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Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate true change in leg length after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) using three-dimensional (3D) assessments, examine the factors that influence leg lengthening and verify their validity in clinical practice. Methods Study 1: a retrospective case series simulation study, included 46 patients (55 knees) that underwent knee arthroplasty or HTO. OWHTO was simulated from preoperative computed tomography using 3D preoperative planning software. Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors related to change in leg length. Study 2: a retrospective case series study, included 53 patients (55 knees) that underwent OWHTO in another institution. Change in leg length was measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively and was compared with the predicted change in leg length calculated using the formula obtained from Study 1. Results Study 1: the true change in leg length significantly increased and showed a strong correlation with the opening width. The change in leg length was predicted using the formula “change in leg length = opening width × 0.75–1.5.” Study 2: the predicted change in leg length showed no significant difference from the change in leg length 1 year postoperatively and a strong correlation with the measured change. Conclusions The true change in leg length after OWHTO was predicted using the formula obtained from the 3D model. Predicting the change in leg length preoperatively can be a basis to consider other HTOs.

Background Locomotive syndrome (LS) is a predictive factor of future motor dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate the change in the total LS grade and, its the association with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score after total hip arthroplasty (THA) among patients with hip osteoarthritis. Methods This was a prospective case-control study of 72 patients who underwent primary THA. The functional outcomes were measured before, and at 6 and 12 months after THA. LS was evaluated using the following tests: stand-up test, 2-step test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). In addition, factors affecting the improvement of LS grade were examined. Results Prior to THA, 7% and 93% of patients were classified as LS grades 1 and 2. At 6 months after THA, an improvement in the total LS grade was observed in 57% of patients, with this percentage further increasing to 65% at 1 year. Only the preoperative GLFS-25 was correlated with the preoperative JOA hip scores. The postoperative GLFS-25 and the two-step test were correlated with the postoperative JOA hip scores. The preoperative functional reach test (FRT) was significantly correlated with the total LS grade improvement. Conclusions THA can improve the total LS grade in 65% of patients at 1 year postoperatively. Improvement was largely achieved in the first 6 months after THA, with a change from LS grade 2 to grade 1. FRT could be used an indicator of the total LS grade improvement.

BACKGROUND Postoperative gait speed, especially comfortable gait speed, is an important factor for predicting function after total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we examined factors related to gait speed, including preoperative lower and upper-limb functional parameters and postoperative lower-limb alignment. In addition, we examined factors related to postoperative good comfortable gait speed (≥1.34 m/s: one indicator of a good clinical outcome). The purpose of this study was to determine if better preoperative functional parameters had a positive effect on postoperative gait speed. METHODS This prospective case-control study included 91 patients with hip osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral THA. Patients who had undergone a prior hip surgical procedure or had Crowe type-3 and 4 hips, complications after THA, knee osteoarthritis-related pain, and severe lumbar conditions were excluded. The 1-leg standing time (OLST) and knee extensor strength of the operatively treated side and the contralateral side and the functional reach test were examined preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. The leg-length discrepancy and global offset compared with the contralateral side and leg lengthening were examined using 3-dimensional models captured through computed tomographic scans. RESULTS The preoperative contralateral side OLST was a significant factor (p < 0.001) for postoperative comfortable gait speed, and the preoperative contralateral-side knee extensor strength was a significant factor (p = 0.018) for postoperative maximum gait speed. Leg-length discrepancy and differences in global offset after THA were not significant factors for postoperative gait speed. The preoperative comfortable gait speed with a cutoff value of 1.115 m/s (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.690 [95% confidence interval, 0.569 to 0.810]; p = 0.003; sensitivity of 65.5% and specificity of 74.2%) was an independent factor associated with a good postoperative comfortable gait speed. Preoperative contralateral-side OLST was a significant factor (p = 0.027) for preoperative comfortable gait speed. CONCLUSIONS The preoperative contralateral-side, lower-limb functional status is a significant factor for postoperative gait speed. Early surgical intervention before the contralateral-side function declines or a preoperative rehabilitation intervention on the contralateral side may improve THA outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

There is limited understanding of anterior acetabular component overhang, which induces groin pain, in post-periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) hips during conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of the study were to determine the following: (1) the differences in the amount of acetabular component overhang among pre-PAO hips and post-PAO hips in simulating THA; (2) the factors associated with the amount of component overhang in THA following PAO; (3) whether high component placement with elevation of the hip center by 10 mm reduces the amount of component overhang compared to the anatomical component position in THA following PAO. Computer-based simulations of acetabular component implantation were performed using preoperative and postoperative CT data from 30 patients undergoing PAO. Implantation was performed thrice in each patient: in pre-PAO hips (anatomical component position) and post-PAO hips (anatomical and high component position). Component overhang was measured on the axial plane, which passes through the component center. Overhang was greater in post-PAO hips [mean (SD) overhang: 5.2 (2.9) mm, pre-PAO hips: 10.2 (4.6) mm, post-PAO hips-mean difference, 5.0 mm; p

A greater trochanteric fracture is a perioperative complication of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) via an anterolateral approach. Although surgeons determine risk factors in the preoperative planning phase, no study explored the relationship between the planned femoral implant and greater trochanter. This study attempts to determine the risk factors for perioperative greater trochanteric fractures in primary THA via an anterolateral approach.This retrospective single-institution study enrolled 440 patients (66 males and 374 females) who underwent primary THA via an anterolateral approach with a minimum follow-up of six months. First, we selected patients with perioperative greater trochanteric fractures, regardless of the need for additional surgery. Second, we investigated the risk factors for perioperative greater trochanteric fractures using the patients' demographic data, operative data, and femoral geometry data via univariate and multivariate analyses.Perioperative greater trochanteric fractures occurred in 30 joints (30/440, 6.8%), and all cases were reported in women. Multivariate analysis revealed that in cases where the top of the great trochanter was inside the longitudinal central axis of the planned femoral stem in three-dimensional templating (Type B) was the only independent risk factor for perioperative greater trochanteric fracture (odds ratio, 14.6; 95% confidence interval, 5.88-36.1; P 0.001).This study identified female sex and Type B femoral geometry as risk factors for perioperative greater trochanteric fracture via an anterolateral approach. Our results may reduce the incidence of perioperative greater trochanteric fractures associated with primary THA.

