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Objective: To evaluate the need for additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following ultrasound (US) in patients with shoulder pain and/or disability and to compare the accuracy of both techniques for the detection of partial-thickness and full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT).Methods: In 4 years, 5,216 patients underwent US by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Retrospectively, patient records were evaluated if MRI and surgery were performed within 5 months of US. US and MRI findings were classified into intact cuff, partial-thickness and full-thickness RCT, and were correlated with surgical findings.Results: Additional MR imaging was performed in 275 (5.2%) patients. Sixty-eight patients underwent surgery within 5 months. US and MRI correctly depicted 21 (95%) and 22 (100%) of the 22 full-thickness tears, and 8 (89%) and 6 (67%) of the 9 partial-thickness tears, respectively. The differences in performance of US and MRI were not statistically significant (p = 0.15).Conclusions: MRI following routine shoulder US was requested in only 5.2% of the patients. The additional value of MRI was in detecting intra-articular lesions. In patients who underwent surgery, US and MRI yielded comparably high sensitivity for detecting full-thickness RCT. US performed better in detecting partial-thickness tears, although the difference was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported our results at a minimum of three years after thirty-five revisions of total hip arthroplasty acetabular components in twenty-eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The revisions were performed with use of impacted morselized bone graft and a cemented cup. This update report presents the results at eight to nineteen years after the surgery, which, to our knowledge, is the longest follow-up available in the literature. No patient was lost to follow-up. Since our previous report, there were two additional cup failures due to aseptic loosening, at ten and sixteen years postoperatively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the probability of survival of the acetabular component at twelve years to be 80% (95% confidence interval, 65% to 95%) with removal of the cup for any reason as the end point and 85% (95% confidence interval, 71% to 99%) with aseptic loosening as the end point. Cup revisions performed with cement and use of impaction bone-grafting in patients with rheumatoid arthritis led to acceptable long-term prosthetic survival rates. This technique is attractive from a biological standpoint because of the possibility of maintaining acetabular bone stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large diaphyseal bone defects often are reconstructed with large structural allografts but these are prone to major complications. We therefore asked whether impacted morselized bone graft could be an alternative for a massive structural graft in reconstructing large diaphyseal bone defects. Defects in the femora of goats were reconstructed using a cage filled with firmly impacted morselized allograft or with a structural cortical autograft (n = 6 in both groups). All reconstructions were stabilized with an intramedullary nail. The goats were allowed full weightbearing. In all reconstructions, the grafts united radiographically. Mechanical torsion strength of the femur with the cage and structural cortical graft reconstructions were 66.6% and 60.3%, respectively, as compared with the contralateral femurs after 6 months. Histologically, the impacted morselized graft was replaced completely by new viable bone. In the structural graft group, a mixture of new and necrotic bone was present. Incorporation of the impacted graft into new viable bone suggests this type of reconstruction may be safer than reconstruction with a structural graft in which creeping substitution results in a mixture of viable and necrotic bone that can fracture. The data suggest that a cage filled with a loaded morselized graft could be an alternative for the massive cortical graft in reconstruction of large diaphyseal defects in an animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Pain reduction is important for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Intra- and peri-articular infiltration with local anesthetics may be an alternative to commonly used locoregional techniques. Adding pregabalin orally and s-ketamine intravenously may further reduce postoperative pain., Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared two methods of perioperative analgesia. Control patients received a standardized multimodal postoperative analgesic regime of paracetamol, diclofenac, and piritramide-patient-controlled analgesia, including ropivacaine knee infiltration during surgery. The study group received pregabalin orally and s-ketamine intravenously as an additional medication to the standard multimodal regimen. The control group received placebo., Results: The study group showed lower piritramide consumption during the first 24 h (P: 0.043), but with more side effects such as diplopia and dizziness., Conclusion: Addition of pregabalin and s-ketamine resulted in lower piritramide consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. However, more investigation on benefits versus side effects of this medication is required., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

High-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be more sensitive to femoral loosening than conventional TKA as the knee joint force increases during deep flexion. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the probability of femoral loosening is equal in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining and substituting high-flexion knee implants and whether loosening is related to femoral bone quality. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the knee was developed and a weight-bearing deep knee bend up to 155° was simulated. PCL conservation considerably increased the compressive tibio-femoral joint force as a maximal force of 4.7-6.0 × bodyweight (BW) was found, against a maximal force of 4.0 × BW for posterior-stabilized TKA. Roughly 14% of the fixation site beneath the anterior femoral flange was predicted to debond on the long-term in case of cruciate-retaining TKA compared to 20% in case of posterior-stabilized TKA. Reducing the femoral bone quality to 50% of its original bone mineral density increased the amount of potential anterior failure for cruciate-retaining TKA to 22% and posterior-stabilized TKA to 24%. We therefore conclude that the femoral fixation site has a similar failure potential for both cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized high-flexion TKA., (Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The introduction of effective treatment strategies in the past two decades has changed the management of RA dramatically. The objective was to analyse the changes in disease activity, function, joint damage and incidence of orthopaedic surgery over a period of 20 years (1989-2009) for patients with RA., Methods: Data acquired from 1989 to 2008 inclusive from the Nijmegen RA inception cohort were studied. By repeated measures analysis the course of the population mean disease activity score (DAS28) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) corrected for age, gender, RF and disease duration was determined. Orthopaedic interventions were analysed as incidence rates with a Poisson distribution. We calculated the prevalence of the various therapies that patients were receiving., Results: By 2009, 992 patients with RA had been included and 273 had been excluded. From 1989 onwards, the proportion of patients using MTX increased from 5% (8 of 164) to 62% (486 of 780), and biologic response modifiers from 0% to 22% (168 of 780) in 2008. The average MTX dosage increased to 16.1 ± 5.5 mg/week in 2008. The mean DAS28 (3.1) and HAQ-DI (0.47) were least (P < 0.008) in 2008 compared with previous years. There was a significant trend towards lower incidence rates of orthopaedic intervention in the period 2006-2008 than in almost all previous years., Conclusion: Treatment strategy changed in a large inception cohort of patients with RA which coincided with decreased disease activity, increased functional ability and fewer orthopaedic interventions since the early 1990s.

