Knee kinematics in medial osteoarthritis during in vivo weight-bearing activities

Relationship between Kellgren-Lawrence score and 3D kinematic gait analysis of patients with medial knee osteoarthritis using a new gait system

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is reported to have characteristic kinematics during walking. However, the relationship between Kellgren-Lawrence (K/L) score and the 3D kinematic gait of patients with medial KOA remains unclear. Here, ninety-seven patients with medial KOA and thirty-eight asymptomatic participants were involved. Patients with medial KOA were divided into early, moderate, and severe KOA based on the K/L score. Through kinematic gait analysis, we found a relationship between K/L score and 3D kinematic gait for patients. All KOA knees had a significantly reduced range of motion. As the K/L score was increasing, the knee flexion at the heel strike and 50% of the stance phase increased while the peak knee flexion in the swing phase decreased. In addition, the adduction and femoral rotation increased internally at the heel strike, 50% of the stance phase, and maximum angle of the swing phase. Femoral translation increased anteriorly and distally at the heel strike and 50% of the stance phase. The severe group had more medial translation than the asymptomatic groups. Significant alterations of three-dimensional joint kinematics were identified in subjects suffering various severities in Chinese patients. This study provides an important reference for the treatment options, therapy assessment, and rehabilitation of KOA.

Effects of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on in vivo shoulder motion and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The incidence of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears has been reported to range from 15% to 39%, but the influence of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on shoulder function is not well understood. This study assessed the effects of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on shoulder kinematics, strength, and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

A clinical ultrasound examination was performed in 46 asymptomatic volunteers (age: 60.3 ± 7.5 years) with normal shoulder function to document the condition of their rotator cuff. The ultrasound imaging identified the participants as healthy (n = 14) or pathologic (n = 32). Shoulder motion was measured with a biplane x-ray imaging system, strength was assessed with a Biodex (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA), and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index and visual analog scale pain scores.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy volunteers, those with rotator cuff pathology had significantly less abduction (P = .050) and elevation (P = .041) strength, their humerus was positioned more inferiorly on the glenoid (P = .018), and the glenohumeral contact path length was longer (P = .007). No significant differences were detected in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, visual analog scale, range of motion, or acromiohumeral distance.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences observed between the healthy volunteers and those with asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology lend insight into the changes in joint mechanics, shoulder strength, and conventional clinical outcomes associated with the early stages of rotator cuff pathology. Furthermore, these findings suggest a plausible mechanical progression of kinematic and strength changes associated with the development of rotator cuff pathology.

Kinematic alterations of the lower limbs and pelvis during an ascending stairs task are associated with the degree of knee osteoarthritis severity

BACKGROUND

Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) generally demonstrate great difficulty in ascending stairs. The strategies and compensations used by these individuals in stair activities have not been fully established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the joint kinematics of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle throughout the gait cycle, in the sagittal and frontal planes, in individuals with mild and moderate knee OA, during an ascending stairs task.

METHODS

Thirty-one individuals with knee OA and 19 controls were subjected to clinical and radiographic analysis, divided into three groups: control, mild knee OA, and moderate knee OA. Participants answered a self-reported questionnaire, carried out performance-based tests, and their kinematic data were recorded during an ascending stairs task using an eight-camera Qualisys 3D-Motion analysis system.

RESULTS

The individuals with moderate degrees of knee OA demonstrated kinematic alterations in the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal plane. The individuals with mild degrees of knee OA demonstrated kinematic alterations of the hip in the frontal plane, and kinematic alterations of the ankle in the sagittal plane.

CONCLUSIONS

The ascending stairs task allowed verification of meaningful information regarding gait strategies used by individuals with mild and moderate knee OA. The strategies of these two groups of individuals are different for this task, although more pronounced in individuals with moderate knee OA. The findings should be taken into account in the development of rehabilitation programs.

Tibio-femoral joint contact in healthy and osteoarthritic knees during quasi-static squat: A bi-planar X-ray analysis

The aim of this study was to quantify the tibio-femoral contact point (CP) locations in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) subjects during a weight-bearing squat using stand-alone biplanar X-ray images. Ten healthy and 9 severe OA subjects performed quasi-static squats. Bi-planar X-ray images were recorded at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 70° of knee flexion. A reconstruction/registration process was used to create 3D models of tibia, fibula, and femur from bi-planar X-rays and to measure their positions at each posture. A weighted centroid of proximity algorithm was used to calculate the tibio-femoral CP locations. The accuracy of the reconstruction/registration process in measuring the quasi-static kinematics and the contact parameters was evaluated in a validation study. The quasi-static kinematics data revealed that in OA knees, adduction angles were greater (p<0.01), and the femur was located more medially relative to the tibia (p<0.01). Similarly, the average CP locations on the medial and lateral tibial plateaus of the OA patients were shifted (6.5±0.7mm; p<0.01) and (9.6±3.1mm; p<0.01) medially compared to the healthy group. From 0° to 70° flexion, CPs moved 8.1±5.3mm and 8.9±5.3mm posteriorly on the medial and lateral plateaus of healthy knees; while in OA joints CPs moved 10.1±8.4mm and 3.6±2.8mm posteriorly. The average minimum tibio-femoral bone-to-bone distances of the OA joints were lower in both compartments (p<0.01). The CPs in the OA joints were located more medially and displayed a higher ratio of medial to lateral posterior translations compared to healthy joints.

