Kazunari Kuroda

The use of the transverse acetabular ligament in total hip replacement: An analysis of the orientation of the trial acetabular component using a navigation system

It has recently been reported that the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is helpful in determining the position of the acetabular component in total hip replacement (THR). In this study we used a computer-assisted navigation system to determine whether the TAL is useful as a landmark in THR. The study was carried out in 121 consecutive patients undergoing primary THR (134 hips), including 67 dysplastic hips (50%). There were 26 men (29 hips) and 95 women (105 hips) with a mean age of 60.2 years (17 to 82) at the time of operation. After identification of the TAL, its anteversion was measured intra-operatively by aligning the inferomedial rim of the trial acetabular component with the TAL using computer-assisted navigation. The TAL was identified in 112 hips (83.6%). Intra-observer reproducibility in the measurement of anteversion of the TAL was high, but inter-observer reproducibility was moderate. Each surgeon was able to align the trial component according to the target value of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, but it was clear that methods may differ among surgeons. Of the measurements of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, 5.4% (6 of 112 hips) were outliers from the safe zone. In summary, we found that the TAL is useful as a landmark when implanting the acetabular component within the safe zone in almost all hips, and to prevent it being implanted in retroversion in all hips, including dysplastic hips. However, as anteversion of the TAL may be excessive in a few hips, it is advisable to pay attention to individual variations, particularly in those with severe posterior pelvic tilt. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:306–11.It has recently been reported that the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is helpful in determining the position of the acetabular component in total hip replacement (THR). In this study we used a computer-assisted navigation system to determine whether the TAL is useful as a landmark in THR. The study was carried out in 121 consecutive patients undergoing primary THR (134 hips), including 67 dysplastic hips (50%). There were 26 men (29 hips) and 95 women (105 hips) with a mean age of 60.2 years (17 to 82) at the time of operation. After identification of the TAL, its anteversion was measured intra-operatively by aligning the inferomedial rim of the trial acetabular component with the TAL using computer-assisted navigation. The TAL was identified in 112 hips (83.6%). Intra-observer reproducibility in the measurement of anteversion of the TAL was high, but inter-observer reproducibility was moderate. Each surgeon was able to align the trial component according to the target value of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, but it was clear that methods may differ among surgeons. Of the measurements of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, 5.4% (6 of 112 hips) were outliers from the safe zone. In summary, we found that the TAL is useful as a landmark when implanting the acetabular component within the safe zone in almost all hips, and to prevent it being implanted in retroversion in all hips, including dysplastic hips. However, as anteversion of the TAL may be excessive in a few hips, it is advisable to pay attention to individual variations, particularly in those with severe posterior pelvic tilt.

Does Degree of the Pelvic Deformity Affect the Accuracy of Computed Tomography-Based Hip Navigation?

Although some navigation systems have been used for improvement of component positioning, there have been few reports regarding cases of severe pelvic deformity. We performed a retrospective review of 25 cases of total hip arthroplasty with a computed tomography-based navigation system in patients with severe pelvic deformities and estimated acetabular component position and angle between severe deformity group and mild dysplastic group as a control. There were no significant differences in accuracy of navigation system between 2 groups in terms of 3-dimensional component position or angle. Accuracy of computed tomography-based hip navigation does not depend on the degree of pelvic deformity, and this system is also useful to identify acetabular orientation and for precise component implantation in cases of pelvic deformity.

The value of computed tomography based navigation in revision total hip arthroplasty

PurposeThis study investigates the accuracy of a computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system for accurate acetabular component placement during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 30 hips in 26 patients who underwent cementless revision THA using a CT-based navigation system; the control group consisted of 25 hips in 25 patients who underwent cementless primary THA using the same system. We analysed the deviation of anteversion and inclination angles among the pre-operative plan, intra-operative records from the navigation system and data from postoperative CT scans.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups (P < 0.05) in terms of mean deviation between pre-operative planning and postoperative measurements or between intraoperative records and postoperative measurements.ConclusionCT-based navigation in revision THA is a useful tool that enables the surgeon to implant the acetabular component at the precise angle determined in pre-operative planning.

Three-dimensional kinetic simulation before and after rotational acetabular osteotomy

BackgroundSome reports indicate that one of major causes of clinical failure after periacetabular osteotomy is development of secondary femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). To assess the impact of range of motion (ROM) on the increase in FAI following rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO), we performed FAI simulations before and after RAO.MethodsWe evaluated 12 hips that had undergone RAO (study group), and 12 normal hips (control group). The study group was evaluated before and after surgery. Morphological parameters were evaluated to assess acetabular coverage. The acetabular anteversion angle, anterior CE angle, alpha angle, and combined anteversion angle were also measured. Impingement simulations were performed using 3D-CT. The ROM which causes bone-to-bone impingement was evaluated in flexion (flex), abduction, external rotation at 0° flexion, and internal rotation at 90° flexion. The lesions caused by impingement were evaluated.ResultsRadiographic measurements indicated improved postoperative acetabular coverage in the study group. The crossover sign was recognized pre- and postoperatively in every case in the study group and in no cases in the control group. In the simulation study, flexion, abduction, and internal rotation at 90° flexion decreased postoperatively. Impingement occurred within 45° internal rotation at 90° flexion in two preoperative and nine postoperative cases. The impingement lesions were anterosuperior of the acetabulum in all cases. There were correlations between anterior CE angle, CE angle, acetabular anteversion angle, and hip flexion angle. There were also correlations between the anterior CE angle, combined anteversion angle, and angle of internal rotation at 90° flexion.ConclusionsIn the postoperative simulation, there was a tendency to reduce the ROM in flexion, abduction, and internal rotation at 90° flexion due to impingement. Since there were more cases which caused impingement within 45° internal rotation at 90° flexion after RAO, we consider there is a potential for increased FAI after RAO.

