Abstract. Introduction. Active, middle-aged patients with symptomatic cartilage or osteochondral defects can find themselves in a treatment gap when they have failed conservative measures but are not yet eligible for conventional arthroplasty. Data from various cohort studies suggests that focal knee resurfacing implants such as HemiCAP, UniCAP, Episealer or BioBoly are cost-effective solutions to alleviate pain, improve function and delay or eliminate the need for conventional replacement. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in order to(i) evaluate revision rates and implant survival of focal resurfacing; (ii) explore surgical complications; and (iii) evaluate various patient reported clinical outcome measures. Methodology. PubMED, Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched in February 2022 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies evaluating any of the available implant types. Data on incidence of revision, complications and various patient reported outcome measures was sourced. Results. A total of 24 unique studies were identified with a total of 1465 enrolled patients. A revision rate of 12.97% over a 5.9 year weighted mean follow-up period was observed across all implant types. However, in one series a Kaplan-Meir survival as high as 92.6% at a 10-year follow-up period was noted. A statistically significant improvement was documented across multiple subjective clinical outcomes scores. There was a low reported incidence of post-operative complications such as aseptic loosening or deep wound infection. Conclusions. Focal femoral resurfacing appears to be a viable treatment option for focal symptomatic chondral lesions in patients beyond biological reconstruction, with low revision rates and high patient satisfaction

Abstract. Introduction. Anecdotal reports suggest some cementless Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacements (OUKRs) have painful early subsidence of the tibial component with valgus rotation and/or posterior tilting. The incidence of subsidence and its association with pain is poorly understood. This radiographic study aimed to evaluate the incidence of tibial subsidence and five-year patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of a cementless OUKR cohort. Methodology. Cementless OUKRs from a high-volume centre with acceptable post-operative and five-year radiographs were included. Subsidence was determined by measuring the angle of the tibial tray/tibial axis angle and distance between the tibial tray axis and fibula head on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs using a custom MATLAB program. Analysis of 5-year PROMs assessed the relationship between subsidence and pain. Radiographs indicating tibial subsidence were validated by two observers. Results. Radiographs of 94 cementless OUKRs were analysed of which five tibial components had subsided (incidence=5%) with an average of 1.92° varus rotation and 2.97° posterior tilt. Subsidence appeared to occur within the first post-operative year with all tibial components fixed securely at 5 years. Two subsiders had moderate pain (ICOAP=20.5,15.9, AKSS Pain=20,45) and lower Oxford Knee Scores (OKS=26,31) compared to the cohort means (ICOAP=3.91, AKSS Pain=45.9, OKS = 43.6). These two subsiders had BMIs greater than 30. Conclusion. This study found 5% of cementless OUKRs in the cohort underwent tibial subsidence. Subsidence with moderate pain occurred in 2% of cases, and pain may be associated with obesity. A larger study is needed to study subsidence in greater detail

Abstract. Background. Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a clinically and cost-effective option for symptomatic cartilage defects. In 2017 we initiated a program for OCA transplantation for complex chondral and osteochondral defects as a UK tertiary referral centre. Aim. To characterise the complications, re-operation rate, graft survivorship and clinical outcomes of knee OCA transplantation. Methodology. Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with primary OCA transplantation from 2017 to 2021 with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, re-operations and failures were evaluated. Results. 37 patients with 37 knee OCA procedures were included (mean age 31.6 years [16–49 years]). Mean BMI 26.6 kg/m2 (19.1–35.9 kg/m2). The mean chondral defect size was 3cm2 (1.2–7.3 cm2). Mean duration of follow-up was 3.1 years (1–5.3 years). 16 patients underwent meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT), 6 underwent osteotomy and 4 underwent ligament reconstruction as concurrent procedures. Significant improvements in mean PROMs were noted at 12 months. 16 patients had reoperations of which 5 had more than one surgery. Of these patients 6 were related to OCA (mainly debridement and revision OCA in one patient), and the remainder were related to additional procedures including removal of plate in 2 patients. The overall failure rate was 1 in 37 patients (3%). Conclusions. Early experience of OCA as a treatment option for complex chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee shows satisfactory results. The reoperation rate is high but at mean follow-up of 3.1 years the survival rate was 97%

