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Above-the-knee amputation after a total knee replacement: prevalence, etiology, and functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Despite modern surgical techniques, salvage of a failed total knee replacement remains a challenge. In certain situations, when other treatment options have been exhausted, patients with a failed total knee replacement may become candidates for above-the-knee amputation. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, etiology, and functional outcome of above-the-knee amputation performed proximal to an ipsilateral total knee replacement. METHODS: From 1970 to 2000, 18,443 primary total knee replacements were performed at our institution; sixty-seven (0.36%) were eventually followed by above-the-knee amputation. Forty-two of the amputations were performed for a cause unrelated to the total knee replacement, most commonly peripheral vascular disease (twenty-four knees). The remaining twenty-five above-the-knee amputations were performed for causes related to the total knee replacement: nineteen were done for uncontrollable infection; two, for periprosthetic fracture; two, for pain; one, for severe bone loss; and one, for a vascular complication. RESULTS: The twenty-five above-the-knee amputations performed for causes related to the total knee replacement were done at an average of 8.6 years (range, eight days to 23.6 years) after the replacement. The prevalence of above-the-knee amputations done for causes related to total knee replacement was 0.14%. Complications after the above-the-knee amputation included deep infection in five patients and superficial infection and skin necrosis in one each; there was also one perioperative death. Nine of the twenty-five limbs were fitted with an above-the-knee prosthesis, but only five patients were walking even to a limited degree with the prosthesis at the time of the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of amputation after total knee arthroplasty at our tertiary care center was 0.36%. The majority (63%) of the amputations were performed for reasons not attributable to complications of the arthroplasty. The functional outcome after amputation performed above a total knee replacement is poor. A substantial percentage of the patients were never fitted with a prosthesis, and those who were seldom obtained functional independence.

Aged↗

Kinematic and kinetic factors that correlate with improved knee flexion following treatment for stiff-knee gait.

Stiff-knee gait is a movement abnormality in which knee flexion during swing phase is significantly diminished. This study investigates the relationships between knee flexion velocity at toe-off, joint moments during swing phase and double support, and improvements in stiff-knee gait following rectus femoris transfer surgery in subjects with cerebral palsy. Forty subjects who underwent a rectus femoris transfer were categorized as "stiff" or "not-stiff" preoperatively based on kinematic measures of knee motion during walking. Subjects classified as stiff were further categorized as having "good" or "poor" outcomes based on whether their swing-phase knee flexion improved substantially after surgery. We hypothesized that subjects with stiff-knee gait would exhibit abnormal joint moments in swing phase and/or diminished knee flexion velocity at toe-off, and that subjects with diminished knee flexion velocity at toe-off would exhibit abnormal joint moments during double support. We further hypothesized that subjects classified as having a good outcome would exhibit postoperative improvements in these factors. Subjects classified as stiff tended to exhibit abnormally low knee flexion velocities at toe-off (p<0.001) and excessive knee extension moments during double support (p=0.001). Subjects in the good outcome group on average showed substantial improvement in these factors postoperatively. All eight subjects in this group walked with normal knee flexion velocity at toe-off postoperatively and only two walked with excessive knee extension moments in double support. By contrast, all 10 of the poor outcome subjects walked with low knee flexion velocity at toe-off postoperatively and seven walked with excessive knee extension moments in double support. Our analyses suggest that improvements in stiff-knee gait are associated with sufficient increases in knee flexion velocity at toe-off and corresponding decreases in excessive knee extension moments during double support. Therefore, while stiff-knee gait manifests during the swing phase of the gait cycle, it may be caused by abnormal muscle activity during stance.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Prevalence of knee symptoms and radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in African Americans and Caucasians: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: To report contemporary estimates of the prevalence of knee-related osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes in African Americans and Caucasians aged > or = 45 years. METHODS: Weighted prevalence estimates for knee symptoms, radiographic knee OA, symptomatic knee OA, and severe radiographic knee OA were calculated for age, ethnic, and sex subgroups, in 3018 participants (33% African Americans, 38% men) in the baseline examination (1991-97) of The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, a population-based study of OA in North Carolina. Radiographic knee OA was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grade > or = 2, severe radiographic knee OA as grades 3 and 4, and symptomatic knee OA as knee symptoms in a knee with radiographic OA. RESULTS: Knee symptoms were present in 43%, 28% had radiographic knee OA, 16% had symptomatic knee OA, and 8% had severe radiographic knee OA. Prevalence was higher in older individuals and women. African Americans had slightly higher prevalence of knee symptoms, radiographic knee OA, and symptomatic knee OA, but significantly higher prevalence of severe radiographic knee OA compared to Caucasians. CONCLUSION: Policy should be directed to increasing education of the public and the medical community about the high prevalence of these conditions, especially in these subgroups, to decrease their impact and ultimately prevent them.

