Aims. This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts. Methods. A case-control radiological study was undertaken comparing 500 healthy knees (250 adults) with a consecutive sample of 710 OA knees (355 adults) undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were determined for each knee, and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) types were calculated. WSD was defined as a varus mHKA of < -2° in one limb and a valgus mHKA of > 2° in the contralateral limb. The primary outcome was the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between healthy and OA groups. Secondary outcomes were the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between constitutional varus and valgus CPAK types, and to explore associations between predefined variables and WSD within the OA group. Results. WSD was more prevalent in the OA group compared to the healthy group (7.9% vs 0.4%; p < 0.001, relative risk (RR) 19.8). There was a significant difference in means and variance between the mHKA of the healthy and OA groups (mean -1.3° (SD 2.3°) vs mean -3.8°(SD 6.6°) respectively; p < 0.001). No significant differences existed in MPTA and LDFA between the groups, with a minimal difference in aHKA (mean -0.9° healthy vs -0.5° OA; p < 0.001). Backwards logistic regression identified
Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears. We conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial in patients aged 18 to 45 years, with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI-verified, isolated meniscal tear without knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardized physical therapy with an optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after three months of follow-up. We performed a cost-utility analysis on the randomization groups to compare both treatments over a 24-month follow-up period. Cost utility was calculated as incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to physical therapy. Calculations were performed from a healthcare system perspective and a societal perspective.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to investigate the risk of postoperative complications in COVID-19-positive patients undergoing common orthopaedic procedures. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme (NSQIP) database, patients who underwent common orthopaedic surgery procedures from 1 January to 31 December 2021 were extracted. Patient preoperative COVID-19 status, demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching was conducted between COVID-19-positive and -negative patients. Multivariable regression was then performed to identify both patient and provider risk factors independently associated with the occurrence of 30-day postoperative adverse events.Aims
Methods
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure from rupture, attenuation, or malposition may cause recurrent subjective instability and objective laxity, and occurs in 3% to 22% of ACL reconstruction (ACLr) procedures. Revision ACLr is often indicated to restore knee stability, improve knee function, and facilitate return to cutting and pivoting activities. Prior to reconstruction, a thorough clinical and diagnostic evaluation is required to identify factors that may have predisposed an individual to recurrent ACL injury, appreciate concurrent intra-articular pathology, and select the optimal graft for revision reconstruction. Single-stage revision can be successful, although a staged approach may be used when optimal tunnel placement is not possible due to the position and/or widening of previous tunnels. Revision ACLr often involves concomitant procedures such as meniscal/chondral treatment, lateral extra-articular augmentation, and/or osteotomy. Although revision ACLr reliably restores knee stability and function, clinical outcomes and reoperation rates are worse than for primary ACLr. Cite this article:
The April 2023 Research Roundup. 360. looks at: Ear protection for orthopaedic surgeons?; Has arthroscopic
The December 2022 Knee Roundup360 looks at: Effect of physical therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: the ESCAPE trial at five years; Patellofemoral arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial; Rehabilitation versus surgical reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament injury; End-stage knee osteoarthritis in Australia: the effect of obesity; Do poor patient-reported outcome measures at six months relate to knee revision?; What is the cost of nonoperative interventions for knee osteoarthritis?
