Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; therapy

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common knee joint disease. Although KOA belongs to a disease of degeneration of knee joint cartilage, its pathology involves cartilage, subchondral bone, meniscus, synovial membrane, articular capsule and other joint tissue. The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP), an intracapsular but extrasynovial structure, has some special characteristics of endocrine metabolism, then it has double roles in the development of KOA, but its protective effect is much more than harmful effect. Considering protective roles of IPFP in KOA and some serious complications after IPFP resection, the surgeon shall protect IPFP as far as possible if total knee arthroplasty surgical field is good. If it is necessary to improve the surgical field, its fibrotic tissue even all part can be removed.
Adipose Tissue ; physiology ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate results of total knee arthroplasty using the long-stem tibial component combined with metallic wedge of knee prosthesis for the treatment of proximal defects.

METHODSFrom January 2011 to May 2013, 10 patients (11 knees) were treated with total knee arthroplasties using the long-stem tibial component with metallic tibial wedge of knee prosthesis. All the patients were female and the average age was 67 years old (ranged, 60 to 77 years old). All the patients were osteoarthritis. All the patients were classified as T2A style. The patients were evaluated according to knee score system (KSS).

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 12 months on average (ranged 3 to 29 months). The clinical outcome was assessed using KSS score, including knee pain score, knee stability score, knee range of motion score and knee walking score, knee stairs score. There were significantly differences at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months between pre-and postoperative KSS score.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanical stability of tibial fixation in primary TKA is significantly increased by using the long-stem tibial component with metallic wedge of knee prosthesis, even in the presence of poor proximal bone.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tibia ; abnormalities ; physiopathology ; surgery

PURPOSE: Pain from osteoarthritis (OA) is generally classified as nociceptive (inflammatory). Animal models of knee OA have shown that sensory nerve fibers innervating the knee are significantly damaged with destruction of subchondral bone junction, and induce neuropathic pain (NP). Our objective was to examine NP in the knees of OA patients using painDETECT (an NP questionnaire) and to evaluate the relationship between NP, pain intensity, and stage of OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two knee OA patients were evaluated in this study. Pain scores using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), painDETECT, duration of symptoms, severity of OA using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system, and amount of joint fluid were evaluated and compared using a Spearman's correlation coefficient by rank test. RESULTS: Our study identified at least 5.4% of our knee OA patients as likely to have NP and 15.2% as possibly having NP. The painDETECT score was significantly correlated with the VAS and WOMAC pain severity. Compared with the painDETECT score, there was a tendency for positive correlation with the KL grade, and tendency for negative correlation with the existence and amount of joint fluid, but these correlations were not significant. CONCLUSION: PainDETECT scores classified 5.4% of pain from knee OA as NP. NP tended to be seen in patients with less joint fluid and increased KL grade, both of which corresponded to late stages of OA. It is important to consider the existence of NP in the treatment of knee OA pain.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Knee/pathology/physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuralgia/*physiopathology ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/*physiopathology

Patellofemoral crepitus and clunk syndrome are infrequent, yet troublesome complications of total knee arthroplasty with a reported incidence of 0%-18%. They are primarily associated with implantation of posterior cruciate substituting designs. These entities are the result of peripatellar fibrosynovial hyperplasia at the junction of the superior pole of the patella and the distal quadriceps tendon which becomes entrapped within the superior aspect of the intercondylar box of the femoral component during knee flexion. When the knee extends, a crepitant sensation occurs as the fibrosynovial tissue exits the intercondylar box. Numerous etiologies have been proposed such as femoral component designs with a high intercondylar box ratio, previous knee surgery, reduced patellar tendon length, thinner patellar components, reduced patella-patellar component composite thickness, and smaller femoral components. Preventative measures include choice of femoral components with a reduced intercondylar box ratio, use of thicker patellar components, avoidance of over-resection of the patella, and debridement of the fibrosynovial tissue at the time of knee arthroplasty. Most patients with crepitus are unaware of the problem or have minimal symptoms so that no treatment is required. If significant disability is incurred, symptoms can be eliminated in a high percentage of patients with arthroscopic debridement of the fibrosynovial hyperplasia.
Arthralgia/etiology ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/*adverse effects ; Humans ; Knee Joint/*physiopathology ; Patellofemoral Joint/*physiopathology ; Postoperative Complications/etiology/physiopathology/prevention & control

