Anteromedial Knee Research Articles

Anterior Cruciate and Anterior Oblique Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstrings and Peroneus Longus’ Anterior Half Grafts

Objective: To describe the surgical technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterior oblique ligament (AOL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons and the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon. Methods: The surgical technique involves the following key steps: 1. Tendon Harvesting: The semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendons are harvested from the injured limb or the contralateral limb in cases of prior ACL reconstruction. Additionally, a 3 cm longitudinal incision is made in the posterolateral region of the fibula to harvest the anterior half of the peroneus longus (PL) tendon, ensuring the fibular nerve is not injured. The harvested tendons form a quintuple graft, with the STG folded four times and the PL used as a fifth component. 2. Graft Preparation: The STG graft is folded to create a quadruple graft, and the PL is integrated into this without folding, forming a quintuple graft proximally. The distal portion remains single, extending the PL length. 3. Tunnel Positioning for ACL: The reconstruction involves precise anatomic positioning of the femoral and tibial tunnels. The femoral tunnel is created in the Anatomical Functional Position, as described by Jorge et al., using an outside-in technique with the Acufex Pinpoint guide (Smith & Nephew). The tibial tunnel is positioned on the anteromedial surface of the tibia, ensuring optimal alignment with the femoral tunnel. 4. Femoral Tunnel for AOL: The femoral tunnel for the AOL is positioned at the medial epicondyle. Fluoroscopy is used to identify the medial epicondyle in the lateral view. A guidewire is passed through the anterior portion of the medial epicondyle, creating a tunnel under radiographic visualization to ensure correct anatomical placement of the AOL. 5. Graft Passage and Fixation: The graft is passed through the tibial and femoral tunnels using a No. 5.0 Ethibond suture. The quintuple graft occupies both tunnels, and the single PL portion remains outside the tibial tunnel until fixation. Femoral fixation is achieved with an interference screw (Biosure; Smith & Nephew). After pretensioning, tibial fixation is completed with the knee in full extension. The remaining PL is passed subcutaneously on the medial side and fixed in the AOL tunnel with the knee in neutral rotation and 45 degrees of flexion. This technique ensures optimal biomechanical restoration and stability in the anterolateral and anteromedial knee compartments. Results: This technique aims to improve knee stability by addressing anterolateral and anteromedial instability, which is critical in some instances of ACL injury. Using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon in conjunction with hamstring tendons provides a viable, biomechanically sound option for reconstruction. Conclusion: Combined ACL and AOL reconstruction using hamstring and peroneus longus tendons is a promising technique for improving knee stability in patients with ACL injuries, particularly those with anteromedial instability. This approach may be a valuable alternative to exclusive anterolateral reinforcement in select cases.

A Flat Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Anteromedial Structures Restores Native Knee Kinematics: A Biomechanical Robotic Investigation

Background: Injuries of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and anteromedial structures of the knee result in excess valgus rotation and external tibial rotation (ER) as well as tibial translation. Purpose: To evaluate a flat reconstruction of the sMCL and anteromedial structures in restoring knee kinematics in the combined MCL- and anteromedial-deficient knee. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric knee specimens were tested in a 6 degrees of freedom robotic test setup. Force-controlled clinical laxity tests were performed with 200 N of axial compression in 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion: 8 N·m valgus torque, 5 N·m ER torque, 89 N anterior tibial translation (ATT) force, and an anteromedial drawer test consisting of 89 N ATT force under 5 N·m ER torque. After determining the native knee kinematics, we transected the sMCL, followed by the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL). Subsequently, a flat reconstruction of the sMCL with anteromedial limb, mimicking the function of the anteromedial corner, was performed. Mixed linear models were used for statistical analysis (P < .05). Results: Cutting of the sMCL led to statistically significant increases in laxity regarding valgus rotation, ER, and anteromedial translation in all tested flexion angles (P < .05). ATT was significantly increased in all flexion angles but not at 60° after cutting of the sMCL. A combined instability of the sMCL and dMCL led to further increased knee laxity in all tested kinematics and flexion angles (P < .05). After reconstruction, the knee kinematics were not significantly different from those of the native state. Conclusion: Insufficiency of the sMCL and dMCL led to excess valgus rotation, ER, ATT, and anteromedial tibial translation. A combined flat reconstruction of the sMCL and the anteromedial aspect restored this excess laxity to values not significantly different from those of the native knee. Clinical Relevance: The presented reconstruction might lead to favorable results for patients with MCL and anteromedial injuries with an anteromedial rotatory knee instability.

