Chun-Hsiung Huang

The effect of malalignment on stresses in polyethylene component of total knee prostheses – a finite element analysis

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of malalignment on stresses in tibial polyethylene component of total knee prostheses. DESIGN A three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to calculate the contact stress and von Mises stress in the tibial polyethylene component subjected to a compressive load, and the malalignment situations were simulated. BACKGROUND Many biomechanical studies to investigate the stresses in tibial polyethylene component were assumed at the ideal contact alignment. The effect of malalignment on stresses in tibial polyethylene component was not investigated extensively. METHODS Three-dimensional finite element models of the tibiofemoral joint of knee prostheses for three different designs were constructed. Three malalignment conditions including the medial translation (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mm), internal rotation (1 degree, 3 degree and 5 degree), and varus tilt (1 degree, 3 degree and 5 degree) of the femoral component relative to the tibial component were simulated. A compression load of 3000 N was applied to the tibiofemoral joint at 0 degree of flexion. The maximum contact stress and von Mises stress in the tibial component were compared to investigate the effects of malalignment. RESULTS In comparing with the neutral position, the greatest increase of maximum contact stress were 67.6%, 14.3% and 145.9% and the greatest increase of maximum von Mises stress were 92.5%, 22.7% and 120.6% in maltranslation, internal rotation and varus tilt simulations, respectively. CONCLUSION The greatest increase of contact stress and von Mises stress was occurred in the high conformity flat-on-flat design of knee prosthesis under the severest malalignment condition. The high conformity curve-on-curve design of knee prosthesis has the minimal risk of polyethylene wear under the malalignment conditions. RELEVANCE This study revealed the importance of malalignment effect on stresses in tibial polyethylene component. Polyethylene wear in surface replacement total knees will be minimal when a high conformity curve-on-curve knee design is used and the rotational line between the femoral and tibial components has the least effect on polyethylene wear but varus/valgus malalignment, even with the best designed prosthesis will still accelerate wear.

Long-term results of low contact stress mobile-bearing total knee replacements.

Five hundred ninety-eight consecutive primary low contact stress total knee replacements were done in 502 patients between 1985 and 1990. Clinical review was available for 495 knees (406 patients), 228 knees with meniscal-bearing prostheses and 267 knees with rotating-platform prostheses. The average followup was 12 years (range, 10–15 years). The average postoperative knee and functional scores were 87 points and 75 points, respectively. The average postoperative range of motion was 110°. Fifty-six knees (11%) required revision for excessive wear of the tibial insert (41), dislocation (10), patellar polyethylene breakage (one), component loosening (one patellar, one tibial), and infection (two). During revision, osteolysis (20 knees), patellar polyethylene failure (33), and femoral component fracture (one) were seen. The overall survivorship was 88.1% at 15 years using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The survival rate was 83% for the meniscal-bearing prostheses and 92.1% for the rotating-platform prostheses. The Low Contact Stress mobile-bearing knee prosthesis has no superiority over that of fixed-bearing knees, especially for the meniscal-bearing design in prevention of polyethylene failure or revision. Based on the results of this study, the use of the LCS meniscal-bearing prosthesis does not appear to be justified.

Osteolysis in Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparison of Mobile-Bearing and Fixed-Bearing Knees

Background: Osteolysis is an important complication associated with total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of osteolysis after failed total knee arthroplasty with a mobile-bearing prosthesis and after failed arthroplasty with a fixed-bearing prosthesis.Methods: Eighty revision total knee arthroplasties performed between 1995 and 1998 were included in this study. All had radiographic evidence of advanced polyethylene wear. The mobile-bearing group consisted of thirty-four knees with a Low Contact Stress implant, and the fixed-bearing group included forty-six knees. The average time (and standard deviation) from the primary operation to the revision was 102.8 ± 26.5 months in the mobile-bearing group and 96.0 ± 30.1 months in the fixed-bearing group. The prerevision radiographs and operative findings were reviewed.Results: The prevalence of osteolysis was significantly higher in the mobile-bearing group (47%; sixteen of thirty-four knees) than in the fixed-bearing group (13%; six of forty-six knees) (p = 0.003). The distal part of the femur was involved in thirteen knees in the mobile-bearing group and in four knees in the fixed-bearing group. Seventeen knees had osteolysis in the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle, which was the most common site of osteolysis; however, twelve of them had no evidence of osteolysis on prerevision radiographs.Conclusions: The prevalence of osteolysis was higher in the knees with a mobile-bearing prosthesis than in those with a fixed-bearing prosthesis. The osteolysis was predominantly on the femoral side, adjacent to the posterior aspect of the condyle. Radiographic evaluation of osteolysis in the distal part of the femur may not be reliable and usually leads to an underestimation of the degree of osteolysis.

