Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy With Versus Without Mesenchymal Stem Cell Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: The outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with augmentation of intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) for medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis remain controversial. Purpose: To pool existing studies to compare the outcomes of HTO with versus without intra-articular MSC augmentation when performed for medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included were clinical studies that compared the outcomes of HTO with intra-articular MSC augmentation (MSC group) versus without (control group). Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups from measures including the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale, Tegner score, visual analog scale for pain, arthroscopic and histological grading scales, femorotibial angle, weightbearing line, and posterior tibial slope. Results: We reviewed 4 studies with a total of 224 patients. The MSC group demonstrated significantly greater improvement versus controls in the pooled Lysholm score (weighted mean difference [WMD], 6.64; 95% CI, 0.90 to 12.39) and pooled IKDC score (WMD, 9.21; 95% CI, 4.06 to 14.36), which were within or close to the minimal clinically important difference. Radiological outcomes were similar in both groups, including the femorotibial angle (WMD, –0.01; 95% CI, –1.10 to 1.09), weightbearing line, and posterior tibial slope. The studies were homogeneous, and no publication bias was noted. Conclusion: Intra-articular MSC augmentation for HTO may modestly improve functional outcomes as compared with HTO alone. However, adequate data are lacking to make definitive conclusions regarding the effect of MSC augmentation on pain or arthroscopic and histologic grading.

Correlation between weight-bearing asymmetry and bone mineral density in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis

Background Although unloading of the joint is related to reduction of the local bone mineral density (BMD), little attention had been paid to the relationship between loading asymmetry and side-to-side difference of BMD in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate and clarify the relationship between gait parameters and bone mineral density in those patients. Methods A total of 36 knees in eighteen patients (mean age = 73.7 ± 6.3 years, mean body mass index = 26.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2) with bilateral medial knee OA were enrolled in the present study. All subjects performed relaxed standing and level walking at our gait laboratory after informed consent was obtained. First, ground reaction force was calculated on bilateral knees during standing. The knees in each patient were divided into higher and lower force side for the definition of dominant side limb. Second, gait parameters in each subject were obtained. To analyze the factors that affect the weight-bearing distribution in both limbs, clinical data and biomechanical parameters were compared between knees. Clinical data included radiographic OA grade, femorotibial angle, and BMD at the bilateral femoral neck. Results Knees on higher force side were significantly more extended than on lower force side in standing (P = 0.012) and knee excursion during weight acceptance phase in gait was significantly larger in higher side than in lower side (P = 0.006), while the other parameters were not significantly different. As to the clinical data, higher force side had greater BMD, compared to lower force side. In terms of Kellgren–Lawrence scale and femorotibial angle on plain radiographs, there were no significant differences between higher and lower force side. Conclusions Based on loading asymmetry in the present study, lower BMD was observed on Lower force side in patients with knee OA. Therefore, it is helpful for orthopedic surgeons to examine side-to-side differences of bone mineral density or extension limitation during standing for evaluation of the loading condition in patients with bilateral knee OA.

Correlation Between Weight Bearing Asymmetry and Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Although unloading of the joint is related to reduction of the local bone mineral density (BMD), little attention had been paid to the relationship between loading asymmetry and side-to-side difference of BMD in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate and clarify the relationship between gait parameters and bone mineral density in those patients.Methods: A total of 36 knees in eighteen patients (mean age = 73.7 ± 6.3 years, mean body mass index = 26.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2) with bilateral medial knee OA were enrolled in the present study. All subjects performed relaxed standing and level walking at our gait laboratory after informed consent was obtained. First, ground reaction force was calculated on bilateral knees during standing. The knees in each patient were divided into Higher and Lower force side for the definition of dominant side limb. Second, gait parameters in each subject were obtained. To analyze the factors that affect the weight bearing distribution in both limbs, clinical data and biomechanical parameters were compared between knees. Clinical data included radiographic OA grade, femorotibial angle and BMD at the bilateral femoral neck.Results: Knees on Higher force side were significantly more extended than on Lower force side in standing (P=0.012) and knee excursion during weight acceptance phase in gait was significantly larger in Higher side than in Lower side (P=0.006), while the other parameters were not significantly different. As to the clinical data, Higher force side had greater BMD, compared to Lower force side. In terms of Kellgren-Lawrence scale and femorotibial angle on plain radiographs, there were no significant differences between Higher and Lower force side.Conclusions: Based on loading asymmetry in the present study, lower BMD was observed on Lower force side in patients with knee OA. Therefore, it is helpful for orthopedic surgeons to examine side-to-side differences of bone mineral density or extension limitation during standing for evaluation of the loading condition in patients with bilateral knee OA.

