ObjectiveTo summarize research progress of the effect of knee flexion position on postoperative blood loss and knee range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThe relevant literature at home and abroad was reviewed and summarized from mechanism, research status, progress, and clinical outcome. The differences of clinical results caused by different positions, flexion angles, and keeping time were compared.ResultsKeeping knee flexion after TKA can reduce postoperative blood loss through the angle change of blood vessels and increase knee early ROM by improving flexion muscle strength. When the flexion angle of the knee is large and the flexion position is keeping for a long time, the postoperative blood loss and the knee ROM can be significantly improved. However, the amount of blood loss and ROM are not further improved in the patients with keeping knee flexion for more than 24 hours compared with less than 24 hours.ConclusionKeeping knee flexion after TKA is a simple and effective method to reduce postoperative blood loss and improve knee ROM. However, the optimal knee flexion angle and time are needed to be further explored.
ObjectiveTo compare the early clinical outcome of GenesisⅡ high-flexion versus standard prostheses in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and evaluate whether high-flexion prostheses can improve the postoperative range of motion (ROM). MethodsBetween September 2007 and December 2011, 80 patients (85 knees) consecutively underwent posterior cruciate-sacrificing TKA with GenesisⅡ systems. Finally, we reviewed 60 patients (60 knees) including 32 knees in high-flexion group and 28 knees in standard group. The follow-up time was 2.7 years in average. The postoperative knee ROM and the rate of complication of the two groups were evaluated. ResultsThe mean postoperative knee ROM of 32 knees was 112.8° in the high-flexion group and was 108.9° in the standard group. The mean postoperative HSS score was 86.6 and 84.2, respectively. The postoperative knee ROM, hospital for special surgery (HSS) score and the rate of complication did not show significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionThe high-flexion prosthesis is no better than the ordinary prosthesis in terms of the range of motion. We need more mid to long-term studies to do further research.
Objective To summarize the progress of larger flexion gap than extension gap in total knee arthro-plasty (TKA). Methods The domestic and foreign related literature about larger flexion gap than extension gap in TKA, and its impact factors, biomechanical and kinematic features, and clinical results were summarized. Results During TKA, to adjust the relations of flexion gap and extension gap is one of the key factors of successful operation. The biomechanical, kinematic, and clinical researches show that properly larger flexion gap than extension gap can improve both the postoperative knee range of motion and the satisfaction of patients, but does not affect the stability of the knee joint. However, there are also contrary findings. So adjustment of flexion gap and extension gap during TKA is still in dispute. Conclusion Larger flexion gap than extension gap in TKA is a new joint space theory, and long-term clinical efficacy, operation skills, and related complications still need further study.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of the difference between high-flexion prosthesis and conventional prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty, so as to offer a reference for clinical choice of prosthesis. MethodsThe relevant literature on high-flexion prosthesis and conventional prosthesis in recent years was extensively reviewed and analyzed. ResultsThere are some controversies in range of motion and complications between high-flexion prosthesis and conventional prosthesis; while no obvious difference is found in knee function and satisfaction. ConclusionComprehensive evaluation should be considered when high-flexion prosthesis is selected; and the effectiveness needs further follow-up.
Three-dimensional finite element model of elbow was established to study the effect of medial collateral ligament (MCL) in maintaining the stability of elbow joint. In the present study a three-dimensional geometric model of elbow joint was established by reverse engineering method based on the computed tomography (CT) image of healthy human elbow. In the finite element pre-processing software, the ligament and articular cartilage were constructed according to the anatomical structure, and the materials and contacts properties were given to the model. In the neutral forearm rotation position and 0° flexion angle, by comparing the simulation data of the elbow joint with the experimental data, the validity of the model is verified. The stress value and stress distribution of medial collateral ligaments were calculated at the flexion angles of elbow position in 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, respectively. The result shows that when the elbow joint loaded at different flexion angles, the anterior bundle has the largest stress, followed by the posterior bundle, transverse bundle has the least, and the stress value of transverse bundle is trending to 0. Therefore, the anterior bundle plays leading role in maintaining the stability of the elbow, the posterior bundle plays supplementary role, and the transverse bundle does little. Furthermore, the present study will provide theoretical basis for clinical recognizing and therapy of elbow instability caused by medial collateral ligament injury.
Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods of finger flexion contracture caused by three kinds of forearm flexor diseases. Methods Between December 2008 and August 2021, 17 patients with finger flexion contracture were treated, including 8 males and 9 females, aged 5-42 years, with a median of 16 years. The disease duration ranged from 1.5 months to 30 years, with a median of 13 years. The etiology included 6 cases of Volkmann’s contracture, all of which were flexion deformity of the 2nd to 5th fingers, accompanied by limitation of thumb dorsiflexion in 3 cases and limitation of wrist dorsiflexion in 3 cases; 3 cases of pseudo-Volkmann’s contracture, including 2 cases of flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers, and 1 case of flexion deformity of ring and little fingers; 8 cases of ulnar finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations, all of which were flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers. Operations such as slide of flexor and pronator teres origin, excision of abnormal fibrous cord and bony prominence, and release of entrapped muscle (tendon) were performed. Hand function was evaluated according to WANG Haihua’s hand function rating standard or modified Buck-Gramcko classification standard, and muscle strength was evaluated according to British Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength rating standard. Results All patients were followed up 1-10 years (median, 1.5 years). At last follow-up, 8 patients with contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations and 3 patients with pseudo-Volkmann’s contracture achieved excellent hand function, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 6 cases and grade M4 in 5 cases. One patient with mild Volkmann’s contracture and 3 patients with moderate Volkmann’s contracture without severe nerve damage had excellent hand function in 2 cases and good in 2 cases, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 1 case and grade M4 in 3 cases. Two patients with moderate or severe Volkmann’s contracture had poor hand function, with 1 case of muscle strength of grade M3 and 1 case of grade M2, which improved when compared with those before operation. The overall excellent and good rate of hand function and the proportion of patients with muscle strength of grade M4 and above were 88.2% (15/17), respectively. ConclusionThe finger flexion contracture caused by different etiology can be differentiated by analyzing the history, physical examination, radiographs, and intraoperative findings. After different surgical treatments, such as resection of contracture band, release of compressed muscle (tendon), and downward movement of flexor origin, most patients have a good outcome.
ObjectiveTo compare the dorsiflexion osteotomy (DO) and implant arthroplasty (IA) in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients with advaced Freiberg disease.MethodsA clinical data of 25 cases of Freiberg disease, who were admitted between July 2012 and July 2016 and met selection criteria, was retrospectively reviewed. According to the Smillie classification, all patients were classified as stage Ⅳ-Ⅴ. Among them, 13 cases were treated with DO (DO group) and 12 cases were treated with IA (IA group). No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender, age, side of the affected metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, location, Smillie classification, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of motion of the affected MTP joints, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score (P>0.05). Total costs for index admissions were compared between the two groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the VAS score, AOFAS score, and the range of motion of the affected MTP joints.ResultsAll incisions of the two groups healed by first intention. The follow-up time was 12-30 months (mean, 17 months) in DO group and 12-24 months (mean, 16 months) in IA group. The total cost of index admission was significantly higher in IA group than that n DO group (t=2.742, P=0.011). The AOFAS scores, VAS scores, and range of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative value in the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in all indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray film examination showed that the osteotomy healed within 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.5 weeks) after operation in DO group. None of the patients experienced internal fixator and implant related complications postoperatively.ConclusionDO and IA can provide significant improvement in pain and motion of the MTP joints for advanced Freiberg disease. But the DO may be the more economical method.
Central limb spasticity is a common complication after central nervous system injury, in which hand flexion spasticity often leads to the loss of the patient’s ability to move. Reducing muscle tone and relieving spasticity are the prerequisites for restoring limb function. T1 rhizotomy, which has been proposed in recent years, has proven to be effective in the treatment of central hand flexion spasticity. This consensus summarizes the etiology, symptoms, functional assessment of central hand flexion spasticity, and surgical indications for T1 rhizotomy, surgical principles and procedures, and rehabilitation program. The standardized protocol of T1 rhizotomy for the treatment of central hand flexion spasticity is proposed for the reference of clinicians in the process of diagnosis and treatment, with the aim of further improving the treatment level for central hand flexion spasticity.
