Mean Preoperative Knee Society Research Articles

Satisfactory Short‑Term Outcomes of Condylar‑Constrained Knee Implants in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: This research set out to assess the functional prognosis of constrained condylar knee (CCK) in patients with severe intraoperative instability and/or coronal deformity undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study including 25 knees (21 cases) who underwent primary TKA using CCK implants. Senior surgeon operated all patients during 2020/2021 and followed clinically and radiographically at three, six and 12 months and 2 years postoperative. All cases were implanted with a single-design, second-generation CCK implant with a mean follow-up of 2 years. Results: The current research involved 25 knees (21 patients) with mean age 62.8 ± 12.2 years and most of the included patients were females (19; 76%). Preoperatively, valgus was demonstrated in six patients (24%) while varus was reported in 19 patients (76%) with mean preoperative Valgus/Varus angle 24.4 ± 9.9. Mean preoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) was 13.2 ± 2.7, mean preoperative functional KSS was 23.8 ± 19.2 and mean preoperative range of movement (ROM) was 107 ± 19.2. After 6 months, mean values of KSS was 86.2 ± 7.59. After 1 year, 2 years & over 2 years, mean values of KSS were 86.2 ± 7.6, 86.2 ± 7.5, 86.3 ± 7.7 respectively. Degree of change in KSS before and after the operation was 69.1 ± 20.9. Mean values of late functional KSS was 62.5 ± 23.3. Degree of change in functional KSS before and after the operation was 36.8 ± 19.1. Postoperative ROM mean value was 120 ± 6.9 with degree of change 12.8 ± 6.3. Three cases reported postoperative complications; one cellulitis, one anterior femoral notching and one peroneal nerve injury. KSS increased from baseline to early postoperative with statistically significant variances (p< 0.001) however, no statistically significant changes were discovered in KSS from early postoperatively to 2 years of follow up. Conclusion: Primary TKA utilizing CCK implants in cases with severe coronal abnormalities and/or intraoperative instability had a good short-term survival rate, on par with less limited implants. With positive clinical and radiological results, CCK implants can be thought of as a good alternative in some instances. It is important to exercise caution while utilizing an elevated level of restraint, since less restricted implants should be preferred.

Management of proximal tibial stress fracture associated with advanced knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review

PurposeTibial stress fracture associated with knee osteoarthritis is an unusual and difficult clinical scenario. There is no clear existing treatment guideline for this uncommon clinical disease. The aim of this study is to review the impact of various treatment options for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis associated with proximal tibial stress fracture. MethodsThe study was performed using the databases of PubMed and Scopus. Methodological index for non-randomized studies score was used to evaluate the included studies’ bias. The concluded data included the treatment approach, reported outcome measure, and time to fracture union. The literature search was started in December 2021 and accomplished in January 2022. A narrative description of the different methods and comparison of their results were done. ResultsOut of total assessed 69 studies, 9 studies were included in our review. The commonest treatment approach used was total knee arthroplasty by long tibial stem extension. The mean preoperative knee society score and knee functional score were 30.62 and 23.17, respectively. The mean postoperative knee society knee score was 86.87, while the functional score was 83.52. The average reported time to achieve fracture union was 4 months (a range of 2.07 – 5.50 months). ConclusionThe optimal clinical outcome for treating either acute or mobile tibial stress fracture in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis can be achieved with long stem total knee arthroplasty. However, due to heterogeneity of data, comparison of different treatment options for chronic proximal tibial stress fracture mal-union/non-union coexisting with knee osteoarthritic and such inferences need to be judged cautiously.

