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Questionnaires and physical tests are tools to determine the ability of an individual to perform tasks of the daily living. In our institution, a standardized knee performance evaluation including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and physical performance tests has been applied to all patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our goal was to identify which preoperative tools influence the outcomes of a TKA and if physical performance tests can be of value if used along with PROMs in predicting functional outcomes. Classification and regression tree was used to analyze which preoperative factors influence function after TKA. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) function (WOMAC-F), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go (TUG) test at the 12th postoperative month were the dependent variables. Age, body mass index, preoperative WOMAC function and pain score, muscle strength, 6MWT, and TUG test score were used as preoperative predictors of dependent variables. TUG ≤19.3 seconds and age <62 years were preoperative predictors of better scores in the WOMAC-F (5.5). Strength of extensor muscles of the nonoperated knee ≥99.43 N·m/kg and 6MWT> 328 m were preoperative predictors of a better postoperative 6MWT (499 m). TUG <12.3 seconds and 6MWT ≥421 m were preoperative predictors of better postoperative TUG (7.3 seconds). Preoperative performance in physical tests had an influence on postoperative outcome scores than PROMs after TKA. Less age, good muscular strength, greater capacity of walking, and smaller TUG times were associated with better outcomes., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Schatzker introduced one of the most used classification systems for tibial plateau fractures, based on plain radiographs. Computed tomography brought to attention the importance of coronal plane-oriented fractures. The goal of our study was to determine if the addition of computed tomography would affect the decision making of surgeons who usually use the Schatzker classification to assess tibial plateau fractures. Image studies of 70 patients who sustained tibial plateau fractures were uploaded to a dedicated homepage. Every patient was linked to a folder which contained two radiographic projections (anteroposterior and lateral), three interactive videos of computed tomography (axial, sagittal, and coronal), and eight pictures depicting tridimensional reconstructions of the tibial plateau. Ten attending orthopaedic surgeons, who were blinded to the cases, were granted access to the homepage and assessed each set of images in two different rounds, separated to each other by an interval of 2 weeks. Each case was evaluated in three steps, where surgeons had access, respectively to radiographs, two-dimensional videos of computed tomography, and three-dimensional reconstruction images. After every step, surgeons were asked to present how would they classify the case using the Schatzker system and which surgical approaches would be appropriate. We evaluated the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Schatzker classification using the Kappa concordance coefficient, as well as the impact of computed tomography in the decision making regarding the surgical approach for each case, by using the chi-square test and likelihood ratio. The interobserver concordance kappa coefficients after each assessment step were, respectively, 0.58, 0.62, and 0.64. For the intraobserver analysis, the coefficients were, respectively, 0.76, 0.75, and 0.78. Computed tomography changed the surgical approach selection for the types II, V, and VI of Schatzker ( p  < 0.01). The addition of computed tomography scans to plain radiographs improved the interobserver reliability of Schatzker classification. Computed tomography had a statistically significant impact in the selection of surgical approaches for the lateral tibial plateau., Competing Interests: None., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a fundamental structure in knee kinematics. PCL tears may lead to adverse consequences, such as impaired functional performance and an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Although surgical treatment is a well-established option for the patients of PCL rupture, many surgeons opt for conservative treatment because of the lack of consensus in the orthopedic literature concerning the best surgical method with less risk of iatrogenic lesions to the neurovascular structures in the popliteal region. Here, we describe an onlay technique for PCL reconstruction, which has some advantages over the traditional transtibial and over inlay techniques. The technique described in this study avoids the "killer angle"-frequently considered the cause of laxity of the reconstructed ligament-while simultaneously permitting safe retraction of the neurovascular structures without the need for a change in the patient's position. This technique has been used at our institution for approximately 10 years with very satisfactory results. The aim of this study is to describe the technique and perform a retrospective evaluation of the results of a case series., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

The use of suspensory graft fixation methods in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament has become increasingly popular with the more frequent use of tendon grafts and anatomical techniques involving the creation of bone tunnels. An important technical step to ensure adequate fixation of the graft when using EndoButton-type implants, particularly in the femur, involves flipping the EndoButton plate at the correct length to avoid performing this maneuver before the appropriate time or leaving soft tissue between the plate and lateral cortex of the femur. In the present study, we describe a simple arthroscopic technique for indicating the correct time to flip/deploy the EndoButton plate., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Complex fractures of the lateral tibial plateau may extend to the posterior rim of the knee and to the tibial spines. Displaced fractures of the posterolateral corner of the tibial plateau may result in joint incongruity and instability, especially with the knee in flexion. Anatomical reduction of the joint surface and containment of the tibial rim are the primary goals of the treatment in such cases. Dedicated surgical approaches including dissection of the peroneal nerve, sometimes in association with an osteotomy of the fibular head are typically used to address these injuries. Some techniques require special positioning of the patient on the operative table. Anatomical studies of the knee allowed us to conclude that an osteotomy of the lateral epicondyle of the femur may be a natural extension of the standard anterolateral approach to the tibial plateau. The main advantage of this approach is the broad exposure of the lateral joint surface, allowing its anatomical reduction. It does not violate the proximal tibiofibular joint or pose a risk to the peroneal nerve. The main limitation is the lack of visualization of the posterior metaphysis of the tibia, preventing the application of a buttress plate parallel to the plane of fracture split. To overcome this limitation, we describe a method to support the posterior tibial plateau rim, in cases of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, combining the extended anterolateral with the posteromedial approach. For selected cases, with a significant compromise of the posterolateral and anterolateral quadrants of the tibial plateau, including the tibial spines, the extended anterolateral approach may be complemented by a planned detachment of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. In such variant, a complete exposure of the entire surface of the lateral tibial plateau and tibial spines is achievable, assuring optimal conditions for an anatomical reduction of the articular surface., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

The integrity of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is essential for the normal kinematics of the knee. Injury to the PCL has adverse consequences, with worsening of functional performance and an increased risk to develop osteoarthritis. Conservative treatment is sometimes adopted, not only because it is an acceptable option for selected patients but also due to the lack of consensus in the orthopedic literature regarding the best surgical method. Hereby we describe a simplified technique for onlay PCL reconstruction pointing out possible advantages if compared with the traditional transtibial or inlay techniques., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)