Introduction: Recent clinical studies show an increased risk of femoral loosening in high-flexion TKA. Loosening seems to occur behind the anterior flange, which is covering both cancellous bone and cortical bone. It is important to optimize the interface strength between cement and both bone types to increase femoral component fixation. This study was performed to determine the cement-cortical bone interface strength for different preparation techniques., Material and Methods: A pure tensile and shear force was applied to interface specimens. The cortical surface area was prepared in three different ways: (1) Unprepared cortical bone with periosteum; (2) Periosteum removed and cortical bone roughened with a rasp; (3) Periosteum removed and three Ø 3.2mm holes drilled through the cortex. A reference group was added with a cancellous bone surface., Results: The interface tensile strength of Group 1 was 0.06 MPa and the shear strength was 0.05 MPa. For Group 2, respectively 0.22 MPa and 1.12 MPa. For Group 3, respectively 1.15 MPa and 1.77 MPa. For cancellous bone a tensile strength of 1.79 MPa and a shear strength of 3.85 MPa were measured., Conclusion: The strength of the cement-cancellous bone interface is superior to the cement-cortical bone interface. The preferred preparation technique of the cortical bone is to remove all the periosteum and drill holes through the cortex within the footprint of the anterior flange, to prevent cortical weakening., Clinical Relevance: Ultimately, the proposed preparation technique will lead to longer implant survival, particularly for prostheses which are used in the high-flexion range., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Anatomy students studying dissected anatomical specimens were subjected to either a loosely-guided, self-directed learning environment or a strictly-guided, preformatted gross anatomy laboratory session. The current study's guiding questions were: (1) do strictly-guided gross anatomy laboratory sessions lead to higher learning gains than loosely-guided experiences? and (2) are there differences in the recall of anatomical knowledge between students who undergo the two types of laboratory sessions after weeks and months? The design was a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 360 second-year medical students attending a gross anatomy laboratory course on the anatomy of the hand. Half of the students, the experimental group, were subjected without prior warning to station-based laboratory sessions; the other half, the control group, to loosely-guided laboratory sessions, which was the course's prevailing educational method at the time. The recall of anatomical knowledge was measured by written reproduction of 12 anatomical names at four points in time: immediately after the laboratory experience, then one week, five weeks, and eight months later. The strictly-guided group scored higher than the loosely-guided group at all time-points. Repeated ANOVA showed no interaction between the results of the two types of laboratory sessions (P = 0.121) and a significant between-subject effect (P ≤ 0.001). Therefore, levels of anatomical knowledge retrieved were significantly higher for the strictly-guided group than for the loosely-guided group at all times. It was concluded that gross anatomy laboratory sessions with strict instructions resulted in the recall of a larger amount of anatomical knowledge, even after eight months., (Copyright © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.)

Purpose: To prospectively assess the frequency of abnormal sonographic findings in patients with posttraumatic shoulder pain and/or disability in whom ultrasound (US) was not considered and to assess the effect of sonographic findings on working diagnosis and therapeutic strategy, to analyze the possible role of US in the diagnostic workup of these patients., Methods: A survey was performed under general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons. They were requested to refer patients with persistent posttraumatic complaints for an US examination of the shoulder and to fill out a questionnaire concerning working diagnosis and therapy. In 50 patients examinations were performed separately by two radiologists. Findings were confirmed with additional radiographs and/or MRI and/or surgery. Four weeks after the US examination, the survey was repeated to inquire about changes in diagnosis and/or treatment that resulted from US., Results: US showed relevant pathology in 45 (90%) of 50 patients, a proximal humerus fracture in 25 (50%) patients, and a rotator cuff tear in 43 (86%) patients. Twenty-three (92%) fractures were accompanied by a rotator cuff tear, and 23 (54%) rotator cuff tears were accompanied by a fracture. Ten fractures were initially missed radiographically. US findings changed the working diagnosis and therapeutic strategy in 37 (74%) and 26 (52%) patients, respectively., Conclusion: In patients with posttraumatic shoulder complaints, US showed a high rate (90%) of relevant pathology. This changed the initial working diagnosis in 74% of the patients and the therapeutic strategy in more than half of the patients. Active referral for US examination may identify these abnormalities in an earlier phase and improve clinical outcome.

Background and Purpose: In the reconstruction of unicondylar femoral bone defects with morselized bone grafts in revision total knee arthroplasty, a stem extension appears to be critical to obtain adequate mechanical stability. Whether stability is still assured by this reconstruction technique in bicondylar defects has not been assessed. The disadvantage of relatively stiff stem extensions is that bone resorption is promoted due to stress shielding. We therefore designed a stem that would permit axial sliding movements of the articulating part relative to the intramedullary stem., Methods: This stem was used in the reconstruction with impaction bone grafting (IBG) of 5 synthetic distal femora with a bicondylar defect. A cyclically axial load was applied to the prosthetic condyles to assess the stability of the reconstruction. Radiostereometry was used to determine the migrations of the femoral component with a rigidly connected stem, a sliding stem, and no stem extension., Results: We found a stable reconstruction of the bicondylar femoral defects with IBG in the case of a rigidly connected stem. After disconnecting the stem, the femoral component showed substantially more migrations. With a sliding stem, rotational migrations were similar to those of a rigidly connected stem. However, the sliding stem allowed proximal migration of the condylar component, thereby compressing the IBG., Interpretation: The presence of a functional stem extension is important for the stability of a bicondylar reconstruction. A sliding stem provides adequate stability, while stress shielding is reduced because compressive contact forces are still transmitted to the distal femoral bone.

The aim of this study was to investigate anteroposterior instability in the CKS and the PFC total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs. Physical examinations, including VAS, IKS and WOMAC were performed in combination with a detailed fluoroscopic measurement technique for three-dimensional kinematic assessment of TKA design function. Anteroposterior instability rated with the IKS was not significantly different (p=0.34), but patients with a CKS design showed more limitations according to the WOMAC joint stiffness total score, and for items regarding higher flexion activities in the WOMAC score for knee disability. Kinematic analyses showed that the CKS design tended to have more anterior sliding of the femur on the tibia during mid- and deep flexion activities. The sliding distance was larger at the medial than at the lateral side. This phenomenon has also been described for posterior cruciate ligament deficient knees. Furthermore, the CKS design showed a significantly lower range of tibial rotation (p<0.05) from maximum extension to maximum flexion during deep knee bend activities. Kinematic differences can be ascribed to posterior cruciate ligament deficiency/laxity or differences in TKA designs.