Aims. The best surgical strategy for the management of displaced bucket-handle (BH) meniscal tears in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee is unclear. Combining meniscal repair with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is thought to improve meniscal healing rates; however, patients with displaced BH meniscal tears may lack extension. This leads some to advocate staged surgery to avoid postoperative stiffness and loss of range of motion (ROM) following ACLR. Methods. We reviewed the data for a consecutive series of 88 patients (mean age 27.1 years (15 to 49); 65 male (74%) and 23 female (26%)) who underwent single-stage repair of a displaced BH meniscal tear (67 medial (76%) and 21 lateral (24%)) with concomitant hamstring autograft ACLR. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), and Tegner score were recorded at final follow-up. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate meniscal repair survivorship. Analyses were performed with different cut-offs for meniscal and ACL injury-to-surgery time (within three weeks, three to ten weeks, and more than ten weeks). Results. Meniscal repair survivorship at a median final follow-up of 55 months (interquartile range (IQR) 24 to 91) was 82% (95% confidence interval 70 to 89). A total of 13 meniscus repairs failed (12 requiring
Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for patients with symptomatic meniscal loss has demonstrated good clinical results and survivorship. Factors that affect both functional outcome and survivorship have been reported in the literature. These are typically single-centre case series with relatively small numbers and conflicting results. Our aim was to describe an international, two-centre case series, and identify factors that affect both functional outcome and survival. We report factors that affect outcome on 526 patients undergoing MAT across two sites (one in the UK and one in Italy). Outcomes of interest were the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score four (KOOS4) at two years and failure rates. We performed multiple regression analysis to examine for factors affecting KOOS, and Cox proportional hazards models for survivorship.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
MRI has been suggested as an objective method of assessing anterior crucate ligament (ACL) graft “ligamentization” after reconstruction. It has been proposed that the MRI appearances could be used as an indicator of graft maturity and used as part of a return-to-sport assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MRI graft signal and postoperative functional scores, anterior knee laxity, and patient age at operation. A consecutive cohort of 149 patients who had undergone semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction, using femoral and tibial adjustable loop fixations, were evaluated retrospectively postoperatively at two years. All underwent MRI analysis of the ACL graft, performed using signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and the Howell score. Functional outcome scores (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and IKDC objective) were obtained and all patients underwent instrumented side-to-side anterior laxity differential laxity testing.Aims
Methods
Aims. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor has been reported to attenuate inflammatory response in rat models of inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PARP signalling in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage inflammatory response in an OA rat model. Methods. The OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection with medial
Uncemented mobile bearing designs in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have seen an increase over the last decade. However, there are a lack of large-scale studies comparing survivorship of these specific designs to commonly used cemented mobile and fixed bearing designs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survivorship of these designs. A total of 21,610 medial UKAs from 2007 to 2018 were selected from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to compare uncemented mobile bearings with cemented mobile and fixed bearings. Adjustments were made for patient and surgical factors, with their interactions being considered. Reasons and type of revision in the first two years after surgery were assessed.Aims
Methods
Tourniquets have potential adverse effects including postoperative thigh pain, likely caused by their ischaemic and possible compressive effects. The aims of this preliminary study were to determine if it is possible to directly measure intramuscular pH in human subjects over time, and to measure the intramuscular pH changes resulting from tourniquet ischaemia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. For patients undergoing short knee arthroscopic procedures, a sterile calibrated pH probe was inserted into the anterior fascial compartment of the leg after skin preparation, but before tourniquet inflation. The limb was elevated for three minutes prior to tourniquet inflation to 250 mmHg or 300 mmHg. Intramuscular pH was recorded at one-second intervals throughout the procedure and for 20 minutes following tourniquet deflation. Probe-related adverse events were recorded.Aims
Methods
The safe resumption of elective orthopaedic surgery following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge. A number of institutions have developed a COVID-free pathway for elective surgery patients in order to minimize the risk of viral transmission. The aim of this study is to identify the perioperative viral transmission rate in elective orthopaedic patients following the restart of elective surgery. This is a prospective study of 121 patients who underwent elective orthopaedic procedures through a COVID-free pathway. All patients underwent a 14-day period of self-isolation, had a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of surgery, and underwent surgery at a COVID-free site. Baseline patient characteristics were recorded including age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, body mass index (BMI), procedure, and admission type. Patients were contacted 14 days following discharge to determine if they had had a positive COVID-19 test (COVID-confirmed) or developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (COVID-19-presumed).Aims
