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Purpose: To evaluate the rotational profile of the lower extremity using computed tomography (CT) in accordance with the degree of varus deformity in medial condyle-affected knee joint osteoarthritis (OA)., Methods: This retrospective study included 1036 patients (872 lower extremities) with end-stage knee OA. The coronal alignment of the lower extremity was measured using standing anteroposterior radiography. The CT parameters of femoral anteversion and tibial torsion were assessed in relation to the knee joint. The axes were the femoral neck axis; the distal femoral axis, which was composed of the anterior trochlear axis, the clinical transepicondylar axis, and the posterior condylar axis; the axis of the proximal tibial condyles; and the bimalleolar axis., Results: There was a tendency for increased external rotation of the knee joint parameters in relation to the hip and ankle joints as varus deformity of the lower extremity increased. The relative external rotational deformity of the knee joint in relation to the hip joint had a positive value with a good correlation. The relative external rotational deformity of the knee joint in relation to the ankle joint also demonstrated a positive value with a good correlation., Conclusion: The distal femur and proximal tibia (knee joint) tended to rotate externally in relation to the hip and ankle joint, respectively, as the degree of varus deformity increased. This study identified the relationship between lower extremity varus deformity and rotational deformity of knee joints with OA., Level of Evidence: III.

Purpose: It is unknown whether the conforming superiority of ultracongruent (UC) inserts over posterior stabilized (PS) inserts, due to an increased anterior lip for prevention of anterior displacement of the condyles during knee flexion, leads to better knee scores or greater knee stability in arthroplasty patients. This meta-analysis compared clinical outcomes, intraoperative kinematics, sagittal stability, and range of motion (ROM) between groups with either UC or PS inserts in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA)., Methods: Studies that recorded clinical outcomes, intraoperative kinematics, sagittal stability, and ROM in patients who underwent primary TKA with UC or PS inserts were included in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses based on differences in flexion angles were performed for intraoperative kinematics., Results: Thirteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The UC and PS insert groups reported similar pain scores (95% CI - 0.15 to 0.16; n.s.) and function scores (95% CI - 0.30 to 0.14; n.s.). In contrast, femoral rotation during flexion (95% CI - 0.06 to 6.35; p = 0.05), posterior femoral translation during flexion (95% CI - 2.74 to - 0.15; p = 0.03), tibial sagittal laxity at 90° (95% CI 2.91 to 7.72; p < 0.0001), and ROM (95% CI - 4.84 to - 1.53; p = 0.0002) differed significantly between the groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that the pooled data for femoral rotation were significantly different between groups: 60°, 4.09 (p < 0.00001); 90°, 7.94 (p < 0.00001); and 120°, 8.16 (p < 0.00001). Furthermore, pooled data for posterior femoral translation were significantly different between groups: 90°, - 3.70 (p < 0.00001); and 120°, - 3.96 (p < 0.00001)., Conclusions: There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the groups with UC and PS inserts. However, the UC insert group showed significantly greater external femoral rotation, less posterior femoral translation, greater tibial laxity in the sagittal plane, and less ROM than the PS insert group. Based on the results of the current meta-analysis, in substituting the PCL, PS inserts are preferable to UC inserts due to more favourable kinematics and stability, even though both inserts have equivalent clinical outcomes., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II.

Purpose: Gait analysis is a valuable instrument for measuring function objectively after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, most gait analysis studies have reported conflicting results for functional assessment after UKA. This meta-analysis compared the gait patterns of UKA patients and healthy controls during level walking., Methods: Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they recorded vertical ground reaction force (GRF), flexion at initial contact, flexion at loading response, extension at mid-stance, flexion at swing, walking speed, cadence, and stride length in UKA patients or healthy controls., Results: Seven studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The UKA patients and healthy controls were similar in terms of vertical GRF (95% CI - 0.54 to 0.23; ns), flexion at initial contact (95% CI - 0.47 to 4.96; ns), flexion at loading response (95% CI - 1.29 to 3.69; ns), and flexion at swing (95% CI - 8.85 to 0.40; ns). In contrast, extension at mid-stance (95% CI 0.53 to 4.88; P = 0.01), walking speed (95% CI - 2.13 to - 0.15; P = 0.02), cadence (95% CI - 1.02 to - 0.25; P = 0.001), and stride length (95% CI - 2.02 to - 0.22; P = 0.01) differed significantly between groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that the pooled data were similar between groups: 1st maximum (heel strike), - 0.43 BW (ns); 1st minimum (mid-stance), 0.61 BW (ns); and 2nd maximum (toe off), - 0.46 BW (ns)., Conclusions: There were no significant differences in vertical GRF or overall kinematics in the sagittal plane between UKA patients and healthy controls during level walking. However, the UKA group had a significantly slower walking speed and cadence and a shorter stride length than healthy controls. The current findings suggest that, clinically, UKA fails to completely restore normal gait patterns., Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study.

