The ideal type of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prosthesis remains a debatable topic with many different options available. Uncemented TKA has been a viable option due to its decreased operating room (OR) time but also because of its proposed improved long term fixation. Unfortunately, in the past uncemented TKA was associated with increased blood loss. Surgical technique and perioperative treatments have changed since these original studies and tranexamic acid (TXA) has become the gold standard for TKA blood loss management. The objective of this study was to evaluate if there was a difference in hemoglobin and hematocrit change, along with blood loss volume during surgery between cemented and cementless TKA when modern blood loss techniques are utilized We retrospectively reviewed data from TKAs performed by three high volume surgeons between 2016 and 2019. We excluded bilateral TKA, revisions, hardware removal intraoperatively and other indications for TKA than primary OA. Power analysis determined 85 patients in both the cementless and cemented TKA groups. Patients were matched 1:1 for age, sex, BMI and surgeon. Use of TXA, intraoperative blood loss, differences in hemoglobin and hematocrit pre- and postoperatively days one, two, and three were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed using T-tests and categorical variables were evaluated using Chi-squared tests.Introduction
Methods
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. 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.Introduction
Methods
At a time when many surgeons are reluctant to perform a unilateral TKA in the obese patient, little is written on the safety and efficacy of bilateral simultaneous TKA in this same patient population. While these potential benefits are attractive to patients, surgeons may be hesitant to perform bilateral TKA due to the greater physical demand placed on the patient, and a potential increase in postoperative complication. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the impact of obesity on clinical outcomes and complication rates of patients undergoing bilateral TKA under one anesthetic. The clinical outcomes of 133 patients (266 knees) who underwent bilateral TKA between 2013 and 2016 were reviewed. The procedures were performed by three separate surgeons across three major academic institutions. ASA scores, tourniquet time, operative time, blood loss, length of stay, readmission, and postoperative complications were compared between different BMI categories of less than 30 kg/ m2, 30–34.99 kg/ m2, 35–39.99 kg/ m2and above 40 kg/ m2Introduction
Materials and Methods