Methods
To compare time dependent functional improvement for patients with medial, respectively lateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) after treatment with opening wedge osteotomy relieving the pressure on the osteoarthritic part of the knee. In all, 49 patients (52 knees) with a mean age of 47 years (31 to 64) underwent high tibial osteotomies (HTO), and 24 patients with a mean age of 48 years (31 to 62) low femoral osteotomies (LFO) with opening wedge technique due to medial, respectively lateral knee OA with malalignment. All osteotomies were stabilized with a Puddu plate and bone grafting performed in the same time period (2000 to 2008). The patients were evaluated by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pre-operatively and at six months, and at one, two, five, and ten years postoperatively. The knee OA was graded according to the Ahlbäck and Kellgren-Lawrence radiological scoring systems.Aims
Methods
Elective surgery has been severely curtailed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is little evidence to guide surgeons in assessing what processes should be put in place to restart elective surgery safely in a time of endemic COVID-19 in the community. We used data from a stand-alone hospital admitting and operating on 91 trauma patients. All patients were screened on admission and 100% of patients have been followed-up after discharge to assess outcome.Aims
Methods
Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques. In total, 102 patients who sustained a displaced tibial plateau fracture and underwent operative repair by one of three orthopaedic traumatologists at a large, academic medical centre and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were identified. Breakdown of patients by Schatzker classification is as follows: two (1.9%) Schatzker I, 54 (50.9%) Schatzker II, two (1.9%) Schatzker III, 13 (12.3%) Schatzker IV, nine (8.5%) Schatzker V, and 26 (24.5%) Schatzker VI. Follow-up data obtained included: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and knee range of movement (ROM). Data at latest follow-up were then compared to 12-month data using a paired Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to determine the long-term risk of undergoing knee arthroplasty in a cohort of patients with meniscal tears who had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). A retrospective national cohort of patients with a history of isolated APM was identified over a 20-year period. Patients with prior surgery to the same knee were excluded. The primary outcome was knee arthroplasty. Hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted by patient age, sex, year of APM, Charlson comorbidity index, regional deprivation, rurality, and ethnicity. Risk of arthroplasty in the index knee was compared with the patient’s contralateral knee (with Aims
Patients and Methods
Altered alignment and biomechanics are thought to contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the native compartments after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone activity and remodelling in the lateral tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartment after medial mobile-bearing UKA. In total, 24 patients (nine female, 15 male) with 25 medial Oxford UKAs (13 left, 12 right) were prospectively followed with sequential 99mTc-hydroxymethane diphosphonate single photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT preoperatively and at one and two years postoperatively, along with standard radiographs and clinical outcome scores. The mean patient age was 62 years (40 to 78) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.7 kg/m2 (23.6 to 42.2). Mean osteoblastic activity was evaluated using a tracer localization scheme with volumes of interest (VOIs). Normalized mean tracer values were calculated as the ratio between the mean tracer activity in a VOI and background activity in the femoral diaphysis.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) Meniscal Consensus Project was to develop an evidence-based treatment guideline for patients with meniscal lesions of the knee. A formal consensus process was undertaken applying nominal group, Delphi, and appropriateness methods. Consensus was first reached on the terminology relating to the definition, investigation, and classification of meniscal lesions. A series of simulated clinical scenarios was then created and the appropriateness of arthroscopic meniscal surgery or nonoperative treatment in each scenario was rated by the group. The process was informed throughout by the latest published, and previously unpublished, clinical and epidemiological evidence. Scenarios were then grouped together based upon the similarity of clinical features and ratings to form the guideline for treatment. Feedback on the draft guideline was sought from the entire membership of BASK before final revisions and approval by the consensus group.Aims
Materials and Methods
Meniscal injuries are often associated with an active lifestyle. The damage of meniscal tissue puts young patients at higher risk of undergoing meniscal surgery and, therefore, at higher risk of osteoarthritis. In this study, we undertook proof-of-concept research to develop a cellularized human meniscus by using 3D bioprinting technology. A 3D model of bioengineered medial meniscus tissue was created, based on MRI scans of a human volunteer. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data from these MRI scans were processed using dedicated software, in order to obtain an STL model of the structure. The chosen 3D Discovery printing tool was a microvalve-based inkjet printhead. Primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from bone marrow and embedded in a collagen-based bio-ink before printing. LIVE/DEAD assay was performed on realized cell-laden constructs carrying MSCs in order to evaluate cell distribution and viability.Objectives