Abstract. Introduction. Little is known about employment following revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). This study aims to describe factors associated with returning to employment in patients of working age who underwent RTKA surgery. Methodology. We performed a retrospective assessment of all patients aged ≤65 who underwent RTKA at our NHS institution between 2006 and 2020. All indications and revision procedures were included. Pre-operative demographics, indication for surgery and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were recorded. Postal questionnaires were sent to patients including patient reported outcome measures and departmental questionnaire asking patients about employment status pre- and post-operatively. Results. 132 procedures were performed in 113 patients. Median follow up was 5.5 years (2.4–9.0). Mean age was 58 (5.8) and 50% (57) were male. 62 patients undergoing 74 procedures responded to postal questionnaires and were included in the study. 53% (33) were employed prior to surgery and 61% (38) returned to work at a median of 12 weeks (3–150). Of the 24 who did not return to work, 7 reported intending to return to work. Those patients who returned to work had increased pre-operative OKS (16.9 vs 13.6) and mean improvement (16.5 vs 12.4). Conclusion. This study is limited by small numbers and its observational nature. In this population the majority of patients who wished to return to work after RTKA were able to do so. This provides some reassurance when counselling patients. Prospective studies to better understand the factors that predict return to work will be important with increasing demands from surgery

Abstract. Introduction. Osteotomy is recognised treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Evidence suggests favourable outcomes when compared to arthroplasty, for younger and more active individuals[1]. Double level osteotomy (DLO) is considered when a single level is insufficient to restore both joint line obliquity and adequate realignment[2]. This paper aims to establish the functional outcomes up to two years post operatively for patients undergoing DLO, using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methodology. All patients who underwent a DLO at either Lister Hospital, Stevenage, or One Hatfield Hospital, Hertfordshire, between 1st January 2018 and 1st October 2020 were identified. DLO were performed by two specialist consultants, independently or in combination. PROMs including pain scores, health score, Oxford knee score (OKS) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were recorded pre-operatively and at six month, one and two year post operative intervals. Results. 24 patients underwent DLO; a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy and lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy. The cohort comprised 21 males, 3 females with an average age of 54.09 (38–77) years. Preoperative pain scores graded from 0–10 improved from 6.86 to 2.0 at 2 years. OKS improved from 23.94 to 47.88, as did KOOS 43.55 to 87.51, over the same duration. Conclusion. DLO was associated with improvements in pain and functional outcomes, compared to pre-operative levels. In patients for whom arthroplasty may be unfavourable, this provides an alternative to non-operative management, the options for which are frequently exhausted early in the disease process

Abstract. Customised individually made implants(CIM) total knee arthroplasty(TKA) are custom-made to better fit patients native anatomy and aim to improve outcomes which can be variable with conventional off-the-shelf(OTS). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted searching the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies reporting on patient reported outcome measures, clinical or radiological outcomes were included. 23 studies satisfied the search criteria (case-control studies14, case series8, cross-sectional studies1). There were 2,856(CIM) and 1,877(OTS) implants. The overall revision-rate was higher in CIM 5.9%vs3.7%OTS [OR 1.46(95% CI 0.82–2.62)]. MUA was higher in the CIM group 2.2%vs.1.1%OTS [OR 2.95(95% CI 0.95–9.13)] and overall complications rate was also higher in the CIM group 5% vs. 4.5%OTS [OR 1.45(95% CI 0.53–3.96)]. LOS was significantly shorter in the CIM group 2.9 days vs. 3.5 days [MD −0.51(95% CI −0.82–0.20)]. Pooled analysis for KSS showed no difference between CIM and OTS groups(Knee=90.5 vs. 90.6 [MD-0.27,(95% CI −4.27–3.73)] and Function=86.1 vs. 90.6[MD 1.51 (95% CI −3.69–6.70)] component of the scores. There was no significant difference in post-operative ROM between CIM and OTS groups 117.3° vs. 115.0° [MD 0.02,(95% CI −1.70–1.74)]. CIM TKAs has theoretical benefits over OTS TKAs however in this review they were associated with higher complication, MUA and revision rates with no difference in outcome scores and no improvement in target alignment. The findings of this review does not support the use of CIM over OTS prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract. Introduction. In revision knee arthroplasty, rotating hinge implants (RHK) have been considered to result in higher complication rates and lower survivorship when compared to constrained condylar implants (CCK). The aims of this study were to compare patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), complication rates and survivorship of RHK and CCK used in revision arthroplasty at a single, high volume elective orthopaedic centre with previously validated bespoke database. Methodology. One hundred and eight patients who underwent revision knee arthroplasty with either CCK or RHK and matched our inclusion criteria were identified. EQ5D, Health State and Oxford Knee Scores were collected pre-operatively and at 1 year post-operatively. Complication data was collected at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-operatively. NJR data was interrogated, in addition to our own database, to investigate implant survival. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between RHK and CCK in implant survival at two to twelve years of follow up. In addition, we observed no statistically significant difference in the PROMs scores and complication rates of the two implants. Conclusion. This study shows that both the RHK and CCK remain viable options in revision arthroplasty, the implant survival and complication rate were comparable. We recommend prospective randomised control trials with long-term follow up to further investigate the use of CCK and RHK implants in revision knee arthroplasty

