Preoperative Valgus Deformity Research Articles

Effects of preoperative valgus deformity in patients undergoing neutrally aligned total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study with a minimum five-year follow-up.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of preoperative valgus deformity and clinical outcomes of neutrally aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 376 knees with valgus deformity who underwent TKA from January 2006 to March 2014 were retrospectively screened, and 287 knees (242 patients; 32 males, 210 females; mean age: 64.5±8.8 years; range, 35 to 83 years) aligned neutrally after the operation were included. Patients were divided into four groups based on the preoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA): mild (0°< HKA ≤5°, n=94), moderate (5°< HKA ≤10°, n=74), severe (10°< HKA ≤15°, n=75), and very severe (HKA >15°, n=44) groups. Range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) dynamic pain scores, and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were evaluated. Mechanical failures were recorded to assess prosthesis survival. A survival rate analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The degree of preoperative valgus deformity did not have a significant impact on the postoperative ROM, KSS, VAS dynamic pain scores, or FJS at the last follow-up. There were no significant differences in cumulative survival rates of neutrally aligned TKAs at 10 years between the four groups (p=0.513). The severity of preoperative valgus deformity did not affect the clinical outcomes of neutrally aligned TKAs in the minimum five-year follow-up. Additionally, it did not impact the survival rates of neutrally aligned TKAs over 10 years.

Correction of progressive collapsing foot deformity classes after isolated arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis

IntroductionSubtalar osteoarthritis in the context of flatfoot (recently renamed Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD)) may be treated through subtalar joint (SJ) arthrodesis with anticipated consequences on three-dimensional bony configuration. This study investigates the correction of PCFD-related deformities achieved after Anterolateral Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis (ALAPSTA). MethodsIn this retrospective study, we evaluated pre- and post-operative (at 6 months) weight bearing computed tomography (WBCT) images of patients diagnosed with PCFD with a degenerated SJ (2 A according to PCFD classification) and/or peritalar subluxation (2D) with or without associated flexible midfoot and/or forefoot deformities (1B, 1 C and 1E) which underwent ALAPSTA as a standalone procedure between 2017 and 2020. Multiple measurements were used to assess and compare pre and post-operative PCFD classes. ResultsThirtythree PCFD (33 patients, median age 62) were included in the study. Preoperative medial facet subluxation was 28.3 % (IQR, 15.1 to 49.3 %). Overall PCFD 3D deformity improved with a reduction of the foot and ankle offset from 9.3 points (IQR, 7.8 to 12) to 4 (IQR, 0.9 to 7) (p < 0.001). Class A-hindfoot valgus (median tibiocalcaneal angle and median calcaneal moment arm improved by 9.4 degrees (p < 0.001) and 11 mm (p < 0.001), respectively), class B-midfoot abduction (median talonavicular coverage angle improved by 20.5 degrees, p < 0.001) and class C-forefoot varus (median sagittal talo-first metatarsal angle improved by 10.2 degrees (p < 0.001)) were significantly corrected after surgery. Class D was difficult to assess due to the fusion procedure. No patient had a pre-operative valgus deformity at the ankle (no class E), and no significant change of the talar tilt was observed (p = 0.12). ConclusionIn this series, ALAPSTA performed as a standalone procedure to treat patients diagnosed with PCFD with a degenerated subtalar joint and/or peritalar subluxation was effective not only at correcting hindfoot alignment but also flexible midfoot abduction and flexible forefoot varus. Level of evidenceLevel IV, case series

Characterizing the Magnitude and Risk Factors of Functional and Anatomic Limb Lengthening in Patients Undergoing Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIn revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is little information on the magnitude of potential limb lengthening, risk factors for lengthening, or its impact on patient-reported outcome measures. We aimed to quantify limb length alteration during revision TKA and assess risk factors for lengthening. MethodsWe identified 150 patients over a 3-year period who underwent revision TKA and had preoperative and postoperative EOS hip-to-ankle standing radiographs. The average patient age was 64 years, 51% were women; 68% had a preoperative varus deformity and 21% had a preoperative valgus deformity. Outcomes assessed included change in functional and anatomic limb length, risk factors for lengthening, and clinical outcome scores, including the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement, and the Veterans RAND 12-item Physical and Mental Scores. ResultsThere were 124 patients (83%) who had functional limb lengthening, and 108 patients (72%) had anatomic limb lengthening. Patients had an average functional limb lengthening of 7 mm (range, −22 to 35) and an average anatomic limb lengthening of 5 mm (range, −16 to 31). Patients undergoing revision for instability experienced significantly greater anatomic lengthening (7.6 versus 4.6, P = .047). Patients who had ≥ 10° of deformity were more likely to be functionally lengthened (91 versus 79%) and had significantly greater average functional lengthening (12 versus 6 mm; P = .003). There was no significant change in clinical outcome scores at 6 weeks and 1 year for patients lengthened ≥ 5 or 10 mm compared to those not lengthened as substantially. ConclusionsThere is major potential for functional and anatomic limb lengthening following revision TKA, with greater preoperative deformity and revision for instability being risk factors for lengthening.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Can Increase Frequency of Achieving Target Limb Alignment in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Preoperative Valgus Deformity.

