Aims. The primary aim was to assess whether robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had a greater early knee-specific outcome when compared to manual TKA (mTKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether rTKA was associated with improved expectation fulfilment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared to mTKA. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken, and patients were randomized to either mTKA or rTKA. The primary objective was functional improvement at six months. Overall, 100 patients were randomized, 50 to each group, of whom 46 rTKA and 41 mTKA patients were available for review at six months following surgery. There were no differences between the two groups. Results. There was no difference between rTKA and mTKA groups at six months according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) functional score (mean difference (MD) 3.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) -5.6 to 13.1); p = 0.425). There was a greater improvement in the WOMAC pain score at two months (MD 9.5 (95% CI 0.6 to 18.3); p = 0.037) in the rTKA group, although by six months no significant difference was observed (MD 6.7 (95% CI -3.6 to 17.1); p = 0.198). The rTKA group were more likely to achieve a minimal important change in their WOMAC pain score when compared to the mTKA group at two months (n = 36 (78.3%) vs n = 24 (58.5%); p = 0.047) and at six months (n = 40 (87.0%) vs n = 29 (68.3%); p = 0.036). There was no difference in satisfaction between the rTKA group (97.8%; n = 45/46) and the mTKA group (87.8%; n = 36/41) at six months (p = 0.096). There were no differences in EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) utility gain (p ≥ 0.389) or fulfilment of patient expectation (p ≥ 0.054) between the groups. Conclusion. There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences in the change in WOMAC function between mTKA and rTKA at six months. rTKA was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving a clinically important change in knee pain at two and six months, but no differences in knee-specific function, patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life, or expectation fulfilment were observed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):961–970

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of femoral condylar fresh osteochondral allografts (FOCA) with concomitant realignment osteotomy with a focus on graft survivorship, complications, reoperation, and function. Patients and Methods. We identified 60 patients (16 women, 44 men) who underwent unipolar femoral condylar FOCA with concomitant realignment between 1972 and 2012. The mean age of the patients was 28.9 years (10 to 62) and the mean follow-up was 11.4 years (2 to 35). Failure was defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty, revision allograft, or graft removal. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (mHSS) score. Results. A total of 14 grafts (23.3%) failed at a mean of 8.6 years (1.4 to 20.1). Graft survivorship was 87.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79.0 to 96.6), 85.0% (95% CI 75.8 to 95.3), 74.8% (95% CI 62.2 to 90.0), 65.2% (95% CI 49.9 to 85.2), and 59.8% (95% CI 43.5 to 82.1) at five, ten, 15, 20, and 25 years, respectively. A total of 23 patients (38.3%) developed complications, and 26 (43.3%) had a further operation. Persistent postoperative malalignment occurred more frequently in failed grafts (28.6% vs 4.3%; p = 0.023), and was a risk factor for graft failure (hazard ratio 6.55; 95% CI 1.61 27.71; p = 0.009). The mean mHSS score improved from 74.1 (40 to 91) preoperatively to 89.0 (66 to 100) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Femoral condylar FOCA with concomitant realignment osteotomy provides excellent long-term graft survival and reliable functional improvement. Persistent malalignment may increase the risk for graft failure

Aims. To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ≤ 80° range of movement (ROM) operated with a 2 mm increase in the flexion gap with matched non-stiff patients with at least 100° of preoperative ROM and balanced flexion and extension gaps. Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, 98 TKAs (91 patients) with a preoperative ROM of ≤ 80° were examined. Mean follow-up time was 53 months (24 to 112). All TKAs in stiff knees were performed with a 2 mm increased flexion gap. Data were compared to a matched control group of 98 TKAs (86 patients) with a mean follow-up of 43 months (24 to 89). Knees in the control group had a preoperative ROM of at least 100° and balanced flexion and extension gaps. In all stiff and non-stiff knees posterior stabilized (PS) TKAs with patellar resurfacing in combination with adequate soft tissue balancing were used. Results. Overall mean ROM in stiff knees increased preoperatively from 67° (0° to 80°) to 114° postoperatively (65° to 135°) (p < 0.001). Mean knee flexion improved from 82° (0° to 110°) to 115° (65° to 135°) and mean flexion contracture decreased from 14° (0° to 50°) to 1° (0° to 10°) (p < 0.001). The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) improved from 34 (0 to 71) to 88 (38 to 100) (p < 0.001) and the KSS Functional Score from 43 (0 to 70) to 86 (0 to 100). Seven knees (7%) required manipulations under anaesthesia (MUA) and none of the knees had flexion instability. The mean overall ROM in the control group improved from 117° (100° to 140°) to 123° (100° to 130°) (p < 0.001). Mean knee flexion improved from 119° (100° to 140°) to 123° (100° to 130°) (p < 0.001) and mean flexion contracture decreased from 2° (0° to 15°) to 0° (0° to 5°) (p < 0.001). None of the knees in the control group had flexion instability or required MUA. The mean KSS Knee Score improved from 48 (0 to 80) to 94 (79 to 100) (p < 0.001) and the KSS Functional Score from 52 (5 to 100) to 95 (60 to 100) (p < 0.001). Mean improvement in ROM (p < 0.001) and KSS Knee Score (p = 0.017) were greater in knees with preoperative stiffness compared with the control group, but the KSS Functional Score improvement was comparable (p = 0.885). Conclusion. TKA with a 2 mm increased flexion gap provided a significant improvement of ROM in knees with preoperative stiffness. While the improvement in ROM was greater, the absolute postoperative ROM was less than in matched non-stiff knees. PS TKA with patellar resurfacing and a 2 mm increased flexion gap, in combination with adequate soft tissue balancing, provides excellent ROM and knee function when stiffness of the knee had been present preoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):426–433

