A third-generation, posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis: early results after follow-up of 2 to 6 years.

Two hundred seventy-nine primary total knee arthroplasties were performed with a modular, cemented, third-generation, posterior-stabilized prosthesis. At mean follow-up of 48 months (range, 24-72 months), the outcomes of 238 knees (85%) were evaluated with the Knee Society's Knee and Functional Scoring Systems and Roentgenographic Scoring System. The mean preoperative Knee Society Knee Score was 48 points compared with 96 points at latest follow-up.

The influence of femoral component design in the elimination of patellar clunk in posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

Patellar clunk occurs after posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty and is believed to be a design-related complication. This study was undertaken to define the incidence of patellar clunk with an optimized third-generation, posterior-stabilized prosthesis. One hundred ninety three patients with 238 knees were evaluated at a minimum of 2 years after primary total knee arthroplasty with a cemented, NexGen Legacy Posterior-Stabilized prosthesis (Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind).

Clinical results in valgus total knee arthroplasty with the "pie crust" technique of lateral soft tissue releases.

Numerous methods for creating symmetric flexion and extension gaps during knee arthroplasty in valgus knees have been proposed, and no consensus exists about the optimal technique. The "pie crust" technique for lateral soft tissue releases has been used extensively, yet few clinical results have been published. In this study, the clinical outcomes of 24 consecutive knees in 24 patients in whom this method was used in conjunction with a cemented posterior-stabilized prosthesis were evaluated.

Blood loss and transfusion rates in bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

From 1994 to 1998, we performed 170 bilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) with cemented, posterior cruciate-substituting prostheses. Blood management included preoperative autologous donation, symptom-based transfusion, and autoreinfusion devices. Perioperative allogeneic transfusion rates for patients who donated 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 units of blood were 40.

Evaluation of the anterior cruciate ligament integrity and degenerative arthritic patterns in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

We prospectively reviewed 107 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties performed over a 1-year period. Intraoperatively, the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the characteristics of the intercondylar notch, and the patterns of cartilage wear were evaluated. The ACL was found to be deficient in 41 knees (39%) at the time of surgery.

Factors affecting postoperative range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.

One hundred thirty five patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were evaluated to determine whether specific pre- and postoperative variables were correlated with the postoperative range of motion. Age, sex, pre- and postoperative range of motion, pre- and postoperative Knee Society scores, intraoperative patellar thickness before and after resurfacing, pre- and postoperative radiographic patellar height (as determined by the Insall-Salvati and Blackburn-Peel ratios), and preoperative radiographic alignment were recorded for each patient. Regression analysis was performed to identify whether any variables were correlated with the postoperative range of motion or Knee Society scores.

Optimizing patellofemoral tracking during total knee arthroplasty.

Fifty-seven patients who underwent 65 primary TKAs between 1993-1994 were retrospectively studied to identify the technical challenges and pitfalls associated with patellar resurfacing and to improve patellar tracking during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Average patient age was 69 years. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (J.

A quantitative histologic comparison: ACL degeneration in the osteoarthritic knee.

Newer prosthetic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs as well as unicondylar TKAs spare the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Although success of these procedures requires near normal ACL function, little has been written about the histologic features or the arthritic ACL. This study was designed to histologically evaluate the ACL for microscopic evidence of degeneration.

The impact of femoral component rotational alignment on condylar lift-off.

The surgical technique and implant design influence femoral condylar lift-off in total knee arthroplasty. With the use of the classic method of bone resection and appropriate soft tissue releases, alignment of the femoral component along the transepicondylar axis will create a symmetric and balanced flexion space. This surgical technique will reduce the incidence of condylar lift-off.

Correlation between condylar lift-off and femoral component alignment.

The current study analyzed subjects having a total knee arthroplasty to determine the incidence of condylar lift-off and correlate lift-off with the alignment of the femoral component with respect to the transepicondylar axis. Twenty-five subjects, implanted with a posterior stabilized total knee prosthesis, were asked to do weightbearing deep knee bends while under fluoroscopic surveillance. The two-dimensional fluoroscopic images were converted into three-dimensional images using a fully automated computer model-fitting technique.