Final Knee Range Of Motion Research Articles

Outcomes of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures by fracture morphology

PurposeTo identify a cohort of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures treated with surgical fixation and to categorize them by Moore and Wahlquist classifications in order to determine the rate of complications with each fracture morphology and the predictive value of each classification system. We hypothesized there would be high rates of neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, and complications overall with a higher incidence of neurovascular injury in Moore type III rim avulsion fractures and Wahlquist type C fractures that enter the plateau lateral to the tibial spines. MethodsPatients who presented to six Level I trauma centers between 2010 and 2021 who underwent surgical fixation for isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Data including demographics, radiographs, complications, and functional outcomes were collected. ResultsOne hundred and fifty isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were included. All patients were classified by the Wahlquist classification of medial tibial plateau fractures, and 139 patients were classifiable by the Moore classification of tibial plateau fracture-dislocations. Nine percent of fractures presented with neurovascular injury: 5 % with isolated vascular injury and 6 % with isolated nerve injury. There were no significant differences in neurovascular injury by fracture type (Wahlquist p = 0.16, Moore p = 0.33). Compartment syndrome developed in two patients (1.3 %). The average final range of motion was 0.8–122° with no difference by Wahlquist or Moore classifications (p = 0.11, p = 0.52). The overall complication rate was 32 % without differences by fracture morphology. The overall rate of return to the operating room (OR) was 25 %. ConclusionsIsolated medial tibial plateau fractures often represent fracture-dislocations of the knee and should receive a meticulous neurovascular exam on presentation with a high suspicion for neurovascular injury. No specific fracture pattern was found to be predictive of neurovascular injuries, complications, or final knee range of motion. Patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding high rates of return to the OR after the index surgery.

Tension band high-strength suture combined with absorbable cannulated screws for treating transverse patellar fractures: finite element analysis and clinical study.

Objective: Few reports exist on the treatment of transverse patellar fractures (TPFs) using absorbable cannulated screws and high-strength sutures, and most screws and sutures lack good biomechanics and clinical trials. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the biomechanical stability and clinical efficacy of tension-band high-strength sutures combined with absorbable cannulated screws (TBSAS) in treating TPFs (AO/OTA 34 C1). Methods: Finite element models of five internal fixation schemes were established: tension-band wire with K-wire (TBW), TBW with cerclage wire (TBWC), TBW with headless pressure screws (TBWHS), TBW with full-thread screws (TBWFS), and TBSAS. We comprehensively compared the biomechanical characteristics of the TBSAS treatment scheme during knee flexion and extension. Forty-one patients with TPFs in our hospital between January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the TBSAS (n = 22) and TBWC (n = 19) groups. Clinical and follow-up outcomes, including operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, postoperative complications, Bostman score, and final knee range of motion, were compared between both groups. Results: Finite element analysis (FEA) showed that TBWHS and TBWFS achieved the minimum mean fracture interface relative displacement during knee flexion (45°, 0-500N bending load) and full extension (0°, 0-500N axial load). There was no significant difference between TBSAS (0.136mm) and TBWC (0.146mm) during knee flexion (500N); however, TBSAS displacement was smaller (0.075mm) during full extension (500N). Furthermore, the stress results for the internal fixation and the patella were generally lower when using TBSAS. Retrospective clinical studies showed that the TBSAS group had a shorter operative time, lower VAS pain score at 1 and 2months postoperatively, better Bostman knee function score at 3 and 9months postoperatively, and better final knee joint motion than the TBWC group (all p < 0.05). There were five cases (26.3%) of internal fixation stimulation complications in the TBWC group. Conclusion: TBSAS demonstrated excellent safety and effectiveness in treating TPFs. It is sufficient to meet the needs of TPF fixation and early functional exercise and effectively reduces metal internal fixation-induced complications and secondary surgery-induced trauma.

Anterior Displacement of Tibial Spine Fractures: Does Anatomic Reduction Matter?