Abstract. Introduction. Meniscal repair is an accepted surgical option for meniscal tears. However, there remains trepidation with regard to offering such surgery to older patients. We aim to evaluate the outcomes in these such patients. Methodology. A single surgeons log was used to identify patients who underwent meniscal repair and were over the age of 40. Patients having concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were excluded. Demographic data, surgical data and outcomes (pain visual analogue score (VAS); single assessment numerical evaluation (SANE) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome joint replacement (KOOS Jr) score) were collected prospectively. Final outcomes were collected between 6–12 months following surgery. Results. 24 meniscal tears in 22 knees (22 patients) were identified. Mean age was 52.2 (range; 40.6-70.3). Morphology of the tears were medial meniscus posterior root tear 10 (42%); medial meniscus posterior horn tear 9 (38%); lateral meniscus posterior horn tear 2 (8.3%); lateral meniscus posterior root tear 1 (4.2%); lateral meniscus body tear 1 (4.2%) and lateral meniscus anterior horn tear 1 (4.2%). Response rate was 86%. Statistically significant improvements in pain VAS (p=0.0001); SANE (p=0.0001) and KOOS Jr Score (p=0.0005) were found. 68% and 74% of patients had surpassed the MCID in their KOOS symptoms and KOOS quality of life subscales, respectively. Conclusion. Meniscal repair in patients over 40 years of age is an acceptable treatment with significant improvements in patients reported outcome measures, SANE and pain VAS

Abstract. Introduction. The postoperative inflammatory response may be implicated in the aetiology of patient dissatisfaction following Total Knee Arthroplasty. Robotic-arm assisted TKA has been associated with reduced bone and soft tissue trauma. The objective of this Randomised Controlled Trial was to compare the inflammatory response in conventional Jig-based versus robotic arm-assisted TKA and examine the relationship with patient reported outcome measures and functional outcomes. Methodology. 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomised to either conventional or robotic-arm assisted TKA. Blood samples were collected for up to 28 days post-operatively and intraarticular drain samples at 6 and 24 hours, to ascertain the systemic and local inflammatory responses. The Spearman's correlation was utilised to evaluate the relationship with PROMs and functional outcomes. Results. Reduced IL-6 drain fluid levels were noted at 6 hours [798.54 vs. 5699.2, p=0.026] and 24 hours and IL-8 at 6 hours. Patients in the robotic group had lower pain scores on post-operative day 1, 2 and 7. PROM scores were comparable at 2 years. Statistically significant correlations were evident between all serum markers except IL-1b on the 7th postoperative day and self-reported pain; between drain IL-8 levels and self-reported pain; between drain IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a levels (6-hours) and knee flexion and extension. Conclusion. Robotic-arm assisted TKA was associated with a reduced postoperative local and systemic inflammatory responses. A moderate correlation with self-reported pain, knee flexion and extension was also demonstrated. Longer-term data and further validation on a larger scale, will be key to developing the optimal TKA procedure

