ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee so as to provide a reference for clinical selection of appropriate treatment. MethodsBetween January 2010 and June 2011, 28 cases of medial compartment OA of the knee underwent UKA in 16 cases (UKA group) and HTO in 12 cases (HTO group). Biomet Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental knee prosthesis was used in UKA group, and closing wedge osteotomy in HTO group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, course of disease, side, body mass index, articular cartilage degeneration classification, preoperative knee range of motion (ROM), Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and femorotibial angle (FTA) between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients of UKA group began weight-bearing walking with walking aids within 48 hours after operation, and the patients of HTO group began weight-bearing walking with walking aids at 6 weeks after operation, and gradually began full weight-bearing walking at 8-12 weeks. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between 2 groups (t=0.406, P=0.688; t=-1.552, P=0.133). All incision healed primarily in both groups. No complications occurred in 2 groups. All patients were followed up 3.5 years on average (range, 3.0-4.5 years) in UKA group and 3.6 years on average (range, 3-4 years) in HTO group. There were significant differences in Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and FTA in the 2 groups between before and after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in knee ROM (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in all above indexes between 2 groups (P>0.05). The postoperative X-ray showed that all force lines of the lower limbs were corrected, and the prosthesis and internal fixation were fixed reliably. During follow-up, Kellgren-Lawrence Ⅱ degeneration of the lateral compartment was observed in 1 case of 2 groups respectively; Kellgren-Lawrence Ⅱ degeneration of the patellofemoral joint was observed in 1 case of the HTO group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2=0.778, P=0.378). ConclusionBoth UKA and HTO have good short-term effectiveness for treating unicompartmental OA; however, the long-term effectiveness need further study and follow-up.
ObjectiveTo study the results of high tibia osteotomy (HTO) combined with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction for osteoarthritis (OA) of the medial compartment with PCL injury. MethodsBetween March 2008 and June 2014, 11 patients with OA of the medial compartment and PCL injury underwent HTO combined with PCL reconstruction. There were 5 males and 6 females, aged 43-55 years (mean, 50.3 years). All patients had a trauma history, and the duration of injury was 3-5 years (mean, 3.7 years). At preoperation, Hospital for special surgery (HSS) score was 54.73±8.60, Lysholm score was 56.91±4.51, KT-1000 test was (5.71±1.13) mm, and knee range of motion (ROM) was (125.21±4.77)°. The preoperative femoral tibia angle (FTA) and posterior slope angle (PSA) of the tibia plateau were (184.82±2.40)° and (7.18±1.17)° on the X-ray film. ResultsIncisional fat liquefaction occurred in 1 case, and wound healed after dressing change; primary healing of wound was obtained in the other cases. All 11 cases were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 17 months). Bone union was observed at osteotomy site within 6 months, without delayed union or nonunion. After operation, genu varus deformity was corrected with different degrees; the stability of knees was improved in all patients; and the pain of medial knee was released significantly. At 12 months after operation, the FTA was significantly reduced to (176.64±1.96)°; at last follow-up, the HSS score was significantly increased to 88.27±4.76, KT- 1000 test was significantly reduced to (3.18±0.87) mm, and Lyholm score was significantly increased to 86.45±2.34, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the knee ROM was (124.63±2.98)° and the PSA was (7.91±1.30)°, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative ones (P>0.05). ConclusionThe PSA will not be changed when a combination of HTO and PCL reconstruction is used to treat OA of the medial compartment with PCL injury if the right osteotomy site and reasonable bone graft are selected. The short-term effectiveness is good because of good recovery of the lower extremity force line and knee stability, but the long-term effectiveness remains to be further followed up.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) assisted by three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology for correction of varus knee with osteoarthritis. MethodBetween January 2014 and June 2015, 16 patients (20 knees) with varus knee and osteoarthritis underwent HTO assisted by 3-D printing technology; a locking compression plate was used for internal fixation after HTO. There were 6 males and 10 females, aged 30-60 years (mean, 45.5 years). The disease duration was 1-10 years (mean, 6.2 years). The unilateral knee was involved in 12 cases and bilateral knees in 4 cases. According to Koshino's staging system, 3 knees were classified as stage I, 7 knees as stage Ⅱ, 8 knees as stage Ⅲ, and 2 knees as stage IV. Preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was 63.8±2.2; the femorotibial angle was (184.8±2.9) °; and Insall-Salvati index was 1.03±0.13. ResultsAll the wounds healed primarily, and no complication of infection, osteofacial compartment syndrom, or deep vein thrombosis was observed. All patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12.6 months). Personal paralysis was observed in 1 case (1 knee), and was cured after expectant treatment. Bone union time was 2.7-3.4 months (mean, 2.9 months). At 6 months after operation, the femorotibial angle was (173.8±2.0) °, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=11.70, P=0.00) ; Insall-Salvati index was 1.04±0.12, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=-0.20, P=0.85) ; and HSS knee score was significantly increased to 88.9±3.1 (t=-25.44, P=0.00) . At last follow-up, the results were excellent in 13 knees, good in 6 knees, fair in 1 knee, and the excellent and good rate was 95%. Conclusions3-D printing cutting block can greatly improve the accuracy of HTO, avoid repeated X-ray and multiple osteotomy, shorten the operation time, and ensure better effectiveness for correction of varus knee with osteoarthritis.