Changes in knee kinematics following total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) changes the knee joint in both intentional and unintentional, known and unknown, ways. Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral kinematics play an important role in postoperative pain, function, satisfaction and revision, yet are largely unknown. Preoperative kinematics, postoperative kinematics or changes in kinematics may help identify causes of poor clinical outcome. Patellofemoral kinematics are challenging to record since the patella is obscured by the metal femoral component in X-ray and moves under the skin. The purpose of this study was to determine the kinematic degrees of freedom having significant changes and to evaluate the variability in individual changes to allow future study of patients with poor clinical outcomes. We prospectively studied the 6 degrees of freedom patellofemoral and tibiofemoral weightbearing kinematics, tibiofemoral contact points and helical axes of rotation of nine subjects before and at least 1 year after total knee arthroplasty using clinically available computed tomography and radiographic imaging systems. Normal kinematics for healthy individuals were identified from the literature. Significant differences existed between pre–TKA and post–TKA kinematics, with the post-TKA kinematics being closer to normal. While on average the pre–total knee arthroplasty knees in this group displayed no pivoting (only translation), individually only five knees displayed this behaviour (of these, two showed lateral pivoting, one showed medial pivoting and one showed central pivoting). There was considerable variability postoperatively as well (five central, two lateral and two medial pivoting). Both preop and postop, flexion behaviour was more hinge-like medially and more rolling laterally. Helical axes were more consistent postop for this group. An inclusive understanding of the pre–TKA and post–TKA kinematics and changes in kinematics due to total knee arthroplasty could improve implant design, patient diagnosis and surgical technique.

Can a total knee arthroplasty be both rotationally unconstrained and anteroposteriorly stabilised? A pulsed fluoroscopic investigation

OBJECTIVES

Throughout the 20th Century, it has been postulated that the knee moves on the basis of a four-bar link mechanism composed of the cruciate ligaments, the femur and the tibia. As a consequence, the femur has been thought to roll back with flexion, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses have been designed on this basis. Recent work, however, has proposed that at a position of between 0° and 120° the medial femoral condyle does not move anteroposteriorly whereas the lateral femoral condyle tends, but is not obliged, to roll back - a combination of movements which equates to tibial internal/ femoral external rotation with flexion. The aim of this paper was to assess if the articular geometry of the GMK Sphere TKA could recreate the natural knee movements in situ/in vivo.

METHODS

The pattern of knee movement was studied in 15 patients (six male: nine female; one male with bilateral TKAs) with 16 GMK Sphere implants, at a mean age of 66 years (53 to 76) with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m(2) (20 to 35). The motions of all 16 knees were observed using pulsed fluoroscopy during a number of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing static and dynamic activities.

RESULTS

During maximally flexed kneeling and lunging activities, the mean tibial internal rotation was 8° (standard deviation (sd) 6). At a mean 112° flexion (sd 16) during lunging, the medial and lateral condyles were a mean of 2 mm (sd 3) and 8 mm (sd 4) posterior to a transverse line passing through the centre of the medial tibial concavity. With a mean flexion of 117° (sd 14) during kneeling, the medial and lateral condyles were a mean of 1 mm (sd 4) anterior and 6 mm (sd 4) posterior to the same line. During dynamic stair and pivoting activities, there was a mean anteroposterior translation of 0 mm to 2 mm of the medial femoral condyle. Backward lateral condylar translation occurred and was linearly related to tibial rotation.

CONCLUSION

The GMK Sphere TKA in our study group shows movements similar in pattern, although reduced in magnitude, to those in recent reports relating to normal knees during several activities. Specifically, little or no translation of the medial femoral condyle was observed during flexion, but there was posterior roll-back of the lateral femoral condyle, equating to tibiofemoral rotation. We conclude that the GMK Sphere is anteroposteriorly stable medially and permits rotation about the medial compartment.Cite this article: Professor G. Scott. Can a total knee arthroplasty be both rotationally unconstrained and anteroposteriorly stabilised?: A pulsed fluoroscopic investigation. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:80-86. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.53.2000621.

Dynamic hip kinematics in patients with hip osteoarthritis during weight-bearing activities

BACKGROUND

There is an interest in quantifying the hip kinematics of patients with end-stage hip disorders before total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of the present study was to obtain dynamic hip kinematics under four different conditions, including deep flexion and rotation, in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

METHODS

Continuous X-ray images were obtained in 14 patients during gait, chair-rising, squatting, and twisting, using a flat panel X-ray detector. These patients received computed tomography scan to generate virtual digitally reconstructed radiographs. The density-based digitally reconstructed radiographs were then compared with the serial X-ray images acquired using image correlations. These 3D-to-2D model-to-image registration techniques determined the 3D positions and orientations of the pelvis and femur during the movement cycle of each activity.

FINDINGS

For gait, chair-rising, and squatting, the maximum hip flexion angles averaged 22°, 64°, and 68°, respectively. The pelvis was tilted anteriorly by an average of around 7° during the full gait cycle. For chair-rising and squatting, the maximum absolute values of anterior/posterior pelvic tilt averaged 8°/17° and 6°/18°, respectively. Hip flexion showed maximum flexion angle on the way of movement due to further anterior pelvic tilt during both chair-rising and squatting. For twisting, the maximum absolute values of internal/external hip rotation averaged 3°/13°.

INTERPRETATION

Patients with hip osteoarthritis prior to total hip arthroplasty demonstrated the limited ranges of coordinated motion of the pelvis, femur, and hip joint during each activity, especially in deeply flexed and rotated postures.

Intraoperative joint gaps and mediolateral balance affect postoperative knee kinematics in posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Adjusting joint gaps and establishing mediolateral (ML) soft tissue balance are considered essential interventions for better outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the relationship between intraoperative laxity measurements and weightbearing knee kinematics has not been well explored. This study aimed to quantify the effect of intraoperative joint gaps and ML soft tissue balance on postoperative knee kinematics in posterior-stabilized (PS)-TKA.

METHODS

We investigated 44 knees in 34 patients who underwent primary PS-TKA by a single surgeon. The central joint gaps and ML tilting angles at 0°, 10°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120° and 135° flexion were measured during surgery. At a minimum of two year follow-up, we analyzed in vivo kinematics of these knees and examined the influence of intraoperative measurements on postoperative kinematics.

