Analysis of Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement using the minimally invasive technique in patients aged 60 and above: an independent prospective series

We present the outcome of an independent prospective series of phase-3 Oxford medial mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee replacement surgery. Eight surgeons performed the 154 procedures in a community-based hospital between 1998 and 2003 for patients aged 60 and above. Seventeen knees were revised; in 14 cases a total knee replacement was performed, in 3 cases a component of the unicompartmental knee prosthesis was revised, resulting in a survival rate of 89% during these 2–7 years follow-up interval. This study shows that mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee replacement using a minimally invasive technique is a demanding procedure. The study emphasises the importance of routine in surgical management and strict adherence to indications and operation technique used to reduce outcome failure

Meniscus allograft transplantation: a current concepts review

Meniscus allotransplantation represents the biological solution for the symptomatic, meniscus-deficient patient who has not developed advanced osteoarthritis. A growing body of evidence suggests that pain relief and functional improvement may reliably be achieved at short- and medium-term follow-up, and even, in some cases, at long-term (> 10 years) follow-up. Future research must address the issue of optimal timing of the procedure and whether meniscal transplantation results in demonstrable long-term benefits, especially with regard to protection of articular cartilage

Association of trochlear dysplasia with degenerative abnormalities in the knee: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trochlear morphology as a potential risk factor for patellofemoral osteoarthritis, determined by morphological and quantitative measurements of cartilage degeneration using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of right knees of 304 randomly selected subjects, aged 45–60 years, from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) progression cohort were screened for trochlear dysplasia, defined by an abnormal trochlear depth. Out of 304 subjects, n=85 demonstrated a shallow trochlea (depth ≤3mm; 28%). In these, and also in a random sample of controls with normal trochlear depth (n=50), the facetal ratio and the sulcus angle were calculated and knee structural abnormalities were assessed by using a modified Whole-Organ-MR-Imaging Score (WORMS). Cartilage segmentation was performed and T(2) relaxation times and patellar cartilage volume were determined. ANOVA and multivariate regression models were used for statistical analysis of the association of MRI structural measures and trochlear morphology. RESULTS: Knees with a shallow trochlea showed higher patellofemoral degeneration (WORMS mean ±standard deviation, 11.2±0.5 versus 5.7±0.6; Multivariate regression, P<0.001) and lower patellar cartilage volume than controls (900±664mm(3) versus 1671±671mm(3); P<0.001). Knees with an abnormal medial-to-lateral facetal ratio (<0.4) showed increased patellofemoral WORMS scores (12.3±0.9 versus 8.3±0.5; P<0.001). Knees with an abnormal sulcus angle (>170°) also showed increased WORMS scores (12.2±1.1 versus 8.6±0.6; P=0.003). T(2) values at the patella were significantly lower in the dysplasia group with a shallow trochlea. However, significance was lost after adjustment for cartilage volume (P=0.673). CONCLUSION: Trochlear dysplasia, defined by a shallow trochlea, was associated with higher WORMS scores and lower cartilage volume, indicating more advanced osteoarthritis at the patellofemoral joint