Die Arthrolyse bei chronischen Beugedefiziten des Kniegelenks

Treatment of patella baja by a modified Z-plasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a modified Z-plasty for patellar tendon lengthening for the treatment of patella baja. Rather than adapting only two tendon reins according to the conventional Z-plasty method, the modified Z-plasty provides four reins to enable multifold overlapping of the tendon tissue.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2012, a modified Z-plasty procedure was performed in four patients suffering from patella baja. Physical examinations and standardized scoring instruments served as the evaluation measures.

RESULTS

The median preoperative CD ratio of 0.53 (range 0.43-0.62) was corrected to 1.03 (range 1-1.06) after a median follow-up of 34 months (range 23-41 months). The median preoperative flexion of 108° (range 80-135°) improved to 143° (range 110-145°) compared with the flexion of 145° (range 140-145°) of the unaffected knee. No patients showed any signs of extension lag. The median Lysholm score improved from 49 (range 22-80) to 91 (range 67-95), and the Tegner activity level improved from 2 (range 0-6) to 6 (range 2-6). The median VAS status for pain decreased from an average of 8.5 (range 4-10) to 1 (range 0-2). No complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The modified Z-plasty procedure is a valuable technique for the treatment of patella baja, especially if allografts are not available. This procedure allowed for early mobilization and achieved excellent clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

[Treatment of extension contracture of the knee by quadriceps plasty (Judet procedure)]

OBJECTIVE

Knee flexion is increased by detachment of contracted quadriceps muscle from the pelvis and femur in combination with arthrolysis of the knee.

INDICATIONS

Flexion contracture of the knee caused by extraarticular changes of quadriceps muscle (fibrosis, soft-tissue damage, infection, fracture). Failed intraarticular arthrolysis. Intraarticular treatment insufficient.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Isolated intraarticular fibrosis of the knee. Infection of the knee or the soft tissues. Soft tissue defects in the area of the incision. Noncompliance of patient. Neurologic reasons for flexion contracture.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Medial arthrotomy. Arthrolysis and resection of adhesions in the superior recess and lateral gutters. Incision of retinaculae preparing a lengthening. The vastus medialis muscle is dissected from the intermuscular septum from distal to proximal. The proximal third of the muscle is spared. The incision is now extended proximally and laterally. The vastus lateralis muscle is released from the intermuscular septum from distal to proximal. The insertion of vastus lateralis muscle is detached at the proximal femur. The conjoint tendons of rectus femoris muscle are released at the anterior inferior iliac spine. The knee is gradually flexed, residual adhesions are addressed. The proximal part of the vastus medialis has to be preserved since it covers the neurovascular supply of the quadriceps muscle. The knee is closed in flexion. The retinaculae are adapted as far as possible. Soft tissues and skin are closed in layers.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

The patient in placed on a continuous passive motion device for 7 days under peridural anesthesia. Partial weight bearing with crutches is advised for 6 weeks, quadriceps training is started early to treat the active extension deficit.

RESULTS

Our results reveal that operative treatment of complex flexion deficits lead to objective and subjective improvements. After 8.2 months, 17 of 19 patients had a mean gain of flexion of 26°. Subjectively 10 patients were highly satisfied and 7 were satisfied after operative treatment.

Total knee arthroplasty of the stiff knee: three hundred and four cases

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in stiff knees (flexion ≤90° and/or flexion contracture ≥20°). Our hypothesis was that despite having poorer results than those obtained in a "standard" population and a high rate of complications, TKA was a satisfactory treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee associated with significant stiffness.

METHODS

Three hundred and four consecutive primary HLS TKAs (Tornier), whose data were prospectively collected between October 1987 and October 2012, were retrospectively analysed at a mean of 60 months (range, 12-239) postoperatively. Two groups, those with a "flexion contracture" and those with a "flexion deficit", were assessed for postoperative range of motion (as integrated to the Knee Society score [KSS]), physical activity level and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

At the latest follow-up, range of motion was significantly improved, as was the KSS. Ninety-four percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied, and activity levels were increased after surgery. The complication rate, however, was high in patients with a preoperative flexion deficit (17%). Pain and residual stiffness were the most common complications.

CONCLUSION

TKA provides satisfactory results in patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with significant pre-operative stiffness. The surgical plan should be adapted to anticipate complications, which are particularly frequent in the presence of a flexion deficit.