RESULTS

Gap difference of knee flexion at 135° minus 0° was correlated with the total posterior translation of lateral femoral condyle (r=0.336, p=0.042) and femoral external rotation (r=0.488, p=0.002) during squatting, anteroposterior position of lateral femoral condyle (r=-0.510, p=0.001) and maximum knee flexion (r=0.355, p=0.031) in kneeling. Similar correlations were observed between deep flexion gap differences with respect to the 90° reference and postoperative knee kinematics. Well-balanced knees showed less anterior translation of medial femoral condyle in mid- to deep flexion, consistent femoral external rotation, and the most neutral valgus/varus rotation compared with unbalanced knees.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the importance of adequate intraoperative joint gaps in deep flexion and ML soft tissue balance throughout the range of motion.

Modelling knee flexion effects on joint power absorption and adduction moment

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis is commonly associated with ageing and long-term walking. In this study the effects of flexing motions on knee kinetics during stance were simulated. Extended knees do not facilitate efficient loading. It was therefore, hypothesised that knee flexion would promote power absorption and negative work, while possibly reducing knee adduction moment.

METHODS

Three-dimensional (3D) position and ground reaction forces were collected from the right lower limb stance phase of one healthy young male subject. 3D position was sampled at 100 Hz using three Optotrak Certus (Northern Digital Inc.) motion analysis camera units, set up around an eight metre walkway. Force plates (AMTI) recorded ground reaction forces for inverse dynamics calculations. The Visual 3D (C-motion) 'Landmark' function was used to change knee joint positions to simulate three knee flexion angles during static standing. Effects of the flexion angles on joint kinetics during the stance phase were then modelled.

RESULTS

The static modelling showed that each 2.7° increment in knee flexion angle produced 2.74°-2.76° increments in knee flexion during stance. Increased peak extension moment was 6.61 Nm per 2.7° of increased knee flexion. Knee flexion enhanced peak power absorption and negative work, while decreasing adduction moment.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive knee extension impairs quadriceps' power absorption and reduces eccentric muscle activity, potentially leading to knee osteoarthritis. A more flexed knee is accompanied by reduced adduction moment. Research is required to determine the optimum knee flexion to prevent further damage to knee-joint structures affected by osteoarthritis.

Diffusion of MRI and CT contrast agents in articular cartilage under static compression

Cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair and focal damage can eventually lead to complete degradation of the tissue. Early diagnosis of degenerative changes in cartilage is therefore essential. Contrast agent-based computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide promising tools for this purpose. However, the common assumption in clinical applications that contrast agents reach steady-state distributions within the tissue has been of questionable validity. Characterization of nonequilibrium diffusion of contrast agents rather than their equilibrium distributions may therefore be more effective for image-based cartilage assessment. Transport of contrast agent through the extracellular matrix of cartilage can be affected by tissue compression due to matrix structural and compositional changes including reduced pore size and fluid content. We therefore investigate the effects of static compression on diffusion of three common contrast agents: sodium iodide, sodium diatrizoate, and gadolinium diethylenetriamine-pentaacid (Gd-DTPA). Results showed that static compression was associated with significant decreases in diffusivities for sodium iodide and Gd-DTPA, with similar (but not significant) trends for sodium diatrizoate. Molecular mass of contrast agents affected diffusivities as the smallest one tested, sodium iodide, showed higher diffusivity than sodium diatrizoate and Gd-DTPA. Compression-associated cartilage matrix alterations such as glycosaminoglycan and fluid contents were found to correspond with variations in contrast agent diffusivities. Although decreased diffusivity was significantly correlated with increasing glycosaminoglycan content for sodium iodide and Gd-DTPA only, diffusivity significantly increased for all contrast agents by increasing fluid fraction. Because compounds based on iodine and gadolinium are commonly used for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, present findings can be valuable for more accurate image-based assessment of variations in cartilage composition associated with focal injuries.

Elongation of the collateral ligaments after cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty and the maximum flexion of the knee

The mechanisms that affect knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are still debatable. This study investigated the elongation of the superficial medial (sMCL) and lateral collateral ligaments (LCL) before and after a posterior cruciate retaining (CR) TKA. We hypothesized that overstretching of the collateral ligaments in high flexion after TKA could reduce maximal flexion of the knee. Three-dimensional models of 11 osteoarthritic knees of 11 patients including the insertions of the collateral ligaments were created using MR images. Each ligament was divided into three equal portions: anterior, middle and posterior portions. The shortest 3D wrapping length of each ligament portion was determined before and after the TKA surgery along a weight-bearing, single leg flexion path. The relationship between the changes of ligament elongation and the changes of the maximal knee flexion after TKAs was quantitatively analyzed. The sMCL showed significant increases in length only at low flexion after TKA; the LCL showed decreases in length at full extension, but increases with further flexion after TKA. The amount of increases of the maximum flexion angle after TKA was negatively correlated with the increases of the elongations of the anterior portion (p=0.010, r=0.733) and middle portion (p=0.049, r=0.604) of the sMCL as well as the anterior portion (p=0.010, r=0.733) of the LCL at maximal flexion of the knee. The results indicated that the increases of the length of the collateral ligaments at maximal flexion after TKA were associated with the decreases of the maximal flexion of the knee. Our data suggest that collateral ligament management should also be evaluated at higher knee flexion angles in order to optimize maximal flexion of the knee after TKAs.

In vivo kinematics of a robot-assisted uni- and multi-compartmental knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

There is great interest in providing reliable and durable treatments for one- and two-compartment arthritic degeneration of the cruciate-ligament intact knee. One approach is to resurface only the diseased compartments with discrete unicompartmental components, retaining the undamaged compartment(s). However, placing multiple small implants into the knee presents a greater surgical challenge than total knee arthroplasty, so it is not certain that the natural knee mechanics can be maintained or restored. The goal of this study was to determine whether near-normal knee kinematics can be obtained with a robot-assisted multi-compartmental knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with 15 multi-compartmental knee arthroplasties using haptic robotic-assisted bone preparation were involved in this study. Nine subjects received a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), three subjects received a medial UKA and patellofemoral (PF) arthroplasty, and three subjects received medial and lateral bi-unicondylar arthroplasty. Knee motions were recorded using video-fluoroscopy an average of 13 months (6-29 months) after surgery during stair and kneeling activities. The three-dimensional position and orientation of the implant components were determined using model-image registration techniques.