Appropriate hinge position for prevention of unstable lateral hinge fracture in open wedge high tibial osteotomy

Aims Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial‐compartment osteoarthritis of the knee can be complicated by intra‐operative lateral hinge fracture (LHF). We aimed to establish the relationship between hinge position and fracture types, and suggest an appropriate hinge position to reduce the risk of this complication. Patients and Methods Consecutive patients undergoing OWHTO were evaluated on coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images. Hinge positions were divided into five zones in our new classification, by their relationship to the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). Fractures were classified into types I, II, and III according to the Takeuchi classification. Results Among 111 patients undergoing OWHTOs, 22 sustained lateral hinge fractures. Of the 89 patients without fractures, 70 had hinges in the zone within the PTFJ and lateral to the medial margin of the PTFJ (zone WL), just above the PTFJ. Among the five zones, the relative risk of unstable fracture was significantly lower in zone WL (relative risk 0.24, confidence interval 0.17 to 0.34). Conclusion Zone WL appears to offer the safest position for the placement of the osteotomy hinge when trying to avoid a fracture at the osteotomy site.

Hyperostosis around the bilateral acetabulum associated with hypoparathyroidism

We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with hyperostosis around the bilateral acetabulum associated with untreated secondary hypoparathyroidism. She presented with gait disturbance and inability to walk. Radiographs showed abnormal ossification around her hips. We resected the ossifications to improve joint function. One year after surgery, radiographs showed no recurrence of ossification. When radiographs show excessive hyperostosis, it is important to exclude presence of metabolic bone disease.

Suture Anchor Repair for a Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Combined With Arthroscopic Meniscal Centralization and Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is now attracting increased attention as a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. However, the healing rate after root repair by the suture anchor technique or the pull-out technique is still low. Here we report on a technique of MMPRT repair using suture anchor combined with arthroscopic meniscal centralization and open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). The purposes of this technique are (1) to distribute the meniscal hoop tension between the root repair site and the centralization site and (2) to reduce the load on medial meniscus by OWHTO. The routine exposure for OWHTO with superficial medial collateral ligament release creates good visualization for arthroscopic root repair. The first anchor is inserted on the medial edge of the medial tibial plateau, and the second anchor is inserted on the root attachment through a posteromedial portal. After tying the knots, OWHTO could be performed without interference between the suture anchors and the screws of the plate for fixing the osteotomy. Although further follow-up is required, this technique could improve the outcomes after root repair, as well as have some technical advantages.

Closed Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy with a Polyaxial Locking Plate Designed for the Proximal Tibia: Minimum 5-Year Outcomes

Since distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFO) -specific plates had not been available in Japan before 2015, we performed DFO using a plate for tibia. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and problems associated with the non-specific plate in DFO. We used NCB-PT plates (Zimmer Inc.) in the upside-down position and the minimum 5-year outcomes were evaluated. The mean preoperative weight bearing line ratio and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved from 97.6%±35.8% and 68.0±11.5, respectively, to 44.0%±16.1% and 82.0±7.6, respectively, 1 year postoperatively and to 42.8%±15.7% and 86.0±8.2, respectively, 5 years postoperatively. The flexion range decreased from 149.0°±6.5° to 138.0°±5.7° 1 year postoperatively and to 135.0°±20.9° 5 years postoperatively. Although DFO using the NCB-PT plate provided mid-term benefits, it resulted in a loss of knee flexion, possibly due to excessive coverage of the medial femoral epicondyle.

Quantitative analysis of the Trendelenburg test and invention of a modified method

BACKGROUND While the Trendelenburg test has been used for 120 years to detect hip abductor muscle weakness, the methodology has not been standardised. PURPOSES This study undertook to quantitatively analyze the relation between abductor muscle activity and pelvic tilt angle in the Trendelenburg one-leg stance, examine the pitfalls associated with performing the T-test, and develop a modified method that will produce reliable results. METHODS A convenience sample of 15 healthy males was asked to assume a one-leg stance in ten different postures, five with mild flexion on the unsupported side, and five with severe flexion. Trunk sway angle, pelvic tilt angle, and the pelvic on femur (POF) angle were measured for each posture. Statistical analysis was used to assess differences in hip abductor activity and public tilt angle between the control posture and the test postures. RESULTS With minimum trunk sway, hip abductor muscle activity increases when the pelvis is elevated and decreases when it is dropped. With trunk sway toward the test side, abductor muscle activity decreased when the pelvis was elevated; with trunk sway toward the non-test side, muscle activity stayed approximately constant when the pelvis was dropped. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results we developed a modified T-test methodology that would improve reliability. This test should be performed with minimum trunk sway and severe flexion on the non-test side. The assessment of muscle weakness is based on whether the patient can keep the single-leg standing posture when forced to elevate the pelvis, not simply on the pelvic drop. In future research, we will perform the modified T-test on patients with a suspected hip abductor deficiency, and assess the usefulness of the modified test.

Hyperostosis around the acetabulum treated by computer navigation-assisted resection of the ossification: a report of two cases

Hyperostosis around the acetabulum is often seen in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis [1–3], ankylosing spinal hyperostosis [4], ankylosing spondylitis [5] and heterotopic ossification presenting as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Hyperostosis around the acetabulum causes a limited range of motion and gait disturbance. Patients with hyperostosis and severe osteoarthritis of the hip joint may require total hip arthroplasty. However, there have been few reports of surgical excision of the ossified lesion, and although resection of the ossification is a reasonable procedure, there is no consensus regarding the margin of resection. In the cases presented here, our patients underwent a computer navigation-assisted resection of the ossification around the acetabulum. The authors obtained consent from the patients for publication of this case report.