Aims. To date, no study has demonstrated an improvement in
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
Aims. 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. Methods. 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
Implantation of ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel is safe and effective in animal osteochondral defect models. This study aimed to examine the applicability of UPAL gel implantation to acellular therapy in humans with cartilage injury. A total of 12 patients (12 knees) with symptomatic, post-traumatic, full-thickness cartilage lesions (1.0 to 4.0 cm2) were included in this study. UPAL gel was implanted into chondral defects after performing bone marrow stimulation technique, and assessed for up to three years postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of the procedure. The secondary outcomes were self-assessed clinical scores, arthroscopic scores, tissue biopsies, and MRI-based estimations.Aims
Methods
The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification has been developed to predict individual variations in inherent knee alignment. The impact of preoperative and postoperative CPAK classification phenotype on the postoperative clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains elusive. This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative CPAK classification phenotypes (I to IX), and their pre- to postoperative changes on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A questionnaire was administered to 340 patients (422 knees) who underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis (OA) between September 2013 and June 2019. A total of 231 patients (284 knees) responded. The ÂKnee Society Score 2011 (KSS 2011), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (KOOS-12), and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Using preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior full-leg radiographs, the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated and classified based on the CPAK classification. To investigate the impact on PROMs, multivariable regression analyses using stepwise selection were conducted, considering factors such as age at surgery, time since surgery, BMI, sex, implant use, postoperative aHKA classification, JLO classification, and changes in aHKA and JLO classifications from preoperative to postoperative.Aims
Methods
Aims. It has been shown that the preoperative modification of risk factors associated with obesity may reduce complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal method of doing so remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a preoperative Risk Stratification Tool (RST) devised in our institution could reduce unexpected intensive care unit (ICU) transfers and 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and reoperations after TKA in obese patients. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 1,614 consecutive patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA. Their mean age was 65.1 years (17.9 to 87.7) and the mean BMI was 34.2 kg/m. 2. (SD 7.7). All patients underwent perioperative optimization and monitoring using the RST, which is a validated calculation tool that provides a recommendation for postoperative ICU care or increased nursing support. Patients were divided into three groups: non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m. 2. , n = 512); obese (BMI 30 kg/m. 2. to 39.9 kg/m. 2. , n = 748); and morbidly obese (BMI > 40 kg/m. 2. , n = 354). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the outcomes among the groups adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and diabetes. Results. Obese patients had a significantly increased rate of discharge to a rehabilitation facility compared with non-obese patients (38.7% (426/1,102) vs 26.0% (133/512), respectively; p < 0.001). When stratified by BMI, discharge to a rehabilitation facility remained significantly higher compared with non-obese (26.0% (133)) in both obese (34.2% (256), odds ratio (OR) 1.6) and morbidly obese (48.0% (170), OR 3.1) patients (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in unexpected ICU transfer (0.4% (two) non-obese vs 0.9% (seven) obese (OR 2.5) vs 1.7% (six) morbidly obese (OR 5.4); p = 0.054), visits to the ED (8.6% (44) vs 10.3% (77) (OR 1.3) vs 10.5% (37) (OR 1.2); p = 0.379), readmissions (4.5% (23) vs 4.0% (30) (OR 1.0) vs 5.1% (18) (OR 1.4); p = 0.322), or reoperations (2.5% (13) vs 3.3% (25) (OR 1.2) vs 3.1% (11) (OR 0.9); p = 0.939). Conclusion. With the use of a preoperative RST, morbidly obese patients had similar rates of short-term
In the last decade, perioperative advancements have expanded the use of outpatient primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite this, there remains limited data on expedited discharge after revision TKA. This study compared 30-day readmissions and reoperations in patients undergoing revision TKA with a hospital stay greater or less than 24 hours. The authors hypothesized that expedited discharge in select patients would not be associated with increased 30-day readmissions and reoperations. Aseptic revision TKAs in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were reviewed from 2013 to 2020. TKAs were stratified by length of hospital stay (greater or less than 24 hours). Patient demographic details, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, operating time, components revised, 30-day readmissions, and reoperations were compared. Multivariate analysis evaluated predictors of discharge prior to 24 hours, 30-day readmission, and reoperation.Aims
Methods
