The aim of this study was to determine the association between the Oxford knee score (OKS) and direct assessment of outcome, and to examine how this relationship varied at different time-points following total knee replacement (TKR). Prospective data consisting of the OKS, numerical rating scales for ‘worst pain’ and ‘perceived mean daily pain’, timed functional assessments (chair rising, stairs and walking ability), goniometry and lower limb power were recorded for 183 patients pre-operatively and at six, 26 and 52 weeks post-operatively. The OKS was influenced primarily by the patient’s level of pain rather than objective functional assessments. The relationship between report of outcome and direct assessment changed over time: R² = 35% pre-operatively, 44% at six weeks, 57% at 26 weeks and 62% at 52 weeks.

The relationship between assessment of performance and report of performance improved as the patient’s report of pain diminished, suggesting that patients’ reporting of functional outcome after TKR is influenced more by their pain level than their ability to accomplish tasks.

Aims. To identify the responsiveness, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), minimal clinical important change (MIC), and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds in the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) (v2) for each of the eight dimensions and the total score following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. There were 3,321 patients undergoing primary TKA with preoperative and one-year postoperative SF-36 scores. At one-year patients were asked how satisfied they were and “How much did the knee arthroplasty surgery improve the quality of your life?”, which was graded as: great, moderate, little (n = 277), none (n = 98), or worse. Results. Physical function, role limitations due to physical problems (‘role physical’), bodily pain, and the total score SF-36 scores demonstrated the greatest effect sizes (> 0.9). The MCID for each of SF-36 dimensions ranged from 1.7 for role emotional to 6.4 for bodily pain. The MICs for a cohort of patients ranged from -1.0 for general health to 11.1 for bodily pain. The MICs for an individual patient were marginally greater (one to two points) compared to those for a cohort, and ranging from 0.0 for general and mental health to 13.5 for physical function. The lowest PASS score threshold was associated with physical function (> 34 points) whereas the greatest threshold (> 69 points) was associated with mental health. Conclusion. The SF-36 is a responsive tool, and the estimates for MCID, MIC, and PASS thresholds that can be used to power studies, assess whether there has been a meaningful change in patients’ health-related quality of life, and can be used as a marker of achieving patient satisfaction following TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):477–483

Aims. 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. Methods. We analyzed 10,862 cementless and 7,917 cemented UKA cases enrolled in the Dutch Arthroplasty Registry, operated between 2017 and 2021. Pre- to postoperative change in outcomes at six and 12 months’ follow-up were compared using mixed model analyses. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were applied to quantify differences in implant survival. Adjustments were made for patient-specific variables and annual hospital volume. Results. Change from baseline in the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and activity-related pain was comparable between groups. Adjustment for covariates demonstrated a minimally greater decrease in rest-related pain in the cemented group (β = -0.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.16 to -0.01)). Cementless fixation was associated with a higher probability of achieving an excellent OKS outcome (> 41 points) (adjusted odds ratio 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3)). The likelihood of one-year implant survival was greater for cemented implants (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.35 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.71)), with higher revision rates for periprosthetic fractures of cementless implants. During two to three years’ follow-up, the likelihood of implant survival was non-significantly greater for cementless UKA (adjusted HR 0.64 (95% CI 0.40 to 1.04)), primarily due to increased revision rates for tibial loosening of cemented implants. Conclusion. Cementless and cemented medial UKA led to comparable improvement in physical function and pain reduction during the initial postoperative year, albeit with a greater likelihood of achieving excellent OKS outcomes after cementless UKA. Anticipated differences in early physical function and pain should not be a decisive factor in the choice of fixation technique. However, surgeons should consider the differences in short- and long-term implant survival when deciding which implant to use. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):401–410

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral and tibial components of the cementless rotating platform Attune and Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs, two years postoperatively, using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in order to assess the risk of the development of aseptic loosening. A secondary aim was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the designs. Methods. A total of 61 TKAs were analyzed in this randomized clinical RSA trial. RSA examinations were performed one day and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The maximal total point motion (MPTM), translations, and rotations of the components were analyzed. PROMs and clinical data were collected preoperatively and at six weeks and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Linear mixed effect modelling was used for statistical analyses. Results. The mean MTPM two years postoperatively (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the Attune femoral component (0.92 mm (0.75 to 1.11)) differed significantly from that of the LCS TKA (1.72 mm (1.47 to 2.00), p < 0.001). The Attune femoral component subsided, tilted (anteroposteriorly), and rotated (internal-external) significantly less. The mean tibial MTPM two years postoperatively did not differ significantly, being 1.11 mm (0.94 to 1.30) and 1.17 mm (0.99 to 1.36, p = 0.447) for the Attune and LCS components, respectively. The rate of migration in the second postoperative year was negligible for the femoral and tibial components of both designs. The mean pain-at-rest (numerical rating scale (NRS)-rest) in the Attune group was significantly less compared with that in the LCS group during the entire follow-up period. At three months postoperatively, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Physical Function Shortform score, the Oxford Knee Score, and the NRS-activity scores were significantly better in the Attune group. Conclusion. The mean MTPM of the femoral components of the cementless rotating platform Attune was significantly less compared with that of the LCS design. This was reflected mainly in significantly less subsidence, posterior tilting, and internal rotation. The mean tibial MTPMs were not significantly different. During the second postoperative year, the components of both designs stabilized and low risks for the development of aseptic loosening are expected. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):148–157

