ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of novel computer navigation system (Knee 3 software; Brainlab, Germany) assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsBetween July 2020 and December 2020, 19 patients underwent unilateral TKA assisted with Knee 3 software. There were 4 males and 15 females. The mean age was 66.3 years (range, 52-79 years). Eighteen patients were diagnosed with osteoarthritis and 1 patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Sixteen patients had varus knees and 3 patients had valgus knees. Preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, function, and total scores were 12.4±3.4, 2 (1, 4), 22 (18, 29), and 37 (29, 43), respectively. Intraoperatively, the medial and lateral gaps in knee extension and in 90° of knee flexion were recorded. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and complications were recorded. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle were measured to evaluate lower limb alignment and prostheses’s alignment using X-ray films at 6 weeks after operation. Patient’s satisfaction rate and WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total scores were investigated.ResultsEighteen patients (94.7%) had medial- lateral gap balancing in knee extension, 18 patients (94.7%) had medial-lateral gap balancing in 90° of knee flexion, 19 patients (100%) had medial gap balancing between knee extension and 90° of knee flexion, and 18 patients (94.7%) had lateral gap balancing between knee extension and 90° of knee flexion. The mean operation time was 126 minutes (range, 100-200 minutes). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 205 mL (range, 100-400 mL). Patients were followed up 4-8 months, with an average of 6.2 months. Postoperative complications included 1 deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities and 1 cerebral infarction. X-ray films showed that the mean HKA, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle were 179.8° (range, 178°-182°), 83.5° (range, 80°-87°), and 89.5° (range, 87°-93°), respectively. At last follow-up, WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total scores were 3.6±1.9, 0 (0, 2), 4 (2, 6), and 9 (5, 10), respectively, which improved when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). Twelve patients were very satisfied with the operation results and 7 patients were satisfied with the operation results. The overall satisfaction rate was 100%.ConclusionKnee 3 software can help to obtain good gap balancing and optimal lower limb alignment, with high patient’s satisfaction and good short-term effecectiveness.
Objective To explore the therapeutic efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous multistranded semitendinous tendon (ST). Methods From September 2000 to December 2004, 50 casesof ruptures of ACLs were diagnosed by clinical and arthroscopic examinations. There were 32 males and 18 females with an average age of 26.3 years (18-51 years). The locations were left knee in 31 cases and right knee in 19 cases. All patients had the history of knee joint injury. Arthroscopy showed 26 cases of rupture, 14cases of defect, 4 cases of avulsion and 6 cases of laceration. All patients were operated upon arthroscopically by using autologous multistranded ST. Plaster splints were used for 4 weeks after operation. The result was estimated by AO Yingfang’s standards and Lysholm knee scores. Results All patients achieved healing bythe first intention. The extension and flexion function was restored normal at 8-10 weeks. The patients were followed up averagely 1 year and 8 months (6.48 months). The results of drawer test and Lachman test were positive in 3 cases and suspiciously positive in 8 cases. The results were excellent in 23 patients, good in 18 and fair in 9. Lysholm knee scores were 4057±1068 preoperatively and 86.43±9.33 postoperatively, showing significant difference (P＜0.01). Conclusion Arthroscopy reconstruction of ACL with autologous multistranded ST may be one of the excellentmethods bringing less injury.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate in post-operation treatment of the knee. METHODS From January 1998 to February 2001, 4 ml of sodium hyaluronate injection was injected into the knee joint of the 134 cases at the end of arthroscope operation, or the 91 cases undergoing open operation of the knee at the time when the drain tube was removed (treatment group). Five days after operation, the hydrarthrosis was removed and 2 ml of sodium hyaluronate was injected into the knee joint. According to the patient’s condition, injection of sodium hyaluronate was performed once a week for several weeks. Clinical evaluation was made by evaluating pain visual analog scale (VAS) and painless range of movement (ROM) of the joint at every definite point of time. The 85 patients in control group used nothing at the same time. RESULTS The VAS score of patients in the treatment group was significant lower than that of the control group. The period to the maximal painless ROM of the joint was 6 days in the treatment group after open operation, while 9 days in the control group. CONCLUSION Sodium hyaluronate appears effective in relieving post-operation pain of the knee joint.
