Aims. Nearly 99,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed in UK annually. Despite plenty of research, the satisfaction rate of this surgery is around 80%. One of the important intraoperative factors affecting the outcome is alignment. The relationship between joint obliquity and functional outcomes is not well understood. Therefore, a study is required to investigate and compare the effects of two types of alignment (mechanical and kinematic) on functional outcomes and range of motion. Methods. The aim of the study is to compare navigated kinematically aligned TKAs (KA TKAs) with navigated mechanically aligned TKA (MA TKA) in terms of function and ROM. We aim to recruit a total of 96 patients in the trial. The patients will be recruited from clinics of various consultants working in the trust after screening them for eligibility criteria and obtaining their informed consent to participate in this study. Randomization will be done prior to surgery by a software. The primary outcome measure will be the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score The secondary outcome measures include Oxford Knee Score, ROM, EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, EuroQol visual analogue scale, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Forgotten Joint Score. The scores will be calculated preoperatively and then at six weeks, six months, and one year after surgery. The scores will undergo a statistical analysis. Discussion. There is no clear evidence on the best alignment for a knee arthroplasty. This randomized controlled trial will test the null hypothesis that navigated KA TKAs do not perform better than navigated MA TKAs. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):945–950

After obtaining informed consent, 80 patients were randomised to undergo a navigated or conventional total knee replacement. All received a cemented, unconstrained, cruciate-retaining implant with a rotating platform. Full-length standing and lateral radiographs and CT scans of the hip, knee and ankle joint were carried out five to seven days after operation. No notable differences were found between computer-assisted navigation and conventional implantation techniques as regards the rotational alignment of the femoral or tibial components. Although the deviation from the transepicondylar axis was relatively low, there was a considerable range of deviation for the tibial rotational alignment. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the occurrence pattern of outliers in mechanical malalignment but the number of outliers was reduced in the navigated group

Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication after arthroscopy of the knee, about which there is limited information. We have identified the incidence and risk factors for symptomatic pulmonary embolism after arthroscopic procedures on outpatients. The New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to review arthroscopic procedures of the knee performed on outpatients between 1997 and 2006, and identify those admitted within 90 days of surgery with an associated diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Potential risk factors included age, gender, complexity of surgery, operating time defined as the total time that the patient was actually in the operating room, history of cancer, comorbidities, and the type of anaesthesia. We identified 374 033 patients who underwent 418 323 outpatient arthroscopies of the knee. There were 117 events of pulmonary embolism (2.8 cases for every 10 000 arthroscopies). Logistic regression analysis showed that age and operating time had significant dose-response increases in risk (p < 0.001) for a subsequent admission with a pulmonary embolism. Female gender was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in risk (p = 0.03), and a history of cancer with a threefold increase (p = 0.05). These risk factors can be used when obtaining informed consent before surgery, to elevate the level of clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism in patients at risk, and to establish a rationale for prospective studies to test the clinical benefit of thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients

We prospectively examined the physical and imaging findings, including MRI, of 23 patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee after obtaining informed consent to acquire tissue specimens at surgery. There were four men and 19 women, with a mean age of 67.5 years (58 to 77). Plain radiographs were designated as stages 1, 2, 3 or 4 according to the classification of Koshino. Five knees were classified as stage 1, five as stage 2, seven as stage 3 and six as stage 4. The histological specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and tetrachrome. In the early stages of the condition, a subchondral fracture was noted in the absence of any features of osteonecrosis, whereas in advanced stages, osteonecrotic lesions were confined to the area distal to the site of the fracture which showed impaired healing. In such cases, formation of cartilage and fibrous tissue, occurred indicating delayed or nonunion. These findings strongly suggest that the histopathology at each stage of spontaneous osteonecrosis is characterised by different types of repair reaction for subchondral fractures