Abstract. Introduction. The incidence of significant acute chondral injuries with patella dislocation is around 10–15%. It is accepted that chondral procedures should only be performed in the presence of joint stability. Methodology. Patients were identified from surgeon/hospital logs. Patient demographics, lesion size and location, surgical procedure, patient reported outcome measures, post-operative MR imaging and complications were recorded. PROMs and patient satisfaction was obtained. Results. 20 knees (18 patients) were included. Mean age was 18.6 years (range; 11–39) and the mean follow-up was 16.6 months (range; 2–70). The defect locations were the lateral femoral condyle (9/20; 45%), patella (9/20; 45%), medial femoral condyle (1/20; 5%) and the trochlea (1/20; 5%). The mean defect size was 2.6cm2. Twelve knees were treated with cartilage fixation, 5 with microfracture and 3 with OATS. At follow up, the overall mean Lysholm score was 77.4 (± 17.1) with no chondral regenerative procedure being statistically superior. There was no difference in Lysholm scores between those patients having acute medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction versus medial soft tissue plication (p=0.59). Five (25%) knees required re-operation (one arthroscopic arthrolysis; one patella chondroplasty; two removal of loose bodies; one implant adjustment). Overall 90% responded as being satisfied with surgery. Conclusion. Our aggressive pathway to identify and treat acute cartilage defects with early operative intervention and patella stabilisation has shown high rates of satisfaction and Lysholm scores with no major revisions. The full range of chondral restoration options should be considered by surgeons managing these patients

Introduction. Instability following total knee arthroplasty is a leading cause of failure and is often treated with component revision. The goal of this study was to determine if isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange (ITPIE) to a higher-level constraint would afford similar outcomes to component revision in the properly selected patient. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 176 consecutive patients between 2016–2017 who were revised for symptomatic instability at a single institution. Demographic information and level of constraint preoperatively and postoperatively were documented. Radiographic parameters were also recorded for patients undergoing ITPIE. Outcome measures included all cause re-revision rates as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) obtained preoperatively and at minimum 1-yr follow up. Descriptive analysis including sample t-test and chi square test were performed with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Results. 100 patients underwent component revision. 76 patients underwent ITPIE. Patients undergoing ITPIE were not found to have gross malalignment, malrotation, compromised fixation or insufficient collateral ligaments. No statistically significant differences were noted in terms of demographic characteristics between the groups. Similar increases in constraint as well as the thickness of the polyethylene were noted at the time of revision surgery in both groups. Further, patients underwent similar rates of re-revision (15.9% for component revision and 11.8% for ITPIE), p=0.8. In analyzing PROMs, no statistically significant differences were noted. Radiographic parameters of those who underwent ITPIE showed majority of patients to have well aligned components. The average follow-up was 2.3(±1.0)yrs for the component revision group and 2.2(±1.1)yrs for the ITPIE group. Conclusion. In the appropriately selected patient, ITPIE offers similar rates of success to component revision including similar re-revision rates and similar improvement in PROMs. Degree of constraint is generally increased and recommended when patients are treated for instability regardless of component revision or ITPIE. Abbreviations. ITPIE - isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange. PROMs - patient reported outcome measures

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

Introduction. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used as quality benchmarks in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The objective of this study was to investigate whether PROMs correlate with patient satisfaction, which is arguably the most important and desired outcome. Methods. An institutional joint database was queried for patients who underwent primary, elective, unilateral TJA. Eligible patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey at final follow-up. Correlation coefficients (R) were calculated to quantify the relationship between patient satisfaction and prospectively collected PROMs. We explored a wide range of PROMs including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); Short Form-12 (SF-12), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Knee Society Clinical Rating Score (KSCRS), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and University of California Los Angeles activity level rating (UCLA). Results. In general, there was only weak to moderate correlation between patient satisfaction and PROMs. Querying the absolute postoperative scores had higher correlation with patient satisfaction compared to either preoperative scores or net changes in scores. The correlation was higher with disease-specific PROMs (WOMAC, OHS, KSCRS) compared to general health (SF-12), activity level (UCLA), or perception of normalcy (SANE). Within disease-specific PROMs, the pain domain consistently carried the highest correlation with patient satisfaction (WOMAC pain subscale, R = 0.45, p <0.001; KSCRS pain subscale, R = 0.49, p <0.001). Conclusion. There is only weak to moderate correlation between PROMs and patient satisfaction. PROMs alone are not the optimal way to evaluate patient satisfaction. We recommend directly querying patients about satisfaction and using shorter PROMs, particularly disease-specific PROMs that assess pain perception to better gauge patient satisfaction. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

