Table of Contents  
REVIEW ARTICLE
Year : 2017  |  Volume : 5  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 10-14

Joint line restoration in total knee arthroplasty


1 Department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Orthopaedics, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India

Date of Web Publication30-Jun-2017

Correspondence Address:
Nishikant Kumar
AIIMS, New Delhi
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/joas.joas_10_17

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  Abstract 

Total knee Arthroplasty is the most common and successful surgery world wide. Foundation of TKA is based on three pillars soft tissue balancing, bone cuts and cementing. All these factors are equally important and mistake at any level will lead to failure. We here would like to add the fourth pillar 'Joint line Restoration' for successful TKA.

Keywords: Adductor ratio, kinematic axis, patellofemoral


How to cite this article:
Kumar N, Mukhopadhaya J, Yadav C, Anand S, Singh S. Joint line restoration in total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Allied Sci 2017;5:10-4

How to cite this URL:
Kumar N, Mukhopadhaya J, Yadav C, Anand S, Singh S. Joint line restoration in total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Allied Sci [serial online] 2017 [cited 2024 Mar 19];5:10-4. Available from: https://www.joas.in/text.asp?2017/5/1/10/209253


  Introduction Top


Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most commonly performed surgery worldwide. It is now being done in small towns and setups. TKA is a promising surgery for the relief of symptoms of patients with severe arthritic knee. Hence, the expectations of patients have increased. Foundation of TKA is based on three pillars soft tissue balancing, bone cuts, and cementing. All these factors are equally important and mistake at any level will lead to failure. We here would like to add the fourth pillar “Joint line Restoration” for successful TKA. In TKA, our aim is to restore mechanical axis, joint line, restoration of patellofemoral alignment, balanced flexion and extension gaps and balancing of soft tissue. Herein, this article we tried to collect evidence for the restoration of joint line and its importance and current practice which is being followed in Indian scenario.


  Overview of Biomechanics of Knee Joint (Kinematic Axis) Top


Knee joint is a ginglymus (hinge) and arthrodial (pivot) joint with 6 degree of freedom including 3 for each rotations and translations. During flexion and extension, there is continuous change of axis of movement with rolling, gliding, and rotation.[1] Tibia flex and extends around a line centered in each femoral condyle [Figure 1] - Green line]. Patella flex and extends around a line anterior and proximal to first [Figure 1] - Violet Line]. Tibia internally and externally rotates around an axis perpendicular to both [Figure 1] - Yellow line]. Surprisingly each of these axes is either parallel or perpendicular to the joint line [Figure 1]. Hence, we need this kinematic alignment [1],[2] maintained after the TKA as well.
Figure 1: Kinematic axis knee

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If we put implant proximally and posteriorly (elevation of joint line) retinacular ligaments will be unstable in extension, medial collateral ligament (MCL) will be unstable in extension whereas it will be tight in flexion. If we put implant distally (lowering joint line) retinacular ligaments will be tight in extension while LCL will be tight in extension while LCL will be unstable in flexion. Hence, any change in joint line and natural angle leads to instability and early failure.[2]

The importance of joint line first came to everybody's attention with Figgie et al.[3] (JBJS 1986), who in their study of 116 patients with 2.5 year follow-up concluded that elevation of joint line more than 8 mm at primary TKA is associated with inferior outcomes.


  How do Joint Line Malposition Effects Knee Balance Top


In 1985, Hungerford and Krackow [4] stated that importance of femoral component placement and joint line position relative to femoral origin of collateral and cruciate ligament. Classically this works for cruciate retaining (CR) knee which has advantage of varus/valgus stabilization improved proprioception and control over roll back.[4],[5] Prerequisite for CR knee is PCL must be in adequate tension. If the PCL is lax this will lead to tibiofemoral instability, sagging of tibia, posterior tibiofemoral impingement, and limited flexion. While if it is too tight that will lead to excessive femoral roll back with limited flexion and increased polyethylene wear. In case, joint line is elevated PCL may be tensed in 90 degree flexion which requires partial PCL release.[5]

Superficial MCL (sMCL) behaves as near isometric ligament. Alteration in joint line leads to change in isometric point of sMCL. Femoral component malposition leads to excessive strain on insertion of sMCL and lateral collateral ligament relative to the center of rotation which may lead to excessive tensioning and laxity on flexion.[1],[3],[5],[6]


  Effect of Elevated Joint Line Top


  1. Anterior knee pain (patellofemoral)
  2. Decrease range of motion (ROM)
  3. Patella baja
  4. Midflexion instability
  5. Patellar tendon impingement
  6. Accelerated wear.


