Stiffness is reported in up to 16% of patients after total knee replacement (TKR)1. Treatment of stiffness after TKR remains a challenge. Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) accounts for between 6%-36% of readmissions following TKR2,3. The outcomes of MUA remain variable/unpredictable. Post-operative CPM is used as an adjuvant to MUA, potentially offering improved ROM, however, remains the subject of debate. We report a retrospective study comparing MUA with and without post-operative CPM. In our institution patients undergoing MUA to receive CPM post-operatively. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic hospital admissions were limited. During this period MUA procedures were undertaken without CPM. Two cohorts were included: 1) MUA + post-operative CPM 2) Daycase MUA. Patients’ demographics, pre-manipulation ROM, post-MUA ROM, and ROM at final follow-up were recorded. Between 2017-2022 126 patients underwent MUA and were admitted for CPM and 42 had daycase MUA. The median Age was 66.5 and 64% were female. 57% had extension deficit (>5o), 70% had flexion deficit (< 90o), and 37% had both. The mean Pre-operative ROM was 72.3o(SD:18.3o) vs. 68.5o(19.0o), ROM at MUA was 95.5o(SD:20.7o) vs 108.3o(SD:14.1o) [p< 0.01], and at final follow-up 87.4o(SD:21.9o) vs. 92.1o(SD:18.2o) for daycase and CPM groups respectively. At final follow-up for the daycase and CPM groups respectively 10% vs. 7% improved, 29% vs. 13% maintained, and 57% vs. 79% regressed from the ROM achieved at MUA. The mean percentage of ROM gained at MUA maintained at final follow-up was 92%(SD:17) and 85%(SD:14)[p=0.03] for daycase and CPM groups respectively. There was no significant difference in ROM achieved at final follow-up despite the significantly greater improvement in ROM achieved at MUA for the CPM group. The CPM group lost a greater ROM after MUA (15% vs. 8%). We conclude that post-operative CPM does not improve ROM achieved after MUA.
Stiffness is reported in 4%–16% of patients after having undergone total knee replacement (TKR). Limitation to range of motion (ROM) can limit a patient's ability to undertake activities of daily living with a knee flexion of 83o, 93o, and 106o required to walk up stairs, sit on a chair, and tie one's shoelaces respectively. The treatment of stiffness after TKR remains a challenge. Many treatment options are described for treating the stiff TKR. In addition to physiotherapy the most employed of these is manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA). MUA accounts for up to 36% of readmissions following TKR. Though frequently undertaken the outcomes of MUA remain variable and unpredictable. CPM as an adjuvant therapy to MUA remains the subject of debate. Combining the use of CPM after MUA in theory adds the potential benefits of CPM to those of MUA potentially offering greater improvements in ROM. This paper reports a retrospective study comparing patients who underwent MUA with and without post-operative CPM. Standard practice in our institution is for patients undergoing MUA for stiff TKR to receive CPM for between 12–24hours post-operatively. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic hospital admissions were limited. During this period several MUA procedures were undertaken without subsequent inpatient CPM. We retrospectively identified two cohorts of patients treated for stiff TKR: group 1) MUA + post-operative CPM 2) Daycase MUA. All patients had undergone initial physiotherapy to try and improve their ROM prior to proceeding to MUA. In addition to patients’ demographics pre-manipulation ROM, post-MUA ROM, and ROM at final follow-up were recorded for each patient.Abstract
Objectives
Methods
Obesity is prevalent with nearly one third of the world's population being classified as obese. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment option for high BMI patients achieving similar outcomes to non-obese patients. However, increased rates of aseptic loosening in patients with a high BMI have been reported. In patients with high BMI/body mass there is an increase in strain placed on the implant fixation interfaces. As such component fixation is a potential concern when performing TKA in the obese patient. To address this concern the use of extended tibial stems in cemented implants or cementless fixation have been advocated. Extend tibial stems are thought to improve implant stability reducing the micromotion between interfaces and consequently the risk of aseptic loosening. Cementless implants, once biologic fixation is achieved, effectively integrate into bone eliminating an interface. This retrospective study compared the use of extended tibial stems and cementless implants to conventional cemented implants in high BMI patients. From a prospectively maintained database of 3239 primary Attune TKA (Depuy, Warsaw, Indiana), obese patients (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²) were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups of patients 1) using a tibial stem extension [n=162] and 2) cementless fixation [n=163] were compared to 3) a control group (n=1426) with a standard tibial stem cemented implant. All operations were performed by or under the direct supervision of specialist arthroplasty surgeons. Analysis compared the groups with respect to class I, II, and III (BMI >30kg/m², >35 kg/m², >40 kg/m²) obesity. The primary outcome measures were all-cause revision, revision for aseptic loosening, and revision for tibial loosening. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models were used to compare the primary outcomes between groups. Where radiographic images at greater than 3 months post-operatively were available, radiographs were examined to compare the presence of peri-implant radiolucent lines.Abstract
Objectives
Methods