Background: Functional recovery of patients after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) usually is measured with questionnaires. However, these self-report measures assess the patient's perspective on his or her ability to perform a task. Performance-based tests are needed to assess the patient's actual ability to perform a task., Objective: The main purpose of this study was to quantify improvement in performance of the sit-to-stand movement of patients with a TKA., Design and Methods: In this prospective study of 16 patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis followed by a TKA, the maximal knee angular extension velocity and amount of unloading (shifting weight) of the affected leg during the sit-to-stand movement and the visual analog scale score for pain were assessed preoperatively and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. These data were compared with data for a control group of individuals who were healthy (n=27)., Results: Before surgery, the participants in the TKA group unloaded their affected leg, but within 6 months after implantation, the affected leg was almost fully loaded again and comparable to the loading symmetry ratio of the control group. Furthermore, knee extension velocity also had increased, but remained lower than that of the control group. The changes in knee extension velocity took place during the first 6 months, after which a plateau was visible. Limitations A potential limitation of the study design was that the patients were not perfectly matched with the control subjects., Conclusions: Implantation of a total knee prosthesis partly improved performance of the sit-to-stand movement. Participants in the TKA group could fully load their operated leg, but they could not generate enough knee angular velocity during rising compared with the control group.

Large segmental diaphyseal bone defects can be reconstructed with massive structural allografts, but this technique is associated with high complication rates. Tantalum tabecular metal implants have been successfully used to restore bone defects associated with revision total knee or hip arthroplasties. The aim of this study was to investigate if tantalum cylinders could be used to reconstruct large load bearing segmental diaphyseal bone defects in the presence or absence of a periosteum coverage. Segmental bone defects were reconstructed with tantalum cylinders with or without preservation of the periosteum and stabilized by an intramedullary nail. Radiological analysis was performed postop and at 26 weeks follow-up. New bone was labeled with fluorochromes at 13 and 26 weeks follow-up. Reconstructions were tested mechanically and subsequently investigated histologically. Contra-lateral femurs were used as controls. Clinically all goats returned to normal functional loading after 2 weeks allowing unlimited weight bearing. Radiologically, all tantalum cylinders with periosteum coverage united with the host bone. Reconstructions with cylinders without periosteum coverage lead to radiological nonunion in five out of six cases. The strengths of the reconstruction with and without periosteum preservation were respectively 102.1% and 24.5% compared to controls. In the periosteum covered implants, bone contact was found at all levels of the tantalum cylinder and more and deeper bone ingrowth was found in this group. Tantalum cylinders seem a safe and reliable alternative for a massive cortical graft to reconstruct large diaphyseal bone defects in a goat model if healthy periosteum is present., ((c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To determine the follow-up outcomes of open lateral clavicle resection 1 year postoperatively in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis. The operation involves resection of a small part of the lateral clavicle., Design: Prospective descriptive., Method: Data were collected from all patients who had undergone an open lateral clavicle resection in the period July 1999 to June 2008 and who were examined preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. This concerned 23 operations in 22 patients. The Constant score for the functionality of the shoulder was determined and visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to determine the pain and satisfaction concerning the operated shoulder. The results were evaluated with the paired t-test and the non-parametric Wilcoxon test., Results: The mean length of the lateral clavicle resection was 7.8 mm. Preoperatively the mean Constant score was 64 (SD: 14) and 1 year after the operation 86 (SD: 14; p < 0.001). Ninety-one percent had an increase in the postoperative Constant score compared with the preoperative score. The median VAS score for pain decreased from 70 (95% CI: 60-77) preoperatively to 25 (0-48) 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). The median VAS score for satisfaction increased from 40 (40-50) preoperatively to 85 (68-100) (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The open lateral clavicle resection was a treatment option to reduce the symptoms in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis in whom conservative treatment and medication proved to be insufficient.

Our objective was to evaluate different treatment alternatives for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) infection and to compare outcomes depending on adherence to a current treatment algorithm. All patients treated for a first episode of TKA infection between January 2000 and July 2005 were included. Patient records were reviewed and data were extracted retrospectively. Fifteen patients were followed up for a median of 25 months. The cure rate in patients with two-stage exchange of knee prosthesis was higher than in patients who had débridement without implant removal (100 vs 37%, p = 0.03). Cure rates were not different between these two surgical approaches in ten patients who were treated according to a current treatment algorithm. Success rates for treatment of TKA infections varied considerably with the treatment strategy chosen. Our results support the use of existing algorithms to select patients who are eligible for débridement with retention of the prosthesis or need two-stage exchange of knee implants.

Background: A continuous femoral nerve block is frequently used as an adjunct therapy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is still debate on its benefits., Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, patients received a basic analgesic regimen of paracetamol and dicloflenac for the first 48 h postoperatively. In addition, the study group received a continuous femoral nerve block. A morphine patient-controlled analgesia pump was also available as a rescue analgesic to all the patients. Patients' numeric rating scores for pain, the amount of morphine consumed and its side effects during the first 48 h were recorded. Knee flexion angles achieved during the first week were registered. Three months postoperatively, patients completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score., Results: The study group (n=27) had less pain (P=0.0016) during the first 48 h, was more satisfied with the analgesia (P<0.001) and used less morphine (P=0.007) compared with the control group (n=26). Fewer patients were nauseated, vomited or were drowsy in the study group (P=0.001). Also, the study group achieved better knee flexion in the first 6 days after surgery (P=0.001), with more patients reaching 90 degrees flexion than the control group. However, after 3 months, there were no significant functional differences between the groups., Conclusion: A continuous femoral nerve block leads to better analgesia, less morphine consumption and less morphine-related side effects after TKA. Early functional recovery is improved, resulting in more patients reaching 90 degrees knee flexion after 6 days. However, after 3 months, no significant functional benefits were found.