Background External contracture of the hip joint occurs with the progression of hip osteoarthritis. It can be easily imagined that improvement of the external contracture can be expected with the posterior approach as it dissociates the short external rotator muscle group and the posterior tissue. However, improvement of external contracture with the anterior approach, which does not dissociate the posterior tissue, is unclear. In this study, we examined the degree of external contracture improvement after anterolateral approach THA, its influencing factors, and the effect on lower limb function. Methods We prospectively examined 73 patients who underwent THA using an anterolateral approach for hip osteoarthritis of Crowe type 1 and 2. Lower limb rotation, leg lengthening, and various offsets in the natural position were measured using three-dimensional templating software based on computed tomography before and two weeks after surgery; factors related to lower limb rotation were investigated by multiple regression analysis. A functional evaluation, which are gait speed, knee extensor strength, functional reach test, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score, was performed one year after surgery. Results All functional outcomes significantly improved after THA. As for the setting of implants, the acetabular offset became shorter with the medialization of the cup as planned; the stem side could be compensated accordingly, and the global offset could be almost reproduced. The stem was inserted almost along the original anteversion. There were no postoperative dislocation cases. External contracture was improved by 4.7° ± 8.3° after anterolateral THA. Age and preoperative femoral external contracture were significant factors for the amount of improvement in femoral external contracture (adjusted R2: 0.492) and for the postoperative remaining external contracture (adjusted R2: 0.577), but they were not significantly correlated with lower limb function and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score 1 year after surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusion Even anterolateral approach THA, which does not dissociate the posterior tissue, improved postoperative external contracture of the hip joint by about five degrees, and the stronger the preoperative external contracture, the greater the improvement. However, there was no significant correlation with lower limb function one year after surgery.

Background:In total hip arthroplasty with computer navigation assistance, cup orientation is generally determined according to the coordinate system relative to the functional pelvic plane (FPP). However, there is a large difference in the cup anteversion between a posterior pelvic tilt relative to the computed tomography (CT) table in the sagittal plane and anterior pelvic tilt, even when the cup is set at the same orientation angle according to each FPP. The present study analysed this difference from the viewpoint of 3-dimensional (3D) coverage of the acetabular component (3D coverage) to determine how the 3D acetabular coverage is altered with changes in pelvic sagittal tilt.Methods:We analysed 3D-simulated acetabular coverage measured in 3D pelvic models reconstructed from the preoperative CT data of 50 patients. In each patient, we created 5 pelvic models with a sagittal tilt of 10° increments between 20° anterior tilt and 20° posterior tilt relative to the CT table.Results:We found that 3D coverage decreased as the pelvis tilted posteriorly. Particularly, there were significant differences between the pelvis with 20° anterior tilt and that with neutral tilt ( p < 0.001). There was also a difference between the pelvis with neutral tilt and that with a 20° posterior tilt ( p < 0.01). The mean decrease in 3D coverage between the pelvis with neutral tilt and that with 20° posterior tilt was 7.2 ± 1.6%.Conclusions:We found that 3D coverage differed among pelvis with different sagittal tilts when the cup orientation angle was determined according to FPP.

BACKGROUND Anterior overhang of the acetabular component is associated with iliopsoas impingement, which may cause groin pain and functional limitations after THA. However, little is known about the relationship between component overhang and functional alignment of the acetabular component. CT-based image simulation may be illuminating in learning more about this because CT images are more effective than radiographs for evaluating the component's overhang and position. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES Using CT simulations based on preoperative data of nondysplastic and dysplastic hips, we asked: (1) What are the differences in the amount of component overhang, defined as the mediolateral distance from the component's edge to the native acetabular bony boundary on axial images (axial overhang), and as the AP distance on sagittal images (sagittal overhang) among pelvises with neutral and posterior tilt (in which the cephalad portion of the pelvis is more posterior than the caudad portion in the sagittal plane) in patients with dysplastic hips and those with nondysplastic hips? (2) Are increments in the amount of component overhang associated with a difference in the likelihood that the iliopsoas tendon will impinge against the edge of the acetabular component, after controlling for native acetabular abduction and anteversion and the presence of dysplasia? METHODS A total of 128 hips (dysplastic group: 73 hips; nondysplastic group: 55 hips) were evaluated. We defined a dysplastic hip as one with a lateral center-edge angle of less than 20° on AP radiographs. Pelvic models with neutral (0°) and 10° and 20° of posterior tilt were created from CT data. In simulations, acetabular component models were implanted into the true acetabulum with a tilt-adjusted orientation angle that was defined as the component's angle based on a reference for the functional pelvic plane (coronal plane of the body) in each pelvic model. Axial and sagittal component overhang were measured on CT images. Axial overhang of at least 12 mm and sagittal overhang of at least 4 mm were defined as thresholds increasing the likelihood of iliopsoas impingement according to previous studies. When determining the amount of overhang of the acetabular component, we controlled for abduction and anteversion of the native acetabulum and the presence of dysplasia by performing a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS In dysplastic hips, axial overhang increased by a mean ± SD of 5 ± 1 mm (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.7-5.1) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 5 ± 1 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.9-5.3) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. Sagittal overhang increased by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.0) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.0) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. In nondysplastic hips, axial overhang increased by a mean of 5 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.7-5.0) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 5 ± 1 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.6-5.0) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. Sagittal overhang increased by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. After controlling for the presence of dysplasia, we found that native acetabular abduction and anteversion and posterior pelvic tilt, presence of dysplasia (p = 0.030; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6), native acetabular anteversion (p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5), and 10° and 20° of backward tilt compared with 0° of tilt (10° of posterior tilt: p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 15; 95% CI, 5.5-41; 20° of posterior tilt: p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 333; 95% CI, 96-1157) were independently associated with axial overhang of at least 12 mm; the model showed high goodness of fit (Nagelkerke's r = 0.68). In contrast, native acetabular anteversion (p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2) and 20° of backward tilt compared with 0° of tilt (p = 0.015; adjusted OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0) were independently associated with sagittal overhang of at least 4 mm; the model had low goodness of fit (Nagelkerke's r = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS Acetabular component overhang is more severe when the pelvis tilts posteriorly. Moreover, posterior pelvic tilt, the presence of dysplasia, and higher native acetabular anteversion were independently associated with an increased risk of component overhang. When 20° of posterior tilt was adjusted, the risk of severe overhang was especially increased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Based on these results, surgeons can attempt to prevent severe overhang in patients with posterior pelvic tilt by increasing component anteversion and abduction; when component anteversion is increased by 8° and abduction is increased by 2° from the target angle of 15° of anteversion and 40° of abduction in patients with posterior tilt of 20°, the risk of severe overhang is reduced to by approximately one-twentieth. However, it is still unclear how much the degree of component anteversion should be increased when surgeons attempt to prevent anterior prosthetic dislocation at the same time. Future studies such as prospective clinical trials evaluating both prosthetic dislocation and iliopsoas impingement in patients with posterior tilt might clarify this issue.

