-aged patients to preserve the joint are available. Arthroscopic debridement is still a valuable treatment when detailed indications are considered. Microfracture procedure showed good and excellent results primarily at a follow-up of 2 years. Cartilage defects up to 4 cm2 should be treated by the mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) should be discussed when larger defects are presented in the younger patient. Existing osteoarthritis, ACI is not recommended. Up till now, there was no significant difference in outcomes comparing ACI and mosaicplasty or microfracture. Basic for successful surgical cartilage repair is a stable joint with a normal limb. An eventual additional osteotomy of the knee should be considered based on a standing, three-joint radiograph in every patient.

[Osteotomies in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the knee joint]

Excellent results of total knee arthroplasty have outweighed high tibial osteotomy applications in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, but there is a growing interest in osteotomies as an adjunct in the treatment of full-thickness chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee. Abnormal biomechanics in both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations resulting from instability and malalignment should be corrected and osteotomy should be regarded as the first step in the treatment of these lesions. A simultaneous or staged osteotomy may contribute to the success of current techniques used for cartilage and osteochondral repair. Clinical, radiographic, and experimental studies have shown beneficial effects of osteotomies on cartilage regeneration. The aim of the osteotomy is simple: cartilage needs proper biomechanical environment for healing.

[Fulkerson osteotomy for the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment]

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the results of Fulkerson osteotomy in patients with chronic patellofemoral malalignment.

METHODS

Fulkerson osteotomy (anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer) was performed in 21 knees of 18 patients (10 females, 8 males; mean age 28.6 years; range 21 to 42 years). The patellofemoral congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and patellofemoral index were measured pre- and postoperatively on tangential radiograms obtained at 45 degrees knee flexion. Malalignment patterns were determined by computed tomography as lateral tilt (n=12), lateral patellar subluxation (n=4), and both (n=5). All the patients underwent arthroscopic examination preoperatively and all had severe osteoarthrosis in the patellar articular surfaces (Outerbridge type III-IV). The mean anteriorization was 10.5 mm (range 7 to 15 mm). The vastus medialis oblique muscle was advanced in seven knees. The patients were assessed according to the criteria of Fulkerson et al. pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 20 to 60 months).

RESULTS

According to the criteria of Fulkerson et al., the results were excellent, very good, or good in 18 knees (85.7%), fair in two knees (9.5%), and poor in one knee (4.8%). Pain and instability scores showed significant improvement (p<0.05). On final radiographic assessment, the mean patellofemoral congruence angle and patellofemoral index were -6.8 degrees (range -26 degrees to 10 degrees ) and 1.4 (range 0.8 to 1.6), respectively (p<0.05). The lateral patellofemoral angle had a lateral orientation in all the knees. Complications included tibial tubercle avulsion (n=1), deep vein thrombosis (n=1), and slight knee flexion contractures (n=4). Wound-related problems, compartment syndrome, peroneal nerve palsy, or proximal tibial fracture were not encountered.

CONCLUSION

Successful results are obtained by Fulkerson osteotomy in the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment with severe articular degeneration (Outerbridge type III-IV) particularly in the lateral and distal regions of the patella.

Functional outcome following modified Elmslie-Trillat procedure

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term outcome of the modified Elmslie-Trillat procedure, as well as to detect factors affecting it. Thirty-eight patients (44 procedures) with a mean age of 31 years were included in this study. The reason for operation was patellar instability in 10 cases, anterior knee pain with malalignment of the extensor mechanism in 15 cases and a combination of both in 19 cases. Patients were followed for an average of 40 months (range=18-130 months). The functional outcome was very satisfactory or satisfactory for 73% of patients. According to Cox's criteria it was excellent in 13 cases (30%), good in 18 (41%), fair in 7 (16%) and poor in the remaining 6 (13%). Patients scored an average of 3.5 (range=2-8) in their Tegner Activity Scale, while their score in Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey ranged from 43 to 98 (average=76). Result analysis revealed a better functional outcome when the operation was performed for patellar instability, as well as in the absence of grade 3 or 4 chondral changes in the patellofemoral joint at the time of operation. Elmslie-Trillat procedure satisfactorily restores patellofemoral stability and offers a very good functional outcome, especially in the absence of significant chondral changes in the patellofemoral joint at the time of operation.

