Peter Schranz

The risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture with generalised joint laxity

We assessed hyperextension of the knee and joint laxity in 169 consecutive patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 2000 and 2002 and correlated this with a selected number of age- and gender-matched controls. In addition, the mechanism of injury in the majority of patients was documented. Joint laxity was present in 42.6% (72 of 169) of the patients and hyperextension of the knee in 78.7% (133 of 169). All patients with joint laxity had hyperextension of their knee. In the control group only 21.5% (14 of 65) had joint laxity and 37% (24 of 65) had hyperextension of the knee. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation for these associations. We conclude that anterior cruciate ligament injury is more common in those with joint laxity and particularly so for those with hyperextension of the knee.

Evaluation of patients with a painful total knee replacement

Evaluation of patients with painful total knee replacement requires a thorough clinical examination and relevant investigations in order to reach a diagnosis. Awareness of the common and uncommon problems leading to painful total knee replacement is useful in the diagnostic approach. This review article aims to act as a guide to the evaluation of patients with painful total knee replacement.

The measurement of patellar height: A REVIEW OF THE METHODS OF IMAGING

Many radiographic techniques have been described for measuring patellar height. They can be divided into two groups: those that relate the position of the patella to the femur (direct) and those that relate it to the tibia (indirect). This article looks at the methods that have been described, the logic behind their conception and the critical analyses that have been performed to test them.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of posterior cruciate ligament ganglion cysts

Abstract Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee joint are rare. Percutaneous aspiration of ganglion cysts of the knee, which has both diagnostic and therapeutic value, has been described, but usually under guidance by computed tomography (CT). We describe ultrasound-guided aspiration of posterior cruciate ligament cysts in two patients.

The Use of Radiofrequency Energy for Arthroscopic Chondroplasty in the Knee

We present a review of the current literature surrounding the use of radiofrequency energy for arthroscopic chondroplasty in the knee. This review article summarizes basic science, clinical efficacy, and recent advances in the understanding of radiofrequency energy use for the treatment of chondral lesions. Laboratory evidence of increased mechanical stability and decreased release of inflammatory mediators associated with the use of radiofrequency energy chondroplasty is described with clinical evidence of decreased pain and increased functional scores when compared with mechanical chondroplasty. We re-examine concerns about the immediate side effects of radiofrequency energy use, including damage to local structures, in light of new potentially contradictory results, as well as the progression of techniques and probe design. However, although reported complications are few, because the quality of clinical evidence about safety and efficacy remains low, we suggest cautious and judicious use of this technology until future research has clearly defined the long-term clinical outcomes and risks.

Complications associated with opening wedge high tibial osteotomy — A review of the literature and of 15 years of experience

BACKGROUND Complication rates following opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is an issue that has not been comprehensively addressed in current literature. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of local patients who underwent OWHTO for isolated medial compartment knee osteoarthritis from 1997 to 2013. We analysed survivorship and complication rates and compared this to a literature review of previously reported data. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up=8.4 years. Mean age=47 (range 32 to 62). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI)=29.1 (range 20.3 to 40.2). Devices used consisted of Tomofix (72%), Puddu plate (21%) and Orthofix (seven percent) (no significant differences in age/sex/BMI). Wedge defects were filled with autologous graft (30%), Chronos (35%) or left empty (35%). Five years survival rate (without requiring conversion to arthroplasty)=80%. Overall complication rate=31%. Twenty five percent of patients suffered 36 complications including minor wound infections (9.6%), major wound infections (3.5%), metalwork irritation necessitating plate removal (seven percent), non-union requiring revision (4.3%), vascular injury (1.7%), compartment syndrome (0.9%), and other minor complications (four percent). No thromboembolic complications were observed. CONCLUSION No significant differences existed in complication rates following OWHTO relative to BMI, implant type, type of bone graft used or patient age at surgery. When the complications from OWHTO were analysed closely they appear higher than previously reported in the literature; however serious complications appear rare. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Retrospective cohort study.

Combined Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction and Tibial Tubercle Transfer Results at a Follow-Up of 2 years.