Purpose: This study examined the clinical outcomes of a newly developed technique, arthroscopic suture bridge fixation with crossover ties of PCL tibial avulsion fracture using two tibial tunnels and a posterior trans-septal portal., Methods: Records were reviewed of 18 patients (median age 33.5 years, range 13-55 years) with PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated with an arthroscopic suture bridge technique. Knee function before surgery and at last follow-up was evaluated by Lysholm and Tegner scores. A KT-2000 arthrometer was used to evaluate knee stability, and fracture union was assessed by plain radiographs., Results: Mean postoperative Lysholm (P < 0.001) and Tegner (P = 0.011) scores showed significant improvements compared with preoperative scores. Arthrometry showed that the mean side-to-side difference improved significantly, from 7.8 ± 0.8 mm preoperatively to 3 ± 1.2 mm postoperatively (P = 0.012). Radiographic evaluation showed solid union at the fracture site in all 18 patients at last follow-up., Conclusion: This new arthroscopic double-tunnel pull-out suture bridge fixation with multiple crossover ties and posterior trans-septal technique for PCL tibial avulsion fracture yielded good clinico-radiological outcomes, including satisfactory stability and fracture site healing. This technique can be a useful treatment option for PCL tibial avulsion fracture even with small comminuted fracture due to compression by the unique crossover configuration mesh of multiple fixation sutures., Level of Evidence: IV.

Purpose: This meta-analysis was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) versus topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by evaluating the need for allogenic blood transfusion, incidence of postoperative complications, volume of postoperative blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels., Methods: Studies were included in this meta-analysis to check whether they assessed the allogenic blood transfusion rate, postoperative complications including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), volume of postoperative blood loss via drainage, estimated blood loss, total blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels before and after surgery in primary TKA with TXA administered through both the IV and topical routes., Results: Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. The proportion of patients requiring allogenic blood transfusion (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 0.63-2.81; n.s.) and the proportion of patients who developed postoperative complications including PTE or DVT (OR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.41 to 1.77; n.s.) did not significantly differ between the two groups. There was 52.3 mL less blood loss via drainage (95 % CI -50.74 to 185.66 mL; n.s.), 52.1 mL greater estimated blood loss (95 % CI -155.27 to 51.03 mL; n.s.), and 51.4 mL greater total blood loss (95 % CI -208.16 to 105.31 mL; n.s.) in the topical TXA group as compared to the IV TXA group. The two groups were also similar in terms of the change in haemoglobin levels (0.02 g/dL, 95 % CI -0.36 to 0.39 g/dL; n.s.)., Conclusions: In primary TKA, there are no significant differences in the transfusion requirement, postoperative complications, blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels between the IV and topical administration of TXA. In addition, results from subgroup analysis evaluating the effect of the times of TXA administration through the IV route suggested that double IV dose of TXA is more effective than single dose in terms of the transfusion requirements and blood loss via drainage. The current meta-analysis indicates that IV administration of 10 mg/kg of TXA 20 min before inflation of the tourniquet followed by 10 mg/kg of TXA 15 min before deflation of the tourniquet is effective and safe. The topical administration of 2 g of TXA mixed with 100 mL of normal saline after wound closure could be an alternative option in patients at greater risk of thromboembolic complications., Level of Evidence: Meta-analysis, Level III.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in coronal alignment of the ankle joint after HTO. Our hypothesis was that ankle joint orientation may become more parallel or less parallel to the ground after HTO, and this change may affect ankle symptoms., Methods: Eighty-six knees were retrospectively analysed after HTO for varus osteoarthritis. Preoperative and follow-up whole-leg radiographs were taken. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured to evaluate coronal alignment of the knee. Tibial plafond inclination (TPI), talar inclination (TI), talar tilt (TT), and lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) were measured to evaluate coronal alignment of the ankle. Patients were divided into two groups: those who exhibited a decrease in the absolute value of TPI and TI after HTO (group A) and those who exhibited an increase in the absolute value of TPI or TI after HTO (group B). Clinical outcomes of the knee and ankle were evaluated pre- and postoperatively., Results: Mean TPI and TI changed from 6.9° ± 3.6° and 8.0° ± 3.8° to 2.8° ± 3.1° and 3.9° ± 3.0° in group A (P < 0.001 for both) and from -1.3° ± 3.7° and 0.6° ± 4.5° to -6.0° ± 4.2° and -4.6° ± 5.9° in group B (P = 0.018 for both). VAS for ankle pain did not change significantly after HTO (n.s.) in group A, whereas those of group B increased significantly after HTO (P = 0.014)., Conclusion: Ankle joint orientation becomes more parallel or less parallel to the ground after HTO. Smaller preoperative HKA and LDTA result in a more valgus ankle joint orientation after HTO. Ankle symptoms were affected by coronal alignment changes of the ankle after HTO., Level of Evidence: III.

