Aims. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is the preferred treatment for anterior medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) owing to the rapid postoperative recovery. However, the risk factors for UKA failure remain controversial. Methods. The clinical data of Oxford mobile-bearing UKAs performed between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum follow-up of five years were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors that contribute to UKA failure. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare the effect of the prosthesis position on UKA survival. Results. A total of 407 patients who underwent UKA were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.8 years, and the mean follow-up period of the patients was 91.7 months. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) preoperatively and at the last follow-up were 64.2 and 89.7, respectively (p = 0.001). Overall, 28 patients (6.9%) with UKA underwent revision due to prosthesis loosening (16 patients), dislocation (eight patients), and persistent pain (four patients). Cox proportional hazards model analysis identified malposition of the prostheses as a high-risk factor for UKA failure (p = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the five-year survival rate of the group with malposition was 85.1%, which was significantly lower than that of the group with normal position (96.2%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. UKA constitutes an effective method for treating anteromedial knee OA, with an excellent five-year survival rate. Aseptic loosening caused by prosthesis malposition was identified as the main cause of UKA failure. Surgeons should pay close attention to prevent the potential occurrence of this problem. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):914–922

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of revision indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and any change to this pattern for UKA patients over the last 20 years, and to investigate potential associations to changes in surgical practice over time. Methods. All primary knee arthroplasty surgeries performed due to primary osteoarthritis and their revisions reported to the Danish Knee Arthroplasty Register from 1997 to 2017 were included. Complex surgeries were excluded. The data was linked to the National Patient Register and the Civil Registration System for comorbidity, mortality, and emigration status. TKAs were propensity score matched 4:1 to UKAs. Revision risks were compared using competing risk Cox proportional hazard regression with a shared γ frailty component. Results. Aseptic loosening (loosening) was the most common revision indication for both UKA (26.7%) and TKA (29.5%). Pain and disease progression accounted for 54.6% of the remaining UKA revisions. Infections and instability accounted for 56.1% of the remaining TKA revision. The incidence of revision due to loosening or pain decreased over the last decade, being the second and third least common indications in 2017. There was a decrease associated with fixation method for pain (hazard ratio (HR) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.94) and loosening (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.81) for cementless compared to cemented, and units UKA usage for pain (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.91), and loosening (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.70) for high usage. Conclusion. The overall revision patterns for UKA and TKA for the last 20 years are comparable to previous published patterns. We found large changes to UKA revision patterns in the last decade, and with the current surgical practice, revision due to pain or loosening are significantly less likely. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):923–931

Aims. Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for patients with symptomatic meniscal loss has demonstrated good clinical results and survivorship. Factors that affect both functional outcome and survivorship have been reported in the literature. These are typically single-centre case series with relatively small numbers and conflicting results. Our aim was to describe an international, two-centre case series, and identify factors that affect both functional outcome and survival. Methods. We report factors that affect outcome on 526 patients undergoing MAT across two sites (one in the UK and one in Italy). Outcomes of interest were the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score four (KOOS4) at two years and failure rates. We performed multiple regression analysis to examine for factors affecting KOOS, and Cox proportional hazards models for survivorship. Results. Our results indicate that baseline KOOS4 score affects functional outcome at two years, but no other included factors were significantly related to functional outcome. The only factor that affected failure rate was the presence of cartilage lesions down to bone on both the femur and tibia, decreasing the five-year survivorship from 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99) to 84% (95% CI 74 to 94). Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the largest international cohort reporting on MAT. Our results indicate that factors such as age, BMI, and cartilage lesions down to bone on both the femur and tibia of the affected compartment should not present barriers to offering MAT. Baseline KOOS4 score and the presence of bone-on-bone arthritis can be used to help counsel patients regarding the expected risks and rewards of surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):657–662