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. Uncemented highly porous titanium implants have been shown to promote osseointegration, and may result in a durable construct for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given the mixed results of uncemented TKA, it is important to evaluate the early stability for this product. The objective of the following study was to use radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess early fixation of a highly porous tibial baseplate and metal backed patella. Methods. Twenty-seven patients (mean age 64 years, 30% female) undergoing primary TKA consented to participate in this prospective cohort study. All patients received a highly porous tibial baseplate, a metal backed patella and tantalum RSA bone markers. Implant migration was assessed using model-based RSA at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operative. Patient reported outcome measures were captured using the same follow-up schedule, and compared to pre-operative measures. Results. There were no adverse events affecting implant fixation, and no revisions. Patient function significantly improved by 3 months post-operation (p < 0.001). The highest rate of tibia and patellar component migration occurred over the first six post-operative weeks, with minimal migration thereafter. Mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) at 24 months was 0.72 (SD 0.34) mm for the tibia, and 0.44 (SD 0.25) mm for the patella. Three tibia baseplates migrated more than 1 standard deviation greater than the mean at 24 months, and also had continuous migration (> 0.2mm of MTPM) in the second post-operative year. One patellar component showed a rapid rate of migration between 6 and 24 months, whereas all other patellar components appeared to stabilize. Conclusions. Osseointegration appears to occur on the highly porous implant surface of the tibia baseplate and metal backed patella, as evidenced by implant stability. Further follow-up is required to determine if clinical loosening will manifest in the continuously migrating implants

Purpose. Patient expectations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be managed through education. E-learning is the application of information technology to education. Providing information to patients at the place and time of their choosing, e-learning has the potential to broaden the reach of existing services for patients. This study evaluated whether an e-learning tool could affect whether patients felt their expectations were met and whether they were satisfied with surgery one year following primary TKA. Method. We recruited consecutive patients with osteoarthritis and randomized them to either standard patient education (n=207), or to our standard patient education plus a new e-learning tool (n=209). Preoperative measures were completed following the patients’ Pre-Admission clinic (PAC) visit and prior to accessing the e-learning tool. Postoperative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were completed at six weeks, three months and one year after TKA. We used the Postoperative Expectation Questionnaire to measure the degree to which patient expectations had been met and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) question to measure patient satisfaction at one year postoperative. We collected several PROMs for descriptive purposes including: new Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSS); (Pre-Op and Post-Op versions), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score, and the Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ). Results. Both groups were similar with respect to their preoperative PROMs. Preoperative patient satisfaction was low, with few patients satisfied with their present state prior to TKA and similar between groups (14% intervention group, 11% control group). At one year postoperatively, the risk that expectations of patients were not met was 21.8% in the control group and 21.4% in the intervention group for a risk difference of 1.3% (95% CI −7.8% to 10.4%, p = 0.78). The proportion of patients satisfied with their TKA at one year postoperative was similar in the intervention group 78.6% and the control group 78.2%, and the risk difference 0.6% (95% CI −8.4% to 9.6%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.78). At one year postoperative we found significant postoperative between-group differences in favour of the control group for the new KSS symptoms score and the functional activities score. We also found that control patients had less anxiety, lower scores for rumination, magnification, and helplessness than intervention patients on the PCS. Conclusion. Patients randomized to the e-learning tool had significantly better KSS symptom scores and functional activities scores as well as lower anxiety and helplessness scores but they did not have a reduced risk of expectations not being met or an improved overall satisfaction with their TKA