Anterior knee pain

Joint line elevation leads to increased patellofemoral contact forces. König et al.[7] in their study showed that the patellofemoral joint was more affected than tibiofemoral joint. Stair climbing caused a larger increase in contact force than walking in both patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint. A joint line elevation of 10 mm caused an increase in patellofemoral joint contact force of 60% of the participant's body weight (BW) during stair climbing, and 30% BW during normal walking. A further elevation of the joint line from 10 to 15 mm only minimally affected the tibiofemoral joint in either activity, with an additional increase in contact force of <6% BW. In the patellofemoral joint, however, this additional joint line elevation further increased the contact forces by about 30% BW during stair climbing, resulting in a total increase of 90% BW compared to the anatomically reconstructed joint line. Thus, a patient of 85 kg could experience an increase in patellofemoral contact forces of up to 750 N with 15 mm joint line elevation.

Decreased range of motion

Joint line elevation leads to patellar maltracking and decreased ROM. According to Chiu et al.[7] elevation of joint line 10 mm or more causes decrease in flexion of more than 25%.

Patella baja

Joint line elevation leads to patella baja and increased patellofemoral joint contact forces leading to decreased ROM and anterior knee pain.

Midflexion instability

Elevated joint line leads to midflexion instability.[8] Knee becomes stable in extension, but becomes unstable as knee is flexed due to relaxing effect of posterior capsule and collaterals. This can be avoided by posterior release, minimizing distal femur cut, and restoring joint line.

Patellar tendon impingement

Elevated joint line leads to patella baja so the patellar tendon impinges over the poly and regular attrition may lead to rupture of extensor apparatus [Figure 2].
Figure 2: Patellar impingement

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  How to Determine Joint Line Top


Servien et al.[9] have shown that bony landmarks have to be relied upon to determine our joint line intraoperatively [Figure 3]. Bony landmarks being used to use determine joint line are
Figure 3: Different tools to measure joint line

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  1. Medial femoral epicondyle joint line (MEJL)
  2. Lateral femoral epicondyle joint line
  3. Fibular head joint line (FHJL)
  4. Inferior pole of patella
  5. Adductor tubercle joint line (ATJL).[10]


A properly placed joint line should be approximately 30 mm distal to MEJL, 27 mm distal to lateral femoral joint line and 15 mm proximal to FHJL.[9],[10],[11]

The main difficulty with these landmarks is that these landmarks are difficult to localize intraoperatively. Furthermore, since average distance values are used it is not customized individually to every patient. Besides this, there is marked variation between males and females. For Medial epicondyle alone there can be variation up to 60%.

Luyckx et al.[12] reported strong and significant linear correlation between distance from ATJL and center of knee with the femoral width. This signifies that most of variation in ATJL is contributed by difference in femoral width. Hence, a new tool “adductor ratio”[10],[12] was found.

Adductor ratio [12] is defined as ratio between ATJL and femoral width [Figure 4]. This comes out to be a constant value (0.52) with almost no variation. Furthermore, no significant difference was found among males and females. The adductor ratio was most accurate ratio and reconstructed joint line within 4 mm of its original level in 92% of the cases. In simple terms, we can say that ATJL is half of femoral width of typical patient. Hence, adductor ratio overcomes size dependent variation.
Figure 4: Method to measure adductor ratio (adductor ratio = adductor tubercle joint line/femoral width)

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However, identifying joint line in revision TKA is difficult as above landmarks are not easily palpable in revision cases intraoperatively. Many surgeons use metal rular under MCL until it abuts its origin. Reference using patella which includes Insall-Salvati ratio, Caton-Descamps ratio and Blackburn-peel ratio can be used in primary TKA of same knee preoperatively or using opposite knee in unilateral TKA and revision TKA. These references are unreliable in revision TKA because of altered anatomy of patella and patella tendons.


  How to Measure Joint Line in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Top
[13]

As stated above localizing bony landmarks is not easy in revision cases due to bone loss either due to loosening or following implant removal.[12],[13]

Steps:

  1. Measure femoral width intraoperatively from metal ruler as distance between most prominent points in femoral condyle [Figure 5]. If there is difficulty in doing this Preoperative X-ray or even contralateral knee can be chosen as well
  2. Now multiply femoral width with 0.52 to get ATJL (roughly half of femoral width)
  3. Introduce intramedullary rod in canal and ATJL distance plotted. Distal femoral cutting block is fixed at ATJL which is plotted [Figure 6]
  4. Now we can assess and select appropriate size of augments to reconstruct joint line.
Figure 5: Method to determine adductor tubercle joint line in revision total knee arthroplasty

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Figure 6: Method to determine joint line in revision total knee arthroplasty

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  What are the Reasons of Joint Line Alteration Top


Primary total knee arthroplasty [10],[12],[13],[14]

In primary TKA excessive distal femoral cut causes joint line elevation. Some times its difficult to avoid excessive distal femoral cut because of flexion contracture, excessive scarring in sequelae of septic knee and posttraumatic arthritis with bone loss. Occasionally, choice has to be made between full extension and excessive femoral cut, in that case full extension is primary aim.