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a highly congruent condylar-stabilized (CS) articulation may be advantageous due to increased stability versus cruciate-retaining (CR) designs, while mitigating the limitations of a posterior-stabilized construct. The aim was to assess ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of a cemented single-radius TKA with a CS insert, performed without posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing TKA at a specialist centre in the UK between November 2010 and December 2012. Data were collected using a bespoke electronic database and cross-referenced with national arthroplasty audit data, with variables including: preoperative characteristics, intraoperative factors, complications, and mortality status. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected by a specialist research team at ten years post-surgery. There were 536 TKAs, of which 308/536 (57.5%) were in female patients. The mean age was 69.0 years (95% CI 45.0 to 88.0), the mean BMI was 32.2 kg/m2 (95% CI 18.9 to 50.2), and 387/536 (72.2%) survived to ten years. There were four revisions (0.7%): two deep infections (requiring debridement and implant retention), one aseptic loosening, and one haemosiderosis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether achieving medial joint opening, as measured by the change in the joint line convergence angle (∆JLCA), is a better predictor of clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared with the mechanical axis deviation, and to find individualized targets for the redistribution of load that reflect bony alignment, joint laxity, and surgical technique. This retrospective study analyzed 121 knees in 101 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively, and were analyzed according to the surgical technique (opening or closing wedge), postoperative mechanical axis deviation (deviations above and below 10% from the target), and achievement of medial joint opening (∆JLCA > 1°). Radiological parameters, including JLCA, mechanical axis deviation, and the difference in JLCA between preoperative standing and supine radiographs (JLCAPD), an indicator of medial soft-tissue laxity, were measured. Cut-off points for parameters related to achieving medial joint opening were calculated from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Aims
Methods
The aim was to assess whether robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had greater knee-specific outcomes, improved fulfilment of expectations, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared with manual TKA (mTKA). A randomized controlled trial was undertaken (May 2019 to December 2021), and patients were allocated to either mTKA or rTKA. A total of 100 patients were randomized, 50 to each group, of whom 43 rTKA and 38 mTKA patients were available for review at 12 months following surgery. There were no statistically significant preoperative differences between the groups. The minimal clinically important difference in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score was defined as 7.5 points.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
Aims. For many designs of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) it remains unclear whether cemented or uncemented fixation provides optimal long-term survival. The main limitation in most studies is a retrospective or non-comparative study design. The same is true for comparative trials looking only at the survival rate as extensive sample sizes are needed to detect true differences in fixation and durability. Studies using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) techniques have shown to be highly predictive in detecting late occurring aseptic loosening at an early stage. To investigate the difference in predicted long-term survival between cemented, uncemented, and hybrid fixation of TKA, we performed a randomized controlled trial using RSA. Methods. A total of 105 patients were randomized into three groups (cemented, uncemented, and hybrid fixation of the ACS Mobile Bearing (ACS MB) knee system, implantcast). RSA examinations were performed on the first day after surgery and at scheduled follow-up visits at three months, six months, one year, and two years
Both the femoral and tibial component are usually cemented at revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), while stems can be added with either cemented or press-fit (hybrid) fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term stability of rTKA with cemented and press-fitted stems, using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). This is a follow-up of a randomized controlled trial, initially involving 32 patients, of whom 19 (nine cemented, ten hybrid) were available for follow-up ten years postoperatively, when further RSA measurements were made. Micromotion of the femoral and tibial components was assessed using model-based RSA software (RSAcore). The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analogue scale (pain and satisfaction).Aims
Methods