Osteochondral Autograft Transplant as a Potential Salvage Procedure for Articular Cartilage Defects of the Lateral Compartment in Lateral Meniscus–Deficient Knees: Results From a Country With Limited Availability of Meniscal Transplant

Background: The treatment of a meniscus-deficient knee is challenging, especially when patients are young and active and are not favorable candidates for prosthetic joint replacement. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that osteochondral autologous transplant (OAT) alone can be considered a salvage treatment for patients with cartilage damage of the lateral compartment of the knee, even with lateral meniscal deficiency, if the knee alignment is close to neutral. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with lateral meniscal deficiency, whose femorotibial angle was 170° to 180° and who underwent OAT on the lateral compartment of the knee without concomitant realignment osteotomy, were retrospectively included in this study. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for knee osteoarthritis (JOA knee score) were recorded. The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) cartilage repair assessment was used to evaluate the repaired cartilage at second-look arthroscopy. Results: The study included 10 patients (mean ± SD age, 31.7 ± 19.7 years; 3 men and 7 women) who had ICRS grade 4 cartilage lesions (mean size, 3.5 ± 1.7 cm2); the mean follow-up was 73.8 ± 42.5 months. From preoperative assessment to final follow-up, the mean IKDC subjective score improved significantly from 53.5 ± 10.0 to 85.4 ± 10.1, and the mean JOA knee score improved significantly from 81.0 ± 8.4 to 95.6 ± 5.3 ( P = .004 for both). One patient with a femorotibial angle of 170° underwent revision distal femoral osteotomy owing to prolonged symptoms and progression of the valgus deformity, and 2 other patients with femorotibial angles of 170° and 171° also exhibited progression of valgus malalignment or low clinical scores postoperatively. Patients with a favorable femorotibial angle (174°-178°) exhibited relieved symptoms and preservation of femorotibial angle alignment within 1° of change at follow-up. At second-look arthroscopy (n = 8 patients), 6 patients had an ICRS score of nearly normal or normal. Conclusion: In the study patients, for which a meniscal allograft was unavailable, the OAT procedure was able to relieve the symptoms associated with cartilage lesions, even with lateral meniscal deficiency, when the femorotibial angle alignment was close to neutral.

PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY FOR SEVERE VALGUS DEFORMITY: A 2YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY AT HASAN SADIKIN HOSPITAL

Valgus deformity (VD) accounts for only 10% of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), but is frequently considered the most challenging to manage. The aim of this study was to review outcome of primary total knee arthroplasty for severe valgus deformity at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Methods: From January 2015 and December 2017 consecutive patients undergoing unconstrained primary total knee arthroplasty with severe VD, grade II and III were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study. Preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and 2 years after surgery, patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the Knee Society Score (KSS, 2011, modified version). Femorotibial angle were measured on the frontal standing X-rays. Results and Discussions: There were twenty-four patients (18 women, 6 men) with mean age of 66 years (55 - 80). The knee range of motion improved from a mean of 71 degrees preoperatively to a mean of 95 degrees. KOOS Quality of life had increased significantly 6 weeks – 2 years after surgery. KOOS pain mean score was 40.3 points before surgery and increased significantly to 86.6 at two year follow up. OKS mean score increased from 22.1 to 41.8 two years after surgery. KSS 2011 mean objective score increased from 22 to 96 and mean function score increased from 32 to 81 two years after surgery. The mean femorotibial angle were improved from valgus 32.72º±9.68º pre-operation to 4.89º±0.90º post-operation (P <0.001). Conclusion: Primary total knee arthroplasty can be effective and safe for severe valgus deformity and the clinical results up to two years after surgery are promising. As our results show, if proper ligament balancing techniques are used and proper ligament balance is attained, the knee may not require the use of a more constrained components.

Short knee radiographs can be inadequate for estimating TKA alignment in knees with bowing

