Which Pre- and Postoperative Coronal Plane Laxity Parameters Influence Patient Satisfaction and Function after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Author(s):  
Michael McAuliffe ◽  
Patrick O'Connor ◽  
Lisa Major ◽  
Gautam Garg ◽  
Sarah L. Whitehouse ◽  
...  

AbstractSoft tissue balancing, while accepted as crucial to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes, is incompletely defined as the subject of broad recommendations. We analyzed 120 computer-assisted, posterior stabilized TKA undertaken for osteoarthritis. Coronal plane laxity was measured, in the 91 varus and 29 valgus knees, prior to any bone resection or soft tissue release, and again after implant insertion. Soft tissue laxity parameters were correlated to the American Knee Society Score (2011) at a minimum follow-up of 12 months with a focus on patient function and satisfaction. Thirteen specific laxity parameters showed a significant correlation to satisfaction, one parameter correlated to function, and another to both functional and satisfaction outcomes. Most correlations were weak, the strongest related to postoperative decreases in coronal plane laxity. Greater preoperative varus but not valgus deformity was associated with higher satisfaction scores. Additionally, 30 patients who reported 40 of 40 satisfaction and that their TKA knee felt normal at all times did not have soft tissue balancing parameters distinguishing them from other subjects. Patient satisfaction and function outcomes demonstrated limited correlation to coronal plane soft tissue parameters. It appears that optimizing TKA satisfaction and function is not as simple as producing a narrow range of coronal laxity parameters. The ongoing debate around optimal coronal plane alignment and its subsequent effect on coronal plane soft tissues may not be as independently important as currently argued. Soft tissue balance may need to be considered as a more complex global envelope.

Arthroplasty ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddharth M. Shah

Abstract Background Limb and implant alignment along with soft tissue balance plays a vital role in the outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Computer navigation for TKA was first introduced in 1997 with the aim of implanting the prosthetic components with accuracy and precision. This review discusses the technique, current status, and scientific evidence pertaining to computer-navigated TKA. Body The adoption of navigated TKA has slowly but steadily increased across the globe since its inception 25 years ago. It has been more rapid in some countries like Australia than others, like the UK. Contemporary, large console-based navigation systems help control almost every aspect of TKA, including the depth and orientation of femoral and tibial resections, soft-tissue release, and customization of femoral and tibial implant positions in order to obtain desired alignment and balance. Navigated TKA results in better limb and implant alignment and reduces outliers as compared to conventional TKA. However, controversy still exists over whether improved alignment provides superior function and longevity. Surgeons may also be hesitant to adopt this technology due to the associated learning curve, slightly increased surgical time, fear of pin site complications, and the initial set-up cost. Furthermore, the recent advent of robotic-assisted TKA which provides benefits like precision in bone resections and avoiding soft-tissue damage due to uncontrolled sawing, in addition to those of computer navigation, might be responsible for the latter technology taking a backseat. Conclusion This review summarizes the current state of computer-navigated TKA. The superiority of computer navigation to conventional TKA in improving accuracy is well established. Robotic-assisted TKA provides enhanced functionality as compared to computer navigation but is significantly more expensive. Whether robotic-assisted TKA offers any substantive advantages over navigation is yet to be conclusively proven. Irrespective of the form, the use of computer-assisted TKA is on the rise worldwide and is here to stay.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Zhao ◽  
Yanqing Liu ◽  
Hua Tian

Abstract Background Soft tissue balancing is essential for the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and is mainly dependent on surgeon-defined assessment (SDA) or a gap-balancer (GB). However, an electronic sensor has been developed to objectively measure the gap pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of soft tissue balancing using SDA and GB compared with a sensor. Methods Forty-eight patients undergoing TKA (60 knees) were prospectively enrolled. Soft tissue balancing was sequentially performed using SDA, a GB, and an electronic sensor. We compared the SDA, GB, and sensor data to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 120° flexion. Cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis was performed to assess the surgeon’s performance during the sensor introductory phase. Results The sensitivity of SDA was 63.3%, 68.3%, 80.0%, and 80.0% at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 120°, respectively. The accuracy of the GB compared with sensor data was 76.7% and 71.7% at 0° and 90°, respectively. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for the accuracy of the GB was 0.406 at 0° (moderate agreement) and 0.227 at 90° (fair agreement). The CUSUM 0° line achieved good prior performance at case 45, CUSUM 90° and 120° showed a trend toward good prior performance, while CUSUM 45° reached poor prior performance at case 8. Conclusion SDA was a poor predictor of knee balance. GB improved the accuracy of soft tissue balancing, but was still less accurate than the sensor, particularly for unbalanced knees. SDA improved with ongoing use of the sensor, except at 45° flexion.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2525-2531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich Boettner ◽  
Lisa Renner ◽  
Danik Arana Narbarte ◽  
Claus Egidy ◽  
Martin Faschingbauer

Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Minator Sajjadi ◽  
Mohammad Ali Okhovatpour ◽  
Yaser Safaei ◽  
Behrooz Faramarzi ◽  
Reza Zandi