Reconstructions of large segmental bone defects after resection of bone tumours with massive structural allografts have a high number of reported complications including fracture, infection and non-union. Our goal is to report the survival and complications of massive allografts in our patients. A total of 32 patients were evaluated for fracture, infection, non-union rate and survival of their massive allograft reconstructions. The average follow-up for this group was five years and three months. The total fracture rate was 13% with a total infection rate of 16%. We found a low union rate of 25%. The total survival of the allografts was 80.8% (+/- 18.7%) after five years. We found a five-year allograft survival of 80.8% which is comparable with other studies.

Introduction: Reconstructions of segmental diaphyseal bone defects with massive allografts are related to complications like nonunion and fractures. A reconstruction of these defects with a cage filled with an impacted morsellized bone graft could be an alternative. The bone graft in these cages should ideally be loaded to prevent resorption. Loading of morsellized bone grafts however can cause instability. The goal of this study was to assess the stability of an impacted morsellized bone graft in a cage under dynamic loaded conditions in an in vitro reconstruction of a segmental diaphyseal bone defect. The second goal was to assess the influence of cage type, washing of the graft and bone-cage fit., Materials and Methods: Two different cage types were filled with impacted morsellized bone graft. The grafts were used washed and unwashed and in variable bone-cage fit conditions. We recorded the bone graft deformation in the cage under dynamic loaded conditions., Results: Stability appeared to be not very sensitive to the cage type and whether the bone chips were washed or not. However, quality of the fit of the cage with the bone segment was an important parameter and should be optimized during surgery., Conclusions: Morsellized impacted bone graft in a cage is stable in dynamic loaded conditions in an in vitro reconstruction of a segmental diaphyseal bone defect. We believe that this method of reconstruction is a promising alternative for the reconstruction of large diaphyseal bone defects and should be tested relative to its biological merits in animal experiments.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is being undertaken in a younger population than before and as a result the functional demands on the knee are likely to be increasing. As a consequence, it is important to define quantitative functional knee tests that can monitor any increase. A valuable functional knee test has to be able to distinguish small differences (selectivity) and has to be independent of pain (content validity). In this study, patient-based questionnaires (WOMAC and Knee Society score) and performance-based tests (sit-to-stand movement, maximal isometric contraction and timed-up-and-go) were used to assess which of these tests are selective and valid to measure knee function. Tests were considered to be selective if they could discriminate between knee patients and healthy control subjects, and to have functional content validity if they were relatively independent of pain. Twenty-eight patients were measured 16 months after surgery and compared to a healthy control group of 31 subjects. The sit-to-stand movement and timed-up-and-go test were both selective and functionally content valid. The timed-up-and-go test can be used for a quick initial assessment of global function and the sit-to-stand movement as a more biomechanical instrument identifying how the knee function of the patient is affected.

Background: Blind injection of the subacromial-sub-deltoid bursa (SSB) for diagnostic purposes (Neer test) or therapeutic purposes (corticosteroid therapy) is frequently used. Poor response to previous blind injection or side effects may be due to a misplaced injection. It is assumed that ultrasound (US)-guided injections are more accurate than blind injections. In a randomized study, we compared the accuracy of blind injection to that of US-guided injection into the SSB., Patients and Methods: 20 consecutive patients with impingement syndrome of the shoulder were randomized for blind or US-guided injection in the SSB. Injection was performed either by an experienced orthopedic surgeon or by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist. A mixture of 1 m'L methylprednisolone acetate, 4 mL prilocaine hydrochloride and 0.02 mL (0.01 mmol) Gadolinium DTPA was injected. Immediately after injection, a 3D-gradient T1-weighted magnetic resonance scan of the shoulder was performed. The location of the injected fluid was independently assessed by 2 radiologists who were blinded as to the injection technique used., Results: The accuracy of blind and US-guided injection was the same. The fluid was injected into the bursa in all cases., Interpretation: Blind injection into the SSB is as reliable as US-guided injection and could therefore be used in daily routine. US-guided injections may offer a useful alternative in difficult cases, such as with changed anatomy postoperatively or when there is no effective clinical outcome.

Background: The Kudo total elbow prosthesis (TEP) is a well-established implant with good mid-term results. The ulnar component can be placed with or without cement, and the humeral component is normally placed without cement., Methods: 89 Kudo type-5 total elbow prostheses were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 6 (1.7-11) years. The indication for joint replacement was rheumatoid arthritis in all cases. 49 prostheses were placed without cement. In 40 cases, the ulnar component was cemented and the humeral component was uncemented., Results: In the uncemented group, 7 revisions had taken place. 3 of these ulnar components were shortstemmed and 4 were long-stemmed. No revisions had been performed in the hybrid group. In the uncemented group another 7 patients showed progressive radiolucencies, while 3 patients in the hybrid group showed progressive radiolucencies., Interpretation: In this group of RA patients, the survivorship of the cemented ulnar component was better than that of the uncemented ulnar component.

Background: The selection of presentations at orthopedic meetings is an important process. If the peer reviewers do not consistently agree on the quality score, the review process is arbitrary and open to bias. The aim of this study was: (1) to describe the inter-reviewer agreement of a previously designed scoring scheme to rate abstracts submitted for presentation at meetings arranged by the Dutch Orthopedic Association; (2) to test whether the quality of reporting of submitted abstracts increased in the years after the introduction of the scoring scheme; and (3) to examine whether a review process with a larger workload had lower interrater agreement., Methods: We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to measure the level of agreement among reviewers using the International Society of the Knee (ISK) quality-of-reporting system for abstracts. Acceptance rate and quality of the abstracts are described., Results: Of 419 abstracts, 229 (55%) were accepted. Inter-reviewer agreement to rate abstracts was substantial (0.68; 95% CI: 0.47-0.83) to almost perfect (0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.97) and did not change over the eligible time period. A smaller proportion of abstracts were accepted after 2004. The mean ISK abstract score (with a maximum of 100 points) for accepted abstracts ranged from 60 (95% CI: 58-63) to 64 (95% CI: 62-66). The mean ISK abstract score for rejected abstracts varied from 46 (95% CI: 40-51) to 51 (95% CI: 47-55). Average scores for accepted and rejected abstracts did not change with time. The degree of workload of the reviewers did not influence their level of agreement., Interpretation: The ISK abstract rating system has an excellent interobserver agreement. Other scientific orthopedic meetings should consider adopting this ISK rating system for further evaluation in a local or international setting.