RESULTS

Knee kinematics during maximum flexion kneeling showed femoral external rotation and posterior lateral condylar translation. All knees showed femoral external rotation and posterior condylar translation with flexion during the step activity. Knees with medial UKA and PF arthroplasty showed the most femoral external rotation and posterior translation, and knees with bicondylar UKA showed the least.

CONCLUSIONS

Knees with accurately placed uni- or bi-compartmental arthroplasty exhibited stable knee kinematics consistent with intact and functioning cruciate ligaments. The patterns of tibiofemoral motion were more similar to natural knees than commonly has been observed in knees with total knee arthroplasty. Larger series are required to confirm these as general observations, but the present results demonstrate the potential to restore or maintain closer-to-normal knee kinematics by retaining intact structures and compartments.

Gait knee kinematic alterations in medial osteoarthritis: three dimensional assessment

PURPOSE

Although kinematic changes in the sagittal plane of the osteoarthritic knee (OA) have been elucidated, very few studies have analysed changes in the frontal and horizontal planes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate in vivo 3D knee kinematics during walking in patients wth knee OA.

METHODS

Thirty patients with medial knee OA and a control group of similarly aged individuals were prospectively collected for this study. All participants were assessed with KneeKG(TM) system while walking on a treadmill at a self-selected speed. In each trial, we calculated the angular displacment of flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and external/internal tibial rotation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between the knee OA group and the control group.

RESULTS

Patients with knee OA had reduced extension during the stance phase (p < 0.05; 8.5° and 4.4°, OA and control group, respectively) and reduced flexion during pushoff and initial swing phase (p  < 0.05; 41.9° and 49.4°, respectively). Adduction angle was consistently greater for OA patients (p  < 0.05; 3.4° and -0.9°, respectively). Frontal laxity for OA patients was positively correlated with varus deformity (r = 0.42, p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p)  < 0.05 in tibial rotation during the midstance phase; OA patients retained a neutral position (-0.4°), while the control group presented internal tibial rotation (-2.2°).

CONCLUSION

Weight-bearing kinematics in medial OA knees differs from that of normal knees. The knee OA group showed an altered "screw-home" mechanism by decreased excursion in sagittal and axial tibial rotation and posterior tibial translation.

Comparison of quasi-static and dynamic squats: a three-dimensional kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic study of the lower limbs

Numerous studies have described 3D kinematics, 3D kinetics and electromyography (EMG) of the lower limbs during quasi-static or dynamic squatting activities. One study compared these two squatting conditions but only at low speed on healthy subjects, and provided no information on kinetics and EMG of the lower limbs. The purpose of the present study was to contrast simultaneous recordings of 3D kinematics, 3D kinetics and EMG of the lower limbs during quasi-stat ic and fast-dynamic squats in healthy and pathological subjects. Ten subjects were recruited: five healthy and five osteoarthritis subjects. A motion-capture system, force plate, and surface electrodes respectively recorded 3D kinematics, 3D kinetics and EMG of the lower limbs. Each subject performed a quasi-static squat and several fast-dynamic squats from 0° to 70° of knee flexion. The two squatting conditions were compared for positions where quasi-static and fast-dynamic knee flexion-extension angles were similar. Mean differences between quasi-static and fast-dynamic squats were 1.5° for rotations, 1.9 mm for translations, 2.1% of subjects' body weight for ground reaction forces, 6.6 Nm for torques, 11.2 mm for center of pressure, and 6.3% of maximum fast-dynamic electromyographic activities for EMG. Some significant differences (p<0.05) were found in internal rotation, anterior translation, vertical force and EMG. All differences between quasi-static and fast-dynamic squats were small. 69.5% of compared data were equivalent. In conclusion, this study showed that quasi-static and fast-dynamic squatting activities are comparable in terms of 3D kinematics, 3D kinetics and EMG, although some reservations still remain.

Selective lateral muscle activation in moderate medial knee osteoarthritis subjects does not unload medial knee condyle

There is some debate in the literature regarding the role of quadriceps-hamstrings co-contraction in the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Does co-contraction during walking increase knee contact loads, thereby causing knee osteoarthritis, or might it be a compensatory mechanism to unload the medial tibial condyle? We used a detailed musculoskeletal model of the lower limb to test the hypothesis that selective activation of lateral hamstrings and quadriceps, in conjunction with inhibited medial gastrocnemius, can actually reduce the joint contact force on the medial compartment of the knee, independent of changes in kinematics or external forces. "Baseline" joint loads were computed for eight subjects with moderate medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) during level walking, using static optimization to resolve the system of muscle forces for each subject's scaled model. Holding all external loads and kinematics constant, each subject's model was then perturbed to represent non-optimal "OA-type" activation based on mean differences detected between electromyograms (EMG) of control and osteoarthritis subjects. Knee joint contact forces were greater for the "OA-type" than the "Baseline" distribution of muscle forces, particularly during early stance. The early-stance increase in medial contact load due to the "OA-type" perturbation could implicate this selective activation strategy as a cause of knee osteoarthritis. However, the largest increase in the contact load was found at the lateral condyle, and the "OA-type" lateral activation strategy did not increase the overall (greater of the first or second) medial peak contact load. While "OA-type" selective activation of lateral muscles does not appear to reduce the medial knee contact load, it could allow subjects to increase knee joint stiffness without any further increase to the peak medial contact load.