Operative treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures consists of fixation and reduction of the fragment in addition to restoring tension of the anterior cruciate ligament. To determine whether residual displacement of the anterior portion of a tibial spine fragment affects the range of motion (ROM) or laxity in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Data were gathered from 328 patients younger than 18 years who were treated for tibial spine fractures between 2000 and 2019 at 10 institutions. ROM and anterior lip displacement (ALD) measurements were summarized and compared from pretreatment to final follow-up. ALD measurements were categorized as excellent (0 to <1 mm), good (1 to <3 mm), fair (3 to 5 mm), or poor (>5 mm). Posttreatment residual laxity and arthrofibrosis were assessed. Overall, 88% of patients (290/328) underwent operative treatment. The median follow-up was 8.1 months (range, 3-152 months) for the operative group and 6.7 months (range, 3-72 months) for the nonoperative group. The median ALD measurement of the cohort was 6 mm pretreatment, decreasing to 0 mm after treatment (P < .001). At final follow-up, 62% of all patients (203/328) had excellent ALD measurements, compared with 5% (12/264) before treatment. Subjective laxity was seen in 11% of the nonoperative group (4/37) and 5% of the operative group (15/285; P = .25). Across the cohort, there was no association between final knee ROM and final ALD category. While there were more patients with arthrofibrosis in the operative group (7%) compared with the nonoperative group (3%) (P = .49), this was not different across the ALD displacement categories. Residual ALD was not associated with posttreatment subjective residual laxity, extension loss, or flexion loss. The results suggest that anatomic reduction of a tibial spine fracture may not be mandatory if knee stability and functional ROM are achieved.

Outcomes of dual plating for unstable distal femoral fractures: a subgroup comparison between periprosthetic and non-periprosthetic fractures.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of dual plating for unstable distal femoral fractures via a subgroup analysis between periprosthetic and non-periprosthetic fractures. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the outcomes of dual plating for unstable distal femoral fractures among 49 consecutive patients (43 women and 6 men) enrolled from July 2008 to August 2020. The patients were divided into periprosthetic (group P, n = 29) and non-periprosthetic (group N, n = 20) groups. The radiographic outcomes included the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and union rate based on the computed tomography findings. The clinical parameters included the knee range of motion and knee society score (KSS). The mean patient age was 71.1years, and the average follow-up period was 37months (range, 12-138months). Union was achieved in 47 patients (96%). The average final mLDFA was 90.5° in group P and 88.3° in group N. The average final knee range of motion was 130° in group P and 107° in group N. The average final KSS was 73.8 in group P and 87.1 in group N. Dual plating for distal femoral fractures yielded an excellent union rate and limb alignment with a low complication rate.

Clinical Outcome Comparison between Staged -Bilateral Versus Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacements.

This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with staged and simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study included 100 patients with a mean age of 62±3.72 years from 2014 to 2017. Among them, 51 and 49 patients underwent simultaneous and staged bilateral TKA, respectively. The two groups were compared regarding the range of motion (ROM), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster UniversitiesOsteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) improvement, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. The mean follow-up duration was 24 months (range: 12-36 months). According to the results obtained from the SF-36 questionnaire (possessing eight different factors of quality of life), there was no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the OKSs were 39.98±1.52 and 38.68±2.55 in the simultaneous and staged groups, respectively. Moreover, the WOMAC improvement scores were obtained at 84.15±2.2 and 83.26±2.6 in the simultaneous and staged groups, respectively. The final knee ROM was acceptable without a significant difference between the two groups. Substantial controversy about the complications, functional, and clinical outcomes has negatively affected the decision of the surgeons on conducting bilateral sequential TKA. This clinical assessment revealed that all determinants, including OKS, WOMAC, SF-36, ROM, postoperative bleeding, and hospitalization duration exhibited almost the same improvement in both groups. According to this study, no statistically significant difference exists in both procedures.

Conservative management of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion with a large bony fragment: a prospective cohort study

Background: Internal fixation is the standard choice for treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion with a large bony fragment. However, it is not without complication. This study investigated PCL avulsions with large bony fragments to determine if conservative management resulted in acceptable outcomes. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, the outcome of conservative management of PCL avulsion with large bony fragment was evaluated in 40 patients. The inclusion criteria were a fracture size of more than 20 mm and a displacement of less than 2 mm. The outcomes were evaluated after 12 mo and included the evaluation knee range of motion and scoring of the modified Lysholm questionnaire and the International Knee Documentation Committee. Knee instability was checked by the drawer test and confirmed by stress radiography. Results: The mean patient age was 36.9±16.1 yr. The mean final knee range of motion (ROM) was 125.6±8.2 degrees. The mean Lysholm score was 92.3±6.1 points. Accordingly, the excellent, good, and fair results were observed in 29 (72.5%), eight (20%), and three (7.5%) patients, respectively. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score of the patients was 94.2±5.3 points. Postoperative instability was seen in two patients. Nonunion was observed in two other patients. The size of the bony fragment was 30 and 32 mm in patients with nonunion. Conclusions: Conservative management of the PCL avulsion with a large bony fragment could result in acceptable outcome. However, application of this technique needs further characterization, particularly with respect to the size of bony fragment. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Judet's quadricepsplasty after total hip arthroplasty and Thompson's quadricepsplasty: A case report