The aim of this study was to describe a new sonographic sign of bone fracture and to determine if it can be helpful in decreasing the number of missed fractures of the proximal humerus. Ultrasound (US) of the shoulder was performed in 57 consecutive patients with shoulder pain and/or disability following trauma. All cases were prospectively reviewed for the presence of a humeral fracture. Sonographic signs of fractures, with special emphasis on what was termed the 'double line sign' (DLS), were assessed. Plain radiography was considered the standard of reference and in equivocal cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-eight patients had a tuberosity complex fracture, which were all detected at US examination. Sonographic features of a fracture were periosteal elevation, corticol bone discontinuity, step-off deformity or a combination of these findings. This study showed that in 26 (93%) patients an additional sonographic feature, a DLS, could be demonstrated. The DLS is a helpful and probably reliable sonographic sign to indicate a humeral fracture. High-spatial-resolution US substantially increases the detection of fractures of the proximal humerus and should be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool prior to computed tomography (CT), MRI and arthroscopy in patients with persisting shoulder pain and/or disability following trauma.

Background: A medialization of the femoral component in a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) causes abnormal patellar tracking, which could result in patellar instability, pain, wear, and failure. Previous reports defined medialization in relation to the neutral position of the femoral component, but omitted to compare it to the anatomical position of the trochlea. We assessed intraoperatively whether there is a systematic error of the position of the prosthetic groove relative to the anatomical trochlea., Material and Methods: A special instrument was developed to measure consecutively the mediolateral position of the anatomical trochlea and the mediolateral position of the prosthetic groove. 3 experienced knee surgeons determined the mediolateral error of the prosthetic groove in primary TKAs in 61 patients., Results: There was a significant medial error of the prosthetic groove relative to the preoperative position of the trochlea, with a mean medial error of 2.5 mm (SD 3.3), Interpretation: Our findings indicate that the trochlea is medialized by TKA. Because a conscious medialization of the femoral component in a TKA produces abnormal patellar tracking patterns, further investigations will be needed to analyze the clinical consequences of this medialization of the trochlea.

A kinematic analysis of the knee function is important for the evaluation of total knee arthroplasties (TKA). We used the coordination and variability of rising from a chair as functional knee parameters. Twelve knee patients were measured prior to surgery (=pre-TKA group) and one year after surgery (=post-TKA group). A group of 15 healthy, age-matched subjects was selected as control group. The WOMAC questionnaire, frequently used by orthopaedic surgeons, was administered prior to the test. The test consisted of 10 times rising from a low chair and 10 times from a high chair. Knee and hip angles and angular velocities were measured with electrogoniometers. The relative phase (=MRP) between hip and knee was a measure for the coordination of rising and the standard deviation of the relative phase of the 10 trials (=SRP) was a measure for the variability. The coordination and variability of rising of the TKA patients were compared to the control group, and the relationship with the WOMAC questionnaire was calculated. The coordination of rising from a high chair and the variability of rising from both chair heights were significantly different for the pre-TKA group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The post-TKA group showed no significant differences with the control group, which indicates a functional recovery after TKA implantation. The functional parameters correlated adequately with the subjective WOMAC questionnaire. This study showed that our method is an objective measure of functionality and it will be worthwhile to use it as an additional evaluation tool.

The standard treatment for end-stage arthropathy of the ankle joint in haemophilia has been fusion of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement is used in osteoarthritis and especially in rheumatoid arthritis with good medium-term results. In this case series three patients are being described, in which a total of five total ankle replacements have been preformed. After a median follow up of 4.3 years (range 1-8.7) all prostheses were still in place and did not show any signs of loosening. Clinical scores showed a good to excellent result. In this small series total ankle replacement in patients with bleeding disorders show promising results. Further studies are needed to show the value of this relatively new type of surgery in haemophilic patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of measuring angle and angular velocity of the upper body and upper leg during rising from a chair with accelerometers, using low-pass filtering of the accelerometer signal. Also, the improvement in accuracy of the measurement with additional use of high-pass filtered gyroscopes was assessed. Two uni-axial accelerometers and one gyroscope (DynaPort) per segment were used to measure angles and angular velocities of upper body and upper leg. Calculated angles and angular velocities were compared to a high-quality optical motion analysis system (Optotrak), using root mean squared error (RMS) and correlation coefficient (r) as parameters. The results for the sensors showed that two uni-axial accelerometers give a reasonable accurate measurement of the kinematics of rising from a chair (RMS = 2.9, 3.5, and 2.6 degrees for angle and RMS = 9.4, 18.4, and 11.5 degrees /s for angular velocity for thorax, pelvis, and upper leg, respectively). Additional use of gyroscopes improved the accuracy significantly (RMS = 0.8, 1.1, and 1.7 degrees for angle and RMS = 2.6, 4.0 and 4.9 degrees /s for angular velocity for thorax, pelvis and upper leg, respectively). The low-pass Butterworth filter had optimal cut-off frequencies of 1.05, 1.3, and 1.05 for thorax, pelvis, and upper leg, respectively. For the combined signal, the optimal cut-off frequencies were 0.18, 0.2, and 0,38 for thorax, pelvis and upper leg, respectively. The filters showed no subject specificity. This study provides an accurate, inexpensive and simple method to measure the kinematics of movements similar to rising from a chair.

Introduction: We performed a clinical follow-up study to investigate whether three orthopaedic surgeons were equally satisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA)., Patients and Methods: Thirty-six patients (39 TKAs, mean follow-up 12 months) were reviewed, using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS). For the assessment of satisfaction a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used., Results: We did not find a significant difference in satisfaction between the surgeons. However, there was a significant difference in the knee score and function score of the KSCRS as evaluated by the orthopaedic surgeons (p=0.006 and p=0.04, respectively). The correlation between the knee score and the surgeons' satisfaction was high, which indicates that pain, range of motion and deformity are important success criteria for surgeons., Conclusions: In this study, surgeons scored differently in the KSCRS but were equally satisfied after TKA.