Purpose: Unlike postoperative changes in posterior tibial slope after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy, sagittal osteotomy inclination has not been examined. It has been recommended that the osteotomy line in the sagittal plane be parallel to the medial posterior tibial slope. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of parallel osteotomy in medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy., Methods: To determine the sagittal osteotomy inclination, the angle between the medial joint line and the osteotomy line was measured in the lateral radiograph. A positive angle value indicates that the osteotomy is anteriorly inclined relative to the medial posterior tibial slope. Correlation between the sagittal osteotomy inclination and posterior tibial slope was also evaluated., Results: The mean sagittal osteotomy inclination was 15.1 ± 7.5°. The majority 87.1 % of knees showed an anterior-inclined osteotomy. There was a significantly positive correlation between the postoperative posterior tibial slope and the sagittal osteotomy inclination (r, 0.33; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.46; P < 0.001). The postoperative change in posterior tibial slope also showed a significantly positive correlation with the sagittal osteotomy inclination (r, 0.35; 95 % CI 0.21-0.47; P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Although parallel osteotomy in the sagittal plane relative to the medial joint line was planned, only 12.9 % of cases achieved osteotomy parallel to the medial posterior tibial slope in the sagittal plane. Because of high rate of the anterior-inclined osteotomy and their correlations with posterior tibial slope, surgeons should make all efforts to perform parallel osteotomy relative to medial posterior tibial slope., Level of Evidence: IV.

Purpose: It is unclear whether the minimally invasive navigation-assisted (MINA) or conventional (CONv) approach for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leads to better clinical and radiographic outcomes. This meta-analysis compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the MINA and CONv approaches after primary TKA. It was hypothesized that there was no difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes between the two surgical approaches for primary TKA., Methods: This meta-analysis reviewed all studies that compared surgical time, incision length, flexion range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score ( KSS), coronal mechanical axis (CMA), and coronal femoral component angle (CFCA) with various measurement tools, from direct interview to plain radiography, between the MINA and CONv approaches., Results: Five studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The findings of this study suggest that surgical time (95 % CI -18.51 to 39.09; n.s.), KSS (95 % CI -8.55 to 30.84; n.s.), CMA (95 % CI -1.01 to 0.54; n.s.), and CFCA (95 % CI -0.91 to 2.97; n.s.) were similar between the two surgical approaches, whereas incision length (95 % CI -5.18 to -3.69; P < 0.001) was significantly shorter in the MINA approach and flexion ROM (95 % CI 14.26-19.01; P < 0.001) was significantly greater in the MINA approach., Conclusions: There were no significant differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes, including surgical time, KSS, CMA, and CFCA, in patients who underwent MINA and CONv approach for primary TKA, but the MINA approach resulted in a slightly shorter incision length and increased flexion ROM than the CONv approach. Therefore, if particular attention has to be paid to patient's selection with appropriate counselling and surgeon's experience, MINA approach can provide early clinical benefit when compared with CONv approach. Besides, orthopaedic surgeons need to master the MINA and CONv approaches because both approaches have similar clinical and radiographic outcomes., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II.

