Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a technically challenging and costly procedure. It is well-documented that primary TKA (pTKA) have better survivorship than rTKA; however, we were unable to identify any studies explicitly investigating previous rTKA as a risk factor for failure following rTKA. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes following rTKA between patients undergoing index rTKA and those who had been previously revised. This retrospective, observational study reviewed patients who underwent unilateral, aseptic rTKA at an academic orthopaedic speciality hospital between June 2011 and April 2020 with > one-year of follow-up. Patients were dichotomized based on whether this was their first revision procedure or not. Patient demographics, surgical factors, postoperative outcomes, and re-revision rates were compared between the groups.Aims
Methods
It has previously been shown that higher-volume hospitals have better outcomes following revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). We were unable to identify any studies which investigated the effect of surgeon volume on the outcome of rTKA. We sought to investigate whether patients of high-volume (HV) rTKA surgeons have better outcomes following this procedure compared with those of low-volume (LV) surgeons. This retrospective study involved patients who underwent aseptic unilateral rTKA between January 2016 and March 2019, using the database of a large urban academic medical centre. Surgeons who performed ≥ 19 aseptic rTKAs per year during the study period were considered HV and those who performed < 19 per year were considered LV. Demographic characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.Aims
Methods
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a swift adoption of telehealth in orthopaedic surgery. This study aimed to analyze the satisfaction of patients and surgeons with the rapid expansion of telehealth at this time within the division of adult reconstructive surgery at a major urban academic tertiary hospital. A total of 334 patients underging arthroplasty of the hip or knee who completed a telemedicine visit between 30 March and 30 April 2020 were sent a 14-question survey, scored on a five-point Likert scale. Eight adult reconstructive surgeons who used telemedicine during this time were sent a separate 14-question survey at the end of the study period. Factors influencing patient satisfaction were determined using univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression modelling.Aims
Methods
Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of a periarticular injection protocol continues to be a highly debated topic in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated the effect of discontinuing the use of LB in a periarticular protocol on immediate postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes. On 1 July 2019, we discontinued the use of intraoperative LB as part of a periarticular injection protocol. A consecutive group of patients who received LB as part of the protocol (Protocol 1) and a subsequent group who did not (Protocol 2) were compared. All patients received the same opioid-sparing protocol. Verbal rating scale (VRS) pain scores were collected from our electronic data warehouse and averaged per patient per 12-hour interval. Events relating to the opiate administration were derived as morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs) per patient per 24-hour interval. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) tool was used to assess the immediate postoperative function.Aims
Methods
Previous studies have demonstrated that higher volume hospitals have better outcomes following revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), in current literature there are no reports investigating the effect of surgeon volume. The purpose of this study is to investigate if patients of high-volume revision surgeons have better outcomes following rTKA as compared to patients of low volume surgeons. This retrospective observational analysis examined the rTKA database at a large urban academic medical center for aseptic, unilateral rTKA between January 2016 and March 2019 with at least 1-year of follow-up. Surgeon operative volume during the same time period was evaluated. Surgeons who performed at least 18 aseptic rTKA per year were considered Introduction
Methods
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a swift adoption of telehealth in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze patient and surgeon satisfaction with a rapid expansion of telehealth use during COVID-19 pandemic within the division of adult reconstructive surgery at a major urban academic hospital. 334 hip and knee arthroplasty patients who completed a telemedicine visit from March 30th, 2020 through April 30th, 2020 were sent a 14-question survey. Eight adult reconstructive surgeons who used telemedicine were sent a separate 14-question survey at the end of the study period. Factors influencing patient satisfaction were determined using univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression modeling.Introduction
Methods
The effect of using thicker liners in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on functional outcomes and aseptic failure rates remains largely unknown. As such, we devised a multicenter study to assess both the clinical outcomes and survivorship of thick vs thin liners after primary TKA. A search of our institutional databases was performed for patients having undergone bilateral (simultaneous or staged) primary TKA with similar preoperative and surgical characteristics between both sides. Two cohorts were created: thick liners and thin liners. Outcomes collected were as follows: change in Knee Society Score (DKSS), change in range of motion, and aseptic revision. Ad hoc power analysis was performed for DKSS (α ¼ 0.05; power ¼ 80%). Differences between cohorts were assessed.Introduction
Methods
