Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. Both interventions were shown to be effective treatment options, with no significant differences shown between interventions for the primary outcome of this study (18/35 (51.4%) biphasic TKA patients vs 20/31 (64.5%) biphasic bi-UKA patients; p = 0.558). All outcomes were compared to an age-matched, healthy cohort that outperformed both groups, indicating residual deficits exists following surgery. Logistic regression analysis of primary outcome with secondary outcomes indicated that the most significant predictor of postoperative biphasic knee moments was preoperative knee moment profile and trochlear degradation (Outerbridge) (R. 2. = 0.381; p = 0.002, p = 0.046). A separate regression of alignment against primary outcome indicated significant bi-UKA femoral and tibial axial alignment (R. 2. = 0.352; p = 0.029), and TKA femoral sagittal alignment (R. 2. = 0.252; p = 0.016). The bi-UKA group showed a significant increased ability in the proprioceptive joint position test, but no difference was found in more dynamic testing of proprioception. Conclusion. Robotic arm-assisted bi-UKA demonstrated equivalence to TKA in achieving a biphasic gait pattern after surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. Both treatments are successful at improving gait, but both leave the patients with a functional limitation that is not present in healthy age-matched controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;103-B(4):433–443

Aims

This multicentre retrospective observational study’s aims were to investigate whether there are differences in the occurrence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the conventional Attune baseplate and its successor, the novel Attune S+, independent from other potentially influencing factors; and whether tibial baseplate design and presence of RLLs are associated with differing risk of revision.

Aims

This study aims to determine difference in annual rate of early-onset (≤ 90 days) deep surgical site infection (SSI) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis, and to identify risk factors that may be associated with infection.

Aims. This study used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to determine the most important pre- and perioperative variables to predict same-day discharge in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Data for this study were collected from the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from the year 2018. Patients who received a primary, elective, unilateral TKA with a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis were included. Demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative variables were analyzed. The ANN model was compared to a logistic regression model, which is a conventional machine-learning algorithm. Variables collected from 28,742 patients were analyzed based on their contribution to hospital length of stay. Results. The predictability of the ANN model, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.801, was similar to the logistic regression model (AUC = 0.796) and identified certain variables as important factors to predict same-day discharge. The ten most important factors favouring same-day discharge in the ANN model include preoperative sodium, preoperative international normalized ratio, BMI, age, anaesthesia type, operating time, dyspnoea status, functional status, race, anaemia status, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Six of these variables were also found to be significant on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion. Both ANN modelling and logistic regression analysis revealed clinically important factors in predicting patients who can undergo safely undergo same-day discharge from an outpatient TKA. The ANN model provides a beneficial approach to help determine which perioperative factors can predict same-day discharge as of 2018 perioperative recovery protocols. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1358–1366

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess the rate of patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the focus of the question asked. The secondary aims were to identify independent predictors of patient satisfaction according to the focus of the question. Patients and Methods. A retrospective cohort of 2521 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were identified from an established regional arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using four questions, which focused on overall outcome, activity, work, and pain. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of increased stiffness when adjusting for confounding variables. Results. Using patient satisfaction with the overall outcome (n = 2265, 89.8%) as the standard, there was no difference in the rate of satisfaction for pain relief (n = 2277, odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% confident intervals (CI) 0.79 to 1.14, p = 0.60), but patients were more likely to be dissatisfied with activities (79.3%, n = 2000/2521, OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.96 to 2.70, p < 0.001) and work (85.8%, n = 2163/2521, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.75, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified different predictors of satisfaction for each of the focused satisfaction questions. Overall satisfaction was influenced by diabetes (p = 0.03), depression (p = 0.004), back pain (p < 0.001), and SF-12 physical (p = 0.008) and mental (p = 0.01) components. Satisfaction with activities was influenced by depression (p = 0.001), back pain (p < 0.001), WOMAC stiffness score (p = 0.03), and SF-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. Satisfaction with work was influenced by depression (p = 0.007), back pain (p < 0.001), WOMAC function (p = 0.04) and stiffness (p = 0.05) scores, and SF-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. Satisfaction with pain relief was influenced by diabetes (p < 0.001), back pain (p < 0.001), and SF-12 mental component (p = 0.04). Conclusion. The focus of the satisfaction question significantly influences the rate and the predictors of patient satisfaction after TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:740–8