In vivo kinematics of medial unicompartmental osteoarthritic knees during activities of daily living

Few studies exist describing unicompartmental osteoarthritic knee kinematics. Moreover, the role of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the determination of knee kinematics has not been fully described. The objective of the current study was to analyze the in vivo kinematics of knees with medial osteoarthritis (OA) and intact ACL during closed and open chained motion. Eight patients scheduled for UKA diagnosed with primary medial OA underwent knee CT-scans and video-fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopic analysis included stair climbing, chair rising and leg extension. Three-dimensional bone positions were obtained from each image by iterative procedures using a CAD-model-based shape-matching technique. Patterns of axial rotation and anterior-posterior (AP) motion of the medial and lateral femoral condyle were obtained with specific software. The femur reported an overall external rotation relative to the tibia from extension to flexion in all tasks. Average AP translation of the medial femoral condyle were smaller in open-chained tasks than in weight-bearing conditions. Average AP motion of the lateral femoral condyle reported an overall posterior translation with knee flexion. The absent natural "screw-home" mechanism and the lack of medial condyle posterior translation was explained by bone-cartilage defects and meniscal degeneration. Relevant findings were the kinematic pattern differences between weight-bearing and open chained activities, suggesting that in biphasic muscle contraction and unloaded conditions, the function of the cruciate ligaments was not physiological. The kinematics of knees with medial OA and intact ACL differed from healthy knees.

End-stage extension of the knee and its influence on tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) in asymptomatic volunteers

PURPOSE

Increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) is one potential correcting parameter in patients suffering from lateral patellar instability. It was hypothesized that end-stage extension of the knee might influence the TTTG distance on MR images.

METHODS

Transverse T1-weighted MR images of the knee were acquired at full extension, 15° and 30° flexion of the knee in 30 asymptomatic volunteers. MRI parameters: slice thickness: 3 mm, matrix: 256 × 384, FOV: 150 × 150 mm. Two observers independently measured the TTTG at all positions.

RESULTS

Mean TTTG for observer 1 was 15.1 ± 3.2 mm at full extension, 10.0 ± 3.5 mm at 15° flexion and 8.1 ± 3.4 mm at 30° flexion. Mean TTTG for observer 2: 14.8 ± 3.3 mm at full extension, 9.4 ± 3.0 mm at 15° flexion, 8.6 ± 3.4 mm at 30° flexion. Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.001) between full extension and 15° as well as 30° flexion for both observers. Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.001) between 15° and 30° for observer 1, but not for observer 2 (n.s.). Interobserver agreement was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.87-0.88; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The TTTG increases significantly at the end-stage extension of the knee. Therefore, the comparability of published TTTG values measured on radiographs, CT and MRI at various flexion/extension angles of the knee are limited.

The Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Leg Rotation during Knee Extension

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of hamstring stretching on leg rotation during active knee extension. [Subjects] Subjects were 100 bilateral legs of 50 healthy women without articular disease. [Methods] Hamstring hardness, leg rotation and muscle activities of the knee extensors during active knee extension were measured before and after hamstring stretching. [Results] Hamstring hardness was significantly decreased after hamstring stretching. The leg rotation angle, variation in leg rotation angle, variation in leg external rotation angle, and muscle activities of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were significantly increased after hamstring stretching. A moderate positive correlation was found between variation in leg rotation and variation in muscle hardness in hamstring. [Conclusion] Leg rotation during active knee extension was increased by hamstring stretching. Hamstring stretching would be effective as a pretreatment for restoring proper leg rotation when knee extension is conducted as a therapeutic exercise.

In vivo pre- and postoperative three-dimensional knee kinematics in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Pre- and postoperative knee kinematics in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can be theoretically related to clinical outcome and longevity after UKA with regard to ligament function and the degree of arthritic changes. However, the preoperative knee kinematics of patients indicated for UKA remain to be elucidated, and it is also unclear whether the preoperative kinematics can be maintained by the UKA procedure. The objective of this study was to examine the in vivo pre- and postoperative three-dimensional knee kinematics in UKA while referencing the normal knee kinematics reported in our previous study.

METHODS

We analyzed the knee kinematics in 17 knees (14 patients) undergoing UKA via a three-dimensional to two-dimensional registration technique employing femoral condylar translation and femoral axial rotation. The pre- and postoperative knee kinematics during squat motion were evaluated in the same subjects, employing consistent evaluation parameters.

RESULTS

On average, both pre- and postoperative knee kinematics in the range 10-100° of knee flexion demonstrated near-consistent femoral external rotation and anterior translation of the medial condyle and posterior translation of the lateral condyle. However, the mean femoral external rotation angle and the posterior translation of the lateral condyle postoperatively were significantly smaller than the values observed preoperatively.

DISCUSSION

Although the patterns of preoperative knee motion were similar to those seen in normal knees, the magnitude of this motion varied widely between patients, so it was not necessarily representative of normal knees. These variations may be due to the varying degrees of arthritic changes caused by osteoarthritis. Although the patterns of knee kinematics were largely maintained by the UKA procedure, the causes of the significant reductions in the magnitude of motion upon performing the UKA procedure should be investigated in subsequent studies with a larger number of patients.

Improvement in the clinical practicability of roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA): free from the use of the dual X-ray equipment

After total knee replacement, the monitoring of the prosthetic performance is often done by roentgenographic examination. However, the two-dimensional (2D) roentgen images only provide information about the projection onto the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes. Historically, the model-based roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) technique has been developed to predict the spatial relationship between prostheses by iteratively comparing the projective data for the prosthetic models and the roentgen images. During examination, the prosthetic poses should be stationary. This should be ensured, either by the use of dual synchronized X-ray equipment or by the use of a specific posture. In practice, these methods are uncommon or technically inconvenient during follow-up examination. This study aims to develop a rotation platform to improve the clinical applicability of the model-based RSA technique. The rotation platform allows the patient to assume a weight-bearing posture, while being steadily rotated so that both AP and ML knee images can be obtained. This study uses X-ray equipment with a single source and flat panel detectors (FPDs). Four tests are conducted to evaluate the quality of the FPD images, steadiness of the rotation platform, and accuracy of the RSA results. The results show that the distortion-induced error of the FPD image is quite minor, and the prosthetic size can be cautiously calibrated by means of the scale ball(s). The rotation platform should be placed closer to the FPD and orthogonal to the projection axis of the X-ray source. Image overlap of the prostheses can be avoided by adjusting both X-ray source and knee posture. The device-induced problems associated with the rotation platform include the steadiness of the platform operation and the balance of the rotated subject. Sawbone tests demonstrate that the outline error, due to the platform, is of the order of the image resolution (= 0.145 mm). In conclusion, the rotation platform with steady rotation, a knee support, and a handle can serve as an alternative method to take prosthetic images, without the loss in accuracy associated with the RSA method.