Introduction. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to improve limb alignment, component positioning, and soft-tissue balance, yet the effect of adoption of this technology has not been established. This study was designed to evaluate whether robotic-assisted TKA leads to improved patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient satisfaction as compared to conventional TKA at 3 and 12 months. Methods. This IRB-approved single-surgeon retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data compared 113 conventional TKA patients with 145 imageless robotic-assisted TKA patients (Navio™ Surgical System, Smith&Nephew®, Memphis TN). Basic demographic information, intraoperative and postoperative data, and PROMs (SF-P, SF-M, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC Physical Function, KSS) were collected and recorded preoperatively, at 3 months, and at 12 months following surgery. Range of motion (ROM), blood loss, surgical duration, and complication rates between groups were also collected. Continuous measures such as mean difference in PROMs and ROM were compared using unpaired t-tests. Categorical measures such as the percentage of patients with complications were compared using chi-square analysis. Results. There were no baseline demographic differences or preoperative PROMs between groups. Following TKA, there were no differences between groups with respect to ROM or any of the PROMs (SF-P, SF-M, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC Physical Function, and KS scores) at 3- or 12-months. Difference between the group included larger EBL(242 vs 209 mL, p<.001) and longer surgical duration (119 vs 107minutes, p<.001) for robotic-assisted surgery. There were no differences between the two groups in total post operative complications however subgroup analysis demonstrated that the robotic assisted cohort had fewer periprosthetic joint infections (1 vs 3, p=.048) and total reoperations (1 vs 7, p=.0114). Conclusions. Imageless robotic-assisted TKA resulted in similar function and satisfaction scores when compared to conventional TKA at 3 and 12 months. While EBL and surgical duration were greater with robotic-assisted TKA, this technique resulted in fewer reoperations and periprosthetic wound infections. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Implementing operative eligibility thresholds based on body mass index (BMI) alone risks restricting access to improved pain, function, and quality-of-life. The purpose of this study was to: 1) investigate the relationship between BMI and improvements in 1-year patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and 2) determine how many patients would have been denied 1-year improvements with specific BMI cut-offs. Methods. Data were collected on a prospective cohort of 3,214 TKA patients from 2015–2018. Clinically meaningful 1-year improvements were defined as 15 points for Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) pain and Physical Function Shortform (PS), and 14 points for Knee-Related Quality-of-Life (KRQOL). For specific BMI cut-offs, the positive predictive value for predicting a failure to improve and number of patients denied surgery to avoid one failed improvement was calculated. Results. PROMs improvements were greater with increasing BMI. Patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m. 2. had median (Q1, Q3) KOOS pain improvements of 47.2 points (33.3, 58.3) and those with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m. 2. had median improvements of 41.7 (27.8, 55.6). Similar findings were observed for KOOS PS (28.4 vs. 26.3) and KRQOL (50.0 vs. 43.8). With a BMI cut-off of 30 kg/m. 2. , 9 patients would have been denied improvements from surgery for each failed improvement avoided whereas with a BMI cut-off of 50 kg/m. 2. , 15 patients would have been denied improvements from surgery. Implementing BMI thresholds alone did not influence the rate of improvements in KOOS-PS or KRQOL. Conclusion. Patients with higher BMI were observed to have greater improvements in PROMs after primary TKA. Enforcing arbitrary BMI cut-offs would deprive pain and functional improvements from patients who would benefit the most. Moreover, there appears to be no increase in the rate of PROMs improvements by enforcing BMI thresholds. This study demonstrates that determining TKA eligibility should involve a holistic approach rather than limiting to BMI measurements alone