Myopericytoma is a rare, usually benign soft tissue tumour that arises most commonly in the dermis and subcutaneous soft tissue of the lower extremities. In this article, we present an unusual case of myopericytoma occurring in the deep soft tissue around the knee that mimicked a neurogenic tumour. Myopericytoma can be confused with neurogenic tumour when located in deep soft tissue and adjacent to nerve bundles. Preoperative MRI and colour Doppler ultrasound may help differentiate myopericytoma from neurogenic tumour by revealing the hypervascular nature of the tumour.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the lower limb alignment in knee flexion position after navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty using the gap technique and to identify the correlative factors., Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive osteoarthritic knees (120 patients) were prospectively enrolled for intraoperative data collection. All TKA surgeries were performed using the navigation system (OrthoPilot™, version 4.0; B. Braun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). Before and after final prosthesis implantation, the lower limb navigation alignment in both knee extension (0°) and knee flexion (90°) position was recorded. The knee flexion alignment was divided into three groups: varus, neutral and valgus alignment. To determine the factors of the alignment in knee flexion position, preoperative demographics, radiologic and intraoperative data were obtained. Pearson's correlation (r) analysis was performed to find the correlation. The Knee Society Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were compared between groups., Results: Although all postoperative extension alignment was within neutral position (between -2° and +2°), postoperative knee flexion alignment was divided into three groups: varus (≤-3°), 24 cases (20 %); neutral (between -2° and +2°), 85 cases (70.8 %) and valgus (≥+3°) alignment, 11 cases (9.2 %). There were a good correlation of alignment in knee flexion position with the rotation of femoral component relative to posterior condylar axis (r = -0.502, p = 0.000) and weak correlations with posterior femoral cut thickness (lateral condyle) (r = 0.207, p = 0.026), medial flexion (90°) gap after femoral component rotation adjustment (r = 0.276, p = 0.003). Other variables did not show correlations. There were no statistical clinical differences between varus, neutral and valgus knee flexion alignment groups., Conclusion: About 30 % of the cases showed malalignment of more than 3° in knee flexion position although with neutral alignment in extension position. The knee flexion alignment had a good correlation with the rotation of femoral component relative to posterior condylar axis. Neutral alignment in knee flexion position may be adjusted by femoral component rotation especially by the use of navigation system., Level of Evidence: IV.

Purpose: In vivo comparative gap measurements were performed in three different patella positions (reduced, subluxated and everted) using offset-type-force-controlled-spreader-system., Methods: Prospectively, 50 knees were operated by total knee arthroplasty using a navigation-assisted gap-balancing technique. The offset-type-force-controlled-spreader-system was used for gap measurements. This commercially available instrument allows controllable tension in patella-reduced position. The mediolateral gaps of knee extension (0°) and flexion (90°) angle were recorded in three different patella positions; reduced, subluxated and everted. Any gap differences of more than 3 mm were considered as a meaningful difference. Correlation between the difference with the demographic data, preoperative radiologic alignment and intraoperative data was analysed. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test were used., Results: The gaps in patella eversion demonstrated smaller gaps both in knee extension and flexion position compared to the gaps of patella reduction position. The amount of decreased gaps was more definite in knee flexion position. Statistically significant difference was observed for the lateral gap of patella eversion compared to gap of patella reduction in knee flexion position (p < 0.05). There were notable cases of variability in knee flexion position. Significant portion of 12 (24 %) knees of patella subluxation and 33 (66 %) knees of patella evertion demonstrated either increased or decreased gaps in knee flexion position compared to the gaps of patella reduction position., Conclusion: The gaps in patella eversion demonstrated smaller gaps both in knee extension and flexion position compared to the gaps of patella reduction position. The amount of decreased gaps was more definite in knee flexion position. Therefore, the intraoperative patellar positioning has influence on the measurement of the joint gap. Keeping the patella in reduced position is important during gap balancing., Level of Evidence: I.