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the postoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) demonstrated a ceiling effect at one and/or two years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary aim was to identify preoperative independent predictors for patients that achieved a ceiling score after TKA. Methods. A retrospective cohort of 5,857 patients undergoing a primary TKA were identified from an established arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), OKS, and EuroQoL five-dimension (EQ-5D) general health scores were collected preoperatively and at one and two years postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of patients achieving postoperative ceiling scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify a preoperative OKS that predicted a postoperative ceiling score. Results. The ceiling effect was 4.6% (n = 272) at one year which increased significantly (odds ratio (OR) 40.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 30.4 to 53.3; p < 0.001) to 6.2% (n = 363) at two years, when defined as those with a maximal score of 48 points. However, when the ceiling effect was defined as an OKS of 44 points or more, this increased to 26.3% (n = 1,540) at one year and further to 29.8% (n = 1,748) at two years (OR 21.6, 95% CI 18.7 to 25.1; p < 0.001). A preoperative OKS of 23 or more and 22 or more were predictive of achieving a postoperative ceiling OKS at one and two years when defined as a maximal score or a score of 44 or more, respectively. Conclusion. The postoperative OKS demonstrated a small ceiling effect when defined by a maximal score, but when defined by a postoperative OKS of 44 or more the ceiling effect was moderate and failed to meet standards. The preoperative OKS was an independent predictor of achieving a ceiling score. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1519–1526

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 postoperative adverse outcomes after primary TKA as non-obese patients. This supports the assertion that morbidly obese patients can safely undergo TKA with appropriate perioperative optimization and monitoring. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):45–50

The patellar clunk syndrome describes painful catching, grinding or jumping of the patella when the knee moves from a flexed to an extended position after total knee replacement (TKR). The posterior stabilised TKR had been noted to have a higher incidence of this problem. Mobile-bearing posteriorly stabilised TKRs have been introduced to improve patellar tracking and related problems by a mechanism of self-alignment. We evaluated the patellar clunk syndrome in 113 knees in 93 patients with such a TKR at a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (2.0 to 3.2). The syndrome was identified in 15 knees (13.3%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the absolute value of the post-operative angle of patellar tilt was significantly associated with the occurrence of patellar clunk (p = 0.025). Patellar tracking should be carefully checked during surgery

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) changed with longer follow-up. The secondary aims were to identify predictors of satisfaction at one year, persistence of patient dissatisfaction, and late onset dissatisfaction in patients that were originally satisfied at one year. Patients and Methods. A retrospective cohort consisting of 1369 patients undergoing a primary TKA for osteoarthritis that had not undergone revision were identified from an established arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire scores were collected preoperatively, and one and five years postoperatively. In addition, patient satisfaction was assessed at one and five years postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of satisfaction at one and five years. Results. The overall rate of satisfaction did not change from one (91.7%, n = 1255) to five (90.1%, n = 1234) years (p = 0.16). Approximately half (n = 53/114) of the patients who were dissatisfied at one year became satisfied with their TKA at five years, whereas 6% (n = 74/1255) of those who were satisfied at one year became dissatisfied at five years. At one year, patients with lung disease (p = 0.04), with depression (p = 0.001), with back pain (p <  0.001), undergoing unilateral TKA (p = 0.001), or with a worse preoperative WOMAC pain score (p = 0.04) were more likely to be dissatisfied. Patients with gastric ulceration (p = 0.04) and a worse WOMAC stiffness score (p = 0.047) were at increased risk of persistent dissatisfaction at five years. In contrast, a worse WOMAC pain score (p = 0.01) at one year was a predictor of dissatisfaction in previously satisfied patients at five years. Conclusion. Three groups of dissatisfied patients exist after TKA: ‘early’ dissatisfaction at one year, ‘persistent’ dissatisfaction with longer follow-up, and ‘late’ dissatisfaction developing in previously satisfied patients at one year. All three groups have different independent predictors of satisfaction, and potentially addressing risk factors specific to these groups may improve patient outcome and their satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:161–9

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for dislocation of the bearing after a mobile-bearing Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and to test the hypothesis that surgical factors, as measured from post-operative radiographs, are associated with its dislocation. From a total of 480 UKRs performed between 2001 and 2012, in 391 patients with a mean age of 66.5 years (45 to 82) (316 female, 75 male), we identified 17 UKRs where bearing dislocation occurred. The post-operative radiological measurements of the 17 UKRs and 51 matched controls were analysed using conditional logistic regression analysis. The post-operative radiological measurements included post-operative change in limb alignment, the position of the femoral and tibial components, the resection depth of the proximal tibia, and the femoral component-posterior condyle classification. We concluded that a post-operative decrease in the posterior tibial slope relative to the pre-operative value was the only significant determinant of dislocation of the bearing after medial Oxford UKR (odds ratio 1.881; 95% confidence interval 1.272 to 2.779). A post-operative posterior tibial slope < 8.45° and a difference between the pre-operative and post-operative posterior tibial slope of > 2.19° may increase the risk of dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:914–22