Background Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an intermediate tumor commonly arising from the epiphysis of the distal femur and proximal tibia. Standard GCTB treatment is joint-preserving surgery performed using thorough curettage and the filling of the cavity with allo-, auto-, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or synthetic bone graft. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is an artificial bone substitute, which has the benefit of being able to adjust defects, consequently inducing immediate mechanical strength, and promoting biological healing. Secondary osteoarthritis may occur following GCTB treatment and may need additional surgery if severe. However, details regarding surgery for secondary osteoarthritis have not been fully elucidated. There are no reports on the use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of secondary osteoarthritis following CPC packing. The insertion of an alignment rod is a standard procedure in TKA; however, it was difficult to perform in this case due to CPC. Therefore, we used a computed tomography (CT)-free navigation system to assist the distal femur cut. This study presents a knee joint secondary osteoarthritis case following CPC packing for GCTB curettage that was treated with standard TKA. Case presentation A 67-year-old Japanese woman, who was previously diagnosed with left distal femur GCTB and was treated by curettage and CPC packing 7 years ago, complained of severe knee pain. Left knee joint plain radiography revealed Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grade 4 osteoarthritis without evidence of tumor recurrence. Therefore, she was scheduled for TKA. There are no reports on the cutting of a femoral condyle surface with massive CPC with accurate alignment. Because it is difficult to insert the alignment rod intramedullary and cut the femoral condyle with CPC, we planned CT-free navigation-guided surgery for accurate bone cutting using an oscillating tip saw system to prevent CPC cracks. We performed standard TKA without complications, as planned. Postoperative X-ray showed normal alignment. Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) ameliorated from 27 and 29 to 64 and 68, respectively The patient can walk without a cane postoperatively. Conclusion There was no report about the surface TKA guided by CT-free navigation after primary GCT surgery with CPC. We believe that this case report will help in planning salvage surgery for secondary osteoarthritis after CPC packing.

BACKGROUND: We developed iodine-coated titanium implants to suppress microbial activity and prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI); their efficacy was demonstrated in animal and in vitro models. The iodine content in iodine-coated implants naturally decreases in vivo. However, to our knowledge, the effect of reduced iodine content on the implant’s antimicrobial activity has not been evaluated to date. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How much does the iodine content on the implant surface decrease after 4 and 8 weeks in vivo in a rat model? (2) What effect does the reduced iodine content have on the antimicrobial effect of the implant against multiple bacteria in an in vitro model? METHODS: This experiment was performed in two parts: an in vivo experiment to determine attenuation of iodine levels over time in rats, and an in vitro experiment in which we sought to assess whether the reduced iodine content observed in the in vivo experiment was still sufficient to deliver antimicrobial activity against common pathogens seen in PJI. For the in vivo experiment, three types of titanium alloy washers were implanted in rats: untreated (Ti), surface-anodized to produce an oxide film (Ti-O), and with an iodine layer on the oxidation film (Ti-I). The attenuation of iodine levels in rats was measured over time using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Herein, only the Ti-I washer was used, with five implanted in each rat that were removed after 4 or 8 weeks. For the 4- and 8-week models, two rats and 15 washers were used. For the in vitro study, to determine the antibacterial effect, three types of washers (Ti, Ti-O, and Ti-I) (nine washers in total) were implanted in each rat. Then, the washers were removed and the antibacterial effect of each washer was examined on multiple bacterial species using the spread plate method and fluorescence microscopy. For the spread plate method, six rats were used, and five rats were used for the observation using fluorescence microscopy; further, 4- and 8-week models were made for each method. Thus, a total of 22 rats and 198 washers were used. Live and dead bacteria in the biofilm were stained, and the biofilm coverage percentage for quantitative analysis was determined using fluorescence microscopy in a nonblinded manner. Ti-I was used as the experimental group, and Ti and Ti-O were used as control groups. The total number of rats and washers used throughout this study was 24 and 213, respectively. RESULTS: Iodine content in rats implanted with Ti-I samples decreased to 72% and 65% after the in vivo period of 4 and 8 weeks, respectively (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the in vitro experiment, the Ti-I implants demonstrated a stronger antimicrobial activity than Ti and Ti-O implants in the 4- and 8-week models. Both the median number of bacterial colonies and the median biofilm coverage percentage with live bacteria on Ti-I were lower than those on Ti or Ti-O implants for each bacterial species in the 4- and 8-week models. There was no difference in the median biofilm coverage percentage of dead bacteria. In the 8-week model, the antibacterial activity using the spread plate method had median (interquartile range) numbers of bacteria on the Ti, Ti-O, and Ti-I implants of 112 (104 to 165) × 10(5), 147 (111 to 162) × 10(5), and 55 (37 to 67) × 10(5) of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (Ti-I versus Ti, p = 0.026; Ti-I versus Ti-O, p = 0.009); 71 (39 to 111) × 10(5), 50 (44 to 62) × 10(5), and 26 (9 to 31)× 10(5) CFU of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (Ti-I versus Ti, p = 0.026; Ti-I versus Ti-O, p = 0.034); and 77 (74 to 83) × 10(6), 111 (95 to 117) × 10(6), and 30 (21 to 45) × 10(6) CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ti-I versus Ti, p = 0.004; Ti-I versus Ti-O, p = 0.009). Despite the decrease in the iodine content of Ti-I after 8 weeks, it demonstrated better antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria than the Ti and Ti-O implants. CONCLUSION: Iodine-coated implants retained their iodine content and antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa for 8 weeks in vivo in rats. To evaluate the longer-lasting antibacterial efficacy, further research using larger infected animal PJI models with implants in the joints of both males and females is desirable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Iodine-coated titanium implants displayed an antibacterial activity for 8 weeks in rats in vivo. Although the findings in a rat model do not guarantee efficacy in humans, they represent an important step toward clinical application.