Judet quadricepsplasty provides a gradual release of knee extension contracture occurring due to intrinsic and extrinsic reasons. We herein present a 68-year-old male patient with a fragmented right femur AO (arbeitsgemeinschaft für osteosynthesefragen) Type A3 fracture, which occurred because of an in-vehicle traffic accident 30 years ago. The fracture was fixed with an anterior plate-screw with open reduction, and knee extension contracture had developed after the operation. The distinctive features of this case include a previous, unsuccessful, ipsilateral V-Y quadricepsplasty, an ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty with anterior approach six months ago and a persistent extension contracture for over 30 years. Gradual releasing techniques, as described by Judet, were performed under general anesthesia and sterile conditions with the patient in supine position. Intraoperatively, two displaced screws were detected on the anterior femur, which had adhered to the vastus medialis muscle, and fibrosed. Adhesions were dissected and screws were removed. Before the release of the proximal adhesion of the rectus muscle, a forced external rotation of hip joint was performed to assure that adequate fibrotic tissue had formed on the anterior facet of the joint capsule to prevent anterior instability. Five recurrent knee joint effusions developed after surgery, which were aspirated by needle. Joint fluids were clear and there were no reproductions of any microorganisms. By the end of an uneventful, two-year follow-up period, final knee range of motion was 0-90 degrees. Loss of extension and extensor muscle power had entirely improved by 6 months. In a patient with hip prosthesis, provided that adequate fibrosis has formed on the anterior facet of the joint capsule, rectus release may not cause instability. In cases resistant to rehabilitation, if there is implant, fibrosis or hypertrophic callus which may cause irritation at any level of the knee extensor mechanism, we suggest their resection for a more even anterior cortex contour.

Earlier Initiation of Postoperative Physical Therapy Decreases Opioid Use after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

For patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to provide significant pain relief and improved function with consistent, reproducible results. Post-operative physical therapy (PT) plays an important role is restoring muscle strength and range of motion (ROM). Yet, the impact of earlier physical therapy initiation after TKA has not been well defined. We assessed 205 patients that underwent primary TKA including 136 patients who started PT on the first post-operative day (POD1) and a second group that started PT 3 days after surgery (POD3), or later. Length of hospital stay (LOS), opioid use during hospital stay, complications, re-admissions, knee ROM and the need for subsequent hospitalized rehabilitation were recorded. LOS was not significantly shorter in the early PT group, compared with the delayed PT group (6.4 ± 2.2 days vs. 6.8 ± 2 days, respectively, P = .217). Patients in the delayed PT group consumed more opioids during their inpatient stay compared with the early PT group on both POD 3 (89% vs 82%, p = 0.013) and POD 4 (81% vs 66%, p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the incidence of Immediate post-operative complications or final knee ROM between the two groups. While early postoperative PT did not impact hospital LOS or final knee ROM, it was associated with an earlier reduction in postoperative opioid consumption after primary TKA.

Accuracy and Safety of Distal Femoral Valgus Correction: A Comparison of Three Techniques.

IntroductionThere are several methods for correcting distal femoral valgus deformity in skeletally mature patients including fixator-assisted plating (FAP), fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) and nailing using the reverse planning method. The fixator-assisted techniques have been previously compared in the literature and found to be similarly accurate. This study is the first to compare all three procedures in a single series.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of patients who had undergone distal femoral valgus correction at a single institution between March 2017 and February 2020 was undertaken. Three different patient groups were identified based on the surgical technique used: the FAP, the FAN and the reverse planning method. The mechanical lateral distal fimoral angle (mLDFA) was recorded and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. The body mass index (BMI), duration of surgery, postoperative range of motion (ROM) and complication profile for each patient were also recorded and compared.ResultsA total of 27 limbs in 24 patients were included in this study. There were 8 male and 16 female patients. There were 10 limbs from 9 patients in the reverse planning group, 11 limbs from 11 patients in the FAN group and 6 limbs from 4 patients in the FAP group. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean preoperative and postoperative mLDFA for each of the individual groups (p < 0.0001 for each group). All patients had restoration of the mLDFA to within normal limits except one patient in the reverse planning group. This was purposefully performed to compensate for an ipsilateral proximal tibial deformity. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean preoperative and postoperative mLDFA across the groups (p = 0.2897 and 0.3440, respectively). The operative time of the reverse planning method and the FAP were significantly shorter than FAN (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The mean final knee ROM amongst the groups was similar (p = 0.8190). We recorded no infections or union complications in any group. There was one case of hardware irritation causing lateral knee pain that did not require treatment in the reverse planning group and one fracture through a temporary half-pin site in the FAN group. All six plates in the FAP group had to be removed following union on account of localised discomfort from the hardware.ConclusionThe reverse planning method, the FAN and the FAP are comparable in terms of accuracy in achieving correction of distal femur valgus deformity in skeletally mature patients. The reverse planning method had the best combination of outcomes in this study since it was just as accurate as the FAN and the FAP techniques and did not require any additional surgeries. While both the reverse planning and the FAP were faster than the FAN technique, the reverse planning method allows the ability to perform both deformity correction and lengthening. Ultimately, the decision of which technique to use depends on a combination of the patient's preference and the surgeon's level of comfort with the technique.How to cite this articleIobst C, Waseemuddin M, Bafor A. Accuracy and Safety of Distal Femoral Valgus Correction: A Comparison of Three Techniques. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(1):41–46.