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of chitosan in prevention of knee dysfunction due to adhesion after operation for patellar fracture. Methods From March to October 1999, 40 cases of patellar fracturewere treated by internal fixation, with intraarticular injection of 2% chitosan in only 24 cases after fixation and with no chitosan injection in 16 cases(control group). The function of the knee joint, including extension and flexion, was evaluated 1month and 1 year after operation respectively. Results One month after operation, the knees with chitosan injection could actively move in the average range of 104°±23°, and the knees in the control group could move in the average range of72°±16°, which showed significant difference between two groups(P＜0.01); 1 year after operation, the range of movement of the knees with injection was 165°±38° on average, and that of the knees in the control group was 110°± 31°, which also indicated significant difference between two groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion Medical chitosan could effectively prevent or reduce the post-operative adhesion of knee joint after patellar operation.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of internal tension-relieving technique for arthroscopic assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
MethodsBetween March 2011 and September 2014, 51 cases of complete ACL rupture were randomly divided into 2 groups. Arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction combined with internal tension-relieving technique was performed in 26 cases (group A), arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction in 25 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, injured side, body mass index, Outerbridge classification of articular cartilage injury, disease duration, and the preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and KT-1000 test value between 2 groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, the KT-1000 was used to measure the anterior stability, and IKDC and Lysholm scores to evaluate the function of knee joint.
ResultsHealing of incision by first intention was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, without complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity, and blood vessels and nerves injury. The patients were followed up 12 months after operation. All patients received second microscopic examination. The reconstructed ACL had good continuity and good coverage of synovial tissue. There was no re-rupture in any cases. The range of motion of the knee joint was close to normal. The MRI showed good healing of the ligament and the bone tunnel at 12 months after operation. KT-1000 test value, IKDC score, and Lysholm score at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in IKDC score and Lysholm score between 2 groups at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05); but IKDC score and Lysholm score of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05) at 6 months. At diffenent time points after operation, the KT-1000 test values of group A were significantly lower than those of group B (P<0.05) except the value at 3 months (P>0.05).
ConclusionFor patients with ACL rupture, using internal tension-relieving technique can effectively alleviate tension force of reconstructed ligament, which is beneficial to the healing of reconstructed ligament and early rehabilitation of the knee joint.
Objective To investigate the repair method of type Ⅱc injury in the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area based on the porcine knee joint. Methods Eighteen commercially available fresh porcine knee joints were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6). After preparing a type Ⅱc injury in the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area, and the anterior (group A), posterior (group B), or anterior and posterior (group C) of the popliteal hiatus (PH) was sutured by vertical mattress. The tension meter was used to apply gradient tensions of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 N along the tibial plateau horizontally, respectively, to pull the midpoint of the lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area. The displacement values before modeling, after modeling, and after suture were recorded. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture were calculated and compared between groups. Results There was no significant difference between groups (P>0.05) in the displacement values before modeling, after modeling, and after suture under different tensions. There was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05) in the reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture under different tensions. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and reduction rate after suture in group B were lower than those in groups A and C. The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement under tension of 2 N and the reduction rates under tensions of 2, 4, and 6 N between groups A and B showed significant differences (P<0.05). The reduction value of lateral meniscus displacement and the reduction rate under tensions of 2, 4, and 6 N between groups B and C showed significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Suturing the anterior area of PH is the key to repairing type Ⅱc injury of lateral meniscus popliteal tendon area.
ObjectiveTo investigate biomechanical effects of pseudo-patella baja on stress of patellofemoral joint after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by using finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsA series of CT and MRI of the left knee joint of two healthy volunteers and three-dimensional (3D) scanned data of TKA prosthesis were taken, and the 3D models of knee before and after TKA were established. The finite element model of pseudo-patella baja, normal patella, and alta patella after TKA were constructed by Insall-Salvafi (IS) ratio and Blackburne-Peel (BP) ratio. The load was applied along the direction of quadriceps femoris. After testing the validity of the finite element model, the high contact stress of patellofemoral joint was measured on the von Mise stress nephogram of pseudo-patella baja, normal patella, and alta patella after TKA when the knee flexion was 30°, 60°, and 90°. The average contact area was calculated according to two volunteers’ data.ResultsOn the finite element model of the normal patella after TKA with knee flexion 30°, 475 N pressure was applied along the direction of quadriceps femoris. The contact stress of patellofemoral joint was (1.29±0.41) MPa, which was similar to the results reported previously. The finite element model was valid. The von Mise stress nephogram showed that the stress mainly focused on the medial patellofemoral articular surface during knee flexion, and the contact point gradually moved up with the knee flexion deepened. The stress on the medial and lateral patellofemoral articular surface increased with the knee flexion deepened but decreased with the increase of patellar height. The effects of patellar height and knee flexion on the high contact stress of patellofemoral joint were similar among the finite element models after TKA based on the data of two volunteers. The high contact stress of patellofemoral joint increased with the knee flexion deepened in the same patellar height models (P<0.05), but decreased with the increase of patellar height in the same knee flexion models (P<0.05). The high contact stress of patellofemoral joint of pseudo-patella baja model was significantly higher than normal and alta patella models (P<0.05). The average contact area of patellofemoral joint of pseudo-patella baja was bigger than normal and alta patella models with the knee flexion deepened.ConclusionThe pseudo-patella baja after TKA has an important effect on the biomechanics of patellofemoral joint. Reserving the joint line and avoiding the occurrence of pseudo-patella baja can decrease the risk of anterior knee pain, patellar arthritis, and other complications caused by the increasing of contact stress of patellofemoral joint.