Objectives Although both sarcopenia and hip disease decrease physical function, few studies have investigated the association. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and examined the impact of sarcopenia on pre- and postoperative outcomes. Methods This prospective study included 96 females. Participants were classified using two criteria. Cases defined as having sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria were categorized as the AWGS-sarcopenia (A-S) group, and others were categorized as the AWGS-non-sarcopenia (A-NS) group. Those classified by hand grip strength (HGS) constituted the lower-HGS (L-H) and normal-HGS (N-H) groups. Patient demographics, physical function, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were compared between each group. Results The prevalence of the AWGS sarcopenia was 33.3%. In the pre- and postoperative analyses, the L-H group had significantly poorer physical function and JOA score than the N-H group. Postoperatively, the A-S group only demonstrated poorer HGS. Conclusion Preoperative physical function and JOA score was significantly poorer in the L-H group; physical function was significantly poorer even postoperatively. A HGS test is useful for detecting a decline in the pre- and postoperative physical function in females with hip osteoarthritis.

Background Subcutaneous adipose tissue represents an abundant source of multipotent adult stem cells named as Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). With a cell sheet approach, ADSCs survive longer, and can be delivered in large quantities. We investigated whether intra-articular ADSC sheets attenuated osteoarthritis (OA) progression in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. Methods Fabricating medium containing ascorbate-2-phosphate was used to enhance collagen protein secretion by the ADSCs to make ADSC sheets. At 4 weeks after ACLT, autologous ADSC sheets were injected intra-articularly into the right knee (ADSC sheets group), and autologous cell death sheets treated by liquid nitrogen were injected into the left knee (control group). Subsequent injections were administered once weekly. Femoral condyles were compared macroscopically and histologically. Results Macroscopically, OA progression was significantly milder in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups. Histologically, control knees showed obvious erosions in the medial and lateral condyles, while cartilage was retained predominantly in the ADSC sheets group. Immunohistochemically, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 were less expressive in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups. Conclusions Periodic ADSC sheets injections inhibited articular cartilage degeneration without inducing any adverse effects. A large quantity of autologous ADSCs delivered by cell sheets homed to the synovium and protected chondrocytes.

This report is the first study to compare the clinical outcomes between cementless and cemented femoral prostheses in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV hips. We identified 26 hips in 20 patients who had undergone cemented (n = 13) or cementless (n = 13) THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV hips with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. The mean follow-up period was 60.8 ± 33.9 months (24–120 months). We compared radiological findings, postoperative clinical recoveries, postoperative complications, and implant survival rates. In both groups, there were no cases of aseptic loosening for the acetabular and femoral implant. In terms of bone union at the osteotomy site, the mean duration was significantly longer in the cemented group (9.8 ± 4.2 months) than in the cementless group (5.0 ± 1.9 months). The clinical hip score in gait and pain at 3 months postoperatively was significantly higher in the cemented group than in the cementless group, while there were no significant changes at other timepoints between two groups. The number of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups. The implant survival rate was 92% in the cementless group and 100% in the cemented group at 5 years postoperatively (P = 0.31). The cemented femoral prosthesis is superior to the cementless femoral prosthesis for early clinical recovery, while the duration required to achieve bone union at the osteotomy site is longer in the cemented femoral prostheses. It is possible for surgeons to perform successful hip reconstructions, regardless of the fixation method used for THA with shortening femoral osteotomy.

Purpose:The mechanisms underlying thigh pain in patients with well-fixed cementless femoral components after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. We hypothesized that the thigh pain is correlated with the initial contact state of the stem and aimed to investigate the relation between thigh pain and the initial contact state.Materials and methods:A total of 209 hips of 184 patients were analysed in this retrospective case–control study. The patients were divided into a thigh pain group ( n = 13 hips) and a control group (without thigh pain, n = 196). Post-operative stem contact images were three-dimensionally visualized by a density mapping function using computed tomography data, which quantified the stem contact area according to Gruen zones. Thigh pain was defined as anterior or anterolateral pain upon loading at 3-month post-operatively.Results:Thirteen hips (6.2%) had thigh pain; however, all the hips demonstrated stable bony ingrowth radiographically. The thigh pain group had a significantly lower contact area in zone 2 ( p = 0.014). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the contact area of zone 2 was negatively correlated with thigh pain [odds ratio (OR): 0.858, p = 0.018], and the canal flare index was negatively correlated with the development of thigh pain (OR: 0.336, p = 0.026).Conclusions:We identified an association between the initial contact state and post-operative thigh pain. Our data demonstrated that proper lateral contact prevents the occurrence of thigh pain in THA using a tapered wedge stem.