Objective To investigate interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-17 levels in both synovial fluid and serum of patients with primary knee medial osteoarthritis (OA) after high tbial osteotomy (HTO). Methods Twenty-six patients with primary knee medial OA undergoing HTO between January 2011 and June 2014 (experimental group) and 30 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited into the study. There was no significant difference in gender, age, and body mass index between 2 groups (P>0.05). The X-ray film was taken to record healing time at osteotomy site, to measure the tibiofemoral angle, and to assess limb alignment after HTO. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and knee society score (KSS) were used to evaluate pain level and function of the knee. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 concentrations in both plasma and synovial fluid were measured before operation and at 6, 12, and 18 months after operation in the experimental group using ELISA method; the levels in plasma were measured in control group. Results Primary healing of incisions was achieved in patients. All patients were followed up 18-24 months (mean, 21 months). The X-ray film showed osseous healing at osteotomy site at 9-14 weeks (mean, 11.5 weeks). The average tibiofemoral angle was 167.5° (range, 165-170°) after bone healing. Satisfactory limb alignment was obtained in all patients. The postoperative VAS pain score was significantly decreased and KSS score was significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between different time points after operation (P>0.05). The preoperative plasma and synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 concentrations were significantly higher in patients than controls (P<0.05). The postoperative IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 concentrations in plasma and synovial fluid were significantly lower than preoperative ones in patients (P<0.05), but the concentrations were significantly higher than those in controls (P<0.05). The postoperative plasma and synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 concentrations were significantly declined in patients, but there was no significant difference between different time points after operation (P>0.05). Conclusion HTO can significantly improve the pain symptom and joint function and reduce IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels in both plasma and synovial fluid of patients with medial compartment knee OA, but these cytokines can not return to normal level.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the improved precision alignment method of lower limbs mecha-nical alignment for osteoarthritis of the knee in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 62 patients (68 knees) with knee osteoarthritis in the medial compartment treated with OWHTO between January 2012 and December 2015 who accorded with the inclusion criteria. The traditional method for positioning lower limb mechanical force line was used in 29 cases (32 knees) (traditional group), and improved method for positioning lower limb mechanical force line in 33 cases (36 knees) (modified group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, course of disease, and osteoarthritis grading between two groups (P>0.05) with comparable. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded in two groups; Before and after operation, the lower limb mechanical force line was observed on the X-ray films, which was expressed by hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).ResultsIncision hematoma occurred in 1 case of traditional group and was cured at 3 weeks after symptomatic treatment; and primary healing was obtained in the other patients, with no early complications. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the modified group were significantly lower than those of the traditional group (t=11.934, P=0.000; t=11.663, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference in blood loss between the two groups (t=0.209, P=0.835). The patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months (mean, 12.7 months) in the traditional group and for 3 to 22 months (mean, 13.2 months) in the modified group. The medial knee pain disappeared in all patients. At last follow-up, the HSS score and WOMAC score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores in two groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative X-ray examination showed that the tibiofemoral angle was corrected in the two groups. The HKA angle at immediate after operation and last follow-up was significantly higher than angle at pre-operation in two groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between at immediate after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05).ConclusionCompared with the traditional method for positioning lower limb mechanical force line, the improved precision alignment method can reduce the times of intraoperative fluoroscopy and shorten the operation time, which reduces the radiation exposure of both doctors and patients.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of double-plane high tibial osteotomy in treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis. Methods The clinical data of 65 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who were treated with double-plane high tibial osteotomy between January 2014 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 28 males and 37 females. The age ranged from 46 to 75 years with an average of 53.2 years. There were 30 cases in the left knee and 35 cases in the right knee. The disease duration was 3-7 years (mean, 4.0 years). The patients had different degrees of pain in the knee joint and difficulty walking. The knee joint compression test was positive. The knee joint function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and knee society score (KSS) clinical and functional scores. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was adopted to pain measurement. The healing of osteotomy was observed by X-ray films during follow-up; the femur tibia angle (FTA), posterior tibial slope (PTS), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and knee varus angle (KVA) were also calculated. Results All the incisions healed by first intention after operation. Only 1 case had numbness of the toe, and the symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. All patients were followed up 13-18 months with an average of 15.4 months. X-ray examination showed that all patients had bone healing at 12 weeks after operation. There were significant differences in MPTA, FTA, PTS, and KVA between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in above parameters among 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no loosening and rupture of the fixator during the follow-up. The HSS score and KSS clinical and functional scores at 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05). The VAS scores at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation were significantly lower than that before operation (P<0.05). Conclusion Double-plane high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis can effectively relieve pain symptoms and improve joint function.