Black or African American↗

Total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy. A comparison study in patients who had bilateral total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy remains uncertain. We hypothesized that the results of total knee replacement with or without a previous high tibial osteotomy are similar. METHODS: The results of a consecutive series of thirty-nine bilateral total knee arthroplasties performed with cement at an average of 8.7 years after unilateral high tibial osteotomy were reviewed. There were twenty-seven men and twelve women. Preoperatively, the knee scores according to the system of the Knee Society were similar for all of the knees; however, valgus alignment and patella infera were more common in the knees with a previous high tibial osteotomy. Bilateral total knee replacement was staged in seven patients and was simultaneous in thirty-two patients. The results of the total knee arthroplasties were retrospectively reviewed with respect to the knee and function scores according to the system of the Knee Society, the radiographic findings, and the complications. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, no notable differences were identified in the number of medial, lateral, or lateral patellar releases required. However, less lateral tibial bone was resected in the group with a previous high tibial osteotomy (average, 3.3 millimeters) than in the group without a high tibial osteotomy (average, 7.5 millimeters). The average duration of follow-up was 7.5 years (range, three to sixteen years) in the group with a previous high tibial osteotomy and 6.8 years (range, two to ten years) in the group without a high tibial osteotomy. At the time of the final follow-up, the knee and function scores were similar for the two groups (89.0 and 81.0 points, respectively, for the group with a previous high tibial osteotomy, and 89.6 and 83.9 points, respectively, for the group without a high tibial osteotomy). Although more knees were free of pain in the group without a previous high tibial osteotomy (thirty-six) than in the group with a previous osteotomy (thirty-three), this difference was not found to be significant with the numbers available (p = 0.4810). Knee alignment and stability, femoral and tibial component alignment, and range of motion also were similar in both groups postoperatively. One allpolyethylene tibial component was revised in the high tibial osteotomy group. Two knees in each group required manipulation. There were no deep infections. CONCLUSIONS: While patients with a previous high tibial osteotomy may have important differences preoperatively, including valgus alignment, patella infera, and decreased bone stock in the proximal part of the tibia, the present study suggests that the clinical and radiographic results of primary total knee arthroplasty in knees with and without a previous high tibial osteotomy are not substantially different. In our relatively small group of patients, the previous high tibial osteotomy had no adverse effect on the outcome of the subsequent total knee replacement.

Aged↗

Rotating hinge total knee arthroplasty in severly affected knees.

A consecutive series of 24 knees in 21 patients who received a Finn rotating hinge for primary (nine knees) or revision (15 knees) total knee arthroplasty between August 1993 and January 1997 was reviewed. The average followup was 33 months (range, 21-62 months) for all patients in the study. Seventeen patients (20 knees) were followed up for more than 2 years. Twenty-four knees (21 patients) were categorized according to Knee Society scoring criteria: 37.5% (nine knees) were Category A, 25% (six knees) were Category B, and 37.5% (nine knees) were Category C. Using the Knee Society knee and function scores, clinical and radiographic results were assessed and outcome analysis was determined. The average Knee Society knee score improved from 44 points (range, 5-64 points) before surgery to 83 points (range, 45-95 points) after surgery; the average functional score according to the Knee Society system improved from 10 points (range, 0-35 points) before surgery to 45 points (range, 0-100 points) after surgery. Pain and function markedly improved after surgery. For treatment of the most severely affected knees with compromised bone and ligamentous instability, the Finn total knee replacement appears to be an acceptable option. As a rotating hinge design, the prosthesis at early followup provides excellent pain relief, restoration of walking capacity, and stabilization, without evidence of early mechanical failure.

