Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy allows return to sports

The tipping point in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy relates to the shape of the proximal tibia more than to lower limb alignment correction

PURPOSE

The tipping point (TP) of the knee joint is the centre of rotation of the joint in the coronal plane. This study aimed to define the TP in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

METHODS

Data from 154 consecutive patients with varus knee malalignment, who underwent MOWHTO between 2017 and 2021, was retrospectively reviewed. The degree of preoperative osteoarthritis (OA), using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system, was recorded. Long-leg standing radiographs were used to record the alignment parameters, including the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and the joint line obliquity (JLO) angle. Postoperative Tegner activity scores, Western Ontario and McMaster University Scores and patients' satisfaction were recorded. To define the TP, the relationship of all variables to Δ JLCA (absolute difference between preoperative to postoperative JLCA values) was analysed. Linear regression was employed for Δ JLCA to preoperative JLCA and postoperative and Δ MPTA (absolute difference between preoperative and postoperative values). K-means clustering was used to partition observations into clusters, in which each observation belongs to the cluster with the nearest mean serving as a prototype of the cluster, and analysed if there was any specific threshold influencing Δ JLCA. After defining the TP, further subanalysis of the TP based on the preoperative KL OA grade and analysis of variance of this TP to the KL OA grade was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 154 patients (77.9% males and 22.1% females) were included. The mean age was 48.2 ± 11 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.1 ± 4 kg/m2. Preoperatively, 26 (16.9%) patients had KL grade IV OA. The mean preoperative and postoperative JLCA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 2.6° ± 1.8° (p < 0.0001) and 1.9° ± 1.8° (p = 0.6), respectively. The mean Δ JLCA was 1.4° ± 1.5°. The mean pre- and postoperative MPTA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 84.6 ± 2.2 (p = 0.005) and 91.8 ± 2.5 (p < 0.0007), respectively. The mean Δ MPTA was 7.2 ± 2.3 (p = 0.3). The mean preoperative and postoperative HKA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 174.6 ± 2.5 (p = 0.2) and 181.9 ± 2.4 (p = 0.7), respectively. The overall linear regression for Δ JLCA was statistically significant for preoperative JLCA (R2 = 0.3, p < 0.0001) and postoperative MPTA (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.0001) and statistically insignificant for Δ MPTA (R2 = 0.01, p = 0.2) and postoperative HKA (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.7). MPTA > 91.5° was the optimal threshold dividing this series data set between substantial and nonsignificant Δ JLCA.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the main predictive factors for intra-articular correction (Δ JLCA) after MOWHTO were the preoperative value of JLCA and the postoperative value of MPTA. A value of 92° for postoperative MPTA is potentially the optimal threshold to predict intra-articular correction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Is there any benefit in the combined ligament reconstruction with osteotomy compared to ligament reconstruction or osteotomy alone?: Comparative outcome analysis according to the degree of medial compartment osteoarthritis with anterior or posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of middle-aged patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insufficiency by assessing different groups: high tibial osteotomy (HTO), HTO with combined ligament reconstruction, and isolated ligament reconstruction according to the alignment change and medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2014 to 2019, middle-aged (40-65 years) patients with knee instability were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were categorized into three groups: group I, HTO; group II, HTO with combined ACL or PCL reconstruction; and group III, isolated ligament reconstruction. Radiological outcomes, including Kellgren-Lawrence grade, mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA), weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio, and posterior tibial slope were compared. Knee stability and clinical outcomes were also compared.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients completed the final assessment. Group I was older than other two groups (p = 0.006). Groups I and II had a higher body mass index (p = 0.043) and more preoperative varus alignment than group III (p < 0.001). OA severity was ranked in the order of group I, II, and III (p < 0.001). Group I showed more valgus alignment than group II after HTO (p = 0.024 for mFTA and 0.044 for WBL ratio, respectively). Compared to their preoperative status, all three groups showed significant improvement in knee stability (p < 0.001); however, group I showed inferior knee stability regardless of ACL or PCL reconstruction (p < 0.001 and 0.043, respectively). All clinical scores significantly improved in the three groups (p < 0.001), and they showed comparable clinical outcomes in the final assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our strategy in managing middle-aged patients with knee instability according to the varus alignment and medial degeneration showed favorable stability and clinical outcomes. Middle-aged patients with knee instability should be managed with different strategies depending on their status.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case-control study; Level-III.

Is the lateral tibial spine a reliable landmark for planning tibial or femoral valgus osteotomies?