Purpose: A rotating-hinge total knee prosthesis may be utilized for the treatment of global instability or severe bone loss around the knee. The outcome of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using Endo-Modell (Link(®)) rotating-hinge prosthesis was evaluated., Methods: Retrospectively, review of 50 cases (40 patients) at a mean follow-up of 15 years (range, 10-18) who underwent primary TKA using Endo-Modell (Link(®)) was performed. Indications included severe primary osteoarthritis with substantial ligament laxity, severe rheumatic arthritis with extreme ligament instability and bone loss, supracondylar nonunion, charcot arthropathy, and posttraumatic arthritis. Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiographic analysis were done for preoperative and at latest follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using the Student's t test with the level of significance of p < 0.05., Results: Overall, the rotating-hinge arthroplasty resulted in improved knee functioning. The KSS improved (p < 0.001) from a preoperative mean of 38 ± 14.3 (SD) points to a postoperative mean of 73 ± 12.8 points; the functional score improved (n.s.) from 36 ± 19.5 points to 47 ± 23.5 points. Mean range of motion at the most recent clinical follow-up evaluation was 102 ± 9°. However, all (100%) patients needed some form of assisted devices for walking and a relatively large number of deep infections (14%) were encountered., Conclusions: Reconstruction with a rotating-hinge total knee prosthesis provided substantial improvement in function and reduction in pain. However, the possibility of assisted walking and high rate of deep infection should be encountered., Level of Evidence: Retrospective therapeutic study, Level IV.

Purpose: technique for guide wire placement during meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is usually based on the parapatellar approach that is not in the anatomical direction of meniscal horn bony insertions. Here, we present a surgical technique to achieve the correct anatomical position of the meniscal graft using the transpatellar approach., Methods: a guide wire was introduced through the patellar tendon in the direction of the meniscal insertion sites passing the lateral tibial spine. The insertion plane of the guide wire was approximately at the medial aspect of the tibial tuberosity and slightly medial to the midplane of the patellar tendon. After confirmation with C-arm, the guide wire was cut at the level just beneath the patellar tendon. The knee was then brought to the extension position which lessened the tension of the patellar tendon and retracted it to the medial aspect to expose the end of the guide wire. Drilling and insertion of bone block was performed accordingly., Results: eleven consecutive patients with total or near-total meniscectomy of the knee underwent MAT with the described technique. The mean extrusion taken on 1-year postoperative non-weight-bearing MRI was 1.6 mm (range 0.5-2.9 mm). None of the patients presented with symptoms requiring a secondary surgery at the time of review., Conclusion: the described technique focuses on achieving correct positioning of the tibia tunnel through the patellar tendon and tunnel reaming in the extended knee position via the mini-open parapatellar approach during lateral MAT. This "transpatellar approach" could be an effective method for anatomical placement of meniscal graft.

We present a new technique designed for the reduction and repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears. After assessing the rotation of the displaced tear fragment of the meniscus, the centrally displaced portion of the tear is vertically pierced with a suture hook enabling passage of a No. 0 PDS suture, both limbs of which are retrieved out of the joint. Next, using a spinal needle and a shuttle relay system, both ends of the No. 0 PDS on the femoral and tibial surfaces of the meniscus are extricated outside the joint capsule. In the final step, reduction of the displaced fragment is achieved by pulling on the PDS suture and the same suture is used for repair too, after which additional sutures are applied. This is a useful technique, which affords the benefit of rotational reduction of a bucket-handle meniscal tear using a single suture, as well as improved maneuverability for freshening of the tear margins prior to repair and additional suturing, and finally for repair as a full-thickness vertical suture.

A 22-year-old male underwent an arthroscopic meniscal repair, using meniscal arrows, due to bucket-handle medial meniscus tear. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) at 3 years revealed a large parameniscal cyst protruding into the extra-capsular popliteal space. Arthroscopic partial cystectomy, removing only the intra-articular portion of the cyst was performed, leaving the extra-articular part of the cyst. Sixteen months postoperatively MRI revealed no cyst remnants, and the patient was free of symptoms.

We present a simultaneous patella tendon avulsion fracture from both sides of its attachment in an ectopic ossified patellar tendon. Medially two thirds of the patellar tendon was detached from the inferior patella, and laterally one third of that from anterior tibial tuberosity with the patellar tendon split. Osteosynthesis was used to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee. The result at 46 months was good, even though there were some remaining ectopic ossifications in the patellar tendon.