Abstract

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in orthopaedic surgery are evolving. The goals include patient optimisation, surgical planning and discharge arrangements, individually on a patient specific basis. In line with British Association Surgery of the Knee and GIRFT guidelines, we report our regional experience on the implementation and evolution of our regional Revision Knee Arthroplasty MDT.

We undertook a retrospective review of the process, cases discussed and quality assurance conducted in the weekly MDT.

Since implementation of the MDT meeting in January 2019, 550 patients with painful joint replacements have been discussed. In May 2021, we formalised our ‘terms of reference’ and ‘standard operating procedures’ which are adhered to by the consultants operating within the network, all of whom attend the meeting. A proforma has been developed and is completed for all cases capturing all pertinent information. All cases are graded according to R1, R2, or R3 complexity scale. Since its inception, the MDT has looked at all post-operative imaging, we now describe a new classification system for grading the appearances. Confirmation of the pre-operative plan and actual surgical intervention is reviewed and audited. In addition, confirmation of indication of revision at the time of operation is reviewed and validated for accuracy with benefits to the unit, individual surgeon and the NJR.

In conclusion, the implementation of the revision MDT facilitating pre-operative revision arthroplasty discussion and post-operative quality assurance processes enable surgeons to educate, reflect on their practice and ensure that the highest standards of care are being provided.