Hemilaterally symptomatic bipartite patella associated with bone erosions arising from a gouty tophus: a case report

Symptomatic bipartite patella in adults is rare. We have treated an unusual case of a bipartite patella in an adult, which became symptomatic in association with cystic degeneration localized to the patella and a gouty tophus. Although the patient had bilateral bipartite patellae, multiplanar reformation with computed tomography (CT-MPR) clearly demonstrated that the bipartite portion of the patella was malaligned at the junction of the accessory bone and patella in the symptomatic knee. Bone erosions were present both in the bipartite fragment and adjacent portion of the patella. After surgical excision of the bipartite fragment, the patient's symptoms have improved. This case illustrates that cyst formation associated with inflammatory arthritis may be a rare cause for a bipartite patella in an adult to become symptomatic.

[Defect of the femoral condyle in the knee after patellectomy. Long-term results of fresh massive osteochondral allografting]

The presence of a massive full-thickness osteochondral defect in the knee of young and active individuals is an unsolved problem in orthopedic surgery, especially in post-traumatic large bone defects. Fresh massive osteochondral allografts have been used for many years but mostly in oncology but not in post-traumatic cases. This case report describes a 20-year-old right leg-dominant woman, who, at age 19, sustained open Gustilo-Anderson type III comminuted fractures of the left patella and lateral femoral condyle in a motorbike accident. Initial treatment included immediate débridement and patellectomy with lavage. The large defect of the femoral condyle was reconstructed with a massive osteochondral allograft 1 year after the injury. The graft was obtained from our institutional tissue bank. The damaged bearing part of the condyle was resected to bleeding bone to create the nearly rectangular defect. The central condyle wall remained intact. The graft was trimmed to fit the defect and fixed with three cancellous 6.5-mm screws. The meniscus was not damaged. Partial weight bearing was permitted at 8 weeks and full weight bearing at 16 weeks after the surgery. At the last follow-up control 10 years after the surgery, no evidence of tibiofemoral arthrosis was present. The allograft-host interface was not visible. The radiodensity of the graft was nearly identical to the host bone. The Lysholm score and clinical findings were identical (100 points) to those 18 months after the surgery. The patient was extremely satisfied without complaints at 30 years of age.

An analysis of the causes of failure in 57 consecutive posterolateral operative procedures

PURPOSE

To investigate 57 failed posterolateral procedures in 30 consecutive knees to determine factors that may have contributed to the failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Thirty patient records were reviewed by an independent surgeon. The index posterolateral operations were done for 13 acute and 17 chronic knee injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament was ruptured in 17 knees, the posterior cruciate ligament was torn in 5 knees, and both cruciates were ruptured in 8 knees. In 25 knees, 46 revision posterolateral procedures had been performed, of which 27 had also failed (in 21 knees). Five knees did not undergo revision of the posterolateral structures.

RESULTS

In 22 knees, multiple factors were identified that most likely contributed to the failure of the posterolateral procedures. The most common factors were nonanatomical graft reconstruction (23 knees), untreated varus malalignment (10 knees), and failure to successfully reconstruct all ruptured knee ligaments, including cruciates (27 knees). Thirty-nine anterior cruciate ligament procedures were done in 24 knees, including 24 primary and 15 revision operations. Seventeen posterior cruciate ligament procedures were done in 13 knees, including 13 primary and 4 revision operations. At the time of writing, 16 of 24 knees had a functional anterior cruciate ligament graft and 5 of 13 had a functional posterior cruciate ligament graft.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest greater emphasis during the index operation for anatomical graft reconstruction of one or more of the posterolateral structures as necessary, restoration of all ruptured cruciate ligaments, and correction of varus malalignment.