Aims. Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare, but their diagnosis and treatment are highly challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with fungal PJIs treated with two-stage exchange knee arthroplasty combined with prolonged antifungal therapy. Methods. We reviewed our institutional joint arthroplasty database and identified 41 patients diagnosed with fungal PJIs and treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between January 2001 and December 2020, and compared them with those who had non-fungal PJIs during the same period. After propensity score matching based on age, sex, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, 40 patients in each group were successfully matched. The surgical and antimicrobial treatment, patient demographic and clinical characteristics, recurrent infections, survival rates, and relevant risk factors that affected joint survivorship were analyzed. We defined treatment success as a well-functioning arthroplasty without any signs of a PJI, and without antimicrobial suppression, at a minimum follow-up of two years from the time of reimplantation. Results. The fungal PJI group demonstrated a significantly worse treatment success rate at the final follow-up than the non-fungal PJI group (65.0% (26/40) vs 85.0% (34/40); p < 0.001). The mean prosthesis-free interval was longer in the fungal PJI group than in the non-fungal PJI group (6.7 weeks (SD 5.8) vs 4.1 weeks (SD 2.5); p = 0.020). The rate of survivorship free from reinfection was worse in the fungal PJI group (83.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.1 to 92.9) at one year and 76.4% (95% CI 52.4 to 89.4) at two years) than in the non-fungal PJI group (97.4% (95% CI 82.7 to 99.6) at one year and 90.3% (95% CI 72.2 to 96.9) at two years), but the differences were not significant (p = 0.270). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified the duration of the prosthesis-free interval as a potential risk factor for failure (hazard ratio 1.128 (95% CI 1.003 to 1.268); p = 0.043). Conclusion. Fungal PJIs had a lower treatment success rate than non-fungal PJIs despite two-stage revision arthroplasty and appropriate antifungal treatment. Our findings highlight the need for further developments in treating fungal PJIs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1286–1293

Aims. Antibiotic-loaded bone cements (ALBCs) may offer early protection against the formation of bacterial biofilm after joint arthroplasty. Use in hip arthroplasty is widely accepted, but there is a lack of evidence in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of ALBC in a large population of TKA patients. Materials and Methods. Data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) of England and Wales were obtained for all primary cemented TKAs between March 2003 and July 2016. Patient, implant, and surgical variables were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the influence of ALBC on risk of revision. Body mass index (BMI) data were available in a subset of patients. Results. Of 731 214 TKAs, 15 295 (2.1%) were implanted with plain cement and 715 919 (97.9%) with ALBC. There were 13 391 revisions; 2391 were performed for infection. After adjusting for other variables, ALBC had a significantly lower risk of revision for any cause (hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 0.93; p < 0.001). ALBC was associated with a lower risk of revision for all aseptic causes (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.95; p < 0.001) and revisions for infection (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.01; p = 0.06). The results were similar when BMI was added into the model, and in a subanalysis where surgeons using only ALBC over the entire study period were excluded. Prosthesis survival at ten years for TKAs implanted with ALBC was 96.3% (95% CI 96.3 to 96.4) compared with 95.5% (95% CI 95.0 to 95.9) in those implanted with plain cement. On a population level, where 100 000 TKAs are performed annually, this difference represents 870 fewer revisions at ten years in the ALBC group. Conclusion. After adjusting for a range of variables, ALBC was associated with a significantly lower risk of revision in this registry-based study of an entire nation of primary cemented knee arthroplasties. Using ALBC does not appear to increase midterm implant failure rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1331–1347