Adolescent↗

Total knee arthroplasty in valgus knees.

One hundred thirty-four total knee arthroplasties in 98 patients with a valgus alignment were analyzed. Knees with a preoperative alignment of 10 degrees or greater anatomic valgus were believed suitable for inclusion. The average follow-up period in these patients was 4.5 years (range, two to ten years). One hundred eighteen knees were implanted with a posterior stabilized prosthesis, eight knees with a constrained implant design, four knees with a total condylar prosthesis, and four knees with a cruciate-retaining design. All components in all knees were cemented. A lateral retinacular release was necessary in 76% of the arthroplasties secondary to intraoperative lateral subluxation of the patella. The ligamentous release for balancing these valgus-deformed knees was done from the femur. There were 95 knees (71%) rated as excellent, 27 knees (20%) as good, eight knees (6%) as fair, and four knees (3%) as poor. Postoperatively, 76% of the knees had a tibiofemoral alignment between 5 degrees and 9 degrees valgus with an overall average of 7 degrees valgus (range, 3 degrees varus to 15 degrees valgus). Total knee arthroplasty is a reliable and durable procedure in the treatment of valgus knee arthritis. However, valgus-deformed knees represent a greater challenge than their varus counterparts to the implant surgeon in terms of the intraoperative balancing required. This may be a function of the greater difficulty in achieving ligamentous equilibrium and the relative rarity of valgus-deformed knees.

Adult↗

Knee joint loading differs in individuals with mild compared with moderate medial knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the knee joint loading patterns in individuals with differing radiographic grades of knee osteoarthritis (OA) for characterization of the mechanical implications of different structural states, and to compare the knee adduction angular impulse, a measure of gait complementary to the commonly used peak knee adduction moment. METHODS: Asymptomatic subjects (those without knee OA) having a Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) radiographic severity grade of 0 or 1 (n = 28) and subjects with symptomatic knee OA having K/L grades of 2 (n = 66) or 3 (n = 23) were recruited. Gait analysis was used to calculate the peak external knee adduction moment and the external knee adduction angular impulse for the whole stance and for the 4 subdivisions of stance. RESULTS: Both the peak knee adduction moment and the knee adduction angular impulse increased with K/L radiographic grade (P < 0.05). However, only the knee adduction angular impulse differed between subjects with moderate (grade 3) and those with mild (grade 2) radiographic knee OA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The differences between mild and moderate symptomatic radiographic knee OA are not only structural but also functional, based on the magnitude of load in the medial knee joint. Moreover, knee adduction angular impulse provides additional information beyond that available from the peak knee adduction moment, and may therefore be an important gait parameter to include in OA research. These findings are important for our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of OA.

Arthrography↗

Knee kinematics with a high-flexion posterior stabilized total knee prosthesis: an in vitro robotic experimental investigation.