Methods
The aim of this study was to assess the current evidence relating
to the benefits of virtual reality (VR) simulation in orthopaedic
surgical training, and to identify areas of future research. A literature search using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar
databases was performed. The results’ titles, abstracts, and references
were examined for relevance.Aims
Materials and Methods
Aims. To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular
cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
reconstruction. Patients and Methods. A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic
evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in
this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the
time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look
arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction
technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed
by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage
to the articular cartilage. Results. In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression
analysis indicated that partial medial
Aims. Meniscal allograft transplantation is undertaken to improve pain
and function in patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee
compartment. While case series have shown improvements in patient
reported outcome measures (PROMs), its efficacy has not been rigorously
evaluated. This study aimed to compare PROMs in patients having
meniscal transplantation with those having personalized physiotherapy
at 12 months. Patients and Methods. A single-centre assessor-blinded, comprehensive cohort study,
incorporating a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed
on patients with a symptomatic compartment of the knee in which
a (sub)total
The optimal method of tibial component fixation remains uncertain
in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Hydroxyapatite coatings have been
applied to improve bone ingrowth in uncemented designs, but may
only coat the directly accessible surface. As peri-apatite (PA)
is solution deposited, this may increase the coverage of the implant
surface and thereby fixation. We assessed the tibial component fixation
of uncemented PA-coated TKAs Patients were randomised to PA-coated or cemented TKAs. In 60
patients (30 in each group), radiostereometric analysis of tibial
component migration was evaluated as the primary outcome at baseline,
three months post-operatively and at one, two and five years. A
linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse the repeated measurements.Aims
Patients and Methods
Objectives. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 15% of the human population. Recently, increased concentration of nitric oxide in serum and synovial fluid in patients with OA has been observed. However, the exact role of nitric oxide in the initiation of OA has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide in innate immune regulation during OA initiation in rats. Methods. Rat OA was induced by performing
Knee joint distraction (KJD) is a relatively new, knee-joint
preserving procedure with the goal of delaying total knee arthroplasty
(TKA) in young and middle-aged patients. We present a randomised
controlled trial comparing the two. The 60 patients ≤ 65 years with end-stage knee osteoarthritis
were randomised to either KJD (n = 20) or TKA (n = 40). Outcomes
were assessed at baseline, three, six, nine, and 12 months. In the
KJD group, the joint space width (JSW) was radiologically assessed,
representing a surrogate marker of cartilage thickness.Aims
Patients and Methods
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. Patients and Methods. We prospectively assessed 177 TKAs (157 consecutive patients,
99 women, mean age 50 years; 17 to 54) from 2008 to 2013. Age, gender,
implant, indication, body mass index (BMI), social deprivation,
range of movement, Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of osteoarthritis
(OA) and prior knee surgery were recorded. Pre- and post-operative
Oxford Knee Score (OKS) as well as Short Form-12 physical (PCS)
and mental component scores were obtained. Post-operative range
of movement, complications and satisfaction were measured at one
year. Results . Overall, 44 patients with 44 TKAs (24.9%) under 55 years of age
were unsure or dissatisfied with their knee. Significant predictors
of dissatisfaction on univariate analysis included: KL grade 1/2
OA (59% dissatisfied), poor pre-operative OKS, complications, poor
improvements in PCS and OKS and indication (primary OA 19% dissatisfied,
previous
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. A total of 168 patients (201 knees) underwent medial UKA with
the Oxford Partial Knee Twin-Peg. These patients were compared with
a randomly selected group of 177 patients (189 knees) with primary
Vanguard TKA. Patient demographics, Knee Society (KS) scores and
range of movement (ROM) were compared between the two cohorts. Additionally,
revision, re-operation and manipulation under anaesthesia rates
were analysed.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee commonly have degenerative
meniscal tears. Arthroscopic
