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Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 6/2018

01-06-2018 | Knee

Large correction in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with resultant joint-line obliquity induces excessive shear stress on the articular cartilage

Authors: Hiroshi Nakayama, Steffen Schröter, Chie Yamamoto, Tomoya Iseki, Ryo Kanto, Kenji Kurosaka, Shunichiro Kambara, Shinichi Yoshiya, Masaru Higa

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 6/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the resultant stress induced by joint-line obliquity after HTO for varus knee deformity using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model analysis.

Methods

The geometrical bone data used in this study were derived from commercially available human bone digital anatomy media. The 3D knee models were developed using 3D computer-aided design software. The articular surface was overlaid with a 2-mm-thick cartilage layer for both femoral and tibial condyles. Ligament structures were simulated based on properties reported in previous anatomical studies. Regarding the loading condition, isolated axial loads of 1200 N with lateral joint-line inclinations of 2.5°, 5°, 7.5°, and 10° in reference to the horizontal axis were applied to the femur to simulate the mechanical environment in a knee with joint-line obliquity.

Results

A steep rise of shear stress in the medial compartment was noted in the model with obliquity of 5° or more. This laterally directed shear stress exhibited an incremental increase in accordance with the obliquity angle. The maximum shear stress value in the medial cartilage increased from 1.6 MPa for the normal knee to 3.3, 5.2, and 7.2 MPa in the joint-line obliquity models with 5°, 7.5°, and 10° of obliquity, respectively.

Conclusions

The effects of HTO for varus knee deformity on the amount/distribution of stresses in the articular cartilage were analysed using a 3D finite element model. It was shown that joint-line obliquity of more than 5° induced excessive shear stress in the tibial articular cartilage. A large amount of correction in OWHTO with a resultant joint-line obliquity of 5° or more may induce detrimental stress to the articular cartilage. Double-level osteotomy should be considered as a surgical option in this situation.
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Metadata
Title
Large correction in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with resultant joint-line obliquity induces excessive shear stress on the articular cartilage
Authors
Hiroshi Nakayama
Steffen Schröter
Chie Yamamoto
Tomoya Iseki
Ryo Kanto
Kenji Kurosaka
Shunichiro Kambara
Shinichi Yoshiya
Masaru Higa
Publication date
01-06-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-017-4680-x

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