INTRODUCTION

A valgus osteotomy around the knee is a conservative procedure performed to unload the medial tibiofemoral compartment. However, the optimal postoperative alignment target remains controversial. Many studies have applied a "Fujisawa point" at 62.5%. The results of recent studies suggest decreasing the range of the mechanical axis target correction to 50-55%. The primary purpose of this study was to define the mean position of the lateral tibial spine in healthy patients from a reproducible 3-dimensional (3D) analysis. The study hypothesis was that the apex of the lateral tibial spine was a reliable and reproducible landmark for planning valgus osteotomies and preventing overcorrections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 1140 patients: 560 women and 580 men, with a mean age of 61.7±16.5 years (18-98) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.9±4.9kg/m² (13.3-54.6). This analysis was done with the Stryker Orthopaedics Modeling and Analytics (SOMA) system which uses a database of computed tomography (CT) scans and 3D bone models. A statistical assessment was performed to determine the mean position of the lateral tibial spine. These measurements were then compared according to ethnicity, sex, age, BMI, knee side (right and left) and the overall mechanical axis of the leg.

RESULTS

The mean tibial plateau width was 72.9±5.7mm (59.1-91.1). The mean position of the lateral tibial spine was 53.6±1.1% (48.9-57.2). The mean position of the medial tibial spine was 48.4±2.5% (43.6-56.1) while the center of the tibial spines was 51.0±1.5% (46.4-56.1). Africans had a significantly more lateral mean tibial spine position than Asians (54.7% vs. 53.3%, p=0.001), Caucasians (54.7% vs. 53.7%, p=0.002) and Middle Easterners (54.7% vs. 53.6%, p=0.034).

CONCLUSION

The lateral tibial spine is a simple and reproducible bony landmark. This landmark can be used when planning valgus osteotomies aiming for a "Fujisawa point" at 54%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Does Transection of the Superficial MCL During HTO Result in Progressive Valgus Instability? [Formula: see text]

BACKGROUND

During high tibial osteotomy (HTO), the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) is cut or released at any degree to expose the osteotomy site and achieve the targeted alignment correction according to the surgeon's preference. However, it is still unclear whether transection of sMCL increases valgus laxity.

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the outcomes and safety of sMCL transection, especially focusing on iatrogenic valgus instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients (89 knees) who underwent medial open wedge HTO (MOWHTO) with transection of the sMCL between October 2013 and September 2018 were retrospectively investigated. Clinical evaluations, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Tegner and Lysholm scores, were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. The radiographic parameters hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, joint line convergence angle on standing radiographs (standing JLCA), and weightbearing line (WBL) ratio were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. To evaluate valgus laxity, we assessed the valgus JLCA and medial joint opening (MJO) at the aforementioned time points using valgus stress radiographs.

RESULTS

All clinical results at the 2-year follow-up were significantly improved compared with those obtained at the preoperative assessment (P < .001). The postoperative HKA angle significantly differed from the preoperative one, and no significant valgus progression was observed during follow-up (preoperative, 8.5°± 2.7°; 3 months, -3.5°± 2.0°; 6 months, -3.2°± 2.3°; 1 year, -3.1°± 2.3°; 2 years, -2.9°± 2.5°; P < .001) The mean WBL ratio was 62.5% ± 9.0% at 2 years postoperatively. The postoperative valgus JLCA at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative valgus JLCA (preoperative, -0.1°± 2.1°; 3 months, -0.2°± 2.4°; 6 months, -0.1°± 2.5°; 1 year, 0.1°± 2.5°; 2 years, 0.2°± 2.2°) The postoperative MJO at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative MJO (preoperative, 7.1 ± 1.7 mm; 3 months, 7.0 ± 1.7 mm; 6 months, 6.9 ± 1.9 mm; 1 year, 6.7 ± 1.8 mm; 2 years, 6.8 ± 1.8 mm).

CONCLUSION

Transection of the sMCL during MOWHTO does not increase valgus laxity and could yield desirable clinical and radiographic results.

Femur originated genu varum in a patient with symptomatic ACL deficiency: a case report and review of literature

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may be associated with genu varum. There are a few indications in which the varus deformity can be corrected at the time of ACL reconstruction. However, as the genu varum originates mostly from the tibia and the simultaneous presence of ACL deficiency and femur originated genu varum is uncommon, only a few papers have described their management for ACL deficient patients with femur originated genu varum.

Case presentation

A young patient visited our clinic with a complaint of right knee pain and giving way. Further work up revealed a full mid substance ACL tear, mild medial knee osteoarthritis and femur originated genu varum of his right knee. He was managed with simultaneous ACL reconstruction and distal femoral valgus osteotomy.

Conclusions

Any corrective osteotomy for genu varum should be performed at center of rotation angle. Isolated ACL reconstruction in patients with simultaneous ACL deficiency and genu varum may hasten the knee degeneration.