The capacity to perform certain activities is frequently compromised after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to a functional decline resulting from decreased range of motion and a diminished ability to kneel. In this manuscript, the current biomechanical understanding of hyperflexion and kneeling before and after TKA will be discussed. Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint contact area, contact pressure, and kinematics were evaluated in cadaveric studies using a Tekscan pressure measuring system and Microscribe. Testing was performed on intact knees and following cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized TKA at knee flexion angles of 90degrees, 105degrees, 120degrees, and 135degrees. Three loading conditions were used to simulate squatting, double stance kneeling, and single stance kneeling. Following TKA with double stance kneeling, patellofemoral contact areas did not increase significantly at high knee flexion angle (135degrees). Kneeling resulted in tibial posterior translation and external rotation at all flexion angles. Moving from double to single stance kneeling tended to increase pressures in the cruciate retaining group, but decreased pressures in the posterior stabilized group. The cruciate retaining group had significantly larger contact areas than the posterior stabilized group, although no significant differences in pressures were observed comparing the two TKA designs (p < 0.05). If greater than 120degrees of postoperative knee range of motion can be achieved following TKA, then kneeling may be performed with less risk in the patellofemoral joint than was previously believed to be the case. However, kneeling may increase the likelihood of damage to cartilage and menisci in intact knees and after TKA increases in tibiofemoral contact area and pressures may lead to polyethyelene wear if performed on a chronic, repetitive basis.
*Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Knee Joint/*physiopathology/surgery ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/*physiopathology/surgery ; Patellofemoral Joint/physiopathology/surgery ; Posture/physiology ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of rotational alignment of the femoral components on the patellofemoral biomechanics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) demonstrated on autopsy specimens, as the guide for surgeons to choose the correct reference axis for rotational alignment of the femoral components and to reduce the patellofemoral joint complications.

METHODSSelect 9 frozen fresh human cadaver knees without gross deformities or instabilities and mount specimens on a patellofemoral joint testing jig connected to a Model 8501 Instron machine (Instron Corporation, Canton, MA). The study simulated the action of squatting from the standing position with the foot firmly planted. Standard TKA was performed in each specimen by the same senior surgeon using Nexgen LPS total knee system (Zimmer Corporation, Warsaw Indiana). Alter rotational alignment of the femoral components referenced to the transepicondylar axis and the Whiteside's line respectively. Measure biomechanics of the patellofemoral joints using Fuji prescale film at 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , 120 degrees of knee flexion respectively. The digital values were obtained by the handheld pressure measurement systems (FPD-305E, FPD-306E) and Autocad software.

RESULTSThe rotational alignment of the femoral components paralleled to the transepicondylar axis had the best results of the peak value of the patellofemoral contact pressure (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in patellofemoral contact area (P > 0.05). But the patellofemoral contact area had the close correlations to the angles of the knee flexion and the specimens.

CONCLUSIONSRotational alignment of the femoral components has a great influence on the patellofemoral contact pressure in total knee arthroplasty. It is reliable for surgeons to choose the transepicondylar axis as the reference axis to rotate femoral components.

Adult ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Knee Prosthesis ; Middle Aged ; Rotation

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture for the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee joint.

METHODSForty patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into two groups: the electroacupuncture group (20 patients)and the control group (20 patients). The patients in electroacupuncture group (8 male and 12 female, with an average age of 62.50 +/- 9.23 years and mean course of disease 9.85 +/- 8.17 years)were treated with electroacupuncture for one month. At the same time, the patients in control group (7 male and 13 female, with an average age of 61.15 +/- 6.75 years and mean course of disease 8.60 +/- 6.89 years) were given Diclofenac sodium orally for one month. The motor function of knee joints were evaluated before and after treatment according to Lysholm knee scoring scale.