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) has been shown to reduce the number of alignment outliers and to improve component positioning compared to manual TKA (mTKA). The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare the frequency of achieving target postoperative limb alignment and component positioning for rTKA vs mTKA. A retrospective comparative study was performed on 250 patients undergoing primary TKA by 2 fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. Surgeon A performed predominantly rTKA (103 cases) with the ROSA system (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) and less frequently mTKA (44 cases) with conventional instrumentation. Surgeon B performed only mTKA (103 cases). Target limb alignment for surgeon A was 0° for all cases and for surgeon B was 2° varus for varus knees and 0° for valgus knees. Radiographic measurements were determined by 2 reviewers. Target zone was set at ± 2 degrees from the predefined target. When comparing rTKA to mTKA performed by different surgeons, there were no differences in the percentage within the target zone (57.28% vs 53.40%, P= .575), but rTKA did result in a greater percentage for cases with preoperative valgus (71.42% vs 44.12%, P= .031). Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 physical scores were statistically higher at both 3 (P= .016) and 6 months (P= .001) postoperatively for rTKA compared to mTKA performed by different surgeons. Although experienced surgeons can achieve target limb alignment correction with similar frequency when comparing rTKA to mTKA for all cases, rTKA may achieve target limb alignment with more accuracy for preoperative valgus deformity. Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Posttraumatic Fracture Versus Primary Osteoarthritis: An Analysis of Complications, Revisions, and Prosthesis Survival.

Most outcome studies of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) do not discriminate by arthritis etiology. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the complications of TAA between posttraumatic fracture osteoarthritis (fracture PTOA) and primary osteoarthritis (POA). Ninety-nine patients who underwent TAA were retrospectively evaluated with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (range 2 to 7.6 years). 44 patients (44%) had a diagnosis of POA while 55 patients (56%) had a diagnosis of fracture PTOA (40 malleolar fractures [73%], 14 pilon fractures[26%], and 1 talar fracture [1%]). Patient demographics, preoperative coronal plane alignment, postoperative complications, and revision surgery data were collected. Categorical variables were compared with chi square and Fisher exact tests and means with the Student t-test. Survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses. A higher overall complication rate was associated with fracture PTOA (53%) compared with POA (30%) (P = 0.04). No difference was observed in rates of any specific complication by etiology. Survival, defined as revision surgery with TAA prosthesis retention, was comparable between POA (91%) and fracture PTOA (87%) (P = 0.54). When defined as failure requiring prosthesis explant, POA demonstrated significantly greater survival (100%) as compared with fracture PTOA (89%) (P = 0.03). A higher rate of talar implant subsidence and loosening was noted in TAA with prior pilon (29%) as compared to malleolar fractures (8%) that was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Fracture PTOA was associated with preoperative valgus deformity (P = 0.04). Compared with varus and normal alignment, preoperative valgus deformity was associated with the need for any revision surgery (P = 0.01) and prosthesis explant (P = 0.02). Compared with POA, fracture PTOA was associated with a markedly higher complication rate after TAA and was at higher risk of failure requiring prosthesis explant. Fracture PTOA was markedly associated with preoperative valgus malalignment, an identified risk factor in this series for revision surgery and prosthesis explant. Pilon fractures may represent a group at risk of complications related to talar implant subsidence and loosening compared with malleolar fractures and thus warrants additional investigation. III.