Level of evidence

IV

A Systematic Review of Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Failure

Although most studies have introduced risk factors related to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure, studies on combinations of high-risk factors are rare. To provide a systematic review of the risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure to guide surgeons through the decision-making process, an extensive literature search was performed of the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Studies published between January 1, 2009, and September 19, 2019, regarding the existing evidence for risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure or graft failure were included in this review. Study quality was evaluated with the quality index. Ultimately, 66 articles met our criteria. There were 46 cases classified as technical factors, 21 cases as patient-related risk factors, and 14 cases as status of the knee joint. Quality assessment scores ranged from 14 to 24. This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary of the risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure, including technical factors, patient-related factors, and the factors associated with the status of the knee joint. Emphasis should be placed on avoiding these high-risk combinations or correcting modifiable risk factors during preoperative planning to reduce the rate of graft rupture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure.

Combined ACL reconstruction and opening wedge high tibial osteotomy at 10-year follow-up: excellent laxity control but uncertain return to high level sport

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcomes of a continuous series of patients who underwent simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for varus-related early medial tibio-femoral osteoarthritis. It was hypothesized that this combined surgery sustainably allowed return to sport with efficient clinical and radiological results.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2015, all combined ACL reconstruction (bone-patellar tendon-bone graft) and opening wedge HTO for anterior laxity and early medial arthritis were included. Clinical evaluation at final follow-up used Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, subjective and objective IKDC scores. Radiologic evaluation consisted in full-length, standing, hip-to-ankle X-rays, monopodal weight-bearing X-rays and skyline views. AP laxity assessment used Telos™ at 150 N load. Student's t test was performed for matched parametric data, Wilcoxon for nonparametric variables and Friedman test was used to compare small cohorts, with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

35 Patients (36 knees) were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 10 ± 5.2 years. The mean age at surgery was 39 ± 9. At final follow-up 28 patients (80%) returned to sport (IKDC ≥ B): 11 patients (31%) returned to sport at the same level and 6 (17%) to competitive sports. Mean subjective IKDC and Lysholm scores were 71.8 ± 14.9 and 82 ± 14.1, respectively. The mean decrease of the Tegner activity level from preinjury state to follow-up was 0.8 (p < 0.01). Mean side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation was 5.1 ± 3.8 mm. Three patients were considered as failures. The mean preoperative mechanical axis was 4.2° ± 2.6° varus and 0.8° ± 2.7° valgus at follow-up. Osteoarthritis progression for medial, lateral, and femoro-patellar compartments was recorded for 12 (33%, p < 0.05), 6 (17%, p < 0.001), and 8 (22%, p < 0.05) knees, respectively. No femoro-tibial osteoarthritis progression was observed in 22 knees (61%).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined ACL reconstruction and opening wedge HTO allowed sustainable stabilization of the knee at 10-year follow-up. However, return to sport at the same level was possible just for one-third of patients, with femoro-tibial osteoarthritis progression in 39% of cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Posterior Medial Meniscus Root Tears Potentiate the Effect of Increased Tibial Slope on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Forces

BACKGROUND

Increased posterior tibial slope and posterior medial meniscus root tears increase the force experienced by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and predispose patients to higher rates of primary ACL injury or ACL graft failure after an ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, the interplay among sagittal plane tibial slope, medial meniscus root tears, and ACLR graft force remains inadequately defined.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to quantify the effect of sagittal plane tibial slope on ACLR graft force at varying knee flexion angles with an intact medial meniscus, a posterior medial meniscus root tear, and a medial meniscus root repair. Our null hypothesis was that changes in slope and meniscal state would have no effect on the forces experienced by the ACLR graft.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Ten male fresh-frozen cadaveric human knees underwent a posteriorly based high tibial osteotomy. A spanning external fixator and wedges of varying sizes were used to stabilize the osteotomy and allow for accurate slope adjustment. After ACLR, specimens were compressed with a 1000-N axial load at flexion angles of 0° and 30° for each of the 3 meniscal states and at tibial slopes of 0° to 15° at 3° increments. Graft loads were recorded through a force transducer clamped to the graft.

RESULTS

Increasing tibial slope led to a linear increase in ACLR graft force at 0° and 30° of knee flexion. Posterior medial meniscus root tear led to significant increases in ACLR graft forces over the intact state, while root repair restored the function of the medial meniscus as a secondary stabilizer. At 30° of knee flexion, the tibial slope effect on ACLR graft force was potentiated in the root tear state as compared with the intact and root repair states-test of interaction effect: t(139) = 2.67 (P = .009).