Aims. As the population ages, there is projected to be an increase in the level of demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in octogenarians. We aimed to explore whether those aged ≥ 80 years achieved similar improvements in physical function to younger patients while also comparing the rates of length of stay (LOS), discharge to rehabilitation, postoperative complications, and mortality following TKA in older and younger patients. Patients and Methods. Patients from one institution who underwent primary elective TKA between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2014 were dichotomized into those ≥ 80 years old (n = 359) and those < 80 years old (n = 2479) for comparison. Multivariable regression was used to compare the physical status component of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), LOS, discharge to rehabilitation, complications, and mortality between the two groups. Results. Both age groups demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in their self-reported physical health relative to their baseline with no clinically relevant difference noted between them. Being ≥ 80 years old was associated with a 0.58-day increase in LOS and older patients were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation (odds ratio (OR) 3.06, p < 0.001). Medical complications and mortality were higher in elderly patients (OR 1.92 for complications, p < 0.001; hazard ratio 3.40 for death, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between age group and experiencing a postoperative surgical or wound-related complication. Conclusion. Those aged over 80 years achieved a statistically significant lower median SF-12 physical score than the younger group, after adjusting for the preoperative score, but this difference of 4.46 was not considered to be clinically meaningful. However, clinicians should be aware that the elderly are at a higher risk of experiencing longer hospital stays, postoperative medical complications, and mortality. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1463–70

Introduction. Porous metaphyseal cones are increasingly used for fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Both cemented shorter length stems and longer diaphyseal engaging stems are currently utilized with metaphyseal cones with no clear evidence of superiority. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with 3D printed titanium metaphyseal cones with both short cemented and longer cementless stems from a clinical and radiographic perspective. Methods. In total 136 3D printed titanium metaphyseal cones were implanted. The mean patient age was 63 and 48% were female. The mean BMI was 33 and the mean ASA class was 2.5. There were 42 femoral cones in which 28 cemented and 14 cementless stems were utilized. There were 94 tibial cones in which 67 cemented and 27 cementless stems were utilized. The choice for stem fixation was surgeon dependent and in general cones were utilized for AORI type 2 and 3 bone defects on the femur and tibia. The most common fixation scenario was short cemented stems on both the femur and tibia followed by cemented stem fixation on the tibia and cementless fixation on the femur. Clinical data such as revision, complication, and PRO was collected at last follow-up (minimum follow-up 1 year). Radiographic analysis included cone bony ingrowth and coronal and sagittal alignment on long-standing radiographs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographics between patients who had malalignment (HKA beyond +/− 3 degrees and flexion/extension beyond +/− 3 degrees). Adjusted logistic regression models were run to assess malalignment risk by stem type. Results. Patient reported outcomes demonstrated modest improvements with Pre-op KOOS improving from 44 pre-op to 59 post -op and PF-CAT improving from 33 to 37 post-op. PROMIS pain scores decreased significantly from 54 to 44 post-op. 36% of patients had malalignment in either the coronal or sagittal plane. Patients with malalignment were more likely to be female (66.7% vs 40.4%, p-value=0.02). After adjusting for age, sex and BMI, there was a significantly increased risk for coronal plane malalignment when both the femur and tibia had cementless compared to cemented stems (odds ratio=5.54, 95%CI=1.15, 26.80). There was no significantly increased risk when comparing patients with mixed stems to patients with cemented stems. Sagittal plane malalignment was more common with short cemented stems although both coronal plane and sagittal plane malalignment with either stem type was not associated with inferior clinical outcome. Overall cone survivorship was excellent with only two cones removed for infection. Conclusion. Metaphyseal titanium cones provide reliable fixation in revision TKA. However, PROs in this complex patient population show only modest improvement consistent with other variables such as co-morbidities and poor baseline physical function. Small cone inner diameter may adversely influence cementless stem position leading to coronal plane malalignment. Short cemented stems are subject to greater sagittal plane malalignment with no apparent influence on clinical outcome

Aims

To map literature on prognostic factors related to outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), to identify extensively studied factors and to guide future research into what domains need further exploration.

Aims

To map the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and High Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) items to a common scale, and to investigate the psychometric properties of this new scale for the measurement of knee health.