Up to 20% of patients can remain dissatisfied following TKR. A proportion of TKRs will need early revision with aseptic loosening the most common. The ATTUNE TKR was introduced in 2011 as successor to its predicate design The PFC Sigma (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, In). However, following reports of early failures of the tibial component there have been ongoing concerns of increased loosening rates with the ATTUNE TKR. In 2017 a redesigned tibial baseplate (S+) was introduced, which included cement pockets and an increased surface roughness to improve cement bonding. Given the concerns of early tibial loosening with the ATTUNE knee system, this study aimed to compare revision rates and those specific to aseptic loosening of the ATTUNE implant in comparison to an established predicate as well as other implant designs used in a high-volume arthroplasty centre. The Attune TKR was introduced to our unit in December 2011. Prior to this we routinely used a predicate design with an excellent long-term track record (PFC Sigma) which remains in use. In addition, other designs were available and used as per surgeon preference. Using a prospectively maintained database, we identified 10,202 patients who underwent primary cemented TKR at our institution between 01/04/2003–31/03/2022 with a minimum of 1 year follow-up (Mean 8.4years, range 1–20years): 1) 2406 with ATTUNE TKR (of which 557 were S+) 2) 4652 with PFC TKR 3) 3154 with other cemented designs. All implants were cemented using high viscosity cement. The primary outcome measures were all-cause revision, revision for aseptic loosening, and revision for tibial loosening. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models were used to compare the primary outcomes between groups. Matched cohorts were selected from the ATTUNE subsets (original and S+) and PFC groups using the nearest neighbor method for radiographic analysis. Radiographs were assessed to compare the presence of radiolucent lines in the Attune S+, standard Attune, and PFC implants.Abstract
Objective
Methods
Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions in orthopaedic surgery. Dislocation is a debilitating complication of THR and managing an unstable THR constitutes a significant clinical challenge. Stability in THR is multifactorial and is influenced by surgical, patient and implant related factors. It is established that larger diameter femoral heads have a wider impingement-free range of movement and an increase in jump distance, both of which are relevant in reducing the risk of dislocation. However, they can generate higher frictional torque which has led to concerns related to increased wear and loosening. Furthermore, the potential for taper corrosion or trunnionosis is also a potential concern with larger femoral heads, particularly those made from cobalt-chrome. These concerns have meant there is hesitancy among surgeons to use larger sized heads. This study presents the comparison of clinical outcomes for different head sizes (28mm, 32mm and 36mm) in primary THR for 10,104 hips in a single centre. A retrospective study of all consecutive patients who underwent primary THR at our institution between 1st April 2003 and 31st Dec 2019 was undertaken. Institutional approval for this study was obtained. Demographic and surgical data were collected. The primary outcome measures were all-cause revision, revision for dislocation, and all-cause revision excluding dislocation. Continuous descriptive statistics used means, median values, ranges, and 95% confidence intervals where appropriate. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate time to revision. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to compare revision rates between the femoral head size groups. Adjustments were made for age at surgery, gender, primary diagnosis, ASA score, articulation type, and fixation method.Abstract
Objectives
Methods
Revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) is a complex procedure with higher rates of re-revision, complications and mortality compared to primary TKA. We report the effects of the establishment of a Revision Arthroplasty Network (The East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network; EMSON). The Revision Arthroplasty Network was established in January 2015 and covered the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire areas of England. This comprises a collaborative weekly multidisciplinary meeting where upcoming RTKA procedures are discussed, and a plan agreed. Using the Hospital Episode Statistics database, RTKA procedures carried out between 2011 and 2018 from the five EMSON hospitals were compared to all other hospitals in England. Age, sex, and Hospital Frailty Risk scores were used as covariates. The primary outcome was re-revision surgery within 1 year of the index revision. Secondary outcomes were re-revision surgery within two years, any complication within one and two years and median length of stay.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Sound management decisions are critical to outcomes in revision arthroplasty. Aiming to improve outcomes, revision networks facilitate speciality trained, high volume surgeons, share experience and best practice, contributing to decision making within and away from their base hospital. We have reported the early clinical experience of East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network (EMSON). In this paper we report beneficial clinical effects, both demonstrable and unquantifiable supporting the process. Using the UK HES database of revisions, performed before and after EMSON was established, (April 2011 – March 2018), data from EMSON hospitals were compared to all other hospitals in the same time-period. Primary outcome was re-revision surgery within 1 year. Secondary outcomes were re-revision, complications within first two years and median LOS. 57,621 RTHA and 33,828 RTKA procedures were involved with around 1,485 (2.6%) and 1,028 (3.0%) respectively performed within EMSON. Re-revision THA rates, within 1 year, in EMSON were 7.3% and 6.0% with re-revision knee rates 11.6% and 7.4%, pre- and post-intervention. Re-revision rates in the rest England in the same periods were 7.4% to 6.8% for hips and 11.7% to 9.7% for knees. This constituted a significant improvement in 1-year re-revision rates for EMSON knees. (β = −0.072 (−0.133 to −0.01), p = 0.024). The reduction in hip re-revision did not reach statistical significance. Secondary outcomes showed a significant improvement for 1 and 2-year RTHA complication rates. Re-revision rates for RTKA and complication rates for RTHA improved significantly after the introduction of EMSON. Other outcomes studied also improved to a greater extent in the network hospitals. While anecdotal experience with networks is positive, the challenge in collating data to prove clinic benefit should not be underestimated. Beyond the formal process, additional communication, interaction, and support has immeasurable benefit in both elective and emergency scenarios.