One-day surgery is safe and effective in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A prospective comparative study at 1 year of follow-up.

To compare the outcomes and complications of two perioperative protocols for the management of patients who underwent medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA): 24 h (1-day surgery [OS]) versus 72 h (enhanced recovery after surgery [ERAS]) of the length of hospital stay (LOS). In our hypothesis, the reduction of the LOS from 3 to 1 day did not influence the outcomes and complications. A total of 42 patients (21 in each group) with isolated anteromedial knee osteoarthritis and meeting specific criteria were prospectively included in the study. Clinical outcomes included Knee Society Score (KSS) and Forgotten joint score while pain evaluation was performed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Functional outcomes were assessed measuring the knee range of motion (ROM) while radiographic outcomes were evaluated measuring the amelioration of the varus deformity through the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). Clinical and functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Complications occurred in 9.5% of OS and 4.7% of ERAS group patients. Significant improvements in knee ROM, VAS pain, KSS and HKA angle were observed postsurgery, with no significant differences between groups except in KSS expectations and function trends. The OS protocol is safe and effective and LOS, in a well-defined fast-track protocol, did not significantly impact clinical and functional outcomes. OS may lead to reduced hospitalisation costs and potential reductions in complications associated with prolonged stays, benefiting both patients and healthcare facilities. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings. Early mobilisation and rehabilitation protocols are key components of successful patient recovery following UKA procedures. Level II.

The Anterior Branch of the Medial Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Innervates Cutaneous and Deep Surgical Incisions in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background/Objectives: The intermediate femoral cutaneous nerve (IFCN), the saphenous nerve, and the medial femoral cutaneous nerve (MFCN) innervate the skin of the anteromedial knee region. However, it is unknown whether the MFCN has a deeper innervation. This would be relevant for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that intersects deeper anteromedial genicular tissue layers. Primary aim: to investigate deeper innervation of the anterior and posterior MFCN branches (MFCN-A and MFCN-P). Secondary aim: to investigate MFCN innervation of the skin covering the anteromedial knee area and medial parapatellar arthrotomy used for TKA. Methods: This study consists of (1) a dissection study and (2) unpublished data and post hoc analysis from a randomized controlled double-blinded volunteer trial (EudraCT number: 2020-004942-12). All volunteers received bilateral active IFCN blocks (nerve block round 1) and saphenous nerve blocks (nerve block round 2). In nerve block round 3, all volunteers were allocated to a selective MFCN-A block. Results: (1) The MFCN-A consistently innervated deeper structures in the anteromedial knee region in all dissected specimens. No deep innervation from the MFCN-P was observed. (2) Sixteen out of nineteen volunteers had an unanesthetized skin gap in the anteromedial knee area and eleven out of the nineteen volunteers had an unanesthetized gap on the skin covering the medial parapatellar arthrotomy before the active MFCN-A block. The anteromedial knee area and medial parapatellar arthrotomy was completely anesthetized after the MFCN-A block in 75% and 82% of cases, respectively. Conclusions: The MFCN-A shows consistent deep innervation in the anteromedial knee region and the area of MFCN-A innervation overlaps the skin area covering the medial parapatellar arthrotomy. Further trials are mandated to investigate whether an MFCN-A block translates into a clinical effect on postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty or can be used for diagnosis and interventional pain management for chronic neuropathic pain due to damage to the MFCN-A during surgery.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Adductor Canal Block versus Conservative Treatment for the Management of Anteromedial Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study