Total knee arthroplasty versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in management of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Both total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are options to manage anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. This study’s aim was to determine the functional outcome, time taken to walk without support, and postoperative complications after either TKA or UKA in treatment of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A prospective randomized cohort study was performed at a level 1 academic center on 60 patients with mean age of 56.2 yr who had isolated anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. Thirty patients were managed by UKA (group 1), and the other thirty patients were managed by TKA (group 2). Diagnosis was confirmed by plain radiographs (anteroposterior standing, lateral, skyline, stress varus, and valgus views). Follow-up was done for at least 12 mo postoperatively. Results: Mean preoperative functional Knee Society Score (KSS) was 65.83 and 62.67 for group 1 and group 2, respectively. Mean functional KSS after 1 yr was 86.3 for group 1 and 84.6 for group 2. In group 1, one patient developed lateral joint line pain, and another patient developed postoperative blood loss of more than 400 mL. In group 2, one patient developed pattelofemoral pain, and another patient developed postoperative blood loss of more than 400 mL. The mean time that it took for patients to walk without support was 1.6 wk in group 1 and 1.93 wk for group 2. Conclusions: Both UKA and TKA have the same functional outcome for treatment of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis and the same rate of complications, but early postoperative rehabilitation is better in patients managed by UKA. Level of Evidence: Level I.

Functional outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease: A case control study

BackgroundParkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition causing coordination loss in musculoskeletal system. Many studies suggest that total knee arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease has unfavorable treatment results and high complication rates. Our hypothesis was that total knee arthroplasty might be an effective procedure in patients with Parkinson's disease. MethodsParkinson's disease patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty between 2006 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had Parkinson's disease diagnosis before surgery and who had a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months were included. Secondary knee osteoarthritis patients were excluded. A matched control group was randomly formed. Outcome measures were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score and joint range of motion values. Comparison was made by means of increase in Knee Society Score and range of motion values. Study group patients were reviewed according to Columbia Classification System to determine disease severity. Stages I-II were accepted as “low-grade” and III-IV-V as “high-grade” disease. Another comparison was made between “low-grade” and “high-grade” patients. Patient who showed disease progression after surgery were also compared to patients without progression. ResultsThere were 13 patients in both groups. In study group, mean preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score values were 45.4 (±16.8) and 85.6 (±7.60); range of motion values were 93.9° (±17.0°) and 99.5° (±9.37°) respectively with a mean follow-up of 64.5 (±44.7) months. In control group, mean preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score values were 38.8 (±11.5) and 86.1 (±10.0); range of motion values were 100.4° (±14.6°) and 109.2° (±10.2°) respectively with a mean follow-up of 51.8 (±13.6) months. No significant difference was observed between 2 groups (p > 0.05). Mean preoperative KSS and ROM values were significantly lower in high-grade patients (30.0 (±17.0) and 78.8° (±11.8°) respectively) compared to low-grade patients (52.2 (±11.9) and 100.6° (±14.7°) respectively) (p < 0.05). However, mean increase in KSS and ROM values were significantly higher for high-grade patients (p < 0.05). Mean increase in Knee Society Score and range of motion was 32.4 (±10.9) and 1.00° (±9.46°) respectively in patients with progression, 45.4 (±16.8) and 8.63° (±8.00°) in patients without progression (p > 0.05). ConclusionTotal knee arthroplasty is a successful treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Parkionson's disease patients with similar outcomes compared to general population despite disease severity and progression.

Increased Patellar Fracture Rate in Total Knee Arthroplasty With Preoperative Varus Greater Than 15°: A Case-Control Study

BackgroundManagement of severe varus deformity requires soft tissue balancing for implantation of low-constraint knee prosthesis. Patellar complications have been rarely studied in this specific group. Our hypothesis was that severe genu varum (>15°) would increase the rate of patellar complications. MethodsUsing a prospective cohort of 4216 prostheses performed at a single center beginning in 1987, we analyzed 280 prostheses having preoperative varus greater than 15°, compared to 673 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) with a preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle of 180° ± 2°. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological characteristics were compared between the 2 groups, with particular attention paid to patellar complications. ResultsAverage follow-up was 40.2 months (24-239). The mean preoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) was statistically higher in the normal (hip-knee-ankle angle 180° ± 2) axis group (62.65 vs 37.47, P = .001). At the last follow-up, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative KSS (87.5 in the varus group vs 87.3 in the normal axis group, P = .87). The rate of satisfied patients was identical between the 2 groups (85.3% vs 88.8%, P = .49). However, at mid-term, there were more patellar fractures in the varus group (2.9% vs 0.9%, P = .005). A significantly lower patellar height in both the varus group and the group of patella fractures (P < .001) was also found. ConclusionTKA in severe varus knees produces a KSS equivalent to TKA in knees with a mechanical axis of 0 ± 2. The risk of patellar fracture could initiate a decline in patella resurfacing in patients with major varus deformation, especially in case of a preoperative patella baja.