Introduction. Primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed in younger patients raise concerns regarding the potential for accelerated polyethylene wear, aseptic loosening, and thus revision TKA at a younger age. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term implant survivorship, functional outcomes, and pain relief of primary TKA performed in patients under 35 years of age. Methods. A retrospective review of our institutional registry identified 185 TKAs performed in 119 patients under the age of 35 between 1985 and 2010. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Patients were contacted for two serial questionnaires in 2011–2012 and again in 2018. Implant survivorship was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves and Cox proportional hazard model. The median age was 26.1 (21.5–30.1) years, with a BMI of 23.5 (20.4–26.6) kg/m. 2. Median follow-up was 13.9 (8.5–19.8) years. Results. Implant survivorship at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 83%, 72%, 52%, and 39% respectively. Inflammatory diagnoses had improved survivorship relative to osteoarthritis (p=0.028). Increasing age at primary TKA (HR 1.3), varus-valgus constrained devices (HR 1.7), and hinge-type prostheses (HR 6.4) were associated with revision TKA. The most common indications for revision were periprosthetic joint infection (26%), aseptic loosening (22%), and instability (22%). Median time to revision was 4.3 (1.2–11.0) years. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement scores were 76.3 (63.8–92.0) points at most recent follow-up. 74% of patients reported mild or no pain, 73% ambulated without assistive devices, and 51% could ambulate unlimited distances at most recent follow-up. Conclusions. Patients under the age of 35 years who underwent primary TKA had significant pain relief and continued functional ability in the long-term. However, implant survivorship was 52% at 15 years. The use of constrained implants, non-inflammatory diagnoses, and increasing age at primary TKA were risk factors for revision surgery. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

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The purpose of this study was to assess mid-term survivorship following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with Optetrak Logic components and identify the most common revision indications at a single institution.

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The primary objective of this registry-based study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of cementless and cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) during the first postoperative year. The secondary objective was to assess one- and three-year implant survival of both fixation techniques.

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We have previously reported the mid-term outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for flexion instability. At a mean of four years, there were no re-revisions for instability. The aim of this study was to report the implant survivorship and clinical and radiological outcomes of the same cohort of of patients at a mean follow-up of ten years.

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The aim of this study was to determine the long-term mortality rate, and to identify factors associated with this, following primary and revision knee arthroplasty (KA).

Introduction. Overwhelming evidence has established obesity as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Randomized clinical trials such as the Look AHEAD study have shown long term successful intentional weight loss with an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) in overweight and obese type 2 diabetics. Weight loss can also decrease knee pain in persons who have OA, but it is unknown if intentional weight loss can reduce the risk of TKR. To answer this question, data from the Look AHEAD study were examined to determine if intentional weight loss could reduce the risk of TKR. Methods. Look AHEAD is a multicenter, randomized trial which began in August 2001 and follow-up continued for a median of 11.3 years at 16 academic centers. 5145 persons aged 45–76 with diabetes were randomized to either an ILI with reduced calorie consumption and increased physical activity designed or to diabetes support and education intervention (DSE). TKR events were ascertained every 6 months. Retrospective data of reported knee pain was assessed using the WOMAC knee pain questionnaire. Participants with partial TKR or revisions were excluded. Cox proportional hazard models were used to relate baseline BMI category (obese, Class I, Class II, or Class III obesity), baseline knee pain, and treatment group with TKR. Weight change category (lost<=5%, stable, gained>=2%) from baseline to year 1 follow-up by treatment assignment was also examined as a predictor of TKR after excluding TKR occurring prior to year 1. Results. Out of the randomized participants, 2171 reported knee pain (43%) at the baseline visit (p=0.81). WOMAC knee pain score did not differ by random assignment (ILI:3.6±2.9, DSE:3.9±3.0, p=0.08). During follow up there were 631 TKRs reported by participants. TKR was more common in heavier (p<0.001), and older (p<0.001) participants and did not differ by randomization. Heterogeneity of treatment effect was observed with baseline knee pain (interaction p = 0.02), therefore analyses were stratified by presence or absence of knee pain at baseline. In persons without knee pain at baseline, there was a 29% reduced rate of TKR in the ILI group compared to the DSE group (HR[95%CI] 0.71[0.52,0.96]; Figure 1A). Whereas in persons with knee pain at baseline, there was a trend for the ILI to have an increased rate of TKR compared to DSE (1.11[0.92, 1.33]; Figure 1B). In both sets of analyses, obese participants had significantly higher hazard of TKR than overweight participants (No pain: Class I 1.78[1.04,3.05], Class II 2.27 [1.31,3.94], Class III 2.94[1.67,5.18]; With pain: Class I 1.70[1.12,2.59], Class II 2.42 [1.60,3.65], Class III 2.80[1.85,4.23]). When TKR incidence was examined by weight change at year 1 there was no difference in weight change category between randomization groups in persons with knee pain (interaction p=0.20) or without baseline knee pain (interaction p=0.87) (Figure 1C and D) or for the overall effect of year 1 weight loss category in either stratum (with knee pain p=0.26, without knee pain p=0.48). However, in persons without knee pain at baseline, ILI had a marginal reduction in hazard of TKR compared to DSE (0.71[0.49, 1.05]) but not in the group with baseline knee pain. Conclusions. In persons with no knee pain at baseline and who were overweight or had Class I or II obesity, ILI seemed to reduce the risk of TKR compared to DSE. In contrast, persons with knee pain who gained weight at 1 year and were randomized to ILI had the highest risk of TKR. This suggests that weight loss to prevent TKR may be more effective prior to the development of significant knee pain. After the onset of knee pain however, low impact or non-weight bearing activity should be considered to avoid worsening knee symptoms. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

