Aims. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylactic treatments in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Using nationwide medical registries, we identified patients with a primary TKA performed in Denmark between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 who received thromboprophylactic treatment. We examined the 90-day risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), major
Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is a feared complication
during knee replacement. Our aim was to investigate those injuries
that occurred in association with knee replacement in terms of the
type of injury, treatment and outcomes. From our national vascular registry (Swedvasc) and the Swedish
Patient Insurance databases a total of 32 cases were identified.
Prospective data from the registries was supplemented with case-records,
including long-term follow-up. We estimated the incidence during 1998 to 2010 to be 0.017%.
In our series of 32 patients with PAI occurring between 1987 and
2011, 25 (78%) were due to penetrating trauma and seven were caused
by blunt trauma. The patients presented in three ways: bleeding
(14), ischaemia (7) and false aneurysm formation (11), and five
occurred during revision surgery. A total of 12 injuries were detected
intra-operatively, eight within 24 hours (3 to 24) and 12 at more
than 24 hours post-operatively (2 to 90 days). Treatment comprised
open surgery in 28Â patients. Patency of the vascular repair at 30
days was 97% (31 of 32, one amputation). At the time of follow-up
(median 546 days, mean 677 days (24 to 1251)), 25 patients had residual
symptoms. Of seven patients with a complete recovery, six had had
an early diagnosis of the PAI during the procedure, and were treated
by a vascular surgeon in the same hospital. PAI is a rare adverse event during knee replacement surgery.
The outcome following such events is often adversely affected by
diagnostic and therapeutic delay.
Aims. The optimal management of an infrapopliteal deep venous thrombosis (IDVT) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unknown. The risk of DVT propagation and symptom progression must be balanced against potential haemorrhagic complications associated with administration of anticoagulation therapy. The current study reports on a cohort of patients diagnosed with IDVT following TKA who were treated with aspirin, followed closely for development of symptoms, and scanned with ultrasound to determine resolution of IDVT. Methods. Among a cohort of 5,078 patients undergoing TKA, 532 patients (695 TKAs, 12.6%) developed an IDVT between 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019 at a single institution, as diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound at the first postoperative visit. Of the entire cohort of 532 patients with IDVT, 91.4% (486/532) were treated with aspirin (325 mg twice daily) and followed closely. Repeat lower limb ultrasound was performed four weeks later to evaluate the status of IDVT. Results. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound was performed on 459/486 (94.4%) patients and demonstrated resolution of IDVT in 445/459 cases (96.9%). Doppler diagnosed propagation of IDVT to the popliteal vein had occurred in 10/459 (2.2%) cases. One patient with an IDVT developed a pulmonary embolus six weeks postoperatively. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate a low rate of IDVT propagation in patients managed with aspirin. Additionally, no significant
A total of 187 patients with primary osteoarthritis
(OA) of the knee undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) were randomly
divided into two groups, one of which underwent synovectomy. The
patients and assessors were blinded to the randomisation both before
and after surgery. The duration of surgery, hospitalisation period,
concealed
To map literature on prognostic factors related to outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), to identify extensively studied factors and to guide future research into what domains need further exploration. We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The search string included multiple synonyms of the following keywords: "revision TKA", "outcome" and "prognostic factor". We searched for studies assessing the association between at least one prognostic factor and at least one outcome measure after rTKA surgery. Data on sample size, study design, prognostic factors, outcomes, and the direction of the association was extracted and included in an evidence map.Aims
Methods
To identify variables independently associated with same-day discharge (SDD) of patients following revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and to develop machine learning algorithms to predict suitable candidates for outpatient rTKA. Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Programme (ACS-NSQIP) database from the years 2018 to 2020. Patients with elective, unilateral rTKA procedures and a total hospital length of stay between zero and four days were included. Demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative variables were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression (MLR) model and various machine learning techniques were compared using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and decision curve analysis. Important and significant variables were identified from the models.Aims
Methods
As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA). Experimental knees were immobilized for either four weeks (72 mice) or eight weeks (72 mice), followed by a remobilization period of zero weeks (24 mice), two weeks (24 mice), or four weeks (24 mice) after suture removal. Half of the experimental knees also received an intra-articular injury. Biomechanical data were collected to measure passive extension angle (PEA). Histological data measuring area and thickness of posterior and anterior knee capsules were collected from knee sections.Aims
Methods
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
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