Intraoperative pressure sensors allow surgeons to quantify soft-tissue balance during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether using sensors to achieve soft-tissue balance was more effective than manual balancing in improving outcomes in TKA. A multicentre randomized trial compared the outcomes of sensor balancing (SB) with manual balancing (MB) in 250 patients (285 TKAs). The primary outcome measure was the mean difference in the four Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales (ΔKOOS4) in the two groups, comparing the preoperative and two-year scores. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative balance data, additional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and functional measures.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare any differences in the primary outcome (biphasic flexion knee moment during gait) of robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at one year post-surgery. A total of 76 patients (34 bi-UKA and 42 TKA patients) were analyzed in a prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Flat ground shod gait analysis was performed preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Knee flexion moment was calculated from motion capture markers and force plates. The same setup determined proprioception outcomes during a joint position sense test and one-leg standing. Surgery allocation, surgeon, and secondary outcomes were analyzed for prediction of the primary outcome from a binary regression model.Aims
Methods
To determine the relationship between articular cartilage status and clinical outcomes after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOHTO) for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis at intermediate follow-up. We reviewed 155 patients (155 knees) who underwent MOHTO from January 2008 to December 2016 followed by second-look arthroscopy with a mean 5.3-year follow-up (2.0 to 11.7). Arthroscopic findings were assessed according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of normal or nearly normal quality cartilage in the medial femoral condyle: good (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade I or II; n = 70), and poor (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade III or IV; n = 85) groups at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 36-Item Short Form survey.Aims
Methods
The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is an MRI-specific assessment tool to grade trochlear dysplasia. The aim of this study is to validate clinically the OBC by demonstrating its use in selecting treatments that are safe and effective. The OBC and the patellotrochlear index were used as part of the Oswestry Patellotrochlear Algorithm (OPTA) to guide the surgical treatment of patients with patellar instability. Patients were assigned to one of four treatment groups: medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr); MPFLr + tibial tubercle distalization (TTD); trochleoplasty; or trochleoplasty + TTD. A prospective analysis of a longitudinal patellofemoral database was performed. Between 2012 and 2018, 202 patients (233 knees) with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD 8.1), with recurrent patellar instability were treated by two fellowship-trained consultant sports/knee surgeons at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Clinical efficacy of each treatment group was assessed by Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores at baseline, and up to 60 months postoperatively. Their safety was assessed by complication rate and requirement for further surgery. The pattern of clinical outcome over time was analyzed using mixed regression modelling.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during the first six weeks and at one year postoperatively. A per protocol analysis of 76 patients, 43 of whom underwent TKA and 34 of whom underwent bi-UKA, was performed from a prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Diaries kept by the patients recorded pain, function, and the use of analgesics daily throughout the first week and weekly between the second and sixth weeks. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared preoperatively, and at three months and one year postoperatively. Data were also compared longitudinally and a subgroup analysis was conducted, stratified by preoperative PROM status.Aims
Methods
Social determinants of health (SDOHs) may contribute to the total cost of care (TCOC) for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between demographic data, health status, and SDOHs on 30-day length of stay (LOS) and TCOC after this procedure. Patients who underwent TKA between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019 were identified. A total of 234 patients with complete SDOH data were included. Data were drawn from the Chesapeake Regional Information System, the Centers for Disease Control social vulnerability index (SVI), the US Department of Agriculture, and institutional electronic medical records. The SVI identifies areas vulnerable to catastrophic events with four themed scores: socioeconomic status; household composition and disability; minority status and language; and housing and transportation. Food deserts were defined as neighbourhoods located one or ten miles from a grocery store in urban and rural areas, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine associations with LOS and costs after controlling for various demographic parameters.Aims
Methods
The primary aim of this study was to assess whether non-fatal postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) within six months of surgery influences the knee-specific functional outcome (Oxford Knee Score (OKS)) one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether non-fatal postoperative VTE influences generic health and patient satisfaction at this time. A study of 2,393 TKAs was performed in 2,393 patients. Patient demographics, comorbidities, OKS, EuroQol five-dimension score (EQ-5D), and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Overall patient satisfaction with their TKA was assessed at one year. Patients with VTE within six months of surgery were identified retrospectively and compared with those without.Aims
Methods