Abstract Context: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common type of lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA), with pain being the predominant symptom, leading to significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Objectives: This study was designed to ascertain the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (ACB), ensuing functional improvement and change in the quality of life in KOA patients with anteromedial knee pain and compare it with conservative treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 patients were recruited for this trial and initially treated conservatively with oral analgesics and exercise. At the end of 2 and 4 weeks from the inclusion date, they were offered a crossover to the intervention with ACB for the saphenous nerve. The outcome measures, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Timed Up and Go test, number of analgesics ingested per day and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) scores, were recorded at pre-decided time points. Results: After multiple structured follow-ups, 76 and 86 patients were analysed in the intervention and conservative groups, respectively. The two groups had no significant differences in the demographic and clinical patterns. The intervention group showed improvements in VAS (at week 2) (P &lt; 0.05), WOMAC and the number of analgesics ingested per day (weeks 2 and 4) (P &lt; 0.05). At ‘week 8’ follow-up, most patient outcomes including physical health and psychological domains of WHOQoL-BREF scores were better for conservative group (P &lt; 0.05). The rest of the outcome measures were comparable for both groups at all time points. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This study suggests that ACB is effective only for a short duration and does not offer any significant advantage over conservative management in the long run.

Noninvasive and Reliable Quantification of Anteromedial Rotatory Knee Laxity: A Pilot Study on Healthy Individuals

Background: Anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI) of the knee is a complex and severe condition caused by injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and/or the medial collateral ligament. Clinical studies dealing with AMRI are rare, and objective measurements are nonexistent. Purpose/Hypothesis: The objectives of this study were, first, to quantify anteromedial rotatory knee laxity in healthy individuals using a noninvasive image analysis software and, second, to assess intra- and interrater reliability and equivalence in measuring anteromedial knee translation (AMT). It was hypothesized that AMT could be reliably quantified using a noninvasive image analysis software. Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This prospective proof-of-concept study included healthy individuals aged 16 to 40 years with no history of knee injury or surgery. Three adhesive surface markers were placed on predefined landmarks on the medial side of the knee. Three independent investigators examined anteromedial rotatory knee laxity with an anterior drawer test in different tibial rotations (neutral tibial rotation, 15° of external tibial rotation, and 15° of internal tibial rotation). The entire examination of each knee was recorded, and AMT including the side-to-side difference (SSD) was assessed using a freely available and validated image analysis software (PIVOT iPad application). Group comparisons were performed using a 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess inter- and intrarater reliability of AMT measurements. Equivalence of measurements was evaluated using the 2 one-sided t-test procedure. Results: Anteromedial rotatory knee laxity was assessed in 30 knees of 15 participants (53% male) with a mean age of 26.2 ± 3.5 years. In all 3 raters, the highest AMT was observed in neutral tibial rotation (range of means, 2.2-3.0 mm), followed by external tibial rotation (range of means, 2.0-2.4 mm) and internal tibial rotation (range of means, 1.8-2.2 mm; P < .05). Intrarater reliability of AMT (ICC, 0.88-0.96) and SSD (ICC, 0.61-0.96) measurements was good to excellent and moderate to excellent, respectively. However, interrater reliability was poor to moderate for AMT (ICC, 0.44-0.73) and SSD (ICC, 0.12-0.69) measurements. Statistically significant equivalence of AMT and SSD measurements was observed between and within raters for almost all testing conditions. Conclusion: Anteromedial rotatory knee laxity could be quantified using a noninvasive image analysis software, with the highest AMT observed during neutral tibial rotation in uninjured individuals. Reliability and equivalence of measurements were good to excellent within raters and moderate between raters.

Comparison of bone age assessment methods using a hand radiography in patients with active growth plate and anteromedial knee instability

Background Bone age is essential for pediatric patients with active growth zones and anteromedial instability to facilitate optimal treatment strategy and minimize postoperative complications. However, many people are unaware of various tools for determining bone age, including classical methods and modern machine learning techniques.The objective was to show and compare different methods for calculating bone age and determining surgical strategy for patients with anteromedial instability of the knee joint.Material and methods All-Inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed for 20 patients. Wrist radiographs were performed for bone age assessment using the "point scoring system" of Tanner and Whitehouse and the "atlas matching" method of Greulich and Pyle. Machine learning programs were used in addition to standard bone age assessments.Results The findings showed an average difference of 21 months (80 %) in a group of 20 individuals with bone age ahead of the passport age and an average difference of 18 months (20 %) in patients with retarded bone age.Discussion The findings showed the difference between chronological and bone age and could be encountered in scientific articles on endocrinology and pediatrics. No scientific studies on the use of the methods could be found in the specialty “trauma and orthopaedics”.Conclusion Bone age assessment, prediction of children's target height are essential for surgical treatment of patients with open growth plates.