RESULTSMost scores in the electroacupuncture group improved significantly compared with those of before treatment (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) except for the item demands for support. While in the control group, compared with those of before treatment, there were significant difference on the item of pain, inter locking and instability (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences on other five items (P > 0.05). Between the two groups after treatment, differences on item of inter locking, instability, swelling, stair activity and squat were significant (P < 0.05), but no differences on limp, demands for support and pain (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and knee joint's motor function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and more superior than Diclofenac sodium oral. It is a proved effective method for osteoarthritis.

Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pain Measurement ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on both kinematic and temporospatial gait patterns in patients with hemiplegia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen hemiplegic patients diagnosed with either cerebral palsy or stroke participated in this study. All participants underwent the 4-week gait training with RAS. The treatment was performed for 30 minutes per each session, three sessions per week. RAS was provided with rhythmic beats using a chord progression on a keyboard. Kinematic and temporospatial data were collected and analyzed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. RESULTS: Gait training with RAS significantly improved both proximal and distal joint kinematic patterns in hip adduction, knee flexion, and ankle plantar flexion, enhancing the gait deviation index (GDI) as well as ameliorating temporal asymmetry of the stance and swing phases in patients with hemiplegia. Stroke patients with previous walking experience demonstrated significant kinematic improvement in knee flexion in mid-swing and ankle dorsiflexion in terminal stance. Among stroke patients, subacute patients showed a significantly increased GDI score compared with chronic patients. In addition, household ambulators showed a significant effect on reducing anterior tilt of the pelvis with an enhanced GDI score, while community ambulators significantly increased knee flexion in mid-swing phase and ankle dorsiflexion in terminal stance phase. CONCLUSION: Gait training with RAS has beneficial effects on both kinematic and temporospatial patterns in patients with hemiplegia, providing not only clinical implications of locomotor rehabilitation with goal-oriented external feedback using RAS but also differential effects according to ambulatory function.
Acoustic Stimulation/*methods ; Aged ; Ankle Joint/physiopathology ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cerebral Palsy/*diagnosis/physiopathology ; Female ; Foot Joints/physiopathology ; *Gait ; Gait Disorders, Neurologic/etiology/physiopathology/*rehabilitation ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Knee/physiopathology ; Knee Joint/physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke/*diagnosis/physiopathology

PURPOSETo determine the effect of the posterior condylar offset (PCO) on clinical results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a high-flex posterior-stabilized (PS) fixed-bearing prosthesis.

METHODSWe prospectively studied the clinical and radiographic materials of 89 consecutive female patients (89 knees), who had undergone primary TKAs for end-stage osteoarthritis. All operations were performed by a single senior surgeon or under his supervision using the same operative technique. Based on the corrected PCO change, we divided all cases into two groups: group A (corrected PCO change ≥0 mm, 58 knees) and group B (corrected PCO change<0 mm, 31 knees). One-year postoperatively, clinical and radiographic variables from the two groups were compared by independent t-test. The associations between the corrected PCO changes and the improvements of clinical variables in all patients were analyzed by Pearson linear correlation.

RESULTSOne-year postoperatively, the Knee Society Scores, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, non-weight-bearing active and passive range of knee flexion, flexion contracture, extensor lag, and their improvements had no statistical differences between the two groups (all p>0.05). The corrected PCO change was not significantly correlated with the improvement of any clinical variable (all p>0.05). Group A demonstrated greater flexion than group B during active weight bearing (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRestoration of PCO plays an important role in the optimization of active knee flexion during weight-bearing conditions after posterior-stabilized TKA, while it has no benefit to non-weight-bearing knee flexion or any other clinical result.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Knee Prosthesis ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Prospective Studies ; Range of Motion, Articular