CONCLUSION

Increases in tibial slope lead to a linear increase in ACLR graft forces, and this effect is magnified in the setting of a posterior medial meniscus root tear. At slopes >12°, a slope-changing osteotomy could be considered in the setting of a revision ACLR with a concomitant medial meniscus root tear.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Defining the relationship between tibial slope and varying states of meniscal insufficiency can help determine when it may be necessary to perform a slope-decreasing proximal tibial osteotomy before ACLR and meniscal repair.

High Tibial Osteotomy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/Revision

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) may be performed in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction/revision in patients with medial osteoarthritis, varus malalignment, and anterior instability. Furthermore, it may be performed in patients with varus alignment and increased posterior tibial slope (exceeding 12°), because it is related to an increased risk for ACL failure. There are different techniques to perform HTO, and consequently, a concomitant HTO and ACL reconstruction/revision. This article describes the indication, surgical techniques, and outcomes of concomitant HTO and ACL reconstruction/revision.

Anterior Closing Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy for Slope Correction in Failed ACL Reconstructions

Increased sagittal plane posterior tibial slope has been identified as a risk factor for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure. Although ACLR failure is multifactorial, correction of sagittal plane posterior tibial slope should be evaluated in patients with an ACLR graft rupture. There are limited technical descriptions of proposed decreasing tibial slope osteotomy procedures; therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the current senior author's technique of performing an anterior closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy to decrease sagittal plane tibial slope in patients requiring a revision ACLR.

Indications and outcomes of simultaneous high tibial osteotomy and ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the existing literature reporting surgical outcomes of simultaneous high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACLD) knees.

METHODS

This study was conducted per the methods of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention, with findings reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies and pertinent data was extracted. Studies reporting post-operative outcomes following simultaneous HTO and ACLR in ACLD knees were included.

RESULTS

The search identified 515 studies, of which 18 (n = 516) were included. The mean MINORS scores for non-comparative and comparative studies were 11.6 ± 1.34 and 17.3 ± 1.9, respectively. Simultaneous HTO and ACLR resulted in improved functional subjective patient outcomes across a variety of scales. Simultaneous HTO and ACLR was effective in correcting varus angulation, with the post-operative mechanical angle ranging from 0.3° valgus to 7.7° valgus. The reported complication rate ranged from 0 to 23.5%. Across six studies, a total of 13 (6.5%) patients required revision HTO; while across four studies, 20 (17.5%) patients had failure of the ACL graft, with one receiving revision ACLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined HTO and ACLR may be indicated in patients with ACLD knees with varus angulation. This systematic review found that the combined surgery resulted in significant improvement in post-operative functional subjective outcomes. However, it remains unclear if HTO with ACLR is superior to ALCR or HTO alone due to the lack of comparative studies. Overall, HTO with ACLR was found to have low rates of complications, re-ruptures, and need for revision surgery. This review found that patients continued to have progression of OA despite combined HTO with ACLR. Future research is required to better understand the effects of combined HTO and ACLR compared to ACLR or HTO alone and to evaluate the long-term post-operative progression of medial compartment OA following combined HTO and ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Gait biomechanics after combined HTO-ACL reconstruction versus HTO alone: A matched cohort study

The purpose of the present study was to compare bilateral external knee moments during gait in patients with concomitant medial compartment knee OA, varus alignment and chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency who underwent either medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy alone (HTO) or simultaneous HTO and ACL reconstruction (HTO-ACLR). Fifty-two patients (26 matched pairs) completed 3D gait analysis preoperatively and at a minimum 5 years postoperatively. Patients were matched for preoperative age, sex, body mass index and magnitude of correction. Primary outcomes selected a priori were the peak knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee flexion (KFM) moment during stance. Moments were compared using mixed model repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the peak KAM, there was a significant time by limb interaction. For both groups, there were similar reductions in the peak KAM 5 years postoperatively in the surgical limb only [-1.34 %BW × Ht (-1.71, -0.96) and -1.72 %BW × Ht (-1.99, -1.44) for HTO and HTO-ACLR, respectively]. For the peak KFM, there was a significant time by group by limb interaction. There was a decrease in the peak KFM 5 years postoperatively in the HTO group [-0.88 %BW × Ht (-1.45, -0.31)] but not in the HTO-ACLR group [0.03 %BW × Ht (-0.43, 0.48)]. These results suggest that individuals with medial knee OA, varus alignment and chronic ACL deficiency who undergo simultaneous medial opening-wedge HTO and ACL reconstruction may not experience the same long-term (5 year) changes in sagittal plane knee biomechanics observed in patients undergoing HTO alone. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