The use of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine (LB) peri-articular injection has been highly debated for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated the effect of an institutional-wide discontinuation of intraoperative LB on immediate postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes. Between July 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019, an institutional policy discontinued use of intraoperative LB, while the volume of non-LB with epinephrine was increased from 40-ml to 60-ml. A historical cohort was derived from patients undergoing TKA between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019. All patients received the same opioid sparing protocol, minimizing variability in prescribing habits. No adductor canal blocks/pumps were utilized. Nursing documented verbal rating scale (VRS) pain scores were collected from our electronic data warehouse and averaged per patient per 12-hour interval. Opiate administration events were derived as Morphine Milligram Equivalences (MMEs) per patient per 24-hour interval. To assess immediate postoperative functional status, the validated Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) tool was utilized. All time events were calculated relative to TKA completion instant.Introduction
Material and Methods
In 2015, the healthcare system transitioned from International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) coding to the Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Given that administrative claims are used for quality initiatives, risk adjustment models and clinical research, we sought to determine the effect of new, more detailed coding on the incidence of complications following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Humana administrative claims database was queried from 2-years prior to October 1, 2015 (ICD-9 cohort) and for 1-year after this date (ICD-10 cohort) to identify all primary TKA procedures. Each TKA was then tracked for occurrence of an arthroplasty specific post-operative complication within 6 months of surgery using the respective coding systems. Laterality and joint specific codes were utilized for the ICD-10 cohort to ensure complications occurred on the same side and joint as the index procedure. Incidence of each complication was compared between cohorts using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals.Introduction
Methods
Patients who undergo total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are at a high risk for the development of thromboembolic complications. The rate at which venous thromboembolism occurs following TJA has been reported to be between 1.3–9.4%. As a result, the utilization of prophylactic therapies is considered standard of care in this patient population. The primary purpose of the current study was to 1) evaluate patient satisfaction with the use of intermittent compression devices 2) evaluate the risk of self-reported falls secondary to the use of these devices following TJA. This is a single institution, prospective study on patients who underwent TJA at an urban, academic orthopedic specialty hospital. Patients were surveyed using an electronic patient rehabilitation application regarding their use and satisfaction with their home intermittent compression devices with a battery and power cord attachment that the patient must wear while using the devices. They were also asked if any falls or near-falls they may have experienced. Surveys were administered on postoperative Day 14, and patients were given 10 days to submit their responses. Using our institutions data warehouse, patient demographics were also collected (Table 1).Introduction
Methods
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is proven to reduce blood loss following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there are limited data on the impact of similar dosing regimens in revision TKA. The purpose of this multicentre randomized clinical trial was to determine the optimal regimen to maximize the blood-sparing properties of TXA in revision TKA. From six-centres, 233 revision TKAs were randomized to one of four regimens: 1 g of intravenous (IV) TXA given prior to the skin incision, a double-dose regimen of 1 g IV TXA given both prior to skin incision and at time of wound closure, a combination of 1 g IV TXA given prior to skin incision and 1 g of intraoperative topical TXA, or three doses of 1950 mg oral TXA given two hours preoperatively, six hours postoperatively, and on the morning of postoperative day one. Randomization was performed based on the type of revision procedure to ensure equivalent distribution among groups. Power analysis determined that 40 patients per group were necessary to identify a 1 g/dl difference in the reduction of haemoglobin postoperatively between groups with an alpha of 0.05 and power of 0.80. Per-protocol analysis involved regression analysis and two one-sided Aims
Patients and Methods
This aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of designing and introducing generic 3D-printed instrumentation for routine use in total knee arthroplasty. Instruments were designed to take advantage of 3D-printing technology, particularly ensuring that all parts were pre-assembled, to theoretically reduce the time and skill required during surgery. Concerning functionality, ranges of resection angle and distance were restricted within a safe zone, while accommodating either mechanical or anatomical alignment goals. To identify the most suitable biocompatible materials, typical instrument shapes and mating parts, such as dovetails and screws, were designed and produced.Aims
Materials and Methods
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. This prospective multi-institutional study evaluated primary TKA patients from four academic institutions. Patients (both diabetics and non-diabetics) were assessed using fructosamine and HbA1c levels within 30 days of surgery. Complications were assessed for 12 weeks from surgery and included prosthetic joint infection (PJI), wound complication, re-admission, re-operation, and death. The Youden’s index was used to determine the cut-off for fructosamine and HbA1c associated with complications. Two additional cut-offs for HbA1c were examined: 7% and 7.5% and compared with fructosamine as a predictor for complications.Aims
Patients and Methods