Malposition is main cause of failure of Oxford mobile-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is the preferred treatment for anterior medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) owing to the rapid postoperative recovery. However, the risk factors for UKA failure remain controversial. The clinical data of Oxford mobile-bearing UKAs performed between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum follow-up of five years were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors that contribute to UKA failure. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare the effect of the prosthesis position on UKA survival. A total of 407 patients who underwent UKA were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.8 years, and the mean follow-up period of the patients was 91.7 months. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) preoperatively and at the last follow-up were 64.2 and 89.7, respectively (p = 0.001). Overall, 28 patients (6.9%) with UKA underwent revision due to prosthesis loosening (16 patients), dislocation (eight patients), and persistent pain (four patients). Cox proportional hazards model analysis identified malposition of the prostheses as a high-risk factor for UKA failure (p = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the five-year survival rate of the group with malposition was 85.1%, which was significantly lower than that of the group with normal position (96.2%; p < 0.001). UKA constitutes an effective method for treating anteromedial knee OA, with an excellent five-year survival rate. Aseptic loosening caused by prosthesis malposition was identified as the main cause of UKA failure. Surgeons should pay close attention to prevent the potential occurrence of this problem.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Knee Stiffness in Patients with Anteromedial Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty with Cemented Prostheses: A Short-Term, Retrospective, Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND The present study was performed to determine the potential risk factors for postoperative knee stiffness in patients with anteromedial knee osteoarthritis undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with cemented prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with anteromedial knee osteoarthritis who underwent medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at our hospital between May 2017 and May 2020. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their prognosis: those who experienced knee stiffness after undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and those who did not. The factors associated with stiffness after UKA were identified using univariate analysis. Frequencies are used to express categorical variables, while mean±SD is used to express continuous variables. The t test and chi-square test were used. A multivariate logistic regression model was built to identify the risk factors for postoperative stiffness. RESULTS We included 590 knees in the study after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The overall incidence of postoperative stiffness in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty surgery was 10.17%. In terms of the radiological measurements, varus deformity (70.34% vs 29.66%) and tibial component posterior slope angle (4.8±2.0 vs 4.6±2.0, P<0.001) were significantly differences between the 2 groups. Four independent risk factors for stiffness after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were identified: age (95% CI, 1.022-1.048), varus deformity (95% CI, 1.186-1.192), tibial component posterior slope angle (95% CI, 0.550-0.870), and preoperative maximum flexion (95% CI, 0.896-0.923). CONCLUSIONS The overall incidence of postoperative knee stiffness in patients with anteromedial knee osteoarthritis undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with cemented prostheses was 10.17%, which was at a moderate level compared to patients with other diseases undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Four independent risk factors were identified: age, varus deformity, preoperative maximum flexion, and tibial component posterior slope angle. Awareness these risk factors might help surgeons prevent the occurrence of postoperative knee stiffness in patients with UKA.

Influence of Meniscal Repair vs. Meniscectomy on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Terms of Knee Stability and Radiological Imaging.