Anterior Closing-Wedge Osteotomy for Posterior Slope Correction

Increased tibial slope can be a cause of recurrent instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This article presents a technique for an anterior closing-wedge osteotomy for slope correction. The indications for this procedure are patients with recurrent instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a neutral leg axis or slightly varus deformity and a posterior slope of more than 12°. The exposure of the anterior aspect of the tibia is best made through an anterior approach approximately 1 to 2 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity. Hohmann retractors are placed from the medial and lateral sides behind the proximal tibia. The osteotomy lines are marked with 2 converging Kirschner wires with the use of an image intensifier. The entry point of the first Kirschner wire is just below the most inferior fibers of the patellar tendon. The hinge of the osteotomy should be just below the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament. The osteotomy is performed with an oscillating saw. The posterior cortex of the tibia should be left intact. After removal of the anterior base wedge, the osteotomy is closed by manual pressure. Osteosynthesis is performed with a lag screw from the tibial tuberosity to the distal tibia and an angular stable plate fixator.

Underappreciated Factors to Consider in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Current Concepts Review

Primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions (ACLRs) are being performed with increasing frequency. While many of these will have successful outcomes, failures will occur in a subset of patients who will require revision ACLRs. As such, the number of revision procedures will continue to rise as well. While many reviews have focused on factors that commonly contribute to failure of primary ACLR, including graft choice, patient factors, early return to sport, and technical errors, this review focused on several factors that have received less attention in the literature. These include posterior tibial slope, varus malalignment, injury to the anterolateral ligament, and meniscal injury or deficiency. This review also appraised several emerging techniques that may be useful in the context of revision ACL surgery. While outcomes of revision ACLR are generally inferior to those of primary procedures, identifying these potentially underappreciated contributing factors preoperatively will allow the surgeon to address them at the time of revision, ideally improving patient outcomes and preventing recurrent ACL failure.

High tibial osteotomy in knee laxities: Concepts review and results

Patients with unstable, malaligned knees often present a challenging management scenario, and careful attention must be paid to the clinical history and examination to determine the priorities of treatment.

Isolated knee instability treated with ligament reconstruction and isolated knee malalignment treated with periarticular osteotomy have both been well studied in the past. More recently, the effects of high tibial osteotomy on knee instability have been studied.

Lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy tends to reduce the posterior tibial slope, which has a stabilising effect on anterior tibial instability that occurs with ACL deficiency.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy tends to increase the posterior tibia slope, which has a stabilising effect in posterior tibial instability that occurs with PCL deficiency.

Overall results from recent studies indicate that there is a role for combined ligament reconstruction and periarticular knee osteotomy.

The use of high tibial osteotomy has been able to extend the indication for ligament reconstruction which, when combined, may ultimately halt the evolution of arthritis and preserve their natural knee joint for a longer period of time.

Cite this article: Robin JG, Neyret P. High tibial osteotomy in knee laxities: Concepts review and results. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:3-11. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000001.

Calcium phosphate cement enhances the torsional strength and stiffness of high tibial osteotomies

PURPOSE

There has been a resurgence in the use of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (owHTO). Calcium phosphate cement has been shown to improve strength in compression for augmentation of tibial plateau and owHTO fixation. However, knee kinematics includes a torsional load during ambulation, which is as yet unstudied in this model. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of injectable calcium phosphate cement on the biomechanical stability of standard high tibial osteotomy defect with applied torsional load and ultimate stiffness of the supporting construct.

METHODS

Testing was performed on 22 bone mineral density-matched and age-matched cadaver specimens. Intact specimens were treated with 10° opening wedge osteotomies, identical surgical techniques as clinically used and fixation provided by iBalance© PEEK implant (Arthrex, Naples FL). Nine specimens were augmented with calcium phosphate injectable cement, Quickset (Arthrex Inc., Naples Fl). Constructs were for construct stiffness, torsional loads to failure, and mechanisms of failure. As a gold-standard comparison group, four samples were tested with a titanium, fixed angle device alone: Contourlock plate (Arthrex Inc., Naples Fl).

RESULTS

Peak torque to failure was significantly greater in samples augmented with calcium phosphate bone cement (23.0 ± 9.6 Nm) compared with specimens fixed with PEEK implant alone (18.1 ± 7.3). Construct stiffness in torsion was also significantly improved with bone cement application (349.0 ± 126.8 Nm/°) compared with PEEK implant alone (202.2 ± 153.4 Nm/°) and fixed angle implant system (142.9 ± 74.7 Nm/°).

CONCLUSION

Injectable calcium phosphate cement improves the initial maximal torsional strength and stiffness of high tibial osteotomy construct.

ACL deficiency and varus osteoarthritis: high tibial osteotomy alone or combined with ACL reconstruction?