High tibial osteotomy with use of the Taylor Spatial Frame external fixator for osteoarthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is used to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee in active patients with varus alignment. In this study we review the clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with the Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew), and its use in HTOs, and we include an illustrative case report.

METHODS

In 7 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee and varus alignment, the Taylor Spatial Frame was applied to the tibia in the operating room and a proximal tibial osteotomy was performed. Patients followed a computer-generated turning schedule until the desired correction was achieved. The frame was removed when the osteotomy site had healed. The lower extremity measure (LEM) was used to assess physical function. Clinical outcome measures relating to the Taylor Spatial Frame included latency, time to correction, time in the frame, number of residual corrections and complications. Radiographic outcomes included preoperative Resnick grades of osteoarthritis, pre- and post-correction limb alignment and tibial slope measurements.

RESULTS

Average (and standard deviation) LEM grade at a mean 41 (14) months follow-up after correction was 94% (5%). Average latency was 8 days, time to correction was 15 days, time in the frame was 23 weeks and number of residual corrections was 1.3. Complications were similar to those for external fixators. Radiographic correction goals were met in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The Taylor Spatial Frame is a valuable asset when using HTO to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.

[The role of patellar lateral release and augmentation of median retinaculum of patellae in treatment of femoro-patellar malalignment]

Patellar misalignment is more common than usually supposed; many patients learn to live with this affection without seeing a doctor. A large number of open surgical procedures were described for treatment of misalignment of extensor mechanism of knee. We want to present our method which consisted in arthroscopic lateral release and augmentation of medial retinaculum. We had 47 patients with femoro-patellar misalignment treated with this method. The results were appreciated by clinical and radiological criteria (patellar glide test, patellar tilt test, Macnab scores, Merchant angle). The follow-up was two years. Only 17% had recurrence of clinical signs.

Circular external fixation in knee arthrodesis following septic trauma sequelae: preliminary report

Deep infection is one of the most devastating complications after knee fractures. It may be related to the initial fracture status or, more commonly, the surgical intervention. From 1991 to 2003, 12 patients underwent knee fusion to treat resistant infection after complex knee fractures or arthrodesis fractures using the Ilizarov method and frame. There were 9 men and 3 women (mean age, 39.7 years). Two-thirds of the patients had long-standing infection and 5 patients had undergone earlier attempts at knee arthrodesis. Correction of concurrent malalignment was achieved in 2 patients. Bone transport using the same arthrodesis frame was necessary in 2 patients to overcome large bony defects. Solid fusion was achieved in all patients by the end of treatment. The average duration of external fixation was 22 weeks (range: 11-44 weeks). No patients required secondary bone grafting to achieve union. Complications occurred in 6 (50%) patients. The most common problem seen was pin tract infection, but only 2 patients required surgical intervention for its treatment. The study emphasizes the clinical success of the Ilizarov method in knee arthrodesis after infected fractures.

Forces and torques during fracture reduction: Intraoperative measurements in the femur

Reduction is a crucial step in fracture treatment. We determined intraoperative peak forces and torques during fracture reduction in seven patients with eight fractures of the femoral shaft. All fractures were temporarily stabilized by external fixation. Force and torque measurements were performed during the subsequent intramedullary nailing procedure. A three-dimensional load cell was attached to the distal femur fragment using two Schanz screws. All forces and torques were registered on-line during the reduction process. The maximum resulting force was 411 N, the maximum resulting torque 74 N x m. The highest force was observed along the shaft axis with 396 N for distraction. The maximum torque value was measured around the frontal axis, being 74 N x m for antecurvature. These results may assist the development of new reduction techniques and devices.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: a short-term, prospective study

In this prospective study, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was performed in 29 patients with a retrograde femur nail (Interlocking Compression Nail; Stryker Trauma, Schönkirchen, Germany) inserted through a plantar approach. Patients were evaluated by a standardized follow-up examination using the American Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale and the main criteria of the short-form health survey (36 items). Special emphasis was placed on surgical approach, bony consolidation, and postoperative quality of life. Solid fusion was achieved in 90% of the patients after a mean follow-up of 25 months. Twenty-two patients (76%) showed primary bone healing after an average of 5.2 months; a delayed union was observed in 7 patients. In 79% of the patients, pain was reduced effectively and quality of life substantially improved with the intramedullary nail arthrodesis. The average ankle-hindfoot score improved from 46 (range, 41-53) to 71 (range, 49-83) points. Complications occurred in 6 patients (21%), including 2 deep infections, 3 nonunions, and 1 case of postoperative flexion deformity. The authors found retrograde intramedullary nailing in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to be an effective technique in obtaining solid fusion, an effective relief from pain, and an improvement of quality of life.