Normal sagittal spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment is crucial in humans for maintaining an ergonomic upright standing posture, and pathogenesis in any segment leads to poor balance. The present study aimed to investigate how this sagittal alignment can be affected by severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and whether associated changes corresponded with symptoms of lower back pain (LBP) in this patient population. Lateral radiograph films in an upright standing position were obtained from 59 patients with severe KOA and 58 asymptomatic controls free from KOA. Sagittal alignment of the spine, pelvis, hip and proximal femur was quantified by measuring several radiographic parameters. Global balance was accessed according to the relative position of the C7 plumb line to the sacrum and femoral heads. The presence of chronic LBP was documented. Comparisons between the two groups were carried by independent samples Objectives
Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare clinical
outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after manipulation under
anaesthesia (MUA) for post-operative stiffness with a matched cohort
of TKA patients who did not requre MUA. In total 72 patients (mean age 59.8 years, 42 to 83) who underwent
MUA following TKA were identified from our prospective database
and compared with a matched cohort of patients who had undergone
TKA without subsequent MUA. Patients were evaluated for range of
movement (ROM) and clinical outcome scores (Western Ontario and
McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Short-Form Health Survey,
and Knee Society Clinical Rating System) at a mean follow-up of
36.4 months (12 to 120). MUA took place at a mean of nine weeks
(5 to 18) after TKA. In patients who required MUA, mean flexion
deformity improved from 10° (0° to 25°) to 4.4° (0° to 15°) (p <
0.001),
and mean range of flexion improved from 79.8° (65° to 95°) to 116°
(80° to 130°) (p <
0.001). There were no statistically significant
differences in ROM or functional outcome scores at three months,
one year, or two years between those who required MUA and those
who did not. There were no complications associated with manipulation At most recent follow-up, patients requiring MUA achieved equivalent
ROM and clinical outcome scores when compared with a matched control
group. While other studies have focused on ROM after manipulation,
the current study adds to current literature by supplementing this
with functional outcome scores. Cite this article:
Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable
procedure with reproducible long-term results. Nevertheless, there
are conditions related to the type of patient or local conditions
of the knee that can make it a difficult procedure. The most common
scenarios that make it difficult are discussed in this review. These
include patients with many previous operations and incisions, and
those with severe coronal deformities, genu recurvatum, a stiff knee,
extra-articular deformities and those who have previously undergone
osteotomy around the knee and those with chronic dislocation of
the patella. Each condition is analysed according to the characteristics of
the patient, the pre-operative planning and the reported outcomes. When approaching the difficult primary TKA surgeons should use
a systematic approach, which begins with the review of the existing
literature for each specific clinical situation. Cite this article:
Despite being one of the most common orthopaedic
operations, it is still not known how many arthroscopies of the knee
must be performed during training in order to develop the skills
required to become a Consultant. A total of 54 subjects were divided
into five groups according to clinical experience: Novices (n =
10), Junior trainees (n = 10), Registrars (n = 18), Fellows (n =
10) and Consultants (n = 6). After viewing an instructional presentation,
each subject performed a simple diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee
on a simulator with visualisation and probing of ten anatomical
landmarks. Performance was assessed using a validated global rating
scale (GRS). Comparisons were made against clinical experience measured
by the number of arthroscopies which had been undertaken, and ROC
curve analysis was used to determine the number of procedures needed
to perform at the level of the Consultants. There were marked differences between the groups. There was significant
improvement in performance with increasing experience (p <
0.05). ROC curve analysis identified that approximately 170 procedures
were required to achieve the level of skills of a Consultant. We suggest that this approach to identify what represents the
level of surgical skills of a Consultant should be used more widely
so that standards of training are maintained through the development
of an evidenced-based curriculum. Cite this article:
The patient with a painful arthritic knee awaiting
total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Optimal control of acute post-operative pain and the prevention
of chronic persistent pain remains a challenge. The aim of this
paper is to evaluate whether stratification of patients can help
identify those who are at particular risk for severe acute or chronic
pain. Intense acute post-operative pain, which is itself a risk factor
for chronic pain, is more common in younger, obese female patients
and those suffering from central pain sensitisation. Pre-operative
pain, in the knee or elsewhere in the body, predisposes to central
sensitisation. Pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee may also trigger
neuropathic pain and may be associated with chronic medication like
opioids, leading to a state of nociceptive sensitisation called
‘opioid-induced hyperalgesia’. Finally, genetic and personality
related risk factors may also put patients at a higher risk for
the development of chronic pain. Those identified as at risk for chronic pain would benefit from
specific peri-operative management including reduction in opioid
intake pre-operatively, the peri-operative use of antihyperalgesic
drugs such as ketamine and gabapentinoids, and a close post-operative
follow-up in a dedicated chronic pain clinic. Cite this article:
Objectives. Subtotal or total