Background: A few previous studies have investigated patient satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty (THA) according to the degree of pelvic deformity. This study compared patient-reported outcomes following primary THA for Crowe types Ⅲ, Ⅳ and I dysplasia.Methods: This was the retrospective case-control study assessed patients who underwent primary THA by a single surgeon at a single institution from 2008 to 2016. We sent postal questionnaires to 38 patients with Crowe type III and IV dysplasia. Among the questionnaire respondents, 23 patients, excluding cases with a follow-up period of less than 1 year, were enrolled as the H group. The control group included 46 patients with Crowe type I, matched for sex, age, body mass index and surgical approach. To investigate the influence of femoral shortening osteotomy, the H group was divided according to whether or not femoral shortening osteotomy was performed. Ten patients underwent THA with femoral shortening osteotomy (FO group), while 12 patients underwent THA without femoral shortening osteotomy (N-FO group). Patient demographics, average follow-up period, surgical information, pre- and postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD), and perioperative complications were investigated. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, 36-item short-form survey (SF-36), net promotor score (NPS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and questionnaires. The VAS and SF-36 was acquired at only final follow-up. Results: The H and control groups were not significantly different in the postoperative JOA scores and SF-36. In the H group, VAS at the final follow-up was significantly higher, and significantly more patients felt that postoperative rehabilitation was serious, expressing that they underwent THA for LLD correction. Additionally, VAS in the FO group was higher than those in the N-FO group. Postoperative LLD was significantly greater in the H group than in the control group. Each group had the NPS of over 50.Conclusion: The postoperative VAS was higher in Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ dysplasia than in Crowe type I dysplasia, but there were no significant differences in the postoperative satisfaction, JOA score and SF-36. The findings may help explain the effects of THA preoperatively to patients with Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ dysplasia.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level 3b

In THA, using a larger femoral head can increase the oscillation angle and jumping distance. However, there have been no reports which indicate precisely how increasing the jumping distance leads to an increase in the angle from impingement to dislocation (jumping angle). In this study, we clarified the jumping angle of various head diameters and its relationship with pelvic morphology. Using a three-dimensional templating system, virtual THA and ROM simulations were performed in 82 patients. We investigated the distance between bony and prosthetic impingement points and the head centre and calculated the jumping angle for various head diameters. We measured various pelvic shapes and length to clarify the relationship between pelvic morphology and impingement distance. Jumping angles were 7.7° ± 3.2°, 12.1° ± 1.6°, 15.4° ± 2.5° and 10.0° ± 3.0° with flexion, internal rotation with 90° flexion (IR), extension and external rotation (ER), respectively, when we used a 22-mm head diameter. Bony jumping angle increased about 0.5°, 0.8°, 1.0° and 0.7° per 2-mm increase in head diameter with flexion, IR, extension and ER. On the other hand, prosthetic jumping angle remained almost stable at about 31°. Impingement distance was related to pelvic morphology in all directions. Bony jumping angles differed with ROM; the biggest was seen with extension, followed by IR, ER and flexion. On the other hand, bony jumping angle was less than prosthetic jumping angle in all cases. Bony jumping angles differed with ROM; the biggest was seen with extension, followed by IR, ER and flexion. Prosthetic impingement angles were stable. In addition, the bony jumping angle was less than the prosthetic jumping angle in all cases.

Past reports showed good mid-term results of RHA for Japanese patients. However, few reports have compared the mid- to long-term results for RHA in Japanese patients with and without osteoarthritis. Therefore, this study investigated the mid- to long-term results of RHA in Japanese patients with osteoarthritis compared to those without. We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 92 hips in 80 patients (59 men and 21 women). The minimum follow-up period was 5 years. The JOA hip scoring system was used to clinically evaluate hip function. In the radiological assessment, stem-shaft angle, inclination of the acetabular component, postoperative complications, and adverse reactions around RHA were evaluated. The 10-year survival rate using the Kaplan-Meier method was investigated to compare patients with and without osteoarthritis. A significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative JOA hip scores of either group. Also, the radiological assessment revealed no significant changes in either group. All three revision THAs were performed on patients in the only non-osteoarthritis group. In the osteoarthritis group, the 10-year survival rate was 94% (95% CI 81.8-100) in males and 100% (95% CI 100) for females; in the non-osteoarthritis group, the rate was 80% (95% CI 55.1-100) in males and 66.7% (95% CI 13.3-100) for females. In conclusion, this study showed good mid- to long-term clinical results for young Japanese osteoarthritis patients, with less satisfactory mid- to long-term results in patients without osteoarthritis.

Background One of the serious postoperative complications associated with joint replacement is bacterial infection. In our recent investigations, iodine supported titanium implants demonstrated antibacterial activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The surfaces of the implants have porous anodic oxide layer with the antiseptic properties of iodine. According to the literature the titanium with porous anodic oxide have good osteoconductivity. But it is not clear whether the properties of iodine influence bone bonding of implants. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the properties of iodine and porous anodic oxide layer in the bone bonding ability of titanium implants. Study design & methods Titanium rods were implanted in intramedullary rabbit femur models, in regard to the cementless hip stem. The implant rods were 5 mm in diameter and 25 mm in length. Three types of titanium rods were implanted.One was untreated titanium (control group (CL)), another was titanium with oxide layer without iodine (oxide layer group (OL)), and the other was Iodine treated Titanium (iodine group (ID)). The rods were inserted into the distal femur. We assessed the bonding strength by a measuring pull-out test at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation. The bone-implant interfaces were evaluated at 4 weeks after implantation. Results Pull-out test results of the ID implants were 202, 355, and 344 N, and those of the OL implants were 220, 310, 329 N at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, significantly higher than those of the CL implants (102, 216, and 227 N). But there were no significant difference in ID implants and OL implants. Histological examination revealed that new bone formed on the surface of each types of implants, but significantly more bone made direct contact with the surfaces of the ID implants and OL implants. Conclusions This research showed that new type of coating, iodine coated titanium has low toxicity and good osteoconductivity.

Limb lengthening after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reported in some cases, all of which were evaluated using two-dimensional images. To our knowledge, no case has been evaluated using three-dimensional (3D) images. We investigated 3D limb lengthening after TKA.We simulated 100 varus knees using 3D templating software. Virtual TKA was performed to maintain the original joint line by conducting a measured-resection technique. We examined the relationships of 3D distance between the femoral head center and ankle center before and after TKA, degree of hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) improvement, and degree of flexion contracture angle improvement.All cases showed limb lengthening (average, 9.4 ± 6.0 mm). The coefficients of correlation with limb lengthening and the degree of HKA improvement and the degree of flexion contracture angle improvement were good (0.730 and 0.751, respectively). The correlation between the degree of total improvement (the degree of HKA improvement + the degree of flexion contracture angle improvement) and limb lengthening was strong (r = 0.896).The expected limb lengthening when performing measured-resection TKA is expressed as 0.58 × (the degree of HKA improvement + the degree of flexion contracture angle improvement) mm and is a useful index.