Objective To investigate the clinical application of periosteal autograft in repair of cartilage defect caused by osteoarthritis of knee. Methods From 1996 to 1999, 36 knees of cartilage defect of knee joint in 28 cases were treated. In the operation, the cracked degenerative cartilage was removed before free periosteum from tibia was transplanted to repair the defect, and the meniscuses in 8 knees of the 36 knees were reconstructed. After operation, early continuous passive movement was adopted for 4 weeks, and 8 knees with reconstruction ofthe meniscus were immobilized by plaster splint for 7 days after operation and before passive movement. All of the cases were followed up for 1 to 4 years before clinical evaluation in symptoms, signs and radiological findings. Results The general satisfactory rate was 86.1%, in which the function was excellent in 22 knees and good in 9 knees. Conclusion The periosteal autograft is a good choice for repairing cartilage defect due to osteoarthritis, with a satisfactory outcomein the short term.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via tibial tunnel made by three-portal technique.MethodsBetween July 2015 and December 2016, 45 patients with ACL ruptures were treated. There were 29 males and 16 females with an average age of 27.5 years (range, 18-42 years). There were 18 cases in the left side and 27 cases in the right side. There were 28 cases of sports injuries, 13 cases of traffic accidents, and 4 cases of other injuries. The average time from injury to operation was 21.6 days (range, 5-36 days). There were 25 cases of simple ACL injury and 20 cases of ACL complicated with medial collateral ligament, medial meniscus or lateral meniscus injuries. The Lachman tests of all patients were positive. The pivot shift tests of all patients were positive with grade Ⅰ in 27 cases, grade Ⅱ in 13 cases, and grade Ⅲ in 5 cases. The preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 70.28±6.12, and the Lysholm score was 63.27±7.62. All patients underwent arthroscopic single-bundle ACL reconstruction, and the tibial tunnel was created through the anterolateral, high anteromedial, and additional low anteromedial approaches.ResultsAll incisions healed by the first intention. All patients were followed up 18.7 months on average (range, 14-32 months). The three-dimensional CT at 3 days after operation showed that the tibial tunnel positions were accurate and the middle points were located in the 36.81%-43.35% of tibial plateau on sagittal plane. The medial borders of the tibial tunnel on coronal plane were located at the lateral to the medial eminence of the tibia. There were 3 cases of thrombosis of intermuscular vein of lower limbs, 2 cases of joint swelling and pain, and 3 cases of stiffness of knee joint. At last follow-up, the Lachman tests of all patients were negative and the pivot shift test were negative in 42 patients and positive in 3 patients (grade Ⅰ). The IKDC score (92.59±4.36) and Lysholm score (93.15±5.53) were significantly higher than preoperative scores (t=11.35, P=0.00; t=12.27, P=0.00).ConclusionArthroscopic ACL reconstruction via tibial tunnel made by three-portal technique, which was simple and accurate, can obtain the satisfactory function of the knee in the early stage after operation.
OBJECTIVE To measure the isometric point of the attachment site in femur during the reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). METHODS Seven fresh knee specimens from cadavers were adopted in this experiment. The anterior, posterior, proximal, distal and central points of the PCL’s femoral attachment site were respectively anchored to the middle of the PCL’s tibial attachment site by the trial isometer wires. The length changes of the intra-articular part of the wires were recorded while the knee was flexed from 0 degree to 120 degrees by a continuous passive motion(CPM) machine. RESULTS The maximal length changes in every points were compared. It showed that the length change in anterior point was the biggest, the distal point was less than that of anterior point, and the proximal point was the least. There was significant difference between proximal and posterior points, but no significant difference between proximal and central points, neither between central and posterior points. All of the maximal length changes of proximal, central and posterior points were not greater than 2 mm. CONCLUSION The femoral tunnel for the PCL reconstruction should be located at the proximal point, which is the middle point of upper edge of femoral attachment site. The selected point for femoral tunnel also may be moved slightly in the direction to central or posterior points according to the needs of operation.