Matched comparison of kinematics in knees with mild and severe varus deformity using fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

We examined knee kinematics in three 16-knee cohorts with the same implant design to clarify the influence of bearing mobility and preoperative deformity on the kinematics of posterior-stabilized knee arthroplasty. Compared to knees with mild deformity and a fixed-bearing implant, we hypothesized that a matched group of knees with mobile-bearing prostheses would show greater tibial axial rotation. We hypothesized that knees with the same fixed-bearing implant, but severe preoperative deformity, would have less axial rotation.

METHODS

A total of 58 knees in 48 patients were involved in this study from a consecutive single-surgeon total knee arthroplasty series. Sixteen knees received mobile-bearing prostheses, and a best-matched cohort of knees with fixed-bearing implants was selected. The 16 fixed-bearing knees with most severe preoperative deformity were selected as a third group. All knees were examined at least 1.5 years after surgery. Flexion, femoral external rotation, anteroposterior translation of both femoral condyles during squatting and deep knee flexion activities were evaluated using model-image registration techniques.

FINDINGS

We found some statistically significant, but small differences among the three groups in dynamic and static knee kinematics. In squatting, total femoral rotation for knees with fixed- and mobile-bearing implants, and knees with fixed-bearing implants after severe preoperative varus deformity, was not significantly different. [7° (SD3°), 9° (SD3°), 8° (SD3°), respectively, P=0.08].

INTERPRETATION

Similar kinematic results for knees with different tibial bearing surfaces and preoperative deformities indicate a robust treatment with this posterior stabilized implant. However, knees did not exhibit normal femoral rotations or functional flexion ranges.

The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis: a mechanical perspective on the knee joint

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent cause of disability in the United States, with the medial compartment of the knee being most commonly affected. The initiation and progression of knee OA is influenced by many factors, including kinematics. In response to loading during weight-bearing activity, cartilage in healthy knees demonstrates spatial adaptations in morphology and mechanical properties. These adaptations allow certain regions of the cartilage to respond to loading; other regions are less well suited to accommodate loading. Alterations in normal knee kinematics shift loading from cartilage regions adapted for loading to regions less well suited for loading, which leads to the initiation and progression of degenerative processes consistent with knee OA. Kinematic variables that are associated with the development, progression, and severity of knee OA are the adduction moment and tibiofemoral rotation. Because of its strong correlation with disease progression and pain, the peak adduction moment during gait has been identified as a target for treatment design. Gait modification offers a noninvasive option for seeking significant reductions. Gait modification has the potential to reduce pain and slow the progression of medial compartment knee OA.

Association between in vivo knee kinematics during gait and the severity of knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis patients may exhibit different kinematics according to the disease stage. However, changes in the frontal and horizontal planes in each stage remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the knee kinematic gait variables of osteoarthritis patients, including the frontal and horizontal planes, with respect to the severity of the disease.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with knee osteoarthritis and 13 healthy young subjects were recruited for the experiment. All subjects were examined while walking on a 10-m walkway at a self-selected speed. In each trial, we calculated the angular displacements of flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and external/internal tibial rotation. We also measured muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and alignment. We compared the differences in osteoarthritis severity and knee kinematic variables between osteoarthritis patients and normal subjects.

RESULTS

The flexion angle at the time of foot contact was significantly less in patients with severe and moderate osteoarthritis than in normal subjects (both p<0.01). The abduction angle at the 50% stance phase was significantly less in patients with severe osteoarthritis than in normal subjects (p<0.05). The excursion of axial tibial rotation was significantly less in patients with early osteoarthritis than in normal subjects (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Osteoarthritis patients had different knee kinematics during gait, depending on the progress of osteoarthritis. Early-stage patients exhibit decreased axial tibial rotation excursion, while severe-stage patient exhibit increased knee adduction.

Less femorotibial rotation and AP translation in deep-dished total knee arthroplasty. An intraoperative kinematic study using navigation

PURPOSE

Hyper-congruent inserts have been proposed as another means of posterior stabilization in total knee arthroplasty. Their kinematics, partially unexplored, is reported to be possibly erratic. The objectives of the present study were to detect whether prostheses with such a constrained design would provide antero-posterior (AP) stability without interfering with high flexion.

METHODS

The kinematics of 10 knees replaced with hyper-congruent inserts was tested intra-operatively with a specially designed navigation system (Praxim, La Tronche, Isère, France), to measure AP displacements of femoro-tibial contact points at knee flexion.

RESULTS

Femoro-tibial contact points in full extension were in a posterior position compared to their initial position before implantation (8 ± 6 mm medially, 15 ± 10 mm laterally, P < 0.004). AP displacements were different from pre-operative displacements (3 ± 4 mm vs -5 ± 2 mm for the medial condyle, P < 0.01 and -2 ± 6 mm vs -22 ± 8 mm for the lateral condyle, P < 0.001). Forward rolling persisted in four cases, with the medial condyle being involved in three of them (9, 9, and 6 mm, respectively). Post-operative flexion of 122° on average was not correlated with AP displacements.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyper-congruent prostheses partially stabilized femoral condyles at knee flexion. Posterior displacements were reduced with no consequence on range of flexion. Posterior stabilization was imperfect, and paradoxical displacements were detected by navigation, which could therefore help optimize knee balance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic study, Level II.