The menisci are essential components in the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis. Patients with meniscal lesions and an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergoing meniscectomy exhibit a significantly increased prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis. ACL reconstruction surgery enhances knee stability and mitigates the advancement of minor meniscal tears. The purpose of this study was to show the influence of meniscal repair as compared to meniscectomy on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of knee stability and radiological imaging. This was a retrospective study performed in Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, on a sample size of 30 patients between December 2021 and January 2023. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically post-operatively at six months and one year. ACL reconstruction with meniscectomy was performed on 16 patients (group 2), while ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair was performed on 14 patients (group 1). At the end of six months in group 1, one patient out of 14 had a grade 2 Lachman test positive, while seven patients out of 16 had a grade 2 Lachman test positive in group 2. It was a statistically insignificant value (p>0.05). Further, at the end of 12 months, X-ray evaluation of the femoral tunnel shows an average increment of 0.5 mm in Group 1, while an average femoral tunnel widening of 3 mm was observed in Group 2. It was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The study concluded that meniscus repair significantly increases anteromedial knee stability. It has been shown that meniscectomy, when done along with ACL reconstruction, increases the chances of femoral tunnel widening, resulting in less graft bone integration.

The Anterior Fibers of the Superficial MCL and the ACL Restrain Anteromedial Rotatory Instability

Background: There is limited knowledge about how the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and capsuloligamentous structures on the medial side of the knee act to control anteromedial rotatory knee instability. Purpose: To investigate the contribution of the medial retinaculum, capsular structures (anteromedial capsule, deep medial collateral ligament [MCL], and posterior oblique ligament), and different fiber regions of the superficial MCL to restraining knee laxity, including anteromedial rotatory instability. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested using a 6 degrees of freedom robotic testing system in a position-controlled mode. Loads of 10 N·m valgus rotation, 5 N·m tibial external rotation, 5 N·m tibial internal rotation, and 134 N anterior tibial translation in 5 N·m external rotation were applied at different flexion angles. The motion of the intact knee at 0° to 120° of flexion was replicated after sequential excision of the sartorial fascia; anteromedial retinaculum; anteromedial capsule; anterior, middle, and posterior fibers of the superficial MCL; the deep MCL; the posterior oblique ligament; and the ACL. The reduction in force/torque indicated the contribution of each resected structure to resisting laxity. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with a post hoc Bonferroni test was used to analyze the relative force and torque changes from the intact state. Results: The superficial MCL was the most important restraint to valgus rotation from 0° to 120° and provided the largest contribution to resisting external rotation between 30° and 120° of knee flexion, gradually increasing from 25.2% ± 7.4% at 30° to 36.9% ± 15.4% at 90°. The posterior oblique ligament contributed significantly to resisting valgus rotation only in extension (17.2% ± 12.1%) but was the major restraint to internal rotation at 0° (46.7% ± 13.1%) and 30° (30.4% ± 17.7%) of flexion. The sartorial fascia and anteromedial retinaculum resisted ER at all knee flexion angles (P < .05) and was the single most important restraint in the extended knee (19.5% ± 11%). The capsular structures (anteromedial capsule and deep MCL) had a combined contribution of 20% ± 11.5% at 0° and 23.4% ± 10.5% at 120° of knee flexion but were less important from 30° to 90°. The ACL was the primary restraint to anterior tibial translation in external rotation between 0° and 60° of flexion (50.2% ± 16.9% at 30°), but the superficial MCL was more important at 90° to 120° of knee flexion (36.8% ± 16.4% at 90°). The anterior, middle, and posterior regions of the superficial MCL contributed differently to the simulated laxity tests. The anterior fibers were the most important part of the superficial MCL in resisting external rotation and combined anterior tibial translation in external rotation. Conclusion: The superficial MCL not only was the primary restraint to valgus rotation throughout the range of knee flexion but also importantly contributed to resisting anterior tibial translation in external rotation, particularly in deeper flexion in the cadaveric model. The anterior fibers of the superficial MCL are the most important superficial MCL fibers in resisting anterior tibial translation in external rotation. This study suggests that a medial reconstruction that reproduces the function of the posterior MCL fibers and posterior oblique ligament may not best control anteromedial rotatory instability. Clinical Relevance: Based on these data, there is a need for an individualized medial reconstruction to address different types of medial injury patterns and instabilities.