With an ageing population of patients who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), the demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in this high-risk group continues to grow. It has previously been shown that HCV infection predisposes to poor outcomes following TKA. However, there is little information about the outcome of TKA in patients with HCV who have been treated successfully. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of TKA in untreated HCV patients and those with HCV who have been successfully treated and have a serologically confirmed remission. A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with HCV who underwent primary TKA between November 2011 and April 2018 was conducted. HCV patients were divided into two groups: 1) those whose HCV was cured (HCV-C); and 2) those in whom it was untreated (HCV-UT). All variables including demographics, HCV infection characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative medical and surgical outcomes were evaluated. There were 64 patients (70 TKAs) in the HCV-C group and 63 patients (71 TKAs) in the HCV-UT cohort. The mean age at the time of surgery was 63.0 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all TKAs. Although the complexity of these procedures is well recognized, few investigators have evaluated the cost and value-added with the implementation of a dedicated revision arthroplasty service. The aim of the present study is to compare and contrast surgeon productivity in several differing models of activity. All patients that underwent primary or revision TKA from January 2016 to June 2018 were included as the primary source of data. All rTKA patients were categorized by the number of components revised (e.g. liner exchange, two or more components). Three models were used to assess the potential surgical productivity of a dedicated rTKA service : 1) work relative value unit (RVU) Aims
Materials and Methods
In major orthopaedic departments, typically several total knee systems are used. Each system requires several sets of instruments, each set with many trays of complicated and expensive parts. The logistics and costs of maintainance are considerable. Our overall goal is to investigate the feasibility of autoclavable single-use 3D printed instruments made from a polymeric material, used for any type of total knee design. The procedure will be standardized and adjustments easy to implement. Each set will be packaged individually, and used for a single case. There are many aspects to this study; in this part, the aims are to identify suitable materials for autoclavability and strength, and then to compare the accuracy of a novel design of 3D printed tibial cutting guide with a current metallic guide. Test samples were designed to simulate shapes in current instruments, such as mating pegs and holes, threaded screws, and slotted blocks. Each set was produced in biocompatible materials, ABS-M30i, VeroClear (MED610), Ultem1010, and Nylon 12. Each part was laser scanned, and then imaged virtually using a reverse engineering software (GeoMagic). Manual measurements of key dimensions were also made using calipers. The parts were autoclaved using a standardized protocol, 30 minutes at 250° F. All parts were re-scanned and measured to determine any changes in dimensions. To test for strength and abrasion resistance, the slotted blocks were pinned to sawbones model tibias, and an oscillating saw used to cut through the slot. A compact 3D printed tibial cutting guide was then designed which fitted to the proximal tibia and allowed varus-valgus, tibial slope and height adjustments. A small laser attached to the guide projected to a target at the ankle. Tests were made on 20 sawbones, and compared with 20 with a standard metal cutting guide. Digitization was used to measure the angles of the cuts.Introduction
Methods
Despite adoption of robust clinical pathways, narcotic administration within the inpatient setting is highly variable and may benefit from the implementation of standardized multi-modal pain management protocols. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) candidates have historically received high doses of opioids within the perioperative period for the management of surgical pain. Healthcare systems have responded by improving opioid prescribing documentation and implementing narcotic-sparing pain protocols into TKA integrated care pathways (ICP). Despite these efforts, there are few technological platforms specifically designed to measure the narcotic burden immediately postoperatively. Here we present an early iteration of an inpatient narcotic administration-reporting tool, which normalizes patient narcotic consumption as an average daily morphine-milligram-equivalence (MME) per surgical encounter (MME/day/encounter) among total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recipients. This information may help orthopaedic surgeons visualize their individual granular inpatient narcotic prescribing habits individually and compared to other surgeons, while taking into consideration patient and procedure specific variables in order to optimize use and curtail unnecessary narcotic prescriptions.Summary
Introduction
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is proven to reduce blood loss following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there are limited data on the impact of similar dosing regimens in revision TKA that is associated with greater blood loss. The purpose of this multi-center randomized trial was to determine the optimal regimen to maximize the blood-sparing properties of TXA in revision TKA. 233 Septic and aseptic revision TKA from six-centers were randomized to either receive 1g pre-incision intravenous (IV) TXA, 1g pre- and post-incision IV TXA, 1g pre-incision IV and 1g intra-operative topical TXA, or three doses of 1950mg oral TXA given 2 hours pre-operatively, 6 hours post-operatively, and the morning of postoperative day 1. Randomization was performed based on type of revision to ensure equivalent distribution among groups. The primary outcome was reduction in hemoglobin. Power analysis determined 40 patients per group were necessary to identify a 1g/dL difference with an alpha of 0.05 and beta of 0.80. Per-protocol analysis involved regression analysis and two one-sided t-tests for equivalence.Introduction
Methods