Fixed or mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

Fixed and mobile-bearing in total knee arthroplasty are still discussed controversially. In this article, biomechanical and clinical aspects in both fixed and mobile-bearing designs were reviewed. In biomechanical aspect, the mobile-bearing design has proved to provide less tibiofemoral contact stresses under tibiofemoral malalignment conditions. It also provides less wear rate in in-vitro simulator test. Patients with posterior stabilized mobile-bearing knees had more axial tibiofemoral rotation than patients with posterior stabilized fixed-bearing knees during gait as well as in a deep knee-bend activity. However, in clinical aspect, the mid-term or long-term survivorship of mobile-bearing knees has no superiority over that of fixed-bearing knees. The theoretical advantages for mobile-bearing design to provide a long-term durability have not been demonstrated by any outcome studies. Finally, the fixed-bearing design with all-polyethylene tibial component is suggested for relatively inactive, elder people. The mobile-bearing design is suggested for younger or higher-demand patients due to the potential for reduced polyethylene wear and more normal kinematics response after joint replacement. For younger surgeon, the fixed-bearing design is suggested due to less demand for surgical technique. For experienced surgeon, one familiar surgical protocol and instrumentation is suggested rather than implant design, either fixed-bearing or mobile-bearing.

Particle size and morphology of UHMWPE wear debris in failed total knee arthroplasties—a comparison between mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees

Osteolysis induced by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris has been recognized as the major cause of long‐term failure in total joint arthroplasties. In a previous study, the prevalence of intraoperatively identified osteolysis during primary revision surgery was much higher in mobile bearing knee replacements (47%) than in fixed bearing knee replacements (13%). We postulated that mobile bearing knee implants tend to produce smaller sized particles. In our current study, we compared the particle size and morphology of polyethylene wear debris between failed mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees. Tissue specimens from interfacial and lytic regions were extracted during revision surgery of 10 mobile bearing knees (all of the low contact stress (LCS) design) and 17 fixed bearing knees (10 of the porous‐coated anatomic (PCA) and 7 of the Miller/Galante design). Polyethylene particles were isolated from the tissue specimens and examined using both scanning electron microscopy and light‐scattering analyses. The LCS mobile bearing knees produced smaller particulate debris (mean equivalent spherical diameter: 0.58 μm in LCS, 1.17 μm in PCA and 5.23 μm in M/G) and more granular debris (mean value: 93% in LCS, 77% in PCA and 15% in M/G).

Fracture of the femoral component associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis after total knee arthroplasty

Fracture of the femoral component associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been well reported before. A 63-year-old man with osteoarthritis of the right knee underwent TKA with a New Jersey LCS Knee, with cementing on the tibia and patella but not on the femoral component. After 42 months, in addition to wearing of polyethylene of the tibia and patella, severe osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle was noted. Osteonecrosis caused loss of osseous support of the medial flange of the femoral component, and the bone ingrowth of the central and lateral flange to the distal femur was so good that it overcame the yield stress of the metal of the femoral component and caused fracture of the femoral component. The osteolytic area was filled with autogenous iliac bone, and a new femoral component was inserted and cemented. The patients condition became satisfactory with relief of pain. Although uncommon, fracture of the femoral component does occur associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis.

Late dislocation of rotating platform in New Jersey Low-Contact Stress knee prosthesis.

Five patients with late rotational dislocation of the rotating platform bearing in the New Jersey Low-Contact Stress total knee arthroplasty are reported. The prostheses had functioned well for 8 to 12 years before failure. Preoperative radiographs showed asymmetric femorotibial joint spaces. Entrapment of the dislocated bearing in three patients and spontaneous reduction of the dislocated bearing in another two patients were seen at revision. Femorotibial ligamentous instability was found after reduction. The retrieved polyethylene bearings showed advanced wear and cold flow deformities and the thickness was reduced. The revision arthroplasty was accomplished by replacement with a thicker bearing element. Progressive femorotibial ligament laxity and reduction of the thickness of polyethylene with wearing break down the originally well-balanced soft tissue tension of the knee. The rotational degree of the rotating platform bearing is unrestricted, which may result in late dislocation. Polyethylene wear is unavoidable in knee prostheses using metal contact with polyethylene even with a mobile-bearing design. Efforts to reduce polyethylene wear are mandatory.

Effect of Fuji pressure sensitive film on actual contact characteristics of artificial tibiofemoral joint