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the mid- to long-term clinical and radiological outcome in patients with symptomatic varus osteoarthritis (OA) and deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and analyzes whether there are differences between isolated high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or combined single-stage HTO and ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

26 patients who underwent HTO alone (group 1) and 26 patients who underwent single-stage HTO and ACLR (group 2) because of varus OA and ACL deficiency were examined at a mean of 5.8 years (SD 3.6 years) post-operatively. Assessment at follow-up (FU) was performed using a questionnaire including clinical scores (Lysholm, IKDC) and the KT-2000 arthrometer to examine anterior knee stability. Radiographic knee alignment and signs of OA according to the classification of Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) were assessed pre-operatively and at FU.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent of all patients reported an improvement of pain and 79% an improvement of instability without significant group difference. Significant worse results were observed in group 1 for the Lysholm score (group 1: 69.4, SD 15.7; group 2: 78.3, SD 16.4; p = 0.020) and the IKDC score (group 1: 64.8, SD 13.0; group 2: 74.0, SD 15.6; p = 0.006). No group difference was found for the KT-2000 examination. A significant post-operative increase of radiographic OA could be seen in both groups without significant group difference (KL pre-operative: 2.3, SD 0.63; KL FU: 2.8, SD 0.74; p < 0.001). The radiographic leg alignment at FU showed a significant lower valgus alignment in group 1 (group 1: 0.4 degree, SD 3.3 degree; group 2: 2.1 degree, SD 2.1 degree; p = 0.039). The rate of post-operative complications was low with 4%, and no significant group differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that HTO alone can improve pain and even subjective knee stability. Additional ACLR was in the mid term not associated with a higher increase of OA or a higher rate of post-operative complications in our study collective.

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy for severe medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

Background

The optimal surgical procedure to address both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) has been controversial.

Case report

A 49-year-old woman with a 30-year history of chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency, medial compartment osteoarthritis, and varus deformity presented with medial knee pain and apprehension with walking and playing soccer. Her preoperative range of motion was from 0° of extension to 135° of flexion. The anterior drawer sign (1+), Lachman test (1+), and pivot shift test (glide) were positive before surgery, as measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee knee examination form. The patient underwent simultaneous arthroscopic ACL single-socket and single-bundle reconstruction using hamstring tendons, dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy using the TomoFix fixation device, and mosaicplasty to the medial condyle. The standing femorotibial angle changed from 185° preoperatively to 172° postoperatively. Range of motion exercises were started 1 week after surgery, and partial weight bearing was allowed 2 weeks after surgery. The patient returned to her baseline physical level 2 years after the operation. Range of motion was -10° of extension and 130° of flexion, and the anterior drawer sign, Lachman test, and pivot shift test were all negative at the final 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion

An ACL reconstruction combined with a dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy using a locking plate is one option for treating an aged athlete with ACL deficiency and severe medial compartment osteoarthritis, and can allow the athlete to return to sports activity.

High tibial osteotomy in the ACL-deficient knee with medial compartment osteoarthritis

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) has traditionally been used to treat varus gonarthrosis in younger, active patients. Varus malalignment increases the risk of progression of medial compartment osteoarthritis and an HTO can be performed to realign the mechanical axis of the lower limb towards the lateral compartment, thereby decreasing contact pressures in the medial compartment. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency may lead to post-traumatic arthritis due to altered joint loading and associated injuries to the menisci and articular cartilage. Understanding the importance of posterior tibial slope and its role in sagittal knee stability has led to the development of biplane osteotomies designed to flatten the posterior tibial slope in the ACL deficient knee. Altering the alignment in both the sagittal and coronal planes helps improve stability as well as alter the load in the medial compartment. Detailed history, physical exam and radiographic analysis guide treatment decisions in this high demand patient population. Lateral closing wedge (LCW) and medial opening wedge (MOW) HTOs have been performed and their potential advantages and disadvantages have been well described. Given the triangular shape of the proximal tibia, it is imperative that the surgeon pay close attention to the geometry of the osteotomy “gap” when performing MOW HTO to avoid inadvertently increasing the posterior tibial slope. Simultaneous ACL reconstruction may require technique modifications depending on the type of HTO and ACL graft chosen. With appropriate patient selection and good surgical technique, it is reasonable to expect patients to return to activities of daily living and recreational sports without debilitating pain or instability.

Clinical Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Instability: A Systematic Review

Background:

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to treat patients with chronic knee instability due to posterolateral corner (PLC), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiencies with concurrent malalignment in the coronal and/or sagittal plane.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of the use of HTO for the treatment of knee ligament instability with concurrent malalignment.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted for the treatment of combined knee ligament instability and malalignment with HTO using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and MEDLINE (1980 to present); the queries were performed in July 2015. Terms searched included the following: high or proximal tibial osteotomy, unstable, instability, laxity, subluxation, tibial slope, and malalignment, in the knee joint. Inclusion criteria were as follows: HTO to treat instability of the knee joint in the sagittal and/or coronal plane, minimum 2-year follow-up with reported outcomes measures, English language, and human studies. Animal, basic science, and cadaveric studies were excluded as well as editorials, reviews, expert opinions, surveys, special topics, letters to the editor, and correspondence.