Wrist deformities after fracture

Wrist deformities can occur after fracture because of malunion of the fracture or injury to the growth plate leading to imbalance of growth. Prevention of malunion is paramount by early recognition with proper reduction and casting or fixation with casting. If a mal-union occurs, an osteotomy may be necessary if anticipated growth will not correct the deformity. Injury of the growth plate may lead to wrist deformity in two ways: angular growth or growth arrest. Angular growth deformities are corrected most commonly by osteotomy. Growth arrest of the radius or the ulna leads to an ulnar-positive or an ulnar-negative variance at the wrist. If the ulnar variance is symptomatic, treatment is centered on achieving a level joint. Options for joint leveling procedures include epiphysiodesis or physeal stapling of the longer bone, lengthening osteotomy of the shorter bone, or shortening osteotomy of the longer bone.

Elbow deformities after fracture

Nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle,cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, and fishtail deformity represent particularly challenging problems to the upper extremity surgeon. Although closed or open reduction and pinning of supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus can restore anatomic alignment and avoid anatomic deformities in most cases, closed reduction is still a common form of treatment. In those hopefully few cases in which reduction is less than optimal, or when a good reduction is performed but subsequently lost between follow-up visits, the aforementioned deformities of the distal humerus can develop. Even when anatomic reduction is obtained and held, avascular necrosis of the trochlea may develop, leading to the so-called fishtail deformity. Although not recognized for several years, and when initially recognized, not necessarily taken seriously, fishtail deformity may be one of the more devastating deformities in that it is not correctable by traditional methods of osteotomy. Flexion contracture when present may be treated by standard release; however, when a bony block exists as a result of the shape of the fishtail, nonsurgical options exist and the patient often is left with a permanent loss of motion.

[Results of the operative treatment in Madelung's deformity]

Nine wrists in eight patients were treated surgically between 1988 and 2003 for symptomatic Madelung's deformity. The pain of involved wrist followed by forearm deformation fulfilled criteria for surgery. Closing wedge osteotomy of the distal radius were carried out eight times accompanied by shortening of the ulna (four patients), excision of the distal ulna (one patient), and no ulnar surgery (three patients). Pain relieved after surgery. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 9.5 years. No pour results were stated in subjective patient's estimation during final check up. Wrist appearance were stated to be satisfactory. Limitation of the range of motion concerning supination and pronation of the forearm were stated invariably. X-ray retrospective assessment of the inclination angle, lunate coverage and presence of arthritic changes were conducted. Time and method of surgical treatment for Madelung's deformity should be considered individually.

Three-ligament tenodesis for the treatment of scapholunate dissociation: indications and surgical technique

Different surgical techniques have been proposed to treat traumatic scapholunate instability. Deciding which treatment is best for each individual case is not easy. In this article we report an algorithm of treatment based on a number of prognostic factors that may help in this matter. We also report on the promising results obtained using a new technique, the 3-ligament tenodesis, for the treatment of nonrepairable complete scapholunate ligament rupture, causing a reducible carpal malalignment without secondary osteoarthritis. This technique incorporates features from 3 previously described techniques.

Correction of severe post-traumatic deformities in the distal femur by distraction osteogenesis using Taylor Spatial Frame: a case report

A case of deformity and shortening after post-traumatic growth arrest treated using the Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew, Tennessee, USA) is presented. This is the first report showing the application of the frame for post-traumatic deformity in the distal femur, and successful outcomes promise utilization of the frame even for correction of severe deformity in the distal femur.