Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Knee Surgery

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2026 | Viewed by 1586

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Ajou University, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
Interests: knee surgery; arthroplasty; ligament reconstruction; meniscal repair; cartilage restoration; fracture around the knee

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Knee surgery has evolved significantly with advances in surgical techniques, implant designs, and patient-specific treatment approaches. This Special Issue, "Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Knee Surgery," aims to showcase cutting-edge research and clinical innovations in the field of knee surgery, including total knee arthroplasty, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair, cartilage restoration procedures, osteotomy, and fracture management around the knee.

We invite original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that address novel surgical techniques, biomechanical studies, implant innovations, rehabilitation protocols, and clinical outcomes in knee surgery. Submissions exploring emerging technologies such as computer-assisted navigation, robotic surgery, personalized implant design, and advanced imaging modalities are particularly encouraged. Additionally, studies investigating patient-reported outcomes and complications management will be valuable contributions.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive platform for orthopedic surgeons, researchers, and clinicians to share their latest findings and contribute to advancing the field of knee surgery. We welcome submissions that bridge the gap between basic science research and clinical practice, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Jun Young Chung
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • knee arthroplasty
  • ligament reconstruction
  • meniscal repair
  • cartilage restoration
  • knee fractures
  • surgical techniques

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1941 KB  
Article
Long-Term Results of Medial Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty with Miller-Galante Prosthesis: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Study
by Sumin Lim, Tae Hun Kim, Do Young Park, Hyun Il Choi and Jun Young Chung
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040663 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has emerged as an effective surgical option for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), offering advantages in bone preservation, knee kinematics, and postoperative recovery compared with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although numerous studies have evaluated [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has emerged as an effective surgical option for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), offering advantages in bone preservation, knee kinematics, and postoperative recovery compared with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although numerous studies have evaluated the mid- to long-term outcomes of UKA, reports focusing on cohorts with follow-up periods exceeding 10 years remain relatively limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological results of medial fixed-bearing UKA using the Miller-Galante prosthesis. Methods: Sixty-eight patients who underwent UKA at a single institution with at least 10 years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and knee range of motion (ROM). Radiological parameters including the hip-knee-ankle axis angle (HKA) and osteoarthritis (OA) grade using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system were evaluated. Implant survivorship was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: A total of 68 patients were included with a mean age of 56.8 ± 7.5 years at surgery and a mean follow-up of 170.9 ± 37.3 months. Significant improvement in the WOMAC score was observed from 48.9 ± 17.2 preoperatively to 23.8 ± 27.7 at final follow-up (p = 0.002). The cumulative survival rates were 97.1% at 10 years and 84.8% at 15 years with conversion to total knee arthroplasty as the endpoint. Significant improvement in the HKA was observed from 172.5° ± 4.4° to 174.3° ± 4.8° postoperatively (p = 0.002), though residual varus alignment persisted. Progressive OA was observed in the lateral tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments (both p < 0.001) but showed no correlation with the WOMAC score. The failure group showed trends toward higher body mass index (BMI) and smaller preoperative HKA angle compared to the non-failure group. Conclusions: The long-term outcomes of medial fixed-bearing UKA using the Miller–Galante prosthesis were generally favorable, with significant functional improvement and acceptable implant survivorship. Although overall varus alignment was corrected, some residual varus deformity remained, and OA progression was observed in the lateral tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments over time. However, given the retrospective design and limited sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Knee Surgery)
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11 pages, 3758 KB  
Article
Does Resident Rotation Affect the Learning Curve of Active Robotic TKA? A Study of Surgical Efficiency and Radiographic Precision
by Yong-Beom Park, Jin-Woong Jeon, Seong Hwan Kim and Han-Jun Lee
Medicina 2026, 62(3), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030533 - 13 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Learning curves robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are well-documented for semi-active systems, but evidence for advanced fully active robotic systems remains scarce. This study aimed to characterize the learning curve for operative time, implant positioning, and lower-limb alignment [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Learning curves robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are well-documented for semi-active systems, but evidence for advanced fully active robotic systems remains scarce. This study aimed to characterize the learning curve for operative time, implant positioning, and lower-limb alignment using a fully active robotic TKA system, specifically accounting for the impact of rotating resident involvement in a tertiary center. Materials and Methods: Sixty consecutive primary TKAs were performed using the advanced active robotic system (CUVIS-Joint®). The learning curve for operative time was evaluated using cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. To identify independent predictors of surgical duration and radiographic precision, a multivariate linear regression model was constructed, including case number, implant type, and resident rotation period as variables. Results: CUSUM analysis identified a statistically significant inflection point at the 39th case. Beyond this point, mean operative time decreased approximately 20 min (133.3 ± 13.5 vs. 113.8 ± 7.9 min, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed that case number was the sole independent predictor of operative time (p < 0.001). Notably, implant positioning and lower-limb alignment showed no detectable difference across the sequential cases (p > 0.05), maintaining high precision from the outset. Conclusions: Active robotic TKA demonstrated a learning curve for operative time that stabilized after 39 cases within a clinical setting of rotational resident participation. Radiographic accuracy remained consistent despite these educational requirements, supporting the technical feasibility and reliability of this advanced system for the management of end-stage knee osteoarthritis Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Knee Surgery)
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11 pages, 252 KB  
Article
Effect of Pes Anserinus Release on Postoperative Pain and Medial Stability in Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
by Han-Kook Yoon, Hyun-Cheol Oh, Joong-won Ha, Youngwoo Lee and Sang-Hoon Park
Medicina 2026, 62(3), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030478 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) requires careful management of medial soft-tissue tension to achieve effective decompression and maintain knee stability. While superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) release is commonly performed, the role of pes anserinus release remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) requires careful management of medial soft-tissue tension to achieve effective decompression and maintain knee stability. While superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) release is commonly performed, the role of pes anserinus release remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of pes anserinus release on postoperative pain, clinical outcomes, and medial stability in patients undergoing OWHTO. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 knees (80 patients) that underwent OWHTO between 2012 and 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 38, sMCL release only) and Group B (n = 42, sMCL + pes anserinus release). Immediate postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores and rescue analgesic use. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with Knee Society Scores (KSSs). Radiographic medial joint opening (MJO) was measured on valgus stress radiographs preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Results: Group B demonstrated significantly lower VAS pain scores at postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05) and required fewer rescue analgesics (5.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.6 ± 3.7; p < 0.05). Both groups achieved comparable KSS improvement and radiographic correction (postoperative mechanical femorotibial angle: 2.1° valgus vs. 2.5° valgus). No significant intergroup or intragroup differences were observed in MJO at one-year follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Combined release of the superficial medial collateral ligament and pes anserinus during medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy significantly reduces early postoperative pain and improves short-term functional recovery without compromising medial stability or alignment correction, although no significant long-term differences in functional outcomes or radiographic alignment were observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Knee Surgery)
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