We have investigated iatrogenic popliteal artery injuries (PAI) during non arthroplasty knee surgery regarding mechanism of injury, treatment and outcomes, and to identify successful strategies when injury occurs. In all, 21 iatrogenic popliteal artery injuries in 21 patients during knee surgery other than knee arthroplasty were identified from the Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc) between 1987 and 2011. Prospective registry data were supplemented with case-records, including long-term follow-up. In total, 13 patients suffered PAI during elective surgery and eight during urgent surgery such as fracture fixation or tumour resection. Nine injuries were detected intra-operatively, five within 12 to 48 hours and seven > 48 hours post-operatively (two days to 23 years). There were 19 open vascular and two endovascular surgical repairs. Two patients died within six months of surgery. One patient required amputation. Only six patients had a complete recovery of whom had the vascular injury detected at time of injury and repaired by a vascular surgeon. Patients sustaining vascular injury during elective procedures are more likely to litigate (p = 0.029). We conclude that outcomes are poorer when there is a delay of diagnosis and treatment, and that orthopaedic surgeons should develop strategies to detect PAI early and ensure rapid access to vascular surgical support. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:192–6

Abstract. Introduction. Knee dislocations (KDs) are complex injuries which are often associated with damage to surrounding soft tissues or neurovascular structures. A classification system for these injuries should be simple and reproducible and allow communication among surgeons for surgical planning and outcome prediction. The aim of this study was to formulate a list of factors, prioritised by high-volume knee surgeons, that should be included in a KD classification system. Methods. A global panel of orthopaedic knee surgery specialists participated in a Delphi process. A list of factors to be included in a KD classification system was formulated by 91 orthopaedic surgeons, which was subsequently prioritised by 27 experts from 6 countries. The items were analysed to find factors that had at least 70% consensus for inclusion in a classification system. Results. The four factors that reached consensus agreement and thus deemed critical for inclusion in a classification system were vascular injuries (89%), common peroneal nerve injuries (78%), number of torn ligaments (78%), and open injuries (70%). Conclusion. The wide geographic distribution of participants provides diverse insight and makes the results of the study globally applicable. The most important factors to include in a classification system as determined by the Delphi technique were vascular injuries, common peroneal nerve injuries, number of torn ligaments, and open injuries. The Schenck anatomic classification system most accurately identifies these patient variables with the addition of open injuries. The authors propose to update the Schenck classification system with the inclusion of open injuries as an additional modifier

Abstract. Introduction. Traumatic knee dislocations are devastating injuries and there is no single best accepted treatment. This study looked at functional outcome of a single surgeon case series of patients who underwent surgical management of their knee dislocation. Methods. Eighty-seven patients with knee dislocation were treated at a major trauma centre. Acute surgical repair and reconstruction with fracture fixation within 4 weeks was preferred unless the patient was too unstable (Injury severity score>16). The collaterals were repaired and augmented using a variety of autografts, allografts or synthetic grafts. PCL was primarily braced and reconstructed subsequently, if required. Outcome was collected prospectively using IKDC score, KOOS and Tegner score. Results. The mean age of the patients was 33.6yrs (SD 11.9), 66 males and 21 females. According to Schenck classification, 26 were KD-I (30%), 6 KD-II (7%), 13 were KD-III (15%), 7 were KD-IV (8%) and 35 were KD-V (40%). 7 patients had CPN injury (8%), 3 had vascular injury (3.4%), 2 had combined CPN and vascular injury (2.3%). Acute surgical treatment was done in 62 patients while 10 had staged reconstruction. 22 patients had delayed reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (1- 12 yrs), mean IKDC score was 57.6 (SD 23.6). The mean Tegner activity scale postoperatively was 4.5(SD 2) and the mean KOOS score was 74.9 (SD 19.6). Conclusion. A large proportion of cases were KD-V but still had a good outcome with surgical management. Current classification systems do not cover all dislocation patterns and a modification is proposed

Abstract. Background. Fracture dislocation of the knee involves disruption of knee ligaments with associated tibial plateau fracture. If these injuries are not evaluated swiftly, can result in a limb-threatening injury. The aim of this study is to look at the clinical outcomes of a single surgeon case series at a major trauma centre. Methods. Prospectively collected data was analysed for a 5-year period. Primary outcome measures used were International Knee Documented Committee (IKDC) score and Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The secondary outcome measures include Tegner activity scale, knee range of movements and complications. Results. 32 patients were presented with the mean age was 34 years (range 17–74). 14% of patients sustained vascular injury and 19% had common peroneal nerve injury. Priority was given for early total repair/reconstruction with fracture fixation within three weeks where feasible (90% of patients), and if not, a staged approach was adopted. The mean IKDC score was 67 (35–100) & KOOS was 74 (40–100). The mean preoperative Tegner Activity Scale was 6.5 whereas post-operative Tegner Activity Scale was 3.6 The mean flexion achieved postoperative was 115 (90–130). The two common patterns of injuries seen were Anterio-medial rim fractures (52%) with avulsion injuries of posterio-lateral corner structures and posteriomedial plateau fractures with ACL avulsion injuries. The first pattern was commonly associated with vascular and common peroneal nerve injury (90% of patients). Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first kind of study to report some fracture patterns that can be associated with particular ligamentous injuries

Introduction. Active robotics for total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) uses a CAD-CAM approach to plan the correct size and placement of implants and to surgically achieve planned limb alignment. The TSolution One Total Knee Application (THINK Surgical Inc., Fremont, CA) is an open-implant platform, CT-based active robotic surgical system. A multi-center, prospective, non-randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted TKA using the TSolution One Total Knee Application. This report details the findings from the IDE. Methods. Inclusion criteria for patients receiving robotic TKA were: primary unilateral TKA; Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 3 or 4; BMI < 40 kg/m2; coronal plane deformity < 20° varus; sagittal flexion contracture < 15°. In addition to monitoring all adverse events (AE), a pre-defined list of relevant major AEs were specifically identified to evaluate safety (Healy et al, 2013): medial collateral ligament injury; extensor mechanism disruption; neural deficit; periprosthetic fracture; patellofemoral dislocation; tibiofemoral dislocation; and vascular injury. Bleeding complications were also assessed. Malalignment rate, defined as the percentage of patients with more than a ± 3° difference in varus-valgus alignment from the preoperative plan, was used to determine accuracy of the active robotic system. Knee Society Scores (KSS) and Short Form 12 (SF-12) Health Surveys were assessed as clinical outcome measures. For each outcome, results were compared to published values associated with manual TKA. Results. A total of 115 patients were enrolled at 6 US centers and followed for a maximum of 12 months after surgery. Mean surgical time (incision to close) improved consistently as the technique evolved (first 10 cases = 131.5 min, first 20 cases = 122.4 min), with mean robot time = 45.8 min. The incidence of pre-defined AEs identified was 0%, serving as a measure of safety of the procedure. Outside of the pre-defined list, only one AE was definitely associated with the use of the device; a metal pin was left inside the knee joint but no reoperation was performed. No patients required a blood transfusion. Alignment outside of the ± 3° goal was 11.2% with a difference of 0.5° ± 1.9° (mean ± STD), which represents a 45% statistically significant (posterior probability > 0.95) reduction in malalignment compared to the literature (Mason et al, 2007). Mean KSS Functional scores improved from 40.5 at baseline to 65.3 at 3 months, mean KSS Objective scores improved from 36.8 to 81.0, mean KSS Patient Satisfaction scores improved from 14.4 to 30.6, and mean SF-12 Physical Component scores improved from 32.9 to 43.5. Discussion. The TSolution One Total Knee Application is descended from an active robotic system used in >8000 cases outside the United States since 2002. This trial represents the first US based study of this technology for primary TKA. The clinical study demonstrated positive safety outcomes as none of the seven pre-defined AEs were observed and there were no cases requiring transfusion. A positive effectiveness outcome was also demonstrated as the malalignment rate found in this study showed a substantial reduction from the 32% malalignment rate published in the literature for conventional instruments. KSS and SF-12 scores were comparable to other published TKA series. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

We report a patient who developed an aortic pseudoaneurysm in the L3–L4 disc space after lumbar disc surgery. The diagnosis was made by MRI and aortography, and repair using a prosthetic graft and anterior fusion was successful. We discuss the predisposing factors, the clinical picture and management of vascular injuries during disc excision

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

Aims

The best marker for assessing glycaemic control prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of fructosamine compared with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting early complications following TKA, and to determine the threshold above which the risk of complications increased markedly.

Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is a feared complication during knee replacement. Our aim was to investigate those injuries that occurred in association with knee replacement in terms of the type of injury, treatment and outcomes.

From our national vascular registry (Swedvasc) and the Swedish Patient Insurance databases a total of 32 cases were identified. Prospective data from the registries was supplemented with case-records, including long-term follow-up.

We estimated the incidence during 1998 to 2010 to be 0.017%. In our series of 32 patients with PAI occurring between 1987 and 2011, 25 (78%) were due to penetrating trauma and seven were caused by blunt trauma. The patients presented in three ways: bleeding (14), ischaemia (7) and false aneurysm formation (11), and five occurred during revision surgery. A total of 12 injuries were detected intra-operatively, eight within 24 hours (3 to 24) and 12 at more than 24 hours post-operatively (2 to 90 days). Treatment comprised open surgery in 28 patients. Patency of the vascular repair at 30 days was 97% (31 of 32, one amputation). At the time of follow-up (median 546 days, mean 677 days (24 to 1251)), 25 patients had residual symptoms. Of seven patients with a complete recovery, six had had an early diagnosis of the PAI during the procedure, and were treated by a vascular surgeon in the same hospital.

PAI is a rare adverse event during knee replacement surgery. The outcome following such events is often adversely affected by diagnostic and therapeutic delay. Bleeding and false aneurysm were the most common clinical presentations.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1645–9.

We systematically reviewed the published literature on the complications of closing wedge high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. Publications were identified using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up to February 2012. We assessed randomised (RCTs), controlled group clinical (CCTs) trials, case series in publications associated with closing wedge osteotomy of the tibia in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and finally a Cochrane review. Many of these trials included comparative studies (opening wedge versus closing wedge) and there was heterogeneity in the studies that prevented pooling of the results.

Compartment syndrome is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty that requires early recognition and prompt decompression in order to prevent long-term disability. We have found only one previous case report in the literature. We present a series of seven cases from four hospitals and five surgeons. Six of the cases resulted in the loss of at least one compartment, and one resulted in amputation. Four of the cases resulted in legal action.

We suggest that important risk factors contributing to the development of this condition include complex surgery, soft-tissue compromise, previous surgery, and possibly vascular disease. Delay in the diagnosis and hence delay in decompression was common in our series, and in five cases appeared to be related to the use of a postoperative epidural infusion for pain relief. The presence of associated neurological compromise may have also been a significant factor in the delay to diagnosis in two cases.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is an operation that can be performed with or without the use of a tourniquet. Meta-analyses of the available Level-1 studies have demonstrated that the use of a tourniquet leads to a significant reduction in blood loss. The opponents for use of a tourniquet cite development of complications such as skin bruising, neurovascular injury, and metabolic disturbance as drawbacks. Although there may certainly be reason for concern in arteriopathic patients, there is little evidence that routine use of a tourniquet during TKR results in any of the above complications. The use of a tourniquet, on the other hand, provides a bloodless field that allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with expediency and optimal visualisation. Blood conservation has gained great importance in recent years due to increased understanding of the problems associated with blood transfusion, such as increased surgical site infection (due to immunomodulation effect), increased length of hospital stay and increased cost. Based on the authors’ understanding of the available evidence, the routine use of a tourniquet during TKR is justified as good surgical practice.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:133–4.

This review considers the surgical treatment of displaced fractures involving the knee in elderly, osteoporotic patients. The goals of treatment include pain control, early mobilisation, avoidance of complications and minimising the need for further surgery. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) frequently results in loss of reduction, which can result in post-traumatic arthritis and the occasional conversion to total knee replacement (TKR). TKR after failed internal fixation is challenging, with modest functional outcomes and high complication rates. TKR undertaken as treatment of the initial fracture has better results to late TKR, but does not match the outcome of primary TKR without complications. Given the relatively infrequent need for late TKR following failed fixation, ORIF is the preferred management for most cases. Early TKR can be considered for those patients with pre-existing arthritis, bicondylar femoral fractures, those who would be unable to comply with weight-bearing restrictions, or where a single definitive procedure is required.

We present the operative technique and clinical results of concomitant reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the posterior oblique ligament for medial instability of the knee using autogenous semitendinosus tendon with preservation of the tibial attachment. The semitendinosus tendon graft between the screw on the medial epicondyle and the tibial attachment of the graft was overlapped by the MCL, while the graft between the screw and the insertion of the direct head of the semimembranosus tendon was overlapped by the central arm of the posterior oblique ligament. Assessment was by stress radiograph and the Lysholm knee scoring scale. After a mean follow-up of 52.6 months (25 to 92), the medial joint opening of the knee was within 2 mm in 22 of 24 patients. The mean Lysholm score was 91.9 (80 to 100).

Concomitant reconstruction of the MCL and posterior oblique ligament using autogenous semitendinosus tendon provides a good solution to medial instability.

All major studies have incorporated the use of prolonged courses of parenteral or oral antibiotic therapy in the management of two-stage revision of an infected total knee arthroplasty. We present a series of 59 consecutive patients, all with microbiologically-proven deep infection of a total knee arthroplasty, in whom a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy was not routinely used. The mean follow-up was 56.4 months (24 to 114).

Of the 38 patients who underwent a staged exchange, infection was successfully eradicated in 34 (89%) but recurrent or persistent infection was present in four (11%). Our rate of cure for infection is similar to that reported elsewhere. We conclude that a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy seems not to alter the incidence of recurrent or persistent infection. The costs of the administration of antibiotics are high and such a regime may be unnecessary.