Lateral Femoral Epicondylar Osteotomy for Correction of Fixed Valgus Deformity in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Technical Note

BackgroundMultiple surgical techniques exist to restore limb alignment and to balance soft tissues in valgus knees during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One technique is to perform a lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with a fixed valgus deformity that was corrected with a lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy during TKA. Preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Knee Scores, knee stability, range of motion, and radiographic alignment were recorded. ResultsTen patients (3 male and 7 female) underwent 12 TKAs by a single surgeon using a lateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy to correct a fixed valgus deformity. Implants used included 7 posterior stabilized, 3 constrained posterior stabilized, and 2 constrained condylar knees. Average age was 68 years (range 48-89) and average follow-up was 34.7 months (4-109). Average postoperative range of motion was 125° of flexion (range 95°-145°). The mean radiographic preoperative and postoperative anatomic tibiofemoral angles were 16.4° of valgus (range 12°-26°) and 5.5° of valgus (range 4°-7°), respectively. The mean preoperative knee society objective, satisfaction, expectation, and functional activity scores were 71, 20, 11, and 30, respectively. The mean postoperative knee society objective, satisfaction, expectation, and functional activity scores were 88, 34, 13, and 64, respectively. There was 1 postoperative deep vein thrombosis and 1 temporary peroneal nerve palsy. ConclusionLateral femoral epicondylar osteotomy is a useful technique to restore mechanical alignment in fixed valgus deformities in TKA.

Results of Arthroscopic Synovectomy for Treatment of Synovial Lipomatosis (Lipoma Arborescens) of the Knee

Synovial lipomatosis (SL; lipoma arborescens) is a tumor-like condition with villous proliferation of the synovium. The exact etiology of SL is still unknown. The knee is the most commonly involved part. The goal of this retrospective study was to report the results of arthroscopic synovectomy in patients with SL in their knee joints as well as to emphasize the importance of considering this pathology when treating patients with recurrent knee joint effusions. In total, 21 patients (8 females and 13 males) were evaluated retrospectively from May 2009 to July 2014. The mean follow-up period was 29.13 (range, 12-61) months. The mean duration of compliance was 22.76 (range, 7-61) months. All patients were evaluated by Knee Society score pre- and postoperatively. The mean preoperative and last follow-up Knee Society scores were 67.82 and 88.23 points, respectively. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative Knee Society scores (p = 0.0001). Histopathological examinations showed that the subsynovial layer exhibited diffuse replacement by mature fat cells that had formed villous projections. In addition, infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells was observed at different stages. SL is a nondestructive and benign tumor pathology of the knee joint without a clearly identified etiology. The main difficulty in diagnosis is lack of clinical practice.

Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Less Than 55Years Old: Minimum of TwoYears of Follow-Up

Eighty-five fixed bearing medial unicompartmental arthroplasties were performed in 42 men and 33 women with a mean age of 49 years (range, thirty-three to fifty-five years old) at the time of surgery. At a mean of 4.0 years (range two to twelve years), the mean pre-operative Knee Society score improved from 49 to 95.1 points (P<0.0001) and the mean UCLA activity score was 7.5 (range 5 to 9). Three knees underwent revision to a total knee arthroplasty; two for arthritic progression in the lateral compartment and one for pain. At the time of final follow-up, two knees (2.4%) demonstrated progressive Grade 4 arthritis of the patellofemoral compartment but were asymptomatic. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening, osteolysis, or premature polyethylene wear. Estimated survivorship was 96.5% at 10 years. UKA offered excellent early outcomes in this cohort of younger, active patients.