Introduction. Low serum Vitamin D (VitD) levels are often found in patients being investigated for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). VitD deficiency is associated with poor pre/post-operative functional scores and higher rate of complications. Studies report VitD as an important modifiable risk factor to improve outcomes post TKA. Aim. Aim of our study was 1) To examine the trajectory of VitD in TKA patients over 2 weeks, which included VitD sufficient and deficient patients who were supplemented orally or intramuscularly (IM) for comparision. 2) To compare early (2weeks) functional recovery in VitD sufficient and deficient patients. Material & Methods. We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing primary TKA by a single surgeon. Based on preoperative VitD levels (25OH VitD ≥30 being sufficient or <30 ng/mL being deficient) and means of supplementation(none, IM or Oral Injection Arachitol, Cholecalciferol IP 6,00,000 IU), we formed three groups: Group A (VitD sufficient, no supplementation); Group B (VitD deficient, IM supplementation); and Group C (VitD deficient, Oral supplementation). Study was approved by ethics committee. All patients gave informed consent and underwent TKA by same surgeon with uniform intra/post-operative protocols. VitD deficiency was supplemented orally/IM on the morning of surgery based on their randomization sequence. VitD levels (ng/mL) and outcome parameters of Flexion (degrees) and Timed up-and-go (TUG) test in seconds were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively on Day 3 and 14. 60 patients (20 per group) were enrolled. Demographics of all three groups were comparable. Results. VitD:. Group A:. Mean preoperative level of 42.3, fell to mean 40.4 by Day 3 (p < 0.001), and further to mean 38.9 by Day 14 (p<0.001). 6 and 4 patients became VitD deficient by Day 3 and Day 14 respectively. Group B:. Mean preoperative level of 21.5 rose to 31.2 by Day 3 (p=0.06), and further to 36.9 by Day 14 (p=0.001). 7 and 11 patients became sufficient by Day 3 and Day 14 respectively. Group C:. Mean preoperative level of 20.2 rose to mean 69.9 by Day 3 (p<0.001) and to a mean of 67.2 by Day 14 (p < 0.001). 19 and 20 patients became sufficient by Day 3 and Day 14 respectively. Outcome. Flexion:. Preoperative Flexion in Groups A, B, C was 133, 129 & 125 respectively (p=0.5). Day 3 Flexion was 88, 84 & 83 (p=0.2); Day 14 Flexion was 99, 90 & 95 (p=0.013) respectively. Posthoc Schaffe test showed statistical significance (p<0.05) only between Group A (99) and Group B (90) at Day 14. This indicated better flexion achieved in VitD sufficient patients at 2 weeks than in deficient patients with IM supplementation. TUG Test. was 17.1, 14.1 & 14.7 preoperatively in Groups A, B, C (p=0.5); on Day 3, it was 52.5, 62.6 & 58.2 (p=0.07); on Day 14, it was 33, 38.8 & 37.8 (p=0.2) respectively. Day 3 TUG time was longest (62.6) in Group B and shortest (52.5) in Group A indicating that IM supplemented patients had poor function compared to sufficient group though without statistical significance (p=0.07) with numbers available. Conclusion. We found that VitD deficient patients can be rapidly supplemented on the morning of surgery. High dose oral VitD increased levels by Day 3, whereas IM VitD increased levels only by Day 14 which remained significantly lesser than oral group. Interestingly, about 25% of VitD sufficient patients who were not supplemented, became deficient postoperatively. Flexion achieved on Day 14 was significantly better with VitD sufficiency, compared to deficient patients treated with IM VitD. Significance. VitD deficiency can be rapidly corrected by high dose oral supplementation on the morning of surgery. Also, TKA can deplete VitD and can make VitD sufficient patients deficient as early as Day 3 post surgery. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Total knee replacement (TKR) is an effective method of treating end-stage arthritis of the knee. It is not, however, a procedure without risk due to a number of factors, one of which is diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to estimate the general prevalence of diabetes in patients about to undergo primary TKR and to determine whether diabetes mellitus adversely affects the outcome. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. The Odds Ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were used to represent the estimate of risk of a specific outcome. Our results showed the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients undergoing TKR was 12.2%. Patients with diabetes mellitus had an increased risk of deep infection (OR = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38 to 1.88), deep vein thrombosis (in Asia, OR = 2.57, 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.20), periprosthetic fracture (OR = 1.89, 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.45), aseptic loosening (OR = 9.36, 95% CI, 4.63 to 18.90), and a poorer Knee Society function subscore (MD = -5.86, 95% CI, -10.27 to -1.46). Surgeons should advise patients specifically about these increased risks when obtaining informed consent and be meticulous about their peri-operative care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1637–43

