Anesthetic management of two patients with alkaptonuric ochronosis for total knee arthroplasty / Manejo anestésico de dois pacientes com ocronose alcaptonúrica para artroplastia total do joelho

Abstract The current case report describes two cases of alkaptonuric ochronosis for anesthetic management. Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic orphan disease of tyrosine metabolism characterized by an accumulation of homogentisic acid in cartilage and connective tissues. Patients present most commonly for orthopedic joint surgery due to progressive arthropathy that can be misdiagnosed many a times. However respiratory, airway, cardiovascular and genitourinary systems complications can occur with age progressing. Restricted range of motion of cervical spine may lead to difficulty with airway management. In addition, degenerative changes and stiffness of lumbar spine due to ochronosis would make neuraxial blockade challenging. Although this inherited condition is extremely rare, anesthesiologists should be aware of its existence and prepare for management of potential challenging problems. This report highlights special care and precautions that need to be taken during anesthetic management.

Resumo Este relato descreve o manejo anestésico em dois casos de ocronose alcaptonúrica. Alcaptonúria é uma doença genética rara do metabolismo de tirosina caracterizada por acúmulo de ácido homogentísico em cartilagem e tecidos conjuntivos. Os pacientes geralmente recorrem à cirurgia ortopédica devido à artropatia progressiva, que, muitas vezes, pode ser diagnosticada incorretamente. No entanto, complicações das vias respiratórias, cardiovasculares e geniturinárias podem ocorrer com o avanço da idade. A restrição de mobilidade da coluna cervical pode levar ao manejo difícil das vias aéreas. Além disso, as alterações degenerativas e a rigidez da coluna lombar devido à ocronose podem tornar o bloqueio neuroaxial um desafio. Embora essa condição hereditária seja extremamente rara, os anestesiologistas devem estar cientes de sua existência e se preparar para o manejo de potenciais problemas desafiadores. Este relato destaca os cuidados e as precauções especiais que devem ser tomadas durante o manejo anestésico.

Are Western Knee Designs Dimensionally Correct for Korean Women? A Morphometric Study of Resected Femoral Surfaces during Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the shape of the distal femur of Korean women compared with the prostheses currently available in Korea. METHODS: Morphometric data (5 parameters) were measured in 356 resected femurs of Korean women undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizing the LCS knee implant (DePuy). The data were then compared with 5 additional contemporary TKA implant systems. RESULTS: Implant designs based on Caucasian population data do not ideally match the distal femoral morphology of Korean women. Overhang at the anterior mediolateral width was observed in 84.8% for the LCS while a gender-specific implant resulted in undercoverage of the bone in 86%. Posterior overhang was observed in up to 51.2%. Most implant designs have a narrower intercondylar notch than the morphologic data of Korean women. CONCLUSIONS: Since there is some difference between the shape of distal femur of Korean women and that of the implants, surgeons should have this in mind when selecting an implant for a patient. These data may also be used as a guideline for future prosthetic design options for Korean women population.

Ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter randomized controlled study / Bloqueio contínuo do nervo femoral guiado por ultrassom e estimulador de nervo para analgesia após artroplastia total de joelho: estudo multicêntrico, randomizado e controlado / Bloqueo continuo del nervio femoral guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador de nervio para analgesia posterior a la artroplastia total de rodilla: estudio multicéntrico, aleatorizado y controlado