Results:

The search resulted in 460 studies. After applying exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, 13 studies were considered. Of the studies reviewed, knee ligament pathologies, previous surgeries, and measurement of knee stability were heterogeneous. However, all studies reported an improvement in knee stability after HTO. Most studies reported improvement in outcome scores. However, other studies did not provide preoperative scores for comparison. Reported complication rates ranged from 0% to 47%.

Conclusion:

Although HTO has been highly advocated and used in treating patients with ligamentous knee instability, there remains a paucity of high-quality studies. Included studies report improvement of instability as well as relatively high patient satisfaction and rate of return to sports. The heterogeneity of the pathology treated, follow-up time, and outcome measures limit comparison between studies.

Prospective study of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction associated with high tibial opening wedge osteotomy in knee arthritis associated with instability

INTRODUCTION

Chronic ACL insufficiency with associated varus malalignment due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging to treat surgically. A combined ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) without using any metallic implant for HTO is an effective technique.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

All the patients attending the outpatient department ACL injury and with associated medial compartment OA (Kellegren's grade 2 and grade 3) were considered for inclusion in the study. Forty patients who met inclusion criteria were included in the study. Simultaneous ACLR (single bundle of quadrupled hamstring graft fixed with Endobutton on femoral side and biointerference screw on the tibial side) along with medial opening wedge osteotomy (with tricalcium phosphate wedge) was done. The patients were assessed with IKDC, KOOS scores and any change in anterior tibial translation was also checked.

RESULTS

The combined procedure showed mean varus angle correction of 9° (10.5-1.5°), and the mechanical axis of the knee was restored from an average of 172-181.5°. There was a significant improvement in knee score (KOOS and IKDC) after the surgery (p < 0.05). The average time for the radiological union of the osteotomy was 3.56 months. The anterior tibial translation was improved. No intraoperative complications and slippage of the synthetic graft were noted in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined ACLR with HTO (using TCP wedge, without any hardware) is a reliable method that prevents rapid progression of OA. It reliably corrects varus deformity and obviates the use of any hardware.

The Meniscus-Deficient Knee: Biomechanics, Evaluation, and Treatment Options

Meniscal tears are the most common knee injury, and partial meniscectomies are the most common orthopaedic surgical procedure. The injured meniscus has an impaired ability to distribute load and resist tibial translation. Partial or complete loss of the meniscus promotes early development of chondromalacia and osteoarthritis. The primary goal of treatment for meniscus-deficient knees is to provide symptomatic relief, ideally to delay advanced joint space narrowing, and ultimately, joint replacement. Surgical treatments, including meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT), high tibial osteotomy (HTO), and distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), are options that attempt to decrease the loads on the articular cartilage of the meniscus-deficient compartment by replacing meniscal tissue or altering joint alignment. Clinical and biomechanical studies have reported promising outcomes for MAT, HTO, and DFO in the postmeniscectomized knee. These procedures can be performed alone or in conjunction with ligament reconstruction or chondral procedures (reparative, restorative, or reconstructive) to optimize stability and longevity of the knee. Complications can include fracture, nonunion, patella baja, compartment syndrome, infection, and deep venous thrombosis. MAT, HTO, and DFO are effective options for young patients suffering from pain and functional limitations secondary to meniscal deficiency.

The role of high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of knee laxity: a comprehensive review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to review the indications for and outcomes of high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of patients with chronic knee laxity.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify surgical indications and results of high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of chronic knee laxity.

RESULTS

Four distinct situations were identified in which a high tibial osteotomy may be advantageous: (1) anterior laxity with varus osteoarthritis, (2) chronic anterior laxity in the setting of varus with lateral ligamentous laxity, (3) chronic anterior laxity in the setting of a high tibial slope, and (4) chronic posterior laxity or posterolateral corner injury. A total of 24 studies were included in this report, including reports of the treatment of 410 knees as well as several review articles. The most frequently reported indication for that addition of HTO was anterior laxity in the setting of varus OA, which was noted to have good results, minimizing anterior knee laxity and allowing return to sports, while reducing the progression of osteoarthritis. More advanced cases in which lateral structures have also become stretched and incompetent are an excellent indication for HTO, with the need for subsequent lateral procedures dependent on the degree of varus laxity and especially hyperextension that is present. Excessive tibial slope has been identified as a cause of ACL reconstruction failure, and some authors have recommended addressing very high slope in revision cases. In knees with chronic posterior or posterolateral instability, correction of alignment first is generally recommended, with subsequent ligamentous procedures performed when instability persists.