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the discrepancy of alignment categorization in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA) measured on short knee radiographs and the mechanical hip–knee–ankle axis angle (mHKA) measured on full-length radiographs in knees with and without bowing. Methods From January 2014 to June 2017, 107 of 526 osteoarthritic knees at our hospital were found to have femoral or tibial bowing. Bowing was defined as a femoral bowing angle (FBA) > 3° or < − 3° or a tibial bowing angle (TBA) > 2° or < − 2° in full-length preoperative radiographs. Among 419 knees without bowing, we selected 107 knees as a control group using propensity-score matching. Postoperative alignments were categorized by aFTA in short knee radiographs and mHKA in full-length radiographs into neutral (2° ≤ aFTA≤7°, − 3° ≤ mHKA≤3°), varus (aFTA< 2°, mHKA<− 3°), and valgus (aFTA> 7°, mHKA> 3°) alignments. We compared the categorization of alignments between knees with and without bowing using the McNemar test and used logistic regression to find factors for the alignment discordance. Results Coronal alignment was discordant in 26.2% of the knees with bowing and 13.1% of the knees without bowing (p < 0.001). FBAs were a significant factor affecting the discordance of alignment categorization (OR = 1.152, 95%CI 1.038–1.279, p = 0.008). Conclusion Short knee radiographs are insufficient for estimating coronal alignment after TKA, particularly in knees with femoral bowing. Level of evidence: III Retrospective comparative study.

Is the Wedged Insole an Effective Treatment Option When Compared with a Flat (Placebo) Insole: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Using the lateral wedge insole is a conservative management strategy for knee osteoarthritis. The theoretical basis for this intervention is to correct femorotibial angle, thereby reducing pain and optimising function. Objective. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the effectiveness of wedge insole compared with flat insole for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A systematic review was performed, searching published (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and unpublished literature from their inception to April 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of wedge insole with a flat insole were included. Risk of bias and clinical relevance were assessed, and outcomes were analysed through meta-analysis. Result. From a total of 413 citations, 8 studies adhered to the a priori eligibility criteria. The WOMAC pain was shown to be statistically nonsignificant change with the use of wedge insole (SMD=0.07), and low heterogeneity (I2=22%) and a 95% CI that crossed zero (95% CI: −0.09 to 0.24). The 5 independent trials were not significant in improving pain score (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.16). This review also revealed no significance in improving Lequesne index (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.72 to 0.19). The meta-analysis from the 2 independent trials was significant in improving femorotibial angle (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.73 to -0.09). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that lateral wedge insoles can improve femorotibial angle but are of no benefit with pain and functions in knee osteoarthritis.

Correlation in the Coronal Angle between Knee and Hindfoot Was Observed in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Unless Talocrural Joint Was Destroyed

The purpose of this study is to investigate the compensatory correlation between knee and hindfoot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This cross-sectional study included 218 patients (407 lower extremities). Radiographs of the hindfoot and full-length posteroanterior hip-to-calcaneus standing radiographs were evaluated. The destruction of the hindfoot was evaluated using the Larsen grading system. The coronal angular deformity of the knee and hindfoot was evaluated by the femorotibial angle (FTA) and the angle between the tibial shaft and the entire hindfoot (tibiohindfoot angle, THFA). The correlation between FTA and THFA was determined by Pearson’s coefficient. For all patients, FTA correlated to THFA (R = 0.28, p<0.001). The correlation was observed as long as the talocrural joint was preserved (Larsen grade ≤ 2), even if the subtalar joint had been destroyed (Larsen grade ≥ 3). However, the correlation was not observed when the talocrural joint was destroyed (Larsen grade ≥ 3, R = −0.02, p=0.94). The pain in the hindfoot did not correlate with FTA or THFA. In conclusion, a compensatory deformity of the hindfoot against the deformity of the knee was observed in RA, and the correlation was lost when talocrural joint was destroyed.

Our Experience with Correction of Angular Deformities of Knee by Flexible Figure of 8-plate Hemiepiphysiodesis

Background Genu valgum and genu varum deformity in the lower limb in children results in cosmetic problem, gait disturbance, pain and early joint degeneration. Most of them are physiological and improve to the normal adult femorotibial angle before the age of eight years. Persistent deformities are corrected by osteotomy and internal fixation or gradual correction by external fixation. Osteotomy has got its complications. Gradual correction also can be achieved by stapling, percutaneous drill technique and transphysial screw. Stapling has drawbacks related to implant failure including migration and breakage of implants. Drilling and screwing carries risk of permanent growth arrest. The timing of epiphysiodesis has to be perfect otherwise there may be under correction or overcorrection. 8-plate temporary hemi-epiphysiodesis is a new concept and producing good results with less complication. The objective of this study is to reduplicate the results of 8- plate hemiephiphysiodesis on angular deformities of knee joint. Methods We attempted gradual correction through 8-plate in 31 patients with 54 angular deformities around knee. Cases were followed for 38months (range, 24 to 52months) after removal of implants. Measurements were compared pre and postoperatively. Results There was statistically significant improvement in all the outcome measures measured. There was gross reduction of intermalleolar distance and reduction in angular deformity. Conclusions 8-plate hemiepiphysiodesis is an effective means for correcting angular deformity around the knee in skeletally immatured patients.