BACKGROUND: An analysis of contemporary total knee arthroplasty reveals that, on the average, patients rarely flex the knee beyond 120 degrees. The biomechanical mechanisms that inhibit further flexion after total knee arthroplasty are unknown. The objective of the present study was to investigate the capability of a single design of a fixed-bearing, high-flexion posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty system (LPS-Flex) to restore the range of flexion to that of the intact knee. METHODS: Thirteen cadaveric human knees were tested, with use of a robotic testing system, before and after total knee arthroplasty with the LPS-Flex prosthesis. The passive path and the kinematics under an isolated quadriceps force of 400 N, under an isolated hamstring force of 200 N, and with these forces combined were determined. Posterior femoral translation of the lateral and medial femoral condyles and tibial rotation were recorded from 0 degrees to 150 degrees of flexion. RESULTS: The medial and lateral condyles of the intact knee translated posteriorly from full extension to 150 degrees, reaching a mean peak (and standard deviation) of 22.9 +/- 11.3 mm and 31.9 +/- 12.5 mm, respectively, under the combined muscle forces. Following total knee arthroplasty, the amount of posterior femoral translation was lower than that observed in the intact knee. At 150 degrees, approximately 90% of the intact posterior femoral translation was recovered by the total knee replacement. Internal tibial rotation was observed for all knees throughout the range of motion. The cam-spine mechanism engaged at approximately 80 degrees and disengaged at 135 degrees. Despite the absence of cam-spine engagement, further posterior femoral translation occurred from 135 degrees to 150 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The tibiofemoral articular geometry of the intact knee and the knee after total knee arthroplasty with use of the LPS-Flex design demonstrated similar kinematics at high flexion angles. The cam-spine mechanism enhanced posterior femoral translation only at the mid-range of flexion. The femoral component geometry of the LPS-Flex total knee prosthesis may improve posterior tibiofemoral articulation contact in high flexion angles.

Aged↗

Can a finite set of knee extension in supine position be used for a knee functional examination?

The kinematic magnetic resonance imaging technique has been developed to provide a functional examination of the knee. Technical limitations require this examination to be performed in supine position, and the knee motion is represented by an assembly of static positions at different knee angles. However, the main knee function is to support the body weight and perform continuous motion, e.g. parallel squat. Our study quantified the knee kinematics of 20 healthy subjects in different motion conditions (finite and continuous) and in different mechanical conditions (continuous unloaded and continuous loaded). We evaluated the angular and localisation difference of a finite helical axis of the knee motion for parallel squat, continuous knee extension in supine position and the finite set of knee extension in supine position. We found large inter-individual dispersion. The majority of subjects had equivalent knee kinematics between continuous knee extension and the finite set of knee extension in supine position, but not between continuous knee extension in supine position and the parallel squat. Therefore, results from a functional examination of a finite set of knee extensions in supine position do not represent the knee motion in a parallel squat. Our results suggest that functional examination of the knee from magnetic resonance imaging do not necessarily reflect the physiological kinematics of the knee. Further investigation should focus on a new magnetic resonance imaging acquisition protocol that allows image acquisition during weight bearing or includes a special device which reproduces the loaded condition.

Adult↗

Knee joint forces during isokinetic knee extensions: a case study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the procedures to obtain knee joint forces during isokinetic knee extensions and evaluate the patellar ligament force, quadriceps tendon force, patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint forces at different speeds measured from a female subject. DESIGN: A technical note with a case study. BACKGROUND: Two previous studies examined knee joint forces during isokinetic knee extension using different techniques reported inconsistent findings. Also, the highest speed used in these two studies (180 degrees s(-1)) were much lower than the maximum speeds available in modern isokinetic dynamometers. METHODS: The subject performed maximum effort isokinetic knee extensions at 16 different speeds ranged from 25 to 400 degrees s(-1). The gravitational and inertial effects were included in determining the resultant knee torque. Knee radiographs were used to determine the knee joint geometry. A combination of knee torque and geometric data was used to determine different knee joint forces. RESULTS: All knee joint forces were found to decrease with increasing isokinetic speed. The tibiofemoral shears forces indicated that the anterior cruciate ligament was loaded throughout the range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitudes of knee joint forces are largely depending on the knee torque values. RELEVANCE: Isokinetic knee extensions are considered appropriate for the early part of the rehabilitation for patients with knee dysfunctions due to the lesser demand of coordination. However, to reduce the knee joint forces, submaximal efforts at lower speeds or maximal efforts at higher speeds are recommended.