Background: Acetabular revision in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is often difficult because of the poor quality and quantity of the acetabular bone stock. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of acetabular revision with use of an impaction bone-grafting technique and a cemented polyethylene cup., Methods: Thirty-five consecutive acetabular revisions were performed with impaction bone-grafting and use of a cemented cup in twenty-eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The average age at the revision was fifty-seven years. The minimum duration of follow-up of all reconstructions that were still functioning or that were followed until the time of death was three years (mean, 7.5 years; range, three to fourteen years). No patient was lost to follow-up, but five patients (six hips) died before the time of the review. The acetabular bone defects were classified as cavitary in twelve hips and as combined segmental-cavitary in twenty-three., Results: The five patients (six hips) who died had been doing well at the time of their latest follow-up. Of the remaining patients, six (six hips) had a repeat revision. The average Harris hip score of the living patients with a surviving implant at the time of follow-up was 82 points, and there was no or only mild pain in twenty-one of the twenty-three hips. Radiographic analysis of all twenty-nine hips that had not been revised showed loosening in one hip and a nonprogressive radiolucent line in one zone in two others. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a prosthetic survival rate, with aseptic loosening as the end point, of 90% at eight years., Conclusion: Acetabular revision with impaction bone-grafting and a cemented cup in patients with rheumatoid arthritis had acceptable results at an average of 7.5 years postoperatively.

We retrospectively assessed time until consolidation, complications, and functional results according to Morgan from the clinical charts and radiographs of 15 arthroscopic ankle fusions. In 11 patients unilateral distraction and crossed screw placement over the fusion area through tibia and fibula were used (group A); in 4 patients a technique of bilateral distraction and parallel screw placement from the dorsal side of the tibia into the neck of the talus was used (group B). In group A there were two cases of insufficient compression at the arthrodesis site, three cases of suboptimal compression, and five cases of malposition of the screws. In all cases in group B good compression and fixation was achieved, and no case of malpositioning of screws occurred. There was nonunion in 3 of 11 patients in group A and in none of the four patients in group B. Time until fusion was 23.3 in group A and 12.5 weeks in group B. Functional results were better in group B. The initial experiences with our technique of bilateral distraction and parallel screw placement are therefore promising. Screw placement is easier and optimal compression and fixation are achieved. We feel that this technique should be considered when performing an arthroscopic ankle fusion.

Although the revision rates for modern knee prostheses have decreased drastically, the total number of revisions a year is increasing because many more primary knee replacements are being done. At the time of revision, bone loss is common, which compromises prosthetic stability. To improve stability, intramedullary stems are often used. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of a stem, its diameter and the interface bonding conditions on patterns of the bone remodeling in the distal femur. We created finite element models of the distal half of a femur in which 4 types of knee prostheses were placed. The bone remodeling process was simulated using a strain-adaptive bone remodeling theory. The amount of such remodeling was determined by calculating the changes in bone mineral density in 9 regions of interest from simulated DEXA scans. The computer simulation model showed that revision prostheses tend to cause more bone resorption than primary ones, especially in the most distal regions. Predicted long-term bone loss due to a revision prosthesis with a thin stem equalled that around a prosthesis with an intercondylar box. However, strong regional differences were found--the stemmed prostheses having more bone loss in the most distal areas and some bone gain in the more proximal ones. A prosthesis with a thick stem led to an increase in bone loss. When the prosthesis-cement interface was bonded, more bone loss was predicted than with an unbonded interface. These results suggest that a stem which increases stability initially may reduce stability in the long term. This is due to an increase in stress shielding and bone resorption.

We evaluated the outcome of open antero-inferior capsular shift in 17 patients with multidirectional instability of the shoulder who failed to respond to conservative treatment. Six shoulders presented with secondary impingement syndrome and 11 with involuntary instability. The mean duration of follow-up was 39 months (range 7-89 months). Based on the Rowe and Constant scores and the 12-item questionnaire of Dawson, the results were rated excellent in 14 patients, fair in 2 and poor in 1. All but 2 patients were satisfied with the results, although 6 patients experienced some residual pain, and 4 suffered minor instability. There were no neurovascular complications, infections or symptomatic posterior instability. Open antero-inferior capsular shift yields promising short-term to medium-term results in multidirectional, involuntary instability of the shoulder.

We used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a group of 108 patients (126 TKAs) with short-term to medium-term follow-up. We also used the Knee Society scoring system, Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), pain VAS, and survival analysis. A comparison between the subjective and objective outcome systems revealed only poor correlations. This comparison suggests that the concerns and priorities of patients and surgeons differ. The outcome assessed with the satisfaction VAS revealed a significantly better subjective outcome in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with osteoarthritis patients, whereas Knee Society scores were not different. The satisfaction VAS provides additional information about subjective outcome after TKA.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported to be associated with bone loss during the first years of the disease. The magnitude of this problem after the initial years has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, the change in bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with recent-onset RA as well as the effects of inflammation, mobility, and the use of prednisone on this change were studied in the first decade of the disease., Methods: BMD was measured twice in 76 RA patients with mean disease durations of 2.35 years at the first BMD measurement and 8.90 years at the second BMD measurement. BMD was measured in both hips using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Results were expressed as mean +/- SEM Z scores (using age- and sex-matched reference values) and as mean +/- SEM percent change in BMD (in gm/cm2) per year. The effects of inflammation, mobility, and the use of prednisone on change in BMD were evaluated using multiple linear regression analyses., Results: At the first BMD measurement, RA patients had lower BMD compared with the reference values (Z score -0.42+/-0.11, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -0.64, -0.20). Between the 2 measurements, we observed a small decrease in BMD of -0.28+/-0.11%/year (95% CI -0.07 to -0.49). However, the rate of bone loss was smaller than expected. The Z score increased by 0.13+/-0.05 between the 2 BMD measurements (95% CI 0.02, 0.23). Only the use of prednisone was significantly associated with increased bone loss. In a separate analysis that included only postmenopausal women, increased physical activity and longer time since menopause were both associated with decreased bone loss. In this subgroup of patients, the use of prednisone was significantly associated with increased bone loss as well. A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate was associated with increased bone loss, but this did not reach statistical significance., Conclusion: After the initial years of the disease, bone loss in RA patients is lower than expected compared with age- and sex-matched reference values. Postmenopausal RA patients with low levels of physical activity are at increased risk of losing bone. Use of prednisone was the only variable consistently associated with reduction in BMD in RA patients.

The bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal femur may decrease after cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as a result of the stress shielding effect of the femoral component. The purpose of the study was to determine the changes in BMD of the distal femur compared with those of the femoral necks and the lumbar spine after cemented TKA. BMD of two regions of interest in the distal femur, both femoral necks and the lumbar spine was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 10 patients (age range 41-80 years, mean 62 years) with 12 TKAs preoperatively and during follow-up for 1 year after surgery. The hip and spine measurements were performed for comparison to assess if general changes in BMD occurred after TKA. The median decrease in BMD in the region behind the anterior flange of the femoral component was 22% (95% CI: 12%-33%), while the average decrease in the region just above the femoral component was 8% (95% CI: 2%-13%). The difference in change of BMD between both regions before and 1 year after TKA was significant (p = 0.03). We found less than 1% difference in BMD of both femoral necks and the lumbar spine on average between the preoperative and 1 year follow-up measurements (not significant). A significant periprosthetic distal femoral bone resorption occurred after TKA. BMD of the femoral necks and lumbar spine did not differ 1 year after TKA.

From 1981 to 1987, 77 GSB-II total knee arthroplasties were implanted in 65 patients. There were 23 men and 42 women aged on average 60 years old (range 30-85 years). The diagnosis was osteoarthritis (OA) in 21 knees, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 44 knees, and other in 12 knees. A clinical and radiological follow-up was performed in two stages after a mean of 6.7 years (61 knees) and 14.8 years (22 knees) to assess the medium- and long-term results and to determine if deterioration had occurred after mid-term follow-up. A survival analysis was done with two endpoints: (1) revision, and (2) revision, moderate or severe pain and lost to follow-up (worst-case scenario). At the last follow-up 36 patients (44 knees) had died, 2 patients (2 knees) refused examination, and 3 patients (3 knees) were lost to follow-up. Six knees had been revised for malposition (1.3%), septic (3.9%) and aseptic (2.6%) loosening. The mean Knee Society score after 6.7 and 14.8 years was 85 points (OA 82 points, RA 87 points). Lateralisation, subluxation or dislocation of the patella was present in 8 of 17 knees at the last follow-up. The 6- and 15-year survival rates with revision as the endpoint were 95% (CI 89%-100%) and 87% (CI 65%-100%), respectively. For the worst-case scenario, the 6- and 15-year survival rates were 95% (CI 89%-100%) and 56% (CI 0%-100%), respectively. The medium- and long-term results of the GSB-II total knee arthroplasty were good, and a decline in the knee score did not occur beyond the mid-term follow-up. Patella complications were abundant, and a marked decrease in implant survival was noted when moderate or severe pain and lost to follow-up were included as endpoints.

Objective: To assess whether intraarticular (IA) administration of clodronate liposomes results in local macrophage depletion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Primary goals were to address both the immunohistologic and potential toxic effects of this approach. Moreover, the correlation between immunohistologic findings and clinical assessments of disease activity and cartilage damage were assessed., Methods: An open study was conducted in consecutive RA patients who were scheduled for knee joint replacement in our department. Synovial biopsy tissue was obtained from the knee joint at 2 weeks before and at the time of surgery. This protocol was controlled for safety and immunohistologic concordance in 6 patients. One week before surgery, 10 patients received a single IA dose of clodronate liposomes. Staining of synovial tissue for cell markers (CD68, CD14, CD3, CD38) and adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1]) was assessed by 2 blinded observers. Local and systemic parameters of disease activity were measured before each intervention. Cartilage damage was scored using standard radiologic techniques at baseline and during surgery., Results: A single IA dose of clodronate liposomes significantly reduced the number of CD68-positive cells (P = 0.005) and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the synovial lining (P = 0.013 and P = 0.039, respectively). The intervention did not affect fibroblast-like synoviocytes, T cells, or plasma cells. No immunohistologic changes were observed in the control group. The procedure was well tolerated. The levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the sublining layers correlated with the extent of macroscopic synovitis (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.005, respectively). The expression of ICAM-1 and CD14 in the sublining correlated with the levels of C-reactive protein (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.01, respectively). Cartilage destruction was correlated only with the expression of CD68 in the sublining (P = 0.02)., Conclusion: A single IA administration of clodronate liposomes leads to macrophage depletion and decreased expression of adhesion molecules in the synovial lining in patients with longstanding RA. The procedure is well tolerated, and its therapeutic potential is currently under investigation. The expression of adhesion molecules in the sublining layers reflects ongoing inflammation.

Although stemmed femoral components often are used in revision total knee arthroplasty, no quantitative comparison of the relative stability of a femoral component with and without a stem has been performed previously. A radiostereophotogrammetric analysis was performed to determine the influence of stem extension on mechanical stability in a laboratory experiment. In addition, the contribution of impacted morselized bone graft used for reconstruction of bone defects to stability was determined. Ten fresh frozen distal femoral specimens, of which the bone mineral density was measured, were prepared to fit a cemented femoral component with an uncemented stem. A cyclic axial load of 750 N was applied to the medial part of the femoral component. The loading test was repeated after creation of a standard, unicondylar, uncontained medial bone defect, after reconstruction of the defect with impacted morselized bone graft, after disconnecting the stem from the component, and after removal of the morselized bone graft. A significant difference was found in rotation and translation of the femoral component with the stem and after its functional removal. The femoral component rotated significantly into varus and internal rotation, and the tip of the stem translated significantly laterally after disconnection of the stem. A linear correlation between bone mineral density in the femoral neck and the radiostereophotogrammetric motion data was absent, but a bone mineral density threshold level of 0.55 g/cm2 was present, below which stability decreased considerably. Morselized bone graft provided only a minor contribution to stability compared with a stem.