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of the femoral intermechanical-anatomical angle (IMA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), femorotibial or varus angle (VA), and joint line convergence angle (CA) in predicting the stage of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of varus knee. We evaluated 229 patients with osteoarthritic varus knee who underwent primary TKA, prospectively. They were categorized in three groups based on the extent of medial soft tissue release that performed during TKA Group 1, osteophytes removal and release of the deep MCL and posteromedial capsule (stage 1); Group 2, the release of the semimembranosus (stage 2); and Group 3, release of the superficial MCL (stage 3) and/or the pes anserinus (stage 4). We evaluated the preoperative standing coronal hip-knee-ankle alignment view to assessing the possible correlations between the knee angles and extent of soft tissue release. A significant difference was observed between the three groups in terms of preoperative VA, CA, and MPTA by using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The extent of medial release increased with increasing VA and CA as well as decreasing MPTA in preoperative long-leg standing radiographs. Finally, a patient with a preoperative VA larger than 19, CA larger than 6, or MPTA smaller than 81 would need a stage 3 or 4 of MCL release. The overall results showed that the VA and MPTA could be useful in predicting the extent of medial soft tissue release during TKA of varus knee.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Steer ◽  
Beth Tippett ◽  
R Nazim Khan ◽  
Dermot Collopy ◽  
Gavin Clark

Abstract Background: A drive to improve functional outcomes for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has led to alternative alignment being used. Functional alignment (FA) uses intraoperative soft tissue tension to determine the optimal position of the prosthesis within the patients soft tissue envelope. Angular limits for bone resections are followed to prevent long term prosthesis failure. This study will use the aid of robotic assistance to plan and implement the final prosthesis position. This method has yet to be compared to the traditional mechanically aligned (MA) knee in a randomised trial. Methods: A blinded randomised control trial with 100 patients will be undertaken via Perth Hip and Knee clinic. Fifty patients will undergo a MA TKA and fifty will undergo a FA TKA. Both alignment techniques will be balanced via computer assisted navigation to assess prosthetic gaps, being achieved via the initial bony resection and further soft tissue releases as required to achieve satisfactory balance. The primary outcome will be the forgotten joint score (FJS) two years after surgery, with secondary outcomes being other patient reported outcome measures, clinical functional assessment, radiographic position and complications. Other data that will be collected will be patient demography (Sex, Age, level of activity) and medical information (grade of knee injury, any other relevant medical information). The linear statistical model will be fitted to the response (FJS), including all the other variables as covariates. Discussion: Many surgeons are utilising alternative alignment techniques with a goal of achieving better functional outcomes for their patients. Currently MA TKA remains the gold standard with good outcomes and excellent longevity. There is no published RCTs comparing FA to MA yet and only two registered studies are planned or currently in progress. This study utilizes a FA technique which differs from the two studies. This study will help determine if FA TKA has superior functional results for patients.Trial registration: This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) http://www.anzctr.org.au: U1111-1257-2291, registered 25th Jan 2021. It is also listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04748510


Orthopedics ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. e1353-e1357 ◽  
Author(s):  
William M. Mihalko ◽  
Kazuhiko Saeki ◽  
Leo A. Whiteside

Author(s):  
James L. Cook ◽  
Kylee Rucinski ◽  
Cory R. Crecelius ◽  
Suzin Cunningham ◽  
Trent M. Guess

AbstractThis prospective randomized clinical trial assessed a novel device for initial management of knee range of motion (ROM), pain, and function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Primary TKA patients with preoperative ROM of at least 5° to 115° were randomized to initial knee motion management: Mizzou BioJoint Flex—novel motion-assistive device with prescribed physical therapy or standard physical therapy—prescribed physical therapy. ROM, pain score, and knee injury and osteoarthritis score for joint replacement (KOOSjr) were obtained preoperatively and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction for both cohorts and subjective assessments of the MBF device were assessed at 3 months. Readmissions, reoperations, and complications were assessed through 1 year. Nineteen patients were randomized to each cohort, with no significant preoperative differences in demographics, pain score, KOOSjr score, or ROM. Six SPT (31.6%) and 3 MBF (15.8%) patients failed to regain preoperative ROM (p = 0.044). One SPT (5.3%) and eight MBF (42%) patients exceeded 125° ROM (p = 0.019) by 3 months. Total ROM (p = 0.039), pain (p = 0.0068), and function (p = 0.0027) were significantly better for MBF at 3 months. MBF patients reported significantly higher satisfaction (mean, 9.4 ± 1.1 vs. 8.0 ± 1.8, respectively; p = 0.0084). One patient in each group underwent manipulation under anesthesia. No other readmissions, reoperations, or complications were reported. A novel durable medical equipment device can provide a safe and effective patient-controlled method for initial management of knee ROM, pain, and function after primary TKA with potential clinically meaningful advantages over physical therapy alone. In conjunction with physical therapy, management with this novel knee flexion device more effectively restored knee ROM and early patient function when compared with therapy alone and was associated with higher proportions of patients regaining minimum (115°) and desired (125°) levels of knee ROM and clinically meaningful differences in pain scores, knee function, and patient satisfaction. This is a Level 1, prospective trial study.


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