CONCLUSIONS

Knees with chronic instability pose a difficult treatment challenge. In all cases, the contribution of coronal plane alignment to varus-valgus knee stability must be carefully considered and addressed prior to ligament surgery. Sagittal plane alignment is also key and must not be overlooked. Such considerations drive the indication for osteotomy as well as the type of osteotomy that is chosen. Level of evidence IV.

Five-year changes in gait biomechanics after concomitant high tibial osteotomy and ACL reconstruction in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Concomitant high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a combined surgical procedure intended to improve kinematics and kinetics in the unstable ACL-deficient knee with varus malalignment and medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA).

PURPOSE

To investigate 5-year changes in gait biomechanics as well as radiographic and patient-reported outcomes bilaterally after unilateral, concomitant medial opening wedge HTO and ACL reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

A total of 33 patients (mean ± SD age, 40 ± 9 years) with varus malalignment (mean mechanical axis angle, -5.9° ± 2.9°), medial compartment knee OA, and ACL deficiency completed 3-dimensional gait analysis preoperatively and 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Primary outcomes were the peak external knee adduction (first peak) and flexion moments. Secondary outcomes were the peak external knee extension and transverse plane moments, peak knee angles in all 3 planes, radiographic static knee alignment measures (mechanical axis angle and posterior tibial slope), and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

RESULTS

There was a substantial decrease in the knee adduction moment in the surgical limb (%BW × H, -1.49; 95% CI, -1.75 to -1.22) and a slight increase in the nonsurgical limb (%BW × H, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.30) from preoperatively to 5 years postoperatively. There was also a decrease in the knee flexion moment for both the surgical (%BW × H, -0.67; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.15) and nonsurgical limbs (%BW × H, -1.06; 95% CI, -1.49 to -0.64). Secondary outcomes suggested that substantial improvements were maintained at 5 years, although smaller declines were observed in several measures and in both limbs from 2 to 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the peak external moments about the knee in all 3 planes during walking were observed 5 years after concomitant medial opening wedge HTO and ACL reconstruction. These findings are consistent with an intended, sustained shift in the mediolateral distribution of knee loads.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that concomitant HTO and ACL reconstruction results in substantial changes in gait biomechanics. Future clinical research comparing treatment strategies is both warranted and required for this relatively uncommon but seemingly biomechanically efficacious procedure.

Clinical outcome of simultaneous high tibial osteotomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for medial compartment osteoarthritis in young patients with anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees: a systematic review

PURPOSE

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) has been a well-established procedure addressing tibiofemoral osteoarthritis in young patients. However, for physically active patients with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, simultaneous HTO and ACL reconstruction is considered a salvage procedure. Controversy exists regarding the subjective and objective evaluations and the prevalence of complications.

METHODS

A search in the Medline database and of major orthopaedic journals was performed. Articles were included if they met the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anterior knee laxity, osteoarthritis, subjective outcomes, sagittal and coronal alignment, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 721 articles were retrieved from the search, and 11 eligible studies (218 knees) were included for evaluation. Postoperatively, the mean side-to-side difference measured by KT-1000 (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) was 2.4 mm, and 85.7% of patients gained grade A or B stability according to International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation. Medial compartment osteoarthritis showed a tendency of alleviation. Regardless of the scoring system, all subjective evaluations showed improvement and most of the participants returned to recreational sports. All cases of varus malalignment were corrected, with a mean value of 7.13°. The most prevalent complication was deep venous thrombosis (7.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous HTO and ACL reconstruction was a salvage procedure for physically active young patients because it provided satisfactory restoration of anterior stability, alleviation of medial compartment osteoarthritis, improvement of subjective evaluations, and a predictable return to recreational sports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

High tibial osteotomy

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a widely accepted and performed procedure to treat medial knee arthrosis. The aim of this review is to evaluate the different surgical options in medial knee arthrosis, focusing on indications, patient's selection, long-term follow-up and survival analysis of HTO. Comparison and pooling of results are challenging because of different evaluation systems, small cohort number, and different surgical techniques. No differences have been described between opening and closing wedged HTO in terms of outcomes. Excellent early survivorship and good clinical outcomes were reported also with concomitant procedures. Correct indications, preoperative workup/planning, and technique selection are essential in achieving good results. The choice between opening and closing wedge osteotomy, graft selection in opening wedge HTO, comparison between HTO and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and the results of revised HTO to total knee replacement are currently under debate and will be discussed in the present review.