Introduction. New implants for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are frequently introduced with the promise of improved performance. Infrequently there is accompanying data to document relative performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of an implant widely used for decades (Existing TKA), compared to a new implant (New TKA) from the same manufacturer. Methods. From October 2011-March 2015, 19 sites prospectively enrolled and implanted 752 Subjects with Existing TKA. Between November 2012 and May 2015, 23 sites (18 sites had enrolled Existing TKAs), implanted 1131 Subjects with the New TKA. Demographics were similar between groups. Subjects were seen preoperatively, <1-year, 1-year, and 2-years to collect patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiographs and any complications. PROMs consisted of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (permits WOMAC scoring), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Patient's Knee Implant Performance (PKIP) and EQ5D-3L and a p-value of 0.01 was established for statistical significance for PROMs comparisons. Kaplan-Meier (KM) implant survivorship (revision of any component for any reason) estimates were calculated. Results. The mean follow-up for the Existing and New groups was 2.2 years (SD: 0.7) and 2.5 years (SD: 0.8), respectively. The difference in KM survivorship was not statistically significant (p=0.9727, Figure 1). In the Existing TKA group, 11/752 Subjects required component revision with 6 involving removal of metal components for the following reasons: infection (4), pain (5), loosening (1) and instability (1). In the New TKA group, 19/1137 Subjects required component revision with 7 involving removal of metal components for the following reasons: infection (6), joint stiffness (6), pain (3), bone fracture (2), crepitus (1), and loosening (1). The 2-year PROMs were compared between groups and demonstrated similar or improved scores in favor of the New vs. Existing TKA. Mean outcomes for New TKA vs. Existing TKA at 2 years were: KOOS (ADL: 89.0 vs. 86.9, p=0.005; Pain: 89.0 vs. 87.1, p=0.018; Symptoms: 84.1 vs. 82.1, p=0.010; Sport/Rec: 63.9 vs. 58.8, p=0.001, QOL: 77.0 vs. 73.5, p=0.003), PKIP (Overall: 76.5 vs. 73.5, p=0.003; Confidence: 8.4 vs. 8.1, p=0.003; Stability: 8.6 vs. 8.3, p=0.006; Satisfaction: 8.3 vs. 8.1, p=0.053; Modify Activities: 6.6 vs. 6.4, p=0.335), OKS (42.0 vs. 41.1, p=0.023), and EQ5D-3L (0.88 vs. 0.88, p=0.906). There was no difference between the two groups in the percent of Subjects with immediate postop radiographic interface gaps or radiolucencies (metal-cement or the bone-cement interfaces). Conclusion. The implant survivorship and radiographic assessments showed similar outcomes between the two groups. The New TKA demonstrated modest improvements in PROMs across a broad spectrum of measures. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction. In recent years, online patient portals have been developed to offer the potential of an enhanced recovery experience. By offering videos, communication tools and patient-reported outcomes collection, online portals encourage patient's engagement in their care. In the total joint arthroplasty population, portals may also offer online physical therapy, allowing TJA patients to reach functional goals while reducing costs. Although technology may offer the potential of an enhanced recovery experience, disparities may exist between the comfort level of use and communication preferences of different patient populations. Our study aimed to analyze the utilization of an internet based patient portal, and quantify the impact of usage on patient reported outcome measures. Methods. 4,458 patients who underwent TJA across 8 major academic centers within one healthcare system were analyzed. Patients who scheduled surgery were registered for the online portal by the surgical coordinator. Upon registration, patients opt-in by signing a license agreement, and data is collected on their utilization of the portal including logins, exercise and educational videos watched, messages sent and PROs completed. Age was compared to utilization, opt-in rates, total videos watched, and messages sent. Two separate patient cohorts were identified to distinguish between active and non-active users. Anyone who opted-in and viewed over 5 preoperative videos or had at least 5 preoperative logins were considered active users. Patients’ postoperative KOOS-JR and HOOS-JR score improvements from baseline were compared between the active vs. non-active groups. Results. Of 4,458 total TJA patients, TKA and THA comprised 2670 and 1788, respectively, with an average age of 65.9 years (range 16–96 years). On average, patients logged into the portal 3.7 times preoperatively and 6.8 times postoperatively, and sent 2.29 messages. On average, 13 videos were watched preoperatively and 17 videos were watched postoperatively. Of all TJA patients, 72% opted-in to the portal. When looking solely at the TKA cohort, there was a significant difference in age between those patients that provided an email and those who didn't. The mean age of those who did provide an email was 66.3 years old, patients who didn't were on average 69.7 years old (p =.001). There was no significant impact of age on total preoperative or postoperative logins when considering both TKA and THA patients. There was a significant difference between age and preoperative or postoperative logins in the TKA group, with older patients tending to log in less (p =.001) and send fewer messages to the care team (p =.0001). Total videos watched preoperatively and postoperatively as well as preoperative logins did not impact change of HOOS JR scores at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months or 1 year. In the TKA cohort, the active user cohort correlated to greater improvement in KOOS-JR scores at 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively (p=.02, .018 respectively). Conclusion. While older TKA patients tended to be less engaged, the usage of the online portal overall was not impacted by age in the TJA population. As the average age of patients undergoing TKA continues to decrease, surgeons will be faced with a younger patient population that communicates heavily through technology. Previously published literature has proven online PT is as effective as traditional PT, making online portals a promising option to improve care while decreasing costs. As seen in our TKA population, patients experienced greater improvement in KOOS-Jr scores with greater activity and use of the portal