Objective To explore the effect of the collateral ligaments and the plantar plate on the flexion of the metatarsophalangeal(MP) joints. Methods Twenty-four preserved human No.2-4 digits were obtained from embalmed cadaver feet, which were divided into 2 groups at random. In group A, the bilateral collateral ligaments were cut first, and then the plantar plate was sectioned. They were cut inopposite sequence in group B. Angle of the flexion of MP joint was observed in the same load after the bilateral collateral ligaments and the plantar plate were sectioned in different sequence.From 1994 to 2000,11 cases were used with this technic, including plantar section in 2 cases and both plantar section and bilateral collateral ligamentscut in 9 cases. Results The angle of flexion of the MP joint before operation in group A is 37.30±5.42°, it increased 11.29±2.36° and to 48.60±2.98° when the bilateral collateral ligaments were cut, and there was significant difference. Later the cut of the plantar plate increased another 5.30±1.59° and to 53.35±2.76°. Both have an increasing trend for the angle of flexion of the MP joint (Plt;0.01). While in group B, the angle of flexion of the MP joint before operation is 34.59±5.32°, it increased 6.29±2.98° and to 40.89±2.36° when the plantar plate were cut, laterthe cut of the bilateral collateral ligaments increased another 9.71±1.94° and to 50.60±2.01°. Both had an increasing trend for the angle of flexion ofthe MP joint (Plt;0.01). The bilateral collateral ligaments had more influence than the plantar plate (Plt;0.01). There was the same effect in different sequence (Pgt;0.05). In 2 cases with plantar section, the flexion angle of MP joint could achieve 15° to 45° in 2 monthes. The other 9 cases with both plantar section and bilateral collateral ligaments cut, the MP joint flexion achieved 10.3° to 58.4° in 26.3 months. Conclusion The flexion angle of the MP joint can be increasedby cutting the bilateral collateral ligaments and the plantar plate.
Objective To make a retrospective analysis on an early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the knees with different degrees of flexion-contracture deformities. Methods Ninety-seven knees of 65 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with the Scorpio posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis from January 2000 to December 2003 were reviewed, including 51 osteoarthritis patients (74 knees) and 14 rheumatoid arthritis patients (23 knees). Thirtythree patients underwent unilateral TKA, and 32 patients underwent bilateral TKA. The average range of motion (ROM) before operation was 82.8°(range, 5-140°).According to the preoperative flexion-contracture degrees of the knees, these patients were divided into 2 groups, group A and group B. Group A consisted of the patients with flexioncontracture less than 20° (range, 0-15°), and group B consisted of the patients with flexion-contracture not less than 20° (range, 20-60°). In group A, the average flexion-contracture degree, ROM, KSS (knee society score), and function score were 10.7±8.0°, 104.6±20.0°, 29.1±18.0, and 32.6±20.7, respectively. But the corresponding data were much worse ingroup B than in group A, which were 28.2±7.8°, 60.8±26.6°, 12.1±13.2, and 26.8±18.1. All the operations were primary total knee arthroplasty, and they were performed by the same group of surgeons. The time for the prosthesis installed lasted for 25.6 minutes, and the average tourniquet time was 34.7 minutes. Three or four days after operation, the patients began the continuous passive motion (CPM) and active functional exercise of the knee.Results The patients were followed up for an average of 2 years and 7 months(range, 8 mon-3.5 yr). During the follow-up period, the average flexion-contracture degree, ROM, KSS, and function score in group A were 0.4±2.1°, 108.6±19.0°, 82.1±13.8, and 72.3±29.1, respectively; and the corresponding data in group B were 1.3±3.2°, 986±16.4°, 75.9±8.2, and 81.4±26.9, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. No revision or deep infection was found. Conclusion The curative effect is mainly determined by the surgeon’s good operational skills, rich clinical experience, and familiarity with the prosthesis, and it is not influenced by severity of the knee flexioncontracture deformity. The knee ROM after TKA, which has a “toward middle ROM”phenomenon, is influenced by many clinical factors. It is very important for the patientto perform a functional exercise of the knee as early as possible after operation.