This study investigated the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) on pain, function, and quality of life in people with early-stage symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to a sham procedure. A total of 59 participants with symptomatic Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 knee OA were randomly allocated to TAE or a sham procedure. The intervention group underwent TAE of one or more genicular arteries. The control group received a blinded sham procedure. The primary outcome was knee pain at 12 months according to the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain scale. Secondary outcomes included self-reported function and quality of life (KOOS, EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)), self-reported Global Change, six-minute walk test, 30-second chair stand test, and adverse events. Subgroup analyses compared participants who received complete embolization of all genicular arteries (as distinct from embolization of some arteries) (n = 17) with the control group (n = 29) for KOOS and Global Change scores at 12 months. Continuous variables were analyzed with quantile regression, adjusting for baseline scores. Dichotomized variables were analyzed with chi-squared tests.Aims
Methods
To explore the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of osteochondral defect (OCD), and its effects on the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 in terms of cartilage and bone regeneration. The OCD lesion was created on the trochlear groove of left articular cartilage of femur per rat (40 rats in total). The experimental groups were Sham, OCD, and ESWT (0.25 mJ/mm2, 800 impulses, 4 Hz). The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment, and histopathological analysis, micro-CT scanning, and immunohistochemical staining were performed for the specimens.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, mortalities, implant survival rates, and complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with or without hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection over at least ten years of follow-up. From January 2008 to December 2010, 266 TKAs were performed in 169 patients with HBV (HBV group). A total of 169 propensity score–matched patients without HBV were chosen for the control group in a one-to-one ratio. Then, the clinical outcomes, mortalities, implant survival rates, and complications of TKA in the two groups were compared. The mean follow-up periods were 11.7 years (10.5 to 13.4) in the HBV group and 11.8 years (11.5 to 12.4) in the control group.Aims
Methods
Haemophilia is an x-linked inherited
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. A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed with three groups receiving either placebo injections (Normal Saline), one PRP injection followed by two placebo injections, or three PRP injections. Each injection was given one week apart. Outcomes were prospectively collected prior to intervention and then at six weeks, three months, six months, and 12 months post-intervention. Primary outcome measures were Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EuroQol five-dimension five-level index (EQ-5D-5L). Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale for pain and patient subjective assessment of the injections.Aims
Methods
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). 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.Aims
Methods
Wear of the polyethylene (PE) tibial insert of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases the risk of revision surgery with a significant cost burden on the healthcare system. This study quantifies wear performance of tibial inserts in a large and diverse series of retrieved TKAs to evaluate the effect of factors related to the patient, knee design, and bearing material on tibial insert wear performance. An institutional review board-approved retrieval archive was surveyed for modular PE tibial inserts over a range of in vivo duration (mean 58 months (0 to 290)). Five knee designs, totalling 1,585 devices, were studied. Insert wear was estimated from measured thickness change using a previously published method. Linear regression statistical analyses were used to test association of 12 patient and implant design variables with calculated wear rate.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
Many surgeons choose to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery with the aid of a tourniquet. A tourniquet is a device that fits around the leg and restricts blood flow to the limb. There is a need to understand whether tourniquets are safe, and if they benefit, or harm, patients. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and harms of tourniquet use in TKA surgery. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, and trial registries up to 26 March 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing TKA with a tourniquet versus without a tourniquet. Outcomes included: pain, function, serious adverse events (SAEs), blood loss, implant stability, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to examine whether tourniquet use can improve perioperative blood loss, early function recovery, and pain after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of multiple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid. This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial including 180 patients undergoing TKA with multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid. One group was treated with a tourniquet during the entire procedure, the second group received a tourniquet during cementing, and the third group did not receive a tourniquet. All patients received the same protocol of intravenous tranexamic acid (20 mg/kg) before skin incision, and three and six hours later (10 mg/kg). The primary outcome measure was perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcome measures were creatine kinase (CK), CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, limb swelling ratio, quadriceps strength, straight leg raising, range of motion (ROM), American Knee Society Score (KSS), and adverse events.Aims
Methods
The optimal regime of antithrombotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been established. Many surgeons employ intermittent pneumatic compression while others use low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) which were primarily developed for total hip arthroplasty. We compared the efficacy and safety of these two techniques in a randomised study with blinded assessment of the endpoint by phlebography. We randomised 130 patients, scheduled for elective TKA, to receive one daily subcutaneous injection of nadroparin calcium (dosage adapted to body-weight) or continuous intermittent pneumatic compression of the foot by means of the arteriovenous impulse system. A total of 108 patients (60 in the LMWH group and 48 in the mechanical prophylaxis group) had phlebography eight to 12 days after surgery. Of the 47 with deep-vein thrombosis, 16 had received LMWH (26.7%, 95% CI 16.1 to 39.7) and 31, mechanical prophylaxis (64.6%, 95% CI 49.5 to 77.8). The difference between the two groups was highly significant (p <
0.001). Only one patient in the LMWH group had severe