Revision total knee arthroplasty [14]

In revision TKA, there is bone loss in distal femur due to osteolysis, aseptic loosening, and proximal migration of component or following implant removal. Prosthesis placement over good bone stock of distal femur will lead to large insert placement that causes joint line elevation; however, the use of distal femur augment can restore joint line position near to original one to restore the joint line alignment and biomechanics.


  Problems and Solution of Joint Line Unique to Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Top
[14]

  1. Bone loss - Putting implant over existing bone without reconstruction leads to joint line elevation. This can be resolved with proper use of distal and posterior femoral augments to reconstruct joint line
  2. Use of Stems in femur in revision [15] - Use of stem is common in revision situations. If we use straight stem what happens is because of anterolateral bow of femur the straight stem engages over the bow and pull the implant anteriorly increasing the flexion space. To compensate for this increase in flexion space we need to increase the extension space by increasing distal femur cut thus increasing joint line. This can be best managed by using offset femoral stems.[11],[14],[15]



  How to Avoid Joint Line Malposition Top
[11]

It is clear from above discussion and literature that to obtain adequate gap balancing and midflexion stability joint line restoration is must. After proper preoperative planning joint line must be determined for all primary and revision cases.[11] Extradistal femoral cut must be avoided without posterior release. Over resection of distal femur will lead to elevation of joint line which will be stable in extension but on flexion there will be instability because of relaxed posterior capsule and collaterals.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

 
  References Top

1.
Hollister AM, Jatana S, Singh AK, Sullivan WW, Lupichuk AG. The axes of rotation of the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1993:259-68.  Back to cited text no. 1
[PUBMED]    
2.
Howell SM, Howell SJ, Kuznik KT, Cohen J, Hull ML. Does a kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty restore function without failure regardless of alignment category? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2013;471:1000-7.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Figgie HE 3rd, Goldberg VM, Heiple KG, Moller HS 3rd, Gordon NH. The influence of tibial-patellofemoral location on function of the knee in patients with the posterior stabilized condylar knee prosthesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1986;68:1035-40.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Hungerford DS, Krackow KA. Total joint arthroplasty of the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1985:23-33.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Whiteside LA, Kasselt MR, Haynes DW. Varus-valgus and rotational stability in rotationally unconstrained total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1987:147-57.  Back to cited text no. 5
[PUBMED]    
6.
Chiu KY, Ng TP, Tang WM, Yau WP. Review article: Knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2002;10:194-202.  Back to cited text no. 6
[PUBMED]    
7.
König C, Sharenkov A, Matziolis G, Taylor WR, Perka C, Duda GN, et al. Joint line elevation in revision TKA leads to increased patellofemoral contact forces. J Orthop Res 2010;28:1-5.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Martin JW, Whiteside LA. The influence of joint line position on knee stability after condylar knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1990:146-56.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Servien E, Viskontas D, Giuffrè BM, Coolican MR, Parker DA. Reliability of bony landmarks for restoration of the joint line in revision knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2008;16:263-9.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Iacono F, Lo Presti M, Bruni D, Raspugli GF, Bignozzi S, Sharma B, et al. The adductor tubercle: A reliable landmark for analysing the level of the femorotibial joint line. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2013;21:2725-9.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Partington PF, Sawhney J, Rorabeck CH, Barrack RL, Moore J. Joint line restoration after revision total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1999:165-71.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Luyckx T, Beckers L, Colyn W, Vandenneucker H, Bellemans J. The adductor ratio: A new tool for joint line reconstruction in revision TKA. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2014;22:3028-33.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Sadaka C, Kabalan Z, Hoyek F, Abi Fares G, Lahoud JC. Joint line restoration during revision total knee arthroplasty: An accurate and reliable method. Springerplus 2015;4:736.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
Laskin RS. Joint line position restoration during revision total knee replacement. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2002:169-71.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Mahoney OM, Kinsey TL. Modular femoral offset stems facilitate joint line restoration in revision knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2006;446:93-8.  Back to cited text no. 15
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6]



 

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  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Overview of Biom...
Effect of Elevat...
How to Determine...
How do Joint Lin...
What are the Rea...
How to Measure J...
How to Measure J...
Problems and Sol...
How to Avoid Joi...
References
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