A computed tomography (CT)-based hip navigation system is a useful tool for achieving precise implant alignment angle. However, it has the disadvantage of prolonged procedure duration. A prolonged procedure duration may increase the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) or periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary THA. Studies identifying whether CT-based hip navigation system increases the incidence of SSI and PJI compared to the free-hand technique for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare. The study aimed to assess whether the CT-based hip navigation system can cause SSI and PJI compared to the free-hand technique. We investigated 366 patients with osteoarthritis who completed the minimum 2-year follow-up and underwent primary THAs (n = 435), including 70 hips in 62 patients of the non-navigation group and 365 hips in 304 patients of the navigation group. We compared the incidence rate of SSI and PJI between the non-navigation group and navigation group. Only three patients in the navigation group (0.8%) developed SSI or PJI, while no patient developed SSI or PJI in the non-navigation group. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of SSI or PJI between the two groups (P = 1.0), although the mean operation time in the navigation group was about 20 min longer. CT-based hip navigation system may not be associated with SSI or PJI after primary THA, although it prolongs the operation time.

Background: A few previous studies have investigated patient satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty (THA) according to the degree of pelvic deformity. This study compared patient-reported outcomes following primary THA for Crowe types Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and I dysplasia.Methods: Questionnaires were sent to patients who underwent primary THA for Crowe type III and IV dysplasia to evaluate postoperative satisfaction. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in the high hip dislocation group (H group), while the control group had 46 patients with Crowe type I dysplasia. To investigate the influence of femoral shortening osteotomy, the H group was divided according to whether or not femoral shortening osteotomy was performed. Ten patients underwent THA with femoral shortening osteotomy (FO group), while 12 patients underwent THA without femoral shortening osteotomy (N-FO group). Clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, 36-item short-form survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS), and questionnaires. Results: Postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) was significantly greater in the H group than in the control group. The H and control groups were not significantly different in terms of the pre- and postoperative JOA scores and SF-36. In the H group, VAS score at the final follow-up was significantly higher, and significantly more patients felt that postoperative rehabilitation was serious, expressing that they underwent THA for LLD correction. In addition, VAS scores in the FO group were higher than those in the N-FO group.Conclusion: The postoperative VAS score was higher in Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ dysplasia than in Crowe type I dysplasia, but there were no significant differences in the postoperative satisfaction, JOA score, and SF-36. These findings can help determine the need for THA in patients with Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ dysplasia and can preoperatively predict the THA outcomes.

This study investigated the influence of the rotation of innominate bone on anterior pelvic plane (APP) tilt, the angle formed by the APP, and coronal plane of the body to determine whether the provision of proper information about the sagittal balance of the body by the value of the APP tilt (APPT). In total, 244 patients (171 females, 73 males) who were candidates for total hip or knee arthroplasty, periacetabular osteotomy, or shelf arthroplasty were included. The rotational angle of the innominate bone was quantified using computed tomography images at the level of the anterior superior, and anterior inferior iliac spine, and ischiopubic portion. Clustering analysis was performed to identify subtypes of innominate bone rotation. High, intermediate, and low internal rotational alignment groups were identified in females, characterized by rotational angles. Males were treated as one group, and no intergroup differences were observed in sacral slope (SS) and pelvic incidence. However, intergroup differences in APPT were found, indicating a variation in APPT irrespective of sagittal body balance. A negligible relationship between SS and APPT was observed in the high-internal-rotation group, intermediate-internal-rotation group, and male group, whereas a moderate correlation found in the low-internal-rotation group (r = .59). The results could suggest surgeons that the value of the APPT provides no information on the sagittal balance; therefore, it may be ignored for acetabular component positioning during preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty.

Past reports have shown the tendency of posterior pelvic tilt to increase over time after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We have hypothesized that the volume and extent of released joint capsule may influence the change in postoperative pelvic tilt. This study was conducted to ascertain whether surgical approach during THA (posterior or anterior) has an effect on postoperative changes in pelvic tilt. We conducted a retrospective review of 81 hips in 60 patients. Patients classified as Crowe group 2, 3, and 4, those who had multiple previous compression fractures, and those with spinal fusion due to spinal arthrosis were excluded. Also, those who had previously undergone THA or total hip resurfacing also were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups, those with preoperative anterior pelvic tilt and those with posterior tilt. Preoperative and postoperative X-rays and CT scans for each group were assessed to determine the chronological change in pelvic tilt, and the data were statistically analyzed for patients who had experienced both the posterior and anterior approaches. Regardless of surgical approach, there was no significant difference in the mean change in postoperative APP angle over time in either the bilateral or unilateral cases or in the groups of preoperative anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. Our results showed that surgical approach does not influence postoperative pelvic tilt after THA. In preoperative planning for THA, therefore, surgeons may need not to consider the difference of surgical approach with regard to postoperative changes in pelvic tilt.

Background Dual mobility cup (DMC) inserts reduce the risk of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). No available research has clearly delineated stability advantages of DMC inserts in primary and revision THA. We investigated: (i) the degree of change in the safe zone of the cup when a DMC insert is used compared to a fixed insert; (ii) the method of selecting candidates for a DMC insert without changing the position of the acetabular (cup) component during revision THA in frequent dislocation cases caused by implant impingement. Methods A model of the pelvis and femur was developed from computed tomography images. The safe zone was defined as the area in the acetabular component, over which conditions for stable range of motion were satisfied. The safe zone was calculated for both a fixed and a DMC insert over a predetermined range of 3-D motion, and the effect of increasing the anteversion position of the femoral component from 5° to 35° was quantified. Results The lowest ratio of the area of the safe zone was about 4.9 at 20° anteverison of the femoral component. Safe zone of DMC inserts zone had increased stability of 10°-15° in both vertical and horizontal directions, compared to fixed inserts. A 5- to10-fold expansion of the safe zone can be expected with the use of DMC insert. Conclusions DMC insert could help to set the acetabular component more accurately in primary and revision THA.