A Comparison of Femoral Lengthening Methods Favors the Magnetic Internal Lengthening Nail When Compared with Lengthening Over a Nail.

Bone lengthening with an internal lengthening nail (ILN) avoids the need for external fixation and requires one less surgical procedure than lengthening over a nail (LON). However, LON has been shown to be superior to femoral internal lengthening using a mechanical nail. The magnetic ILN, a remote-controlled and magnet-driven device, may have overcome the weaknesses of earlier internal lengthening technology and may be superior to LON. (1) Is the magnetic ILN more accurate than LON for femoral lengthening? (2) Does the magnetic ILN demonstrate more precise distraction rate control than LON? (3) Does the magnetic ILN result in faster regenerate site healing, with more robust callus, than LON? (4) Does the magnetic ILN result in fewer complications, including impediments to knee motion, than LON? We conducted a retrospective comparison of the records and radiographs of 21 consecutive patients with 22 femoral lengthenings using LONs and 35 consecutive patients with 40 femoral lengthenings using remote-controlled magnetic ILNs. Primary outcomes measured included accuracy, distraction rate precision, time to bony union, final knee range of motion, regenerate quality, and complications. The minimum follow-up times for the LON and ILN cohorts were 13 and 21months, respectively. Patients treated with ILN had a lower post-treatment residual limb-length discrepancy (0.3mm) than those treated with LON (3.6mm). The rate of distraction was closer to the goal of 1mm/day and more tightly controlled for the ILN cohort (1mm/day) than that for the LON group (0.8mm/day; SD, 0.2). Regenerate quality was not significantly different between the cohorts. Bone healing index for ILN was not statistically significant. Time to union was shorter in the ILN group (3.3months) than that in the LON group (4.5months). A lower percentage of patients experienced a complication in the ILN group (18%) than in the LON group (45%). Knee flexion at the end of distraction was greater for ILN patients (105°) than that for LON patients (88.8°), but this difference was no longer observed after 1year. Femoral lengthening with magnetic ILN was more accurate than with LON. The magnetic ILN comports the additional advantage of greater precision with distraction rate control and fewer complications. Both techniques afford reliable healing and do not significantly affect knee motion at the final follow-up. The magnetic ILN method showed no superiority in regenerate quality and healing rate.

Clinical instability of the knee and functional differences following tibial plateau fractures versus distal femoral fractures.

Background:Fractures of the knee account for about 6% of all trauma admissions. While its management is mostly focused on fracture treatment, it is not the only factor that defines the final outcome.Objectives:This study aimed to study objective and subjective outcomes after proximal tibial versus distal femoral fractures in terms of knee instability and health-related quality of life.Patients and Methods:This retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study was carried out on 80 patients with either isolated proximal tibial (n = 42) or distal femoral (n = 38) fractures, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. All the fractures were classified based on the Schatzker and AO classification for tibial plateau and distal femoral fractures, respectively. The patients were followed and examined by an orthopedic knee surgeon for clinical assessment of knee instability. In their last follow-up visit, these patients completed a Lysholm knee score and the short-form (SF) 36 health survey.Results:Among the 42 tibial plateau fractures, 25% were classified as Schatzker type 2. Of the 38 distal femoral fractures, we did not find any type B1 or B3 fractures. The overall prevalence of anterior and posterior instability was 42% and 20%, respectively. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) injuries were detected clinically in 50% and 28%, respectively. The incidence rates of ligament injuries in tibial plateau fractures were as follows: Anterior Collateral Ligament (ACL) 26%, Posterior Collateral Ligament (PCL) 7%, MCL 24%, and LCL 14%. Medial collateral ligament injury was the most common in the Schatzker type 2 (50% of the injuries). Distal femoral fractures were associated with ACL injury in 16%, PCL in 13%, MCL in 26% and LCL in 14%. However, final knee range of motion (ROM) and function (Lysholm score) were not associated with fracture location. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, except for the valgus stress test at 30°knee flexion, which was more positive in tibial fractures. All eight domains of SF-36 score in the distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures were significantly different from the normal values; however, there were no statistically significant differences between femoral and tibial fracture scores.Conclusions:Although ROM is acceptable in knee joint fractures, instability is common. However, it seems that knee function and quality of life are not associated with the location of the fracture.

