Faculty Bibliography

Before recent advances in computer modeling technology, it has been nearly impossible to define the contribution of soft tissue structures when constructing models of the body, and in particular the lower extremity. For almost 100 years, the design and fixation of femoral components for total hip arthroplasty (THA), whether cemented or press fit, have been predicated on the Koch model of hip biomechanics. A more comprehensive model, which includes the dynamic contribution of soft tissues, has expanded the Koch's static model. This new model has led to a more complete representation of reality and has become the basis for the inclusion of a new stem design element (a lateral flare), a new concept of implant fixation (rest fit), and consequent significant increase in bone preservation and implant stability.

PURPOSE: The cruciate retaining (CR) design was developed to obtain knee stability with the natural posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the preservation of the PCL can limit knee exposure and increase the technical challenge during the procedure. Knee exposure is easily achieved under the released PCL, and we hypothesized that the PCL naturally repairs after release, thus re-establishing the posterior stability. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to evaluate the varying of the posterior stability after the PCL-released CR TKA over time. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients received the CR TKA in which the entire PCL was subperiostealy released at its femoral insertion. Thereafter, the patients were examined with the Knee Society Score, the posterior drawer examination, and the knee ligament arthrometer postoperatively. RESULTS: Once the PCL was released, the tibia was easily subluxated, and the knee was clearly exposed intraoperatively. However, the posterior stability significantly improved with time postoperatively. We also had confirmed the reestablishment of the PCL directly at revision TKAs, one case of which is shown. CONCLUSION: The reestablishment of the posterior stability after the PCL-released CR TKA was demonstrated. This procedure to release the entire PCL subperiostealy is recommended as a means of facilitating CR TKA.

The low incidence of intraneural ganglion makes it difficult to diagnose and treat before it becomes serious nerve damage. This case describes a 69-year-old female, who suffered from the right drop foot and was diagnosed as a peroneal intraneural ganglion. Resection of the mass relieved the pain; however, motor function was not recovered. Early diagnosis and nerve decompression are essential for the peroneal intraneural ganglion before critical nerve symptoms.

Metal-on-metal had been proposed as an optimal articulation in THRs, however, many monoblock prostheses have been recalled in the USA because of significant high rates of early failure. Metal-on-metal prostheses had been implanted in our institution, and this is a case history of a single patient, in whom metal-on-metal THRs with different femoral sizes of heads were implanted. A 57-year-old female patient underwent bilateral total hip replacements with metal-on-metal prostheses using metal-polyethylene "sandwich" liners 9 years ago on the right side and 7 years ago on the left side respectively. The only difference in both sides was the femoral head diameter of 28 mm in right and 34 mm in left. Seven years after the left surgery, the acetabular liner was dissociated, however, metallosis was not detected. Although the larger femoral head was thought to increase hip joint stability, it dictated a reduction in polyethylene thickness in this prosthesis design, and it was 4 mm in the left hip. Recently, metal-on-metal articulations are thought not to be optimal for hip joint bearing surface, however, this clinical failure was due to the polyethylene thickness and quality.

Deep joint infection is one of the most feared complications following total joint replacement. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with 2-staged revision is currently the gold standard for treatment. We report a case of a chronic infection following total knee replacement caused by Phialophora verrucosa, a form of dematiaceous fungus. The patient was treated with an antibiotic spacer and a course of oral anti-fungal agents. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of P verrucosa as a cause of infection in hip or knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The design intent of proximally-filling lateral flare femoral stems is to load the endosteal surface of the proximal femur both laterally and medially, to achieve normal bone strains. However, the long stem can contact the femoral cortex and may offload the proximal region to some extent. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine if reducing the stem length, would result in physiologic strain patterns. METHODS: Using the PhotoStress(R) method we analyzed 13 femurs intact and with three different stem length implants: stemless, ultra-short and short. The test rig loaded the femoral head by simulating the mid-stance single leg support phase of gait with the ilio-tibial band and the hip abductor forces. The strain distribution with each stem length implant was then compared to the intact strain distribution to determine which was most similar. FINDINGS: As the stem length increased the femurs exhibited a typical pattern of reduced proximal strain and increased distal strain. However, there was some variation in this pattern indicating that the exact stem position and the location of its interaction with the endosteal surface of bone was not the same in each femur. INTERPRETATION: The stemless design provided the best match compared to the native femur and therefore has the greatest potential to address the shortcomings of a stemmed femoral implant. However, the ultra-short implant also exhibited a strain distribution that closely emulated the intact femur, and may represent the best option as there are still several questions pertaining to stability and alignment of a stemless implant.

Soft tissue balancing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has a direct affect on patello-femoral tracking and knee range of motion, which are necessary for a well functioning TKA postoperatively. We report on the use of an electronic pressure sensing instrument for soft tissue balancing of the knee before completion of all intraoperative bone cuts, as a way to improve patellar tracking. In a retrospective study of 99 consecutive TKAs, with intraoperative electronic instrument guided soft tissue balancing performed, a reduction in the incidence of lateral patellar retinacular release was found, as compared with the 100 consecutive TKAs prior to its use (5.5% v 12%, respectively). Electronic measurement of soft tissue balancing during TKA reduced the need for lateral patellar retinacular release.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty has been developed as an alternative to traditional total hip arthroplasty, in an effort to minimize the loss of native bone in young patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis. Femoral neck fracture following hip resurfacing is a unique complication; several risk factors are associated with this complication, including female gender. In the present study, we used finite element models of the proximal femur to simulate stresses across the femoral neck in pelvis models with varying widths. This analysis demonstrated an increase in hip reaction forces as the width of the pelvis increases, a condition that simulates a resurfacing condition in a female pelvis. This difference in peak stress on the femoral neck may explain the increased incidence of femoral neck fractures seen in female patients following hip resurfacing.