Background Implantation of Kerboull acetabular reinforcement cross-plates (Kerboull plate) carries a risk for injury to vascular structures and pelvic organs. To our knowledge, there is no study assessing anatomical assessment related to this risk with this specific design. Therefore, we performed a prospective study to answer the following four questions: 1) What is the minimum distance and angle between the plate and iliac vessels? 2) What is the distance between the plate and the inner cortex of the ilium? 3) What is the ratio of views with muscle tissue present on the inner surface of the ilium? 4) What are the boundaries of the safe zone for transacetabular screw fixation for a Kerboull plate? Hypothesis A safe zone for fixation screws would be defined by a narrow range of insertion angles. Materials and methods This is a CT-based 3D templating prospective study. Simulations were performed for 18 patients fitted with a Kerboull plate. An original Kerboull plate (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA) was placed at a 45° abduction angle relative to the X-axis (alignment A) and the palette was placed vertically to the X-axis (alignment B). We measured the distance from the centre of the plate to the inner surface of the cortex of the ilium, the shortest distance to vessels and the angle of existing vessels, and the ratio of muscles on the inner surface of the ilium. Results The shortest distance to the vascular structures increased with increasing angle of insertion of the fixation screws, 85.8 ± 12.1 mm for A and 111.4 ± 12.0 mm for B at 45°. The distance to the inner cortex was further increased for screws inserted in posterior direction. At insertion angles ≥ 40°, the screws passed through muscle before invading the pelvis in most cases. However, at anterior-posterior angle (AP angles) ≤ −10°, the risk of direct insertion of screws into the sacroiliac joint increased. Discussion The safe zone for transacetabular screws would be insertion at an angle ≥ 40°, with an AP angle between 0° and −10° (slight posterior direction). Level of evidence Level IV prospective diagnostic study.

Background There have been no studies on the differences in impingement-free angle that result from different combined anteversion (CA) patterns. The aim of this study was to find the optimal CA pattern for achieving a favorable impingement-free angle, including bony and prosthetic impingement, in total hip arthroplasty. Methods We evaluated 100 patients with no hip arthritis. We investigated the impingement-free angle (flexion, internal rotation with 90° flexion, extension, and external rotation) after changing the stem and cup anteversions to satisfy several CA patterns [cup anteversion + stem anteversion = 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°; cup anteversion + 0.7 × stem anteversion = 37.3° (:Widmer's theory); and cup anteversion + 0.77 × stem anteversion = 43.3° (:Yoshimine's theory)] using 3-dimensional templating software. Results The impingement-free angle changed dramatically among the various CA patterns. The optimal CA was changed by various stem anteversion. Only CA: Widmer with stem anteversion of 20° satisfied daily-life range of motion (ROM) requirements (flexion ≥130°, internal rotation with 90° flexion ≥ 45°, extension ≥ 40°, external rotation ≥ 40°). Conclusion Good impingement-free angle cannot be obtained with single fixed CA. Different CA patterns should be used, depending on the differences in the stem anteversion. A CA of 30° with 0° ≤ stem anteversion ≤10°; a CA:Widmer with 20° of stem anteversion; a CA of 40° or Widmer with 30° of stem anteversion. When stem anteversion is ≥40°, CA should be decided by each patient's state. Among them, a stem anteversion of 20° with cup anteversion of 23.3° was found to be the best CA pattern.

The influence of stem sagittal alignment on clinical outcomes is unclear in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between stem sagittal alignment and clinical and radiographic outcomes using 3D-CT. We performed 370 consecutive primary THAs between 2009 and 2013. After exclusion, 102 hips in 89 patients using single tapered-wedge stem were included. Mean follow-up was 4.7 years. Stem sagittal alignment was measured using CT, and patients were divided into flexion and neutral alignment groups. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared between two groups. Furthermore, we evaluated the anterior femoral offset and initial contact state. There were no significant differences in clinical or radiographic outcomes between two groups. CT data analysis and multiple regression analysis showed flexion alignment increased anterior femoral offset (AFO) and Gruen zone 4 contact area. There was no significant difference in clinical or radiographic outcomes between flexion and neutral alignment of the tapered-wedge stem at an average of 4.7 years of follow-up. The increase of AFO and distal contact area in flexion alignment could affect the improvement of impingement-free range of flexion and intraoperative fracture.

Great toe dislocation frequently occurs at the metatarsophalangeal joint. However, an irreducible dislocation of the great toe interphalangeal (IP) joint due to an accessory sesamoid bone is relatively unusual. A 23-year-old woman suffered a dislocated IP joint of the left great toe. The distal phalanx was plantar subluxated, and the articular surface was misaligned. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography images did not indicate any factors inhibiting reduction. In addition, the sesamoid bone at the IP joint was found to be rotated in the long-axis direction. The sesamoid bone of the IP joint was hooked from the distal direction and occupied the intercondylar area. IP joint of the left great toe was flexed and the distal phalanx was pushed toward the proximal phalanx during reduction locking with fluoroscopic guidance under local anesthesia, and the dislocation was successfully reduced. The sesamoid bone at the IP joint is anatomically located dorsal to the flexor hallucis longus tendon and volar plate. The sesamoid bone fitted exactly in the distal intercondylar area. The sesamoid bone in our patient could be rotated by forcible plantar flexion of the IP joint displaced proximally and hooked into the intercondylar area from the proximal aspect. Then, the distal phalanx was pulled proximally through the volar plate. This is the first report on a plantar dislocation of the IP joint.

There is no documented maximum amount that an extremity can be safely lengthened in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) without neurologic or soft tissue complications. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent primary THA with acute limb lengthening and investigated the safety range for acute limb lengthening in primary THA. This study included 61 hips in 52 patients who underwent primary THA with acute limb lengthening (more than 2.5 cm) without femoral shortening osteotomy. The amount of lengthening was measured from pre-operative and post-operative X-ray films using computer graphics software, then the ratios of the amount of lengthening to femoral length (L/F ratio = amount of lengthening / femoral shaft length × 100) were calculated. We investigated correlation with nerve and soft tissue complications at operation in regard to this index. The average amount of lengthening was 3.0 cm (2.5 to 4.8). The average L/F ratio was 7.9 (6.2 to 12.9). There were seven nerve complications and two soft tissue complications in the whole series. In all nine complications, eight indicated higher L/F ratios than 8.7. Altogether, 12 hips indicated a higher L/F ratio than 8.7; 66% of them showed neurological or soft tissue problems. ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value of the L/F ratio was 8.7, which predicted acute lengthening-related complications with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 92.3% (AUC = 0.88). The patients who underwent THA with acute lengthening of more than 8.7% of femoral shaft length are at high risk of complications caused by acute limb lengthening in primary THA.

Traditionally, Charcot arthropathy has been considered an absolute contraindication for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, some recent reports have shown that good short- to mid-term results can be achieved by improving the durability of the implant. This paper reports the mid- to long-term results of THA in two patients with Charcot hip joints caused by congenital insensivity to pain with anhydrosis. Both patients suffered multiple posterior dislocations in the six months immediately following surgery. However, with the continuous use of a hard abduction brace, one patient was eventually able to walk with a lofstrand cane and the other with the use of one crutch. Although one patient experienced a dislocation five years after surgery, X-rays taken after nine years and five years, respectively, revealed no clinical signs of implant loosening. We conclude that, with careful planning and appropriate precautions, THA may be a viable treatment option for Charcot hip joints caused by congenital insensivity to pain with anhydrosis.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of initial bone cutting of the distal femur and the proximal tibia in TKA using an image-free navigation system. Methods: From February 2006 to March 2013, we evaluated 60 knees in 50 patients using an image-free navigation system (Navigation: Stryker Navigation Cart System; Software: Stryker Knee Navigation; Ver2.0: Stryker Orthopaedics US NJ Mahwah). First, we measured the angle shown by the navigation system before cutting, at the time we set the jig. Second, we measured the angles shown by navigation after the bone was cut using the jig. Then, we compared these two angles for each patient to determine the bone cutting error. Results: In the distal femur, 37 of 60 knees were cut in an extended position in the sagittal plane, and 26 of 60 knees were cut in a varus in the coronal plane. In the proximal tibia, 29 of 60 knees were cut with decreased posterior slope in the sagittal plane, and 26 of 60 knees were cut in a valgus. Conclusions: In this study, the distal femur tended to be cut in an extended and a varus position and the proximal tibia did with decreased posterior slope and in a valgus position after initial bone cutting. It is necessary to note the initial cutting error in TKA. Since cutting errors affect postoperative outcome, we should cut bones several times. And as the reasons of the cause of the error, we propose new reason that cutting bone is not parallel with accuracy to AP axis.

Purpose During total knee arthroplasty, few rotating reference axes can be reliably used after tibial resection. We speculated that a line that passes through the lateral edge of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) at its tibial attachment after resection and the most prominent point of the tibial tubercle [after-tibial resection (ATR) line] will provide a good reference axis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between ATR and Akagi’s lines. Materials and methods In this case–control simulation study, we retrospectively evaluated 38 patients with varus knee and 28 patients with valgus knee. We defined the reference cutting plane as 10 mm distal from the lateral articular surface of the tibia in varus group and as 7 mm distal from the medial articular surface in the valgus group. We measured angles between Akagi’s line and the ATR line (ATR line angle) as well as between Akagi’s line and 1/3 Akagi’s line (1/3 Akagi’s line angle), which passes through the midpoint of PCL and the medial third of the patellar tendon. We used paired t-tests to determine the significance of differences between these angles, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for the reproducibility of 1/3 Akagi’s line angle and ATR line angle were analyzed by two surgeons. Results We found that 1/3 Akagi’s line angle was 10.2° ± 1.3° in the varus group and 10.9° ± 1.3° in the valgus group (p = 0.017). The ATR line was positioned externally compared with Akagi’s line in all patients. Mean ATR line angles at 0°, 3° and 7° posterior slopes were 6.1° ± 1.9°, 5.8° ± 2.0° and 6.0° ± 1.7° in the varus group and 6.3° ± 2.3°, 6.2° ± 2.3° and 5.4° ± 2.1° in the valgus group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the ATR line angle between the varus and valgus groups. (p = 0.34–0.67) Intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for the reproducibility of 1/3 Akagi’s line angle were 0.936 and 0.986 and those for the reproducibility of ATR line angle were 0.811 and 0.839. Conclusions The ATR line was positioned between Akagi’s line and 1/3 Akagi’s line in all patients and was a valid option for evaluating rotational tibial alignment after tibial resection.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) pie-crusting technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the methods of medial release. The effects and risks of blade pie-crusting have been reported in previous studies. However, only a few have reported the safety and efficacy of needle pie-crusting. In this cadaveric study, we quantitatively evaluated the amount of gap change by MCL needle pie-crusting. We investigated five knees of four fresh human cadavers and performed posterior-stabilized TKA. Only deep MCL release as the medial release was conducted. We punctured the MCL from the deep layer to the superficial layer using a 18 G needle in a 90-degree flexion position for 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, and 100 times. Medial and lateral gaps were measured accurately with a balancer at determined times in 0 and 90-degree flexion positions. Changes in medial and lateral gaps were not significant differences in flexion and extension position. However, in 90-degree flexion, medial gap changes were tended to be larger than lateral gap changes. A 0.6 mm additional medial release and a 0.2 mm additional lateral release were found per 10 times pie crust in flexion position (100 times, p: 0.08). However, large differences existed among the cases. Needle pie-crusting is safer than blade pie-crusting because of the small efficacy of one-time pie crust. MCL needle pie-crusting showed varied effects for each case. This result indicates the risk of relaxation of an unexpected gap. Caution should be taken when choosing between needle pie-crusting and blade pie-crusting.