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The mid-term results of kinematic alignment (KA) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using image derived instrumentation (IDI) have not been reported in detail, and questions remain regarding ligamentous stability and revisions. This paper aims to address the following: 1) what is the distribution of alignment of KA TKAs using IDI; 2) is a TKA alignment category associated with increased risk of failure or poor patient outcomes; 3) does extending limb alignment lead to changes in soft-tissue laxity; and 4) what is the five-year survivorship and outcomes of KA TKA using IDI?

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This study aimed to determine outcomes of isolated tibial insert exchange (ITIE) during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Background. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty provides a good alternative to total knee arthroplasty in patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis. There has been variable reporting in the literature as to whether age and sex affect the survival of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Study aims. The aims of this study were to determine whether age and sex were predictors of failure for the Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Methods. Details of consecutive patients undergoing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at our centre between January 2000 and December 2009 were collected prospectively. Failure of the implant was defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty. Survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the affect of age and sex on survival of the prosthesis. Results. There were 494 Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasties implanted in 425 patients for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis. Mean age was 62.8 yr (range 34.6-90.1 yr) and 53.4% were female. During a mean follow-up time of 3.0 yr (range 0.5-9.2 yr), twenty knees (4.0%) were revised to a total knee arthroplasty. Age had a statistically significant impact on survival (p=0.018), with increasing age associated with improved survival of the prosthesis. Sex was not demonstrated to be a statistically significant predictor of failure. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that decreasing age was a predictor of failure of the Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, but sex had no impact on failure of the prosthesis. It is therefore recommended that age should be taken into account when younger patients are being considered for Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. In addition, preoperatively younger patients should be counselled appropriately regarding the increased risk of revision surgery

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Debate remains whether the patella should be resurfaced during total knee replacement (TKR). For non-resurfaced TKRs, we estimated what the revision rate would have been if the patella had been resurfaced, and examined the risk of re-revision following secondary patellar resurfacing.

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To describe the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and reoperation in patients who have an acute, traumatic wound dehiscence following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

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The aim of this study was to measure the effect of hospital case volume on the survival of revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA).

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Uncemented mobile bearing designs in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have seen an increase over the last decade. However, there are a lack of large-scale studies comparing survivorship of these specific designs to commonly used cemented mobile and fixed bearing designs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survivorship of these designs.

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The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylactic treatments in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

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Recent studies have suggested that corticosteroid injections into the knee may harm the joint resulting in cartilage loss and possibly accelerating the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with, or at risk of developing, symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee who receive intra-articular corticosteroid injections have an increased risk of requiring arthroplasty.