The properties of impacted morsellised bone graft (MBG) in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were studied in 12 horses. The left hind metatarsophalangeal joint was replaced by a human TKA. The horses were then randomly divided into graft and control groups. In the graft group, a unicondylar, lateral uncontained defect was created in the third metatarsal bone and reconstructed using autologous MBG before cementing the TKA. In the control group, a cemented TKA was implanted without the bone resection and grafting procedure. After four to eight months, the animals were killed and a biomechanical loading test was performed with a cyclic load equivalent to the horse's body-weight to study mechanical stability. After removal of the prosthesis, the distal third metatarsal bone was studied radiologically, histologically and by quantitative and micro CT. Biomechanical testing showed that the differences in deformation between the graft and the control condyles were not significant for either elastic or time-dependent deformations. The differences in bone mineral density (BMD) between the graft and the control condyles were not significant. The BMD of the MBG was significantly lower than that in the other regions in the same limb. Micro CT showed a significant difference in the degree of anisotropy between the graft and host bone, even although the structure of the area of the MBG had trabecular orientation in the direction of the axial load. Histological analysis revealed that all the grafts were revascularised and completely incorporated into a new trabecular structure with few or no remnants of graft. Our study provides a basis for the clinical application of this technique with MBG in revision TKA.

Between 1979 and 1989, we performed 36 primary total hip replacements in 31 rheumatoid arthritis patients with protrusio acetabuli. The deficient acetabulum was reconstructed with autologous morsellized bone grafts from the femoral head. 3 patients were lost to follow-up. 12 patients (13 hips) died within 8 years postoperatively, none had a revision. 16 patients (20 hips) were reviewed at an average follow-up of 12 (8-18) years. In 2 hips, a revision was performed for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component, 65 and 8 years after primary surgery, which means a 90% (95% CI: 77%-100%) survival rate at 12 years (Kaplan Meier analysis). This technique is a good option in cases with protrusio acetabuli due to rheumatoid arthritis.

In Morquio's disease and in hereditary spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia of longer duration, malalignment, instability and unfavourable anatomy are generally the main surgical problems, but as these patients nowadays do not have a reduced life expectancy, it is worthwhile giving them a functional replacement for their severely deformed and painful knees. We report three patients with inherited dwarfism, in whom a replacement of the knee was performed.

In 86 patients 102 consecutive cemented Kinematic total knee arthroplasties were reviewed 10-15 years after surgery to determine the clinical and radiographic results and to assess the survival rate. The average age of the 65 female and 21 male patients at the time of surgery was 63 years. Forty-six knees were affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 46 by osteoarthritis (OA), 7 by haemophilic arthropathy and 3 by osteonecrosis. One patient (1 knee) was lost to follow-up, and 31 patients (38 knees) died. Eleven knees had been revised for deep infection (4), wear (4), malposition (2) or persistent pain (1). Fifty-two knees were examined at an average follow-up period of 12 years. The mean Knee Society Score of 89 points was the same for RA and AO knees. Also, 92% of the knees caused no pain or only occasional mild pain. There were no cases of aseptic loosening of any component. Progressive radiolucent lines were not seen on the follow-up radiographs (43 knees, mean follow-up 12 years) The 10- and 14-year survival rates with revision as the end-point were 90% (confidence interval, CI: 81%-95%) and 82% (CI: 67%-92%), respectively. In the worst case scenario, with knees lost to follow-up and knees with moderate pain considered as failures, the 10- and 14-year survival rates were 80% (CI: 69%-88%) and 62% (CI: 46%-77%), respectively. The Kinematic total knee arthroplasty yields equally good long-term results in patients with RA and those with OA. Deep infection and wear were the main reasons for revision.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of TKA's with morsellized and solid femoral bone grafting. From April 1989 to February 1996, 6 primary and 18 revision TKA's with femoral bone grafting were performed in 22 patients with an average age of 62 years. Eleven knees were affected by rheumatoid arthritis, 10 by osteoarthritis, 2 by osteonecrosis and one by hemophiliac arthropathy. The femoral bone defects were large in 12, medium in 9, small in 3, contained in 10 and uncontained in 14 cases. Reconstruction was done with impacted morsellized fresh frozen trabecular bone grafts in 13 knees, with solid bone grafts in 7 knees and with combined grafts in 4 knees. Twenty-one cases were clinically evaluated at an average of 38 months (range: 9-89 months). The average Knee Society knee score increased by 39 points to 85 points at follow-up. The average functional score increased by 22 points to 48 points. Two cases with solid femoral bone grafts failed due to aseptic loosening. There were no infections. Radiographic follow-up revealed osteopenia around the femoral component in 10 knees. Two knees showed circumferential radiolucency around the femoral stem, and 5 knees had minor radiolucency at the anterior part of the femoral component. Radiographic incorporation was present in 5 of the 6 cases that could be evaluated. Histologic analysis of two biopsies revealed incorporation of the morsellized bone graft. The authors advocate impacted morsellized bone grafting for contained and small-to-medium uncontained femoral bone defects in combination with cemented TKA.

Femoral bone loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common feature and is mainly attributed to three etiological factors. Stress shielding causes an "osteopenia" type of bone loss behind the anterior flange and adjacent to the distal aspects of the femoral component. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, decrease in bone mineral density up to 44% has been measured in these areas. Secondly, polyethylene, cement and metal particles are released by implant wear and may cause the less common "osteolysis" type of bone loss located directly at the anterior and posterior implant-cement-bone interfaces. This type of bone loss occurs mainly in young, male, overweight patients with osteoarthritis. Finally, implant loosening leads to bone loss at the bone cement-implant interface and results in "hollowing out" of the distal femur in a stemmed TKA. Femoral bone loss may be reduced by diminishing the stress-shielding effect, by improving the quality of the polyethylene insert, and by decreasing the rate of implant loosening still further. In revision TKA, femoral bone loss is often underestimated in the preoperative radiographs. Classification of bone loss should be made during surgery, and should be based upon the size of the defect generated and the grade of containment. The choice among cement filling, metal augmentation, custom-made TKA, solid bone grafts, and morsellized bone grafts in reconstruction of bone defects will depend upon the type of bone loss, the bone quality, the surgeon's preference and philosophy, and the availability of grafts and implants.