It is common practice for patients to have postoperative blood tests after total joint replacement (TJR). However, there have been significant improvements in perioperative care with arthroplasty surgery, and a drive to reduce the length of stay (LOS) and move towards day-case TJR. We should reconsider whether this intervention is necessary for all patients. This retrospective study included all patients who underwent a primary unilateral TJR at a single tertiary arthroplasty centre during a one-year period. Electronic medical records of 1,402 patients were reviewed for patient demographics, LOS, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Blood tests were examined to investigate the incidence of postoperative anaemia, electrolyte abnormalities, and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI).Aims
Methods
It is common practice for all patients to have postoperative bloods tests after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However there have been significant improvement in perioperative care with arthroplasty surgery. As healthcare systems and providers strive towards a more efficient service we must re-consider whether such an intervention is necessary for all patients. This retrospective study included all patients who underwent a primary unilateral TKA at a single tertiary arthroplasty centre during a 1 year period. Electronic medical records of 776 patients were reviewed for patient demographics, length of stay and American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade. Blood tests were examined to investigate the incidence of post operative anaemia requiring transfusion, electrolyte abnormalities that required treatment and the incidence of acute kidney injury.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Ceramic coatings in total knee arthroplasty have been introduced with the aim of reducing wear and consequently improving implant survivorship. We studied both cobalt-chrome-molybdenum and ceramic-coated components of the same implant design from a single centre to identify if the ceramic coating conferred any benefit at mid-term review. We identified 1641 Columbus TKAs (Aesculap AG, Tüttlingen, Germany) from a prospectively collected arthroplasty database. 983 were traditional CoCrMo and 659 had the AS ceramic coating. Patients were followed up until death or revision of the implant.Abstract
Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study is to examine the differences in long-term mortality rates between infected and aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) in a single specialist centre over an 18-year period. Retrospective consecutive study of all patients who underwent rTHA at our tertiary centre between 2003 and 2020 was carried out. Revisions were classified as infected or aseptic. We identified patients’ age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade (ASA) and body mass index (BMI). The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 5 years, 10 years and over the whole study period at 18 years. Death was identified through both local hospital electronic databases and linked data for the National Joint Registry. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate time to death. Where two-stage revision techniques were used of the management of infected cases, these were grouped as a single revision episode for the purpose of analysis. In total, 1138 consecutive hip revisions were performed on 1063 patients (56 bilateral revisions – aseptic, 10 Excision arthroplasties – infection, 9 – Debridement, Antibiotics, Implant retention (DAIR) with 893 aseptic revisions in 837 patients (78.7%) and 245 infected revisions in 226 patients (21.3%). Average age of the entire study cohort was 71.0 (24–101) with 527 female (49.6%). Average age of the infection and aseptic cohorts was 68.8 and 71.5 respectively. Revisions for infection had higher mortality rates throughout the three time points of analysis. Patients’ survivorship for infected vs aseptic revisions was; 77.8% vs 87.7% at 5 years, 62.8% vs 76.5% at 10 years and 62.4% vs 72.0% at 18 years. The unadjusted 10-year risk ratio of death after infected revision was 1.58 (95% confidence interval 1.28–1.95) compared to aseptic revisions. rTHA performed for infection is associated with significantly higher long-term mortality at all time points compared to aseptic revision surgery.
Hip and knee revisions continue to increase in number and complexity. With an understanding that revisions have a high re-revision rate, the importance of correct decisions made at the index procedure, is paramount for patients and surrounding health care economy. Since January 2015, East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network, (set up on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model), has allowed all revisions performed within our region, (5 hospitals with a 4 million population), to be discussed at a weekly ‘web’ conference. Integrated radiology allows clinical information to be reviewed remotely at each hospital. Chaired by specialist revision surgeons, with other surgeons, a microbiologist and radiology, vascular, plastics opinions available as required, a formal management plan is ‘signed off’ by the chair and returned to referring institution. We present prospective data of Network activities. To January 2018, 1007 cases have been referred by 18 consultants from 5 hospitals. A change in proposed plan was seen in 48% cases. (40% involved technique and exposure advice; 18% involved surgical inventory; 22% further investigation; 11% microbiological input; 9% other miscellaneous advice) Few (5%) patients were transferred directly. We also identified 20% increase in outpatient referrals to the ‘hub’. The network is an excellent tool for discussing complex cases, supporting surgeons in smaller units. A significant number of alterations in plan are made with a few patients transferred directly. We feel the network can only enhance care and are working now to identify exactly how it has affected clinical outcomes. We encourage others to adopt this approach.