Early Femoral Insufficiency Fractures After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic femur fracture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication. Although trauma-related periprosthetic femur fractures have been well studied, early atraumatic insufficiency periprosthetic fractures (IPFs) are gaining attention. We present the largest IPF series to date to better understand and prevent this complication. A retrospective study of all patients who underwent a revision surgery for periprosthetic fracture within 6 months of primary TKA between 2007 and 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative radiographs, implant details, and fracture radiographs were reviewed. Alignment measurements and fracture characteristics were assessed. Sixteen patients met criteria (rate 0.05%), and 11 had posterior-stabilized TKAs. The mean age was 79 years, mean body mass index was 31 kg/m2, and 94% (15/16) were female. Seven (47%) patients had a confirmed history of osteoporosis. IPF occurred on average 4 weeks (range, 4 days-13 weeks) after the index TKA. Overall, 12 of 16 (73%) had preoperative valgus deformities, and 11 patients (10 valgus, 1 varus) had preoperative deformities >10 degrees. A characteristic radiographic appearance of femoral condylar impaction and collapse was noted in 12 of 16 cases (75%); 11 of these 12 fractures (92%) involved the unloaded compartment based on preoperative varus/valgus deformity. Patients who developed IPFs were most commonly elderly, obese women with osteoporosis and severe preoperative valgus deformities. The apparent mechanism of failure was overloading of previously unloaded osteopenic femoral condyle. In high-risk patients, the use of a cruciate-retaining femoral component or a femoral stem for a posterior-stabilized femur may be considered to help avoid this catastrophic complication.

Favourable mid-term outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with wider patient selection: A single-centre experience

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted UKAs utilizing a wider set of indications than traditionally utilized. Additionally, we seek to determine alternate predictive factors as potential surgical indications and contraindications. MethodsA prospectively maintained institutional joint registry was queried at a single academic centre for all patients that underwent robotic-assisted UKA between January 2010–December 2016. Surgical indication included isolated medial or lateral compartment degenerative disease with a stable knee based on physical exam. In 2013, haemoglobin A1C levels over 7.5% were considered contraindications, which was lowered to 7.0% in 2015. Preoperative alignment, age, activity level and degree of pain were not contraindications for surgery. Preoperative demographics, Oxford scores, radiographic (joint space), comorbidities and operative data were collected and reviewed to determine factors related to conversion to TKA and survivorship of the primary implant. ResultsIn total, 1878 cases were performed; however, excluding multi-joint knees, there were a total of 1186 knees in 1014 patients with a minimum 4-year follow-up. The mean age was 63.4 ​± ​10.7 years and mean follow-up was 76.4 ​± ​17.4 months. Mean BMI was 32.3 ​± ​6.5 ​kg/m2. (52.9% females, 47.1% males). There were 901 patients undergoing medial UKA, 122 patients undergoing lateral UKA and 69 patients undergoing patellofemoral UKA. In total, 85 (7.2%) knees underwent conversion to TKA. Preoperative factors such as the degree of preoperative valgus deformity (p ​= ​0.01), greater operative joint space (p ​= ​0.04), previous surgery (p ​= ​0.01), inlay implant (p ​= ​0.04) and pain syndrome (p ​= ​0.01) were associated with increased risk of revision surgery. Factors associated with decreased implant survivorship included patients with history of previous surgery (p ​< ​0.01), history of pain syndrome (p ​< ​0.01) and greater preoperative joint space (>2 ​mm) (p ​< ​0.01). There was no association of BMI to conversion to TKA. ConclusionRobotic-assisted UKA with wider patient selection demonstrated favourable outcomes at 4 years with survivorship greater than 92%. The present series agree with emerging indications that do not exclude patients based on age, BMI, or degree of deformity. However, increased operative joint space, inlay design, history of surgery and coexistence of pain syndrome are factors that increase risk of conversion to TKA. Level of evidenceLevel III.

3D measurement techniques for the hindfoot alignment angle from weight-bearing CT in a clinical population

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans now enable accurate measurements on foot skeletal structures with the advantage of observing these in 3D and in weight-bearing. Among the most common skeletal deformities, the varus/valgus of the hindfoot is the most complex to be represented, and a number of measure proposals have been published. This study aims to analyze and to compare these measurements from CBCT scans in a real clinical population with large such deformity. Ten patients with severe acquired adult flatfoot and indication for surgery underwent CBCT scans (Carestream, USA) while standing on that leg, before and after surgical correction. Corresponding 3D shape of each bone of the distal shank and hindfoot were defined (Materialise, Belgium). Six different techniques from the literature were used to calculate the varus/valgus deformity, i.e. the inclination of the hindfoot in the frontal plane of the shank. Standard clinical measurements by goniometers were taken for comparison. According to these techniques, and starting from a careful 3D reconstruction of the relevant foot skeletal structures, a large spectrum of measurements was found to represent the same hindfoot alignment angle. Most of them were very different from the traditional clinical measures. The assessment of the pre-operative valgus deformity and of the corresponding post-operative correction varied considerably. CBCT finally allows 3D assessment of foot deformities in weight-bearing. Measurements from the different available techniques do not compare well, as they are based on very different approaches. It is recommended to be aware of the anatomical and functional concepts behind these techniques before clinical and surgical conclusions.

Does Preoperative Valgus Deformity Severity Predict Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs Ankle Arthrodesis?

Category:Ankle; Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/Purpose:Coronal plane deformity is an important consideration in the treatment of ankle arthritis, and valgus alignment presents its own unique challenges. Ankle fusions were previously considered the gold standard, but advancements in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) implant design and surgical technique have increased its popularity in the treatment of even large coronal plane deformities. Although many studies have compared fusion to arthroplasty, no studies have directly compared these two treatments in the treatment of valgus ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAA to ankle fusion in the treatment of valgus ankle arthritis.Methods:137 patients with valgus ankle arthritis who underwent either TAA or ankle fusion were identified through a prospectively collected database. Minimum clinic follow-up was two years. Preoperative radiographs were measured for tibiotalar angle to include patients with valgus ankle arthritis five degrees or greater. Axial alignment views were also analyzed for preoperative hindfoot alignment. Patients who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal fusion or had previous ankle corrective osteotomy were excluded. Complications, failures, revisions, and reoperations were recorded. Failures were defined by explant of a metal component. Reoperations included any additional related ankle/hindfoot surgery including subtalar fusion. Patients were categorized by severity of preoperative valgus deformity into 4 groups: 5-10 degrees, 11-15 degrees, 16-20 degrees, and greater than 20 degrees. Outcomes were compared across these groups between TAA and ankle fusion. There were 98 patients who underwent TAA and 39 patients who underwent ankle fusion. Median follow-up was 50.4 months (inner quartile 37.4-74.1).Results:Patients who underwent TAA with greater than 15 degrees of preoperative valgus deformity had higher rates of failures, revisions, and reoperations compared to those who underwent fusion with the same deformity severity. Overall, 44% of patients (60/137) had major or minor complications. There were 6 failures (6%) in the TAA cohort and 5 failures (13%) in the fusion cohort. 36% of fusions (14/39) underwent reoperation which was a higher rate compared to 18% of TAAs (18/98) (p=0.03). Combined fusion and TAR cohorts had less complications, failures/revisions, and reoperation rates as the severity of deformity increased (p<0.01).Conclusion:Severity of preoperative valgus deformity is an important consideration in the surgical treatment of ankle arthritis. Patients with greater than 15 degrees of preoperative valgus had lower rates of failures, revisions, and reoperations when treated with fusion. Patients with less than 15 degrees of preoperative valgus had lower rates of failures, revisions, and reoperations when treated with TAA. Overall, patients with greater preoperative valgus deformity had less complications. Patients with valgus ankle arthritis remain a challenging problem with high complication rates regardless of surgical procedure and additional procedures should be considered to treat any coronal plane instability and foot deformity.

Valgus Drift after Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category:Ankle; Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/Purpose:Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a common treatment for ankle arthritis, but many challenges exist when attempting to correct and balance coronal plane deformity. Varus ankle arthritis tends to be stiffer and often leads to a more stable TAA, but valgus ankle arthritis tends to have more laxity especially in the setting of a progressive collapsing foot deformity. Failure to achieve appropriate deformity correction and soft tissue balance can result in recurrence of the deformity with valgus drift. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal coronal plane alignment as well as outcomes in patients treated with TAA with resultant valgus drift.Methods:98 patients who underwent TAA for valgus ankle arthritis were identified through a prospectively collected database. All patients had a minimum of 2 year follow-up. The tibiotalar angle was measured on preoperative radiographs to include patients with valgus ankle arthritis five degrees or greater. Radiographic alignment in the postoperative period was compared to the alignment at final follow-up. Complications, failures, revisions, and reoperations were recorded. Patients were categorized by severity of preoperative valgus deformity into 3 groups: 5-10 degrees, 11-20 degrees, and greater than 20 degrees. Valgus drift was defined as greater than 5 degrees of valgus shift at final follow-up when compared to the postoperative alignment. Median follow- up was 49.2 (37.2-68.3 inner quartile) months.Results:Patients with greater than 20 degrees of preoperative valgus deformity had an initial postoperative alignment of 2 degrees of valgus and ended with an average of 5.5 degrees of valgus at final follow-up. The groups of patients with 5-10 degrees as well as 11-20 degrees of valgus were corrected to neutral (0 degrees) in the initial post-op period and ended with a final postoperative valgus alignment of 2.5 degrees and 2 degrees, respectively. Overall, 16 patients (18%) had greater than 5 degrees of valgus drift after their surgery, of which 2 failed and were revised (13%) and 5 had reoperations (31%).Conclusion:All groups of preoperative valgus deformity severity had some valgus shift overall at final follow-up. The most severe preoperative valgus deformities were least likely to be corrected to neutral with the index procedure and also on average drifted back to over 5 degrees of valgus. Patients with valgus drift after TAA can still have a good result but should be monitored closely. Overall, they did not have a high failure rate. This study emphasizes the necessity of correcting both the ankle and foot deformity when performing TAA for valgus ankle arthritis in order to maintain deformity correction.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty With Valgus Deformity.

A substantial coronal plane deformity is common in the context of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Recent literature shows a trend toward extending the indication of total ankle arthroplasty in increasingly severe coronal deformities, showing promising results when correct alignment is achieved. Nevertheless, the results of lateral transfibular total ankle replacement (LTTAR) in valgus has not been extensively studied. We aimed to evaluate if the outcomes of LTTAR in ankles with valgus deformity were similar to those with no major deformity at short-term follow-up. This retrospective cohort study included 228 LTTARs. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar angle (TTS): neutral (less than 10 degrees of coronal deformity, 209 patients) and valgus (above 10 degrees of valgus, 19 patients). Clinical evaluation was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12) regarding its Physical and Mental Component Summary items. The radiographic evaluation considered anteroposterior and lateral ankle radiographs. Complications were also registered and classified as major or minor. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. The average AOFAS, VAS, and SF-12 scores improved significantly postoperatively (P < .001), without differences between groups. At final radiographic follow-up, the valgus alignment group did not show significant differences with the neutral alignment group regarding TTS, lateral distal tibial angle, or anterior distal tibial angle (P > .05). LTTAR in cases with valgus deformity achieved and maintained correction at short-term follow-up, as obtained in neutral alignment ankles. Clinical outcomes improved significantly regardless of preoperative valgus deformity. Prognostic Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Higher revision rate for posterior cruciate-retaining than posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty for the treatment of valgus osteoarthritis.

Determining the point at which a valgus deformity requires a more invasive therapy-in this case PS TKA-is surgically challenging. Retaining the posterior cruciate ligament has both advantages and disadvantages. The aim was to evaluate the failure rate and clinical outcomes. 248 patients with valgus gonarthrosis underwent surgical treatment: 167 CR TKA cases and 81 PS TKA cases. The KOOS and the OKS were recorded, and 201 patients (133 CR, 68 PS) were recruited into the retrospective study. The influence of BMI and degree of preoperative valgus deformity on the clinical outcome was determined. The revision rate was documented and analysed. Of 201 patients, 10 required revision surgery owing to instability (10/133 CR, 0/68 PS). Based on the KOOS and the OKS, no significant difference between CR TKA and PS TKA was found. BMI and degree of valgus deformity had no effect on the clinical outcome. No difference in the clinical outcome between the CR and PS TKA patients was found. In the CR group, significantly more patients showed 'excellent' OKS than in the PS group. However, 8.0% of the patients in the CR group and none in the PS group underwent surgery due to instability. A higher rate of dissatisfied patients in the CR group is likely. In our clinic, we no longer perform CR TKA for valgus cases.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Valgus Deformity

Category:Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/Purpose:Total ankle replacement use has increased among patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. Substantial coronal plane deformity is usual in that context. In addition, recent literature shows a trend towards the extension of the indication of total ankle arthroplasty in increasingly severe coronal deformities, showing good results when correct alignment is achieved. Nevertheless, the results of lateral transfibular total ankle replacement (LTTAR) in valgus has not been extensively studied. We aimed to evaluate if the outcomes of LTTAR in ankles with valgus deformity are similar with those with no major deformity.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 228 LTTAR. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar angle (TTS): neutral (less than 10° of coronal deformity, 209 patients) and valgus (above 10° of valgus, 19 patients). Clinical evaluation was performed using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score (AOFAS), Visual analogue scale (VAS), short Form 12 Quality of Life (SF-12) regarding its physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) items. Radiographic evaluation considered anteroposterior and lateral ankle radiographs. Surgical times were recorded in all the cases. There were no differences between groups regarding mean age, mean body mass index and follow up. The minimum follow up was 24 months.Results:The average AOFAS, VAS and SF-12 scores improved significantly postoperatively (p-value<0.01), without differences between groups. At final radiographic follow up, the valgus alignment group did not show significant differences with the neutral alignment group regarding TTS, lateral distal tibial angle or anterior distal tibial angle (p-value>0.05). Surgical time was longer in the valgus group (152.84 +- 40.86 mins vs 129.51 +- 52.13), but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion:Lateral transfibular total ankle replacement in ankles with valgus deformity achieved and maintained correction of coronal alignment in a short term follow up, as obtained in neutral alignment ankles. Clinical outcomes improved significantly regardless preoperative valgus deformity. Additional surgical time may be needed in order to obtain a good deformity correction in a valgus ankle. This short term analysis shows that LTTAR in a valgus ankle seems to be a safe option in experienced surgeons hands.

Long Term Outcomes of Computer-Navigated Lateral Opening Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy for Lateral Compartment Knee Arthrosis.

Objective The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes including survivorship of computer navigated distal femoral lateral opening wedge osteotomy (DFLOWO). The secondary aim was to identify the potential factors that may influence its survivorship. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for patients with lateral compartment arthritis who underwent navigated DFLOWO from December 2006 to November 2012 was performed. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scores were analyzed for outcome measures. Conversion to arthroplasty during the follow-up was the end point. Results A total of 19 DFLOWOs were performed in 17 patients with a mean age of 46.6 ± 6.5 years formed the study cohort. The coronal alignment was corrected from a mean of 7.1° (2–11°) valgus to a mean of 2.1° (0.5°–3°) varus. The IKDC scores improved from mean of 39 preoperatively to 53 at the mean long-term follow-up of 9.1 years. The mean KOOS scores at the long-term follow-up were pain 71, symptoms 56, activities of daily living 82, sports and recreation 59, quality of life 43. Survivorship of the DFLOWO was 78.9% at a follow-up of 9.1 years. Presence of ≥ grade 2 according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) cartilage degeneration in the medial compartment of the knee and >7° preoperative valgus deformity were strongly correlated with conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the long-term follow-up ( r = 0.66). Conclusions Computer navigated DFLOWO has satisfactory clinical outcomes and 79% survivorship in long-term follow-up. Presence of more than ICRS ≥ grade 2 degenerative changes in the medial compartment of knee with > 7° preoperative valgus deformity negatively affects the survivorship of DFLOWO in the long-term follow-up.

Long term outcomes of computer navigated lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy for lateral compartment knee arthrosis