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative analgesia is crucial for early functional excise after total knee arthroplasty. To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: 46 patients with ASA grade I-III who underwent total knee arthroplasty received postoperative analgesia from October 2012 to January 2013. In 22 patients, ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block were performed for analgesia (CFNB group); in 24 patients, epidural analgesia was done (PCEA group). The analgesic effects, side effects, articular recovery and complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: At 6 h and 12 h after surgery, the knee pain score (VAS score) during functional tests after active exercise and after passive excise in CFNB were significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. The amount of parecoxib used in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. At 48 h after surgery, the muscle strength grade in CFNB group was significantly higher, and the time to ambulatory activity was shorter than those in PCEA group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block provide better analgesia at 6 h and 12 h, demonstrated by RVAS and PVAS. The amount of parecoxib also reduces, the incidence of nausea and vomiting decreased, the influence on muscle strength is compromised and patients can perform ambulatory activity under this condition. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Analgesia pós-operatória é fundamental para o exercício funcional precoce logo após a artroplastia total de joelho. O objetivo foi investigar a eficácia clínica do bloqueio contínuo do nervo femoral guiado por ultrassom e estimulador de nervo em analgesia após artroplastia total do joelho. MÉTODOS: Receberam analgesia pós-operatória, de outubro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013, 46 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-III, submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho. Em 22 pacientes, o bloqueio femoral contínuo foi guiado por ultrassom e estimulador de nervo para analgesia (grupo BFC); em 24 pacientes, analgesia foi administrada por via epidural (grupo ACP). Os efeitos analgésicos, efeitos colaterais, a recuperação articular e as complicações foram comparados entre os dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Às seis e 12 horas após a cirurgia, os escores de dor no joelho (escore EVA) durante os testes funcionais após exercício ativo e passivo foram significativamente menores no grupo BFC do que no grupo ACP. A quantidade usada de parecoxib nos pacientes do grupo BFC foi significativamente menor em comparação com o grupo ACP. Quarenta e oito horas após a cirurgia, o grau de força muscular no grupo BFC foi significativamente maior e o tempo de atividade ambulatória foi menor do que no grupo ACP. A incidência de náusea e vômito em pacientes do grupo BFC foi significativamente menor em comparação com o grupo ACP. CONCLUSÃO: O bloqueio femoral contínuo guiado por ultrassom e estimulador do nervo proporcionou melhor analgesia às seis e 12 horas, demonstrada por EVA-R e EVA-P. A quantidade de parecoxib também foi menor, a incidência de náusea e vômito diminuiu, a influência sobre a força muscular é comprometida e os pacientes podem fazer atividade ambulatorial sob essa condição. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La analgesia postoperatoria es fundamental para el ejercicio funcional precoz posteriormente a la artroplastia total de rodilla. El objetivo fue investigar la eficacia clínica del bloqueo continuo del nervio femoral guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador de nervio en analgesia después de la artroplastia total de la rodilla. MÉTODOS: Cuarenta y seis pacientes, con estado físico ASA I-III, sometidos a artroplastia total de rodilla recibieron analgesia postoperatoria de octubre de 2012 a enero de 2013. En 22 pacientes, el bloqueo femoral continuo fue guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador de nervio para analgesia (grupo BFC); en 24 pacientes, la analgesia fue administrada por vía epidural (grupo ACP). Los efectos analgésicos, efectos colaterales, recuperación articular y las complicaciones fueron comparados entre los 2 grupos. RESULTADOS: A las 6 y 12 h después de la operación, las puntuaciones de dolor en la rodilla (puntuación EVA) durante los test funcionales después del ejercicio activo y pasivo fueron significativamente menores en el grupo BFC que en el grupo ACP. La cantidad usada de parecoxib en los pacientes del grupo BFC fue significativamente menor en comparación con el grupo ACP. Cuarenta y ocho horas después de la operación, el grado de fuerza muscular en el grupo BFC fue significativamente mayor y el tiempo de actividad ambulatoria fue menor que en el grupo ACP. La incidencia de náuseas y vómitos en pacientes del grupo BFC fue significativamente menor en comparación con el grupo ACP. CONCLUSIÓN: El bloqueo femoral continuo guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador del nervio proporcionaron una mejor analgesia a las 6 y 12 horas, lo que quedó demostrado por EVA-R y EVA-P. La cantidad de parecoxib también fue menor, la incidencia de náuseas y vómito disminuyó, la influencia sobre la fuerza muscular está comprometida y los pacientes pueden realizar una actividad ambulatoria bajo esa condición. .

Advantage of Minimal Anterior Knee Pain and Long-term Survivorship of Cemented Single Radius Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty without Patella Resurfacing

BACKGROUND: The single radius total knee prosthesis was introduced with the advantage of reduced patellar symptoms; however, there is no long-term follow-up study of the same. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival rate of single radius posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty and patellofemoral complication rates in a consecutive series. METHODS: Seventy-one patients (103 knees) who underwent arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing using a single radius posterior-stabilized total knee prosthesis were followed up for a minimum 10 years. Clinical evaluation using Knee Society knee and function scores and radiologic evaluation were performed at regular intervals. Anterior knee pain as well as patellofemoral complications were evaluated with a simple questionnaire. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to estimate survival. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (23 knees) were excluded due to death (12 knees) or lost to follow-up (11 knees). Of the 80 knees enrolled, all femoral components and 78 tibial components were well fixed without loosening at final follow-up. Two revisions were performed because of tibial component loosening and periprosthetic joint infection. One patient with tibial component loosening refused to have revision surgery. No obvious tibial insert polyethylene wear was observed. The survivorships at 132 months were 96.7% using revision or pending revision as end points. Anterior knee pain was present in 6 patients (6 knees, 7.5%) at the latest follow-up. No patellofemoral complication requiring revision was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The single radius posterior-stabilized total knee prosthesis demonstrated an excellent minimum 10-year survivorship. The low rates of implant loosening and 7.5% of anterior knee pain as a patellofemoral complication are comparable with those reported for other modern total knee prosthesis.

Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty with Buechel and Pappas Knee: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Clinical and radiologic evaluation and analyses of the surgeries using Buechel and Pappas (B-P) knee implants. METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent 94 total knee replacement arthroplasty with B-P knee implants from May 2009 to December 2010. The results were compared to the results of 41 patients who underwent 60 knee joint surgeries using NexGen-LPS implants from January 2008 to August 2009. RESULTS: The American Knee Society score of the B-P knee group increased from an average of 66.9 (clinical score) and 65.5 (functional score) to 93.4 and 90.3, respectively; while those for the NexGen-LPS group increased from an average of 68.8 (clinical score) and 62.4 (functional score) to 86.3 and 76, respectively. The average ranges of motion of the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group were 119.1degrees and 114.8degrees, respectively, before surgery and improved to 121.0degrees and 123.0degrees at final follow-up after the surgery. The visual analogue scale scores for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group improved from 4.7 and 4.6 to 1.4 and 1.8, respectively. The flexion contracture also improved from 5.1degrees and 6.3degrees to 0.64degrees and 1.72degrees. The tibio-femoral angle for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group also improved greatly after the surgery, from varus 0.34degrees and 0.73degrees each to valgus 6.7degrees and 6.9degrees, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of more than 2 years of total knee replacement arthroplasty using B-P knee implants showed good results. B-P knee implants showed a relatively higher degree of satisfaction in clinical knee score and less intraoperative bone mass removal than NexGen-LPS implants.

Moldes individualizados para alineación de la artroplastía primaria de rodilla / Individualized molds for alignment of primary knee arthroplasty

Introducción: Los sistemas de bloque de corte específicos (BCE) se han presentado como una interesante medida para obtener una correcta alineación en la artroplastía de rodilla, aunque se desconoce cuál de todos los métodos existentes para realizar la planificación es el adecuado. Material y métodos: Se ha diseñado un estudio prospectivo comparando dos sistemas de BCE con planificaciones diferentes (Signature con TAC + teleradiografia; Visionaire con RMN) con el sistema convencional de alineación. Se analizaron parámetros radiográficos, funcionales preoperatorios y postoperatorios, estancia hospitalaria, necesidad de transfusión, tiempo quirúrgico y complicaciones asociadas. Resultados: Un total de 10 pacientes fueron intervenidos por cada grupo. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos sistemas de alineamiento específicos y el sistema convencional (p > 0.05), aunque se objetivó una mayor precisión con estos sistemas, siendo discretamente superior en el sistema Signature. También se observó un menor tiempo quirúrgico en los pacientes intervenidos con los BCE, ligeramente inferior en los intervenidos con el sistema Visionaire (p > 0.05). Conclusiones: Los nuevos sistemas BCE pueden ser útiles para mejorar la alineación en la artroplastía de rodilla así como disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico. A la espera de series mayores que corroboren estos datos, los autores recomiendan estos sistemas en aquellos casos en los que los sistemas convencionales no sean adecuados.

Introduction: Patient-specific cutting blocks (PSCB) have been proposed as an interesting option to achieve appropriate alignment in knee arthroplasty. However, there is no information as to which of the available planning methods is the right one. Material and methods: A prospective study was designed to compare two PSCB systems using different planning methods (Signature with CAT scan + teleradiography; Visionaire with MRI) with the standard alignment method. Radiographic and functional pre- and postoperative parameters were analyzed, together with hospital stay, blood transfusion needs, operative time and associated complications. Results: A total of 10 patients per group were operated on. No statistically significant differences were observed between both of the patient-specific alignment systems and the standard system (p > 0.05). However, greater precision was achieved with the former systems and the Signature system was slightly more accurate. Operative time was shorter in patients in whom PSCBs were used, and it was still slightly shorter in those in whom the Visionaire system was used (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The new PSCB systems may be useful to improve alignment in knee arthroplasty and reduce the operative time. While larger case series confirming these data become available, the authors recommend using these systems in cases in which the standard systems do not work properly.