Simultaneous management of ipsilateral gonarthritis and extra-articular deformity

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with extra-articular deformity represents a technical challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Restoration of proper lower limb alignment is crucial to maximize the functional outcome and long-term implant survival. The current study postulates that simultaneous TKA and deformity correction, whether by intra-articular means or by extra-articular osteotomy, can yield favorable outcomes if the correct surgical strategy is used according to the magnitude and location of the pre-existing extra-articular deformity. Patients and methods The study was carried out on 14 consecutive primary total knee replacements in patients with osteoarthritis secondary to extra-articular malunions. The mean preoperative coronal plane deformity was 14.3 ± 5.2° of varus. The mean preoperative mechanical axis deviation was 8.2 ± 2.1 mm medial to the center of the knee and the mean limb-length discrepancy was 1.8 ± 0.7 cm of shortening. The mean time between malunion and TKA was 29 ± 6.1 years. The results were analyzed using the Knee Society clinical and functional scores and the Knee Society radiographic evaluation system. Results At a mean follow-up of 30.4 months, the mean preoperative Knee Society knee score of 49.7 points improved to a mean of 90.4 points at the time of the latest follow-up (P Conclusion Although isolated TKA with intra-articular deformity compensation and ligamentous balancing may be favored in mild to moderate deformities, there may be faster rehabilitation and functional score gain in the short term after surgery. Yet, simultaneous TKA and extra-articular corrective osteotomy has also yielded favorable outcomes and would still remain the technique of choice in severe deformities (>25°), especially with distant deformities from the knee joint line (diaphyseal, metaphyseodiaphyseal). The closer the deformity to the knee joint line, the more it is amenable to intra-articular correction. Careful preoperative planning is necessary to determine which technique would be better in each particular case.

Cementless second-generation hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component: an 8.7-year follow-up

This is the first study that reports on the mid-term results of 81 patients suffering from arthritis of the knee, treated with a cementless second-generation hydroxyapatite calcium phosphate (CaP)-coated tibial component. Seventy-six knees with osteoarthritis were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical, functional and radiological score, the Hospital for Special Surgery Rating System and the Patella Score. The clinical and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively and after a mean follow-up of 8.7years. All the three score systems revealed excellent clinical outcomes after the follow-up period. The mean preoperative Knee Society clinical Score was 124.41±12.99 and the mean postoperative score was 187.07±14.59 at the time of the final consultation (p=0.0008). The survival rate was 97.5%. Radiolucency of <1mm around the uncemented hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component without accompanying pain symptoms was seen in fewer than 6% of cases. In two cases, a medial cyst, also without other clinical symptoms, was observed beside the tip of the tibial fixation screw. These findings indicate that the uncemented second-generation hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component performed well at mid-term follow-up, and provides sufficiently stable bone ingrowth fixation.

Results of Meniscus Allograft Transplantation Using Bone Fixation

Background: Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) has shown efficacy in relieving pain and improving knee joint function, but objective evaluation in a large number of patients is necessary to verify this effect. Hypothesis: Meniscus allograft transplantation relieves pain and improves function of the involved knee joint. Objective evaluation provides evidence of allograft integrity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Of the 115 knees that underwent MAT from December 1996 to February 2009, 110 (95.7%) were followed up for more than 2 years and were enrolled in this study. Of these, 83 underwent lateral MAT, and 27 underwent medial MAT. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Lysholm score and Knee Society pain score. All knees underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or second-look arthroscopy to evaluate the integrity and position of the allografts, with allograft status classified as satisfactory, fair, or poor. Results: At a mean follow-up of 49.4 months, clinical improvement was achieved in 104 of the 110 knees (94.5%). Mean modified Lysholm score increased from 72.7 preoperatively to 92.3 at final follow-up (P < .001), and mean preoperative Knee Society pain score increased from 32.5 to 47.7 (P < .001). Of the 110 knees, 90 were evaluated by postoperative MRI alone, 2 by second-look arthroscopy alone, and 18 by both. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 12 gross tears and 6 small tears in the allograft. Mean extrusion of the allograft was 3.7 mm, and mean relative percentage of extrusion was 42.6%. Second-look arthroscopy showed 6 gross tears and 1 small flap tear. Classification by clinical outcome, MRI, and second-look arthroscopy graded 90 allografts (81.8%) as satisfactory, 8 (7.3%) as fair, and 12 (10.9%) as poor. Conclusion: Meniscus allograft transplantation using bone fixation resulted in significant symptomatic and functional improvements. Magnetic resonance imaging or second-look arthroscopy was necessary to assess allograft status even after favorable clinical outcome. Meniscus allograft transplantation with bone fixation is considered effective for symptomatic, totally meniscectomized knees.