We carried out an audit on the result of achieving early walking in total knee replacement after instituting a new rehabilitation protocol, and assessed its influence on the development of deep-vein thrombosis as determined by Doppler ultrasound scanning on the fifth post-operative day. Early mobilisation was defined as beginning to walk less than 24 hours after knee replacement. Between April 1997 and July 2002, 98 patients underwent a total of 125 total knee replacements. They began walking on the second post-operative day unless there was a medical contraindication. They formed a retrospective control group. A protocol which allowed patients to start walking at less than 24 hours after surgery was instituted in August 2002. Between August 2002 and November 2004, 97 patients underwent a total of 122 total knee replacements. They formed the early mobilisation group, in which data were prospectively gathered. The two groups were of similar age, gender and had similar medical comorbidities. The surgical technique and tourniquet times were similar and the same instrumentation was used in nearly all cases. All the patients received low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis and wore compression stockings post-operatively. In the early mobilisation group 90 patients (92.8%) began walking successfully within 24 hours of their operation. The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis fell from 27.6% in the control group to 1.0% in the early mobilisation group (chi-squared test, p < 0.001). There was a difference in the incidence of risk factors for deep-vein thrombosis between the two groups. However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the institution of an early mobilisation protocol resulted in a 30-fold reduction in the risk of post-operative deep-vein thrombosis when we adjusted for other risk factors

We undertook a study to determine the rates of infection and revision of total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with renal failure, renal transplantation and those undergoing renal dialysis in Scotland. The overall early and late infection rates were 1.10% and 2.19% compared with 1.06% and 2.01%, respectively, for non-renal patients. Patients with renal failure had a significantly increased risk of early infection (1.6%, relative risk 1.52, p = 0.002) and late infection (4.47%, relative risk 2.22, p < 0.001). Those on renal dialysis had significantly increased risks of late infection (8.03%, relative risk 3.99, p < 0.001) and early revision (3.70%, relative risk 4.40, p < 0.001). Renal transplant patients had a significantly increased risk of late infection, regardless of whether renal transplantation occurred before TKR (9.09%, relative risk 4.517, p = 0.027) or at any time (8.0%, relative risk 3.975, p = 0.047). There were significantly increased rates of comorbidities associated with infection for all the renal patient groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that renal failure and renal dialysis were independent risk factors for early infection and revision, respectively

We compared the incidence and severity of complications during and after closing- and opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy used for the treatment of varus arthritis of the knee, and identified the risk factors associated with the development of complications. In total, 104 patients underwent laterally based closing-wedge and 90 medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy between January 1993 and December 2006. The characteristics of each group were similar. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. We assessed the outcome using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score, and recorded the complications. Age, gender, obesity (body mass index > 27.5 kg/m. 2. ), the type of osteotomy (closing versus opening) and the pre-operative mechanical axis were subjected to risk-factor analysis. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery score in the closing and opening groups improved from 73.4 (54 to 86) to 91.8 (81 to 100) and from 73.8 (56 to 88) to 93 (84 to 100), respectively. The incidence of complications overall and of major complications in both groups was not significantly different (p = 0.20 overall complication, p = 0.29 major complication). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for obesity and the pre-operative mechanical axis showed that obesity remained a significant independent risk factor (odds ratio = 3.23) of a major complication after high tibial osteotomy. Our results suggest that the opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy can be an alternative treatment option for young patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity

Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication after arthroscopy of the knee, about which there is limited information. We have identified the incidence and risk factors for symptomatic pulmonary embolism after arthroscopic procedures on outpatients. The New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to review arthroscopic procedures of the knee performed on outpatients between 1997 and 2006, and identify those admitted within 90 days of surgery with an associated diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Potential risk factors included age, gender, complexity of surgery, operating time defined as the total time that the patient was actually in the operating room, history of cancer, comorbidities, and the type of anaesthesia. We identified 374 033 patients who underwent 418 323 outpatient arthroscopies of the knee. There were 117 events of pulmonary embolism (2.8 cases for every 10 000 arthroscopies). Logistic regression analysis showed that age and operating time had significant dose-response increases in risk (p < 0.001) for a subsequent admission with a pulmonary embolism. Female gender was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in risk (p = 0.03), and a history of cancer with a threefold increase (p = 0.05). These risk factors can be used when obtaining informed consent before surgery, to elevate the level of clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism in patients at risk, and to establish a rationale for prospective studies to test the clinical benefit of thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients

Aims

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.

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Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare, but their diagnosis and treatment are highly challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with fungal PJIs treated with two-stage exchange knee arthroplasty combined with prolonged antifungal therapy.

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To investigate the impact of consecutive perioperative care transitions on in-hospital recovery of patients who had primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over an 11-year period.

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The aim of this study was to identify variables associated with time to revision, demographic details associated with revision indication, and type of prosthesis employed, and to describe the survival of hinge knee arthroplasty (HKA) when used for first-time knee revision surgery and factors that were associated with re-revision.

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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.

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Debate continues regarding the optimum management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs). This study aims to determine which operative treatment is associated with the lowest perioperative morbidity and mortality when treating low (Su type II and III) PDFFs comparing lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA).