Radiographic Knee Research Articles

Degenerative medial and lateral menisci root tears: demographics, clinical presentation, imaging features, and associated findings.

(I) Characterize the demographics and clinical features of patients with meniscal root tears (MRT); (II) analyze the morphology, extent, and grade of MRT on MRI; (III) evaluate associated abnormalities on imaging; and (IV) evaluate the associations between imaging findings, demographics, clinical features, and joint structural abnormalities. A search was performed to identify meniscal root tears. Age, sex, BMI, and pain were recorded. Knee radiographs and MRI were reviewed. Presence, grade and morphology of MRT, meniscal extrusion, insufficiency fractures, as well as joint structural abnormalities were scored. For goals (I), (II), and (III), tabulations for categorical variables and mean for continuous variables were computed. MRT findings variables were described using percentages. For goal (IV), adjusted linear and logistic regression were employed. Ninety-six patients with a mean age of 56.6years (69 females) and mean BMI of 28.9kg/m2 were included; 88 of the MRT were located at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM), and 82% were radial tear. The mean tear diameter was 3.8mm, and 78/96 tears presented with meniscal extrusion. Nineteen patients presented with subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF), which was significantly associated with the gap of the tear (p = 0.001) and grade of the meniscal root lesion (p = 0.005). MRT typically found in middle-aged to older overweight and obese women. Lesions were mostly radial tears and located at PHMM and were frequently associated with meniscal extrusion and SIF. Moreover, the presence of SIF was significantly associated with the gap width and grade of root tear.

Prognostic power of criteria for symptomatic early knee osteoarthritis from a 2-year longitudinal observation of the Iwaki cohort study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate whether symptomatic early knee osteoarthritis (EKOA) effectively predicts the incidence of definitive knee osteoarthritis (DKOA) in the general Japanese population. MethodsA total of 133 women from the Japanese Iwaki cohort study were enrolled and followed-up over 2 years in order to calculate the rate of progression of EKOA to DKOA. Weight-bearing anteroposterior bilateral knee radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted at baseline and follow-up. Radiographs were classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence grade. The presence of cartilage lesion, bone marrow lesions, attrition, cysts, osteophytes, and meniscal lesions was evaluated according to the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictive power of EKOA. ResultsOf 25 women with EKOA, 15 (60%) progressed to DKOA over 2 years, showing a relative risk (RR) of 1.44 compared with the non-osteoarthritis (non-OA) group (P ​= ​0.120). Logistic regression analysis showed associations of EKOA (P ​= ​0.048) and high body mass index (P ​< ​0.001) with progression to DKOA. Combined EKOA and meniscal lesions increased the RR for osteoarthritis incidence to 2.32 (P ​= ​0.004) compared with the non-OA group. Also, meniscus and bone marrow lesion scores on MRI of the EKOA group maintained high scores over 2 years. ConclusionsThe prognostic power of EKOA criteria was confirmed with a RR of 1.44. The combination of symptomatic EKOA criteria and MRI-detected meniscal lesions was a valuable predictor of progression to DKOA over 2 years in women without radiographic abnormalities.

Valgus stress knee radiographs accurately anticipate the bone resection in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Protocol validation using an image-based robotic system.

The objective of this study was to describe a planning method for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) implantation using preoperative stress radiographs to measure the thickness of tibial and femoral bone resectionsand to validate this method with data from an image-based robotic surgery system. Having such method for preoperative planning would be of interest for surgeons performing UKA in order to anticipate optimal bone resection on both tibia and femoral sides. A new planning method for medial UKA based on valgus stress knee radiographs validated it with an image-based robotic surgery system (Restoris MCK, MAKO®, Stryker Corporation) was proposed. This retrospective study involved radiographic measurements of 76 patients who underwent image-based robotic medial UKA between April 2022 and February 2023. Preoperative anteroposterior stress radiographs of the knee were used to simulate UKA implantation. The UKA technique was based on Cartier's angle and aimed at restoring the joint line. The total dimension measured was 14 mm (8 mm for minimal tibial component and polyethylene insert + 4 mm for femoral component + 2 mm for safety laxity). Bone resections were measured in the preoperative valgus stress radiographs and then against the intraoperative bone resection data provided by the robotic system. Inter- and intra-observer reliability was assessed using 25 measurements. The mean planned tibial resection measured in the radiographs was 4.3 ± 0.4 [2.9-5.8], while the mean robotic resection was 4.2 ± 0.5 [2.7-5.8] (mean difference = 0.15 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.27 to 0.57]). There was a strong correlation between these two values (Pearson's rank R = 0.79, p < 0.001). Intra- and inter-observer reliability were also very strong (Pearson's rank R = 0.91, p < 0.001, and Pearson's rank R = 0.82, p < 0.001, respectively). The mean planned femoral bone resection measured in the radiographs was 2.7 ± 0.7 mm [1-4.5], while the mean robotic resection was 2.5 ± 0.9 [1-5] (mean difference = 0.21 mm, 95% CI [-0.66 to 1.08]). There was a strong correlation between these two values (Pearson's rank R = 0.82, p < 0.001). Intra- and inter-observer reliability were also strong (Pearson's rank R = 0.88, p < 0.001, and Pearson's rank R = 0.84, p < 0.001, respectively). This study describes and validates with robotic information a simple and reproducible preoperative planning method to determine femoral and tibial bone resection for medial UKA implantation using antero-posterior valgus stress knee radiographs, leaving a medial safety laxity of 2 mm. It represents a very valuable contribution to the understanding of UKA principles, which can serve to extend its indications and increase reproducibility of the surgical technique. III. Retrospective cohort study.

Is conventional magnetic resonance imaging superior to radiography in the functional integrity evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

BackgroundThe functional integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) influences surgical decision-making in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the functional status of ACL.MethodsWe analyzed 306 knees retrospectively using preoperative hip-to-ankle anteroposterior standing (APS) radiographs, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral knee radiographs, AP valgus stress (VS) force radiographs, and standard orthogonal MRI. Based on the intraoperative visualization, the knees were grouped into ACL functionally-intact and ACL functionally-deficient (ACLD) groups. The diagnostic validity and reliability were calculated based on the radiograph parameters such as hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), posterior tibial slope (PTS), sagittal tibiofemoral subluxation (STFS), coronal tibiofemoral subluxation (CTFS), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), the maximum wear point of the proximal tibia plateau (MWPPT%), and MRI parameters including ACL grades and MWPPT%.ResultsHKA, MPTA, PTS, STFS, JLCA, and CTFS on APS and AP radiographs, and MWPPT% on radiographs and MRI showed a significant diagnostic value (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the single parameters from radiographs and MRI. After constructing the logistic regression models, MRI showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, reaching 96.8%, 79.9%, and 83.3%, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn patients with KOA, the diagnostic value of single radiographic or MRI parameter in assessing the functional integrity of the ACL are equivalent. However, by constructing predictive models, MRI could significantly improve diagnostic validity compared with radiography.

Association between progression of knee osteoarthritis pathology and gait changes over two years: Data from the IMI-APPROACH cohort

ObjectiveGait alterations in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients are potentially related to structural progression of joint tissues, of which some are modifiable. The current objective was to determine whether progression in individual OA pathologies is related to gait kinematic parameters in knee OA patients, and whether these changes are influenced by pain. DesignRange of motion (ROM) during gait, joint tissue pathologies and morphology from index knee radiographs and MRI, and WOMAC pain were collected at baseline and at two-years in the IMI-APPROACH clinical knee OA cohort. Principal component (PC) analysis was performed on two-year change in gait parameters; the resulting (first) PC was compared between progressors and non-progressors for each structural parameter. When the PC indicated differences between groups (p < 0.1), individual gait parameters were compared for that structural outcome. Statistically significant differences in individual gait parameters were corrected for pain change. Results191 patients (age 66.5 ± 6.7; BMI 27.5 ± 4.8; 76 % female; 51 % Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2) were analyzed. The gait change PC differed between progressors and non-progressors for meniscal extrusion, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and patellofemoral cartilage lesions. Further, meniscal extrusion progressors showed significantly more knee ROM and calf ROM decrease, BML progressors worsened more in thigh ROM, and patellofemoral cartilage lesion progressors improved in knee ROM. BML results were no longer significant after pain change adjustment (p = 0.054). ConclusionsMeniscal extrusion and BML progression are associated with gait worsening, though for BMLs the effect might be influenced by pain.

Supratubercle Anterior Closing Wedge Osteotomy: No Changes in Patellar Height and Significant Decreases in Anterior Tibial Translation at 6 Months Postoperatively

Background: Because of the increased prevalence of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there has been a desire to understand the role of posterior tibial slope on increased anterior tibial translation and increased ACL graft forces. One potential concern in supratubercle anterior closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (ACW-PTO) for decreasing the posterior tibial slope is the risk of altering the patellar height. Purpose: To radiographically assess changes in (1) patellar height, (2) anterior tibial translation, and (3) posterior tibial slope after supratubercle ACW-PTO. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent supratubercle ACW-PTO by a single surgeon between July 2019 and June 2023 were included. Standardized lateral knee weightbearing radiographs to assess patellar height (via the Caton-Deschamps index), anterior tibial translation of the lateral tibial plateau relative to the lateral femoral condyle, and posterior tibial slope were obtained at 4 time points (preoperatively and 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively). Paired t test was used to compare differences between preoperative, 1-day, and 3- and 6-month values for patellar height as measured using the Caton-Deschamps index and for posterior tibial slope. Paired t test was also used to compare differences in the preoperative and 6-month postoperative values for anterior tibial translation. Results: In 20 patients after ACW-PTO, the Caton-Deschamps index demonstrated a significant increase in patellar height on postoperative day 1 (P < .001) but no significant differences at 3 (P = .057) and 6 (P = .176) months postoperatively. Anterior tibial translation on standing lateral knee radiographs was significantly decreased by a mean of 8.9 mm from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Posterior tibial slope was significantly decreased by a mean of 11.2° from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Conclusion: Supratubercle ACW-PTO performed for ACL reconstruction failure in the setting of an increased posterior tibial slope did not induce significant changes in patellar height postoperatively. Furthermore, after ACW-PTO, there was a significant decrease in anterior tibial translation and posterior tibial slope.

Malrotated lateral knee radiographs do not allow for a proper assessment of medial or lateral posterior tibial slope.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether malrotation of lateral knee radiographs influences posterior tibial slope (PTS) measurements. Lateral knee radiographs of all patients who underwent knee surgery at a single institution between June 2022 and January 2023 and received multiple lateral knee radiographs were included. Radiographs were categorised as malrotated lateral knee radiographs or lateral knee radiographs based on the radiographic distance between the medial and lateral posterior femoral condyles. Medial PTS (MPTS) and lateral PTS (LPTS)were evaluated on malrotated lateral knee radiographs and lateral knee radiographsand compared using the paired t test. Intra- and interrater reliability between four raters were assessed for MPTS and LPTS measurements. A total of 92 lateral knee radiographs (46 pairs of malrotated lateral knee radiographs and lateral knee radiographs; 50.0% right side) from 46 patients (33.2 ± 12.4 years, 69.6% male) were included. Mean posterior femoral condyle distance in malrotated lateral knee radiographs was 8.1 ± 4.4 mm. Overall, MPTS and LPTS were significantly higher on malrotated lateral knee radiographs versuslateral knee radiographs (medial: 10.5 ± 3.2° vs. 9.7 ± 3.5°, p < 0.05; lateral: 10.6 ± 3.4° vs. 9.7 ± 3.3°, p < 0.05). Mean absolute difference between MPTS and LPTS on malrotated lateral knee radiographs versus lateral knee radiographs were |1.9| ± |1.5|° and |2.0| ± |1.8|°, respectively. Intrarater reliability was 'moderate' and interrater reliability was 'good' for both MPTS and LPTS. Malrotation of lateral knee radiographs led to a significant distortion of both the MPTS and LPTS. In clinical practice, attention should be placed on the (mal)rotation of lateral knee radiographs, especially in patients for whom a slope-correcting osteotomy is being discussed. Level IV.

Variability Between Full-Length Lateral Radiographs and Standard Short Knee Radiographs When Evaluating Posterior Tibial Slope in Revision ACL Patients.

Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been identified as a risk factor for failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Correction of PTS may improve outcomes after revision ACL reconstruction. There are conflicting reports demonstrating the measurement of the PTS on standard short knee (SSK) radiographs versus full-length lateral (FLL) radiographs including the entire tibia. To compare PTS measurements between SSK and FLL radiographs in patients who failed primary ACL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that there would be high variability between the SSK and FLL radiographic measurements. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. The medial and lateral PTS were measured on the SSK and FLL radiographs of 33 patients with failed primary ACL reconstructions. All measurements were performed by 2 trained independent observers (A.A.M., J.S.), and inter- and intraobserver reliability were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Measurements recorded by the observer with the higher intraobserver ICC were used for comparison of the PTS on SSK versus FLL radiographs. Both the inter- and the intraobserver reliability values of the PTS measurements were excellent. There was a significant difference in mean PTS on the medial plateau as measured on the SSK and FLL radiographs (11.2°± 5.3° vs 12.5°± 4.6°; P = .03), with the FLL radiographs demonstrating higher PTS. There was also a significant difference in the mean PTS on the lateral plateau as measured on SSK versus FLL radiographs (10.7°± 4.3° vs 12.2°± 4°, respectively; P = .01), with the FLL radiographs demonstrating higher PTS. Notably, 66.67% of the absolute measurements for PTS on the medial plateau differed by ≥2°, with variability as high as 8.5°. Results indicated that FLL and SSK radiographs are not interchangeable measurements for PTS associated with failed ACL reconstruction. Because FLL radiographs demonstrate less variability than SSK radiographs, we recommend obtaining them to evaluate these complex patients.

Factors associated with knee osteoarthritis two years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PurposeTo determine factors that are associated with the presence and severity of radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (OA) two years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MethodsForty-one athletes with two years of ACLR participated in the study and completed the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC2000)and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) questionnaires. Limb-to-limb knee ROM differences were measured. Athletes completed knee radiographs. Medial- and lateral-compartment-OA were graded using Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades (Non-OA group (KL:≤1), OA group (KL:≥2; moderate (KL:2); severe (KL:3,4)). ResultsMedial-compartment-OA was found in 31.7% of athletes (Moderate:17.1%, Severe:14.6%) and lateral-compartment-OA in 19.5% (Moderate:12.2%, severe:7.3%). Age (r = 0.306) and BMI (r = 0.382) (p ≤ 0.014) correlated with medial-compartment-OA; while age (r = 0.433), BMI (r = 0.388), meniscus injury (r = 0.378), and injury-to-surgery time (r:0.376) (p ≤ 0.022) correlated with severe medial-compartment-OA. KOOS-Sport/Recreation (r = −0.386), IKDC 2000 (r = −0.343), and knee flexion ROM (r = −0.343) (p = 0.014) correlated with lateral-compartment-OA, while KOOS-Sport/Recreation (r = −0.376, p = 0.017) correlated with severe lateral-compartment-OA. ConclusionOlder athletes and high BMI were associated with medial-compartment-OA, while older athletes, high BMI, longer injury-to-surgery duration, and having a meniscus injury were associated with severe medial-compartment-OA. Lower KOOS-Sport/Recreation and IKDC2000 scores, and knee flexion ROM were associated with lateral-compartment-OA, while low KOOS-Sport/Recreation score was associated with severe lateral-compartment-OA.

Conventional Radiography Assessment of the Pediatric Knee: Pearls and Pitfalls.

Knee pain is one of the most common indications for radiography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents. According to international guidelines, knee radiographs should be obtained when there is the suspicion of an effusion, limited motion, pain to palpation, inability to bear weight, mechanical symptoms (such as "locking"), and persistent knee pain after therapy. When indicated, radiographs can provide crucial information for the clinical decision-making process. Because of the developmental changes occurring in the knee during growth, the assessment of knee radiographs can be challenging in children and adolescents. Radiologists unfamiliar with the appearance of the knee on radiographs during skeletal maturation risk overcalling or overlooking bone lesions. Image acquisition techniques and parameters should be adapted to children. This article describes the most common challenges in distinguishing pathology from the normal appearance of knee radiographs in the pediatric population, offering some pearls and pitfalls that can be useful in clinical practice.

Severity and progression of structural hand OA is not associated with progression of structural knee OA: The IMI-APPROACH cohort

ObjectiveTo investigate whether structural hand OA or its progression is associated with structural knee OA progression after two years in a population with symptomatic knee OA. MethodsWe used baseline and two-year follow-up data from the IMI-APPROACH cohort. Symptomatic hand and knee OA were defined using ACR criteria. Radiographs of hands and knees were scored semi-quantitatively for osteophytes and joint space narrowing (JSN) following the OARSI atlas, and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. Knee images were also scored quantitatively with the Knee Image Digital Analysis (KIDA). Progression was defined as change above the minimal detectable change on patient level, except for KIDA (most affected knee compartment level). With logistic regression analyses the severity or progression of hand OA was associated with knee OA progression. ResultsIn 221 participants (mean age 66, 77% women, mean BMI 27.7, 19% hand OA), OA progression occurred in 18%–28%, and 9%–38% in hands and knees respectively, depending on features. Baseline structural hand OA features were not significantly associated with knee OA progression, except for hand osteophytes with KIDA osteophytes progression (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.06). Progression of structural hand OA features was not significantly associated with knee OA progression, except for hand osteophyte or JSN progression, which was significantly associated with knee osteophyte progression (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.22–0.84 and OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.18–0.94, respectively), and hand osteophyte progression for knee JSN (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.15–5.48). ConclusionsIn patients with symptomatic knee OA, no consistent associations between baseline structural hand OA or hand OA progression and knee OA progression were shown.

Deep Learning for Predicting Progression of Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis Based on Lateral Knee Radiographs, Demographic Data, and Symptomatic Assessments.

In this study, we propose a novel framework that utilizes deep learning and attention mechanisms to predict the radiographic progression of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) over a period of 7 years. This study included subjects (1,832 subjects, 3,276 knees) from the baseline of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST). Patellofemoral joint regions of interest were identified using an automated landmark detection tool (BoneFinder) on lateral knee X-rays. An end-to-end deep learning method was developed for predicting PFOA progression based on imaging data in a five-fold cross-validation setting. To evaluate the performance of the models, a set of baselines based on known risk factors were developed and analyzed using gradient boosting machine (GBM). Risk factors included age, sex, body mass index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, and the radiographic osteoarthritis stage of the tibiofemoral joint (Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] score). Finally, to increase predictive power, we trained an ensemble model using both imaging and clinical data. Among the individual models, the performance of our deep convolutional neural network attention model achieved the best performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.856 and average precision (AP) of 0.431, slightly outperforming the deep learning approach without attention (AUC = 0.832, AP = 0.4) and the best performing reference GBM model (AUC = 0.767, AP = 0.334). The inclusion of imaging data and clinical variables in an ensemble model allowed statistically more powerful prediction of PFOA progression (AUC = 0.865, AP = 0.447), although the clinical significance of this minor performance gain remains unknown. The spatial attention module improved the predictive performance of the backbone model, and the visual interpretation of attention maps focused on the joint space and the regions where osteophytes typically occur. This study demonstrated the potential of machine learning models to predict the progression of PFOA using imaging and clinical variables. These models could be used to identify patients who are at high risk of progression and prioritize them for new treatments. However, even though the accuracy of the models were excellent in this study using the MOST dataset, they should be still validated using external patient cohorts in the future.

Osteotomy around the painful degenerative varus knee has broader indications than conventionally described but must follow a strict planning process: ESSKA Formal Consensus Part I.

The European consensus was designed with the objective of combining science and expertise to produce recommendations that would educate and provide guidance in the treatment of the painful degenerative varus knee. Part I focused on indications and planning. Ninety-four orthopaedic surgeons from 24 European countries were involved in the consensus, which focused on the most common indications for osteotomy around the knee. The consensus was performed according to an established ESSKA methodology. The questions and recommendations made were initially designed by the consensus steering group. And 'best possible' answers were provided based upon the scientific evidence available and the experience of the experts. The statements produced were further evaluated by ratings and peer review groups before a final consensus was reached. There is no reliable evidence to exclude patients based on age, gender or body weight. An individualised approach is advised; however, cessation of smoking is recommended. The same applies to lesser degrees of patellofemoral and lateral compartment arthritis, which may be accepted in certain situations. Good-quality limb alignment and knee radiographs are a mandatory requirement for planning of osteotomies, and Paley's angles and normal ranges are recommended when undertaking deformity analysis. Emphasis is placed upon the correct level at which correction of varus malalignment is performed, which may involve double-level osteotomy. This includes recognition of the importance of individual bone morphology and the maintenance of a physiologically appropriate joint line orientation. The indications of knee osteotomies for painful degenerative varus knees are broad. Part I of the consensus highlights the versatility of the procedure to address multiple scenarios with bespoke planning for each case. Deformity analysis is mandatory for defining the bone morphology, the site of the deformity and planning the correct procedure. Level II, consensus.

The Influence of Anti-scatter Grid Usage for Knee Computerized Radiography

Aims: This experimental study investigated the effect of using an anti-scatter grid in computerized knee radiography (CR) on image quality (IQ) and patient surface radiation dose (Equivalent Surface Air Kerma – Ka,e), measured with an ionization chamber. Place and Duration of Study: The experimental study was conducted between February 2024 and April 2024, in the radiodiagnosis laboratory belonging to the Medical Physics and Radiology Technology courses at the Franciscan University (UFN) in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. Methodology: Utilizing a semi-anatomical knee phantom to simulate clinical examination conditions, ten images were acquired, with five obtained using technique 1 (70 kV, 200mA, and 20mAs) and another five with technique 2 (70 kVp, 200mA, and 5 mAs), with and without an anti-scatter grid, respectively. The phantom images were digitized in a CR system and quantified using a publicly available automatic analyzer software based on histograms and regions of interest (ROI), defined by signal and noise. The obtained results were used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and radiographic contrast (RC), considered IQ descriptors. Results: As a selection criterion, the percentage deviation (D%) was chosen, considering technique 1 as the reference concerning technique 2. It was observed that technique 1 showed an SNR 1.20%, RC 3.86%, and Ka,e 73.68% higher than technique 2; on the other hand, technique 2 indicated a CNR 4.76% higher compared to technique 1. Conclusion: It is concluded that technique 2 without an anti-scatter grid may be preferable when considering the principle of optimization, where the dose is significantly reduced without a significant loss in IQ descriptors.

The predictive value of body mass index, waist circumference, and triglycerides/ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in assessing severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome

BackgroundStudies have shown the importance of metabolic factors like BMI, waist circumference, and lipid profile in predicting knee osteoarthritis severity. However, their predictive ability in knee osteoarthritis patients with metabolic syndrome still needs to be explored. ObjectivesEvaluate the predictive ability of Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and triglyceride/ High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio in determining the severity of knee osteoarthritis in patients with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Rehabilitation and Professional Diseases from January 2023 to January 2024 included 697 patients meeting ACR 1991 and NCEP-ATP III criteria for knee osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Logistic regression analyzed the predictive ability of BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride/HDL-C ratios. Six hundred ninety-seven patients were divided into two groups: severe and non-severe knee osteoarthritis. The criteria for severity were defined as the presence of both: (1) Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher on knee radiographs and (2) moderate or higher knee pain. Two models were constructed to analyze the predictive ability of severe knee osteoarthritis. Model 1 included univariate factors, while Model 2 incorporated multivariate models. ResultsAmong the 697 patients who participated in the study, the average age was 58.7 ± 12.1 years, and females accounted for 71.3 %. The mean BMI and waist circumference were 24.8 ± 2.0 kg/m2 and 86.2 ± 6.0 cm, respectively. In model 1 (univariate), the discriminative ability of BMI, waist circumference, and triglycerides/HDL-c in predicting severity was excellent, with respective AUCs of 0.90 (95 % CI: 0.87–0.92, p < 0.001), 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.78–0.85, p < 0.001), and 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.82–0.88, p < 0.001). In model 2 (combined model), the combination of all three factors resulted in an AUC of 0.93 (95 % CI: 0.91–0.95, p < 0.001) with a specificity of up to 90.2 %. ConclusionBMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride/HDL-C ratio are individual and combined predictors of knee osteoarthritis severity in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Subchondral rafting wires reduce tibial plateau fracture subsidence