In vivo three-dimensional motion analysis of osteoarthritic knees

AIM

The purpose of this study is to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of preoperative osteoarthritic (OA) knees, and to clarify the validity of the findings in comparison with previous studies of kinematics in normal and OA knees.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen preoperative OA knees were scanned by 3D computed tomography (CT) at three positions. We created 3D bone models and quantitatively evaluated motion of the knee joint using a markerless volume-based registration technique. Assessment categories comprised rotation angles and anterior-posterior (AP) translation. The Pearson correlation test was used to analyze correlations between rotational angle and femorotibial angle.

RESULTS

From maximum extension to 90° flexion, 11 femurs displayed internal rotation relative to the tibia. In 10 knees, the sulcus moved >1 mm more backward than the lateral epicondyle. Significant differences were apparent between movement of the sulcus and lateral epicondyle. A correlation of -0.42 was found between the rotational angle and femorotibial angle.

CONCLUSIONS

The kinematics of OA knees differed from that of normal knees in that femurs did not present external rotation with flexion. One reason for this movement is that the medial condyle of the femur tended to move backward in knee flexion due to disruption of the tibial joint surface.

Internal tibial rotation during in vivo, dynamic activity induces greater sliding of tibio-femoral joint contact on the medial compartment

PURPOSE

Although extensive research has been conducted on rotational kinematics, the internal/external rotation of the tibio-femoral joint is perhaps less important for protecting joint health than its effect on joint contact mechanics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tibio-femoral joint contact paths during a functional activity (running) and investigate the relationship between these arthrokinematic measures and traditional kinematics (internal/external rotation).

METHODS

Tibio-femoral motion was assessed for the contralateral (uninjured) knees of 29 ACL-reconstructed individuals during downhill running, using dynamic stereo X-ray combined with three-dimensional CT bone models to produce knee kinematics and dynamic joint contact paths. The joint contact sliding length was estimated by comparing femoral and tibial contact paths. The difference in sliding length between compartments was compared to knee rotation.

RESULTS

Sliding length was significantly larger on the medial side (10.2 ± 3.8 mm) than the lateral side (2.3 ± 4.0 mm). The difference in sliding length between compartments (mean 7.8 ± 3.0 mm) was significantly correlated with internal tibial rotation (P < 0.01, R (2) = 0.74).

CONCLUSION

The relationship between rotational knee kinematics and joint contact paths was specifically revealed as greater tibial internal rotation was associated with larger magnitude of sliding motion in the medial compartment. This could suggest that lateral pivot movement occurs during running.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Rotational kinematics abnormality should be treated for restoring normal balance of joint sliding between medial and lateral compartments and preventing future osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic studies, Level II.

Age-related changes in kinematics of the knee joint during deep squat

Researchers frequently use the deep knee squat as a motor task in order to evaluate the kinematic performance after total knee arthroplasty. Many authors reported about the kinematics of a normal squatting motion, however, little is known on what the influence of aging is. Twenty-two healthy volunteers in various age groups (range 21-75 years) performed a deep knee squat activity while undergoing motion analysis using an optical tracking system. The influence of aging was evaluated with respect to kinematics of the trunk, hip, knee and ankle joints. Older subjects required significantly more time to perform a deep squat, especially during the descending phase. They also had more knee abduction and delayed peak knee flexion. Older subjects were slower in descend than ascend during the squat. Although older subjects had a trend towards less maximal flexion and less internal rotation of the knee compared to younger subjects, this difference was not significant. Older subjects also showed a trend towards more forward leaning of the trunk, resulting in increased hip flexion and anterior thoracic tilt. This study confirmed that some aspects of squat kinematics vary significantly with age, and that the basic methodology employed here can successfully detect these age-related trends. Older subjects had more abduction of the knee joint, and this may indicate the load distribution of the medial and lateral condyles could be different amongst ages. Age-matched control data are therefore required whenever the performance of an implant is evaluated during a deep knee squat.

Dynamic in vivo glenohumeral kinematics during scapular plane abduction in healthy shoulders

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

OBJECTIVES

To measure superior/inferior translation and external rotation of the humerus relative to the scapula during scapular plane abduction using 3-D/2-D model image registration techniques.

BACKGROUND

Kinematic changes in the glenohumeral joint, including excessive superior translation of the humeral head and inadequate external rotation of the humerus, are believed to be a possible cause of shoulder impingement. Although many researchers have analyzed glenohumeral kinematics with various methods, few articles have assessed dynamic in vivo glenohumeral motion.

METHODS

Twelve healthy males with a mean age of 32 years (range, 27-36 years) were enrolled in this study. Fluoroscopic images of the dominant shoulder during scapular plane elevation were taken, and computed tomography-derived 3-D bone models were matched with the silhouette of the bones in the fluoroscopic images using 3-D/2-D model image registration techniques. The kinematics of the humerus relative to the scapula were determined using Euler angles.

RESULTS

On average, there was 2.1 mm of initial humeral translation in the superior direction from the starting position to 105° of humeral elevation. Subsequently, an average of 0.9 mm of translation in the inferior direction occurred between 105° and maximum arm elevation. The average amount of external rotation of the humerus was 14° from the starting position to 60° of humeral elevation. The humerus then rotated internally an average 9° by the time the shoulder reached maximum elevation. These changes in superior/inferior translation and external/internal rotation were statistically significant (P<.001 and P = .001, respectively), based on 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

CONCLUSION

The observed glenohumeral translations and rotations characterize healthy shoulder function and serve as a preliminary foundation for quantifying pathomechanics in the presence of glenohumeral joint disorders.