Adult↗

Intraoperative passive kinematics of osteoarthritic knees before and after total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty is a successful procedure to treat pain and functional disability due to osteoarthritis. However, precisely how a total knee arthroplasty changes the kinematics of an osteoarthritic knee is unknown. We used a surgical navigation system to measure normal passive kinematics from 7 embalmed cadaver lower extremities and in vivo intraoperative passive kinematics on 17 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty to address two questions: How do the kinematics of knees with advanced osteoarthritis differ from normal knees?; and, Does posterior substituting total knee arthroplasty restore kinematics towards normal? Osteoarthritic knees displayed a decreased screw-home motion and abnormal varus/valgus rotations between 10 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion when compared to normal knees. The anterior-posterior motion of the femur in osteoarthritic knees was not different than in normal knees. Following total knee arthroplasty, we found abnormal varus/valgus rotations in early flexion, a reduced screw-home motion when compared to the osteoarthritic knees, and an abnormal anterior translation of the femur during the first 60 degrees of flexion. Posterior substituting total knee arthroplasty does not appear to restore normal passive varus/valgus rotations or the screw motion and introduces an abnormal anterior translation of the femur during intraoperative evaluation.

Aged↗

Secondary gait changes in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: increased load at the ankle, knee, and hip during walking.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that gait changes related to knee osteoarthritis (OA) of varied severity are associated with increased loads at the ankle, knee, and hip. METHODS: Forty-two patients with bilateral medial compartment knee OA and 42 control subjects matched for sex, age, height, and mass were studied. Nineteen patients had Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) radiographic severity grades of 1 or 2, and 23 patients had K/L grades of 3 or 4. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were measured in the hip, knee, and ankle while the subjects walked at a self-selected speed. RESULTS: Patients with more severe knee OA had greater first peak knee adduction moments than their matched control subjects (P = 0.039) and than patients with less severe knee OA (P < 0.001). All patients with knee OA made initial contact with the ground with the knee in a more extended position than that exhibited by control subjects. An increased axial loading rate was present in all joints of the lower extremity. Patients with more severe knee OA had lower hip adduction moments compared with their matched control subjects. CONCLUSION: The secondary gait changes observed among patients with knee OA reflect a potential strategy to shift the body's weight more rapidly from the contralateral limb to the support limb, which appears to be successful in reducing the load at the knee in only patients with less severe knee OA. The increased loading rate in the lower extremity joints may lead to a faster progression of existing OA and to the onset of OA at joints adjacent to the knee. Interventions for knee OA should therefore be assessed for their effects on the mechanics of all joints of the lower extremity.