Factors affecting range of motion in total knee arthroplasty using high flexion prosthesis: A prospective study

Background:High flexion implants have been reported to provide better range of motion (ROM). The few studies analyzing the factors affecting the ROM are scarce. This study aims to find the factors that affect ROM when using a high flex knee design (INDUS knee).Materials and Methods:Two hundred and fifty three consecutive patients of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) done by using INDUS knee prosthesis between Sept 2008 and Sept 2009 were included in the study. The cases with osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were included in study. 5 patients were lost to followup and 248 patients (267 knees, 19 bilateral, 221 OA, and 46 RA) were analyzed for the following factors – sex, age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative ROM, flexion deformity, preoperative total knee score and functional score, time of tourniquet release and patella resurfacing. Subgroup classification using above factors was performed and statistical analysis of effect of all the above factors on final knee ROM was done. Assessment was done preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The final outcome evaluation was done at one year followup.Results:The mean age was 68.2 years (range 40-89 years) with 79 males and 189 females. The mean knee range improved from 97.62 ± 11° to 132 ± 8°. Factors that positively affect ROM of INDUS knee prosthesis at the end of 1 year were preoperative ROM, total knee score and functional score, and diagnosis of osteoarthritis, whereas BMI, preoperative flexion deformity has a negative influence on final flexion at the end of 1 year. Age and gender of the patients, patella resurfacing, and use of two different tourniquet protocols did not affect the final outcome.Conclusion:Preoperative ROM and preoperative functional status are the most important factors affecting final range. Patients should be counseled accordingly and made to understand these factors.

Management of infected femoral nonunions with a single-staged protocol utilizing internal fixation

Purpose There are no reported series that specifically deal with repair of infected nonunions of the femur with revision internal fixation. We sought to determine whether a standardised treatment protocol we have used for 13 patients since 1992 results in a high union rate, resolution of infection, and a good functional outcome. Methods The study cohort included seven male and six female patients who presented to the senior author with an infected nonunion of the shaft of the femur. Eleven patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up and between the ages of 19 and 75 years (mean 53.2 years) were included and evaluated. All patients underwent a single-staged protocol that includes an antibiotic “holiday”, then treating the infected nonunion with surgical debridement and hardware removal, local and systemic antibiotics, revision open reduction and internal fixation, and use of supplemental bone grafting. Great emphasis at the time of surgery is placed upon aggressive debridement, correction of any deformity, and obtaining stable internal fixation. We sought to report our success rate of nonunion repair, number of re-interventions, complication rate, final knee range of motion, and the ability to eradicate the infection using this treatment regimen. Results At most recent follow-up (mean 5.6, range 2–12 years), all patients had united and resolved their infections. Ten of the patients healed their nonunions with the fixation placed at the time of initial revision by us. Five patients required re-interventions to ultimately attain fracture union. Four patients had additional bone grafting procedures at the time of antibiotic bead removal. One of these four patients, who was later diagnosed with a nickel allergy, required three subsequent revision open reduction and internal fixations with bone grafting for hardware failure and persistent nonunion. A final patient underwent nail dynamisation with achievement of osseous union. Only one patient had less than 90° of knee flexion, although he previously had an extensor mechanism disruption and had only 15° of flexion noted at the time of initial surgery performed by us. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that our standard protocol for treatment of infected nonunion of the shaft of the femur is reliable at obtaining fracture union with a good functional result, while resolving infection despite the reliance upon internal fixation.

Sagittal plane positioning of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty

The authors evaluated 623 total knee arthroplasties to determine the relationship between sagittal plane position of the femoral component and the final range of motion of the prosthetic knee. Two different prostheses were evaluated (Posterior Cruciate Condylar and A.G.C.) radiographically and functionally. Variation in sagittal plane position ranged from 20° flexion to 20° extension. No correlation between the sagittal plane position of the femoral component in either prosthesis and the final knee range of motion could be found. Sagittal plane femoral component position in the prostheses studied did not affect final range of motion when component position was between 20° flexion and 20° of extension.