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of inserting a Fuji pressure sensitive film into an artificial tibiofemoral joint on the actual contact mechanics. DESIGN The experimental measurement and finite element analysis were used.Background. Although Fuji pressure sensitive film was widespread used for measuring the contact characteristics of artificial joint, how this measurement approaches actual contact characteristics has not yet been studied extensively. METHOD Two three-dimensional finite element models of an artificial tibiofemoral joint were constructed. The with-film-model was used to mimic the experimental setup and was verified by comparing the contact area and pressure on the simulated film calculated from finite element analysis to the measured one from the Fuji film (ultra-super low and medium grades) in the experimental test. Then the with-film-model was modified to the without-film-model in which the simulated film was removed. The contact characteristics on the film calculated from the with-film-model were represented to the measured one and the contact characteristics on the tibial component calculated from the without-film-model were represented to the actual one. The measured and actual contact characteristics were studied to investigate the effects of Fuji film on the actual contact characteristics in the tibiofemoral joint of knee prosthesis. RESULTS The contact characteristics calculated from with-film-model was reasonable agreement with measured one by Fuji film in the experimental test. The maximum difference is 13% in maximum contact pressure under a load of 3000 N. The maximum difference of contact area and pressure between the model simulating actual contact circumstance and the model with inserting a Fuji film between contacting surface are 2.4% and 14% respectively. CONCLUSION This study revealed that contact area and pressure of the tibiofemoral joint of knee prosthesis measured by Fuji pressure sensitive film could be simulated by finite element analysis. The measurement of contact area in the artificial joint by using ultra-super low grade Fuji film is overestimated its actual contact area by 1.2-2.4%, but the measurement of contact pressure by using medium grade Fuji film is underestimated its actual contact pressure by 8-14%. RELEVANCE This study revealed that the ultra-super low grade Fuji film is a reliable sensor to measure the contact area and the medium grade film would underestimate its actual contact pressure in the artificial tibiofemoral joint. This finding can provide a better understanding of the reliability of Fuji film to measure the contact characteristics of artificial joint in the experimental test.

A new approach of designing the tibial baseplate of total knee prostheses

OBJECTIVE To improve the design of the knee prosthesis, a new technique to design the tibial baseplate of total knee prostheses was developed. METHODS One senior surgeon operated on 79 osteoarthrosis patients by using PCA total knee prostheses for total knee replacement. Four dimensions were measured intraoperatively and compared, including the anterioposterior length and the mediolateral width of the resected tibia plateau and implant. The data of anterioposterior length and the mediolateral width of resected surfaces of the tibial plateau of the 79 patients were plotted in a coordinate system. This coordinate system was formed with the mediolateral width as the x-axis and anterioposterior length as the y-axis. A circle, 5 mm in diameter, was used as the maximum coverage criterion. Five contemporary products and a new design product were used to screen the data to see how many patients would fall within the criteria. From the results of the screened data, we calculated the coverage percentage of the patients. RESULTS The ratio of the anterioposterior length to the mediolateral width of the resected surfaces of the tibial plateau was greater than that of the ratio of the PCA prostheses (P < 0.05). The results showed that no single product on the market had the patients meet over 70% of the criterion. A different ratio of the anterioposterior length to the mediolateral width was designed to achieve 90% coverage of the patients that met the criterion. DISCUSSION One possible explanation for the discrepancy between resected surfaces and implants is that the osteoarthrosis patients developed knee deformities that changed the surface of the tibial plateau and thus altered the knee dimensions. Since the total knee prostheses were used on osteoarthrosis patients, the dimensions of the resected tibial surfaces of osteoarthrosis patients should be considered in the design of the tibial baseplate of total knee prostheses.

The influence of surgical malalignment on the contact pressures of fixed and mobile bearing knee prostheses--a biomechanical study

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of surgical malalignment on contact pressures of fixed and mobile bearing knee prostheses. DESIGN An experimental set-up was used to measure contact pressure on the tibial component of fixed and mobile bearing knee prostheses subjected to a compression load and surgical malalignment situations were simulated. BACKGROUND Mobile bearing knee prostheses were designed to decrease tibiofemoral contact pressure by providing both high congruity and mobility. It was also assumed to accommodate surgical malalignment. However, few studies have reported the effect of malalignment of the tibiofemoral joint on contact pressure of fixed and mobile bearing knee prostheses. METHODS Surgical malalignment situations were simulated to evaluate contact characteristics of tibial component of fixed and mobile bearing knee prostheses. The simulated malalignment conditions include the medial-lateral translation (0.5 and 1 mm), anterior-posterior translation (2 and 4 mm) and internal-external rotation (1 degrees, 3 degrees, 5 degrees and 10 degrees ) of the femoral component relative to the tibial component. Fuji pressure sensitive film was used to measure the contact pressure. RESULTS The greatest increase of maximum contact pressure in the anterior-posterior maltranslation was 7.63% and 7.62% relative to the neutral contact situation in the fixed and mobile bearing designs respectively. In the medial-lateral maltranslation, there was 23.3% in the fixed bearing design and was 22.0% in the mobile bearing design. In the internal/external malrotation, the greatest increase of maximum contact pressure in the fixed bearing design was 27.1%, which was much higher than the mobile bearing design (22.4%). CONCLUSIONS The mobile bearing design can reduce maximum contact pressure more significantly than the fixed bearing design when malalignment conditions of the tibiofemoral joint occurs, especially in the internal/external malrotation. The mobile bearing design offers the advantage of self-adjusting over the fixed bearing design to accommodate surgical malalignment. RELEVANCE This study revealed that the mobile bearing design has smaller maximum contact pressures than the fixed bearing design in knee prosthesis under malalignment biomechanical tests. This result indicates that there is an advantage for a mobile bearing design over a fixed bearing design to accommodate malalignment conditions caused by surgical technique or soft tissues imbalance in total knee arthroplasty.