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reliably improves pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), though a substantial percentage of patients remain unsatisfied. Reasons include the presence of complications, persistent pain, and unmet expectations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-assisted soft tissue balancing changed complication rates, radiographic alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared to TKA performed with conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs in 319 patients. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon in sequential fashion using a measured resection technique with a goal of mechanical alignment. The historical control group, utilizing intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided soft tissue balancing, was compared to group 1 (accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection, surgeon-guided balancing) and group 2 (navigated femoral resection, sensor-guided balancing). Primary outcome measures were PROMIS scores including physical function computerized adaptive test (PF CAT), and the Global 10 health assessment (including physical, mental, and pain scores), and Knee Injury Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS), measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic measurements included component position and overall mechanical alignment of the limb and were made at 6 weeks by a single examiner from hip to ankle standing films. Charts were reviewed for pre- and postoperative ROM at 6 weeks, polyethylene insert morphology, and postoperative hematocrit change. Complications were recorded, including manipulation under anesthesia and reoperation. Our study was powered to detect a difference of 1 standard deviation in PF CAT score with 100 patients. Statistical analysis was performed by a statistician including t-tests, multivariate regression, and time series plot analyses. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There was no difference in baseline patient demographics. Patients in group 2 had higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p=0.04). There were no differences in 6-week and one-year postop PF CAT, physical or mental subscores, pain scores, or KOOS scores (all p>0.05). There were 8 total complications in the control group (4.1%), 4 in group 1 (3.8%), and 1 in group 2 (1.4%) (p>0.4). The postoperative mechanical axis of the limb was within 3 degrees of neutral in 71.6% of control patients, 74.8% in group 1, and 85.1% in group 2 (p=0.1). There was no difference in femoral component coronal alignment between groups (p=0.91), though controls had a small but significantly higher degree of flexion in the sagittal plane (6.5 degrees) than groups 1 and 2 (5.4 degrees in both, p=0.003). There was no difference in postoperative ROM or blood loss. Conclusions. The sequential addition of imageless navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not confer any benefit to short term PROs, radiographic outcomes, or complication rates over conventional techniques. While overall mechanical alignment of the limb was improved in groups 1 and 2 compared to controls, this did not reach statistical significance. The additive costs of navigation and soft-tissue balancing technologies may not be justified. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims

To investigate the impact of consecutive perioperative care transitions on in-hospital recovery of patients who had primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over an 11-year period.

Aims

This study investigated the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) on pain, function, and quality of life in people with early-stage symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to a sham procedure.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of injecting genetically engineered chondrocytes expressing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) into the knees of patients with osteoarthritis. We assessed the resultant function, pain and quality of life. . A total of 54 patients (20 men, 34 women) who had a mean age of 58 years (50 to 66) were blinded and randomised (1:1) to receive a single injection of the active treatment or a placebo. We assessed post-treatment function, pain severity, physical function, quality of life and the incidence of treatment-associated adverse events. Patients were followed at four, 12 and 24 weeks after injection. At final follow-up the treatment group had a significantly greater improvement in the mean International Knee Documentation Committee score than the placebo group (16 points; -18 to 49, vs 8 points; -4 to 37, respectively; p = 0.03). The treatment group also had a significantly improved mean visual analogue score at final follow-up (-25; -85 to 34, vs -11 points; -51 to 25, respectively; p = 0.032). Both cohorts showed an improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, but these differences were not statistically significant. One patient had an anaphylactic reaction to the preservation medium, but recovered within 24 hours. All other adverse events were localised and resolved without further action. . This technique may result in improved clinical outcomes, with the aim of slowing the degenerative process, leading to improvements in pain and function. However, imaging and direct observational studies are needed to verify cartilage regeneration. Nevertheless, this study provided a sufficient basis to proceed to further clinical testing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:924–32

Aims

The aim was to assess whether robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had greater knee-specific outcomes, improved fulfilment of expectations, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared with manual TKA (mTKA).

Aims

The primary aim was to assess whether robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had a greater early knee-specific outcome when compared to manual TKA (mTKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether rTKA was associated with improved expectation fulfilment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared to mTKA.

Aims. The aim of this prospective randomised study was to compare the time course of clinical improvement during the first two years following a closing or opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). It was hypothesised that there would be no differences in clinical outcome between the two techniques. Patients and Methods. Between 2007 and 2013, 70 consecutive patients were randomly allocated to undergo either a closing or opening wedge HTO. All patients had medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), and were aged between 30 years and 60 years. They were evaluated by independent investigators pre-operatively and at three and six months, and one and two years post-operatively using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale and range of movement (ROM). Results. There were no significant differences at any time between the two techniques for any clinical outcome score (p > 0.05). The mean scores for all the systems, except UCLA and Tegner, significantly improved until six months post-operatively (p < 0.001). For some scores, the improvement continued until one and two years. Conclusion. This prospective randomised study suggests that there are no differences in the time course of the clinical improvement between the closing and opening wedge techniques for HTO during the first two post-operative years. Patients can expect continued improvement in physical function for between six months and one year after HTO regardless of the technique used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1157–66

Aims

Approximately 10% to 20% of knee arthroplasty patients are not satisfied with the result, while a clear indication for revision surgery might not be present. Therapeutic options for these patients, who often lack adequate quadriceps strength, are limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a novel rehabilitation protocol that combines low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR).

Aims

Conflicting clinical results are reported for the ATTUNE Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated five-year follow-up results comparing cemented ATTUNE and PFC-Sigma cruciate retaining TKAs, analyzing component migration as measured by radiostereometric analysis (RSA), clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological outcomes.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare a bicruciate-retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA design in terms of kinematics, measured using fluoroscopy and stability as micromotion using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).