Aims

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections may provide a simple and minimally invasive treatment for early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). This has led to an increase in its adoption as a treatment for knee OA, although there is uncertainty about its efficacy and benefit. We hypothesized that patients with early-stage symptomatic knee OA who receive multiple PRP injections will have better clinical outcomes than those receiving single PRP or placebo injections.

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Access to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is sometimes restricted for patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²). This study compares the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with TKA in patients with a BMI above and below 40 kg/m² to examine whether this is supported.

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The purpose of this study was to assess total knee arthroplasty (TKA) volume and rates of early complications in morbidly obese patients over the last decade, where the introduction of quality models influencing perioperative care pathways occurred.

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A limited number of investigations with conflicting results have described perivascular lymphocytic infiltration (PVLI) in the setting of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine if PVLI found in TKAs at the time of aseptic revision surgery was associated with worse clinical outcomes and survivorship.

Restoration of neutral alignment of the leg is an important factor affecting the long-term results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent developments in computer-assisted surgery have focused on systems for improving TKA. In a prospective study two groups of 80 patients undergoing TKA had operations using either a computer-assisted navigation system or a conventional technique. Alignment of the leg and the orientation of components were determined on post-operative long-leg coronal and lateral films. The mechanical axis of the leg was significantly better in the computer-assisted group (96%, within ±3° varus/valgus) compared with the conventional group (78%, within ±3° varus/valgus). The coronal alignment of the femoral component was also more accurate in the computer-assisted group. Computer-assisted TKA gives a better correction of alignment of the leg and orientation of the components compared with the conventional technique. Potential benefits in the long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation

Aims

Enhanced perioperative protocols have significantly improved patient recovery following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Little has been investigated the effectiveness of these protocols for revision TKA (RTKA). We report on a matched group of aseptic revision and primary TKA patients treated with an identical pain and rehabilitation programmes.

Aims

Postoperative range of movement (ROM) is an important measure of successful and satisfying total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Reduced postoperative ROM may be evident in up to 20% of all TKAs and negatively affects satisfaction. To improve ROM, manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) may be performed. Historically, a limited ROM preoperatively was used as the key harbinger of the postoperative ROM. However, comorbidities may also be useful in predicting postoperative stiffness. The goal was to assess preoperative comorbidities in patients undergoing TKA relative to incidence of postoperative MUA. The hope is to forecast those who may be at increased risk and determine if MUA is an effective form of treatment.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether pain in the contralateral knee had a clinically significant influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Secondary aims were to: describe the prevalence of contralateral knee pain; identify if it clinically improves after TKA; and assess whether contralateral knee pain independently influences patient satisfaction with their TKA.

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The aim of this study was to observe the implications of withholding total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in morbidly obese patients

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Since redesign of the Oxford phase III mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) femoral component to a twin-peg design, there has not been a direct comparison to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Thus, we explored differences between the two cohorts.

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Our aim was to compare kinematic with mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims

Risk of revision following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is higher in patients under 55 years, but little data are reported regarding non-revision outcomes. This study aims to identify predictors of dissatisfaction in these patients.