Infection following total hip or knee arthroplasty is a serious complication. We noted an increase in post-operative infection in cases carried out in a temporary operating theatre. We therefore compared those cases performed in standard and temporary operating theatres and examined the deep periprosthetic infection rates. A total of 1233 primary hip and knee arthroplasties were performed between August 2012 and June 2013. 44% were performed in temporary theatres. The two groups were matched for age, sex, BMI and ASA grade. The deep infection rate for standard operating theatres was 0/684 (0%); for temporary theatres it was 8/539 (1.5%); p=0.001. Use of a temporary operating theatre for primary hip and knee arthroplasty was associated with an unacceptable increase in deep infection. We do not advocate the use of these theatres for primary joint arthroplasty.
Between 2005 and 2010, the number of revision hip arthroplasties rose by 49.1%, and revision knee arthroplasties by 92.1%. This number is predicted to rise by 31% and 332% respectively by 2030. In March 2014, NHS England invited bids to run a pilot revision network. Nottingham Elective Orthopaedic Service (NEOS) was successful and the East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network (EMSON) runs on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model. All patients within the EMSON area requiring revision arthroplasty are discussed at a weekly meeting. The meeting is chaired by a revision hip and knee surgeon and attended by arthroplasty surgeons and an orthopaedic microbiologist. Other specialties are available as required. EMSON discussions and a proposed management plan are recorded, signed by the Chair and returned as a permanent record in the patient's notes.Introduction
Patients/Materials & Methods
This review examines the future of total hip arthroplasty, aiming to avoid past mistakes
286 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty with a cemented titanium femoral implant (Ultima, Johnson & Johnson) between July 1995 and July 2001. The acetabular component was either a porous coated cup or a cemented all-polyethylene cup. A 28mm cobalt chromium head was used in all patients. Patients were prospectively evaluated with clinical examination, Harris hip scores and radiographic assessment. Analysis of the data was performed. Of the 286 patients, 11 patients were excluded from analysis for reasons including incomplete data (8) and death (3). The remaining 275 patients were comprised of 118 males and 157 females with an average age of 70.8 years (55–89 years). The average follow up was 10.5 years (1.03–14.23). The median follow up was 10 years. 177 cemented all-polyethylene and 98 porous coated acetabular cups were used. The average Harris hip scores were 34.4 and 81.25 for preoperative and last follow up visit respectively. 11 stems were revised (aseptic loosening 9, infection 2). Radiographic assessment showed vertical subsidence in 30 patients (10.9%) (>5mm in 6 and < 5mm in 24 patients). Complete cement-bone radiolucency was noted in 11 stems (4%). Radiolucent lines covering < 50% of cement-bone interface were noted in 18 stems (6.5%). There were no cases of cement fracture. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 91% at 10 years & 89.8% at 12 years.Method
Results
The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in the prevalence of primary total hip and knee replacements (THR and TKR) throughout the Trent region from 1991 through 2004. The Trent Regional Arthroplasty Study (TRAS) records details of primary THR and TKR prospectively. TRAS data in conjunction with age-gender population data from the National Office of Statistics was used to quantify the rates of primary THR and TKR as a function of age (45–55, 56–65, 66–75, 76–85 and greater than 85 years), gender and diagnosis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma). Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the procedural rate over time in primary THR and TKR as a function of age, gender and diagnosis. A total of 26,281 THR and 23,606 TKR were recorded during this period. The overall prevalence for primary THR did not change significantly over time (IRR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.0, p = 0.875), whereas, the overall prevalence for primary TKR increased significantly by 2.5% during the fourteen year period (IRR = 1.025, 95% CI: 1.021 to 1.028, p <
0.001). Analysis showed that females had an increased incidence rate ratio (IRR) for both primary THR (IRR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.33, p <
0.001) and TKR (IRR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.20, p <
0.001). Patients aged 74–85 years had the largest IRR for both primary THR (IRR = 6.7, 95% CI: 6.4 to 7.0, p <
0.001) and TKR (IRR = 15.3, 95% CI: 14.4 to 16.3, p <
0.001). The prevalence of primary TKR increased significantly over time whereas THR increased steadily in the Trent region between 1991 and 2004. These trends have important ramifications to the number of joint replacements expected to be performed in the future.