PurposeTo determine if subchondral rafting wires retained as adjunctive tibial plateau fracture fixation affect postoperative articular subsidence.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at one Level 1 trauma center and one academic university hospital. Consecutive adults with closed, displaced OTA/AO 41B/C tibial plateau fractures treated between 2018 and 2023 with open reduction internal fixation were included. Patients who were not ambulatory, with contralateral injuries limiting weight bearing, and without follow-up radiographs of the injured extremity were excluded. The intervention was retention of subchondral rafting wires as definitive fixation. The primary outcome was linear articular surface subsidence between postoperative and follow-up AP knee radiographs. Linear subsidence was compared between groups using Welch’s two sample t test. Associations of linear subsidence with patient, injury, and treatment characteristics were assessed by multivariable linear regression.ResultsWe identified 179 patients of a mean age of 44 ± 14 years, of whom 15 (8.4%) received subchondral rafting wires. Median follow-up was 121 days. No patients who received rafting wires as definitive implants experienced linear subsidence ≥ 2 mm, while 22 patients (13.4%) who did not receive rafting wires experienced linear subsidence ≥ 2 mm (p = 0.130). Subchondral rafting wires were associated with less linear subsidence (0.3 mm [95% confidence interval − 0.3–0.9 mm] vsersus 1.0 mm [− 0.9–2.9 mm], p < 0.001). The depth of linear subsidence was significantly associated on multivariable regression with male sex, depressed plateau area, active smoking, and retained rafting wires.ConclusionSubchondral rafting wires were associated with a small reduction in articular subsidence after internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Routine rafting wires may be useful for patients and fractures at high risk of articular subsidence.

Relationship Between Prepatellar Fat Thickness and Bone Mineral Density.

To evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) by measuring the prepatellar fat thickness with knee radiography and to gain a measurement method that has not been done before in the literature. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkiye, between January and June 2020. Patients' age, body mass index (BMI) data, prepatellar fat thickness (mm), L1-L4 total, bone mineral density femoral neck, femur trochanter major, and femur total T scores were recorded. The relationships between these three groups (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis) and between prepatellar fat tissue measurement were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc Tukey tests were used in the analysis. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of trochanter major T score measurements (X2 = 20.435; p <0.001) and BMI (X2 = 66.535; p <0.001) measurements of prepatellar fat thickness measurement. A statistically significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of prepatellar fat thickness measurement, L1-4 T-score, femoral neck, and femur total values (p <0.001). Prepatellar fat thickness in postmenopausal Turkish women was positively correlated with BMD; BMD increases as the prepatellar fat thickness increases. This explains that perapatellar fat thickness creates a mechanical load on the bones and causes an increase in BMD. Osteoporosis, Fat thickness, Bone mineral density.

Common radiographic indices used to measure patellar height do not consistently identify patella alta and lack interchangeability between measurements.

Abnormal patellar height has been identified as a source of aberrant mechanical functioning within the patellofemoral joint. The purpose of this study is to examine the statistical agreement among three commonly used classification methods: Blackburne-Peel (BPI), Caton-Deschamps (CDI) and Insall-Salvati (ISR), by evaluating (1) the rates of patella alta identification and (2) the ability for one index to predict another. One hundred lateral knee radiographs were evaluated using BPI, CDI and ISR to classify each knee as patella normal, patella alta or patella baja. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between each index. Conversion equations were then derived using the reported linear regression best-fit line, comparing each pair of indices. Patella alta was identified in 15 knees using BPI, 15 using CDI and 25 using ISR. A total of seven knees were classified as patella alta by all BPI, CDI and ISR. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation (p ≤ 0.001) among BPI and CDI (R2 = 0.706), BPI and ISR (R2 = 0.328) and CDI and ISR (R2 = 0.288). Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test between the three indices revealed no significant difference between the means of converted and original indices. Despite their significant correlations and adequate reproducibility, variability between common patellar height indices render predictions and conversions between BPI, CDI and ISR inequivalent. Users of these indices must be aware of their incongruent properties when considering application to patients in the clinical setting. Furthermore, it remains unclear which patellar height measurement technique is the correct index to use in a given knee. This study highlights the need for further investigation to create a reliable and standardised method for identifying patella height. Level IV.