Adult↗

Bone mineral density in the proximal tibia varies as a function of static alignment and knee adduction angular momentum in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Based on the premise that bone mass and bone geometry are related to load history and that subchondral bone may play a role in osteoarthritis (OA), we sought to determine if static and dynamic markers of knee joint loads explain variance in the medial-to-lateral ratio of proximal tibial bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with mild and moderate medial knee OA. We utilized two surrogate markers of dynamic load, the peak knee adduction moment and the knee adduction angular momentum, the latter being the time integral of the frontal plane knee joint moment. BMD for medial and lateral regions of the proximal tibial plateau and one distal region in the tibial shaft was measured in 84 symptomatic subjects with Kellgren and Lawrence radiographic OA grades of 2 or 3. Utilizing gait analysis, the peak knee adduction moment (the external adduction moment of greatest magnitude) and the time integral of the frontal plane knee joint moment (the angular momentum) over the entire stance phase as well as for each of the four subdivisions of stance were calculated. The BMD ratio was not significantly different in grade 2 (1.32 +/- 0.27) and grade 3 knees (1.47 +/- 0.40) (P = 0.215). BMD of the tibial shaft was not correlated with any loading parameter or static alignment. Of all the surrogate gait markers of dynamic load, the knee adduction angular momentum in terminal stance explained the most variance (20%) in the medial-to-lateral BMD ratio (adjusted r(2) = 0.196, P < 0.001). The knee adduction angular momentum for the entire stance phase explained 18% of the variance in the BMD ratio (adjusted r(2) = 0.178, P < 0.001), 10% more variance than explained by the overall peak knee adduction moment (adjusted r(2) = 0.081, P < 0.001). 18% of the variance in the BMD ratio was also explained by the knee alignment angle (adjusted r(2) = 0.183, P < 0.001), and the total explanatory power was increased to 22% when the knee adduction angular momentum in terminal stance was added (change in r(2) = 0.041, P < 0.05, total adjusted r(2) = 0.215, P < 0.001). The BMD ratio and its relationship to dynamic and static markers of loading were independent of height, weight, and the body mass index, demonstrating that both dynamic markers of knee loading as well as knee alignment explained variance in the tibial BMD ratio independent of body size.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Stride-to-stride variability of knee motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) experience pain, frontal plane joint laxity and instability. Co-contraction can control laxity and instability but may place constraints on the variability of the knee's motion during gait. Slight variation among gait cycles is normal, but reduced variability of joint motions could be detrimental. The purpose of this study was to quantify knee motion variability during gait and assess the influence of muscle activity, frontal plane laxity, and pain on knee movement variability in patients with medial knee OA. METHODS: Fifteen subjects with unilateral medial knee OA and 15 age and gender matched uninjured subjects underwent gait analysis, with electromyography to compute co-contraction. Stress radiographs were obtained for measuring frontal plane laxity. Knee motion variability was assessed from the phase angle (knee angle versus angular velocity) during early stance. RESULTS: Despite altered involved side knee kinematics and kinetics, individuals with knee OA showed involved side frontal plane variability which was not significantly different from the control group, but was significantly lower than the variability of the uninvolved knee's motion. Laxity and medial co-contraction influenced the amount of joint motion variability in the involved knee of the OA subjects. Pain did not influence variability. CONCLUSION: Patients with medial knee OA displayed altered involved knee kinematics and kinetics, although stride-to-stride variability of knee motion was unchanged. Evidence of excessive joint motion variability on the uninvolved side, however, may provide insight into the development of OA in the contralateral cognate joint.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Total knee arthroplasty for arthritis of the knee with extra-articular deformity.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous corrective osteotomy of angular deformity and total knee arthroplasty has been considered the treatment of choice for patients with arthritis of the knee associated with ipsilateral extra-articular deformity. However, this procedure is technically demanding, and the functional outcome of the total knee arthroplasty may be jeopardized if the osteotomy fails. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical results of total knee arthroplasty combined with intra-articular bone resection, without osteotomy, in patients with extra-articular deformity and arthritis of the knee. METHODS: Fifteen patients with arthritis of the knee and extra-articular deformity underwent total knee arthroplasty with bone resection and soft-tissue balancing. All deformities had resulted from fracture malunion. There were ten uniplanar, three biplanar, and two triplanar deformities. The deformity was in the tibia in eight patients and in the femur in seven. The average angle of the femoral deformities was 15.1 degrees in the coronal plane and 8.1 degrees in the sagittal plane. Two femora had a rotational deformity, consisting of 20 degrees of internal rotation in one and 10 degrees of external rotation in the other. The average angle of the tibial deformities was 19 degrees in the coronal plane. RESULTS: The duration of follow-up averaged thirty-eight months. The average Knee Society knee score improved from 22.3 points preoperatively to 91.7 points at the time of the last follow-up, and the average Knee Society function score improved from 28.0 points preoperatively to 87.3 points at the time of the last follow-up. The average arc of knee motion improved from 77.7 degrees preoperatively to 103.7 degrees postoperatively. The average mechanical axis of the knee improved from 22.7 degrees of varus preoperatively to 0.3 degrees of varus at the time of the last follow-up. Two patients had an unsatisfactory clinical result, which was not related to the total knee arthroplasty. There were no complications such as infection, ligament instability, or component loosening. CONCLUSIONS: Total knee arthroplasty in conjunction with intra-articular bone resection is an effective procedure for patients with arthritis of the knee and extra-articular varus deformity of <20 degrees in the femur or 30 degrees in the tibia in the coronal plane.