Introduction. Cementless total knees were historically associated with early failure. These failures, likely associated with implant design, made cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) the “gold standard”. Manufacturers have introduced newer uncemented technologies that provide good initial stability and utilize a highly-porous substrates for bony in-growth. Outcome data on these implants has been limited. In addition, these implants typically have a price premium which makes them difficult to use in the setting of cost containment and in at risk 90-day bundles. Our purpose was to compare 90-day outcomes of a new uncemented implant with those of a comparable cemented implant from the same manufacturer. We hypothesized that the implants would have equivalent 90-day clinical and economic outcomes. Methods. Ninety-day clinical and economic outcomes for 252 patients with prospectively collected data from the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) database were reviewed. Ninety-day outcomes were compared between uncemented knees and an age-matched group of cemented knees (Triathlon cemented vs uncemented Triathalon-tritanium, Stryker Orthopedics, Mahwah, NJ, USA). Both cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized designs were included. MARCQI data: demographics, co-morbidities, length of stay, complications, emergency department visits, discharge disposition, and readmissions were reviewed. Financial data provided by the hospital's finance department was used for economic comparisons. Fischer's test was done to assess categorical data and a student's t-test was used to compare numerical data. Results. Uncemented knees had shorter length of stay (1.58 vs. 1.87, p<0.0001), were more frequently discharged home (90.48% vs. 68.75%; p<0.0001) and used less home care or extended care facilities (6.35% vs. 19.14%, p<0.0001; 2.78% vs. 11.72%, p=0.0001). More uncemented knees had “no complications”. Moreover, there were no reoperations in uncemented knees, compared to 19 reoperations in cemented knees most being manipulations (14 vs. 0, p=0.0028). Uncemented knees scored better than age matched counterparts Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (63.69 vs. 47.10, n=85 and 43, p<0.0001), and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System T-physical and T-mental (44.12 vs. 39.45, n=95 and 59, p<0.0001; 51.84 vs 47.82, n=97 and 59, p=0.0018). Cemented cases were more expensive overall, the surgical costs were higher ($6806.43 vs. $5710.78 p<0.01) and the total hospital costs were higher ($8347.65 vs. $7016.11 p<0.01). The 90-day readmission and hospital outpatient costs were not significantly different between the designs. Conclusion. The use of a modern uncemented TKA implants has increased, but data on outcomes and the economic impact has been limited particularly in regard to 90-day at risk global periods. Our study suggests that patients receiving an new uncemented TKA have a shorter length of stay, higher rate of discharge to home, better patient reported outcome measures, fewer complications and fewer reoperations than an age-matched group of patients receiving a similar, cemented design during the 90-day global period. Importantly, the uncemented knees had $1,095 less surgical episode costs (p< 0.001) and a 90-day cost savings of over $1,300 (p< 0.001). Uncemented TKA, when utilizing modern technologies, is successful and economically viable for an at-risk bundle. The results of this study should alleviate fears increased cost, early failure, complications or poor outcomes with the use of a modern uncemented TKA

Aims. Knee joint distraction (KJD) is a relatively new, knee-joint preserving procedure with the goal of delaying total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in young and middle-aged patients. We present a randomised controlled trial comparing the two. Patients and Methods. The 60 patients ≤ 65 years with end-stage knee osteoarthritis were randomised to either KJD (n = 20) or TKA (n = 40). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, three, six, nine, and 12 months. In the KJD group, the joint space width (JSW) was radiologically assessed, representing a surrogate marker of cartilage thickness. Results. In total 56 patients completed their allocated treatment (TKA = 36, KJD = 20). All patient reported outcome measures improved significantly over one year (p < 0.02) in both groups. At one year, the TKA group showed a greater improvement in only one of the 16 patient-related outcome measures assessed (p = 0.034). Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society International clinical response was 83% after TKA and 80% after KJD. A total of 12 patients (60%) in the KJD group sustained pin track infections. In the KJD group both mean minimum (0.9 mm, standard deviation (. sd. ) 1.1) and mean JSW (1.2 mm, . sd. 1.1) increased significantly (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0003). Conclusion. In relatively young patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis, KJD did not demonstrate inferiority of outcomes at one year when compared with TKA. However, there is a high incidence of pin track infection associated with KJD. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:51–8