Automatic model-based roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) of total knee prostheses

Conventional radiography is insensitive for early and accurate estimation of the mal-alignment and wear of knee prostheses. The two-staged (rough and fine) registration of the model-based RSA technique has recently been developed to in vivo estimate the prosthetic pose (i.e, location and orientation). In the literature, rough registration often uses template match or manual adjustment of the roentgen images. Additionally, possible error induced by the nonorthogonality of taking two roentgen images neither examined nor calibrated prior to fine registration. This study developed two RSA methods for automate the estimation of the prosthetic pose and decrease the nonorthogonality-induced error. The predicted results were validated by both simulative and experimental tests and compared with reported findings in the literature. The outcome revealed that the feature-recognized method automates pose estimation and significantly increases the execution efficiency up to about 50 times in comparison with the literature counterparts. Although the nonorthogonal images resulted in undesirable errors, the outline-optimized method can effectively compensate for the induced errors prior to fine registration. The superiority in automation, efficiency, and accuracy demonstrated the clinical practicability of the two proposed methods especially for the numerous fluoroscopic images of dynamic motion.

In vivo knee kinematics during stair and deep flexion activities in patients with bicruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty

Orthopedic surgeons and their patients continue to seek better functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. The bicruciate substituting (BCS) total knee arthroplasty design has been introduced to achieve more natural knee mechanics. The purpose of this study was to characterize kinematics in knees with BCS arthroplasty during deep flexion and stair activities using fluoroscopy and model-image registration. In 20 patients with 25 BCS knees, we observed average implant flexion of 128° during kneeling and consistent posterior condylar translations with knee flexion. Tibial rotations were qualitatively similar to those observed in the arthritic natural knee. Knee kinematics with BCS arthroplasty were qualitatively more similar to arthritic natural knees than knees with either posterior cruciate-retaining or posterior-stabilized arthroplasty.

In vivo shoulder function after surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff: glenohumeral joint mechanics, shoulder strength, clinical outcomes, and their interaction

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff is based on the belief that repairing the tear is necessary to restore normal glenohumeral joint (GHJ) mechanics and achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome.

HYPOTHESIS

Dynamic joint function is not completely restored by rotator cuff repair, thus compromising shoulder function and potentially leading to long-term disability.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study and Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Twenty-one rotator cuff patients and 35 control participants enrolled in the study. Biplane radiographic images were acquired bilaterally from each patient during coronal-plane abduction. Rotator cuff patients were tested at 3, 12, and 24 months after repair of a supraspinatus tendon tear. Control participants were tested once. Glenohumeral joint kinematics and joint contact patterns were accurately determined from the biplane radiographic images. Isometric shoulder strength and patient-reported outcomes were measured at each time point. Ultrasound imaging assessed rotator cuff integrity at 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty of 21 rotator cuff repairs appeared intact at 24 months after surgery. The humerus of the patients' repaired shoulder was positioned more superiorly on the glenoid than both the patients' contralateral shoulder and the dominant shoulder of control participants. Patient-reported outcomes improved significantly over time. Shoulder strength also increased over time, although strength deficits persisted at 24 months for most patients. Changes over time in GHJ mechanics were not detected for either the rotator cuff patients' repaired or contralateral shoulders. Clinical outcome was associated with shoulder strength but not GHJ mechanics.

CONCLUSION

Surgical repair of an isolated supraspinatus tear may be sufficient to keep the torn rotator cuff intact and achieve satisfactory patient-reported outcomes, but GHJ mechanics and shoulder strength are not fully restored with current repair techniques.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study suggests that current surgical repair techniques may be effective for reducing pain but have not yet been optimized for restoring long-term shoulder function.

In vivo 3-dimensional analysis of scapular kinematics: comparison of dominant and nondominant shoulders

BACKGROUND

Alterations in scapular motion frequently are seen in association with various shoulder disorders. It is common clinically to compare the pathological shoulder with the contralateral shoulder, in spite of arm dominance, to characterize the disorder. However, there have been few articles that test the underlying assumption that dominant and nondominant shoulders exhibit comparable dynamic kinematics. The purpose of this study was to compare the 3-dimensional (3-D) scapular kinematics of dominant and nondominant shoulders during dynamic scapular plane elevation using 3-D-2-D (2-dimensional) registration techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve healthy males with a mean age of 32 years (range, 27-36) were enrolled in this study. Bilateral fluoroscopic images during scapular plane elevation and lowering were taken, and CT-derived 3-D bone models were matched with the silhouette of the bones in the fluoroscopic images using 3-D-2-D registration techniques. Angular values of the scapula and scapulohumeral rhythm were compared between dominant and nondominant shoulders with statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in upward rotation angles between paired shoulders (P < .001), while significant differences were not found in the other angular values and scapulohumeral rhythm. The dominant scapulae were 10° more downwardly rotated at rest and 4° more upwardly rotated during elevation compared to the nondominant scapulae.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Scapular motion was not the same between dominant and nondominant arms in healthy subjects. The dominant scapula was rotated further downward at rest and reached greater upward rotation with abduction. These differences should be considered in clinical assessment of shoulder pathology.

Kinematics of medial osteoarthritic knees before and after posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for the treatment of patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA). However, the function of the knee is not always fully recovered after TKA. We used a dual fluoroscopic imaging system to evaluate the in vivo kinematics of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after a posterior cruciate ligament-retaining TKA (PCR-TKA) during weight-bearing knee flexion, and compared the results to those of normal knees. The OA knees displayed similar internal/external tibial rotation to normal knees. However, the OA knees had less overall posterior femoral translation relative to the tibia between 0° and 105° flexion and more varus knee rotation between 0° and 45° flexion, than in the normal knees. Additionally, in the OA knees the femur was located more medially than in the normal knees, particularly between 30° and 60° flexion. After PCR-TKA, the knee kinematics were not restored to normal. The overall internal tibial rotation and posterior femoral translation between 0° and 105° knee flexion were dramatically reduced. Additionally, PCR-TKA introduced an abnormal anterior femoral translation during early knee flexion, and the femur was located lateral to the tibia throughout weight-bearing flexion. The data help understand the biomechanical functions of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after contemporary PCR-TKA. They may also be useful for improvement of future prostheses designs and surgical techniques in treatment of knees with end-stage OA.