Introduction:Osteotomy of the distal femur (DFO) to address symptomatic degeneration in the knee is a well-established procedure with good results reported in the literature . Broadly the osteotomy is based on either an opening or a closing wedge alignment technique. Several patient related parameters including age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and surgical factors such as osteotomy site, gap, and fixation technique amongst others have been demonstrated to influence the outcome of DFO. Preoperative planning based on imaging is vital to assess the type and extent of deformity correction to be undertaken in order to achieve optimal alignment. Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has been extensively used as dynamic intraoperative alignment aid in knee arthroplasty providing good outcomes. Several investigators in the current literature have utilised computer navigation in proximal tibial osteotomy and reported improved accuracy in realising the planned alignment. However there is paucity of studies reporting the long-term outcomes of distal femur lateral opening-wedge (DFLOWO) using computer navigation. Through our study we aim to report on the long-term outcomes and survivorship of computer navigated DFLOWO.Hypotheses:We hypothesize that use of computer navigation will improve the survivorship of distal femoral osteotomy.Methods:Ethics committee approval was obtained for this study. Due consent was taken for the use of data from all the patients for this study. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for patients with lateral compartment arthritis who underwent navigated lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy from December 2006 to November 2012 was performed. Consecutive patients of lateral compartment knee arthrosis aged less than 55 years who failed to respond to conservative management were included in the study. Patients who had end stage arthritis with fixed flexion deformity of > 15 degrees, < 90 degrees of knee flexion or who did not consent for the procedure were excluded.Included patients were operated by one of the three senior surgeons attached to our research institute. The included patients were followed up with clinical and radiological evaluation at regular intervals (6 weeks / 6 months / 1 year / 5years). The final follow-up for the included patients was done using email questionnaire of the patient reported outcomes measures. Conversion to either UKA or TKA during the follow-up was the end point. Additionally, this information was verified from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) databaseResults:19 DFLOWO with mean age of 46.6 ± 6.5 years formed the study cohort. The coronal alignment was corrected from a mean of 7.1º (2-11º) valgus to mean 2.1º (0.5º - 3º) varus. IKDC scores improved from mean of 39 pre-op to 53 at the mean long-term follow-up of 9.1 years. KOOS scores at the long-term follow-up were pain-71, symptoms-56, activities of daily living-82, sports and recreation-59, quality of life-43. Survivorship of DFLOWO was 78.9% at a follow-up of 9.1 years. Presence of ≥ grade 2 ICRS cartilage degeneration in the medial compartment of knee and >7⁰ pre-operative valgus deformity strongly correlated with conversion to TKA at the long-term follow-up (r - 0.66).Conclusion:Computer navigated DFLOWO has satisfactory clinical outcomes and 79% survivorship in long-term follow-up. Presence of more than ICRS ≥ grade 2 degenerative changes in the medial compartment of knee with > 7 degrees pre-operative valgus deformity negatively affects the survivorship of DFLOWO in the long-term follow-up.

Rebound phenomenon after hemiepiphysiodesis: Determination of risk factors after tension band plate removal in coronal plane deformities of lower extremities.

Risk factors for rebound phenomenon (ReP) have not been investigated in detail. Aim of this study is to investigate risk factors of ReP in lower extremity deformities after two-hole plate removal. Patients who underwent hemiepiphysiodes were retrospectively reviewed. Joint orientation angles of tibia and femur, deformity type, age of patient at initial surgery and plate removal, deformity correction rate, bone growth rate were noted. An increase of 5° or more in joint orientation angles in the direction of the initial deformity was considered ReP. A relationship between the patient parameters and ReP was evaluated. Ninety-four segments (55 femurs and 39 tibias) of 43 patients (15 males and 28 females) were included. ReP was observed in 56.2% of all valgus deformities (n = 73), and in 23.8% of varus deformities (n = 21). The ReP rate was 60% (n = 27) and 20% (n = 2) in femoral segments with preoperative valgus and varus deformities, respectively (P = 0.03). When gender, etiology, sides and age of implant application and removal were compared, there was no difference between ReP(+) and ReP(-) groups in femur and tibia. The correction rate of mechanical lateral distal femoral angle in ReP(-) and ReP(+) femurs was 0.7 ± 0.4°/month and 1.1 ± 0.3°/month, respectively (P = 0.01). Age at implant application and removal in the femoral valgus group was significantly lower in the ReP(+) group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively). The ReP rate was higher in femoral segments with overcorrection (P = 0.008). The ReP rate was higher in femoral valgus deformities. Younger age at plate application and removal, higher correction rate in deformity and intentional overcorrection increased risk for ReP.

Linear influence of distal femur osteotomy on the Q-angle: one degree of varization alters the Q-angle by one degree.

The effect of a distal femur varization osteotomy on patellofemoral biomechanics in genu valgum is unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify the influence of frontal leg axis correction on the Q-angle with a novel three-dimensional (3-D) measurement method. 3-D surface models of ten lower extremities were generated using patient computed tomography (CT) data. The preoperative 3-D Q-angle was measured using a novel defined and validated 3-D measurement method. Biplanar supracondylar osteotomies were simulated with different degrees of varus correction (from 1° to 15°) in one-degree steps beginning from the preoperative valgus deformity, resulting in a total of 150 simulations. Additionally, mechanical leg axis and 3-D Q-angle measurements were performed on 3-D surface models of the postoperative CT scans of the same individuals. Further, pre- and postoperative TT-TG distance was measured. Mean preoperative Q-angle was 15.8 ± 3.9° (range 10°-21.4°) with a mean preoperative mechanical leg axis of 6.5° ± 2.4 valgus (range 3.8°-11.6° valgus). The Q-angle changed linearly 0.9 ± 0° per 1° of varization. No difference was detected between simulated 3-D Q-angles and effectively corrected postoperative values (n.s.). TT-TG distance changed irregularly and minimally, and with no correlation to the degree of varization. Distal femur varization osteotomy has a linear effect on the Q-angle with a change of 1° per 1° of varization. The difference in TT-TG distance was mainly due to an unintentional rotational component implemented during surgery.