Abstract There is limited data on the effectiveness of combined medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) in patients with patella instability. The aim of our study was to analyze the functional outcome in patients treated with MPFL reconstruction and TTT. Between July 2008 and April 2013, 18 patients (21 knees) underwent combined MPFL reconstruction and TTT; 15 patients (16 knees) with a mean age of 24 years (16‐41) had a mean follow‐up of 30 months (26‐55). There was significant improvement in outcome scores in 12 out of 15 patients. KOOS score improved from 68.25 (44‐93.9) to 77.05 (48.8‐96.4) and KUJALA score improved from 63.3 (41‐88) to 78.06 (45‐99). Nine patients achieved at least a preinstability level of activity. Out of these nine patients, four had activity level better than the preinstability level. The remaining six patients had a lower activity level than preinstability level (2—lack of confidence and 4—lifestyle modification). Fourteen patients were satisfied and happy to recommend this procedure. There were three postoperative complications, with two cases of stiffness and one case of nonunion of the tibial tuberosity. Thus, the restoration of tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance, patella height, and MPFL reconstruction yields good results in carefully selected patients.

Tibial Tuberosity Transfer in Combination With Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: Surgical Technique

The stability of the patellofemoral joint relies on the tenuous interplay of soft tissue and bony factors. Anatomic risk factors for instability include a shallow trochlea, an abnormally lateral tibial tubercle position, patella alta, hypermobility, or a secondary injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). There is an increasing interest in restoring normal anatomy to achieve stability, and at times more than 1 abnormality exists. This article describes the technique for combining a tibial tuberosity transfer and an MPFL reconstruction. The key features include planning of skin incisions to enable both operations to be undertaken, planning of the screw placement before osteotomy is performed and assessment of the joint through a superolateral portal to assess the need for MPFL reconstruction after tuberosity transfer.

Mid-term survivorship and clinical outcomes of the Avon patellofemoral joint replacement

BACKGROUND We present the largest series of Avon patellofemoral joint (PFJ) replacements outside of the design centre. There is discussion over its efficacy and usefulness. We report an independent opinion of its indications, survivorship and outcomes. METHODS We prospectively collected demographic data and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) on our cohort of Avon Patellofemoral replacements since its adoption in our unit in 2003 until 2014. We performed a retrospective review of radiographs. RESULTS We performed 103 PFJ replacements in 85 patients, 36 were male (mean age 61 - range 34 to 78) and 67 female (mean age 60 - range 38 to 82), mean follow up time was 5.6years (range 2.9 to 14.2years) with 93 implants still in situ. Their mean post-operative Oxford Knee Score was 36 (range seven to 48). There were nine conversions to TKR for disease progression and one revision of a femoral component for trochlear malpositioning. Mean time to revision was 2.9years (1.0 to 6.0years). Radiographic evidence of progression on Kellgren and Lawrence score in the un-replaced compartments was demonstrated in 23% of cases with imaging available. The Avon PFJ replacement delivers reproducible and effective pain relief and function to patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. We believe PFJ replacement has an important role to play, and we will continue to perform this procedure for a carefully selected group of patients. Conversion to TKR does not and should not be regarded as failure of the index operation.

The largest survivorship and clinical outcomes study of the fixed bearing Stryker Triathlon Partial Knee Replacement — A multi-surgeon, single centre cohort study with a minimum of two years of follow-up

BACKGROUND The surgical management of isolated medial compartment degenerative disease of the knee causes debate. Unicompartmental arthroplasty options include fixed and mobile bearing implant designs with fixed bearing becoming increasingly popular. We present the largest cohort of a fixed bearing single radius design, Stryker Triathlon Partial Knee Replacement (PKR). METHODS We prospectively collected demographic data and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) on our cohort of PKR implants since its adoption in our unit, 2009 until March 2015. RESULTS A total of 129 implants in 115 patients with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (2.5 to 8.5 years) were included. There were 11 revisions at an average of 1.7 years (0.6-4.1 years), two for infection, two for mal-alignment, five for progression of disease and two for loosening. The survivorship of the implants at five years is 90%. CONCLUSION The PKR provides good survivorship at five years and PROM scores that are equal to the largest and most popular comparable implants. There is an associated learning curve with this implant, as there is with all systems and this is reflected in our results.