Revision knee arthroplasty presents a number of challenges, not least of which is obtaining solid primary fixation of implants into host bone. Three anatomical zones exist within both femur and tibia which can be used to support revision implants. These consist of the joint surface or epiphysis, the metaphysis and the diaphysis. The methods by which fixation in each zone can be obtained are discussed. The authors suggest that solid fixation should be obtained in at least two of the three zones and emphasise the importance of pre-operative planning and implant selection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:147–9.

Whether to use total or unicompartmental knee replacement (TKA/UKA) for end-stage knee osteoarthritis remains controversial. Although UKA results in a faster recovery, lower rates of morbidity and mortality and fewer complications, the long-term revision rate is substantially higher than that for TKA. The effect of each intervention on patient-reported outcome remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether six-month patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are better in patients after TKA or UKA, using data from a large national joint registry (NJR).

We carried out a propensity score-matched cohort study which compared six-month PROMs after TKA and UKA in patients enrolled in the NJR for England and Wales, and the English national PROM collection programme. A total of 3519 UKA patients were matched to 10 557 TKAs.

The mean six-month PROMs favoured UKA: the Oxford Knee Score was 37.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.4 to 38.0) for UKA and 36.1 (95% CI 35.9 to 36.3) for TKA; the mean EuroQol EQ-5D index was 0.772 (95% CI 0.764 to 0.780) for UKA and 0.751 (95% CI 0.747 to 0.756) for TKA. UKA patients were more likely to achieve excellent results (odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.72, p < 0.001) and to be highly satisfied (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.39, p <  0.001), and were less likely to report complications than those who had undergone TKA.

UKA gives better early patient-reported outcomes than TKA; these differences are most marked for the very best outcomes. Complications and readmission are more likely after TKA. Although the data presented reflect the short-term outcome, they suggest that the high revision rate for UKA may not be because of poorer clinical outcomes. These factors should inform decision-making in patients eligible for either procedure.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:793–801.

The treatment of osteochondral lesions is of great interest to orthopaedic surgeons because most lesions do not heal spontaneously. We present the short-term clinical outcome and MRI findings of a cell-free scaffold used for the treatment of these lesions in the knee. A total of 38 patients were prospectively evaluated clinically for two years following treatment with an osteochondral nanostructured biomimetic scaffold. There were 23 men and 15 women; the mean age of the patients was 30.5 years (15 to 64). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tegner activity scale and a Visual Analgue scale for pain. MRI data were analysed based on the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system at three, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. There was a continuous significant clinical improvement after surgery. In two patients, the scaffold treatment failed (5.3%) There was a statistically significant improvement in the MOCART precentage scores. The repair tissue filled most of the defect sufficiently. We found subchondral laminar changes in all patients. Intralesional osteophytes were found in two patients (5.3%). We conclude that this one-step scaffold-based technique can be used for osteochondral repair. The surgical technique is straightforward, and the clinical results are promising. The MRI aspects of the repair tissue continue to evolve during the first two years after surgery. However, the subchondral laminar and bone changes are a concern.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:318–23.

The routine use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in evaluating the outcome after arthroplasty by healthcare organisations reflects a growing recognition of the importance of patients’ perspectives in improving treatment. Although widely embraced in the NHS, there are concerns that PROMs are being used beyond their means due to a poor understanding of their limitations.

This paper reviews some of the current challenges in using PROMs to evaluate total knee arthroplasty. It highlights alternative methods that have been used to improve the assessment of outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:3–9.

Pre-operative variables are increasingly being used to determine eligibility for total knee replacement (TKR). This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationships, interactions and predictive capacity of variables available pre- and post-operatively on patient satisfaction following TKR. Using nationally collected patient reported outcome measures and data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales, we identified 22 798 patients who underwent TKR for osteoarthritis between August 2008 and September 2010. The ability of specific covariates to predict satisfaction was assessed using ordinal logistic regression and structural equational modelling. Only 4959 (22%) of 22 278 patients rated the results of their TKR as ‘excellent’, despite the majority (71%, n = 15 882) perceiving their knee symptoms to be much improved. The strongest predictors of satisfaction were post-operative variables. Satisfaction was significantly and positively related to the perception of symptom improvement (operative success) and the post-operative EuroQol-5D score. While also significant within the models pre-operative variables were less important and had a minimal influence upon post-operative satisfaction. The most robust predictions of satisfaction occurred only when both pre- and post-operative variables were considered together. These findings question the appropriateness of restricting access to care based on arbitrary pre-operative thresholds as these factors have little bearing on post-operative satisfaction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1359–65.