ObjectiveTo summarize the related research results of open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) complicated with lateral hinge fracture. MethodsTo review the relevant literature of OWHTO at home and abroad in recent years and summarize and analyse the clinical experience. ResultsThe lateral hinge rupture may occur during the OWHTO, which may lead to the loss of correction angle after operation, delayed healing or non-union of osteotomy and so on. The lateral hinge plays an important role in the stability of the osteotomy. During the operation, the " safe zone” internal osteotomy can be used to protect the bone. Once the lateral hinge breaks, the TomoFix plate can be used to obtain the sufficient stability. For patients with lateral hinge rupture, functional exercise and full weight loading time should be guided by hinge breakage classification. ConclusionThe intact lateral hinge is beneficial to the healing and rehabilitation of OWHTO. The lateral hinge should be paid enough attention by clinicians.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical application and research status of open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).MethodsRelevant literature at home and abroad was reviewed, and the clinical application, effectiveness and complications, technical comparison, and surgical skills of OWHTO were summarized and analyzed.ResultsOWHTO is an effective treatment for mild to moderate medial compartment osteoarthritis due to knee varus. This method can delay the injury process of medial compartment of the knee, delay the time of total knee arthroplasty, and even avoid joint replacement surgery by adjusting the axial alignment of the lower extremity to the non-pathological lateral compartment through osteotomy and orthopedic. OWHTO has the advantages of small incision, dynamic adjustment of the axial alignment of the lower extremity, accurate correction of malformation, and rapid postoperative recovery.ConclusionWith the development of surgical instruments and techniques, OWHTO once again enter the sight of orthopedic surgeons. This technique can solve the pain symptoms of arthritis, correct the tibial varus deformity and reconstruct the axial alignment of the lower extremity, and satisfactory clinical results has been obtained.
ObjectiveTo summarize the management principle and clinical suggestions of the osteotomy gap of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).MethodsThe related literature of the osteotomy gap of OWHTO in recent years was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed.ResultsDelayed union and non-union of the osteotomy gap are main complications of OWHTO. Tomofix plate, as locking steel plate, has the characteristics of angular stability and can better maintain the stability of the osteotomy gap, promote bone healing, and avoid loss of correction. There are some treatment options for the osteotomy gap site, such as, without bone, autologous bone graft, allogeneic bone graft, bone substitute materials graft, and augment factor graft to enhance bone healing. When the osteotomy gap is less than 10 mm, it achieves a good outcome without bone graft. For the obesity, lateral hinge fracture, large osteotomy gap, or correction angle more than 10°, the bone graft should be considered. In cases whose osteotomy gap is nonunion or delayed union, the autologous bone graft is still the gold standard. When the osteotomy gap repaired with the allogeneic bone graft, it is better to choose fragmented cancellous or wedge-shaped cancellous bone, combining with the locking plate technology, also can achieve better bone union. The bone substitute material of calcium-phosphorus is used in the osteotomy gap, which has the characteristics of excellent bone conduction, good biocompatibility, and resorption, combining with the locking plate technology, which can also achieve better bone union in the osteotomy gap. The augment factors enhance the bone healing of the osteotomy gap of OWHTO is still questionable. The bone union of the osteotomy gap is also related to the size of the osteotomy gap and whether the lateral hinge is broken or not.ConclusionNo matter what type of materials for the osteotomy gap, OWHTO can improve the function and relieve pain for knee osteoarthritis. More randomized controlled trials are needed to provide evidence for clinical decision to determine which treatment option is better for the osteotomy gap of OWHTO.