Artroplastia total de rodilla: experiencia de una unidad monográfica / Total knee replacement: a monographic unit experience

Introducción: Se presenta la experiencia de la Unidad de Prótesis de Rodilla (UPR) del Hospital Clínico de Barcelona. Pacientes y método: Estudio de casos. La población del estudio fueron los pacientes intervenidos durante los meses de mayo y junio, de los años 2004 y 2010. Las variables consideradas fueron: edad, sexo, permanencia promedio, dolor al alta, flexión al alta, deambulación al alta, comorbilidades y complicaciones durante el ingreso. Se compararon los resultados de ambos períodos. Resultado: En la comparación de los años 2004 y 2010 se observó, en el último período citado, un aumento de los recambios de prótesis. La permanencia promedia se mantuvo en alrededor de 7 días. La media de edad de los pacientes se mantuvo por encima de los 70 años. Hubo un mejor control del dolor, de la flexión y de la deambulación al alta. El de número de complicaciones se redujo y hubo un aumento de las personas con obesidad. Conclusiones: En los próximos años habrá una evolución hacia intervenciones más complejas por recambio de prótesis. Los indicadores de calidad para evaluar el éxito del tratamiento continuarán siendo muy parecidos. Habrá una tendencia a la disminución del tiempo de ingreso debido a cambios en la técnica quirúrgica. Se deberá continuar trabajando para disminuir complicaciones relacionadas con la herida quirúrgica y las infecciones. La obesidad será la comorbilidad más presente.

Development of a Pneumatic Tensioning Device for Gap Measurement during Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of soft tissue balancing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), all estimating techniques are dependent on a surgeon's manual distraction force or subjective feeling based on experience. We developed a new device for dynamic gap balancing, which can offer constant load to the gap between the femur and tibia, using pneumatic pressure during range of motion. METHODS: To determine the amount of distraction force for the new device, 3 experienced surgeons' manual distraction force was measured using a conventional spreader. A new device called the consistent load pneumatic tensor was developed on the basis of the biomechanical tests. Reliability testing for the new device was performed using 5 cadaveric knees by the same surgeons. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. RESULTS: The distraction force applied to the new pneumatic tensioning device was determined to be 150 N. The interobserver reliability was very good for the newly tested spreader device with ICCs between 0.828 and 0.881. CONCLUSIONS: The new pneumatic tensioning device can enable us to properly evaluate the soft tissue balance throughout the range of motion during TKA with acceptable reproducibility.

Comparative study between computer assisted-navigation and conventional technique in minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty, prospective control study.

BACKGROUND: Both Minimally Invasive surgery (MIS) and Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS) are useful in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty was associated with decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and increased range of motion. Computer-assisted surgery in total knee arthroplasty was developed to improve the positioning of implants during surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiographic results relative to component position and limb alignment when using a navigation system compared with conventional technique in MIS-TKA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective control study was performed in 180 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty by one surgeon. All patients were randomly divided into two groups, Conventional and Navigation TKA. Intra-, post-operative data, and postoperative limb alignment were recorded for comparison in both groups. RESULTS: The postoperative mechanical axis was within 3 degrees of neutral mechanical alignment in 94% of the navigation group and 87% in conventional group (p = 0.13). Registration time of navigation group is 13.58 minutes. No statistical significant difference was found in tourniquet time and postoperative blood loss in both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of navigation in total knee arthroplasty increases accuracy in limb and implants alignment, and does not increase complications and surgical times.

The comparison of femoral component rotational alignment with transepicondylar axis in mobile bearing TKA, CT-scan study.

OBJECTIVE: The tibial axis referencing method with a balanced tension flexion gap at 90 degrees knee flexion provides adequate femoral component rotation usually in external rotation, the trans-epicondylar line being parallel to the proximal tibial cut. The LCS mobile bearing TKA uses this technique to automatically determine the femoral component rotation with desired tension. The determination of the epicondyles may lead to some confusion. On the lateral side, the prominence of the lateral condyle makes it easy to define. However on the medial side, some surgeons use the prominent part of the medial epicondyle (well recognized on CT scan as the most proximal ridge that gives insertion to the superficial collateral ligament) and use the anatomical transepicondylar axis (aTEA). Other surgeons use the depression below called sulcus that defines the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors evaluated 40 clinically successful mobile bearing TKA in 33 patients. All the knees were performed by single surgeon and the rotational alignment of the femoral component was applied with balanced flexion gap technique. Post-op CT-scans were done in all knees with 2-mm interval and measurement of the different angles (between aTEA and the prosthetic posterior condylar line and between the sTEA and the prosthetic posterior condylar line) with the UTHSCSA Imagetool (IT) version 3 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. RESULTS: The authors found that the mean femoral implant angle was in 2.39 degrees (SD = 2.80) of internal rotation with reference to the aTEA and in 1.34 degrees (SD = 1.57 degrees) of external rotation with reference to the sTEA when the medial sulcus was perfectly detected (nine knees, 22.5%). The angle between the aTEA and the sTEA was -3.98 degrees (SD = 1.05 degrees). No patella subluxation was identified. Nineteen or 47.5% of the femoral components were in internal or external femoral rotation of more than 3 degrees to the aTEA. When sTEA was detected, no knee was in internal or external rotation more than 3 degrees to sTEA. CONCLUSION: The balanced flexion gap technique positions the femoral component in external rotation with the LCS TKA. Within 3 degrees to aTEA or sTEA, this technique produced femoral rotational angle closer to sTEA when the sulcus was detected and produced a wide range of different angles when compared to aTEA. However sTEA is not the consistent bony landmark. This technique is a reliable method to determine femoral rotational alignment.