Aged↗

Results of treatment of infection in both knees after bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the results and complications of treatment of simultaneous infection of both knees after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Between 1976 and 1999, twenty-one patients with a mean age of seventy-one years were treated for simultaneous infection of both knees after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Two patients died within two years, and one patient was lost to follow-up after one year. The remaining eighteen patients were followed for a mean of five years. At the time of presentation, all twenty-one patients had had symptoms for less than three weeks. Eleven patients (twenty-two knees) were treated with attempts at prosthetic salvage with surgical débridement and administration of suppressive antibiotics. Resection arthroplasty was performed as the initial treatment in ten patients (twenty knees). RESULTS: Of the ten patients treated with initial resection, seven patients (fourteen knees) underwent subsequent reimplantation. All fourteen knees were functioning well at the time of the latest follow-up, and none had been revised at a mean of two years after reimplantation. Of the eleven patients (twenty-two knees) who had been initially treated with prosthetic salvage, nine patients (eighteen knees) had a recurrence of the infection that required a reoperation (bilateral resection arthroplasty in seven patients, bilateral above-the-knee amputation in one patient, and repeat débridement of both knees in one patient). Two of the seven patients who had resection underwent reimplantation six weeks postoperatively, and the other five patients (ten knees) did not have reimplantation because of low functional demands and prohibitive medical comorbidity. CONCLUSION: We believe that treatment of simultaneous infection of both knees after bilateral total knee arthroplasty should consist of bilateral resection arthroplasty and delayed reimplantation after a period of intravenous administration of organism-specific antibiotics.

Aged↗

The relationship between the knee adduction moment and knee pain in middle-aged women without radiographic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: . An abnormally high knee adduction moment increases the medial tibiofemoral compartment load at the knee during gait, and is an important biomechanical marker of joint pathology. This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between the knee adduction moment and knee pain in middle-aged women without radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Three-dimensional Vicon gait analyses were performed on 20 women who had knee pain but no radiological evidence of joint pathology. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, the peak knee adduction moment during the late stance phase of gait was inversely associated with knee pain [beta: -10.1 (95% CI -17.6, -2.7), p = 0.01] after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and age. This explained that the knee adduction moment during late stance contributed 32% of the variance in knee pain. The peak knee adduction moment during early stance was not significantly associated with knee pain prior to and after adjustment for BMI and age. CONCLUSION: There is a significant inverse association between the peak knee adduction moment during late stance and the amount of knee pain experienced by women without radiographic evidence of joint pathology. This may represent a compensatory mechanism to reduce medial tibiofemoral joint load in the setting of knee pain.

Arthralgia↗

Conditions of isokinetic knee flexion that enhance isokinetic knee extension.

The results of two experiments are reported. The purpose of the initial investigation was to determine the effect of isokinetic knee flexion contraction intensity on subsequent knee extension contraction. Seven subjects performed ten isokinetic knee flexion-extension cycles at six isokinetic velocities under two antagonist contraction conditions. In the first condition, isokinetic knee flexion and extension were speed-matched, and, in the second condition, the high-speed condition, knee flexion was 7.85 rad.s-1 irrespective of knee extension velocity, which ranged from 0.52 to 7.85 rad.s-1. Significantly greater isokinetic knee extension measures were observed at low isokinetic velocities and were associated with the high-speed contraction condition. Enhancement of the knee extension contraction was in the initial work phase of the isokinetic contraction. The second experiment was conducted to determine whether the enhancement of the initial work phase could be associated, in part, with passive elastic qualities of the involved musculature. In this study the range of motion for the knee involved musculature. In this study the range of motion for the knee extension-flexion cycles was reduced from the previous 2.01 rad to 1.57 rad. Two isokinetic knee extension velocities were studied (1.57 and 7.85 rad.s-1) under five conditions: initiated from rest, initiated from isometric knee flexion MVC, and with preceding isokinetic knee flexion at 0.52, 4.19, and 7.85 rad.s-1. The hypothesis that knee extension contraction measures would not increase was supported. Based upon the results of the two experiments, it is suggested that the increases in knee extension contraction measures observed in the first experiment are at least partially mediated by the contribution to net torque by passive elastic musculotendinous elements. Further study of this phenomenon with the inclusion of electromyographic measures will allow determination of the presence and contribution of increased neural drive.

Adult↗