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). . Patients and Methods. The New Zealand Joint Registry database was analysed, using revision surgery for PJI at six and 12 months after surgery as primary outcome measures. Statistical associations between revision for infection, with common and definable surgical and patient factors were tested. Results. A total of 64 566 primary TKAs have been recorded on the registry between 1999 and 2012 with minimum follow-up of 12 months. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations with revision for PJI between male gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 2.74), previous surgery (osteotomy (OR 2.45 95% CI 1.2 to 5.03), ligament reconstruction (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.68 to 5.00)), the use of laminar flow (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.47) and the use of antibiotic-laden cement (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.13). There was a trend towards significance (p = 0.052) with the use of surgical helmet systems at six months (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.34). Conclusion. These findings show that patient factors remain the most important in terms of predicting early PJI following TKA. Furthermore, we found no evidence that modern surgical helmet systems reduce the risk of PJI and laminar flow systems may actually increase risk in TKA. The use of this registry data assists the estimation of the risk of PJI for individual patients, which is important for both informed consent and the interpretation of infection rates at different institutions. . Take home message: Infection rates in TKA are related to both individual patient and surgical factors, and some modern methods of reducing infection may actually increase infection risk. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:334–40

A 5 year review of factors instigating malpractice claims and likely to result in a payout. Possible lessons for the future. Background. During 2002-2007 over 300,000 patients underwent knee arthroplasty (KA) in England and Wales, from which 204 cases of litigation were processed costing in excess of £5million. The complications associated with primary KA are well documented, however those instigating litigation in the UK are not known. This study assessed trends in litigation over the past 5 years identifying instigating factors and success rates to highlight areas for further improvement in patient information and surgical management. Methods. Data from the NHS Litigation Authority on claims following KA unrelated to trauma between 2002 and 2007 were obtained and analysed. Results. 246 claims were made, 171 (70%) were settled of which 81 (47%) resulted in a successful claim. The total cost to the NHS was £5,257,228. The number of claims has increased from 26 in 2002 to 67 in 2007, while the rate of successful claims decreased from 58% to 9%. The three most common instigating factors were ongoing pain(24%), operator error(23%) and infection(10%). The factors with greatest successful claims were operator error(80%), vascular injuries(75%), failure of post-operative care(55%). Conclusion. Litigation claims following KA are increasing, although there rate of success is decreasing. Operator error, vascular injuries and failure of post-operative care are predictors of a successful claim. However failure to consent adequately, adhere to policies and standard practice can result in a successful claim. Protecting patients intra-operatively and maintaining high technical expertise while implementing policies and informed consent decreases the litigation burden to the NHS

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The aim of this study was to describe and compare joint-specific and generic health-related quality of life outcomes of the first versus second knee in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) for osteoarthritis.

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The primary objective of this study was to compare the five-year tibial component migration and wear between highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) inserts and conventional polyethylene (PE) inserts of the uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary objectives included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

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The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), with those following ACLR and concomitant meniscal resection or repair.

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This Delphi study assessed the challenges of diagnosing soft-tissue knee injuries (STKIs) in acute settings among orthopaedic healthcare stakeholders.

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We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of OpenPose, a posture estimation algorithm, for measurement of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in comparison to radiography and goniometry.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears.

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The purpose of this study is to determine an individual’s age-specific prevalence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after cruciate ligament surgery, and to identify clinical and genetic risk factors associated with undergoing TKA.

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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.

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The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and patterns of neuropathic pain over one year in a cohort of patients with chronic post-surgical pain at three months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

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Metal particles detached from metal-on-metal hip prostheses (MoM-THA) have been shown to cause inflammation and destruction of tissues. To further explore this, we investigated the histopathology (aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesions (ALVAL) score) and metal concentrations of the periprosthetic tissues obtained from patients who underwent revision knee arthroplasty. We also aimed to investigate whether accumulated metal debris was associated with ALVAL-type reactions in the synovium.

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Robotic arm-assisted surgery offers accurate and reproducible guidance in component positioning and assessment of soft-tissue tensioning during knee arthroplasty, but the feasibility and early outcomes when using this technology for revision surgery remain unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic arm-assisted revision of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus primary robotic arm-assisted TKA at short-term follow-up.

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A novel enhanced cement fixation (EF) tibial implant with deeper cement pockets and a more roughened bonding surface was released to market for an existing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system.This randomized controlled trial assessed fixation of the both the EF (ATTUNE S+) and standard (Std; ATTUNE S) using radiostereometric analysis.