Artroplastia minimamente invasiva do joelho / Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty

A artroplastia total do joelho é, tradicionalmente, realizada através de um acesso anterior de aproximadamente 20cm de comprimento, utilizando uma artrotomia no intervalo entre os músculos reto femoral e vasto medial. Esse acesso fornece excelente exposição articular, mas interfere com a integridade suprapatelar, o que poderia ser responsável por aderências que dificultariam a recuperação mais precoce da flexão do joelho. Diversas publicações concluíram que os cirurgiões estão mais satisfeitos que seus pacientes com os resultados clínico-funcionais das artroplastias totais do joelho. Dessa forma, a utilização de um acesso minimamente invasivo poderá proporcionar a redução do período de hospitalização, diminuir a intensidade da dor pós-operatória, reduzindo o tempo de recuperação da amplitude de movimentos e o retorno da função. Foram discutidas as diversas técnicas propostas para a realização de uma artroplastia com técnica minimamente invasiva e concluiu-se que o desenvolvimento dessa técnica pode ser difícil e consumir tempo, mas os benefícios e satisfação dos pacientes irão suplantar esse esforço extra. Essas mudanças necessitam de estudos clínicos que possam documentar a sua eficácia, porém, desde já, os números existentes, apesar de pequenos, já demonstram os benefícios claros do acesso subvasto minimamente invasivo.

Total knee arthroplasty is traditionally performed through an anterior access of approximately 20 cm, arthrotomy being made at the interval between the rectus femoris and the midvastus muscles. The access provides excellent joint exposure, but it does interfere with suprapatellar integrity, which could lead to adherences that impair earlier of knee flexion recovery. Several publications have concluded that surgeons are more pleased than their patients with the clinical and functional results of total knee arthroplasties. The use of a minimally invasive access may provide a shorter hospitalization period, decreased post-operative pain intensity thus reducing the time required for movement amplitude recovery and the return of function. The different techniques proposed to perform minimally invasive arthroplasties have been discussed, and conclusion is that the development of such a technique may be difficult and take time, but the benefits and patient satisfaction will offset such added effort. The changes require clinical studies to document their effectiveness, but the results already obtained, though with small series, show that there are clear benefits to be achieved with a minimally invasive subvastus access.

Evaluación del componente patelar en artroplastía total de rodilla / Evaluation of patellar resurfacing in total knee arhtroplasty

Ever since the first Total Knee Arthroplasty was made to our present times, a point that still generates controversy is, if the accomplishment of patellar resurfacing will take to a higher global rate of complications. It was the final objective of our work to analyze clinically and radiologically, in addition to satisfaction degree and quality of life surveys, the patellar resurfacing in a sample of total knee arthroplasty made in our center. We can conclude that in our experience, the patellar resurfacing has a low incidence of complications, which do not affect in a significant way the quality of life of the patients carrying on a total knee arthroplasty, which justifies this procedure absolutely.

Desde que se realizan las Artroplastías Totales de Rodilla hasta la fecha, un punto que genera controversia, es, si la realización de un componente protésico patelar llevará a una mayor tasa global de complicaciones. Es por eso que el objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar clínica y radiológicamente, además de encuestas del grado de satisfacción, el componente de recubrimiento patelar en una muestra de las artroplastías totales de rodilla realizadas en nuestro centro. Se concluye que en nuestra experiencia, el uso de recubrimiento patelar tiene una baja incidencia de complicaciones, las cuales no afectan de manera significativa la calidad de vida de los pacientes con artroplastía total de rodilla, lo que justifica plenamente su utilización.

Reemplazo Total de la Articulación Patelofemoral en Perros

No existe en la actualidad una prótesis que reemplace eficientemente laarticulación patelofemoral humana. Lesiones severas a este nivel pueden conducir a una artrosis global y temprana de la rodilla. La patelectomía compromete la eficiencia del mecanismo extensor y no representa una solución adecuada. Se presenta la experiencia del diseño e implantación de una prótesis patelofemoral en un modelo canino. Se operaron cuatro perros con un seguimiento promedio de 1.5 años