Long-term results of posterior-cruciate-retaining Genesis I total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundLong-term results of Genesis I modular total knee system are not well known. MethodsWe analyzed data from 345 patients with 393 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA) using the Genesis I prosthesis. In all cases, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was retained, and the patella was not resurfaced. The minimum follow-up was 10 (range 10–16) years. ResultsPreoperative range of motion improved from 89° preoperatively to 105° at the time of the most recent follow-up (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative Knee Society pain and function scores increased from 29 and 25 points to 91 and 85 points, respectively (p < 0.001). Tibiofemoral angle shifted from 2.40° of varus before to 4.8° of valgus after the operation (p < 0.001). Early postoperative complications occurred in 34 knees (8.6%). Manipulation under general anesthesia was done in six knees (1.5%). Nonprogressive radiolucent lines were seen around the femoral component in 16 knees (4%) and at the tibial bone-cement interface in 101 knees (25%). However, in only five cases (1.3%) was there significant progression leading to implant loosening and revision surgery. Eight more revisions were performed due to infection (three knees), stiffness (three knees), excessive wear and fracture of polyethylene liner (one knee), and instability (one knee). The overall survivorship of knee replacement reached 96.7%. ConclusionsIn the long term (up to 16 years), PCL-retaining Genesis I total knee prosthesis is associated with good functional outcomes and low failure rates.

Computer-Assisted Surgical Navigation Does Not Improve the Alignment and Orientation of the Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Whether total knee arthroplasty with use of computer-assisted surgical navigation can improve the limb and component alignment is a matter of debate. We hypothesized that total knee arthroplasty with use of computer-assisted surgical navigation is superior to conventional total knee arthroplasty with regard to the precision of implant positioning. Sequential simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasties were carried out in 160 patients (320 knees). One knee was replaced with use of a computer-assisted surgical navigation system, and the other was replaced conventionally without use of computer-assisted surgical navigation. The two methods were compared for accuracy of orientation and alignment of the components as determined by radiographs and computed tomography scans. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.4 years. The mean preoperative Knee Society score was 26 points, with an improvement to 92 points postoperatively, in the computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty group and 25 points, with an improvement to 93 points postoperatively, in the conventional total knee arthroplasty group. Preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion of the knees were similar in both groups. The operating and tourniquet times were significantly longer in the computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty group than in the conventional total knee arthroplasty group (p < 0.001). The groups were not significantly different with regard to the accuracy of component positioning and the number of outliers for the various radiographic parameters (p > 0.05). Our data demonstrate that total knee arthroplasty with use of computer-assisted surgical navigation did not result in more accurate implant positioning than that achieved in conventional total knee arthroplasty, as determined by both radiographs and computed tomography scans.