Return to Duty in Military Servicemembers After High Tibial Osteotomy Not Associated With Preoperative Radiographic Parameters : A Retrospective Analysis.

Evidence on return to sports/work after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is limited, especially in a young, high-demand population. To (1) identify whether preoperative knee pathology or intraoperative correction was associated with successful return to duty (RTD) and (2) assess whether postoperative complications and reoperation were associated with failure to RTD. Case series; Level of Evidence, 4. We performed a retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of patients in the Military Health System aged 18 to 55 years with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent HTO between 2003 and 2018. Concomitant meniscal and cartilage procedures were included, while cases with concomitant ligamentous procedures were excluded. The inclusion criteria were as follows: active-duty military status, minimum 2-year follow-up, preoperative knee radiographs, and pre- and postoperative long-leg alignment radiographs. Preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence grades and pre- and postoperative hip-knee-ankle angles were measured. The primary outcome was RTD. Failure was defined as knee-related medical separation from the military or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. The secondary outcome was reoperation. A total of 55 HTOs were performed in 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 39 years old (range, 22.8-55 years). The mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Ten knees (18.2%) failed HTO (1 conversion to total knee arthroplasty, 9 medical separations), 15 additional knees (27.3%) had permanent activity restrictions, and 30 knees (54.5%) returned to duty without restrictions. Reoperation occurred in 36.4% of knees and was associated with medical separation (P = .039). Younger age was associated with medical separation (P = .003) and permanent restrictions (P = .006). Patients with a postoperative varus deformity of >5° were more likely to undergo medical separation (P = .023). In a young, high-demand population, HTO succeeded in returning 54.5% of knees to full duty without restriction despite 36.4% of knees requiring reoperation. Residual varus deformity or reoperation was associated with lower RTD rates. No association was identified between RTD and preoperative osteoarthritis grading or deformity.

Evaluation of Anterior Tibial Translation Under Physiological Axial Load After ACL Reconstruction With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis.

Postoperative laxity correlates with negative clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The influence of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) on anteroposterior translation is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in radiographic static anterior tibial translation (SATT) and dynamic anterior tibial translation (DATT) after LET as an adjunctive procedure to ACLR. It was hypothesized that adding a LET procedure would have no effect on postoperative SATT and DATT. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Patients who underwent primary ACLR with hamstring tendon autografts between 2020 and 2022 were reviewed, and those who underwent ACLR and LET as an anterolateral associate procedure were paired 1 to 1 with those who underwent isolated ACLR (control) based on age, sex, preoperative SATT, and posterior tibial slope (PTS). The indications for LET were age <18 years and anterolateral rotary instability (grade ≥2 pivot shift). A previously validated technique was used to measure SATT, DATT, and PTS on lateral weightbearing and lateral stress knee radiographs. Preoperative and 9-month postoperative radiographs were compared between the 2 groups. A total of 72 patients were included in the analysis (n = 36 patients in each group). The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the SATT, DATT, and PTS measurements was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.88-0.99). The mean pre- and postoperative SATT in the ACLR+LET group was 2.44 ± 2.90 mm and 2.44 ± 2.38 mm, respectively, compared with 2.60 ± 2.99 mm and 2.12 ± 2.74 mm, respectively, in the control group. The mean pre- and postoperative reduction in side-to-side DATT in the ACLR+LET group was 5.44 ± 4.65 mm and 1.13 ± 2.95 mm, respectively, compared with 5.03 ± 3.66 mm and 2 ± 3.12 mm, respectively, in the control group. There was no pre- to postoperative difference in SATT (P = .51). However, the side-to-side DATT was reduced by 3.66 ± 3.37 mm postoperatively (P < .001), without significant differences between groups (P = .24). Including a LET procedure for patients undergoing ACLR did not reduce SATT; that is, it did not decrease the amount of tibial translation due to physiological axial load.