Short-term surgical complications following fast-track medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) is an advised treatment for anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. While long-term survival after mUKA is well described, reported incidences of short-term surgical complications vary and the effect of surgical usage on complications is less established. We aimed to describe the overall occurrence and treatment of surgical complications within 90 days of mUKA, as well as occurrence in high-usage centres compared to low-usage centres. mUKAs performed in eight fast-track centres from February 2010 to June 2018 were included from the Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement Database. All readmissions within 90 days of surgery underwent chart review and readmissions related to the surgical wound or the prosthesis were recorded. Centres were categorized as high-usage centres when using mUKA in ≥ 20% of annual knee arthroplasties. The occurrence of complications between high- and low-usage centres were compared using Fisher's exact test. We included 3,757 mUKAs: 2,377 mUKAs from high-usage centres and 1,380 mUKAs from low-usage centres. Surgical complications within 90 days occurred in 69 cases (1.8%), 45 (1.9%) in high-usage centres and 24 (1.7%) in low-usage centres (odds ratio (OR) 1.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.8)). The most frequent complications were periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) (n = 18; 0.48%), wound-related issues (n = 14; 0.37%), and periprosthetic fractures (n = 13; 0.35%). Bearing dislocations (n = 7; 0.19%) occurred primarily in procedures from high-usage centres. In high-usage centres, seven periprosthetic fractures (0.29%) occurred compared to six (0.43%) in low-usage centres (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.20 to 2.0)). In high-usage centres, nine PJIs (0.38%) occurred compared to nine (0.65%) in low-usage centres (OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.6)). Surgical complications are rare after fast-track mUKA surgery and with no difference in overall occurrence of surgical complications between high- and low-usage centres, although the risk of some specific surgical complications may favour high-usage centres.

ID: 202084 An Atypical Presentation of Infrapatellar Saphenous Neuralgia: A Case Report

Persistent anteromedial knee pain due to injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve is not uncommon after knee surgeries and trauma. However, it is unusual for a patient to develop lateral knee pain and numbness from infrapatellar saphenous neuralgia as the saphenous nerve’s sensory distribution is more medial. We discuss a case where a 28-year-old man presented with three months of burning left lateral knee pain and numbness after an unknown mechanism of injury to his knee while playing basketball. Prior to presentation, the patient completed physical therapy and underwent a pes anserine bursa injection with minimal relief of pain. On exam, palpation of a small, localized area of tenderness over the anteromedial left knee elicited lateral infrapatellar knee pain. The patient had full strength and intact sensation to light touch except for a small area of numbness at the lateral infrapatellar left leg.

Saphenous Nerve Block for Anteromedial Knee Pain in Osteoarthritis Knee: A Technical Review

The saphenous nerve, a purely sensory branch of the femoral nerve, supplies the lower limb’s medial, anteromedial and posteromedial aspects from the thigh to the foot. It is generally blocked for anaesthesia during knee, ankle and foot surgeries and to relieve post-operative pain. Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder in middle-aged and older adults with pain, articular stiffness and decreased physical activity. Pain owing to osteoarthritis is most often reported at the anteromedial aspect of the knee. Recently, many researchers have studied using ultrasound-guided saphenous nerve blocks in knee osteoarthritis to relieve pain. For knee pain relief, a saphenous nerve block can be done using one of the techniques, namely peri-femoral, sub-sartorial, trans-sartorial and para-condylar (at the medial femoral condyle). We briefly describe these here, mentioning the pre-requisites, contraindications, possible complications and clinical significance.

An Uncommon Presentation of Bilateral Femoral Avascular Necrosis in a 23-Year-Old Male: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a condition where interruption of blood flow to the subchondral bone results in osteocyte death. Common pain presentations involve pain in the deep groin, anterior thigh, ipsilateral buttock, and knee. This case report describes an unusual case of a patient with AVN of the femoral head experiencing isolated knee symptoms without hip-related symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male presented to physical therapy with a primary complaint of anteromedial knee pain that progressively worsened over a 16-month time period. Radiographs were negative for lumbar and knee pathology. The patient complained of isolated left anteromedial knee pain with weight-bearing activities. The patient was seen by a physical therapist for 4 weeks, resulting in minimal relief of knee symptoms and a progressive loss of hip range of motion. Due to concerns for intraarticular hip pathology, treatment was halted and the patient was referred back to his physician for hip radiographs. OUTCOMES AND FOLLOW-UP: Radiographs were positive for left femoral head collapse and asphericity consistent with AVN of the femoral head. Radiographs also revealed early manifestations of right hip AVN. The patient underwent a left total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient required a right THA 8 months later. The patient was able to return to work 12 weeks following the right THA. DISCUSSION: Bilateral AVN in a 23-year-old male whose chief complaint was anteromedial knee pain is a unique presentation not found in the current literature. Frequent reassessment is critical to prevent misdiagnosis and delaying of appropriate treatment strategies. JOSPT Cases 2023;3(1):8–15. Epub: 17 October 2022. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.10968

Functional Outcomes, Survival Rate, and Complications of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Mid-Term Results From Independent Center.

Background Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is indicated for isolated patellofemoral arthritis. PFA is a less invasive, bone-preserving procedure with faster recovery when compared to total knee replacement. We aim to present the functional outcome, survival rate, and complications of PFA from our center. Methods A total of 45 consecutive PFA performed (mean age 58.02 ± 9.2 years; 34 females and 11 males; Avon prosthesis) during the study period was included. Prosthesis survivorship was measured using revision as the endpoint, and functional outcome was assessed using Oxford knee scores (OKSs), EQ-5D, and satisfaction scores. Postoperative complications, the number of revisions, and the reasons causing them were collected. Results The mean follow-up was 48.7 (range 16-66) months. As compared to preoperative scores, OKS and Eq5d showed significant improvements (p<0.001). The satisfaction scores indicated that 28 patients (62%) were very satisfied, 10 (26.7%) were satisfied, and seven (15.5%) were dissatisfied. Four patients (8.9%) underwent revision surgery with a total knee replacement. Out of four patients requiring revision, two had progressive arthritis of the medial compartment, one had aseptic loosening of the implants, and one had trauma. Five patients showed persistent anteromedial knee pain (12.2%); one patient had maltracking requiring lateral release; one patient developed stiffness with knee flexion less than 60 degrees requiring manipulation under anesthesia. Conclusion Our results indicated that good or excellent functional outcomes can be expected in >80% of patients with survivorship of 91.1% at mid-term. Careful patient selection and counseling should be done informing of the risk of dissatisfaction/persistent pain and revision surgery in the mid and long term. Long-term outcomes and factors determining good outcomes need to be evaluated in future research.

Comparative evaluation of functional outcome and pain relief after pulsed radiofrequency of the saphenous nerve within and distal to the adductor canal in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blind trial.

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the saphenous nerve (SN) has shown effective pain relief in knee pain because of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The adductor canal (AC) contains other sensory nerves innervating the medial part of the knee joint apart from SN. We compared the PRF of SN within and outside the AC for their quality and duration of pain relief in knee osteoarthritis of the medial compartment (KOA-MC). We conducted a randomized prospective study in 60 patients with anteromedial knee pain because of KOA-MC. Patients in group A received PRF-SN, and those in group B received PRF-AC. The primary objectives were comparison of pain by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and changes in quality of daily living by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and OXFORD knee scores. The secondary objectives were comparison of analgesic requirements using Medicine Quantification Scale (MQS) scores and block-related complications. Intra-group comparison was performed by analysis of variance. Inter-group normally distributed data were assessed by Student's t-test, non-normally distributed and ordinal data were assessed by Mann-Whitney U-test, and categorical data were assessed by Chi-square test. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. VAS scores were significantly lower in Gr-B at 12 weeks. The WOMAC scores and OXFORD scores at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks were significantly lower in Gr-B compared to Gr-A. The PRF-AC provides better pain relief and functional outcome than PRF-SN; however, duration of pain relief was not significantly different.

Reduplicated medial parapatellar plica: a case of a medial plica anatomical variation recalcitrant to conservative treatment

PurposeThe current study aims to report the radiologic and clinical appearance of a rare anatomical variation of the knee medial synovial plica along with its response to conservative and surgical treatment.Case presentationThis report portrays a 29-year-old male patient with anteromedial gradual onset right knee pain, aggravated when descending stairs or prolonged sitting. Physical examination revealed medial parapatellar local tenderness, a palpable click in this area when the knee was extended, and hamstring tightness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a duplicated medial plica, characterized by a high-intensity signal of the infrapatellar fat pad medial portion, after which a presumptive diagnosis of medial plica syndrome was proposed. After conservative treatment failure, the patient underwent standard knee arthroscopy that revealed a superior low profile and an inferior high profile medial plica, and hypertrophy of the medial portion of the infrapatellar fat pad. Both plicae and fat pad were resected with a mechanical shaver until no contact between the femoral trochlea and the fat pad was observed during full range of motion. At 4 weeks postoperatively, symptoms completely resolved, and the patient was allowed to return to full activity with no recurrences at 1 year follow-up.ConclusionsThe current study presented a rare anatomical variation of the knee medial synovial plica that was symptomatic and recalcitrant to conservative treatment. This case report may be useful for radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons to differentiate this special plica type and consider its response to conservative and surgical treatment during patient management.

Mobile bearing versus fixed bearing medial unicompartmental knee replacement: an independent two center matched-pairs analysis

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to compare clinical outcome between patients following fixed-bearing (FB) or mobile-bearing (MB) unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) for antero-medial knee osteoarthrosis (OA) at two independent orthopedic centers.Materials and methodsMatched-pairs were built between 35 patients receiving FB-UKR and 52 patients following MB-UKR regarding age at time of surgery, body mass index (BMI) and range of motion (ROM) preoperatively. Clinical and functional outcome was measured postoperatively by the American Knee Society Score (AKSS-O/AKSS-F), ROM, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) as well as the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsThe average treatment effect of the treated (ATT) after propensity score matching showed a significantly superior ROM in patients following MB-UKR (FB: 118°, MB: 124°). All remaining parameters had no statistically significant differences between both groups involving TAS, AKSS and SF-36.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that MB-UKR can provide a greater ROM compared to FB-UKR on comparable patients. The authors believe that both designs are suitable for adequate improvement of clinical outcome and ROM for patients suffering from antero-medial osteoarthrosis of the knee joint.Level of evidenceRetrospective cohort study, Level IV.

Can mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty achieve natural gap-balancing? An observational study with a novel pressure sensor

BackgroundMobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (MB-UKA) is an effective treatment for anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. Meticulous intraoperative soft tissue balancing remains challenging yet consequential for a successful operation. Currently, surgeons rely mostly on their experience during soft tissue balancing, yielding unreproducible results. The purpose of this study was to quantified measure the soft tissue tension of medial compartment and determine if an optimal "target" tension values with the natural state exists.MethodsThis was an observational study of 24 consecutive patients. All 30 UKAs were performed by a single surgeon. The piezoresistive sensor was custom designed to fit in the medial compartment gap. Contact pressures were measured at 5 angular positions of the knee intraoperatively: 0°, 20°, 45°, 90°, and 110° of flexion. The change in pressure from extension (20° position) and flexion (110° position) was also calculated (E-FPD). Data on age, sex, body mass index, operative side, and bearing size were collected. Outcome measures were measured at baseline and at the 6-month postoperative follow-up; Oxford Knee Score, visual analog scale score, and range of motion were compared to evaluate clinical outcomes.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in patients in all measured outcomes at 6 months from baseline (P < 0.05). The E-FPD of 14.9 N (8.9, 24.6) was indicative of appropriate soft tissue balancing throughout the functional range of knee motion. Of 30 knees, 22 were 3-mm bearing and 8 were 4- or 5-mm bearing. The pressure data of the 3-mm bearing group was larger than that of the non-3-mm bearing group for each knee flexion degree, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsObjective data from sensor output may assist surgeons in decreasing loading variability during MB-UKA. The data suggested that MB-UKA could not accurately restore soft tissue tension to the natural state, which was related to the inability of MB-UKA surgical instruments to fine adjust the bone cut and soft tissue release.Study registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn): ChiCTR1900024146.