Custom Patellofemoral Arthroplasty of the Knee

BACKGROUND: The treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis is controversial. Several surgical procedures have been used to treat the severely degenerated patellofemoral joint, with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of a custom patellofemoral arthroplasty for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral degenerative arthritis of the knee. METHODS: From 1995 through 2002, twenty-five patellofemoral replacements, three of which were bilateral, were performed in twenty-two patients for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. According to the Ahlback radiographic evaluation scale, the mean preoperative score for the severity of the arthritis was 4.65 points in the patellofemoral compartment and 0.5 point in both the medial and the lateral compartment. The patients included sixteen women (two of whom had a bilateral replacement) and six men (one of whom had a bilateral replacement) with a mean age of forty-five years at the time of the index arthroplasty. Seventeen patients (nineteen knees) had had a prior procedure on the knee. The mean preoperative Knee Society functional score was 49 points, and the mean preoperative Knee Society objective score was 52 points. RESULTS: At a mean of seventy-three months (range, thirty-two to 119 months) postoperatively, all twenty-five implants were in place and functioning well. There were eighteen excellent and seven good results. The mean Knee Society functional score was 89 points, and the mean Knee Society objective score was 91 points. No patient had required additional surgery or had component loosening. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our relatively short-term follow-up study, custom patellofemoral arthroplasty appears to be a safe and effective treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. We believe that the results presented in this paper justify the additional cost associated with the custom device. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION:“Custom Patellofemoral Arthroplasty of the Knee” (2006;88:).

Custom Patellofemoral Arthroplasty of the Knee

The treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis is controversial. Several surgical procedures have been used to treat the severely degenerated patellofemoral joint, with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of a custom patellofemoral arthroplasty for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral degenerative arthritis of the knee. From 1995 through 2002, twenty-five patellofemoral replacements, three of which were bilateral, were performed in twenty-two patients for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. According to the Ahlback radiographic evaluation scale, the mean preoperative score for the severity of the arthritis was 4.65 points in the patellofemoral compartment and 0.5 point in both the medial and the lateral compartment. The patients included sixteen women (two of whom had a bilateral replacement) and six men (one of whom had a bilateral replacement) with a mean age of forty-five years at the time of the index arthroplasty. Seventeen patients (nineteen knees) had had a prior procedure on the knee. The mean preoperative Knee Society functional score was 49 points, and the mean preoperative Knee Society objective score was 52 points. At a mean of seventy-three months (range, thirty-two to 119 months) postoperatively, all twenty-five implants were in place and functioning well. There were eighteen excellent and seven good results. The mean Knee Society functional score was 89 points, and the mean Knee Society objective score was 91 points. No patient had required additional surgery or had component loosening. On the basis of our relatively short-term follow-up study, custom patellofemoral arthroplasty appears to be a safe and effective treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. We believe that the results presented in this paper justify the additional cost associated with the custom device.

A Third-Generation, Posterior-Stabilized Knee Prosthesis: Early Results After Follow-up of 2 to 6 Years

Two hundred seventy-nine primary total knee arthroplasties were performed with a modular, cemented, third-generation, posterior-stabilized prosthesis. At mean follow-up of 48 months (range, 24-72 months), the outcomes of 238 knees (85%) were evaluated with the Knee Society's Knee and Functional Scoring Systems and Roentgenographic Scoring System. The mean preoperative Knee Society Knee Score was 48 points compared with 96 points at latest follow-up. There were no cases of patellar clunk, symptomatic patellar maltracking, or posterior dislocation. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening or osteolysis, and no revisions were performed or recommended for loosening, osteolysis, instability, or polyethylene wear. Three patients developed late infections. These early results support the ongoing use of this design; however, long-term studies will be required.

CUSTOM PATELLOFEMORAL ARTHROPLASTY OF THE KNEE

Background: The treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis is controversial. Several surgical procedures have been used to treat the severely degenerated patellofemoral joint, with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of a custom patellofemoral arthroplasty for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral degenerative arthritis of the knee. Methods: From 1995 through 2002, twenty-five patellofemoral replacements, three of which were bilateral, were performed in twenty-two patients for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. According to the Ahlback radiographic evaluation scale, the mean preoperative score for the severity of the arthritis was 4.65 points in the patellofemoral compartment and 0.5 point in both the medial and the lateral compartment. The patients included sixteen women (two of whom had a bilateral replacement) and six men (one of whom had a bilateral replacement) with a mean age of forty-five years at the time of the index arthroplasty. Seventeen patients (nineteen knees) had had a prior procedure on the knee. The mean preoperative Knee Society functional score was 49 points, and the mean preoperative Knee Society objective score was 52 points. Results: At a mean of seventy-three months (range, thirty-two to 119 months) postoperatively, all twenty-five implants were in place and functioning well. There were eighteen excellent and seven good results. The mean Knee Society functional score was 89 points, and the mean Knee Society objective score was 91 points. No patient had required additional surgery or had component loosening. Conclusions: On the basis of our relatively short-term follow-up study, custom patellofemoral arthroplasty appears to be a safe and effective treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. We believe that the results presented in this paper justify the additional cost associated with the custom device. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Custom Patellofemoral Arthroplasty of the Knee

The treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis is controversial. Several surgical procedures have been used to treat the severely degenerated patellofemoral joint, with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of a custom patellofemoral arthroplasty for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral degenerative arthritis of the knee. From 1995 through 2002, twenty-five patellofemoral replacements, three of which were bilateral, were performed in twenty-two patients for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. According to the Ahl-back radiographic evaluation scale, the mean preoperative score for the severity of the arthritis was 4.65 points in the patellofemoral compartment and 0.5 point in both the medial and the lateral compartment. The patients included sixteen women (two of whom had a bilateral replacement) and six men (one of whom had a bilateral replacement) with a mean age of forty-five years at the time of the index arthroplasty. Seventeen patients (nineteen knees) had had a prior procedure on the knee. The mean preoperative Knee Society functional score was 49 points, and the mean preoperative Knee Society objective score was 52 points. At a mean of seventy-three months (range, thirty-two to 119 months) postoperatively, all twenty-five implants were in place and functioning well. There were eighteen excellent and seven good results. The mean Knee Society functional score was 89 points, and the mean Knee Society objective score was 91 points. No patient had required additional surgery or had component loosening. On the basis of our relatively short-term follow-up study, custom patellofemoral arthroplasty appears to be a safe and effective treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthritis of the knee. We believe that the results presented in this paper justify the additional cost associated with the custom device. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Unicondylar knee arthroplasty in unicompartment osteoarthrits : Early results

Background: Knee Arthritis in most patients begins and remains confined to medial compartment. Unicondylar knee replacement (UKR) can be better alternative in these selected patients. Methods: Eighty one consecutive unicondylar knee arthroplasties in 60 patients of isolated medial compartment arthritis were done using Allegrato unicondylar knee. Patients were followed up at 6­month interval with average follow up 1.8 yrs. Knee society score was used for comparative evaluation of these patients. Results: The mean pre operative knee society score of 62 improved to post op. score of 94. No complication reported so far except one case of tibial base plate dislocation requiring re fixation. Our short-term results are good to excellent with 100 % survival at avg. follow up of 1.8 years. Conclusion: UKA is better alternative with many advantages in selected patients of early symptomatic medial compartment arthritis. However proper patient selection improvised design, exacting surgical technique and experienced team with established center are must for uncompromising results.

Revision total knee arthroplasty with the Total Condylar III system in inflammatory arthritis

We report a consecutive series of 16 revision total knee arthroplasties using the Total Condylar III system in 14 patients with inflammatory arthritis which were performed between 1994 and 2000. There were 11 women and three men with a mean age of 59 years (36 to 78). The patients were followed up for 74 months (44 to 122). The mean pre-operative Knee Society score of 37 points (0 to 77) improved to 88 (61 to 100) at follow-up (t-test, p < 0.001) indicating very good overall results. The mean range of flexion improved from 62 degrees (0 degrees to 120 degrees) to 98 degrees (0 degrees to 145 degrees) (t-test, p < 0.05) allowing the patients to stand from a sitting position. The mean Knee Society pain score improved from 22 (10 to 45) to 44 (20 to 50) (t-test, p < 0.05). No knee had definite loosening, although five showed asymptomatic radiolucent lines. Complications were seen in three cases, comprising patellar pain, patellar fracture and infection. These results suggest that the Total Condylar III system can be used successfully in revision total knee arthroplasty in inflammatory arthritis.