High Medium-Term Survivorship of Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasties (110 Knees) for Valgus Deformity.

The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survivorship of cruciate-retaining (CR) knee arthroplasties for valgus deformity. This article is retrospective consecutive series of 110 valgus knees using CR implants with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Deformity correction was achieved using stepwise sequential soft tissue releases (iliotibial band, popliteus tendon, lateral collateral release through sliver femoral condylar osteotomy). Demographic data, range of movement, and degrees of deformity were collected. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was used as patients' reported outcome measure at final follow-up. One-hundred and four patients (110 knees) were included (87 females/17 males) with mean age of 68.7 years. Primary diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 85 patients and rheumatoid arthritis in 19 patients. Mean follow-up was 5.5 years (median: 5 years; range: 2-14 years). Preoperative valgus deformity was measured radiographically using the mechanical tibiofemoral angle with a mean 18.6° (standard deviation [SD]: 7.5; range: 11-38°). At final follow-up, mechanical tibiofemoral angle was 3.8° (SD: 1.97; range: 2-8°). A p-value was <0.0001 and mean OKS was 42 (SD: 5.4; range: 36-48) suggesting satisfactory patients' reported outcomes with no implant revision for any cause. CR implants for valgus knees using staged soft tissue releases including sliver condylar osteotomy had excellent medium-term survivorship and satisfactory patient reported outcome measures. The Level of Evidence for this study is IV.

Preoperative valgus deformity has twice the risk of failure as compared to varus deformity after total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to assess whether preoperative valgus or varus deformity affected survivorship after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to quantify the risk factors for implant failure in a registry-based population. The Emilia-Romagna Registry of Prosthetic Orthopedic Implants was examined regarding TKAs performed on patients with a preoperative diagnosis of valgus or varus deformity. Demographics, implant characteristic and survivorships were investigated and compared. A total of 2327 TKA procedures performed from 2000 to 2016 were included in the study. Six hundred and forty primary TKAs with a diagnosis of valgus deformity were evaluated with a median follow-up of 3.3years; 1687 primary TKAs with a diagnosis of varus deformity were evaluated with a median follow-up of 2.5years. Bi-compartmental, cemented posterior stabilised fixed-bearing implants were preferred. For both diagnoses, the implant survivorship rate was greater than 98% in the first year. However, the survival curve of the TKAs implanted for valgus deformity showed a greater slope in the first 3years as compared to the survival curve of those implanted for varus deformity. Valgus deformity had a 2.1-fold higher risk for revision as compared with varus deformity. Infection was a major cause of implant failure in TKAs for varus deformity, 9/24 (37.5%), while its incidence was lower for valgus deformity, 1/21 (4.8%). Preoperative valgus alignment showed a twofold risk of failure as compared to varus alignment after TKA. This should be considered in daily practice, and surgeons are called on to pay more attention when performing TKAs on such patients. Prospective randomised controlled trials are, therefore, necessary to better understand the role of preoperative coronal knee deformity in implant failure. Prognostic study, level III.

Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Moderate and Severe Valgus Deformity.

Introduction. Failure to correct coronal deformity at the time of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can lead to early implant failure. We aimed to determine clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of patients with moderate to severe valgus deformity who underwent TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis. Methods. Patients with a valgus deformity of at least 10° who underwent TAA were retrospectively reviewed. The coronal tibiotalar angle was assessed on radiographs preoperatively, at 1 year, and at final follow-up. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Short Form-36 (SF-36), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scale, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) scores were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results. Mean preoperative valgus deformity was 15.5 ± 5.0°, and was corrected to a mean of 1.2 ± 2.6° of valgus postoperatively. VAS, SF-36, AOFAS, and SMFA scores improved significantly (P < .001 for all). There was no significant change in tibiotalar angle between 1 year and final follow-up in either group. Reoperation and revision rates did not differ between groups. Conclusion. Correction of coronal alignment was achieved and maintained in patients with both moderate and severe preoperative valgus malalignment. Outcome scores significantly improved for all patients. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV.