Does total knee arthroplasty affect pelvic movements? A prospective comparative study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Pathology in any segment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity may impair the global postural balance, leading to compensatory alterations in other parts. The aim of this study was to compare the pelvic movements of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis with patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and healthy controls. METHODS: This study was performed at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of a Cankiri State Hospital between April 2021 and February 2022. This study included 84 participants. Of them, 31 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty between 2018 and 2020 years were selected as the total knee arthroplasty group, while 28 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected as the knee osteoarthritis group. In the control group, there were 25 healthy individuals. Exclusion criteria from the study included any kind of neurological disease, an inability to walk a distance of 100 m unassisted, or a history of surgery to the lower limb. Pelvic movements (i.e., tilt, rotation, and obliquity) and gait parameters (i.e., "gait velocity," "cadence," and "stride length") were assessed using a wireless tri-axial accelerometer. RESULTS: Total knee arthroplasty and control groups had decreased minimum anterior tilt of the pelvis, decreased maximum anterior tilt, and decreased oblique range of the pelvis compared with the knee osteoarthritis group. In comparison with the control group, gait velocity and length of stride during gait were remarkably lower in both knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, total knee arthroplasty was found to affect pelvic movements. It was thought that total knee arthroplasty changed these variables, probably owing to the frontal and sagittal plane alignment correction through surgery.

Assessment of the use of tranexamic acid after total knee arthroplasty / Avaliação do uso do ácido tranexâmico durante a artroplastia total do joelho

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the profile of blood loss and blood transfusions after the introduction of Tranexamic acid (TXA) in a tertiary university hospital in Brazil. Methods: 173 patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: the ones who received TXA and the control group. Hemoglobin levels (Hb), drain output, transfusion rates, and thromboembolic events were measured. Results: Among the patients included in this study, 82 cases received TXA. Blood transfusion occurred in 3 cases of the TXA group (3.7%), and in 27 control group cases (29.7%; p < 0.001). The average Hb decrease was 2.7 g/dl (± 1.39) and the median drain output was 270 mL in the TXA group. In the control group, the values were 3.41 g/dl (± 1.34; p < 0.001) and 460 mL (p < 0.001), respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred in 2 TXA group cases (2.4%) and in 3 control group cases (3.3%; p > 0.999). Conclusion: TXA was effective in reducing blood transfusion rates, Hb decrease, and drain output on the 1st postoperative day without increasing thromboembolic events. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil de perda sanguínea e hemotransfusões após a introdução da prática do uso de ácido tranexâmico (ATX) em um serviço terciário universitário brasileiro. Métodos: 173 pacientes foram separados retrospectivamente em dois grupos: uso do ATX e controle. Foram analisados valores da hemoglobina (Hb), débito do dreno, necessidade transfusional e complicações tromboembólicas. Resultados: Dentre os pacientes admitidos no estudo, 82 fizeram uso do ATX. Hemotransfusão ocorreu em 3 casos do grupo ATX (3,7%) e em 27 controles (29,7%, p < 0,001). A queda de Hb teve média de 2,7 g/dl (± 1,39) e o débito do dreno, mediana de 270 ml no grupo ATX. No grupo controle, os valores foram de 3,41 g/dl (± 1,34; p < 0.001) e de 460 ml (p < 0.001), respectivamente. Eventos tromboembólicos ocorreram em 2 casos (2,4%) no grupo ATX e em 3 no controle (3,3%, p > 0.999). Conclusão: o uso do ATX foi efetivo em reduzir hemotransfusões, queda de Hb e débito drenado no 1° dia pós-operatório, sem aumentar eventos tromboembólicos. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

Long-term Follow-up of Patellar Nonresurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: We aimed to confirm the long-term effect of patellar nonresurfacing (patellar decompression) in preventing anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to investigate the possible complications.METHODS: Among patients who underwent primary TKA after being diagnosed as having advanced osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4) at our institution from January 2004 to December 2010, 121 patients who were followed up for more than 7 years were included in this study. Patients who underwent TKA with and without patellar decompression were classified as the study group and control group, respectively. A clinical knee rating score was used to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes between groups. To identify complications after patellar decompression, simple radiographs (weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral views, patella in 30° and 45° axial views, and whole scanogram) were taken during follow-up.RESULTS: There were no complications such as patellar fracture, osteonecrosis, and subluxation. At 2 years after surgery, the prevalence of anterior knee pain was 12.7% and 18.0% in the study group and control group, respectively (p = 0.42), and the number of patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis grade II or over was lower in the study group (p = 0.03). At 7 years after surgery, the prevalence of anterior knee pain was 18.3% and 24.0% in the study group and control group, respectively (p = 0.45), and there was no statistically significant intergroup difference in the number of patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis grade II or over (p = 0.11).CONCLUSIONS: Patellar nonresurfacing TKA reduces anterior knee pain in the early postoperative period. The procedure can be considered a relatively safe option with fewer complications; however, its effectiveness appears to decrease over time.

Three Concurrent Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Case Report and Literature Review / 대한고관절학회지

Periprosthetic joint infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following total joint arthroplasty. Two-stage arthroplasty, with the use of an antibiotic cement spacer, is an effective means of managing periperiprosthetic joint infections. There is a lack of data relating to the management, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with multiple peri-prosthetic joint infections. Here, we present a case report of a patient successfully treated for three synchronic peri-prosthetic joint infections of both knees and a single hip.

Optimal location of local anesthetic injection in the interspace between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (iPACK) for posterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty: an anatomical and clinical study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the optimal location of local anesthetic injection in the interspace between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (iPACK), using the anatomical pattern of the articular branch of tibial nerve (ABTN). We hypothesized that injection at the level of ABTN forming a popliteal plexus would mainly spread throughout the popliteal fossa without contacting the tibial or peroneal nerves. METHODS: The anatomical study included 30 soft cadavers. Ultrasound-guided dye injection was performed in legs of 10 cadavers after identifying the position of the ABTN and surrounding structures, followed by dissection to assess its spread. Clinical study was conducted in 15 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ultrasound-guided injection in the iPACK. All patients also received continuous adductor canal block. Sensorimotor function of the tibial and common peroneal nerves was determined. RESULTS: In the distal portion of the popliteal fossa, the tibial nerve and popliteal vessels ran superficially and closely together. The trajectory of ABTN ran lateral to the popliteal vasculature, forming a plexus towards the posterior capsule of the knee below the medial side of the upper edge of lateral femoral condyle. In cadavers, the ABTN and surrounding area of the popliteal plexus were stained with dye after injection. In the clinical study, no patients experienced complete motor or sensory blocks. CONCLUSIONS: We described a modified iPACK technique injection at the level of the ABTN forming the popliteal plexus, and it may constitute an optional anesthetic regimen to promote early ambulation following TKA.

The analgesic efficacy of the continuous adductor canal block compared to continuous intravenous fentanyl infusion with a single-shot adductor canal block in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The adductor canal block (ACB) is an effective intervention for postoperative analgesia following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the ideal ACB regimen has not yet been established. We compared the analgesic effects between a continuous ACB group and fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with a single-shot ACB group. METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA were randomly allocated to either a continuous ACB group (Group CACB) or IV-PCA with a single-shot ACB group (Group IVACB). Before the surgery, ultrasound guided ACB with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 cc was provided to all patients. Before skin incision, the infusion system (0.2% ropivacaine through an adductor canal catheter in group CACB vs. intravenous fentanyl in group IVACB) was connected. The postoperative pain severity; the side effects of local anesthetics and opioids; administration of rescue analgesics and anti-emetics; and sensorimotor deficits were measured. RESULTS: Postoperative pain severity was significantly higher in the IVACB group at 30 min, 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. The averages and standard deviations (SD) of the NRS score of postoperative pain were 0.14 ± 0.37, 4.57 ± 2.37, 6.00 ± 1.63, and 4.28 ± 1.49, respectively in the IVACB group. Rescue analgesic requirements and quadriceps muscle strength were not statistically different between the groups throughout the postoperative period. Moreover, rescue antiemetic requirements were higher in group IVACB than group CACB. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the continuous ACB provided superior analgesia and fewer side effects without any significant motor deficit than the IV-PCA with a single-shot ACB.

Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels Predict Treatment Cost in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin 4.5 g/dL. The increased total costs were significantly higher in revision ($4,322, p = 0.034) than in primary ($3,446, p < 0.001) procedures. In adjusted regression, each 1.0 g/dL increase in serum albumin yielded a 6.6% reduction in costs (β = −0.066; 95% CI, −0.090 to −0.042]; p < 0.001), for average savings of $1,282 (95% CI, $759 to $1,806) per unit albumin. Adjusted regressions demonstrated that a 1-point increase in serum albumin reduced readmissions by 53% (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31–0.73; p = 0.001) and LOS by 0.6 days (β = −0.60; 95% CI, −0.76 to −0.44; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased total direct costs, LOS, and readmissions following primary and revision THA and TKA. Future efforts to predict and address total costs should take into consideration the patient's preoperative serum albumin levels.

Low concentration continuous femoral nerve block improves analgesia and functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty in spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe pain postoperatively. Femoral nerve block is commonly used for pain control after TKA. This study investigated whether continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) can improve postoperative analgesia and functional outcome as compared to intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients with TKA. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent TKA with spinal anesthesia between March 2014 and February 2015. In Group IV, postoperative pain was managed by IV-PCA. Group CFNB received CFNB-PCA via a device. Thirty patients were enrolled per group. Patient outcomes were assessed by analgesia, functional outcomes, and health-related quality of life factors. RESULTS: Additional analgesics and additional nerve block for adequate pain control were significantly more frequent in the IV than CFNB group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.012, respectively). Range of motion up to 105 degrees was prolonged in the IV group than CFNB group (P = 0.013). EuroQol five dimensions score was improved in the CFNB group than IV group postoperative 3 weeks (P = 0.003). The incidence of transfusion due to postoperative bleeding was significantly frequent in the IV group than CFNB group (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative low concentration continuous femoral nerve block for analgesia after TKA improves analgesia, functional outcomes, and incidence of transfusion without falling risk.

Risk factors for postoperative delirium following total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium has been suggested as a significant predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. They usually have multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurologic disease. We aimed to determine the incidence rate and modifiable risk factors of postoperative delirium following total knee arthroplasty in elderly. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 318 elderly patients (age >65 years) underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty between 2009 and 2016. Patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, preoperative comorbidities, type and duration of anesthesia and surgery, length of hospital stay, ambulation ability, frequency of intraoperative hypotension, frequency of hypothermia, whether the patient was transfused or heparinized, and perioperative laboratory results were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant independent predictors of postoperative delirium. RESULTS: The incidence rate of postoperative delirium was 6% in this study. Univariate analysis showed that postoperative delirium was significantly associated with age, body mass index, general anesthesia, anesthesia time, preoperative dementia, intraoperative hypotension, preoperative hemoglobin, blood transfusion, and intraoperative hypothermia. Preoperative dementia (odds ratio [OR] = 8.80), intraoperative hypotension (OR = 1.06), and preoperative hemoglobin (OR = 0.66) were significant independent risk factors of postoperative delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative dementia is the most important risk factor of postoperative delirium. High-risk patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty should be thoroughly evaluated and their dementia should be managed preoperatively. Adequate management of preoperative hemoglobin and intraoperative hypotension might also be helpful in reducing the incidence of postoperative delirium in this population.

Blood level changes in total knee arthroplasty with and without a tourniquet / Variação sanguínea nas artroplastias de joelho com e sem o uso de garrote

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference between the total blood loss in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty with and without the use of tourniquet. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, with analysis of medical records of patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty in 2015, with and without the use of a tourniquet. Comparison was performed of hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HT) variation in the complete blood count (CBC) during the pre- and post-operative period between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 117 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty included, minimum age of 33 and maximum of 86 years, with a mean of 67 years. 64.1% of the surgeries used a tourniquet and 35.9% did not. The mean preoperative HB in Group 1 was 13.08 and 12.97 in Group 2 (p = 0.435). The mean postoperative HB in Group 1 was 11.64 and 10.93 in Group 2 (p = 0.016). The variation of HB in Group 1 was 1.44 and 2.04 in Group 2 (p = 0.025). The mean preoperative HT in Group 1 was 38.96 and 39.01 in Group 2 (p = 0.898). The mean postoperative HT in Group 1 was 34.47 and 32.19 in Group 2 (p = 0.005). The variation of HT in Group 1 was 4.49 and 6.82 in Group 2 (p = 0.001). A total of 21 patients received transfusions RCC (red cell concentrates), as a result of HB below 8 g/dL or clinical symptoms, respectively, representing seven of Group 1 (9.3% of total intra-group) and 14 of Group 2 (33.3% of total intra-group), with p = 0.001. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty using a tourniquet, a lower variance in the hematimetric indices was observed and fewer blood transfusions were necessary.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a diferença entre a perda sanguínea total em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do joelho com e sem o uso de garrote. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com análise dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos a artroplastia primária total de joelho em 2015, com e sem o uso de garrote. Comparou-se a variação de hemoglobina (HB) e hematócrito (HT) no pré- e pós-operatório entre os dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 117 pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total de joelho primária, idade mínima de 33 e máxima de 86 anos, com média de 67; em 64,1% das cirurgias, foi usado garrote e em 35,9%, não. No pré-operatório, a média da HB no Grupo 1 foi de 13,08; no Grupo 2, 12,97 (p = 0,435). No pós-operatório, a média da HB no Grupo 1 foi de 11,64; no Grupo 2, 10,93 (p = 0,016). A variação da HB no Grupo 1 foi de 1,44; no Grupo 2, de 2,04 (p = 0,025). No pré-operatório, a média do HT no Grupo 1 foi de 38,96; no Grupo 2, de 39,01 (p = 0898). No pós-operatório, a média do HT no Grupo 1 foi de 34,47; no Grupo 2, de 32,19 (p = 0,005). A variação do HT no Grupo 1 foi de 4,49; no Grupo 2, de 6,82 (p = 0,001). Dos pacientes, 21 receberam transfusão de CH (concentração de hemácias), por HB abaixo de 8 ou sintomas clínicos, sete do Grupo 1 (9,3% do total intragrupo) e 14 do Grupo 2 (33,3% do total intragrupo) com p = 0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Nos pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total de joelho primária com o uso de garrote, ocorreu uma menor variância dos índices hematimétricos e um menor número de transfusões sanguíneas foi necessário.

Effect of Preoperative Vitamin D Levels on Functional Performance after Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels affects muscle function. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency cause osteomalacic myopathy and poor functional recovery after hip fractures. The relationship of vitamin D and functional performance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is not previously reported. METHODS: Influence of vitamin D on functional performance before and after TKA was reviewed retrospectively in 120 patients. Of these, 64 had vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy vitamin D < 30 ng/mL) preoperatively. All 120 patients received vitamin D oral supplementation postoperatively. Functional parameters including Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, and Knee Society Score were assessed pre- and postoperatively at 3 months. RESULTS: Preoperative function was significantly lower in osteoarthritic patients with vitamin D deficiency (WOMAC score; p = 0.040), but at 3 months all functional scores were similar. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that vitamin D deficiency has a negative effect on function in knee osteoarthritic patients. However, postoperative vitamin D supplementation can lead to functional recovery in these patients. Thus, TKA should not be delayed in vitamin D deficient patients; rather supplementation in the postoperative period is preferable to achieve comparable functional outcome at 3 months to patients with vitamin D sufficiency.

Effect of Preoperative Vitamin D Levels on Functional Performance after Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels affects muscle function. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency cause osteomalacic myopathy and poor functional recovery after hip fractures. The relationship of vitamin D and functional performance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is not previously reported. METHODS: Influence of vitamin D on functional performance before and after TKA was reviewed retrospectively in 120 patients. Of these, 64 had vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy vitamin D < 30 ng/mL) preoperatively. All 120 patients received vitamin D oral supplementation postoperatively. Functional parameters including Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, and Knee Society Score were assessed pre- and postoperatively at 3 months. RESULTS: Preoperative function was significantly lower in osteoarthritic patients with vitamin D deficiency (WOMAC score; p = 0.040), but at 3 months all functional scores were similar. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that vitamin D deficiency has a negative effect on function in knee osteoarthritic patients. However, postoperative vitamin D supplementation can lead to functional recovery in these patients. Thus, TKA should not be delayed in vitamin D deficient patients; rather supplementation in the postoperative period is preferable to achieve comparable functional outcome at 3 months to patients with vitamin D sufficiency.

Management of Tibial Bony Defect with Metal Block in Primary Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To analyze minimum 2-year clinical and radiological follow-up results of primary total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA) with metal block augmentation for tibial bony defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 67 cases (52 patients) of primary TKRA with metal block augmentation for tibial bony defects from March 1999 and March 2008. Clinical results were evaluated using the Knee Society clinical rating system and the Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) score. Radiologic results were evaluated using the Knee Society roentgenographic evaluation system. RESULTS: The mean knee score and function score improved from 42.0 and 45.6 preoperatively to 94.5 and 85.4 postoperatively. At last follow-up, the mean WOMAC score was 16.8. The incidence of radiolucent lines was 10% (7 cases) during the follow-up period, but there was no case of progression. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups divided according to the block size (below 5 mm and over 8 mm) and between the stem and no-stem groups for all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Primary TKRA with a metal block produced satisfactory results for the minimum 2-year follow-up and can be considered as a simple and effective method for the treatment of tibial bony defect in primary TKRA.

The Effectiveness of C-Reactive Protein Surveillance as a Method to Monitor the Post-Operative Antibiotics Administration after Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using C-reactive protein (CRP) surveillance as a method to monitor the effect of postoperative antibiotics for the prevention of early infection after total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 115 primary TKRAs. We examined the values of CRP of all cases on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 14th days post-operatively. Some patients were administrated additional antibiotics under certain specific situations based on the pattern of CRP. The patients were divided into two groups: group I with planned period of administration and group II with administration longer than the planned period. RESULTS: No acute infection after TKRA due to CRP surveillance was observed. The mean duration of antibiotics administration was 5.9 days in all cases, 5 days in group I and 13.3 days in group II. Twelve cases (10.4%) were included in group II. The CRP was increased on the 5th and 10th days after operation in group II. CONCLUSION: The surveillance of CRP was thought to be helpful in monitoring the effects of post-operative antibiotics and prevention of early infection after TKRA.

Clinical efficacies of resurfacing and non-resurfacing patella in total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: The compare the clinical efficacies of resurfacing and non-resurfacing the patella in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in osteoarthritis patients, so as to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive search for relevant studies was performed in PubMed (January 1966 to December 2010), EMBASE(1969 January to December 2010) and the Cochrane Libray databases. Only randomized control trials comparing the outcomes (incidence of anterior knee pain, revision rate, and reoperation rate, etc.) of resurfacing and nonresurfacing patella in patients undertaking primary TKA were included in the present analysis. Results: Nine independent randomized clinical trials were finally identified. Analysis of these trials showed that patellar resurfacing failed to make difference in incidence of anterior knee pain, revision rate, or reoperation rate compared with the non-surfacing group. Conclusion: Patellar resurfacing can not reduce the incidence of anterior knee pain, revision rate, or reoperation rate in patients undergoing primary TKA, and therefore can not contribute to a better outcome in these patients.

Efficacy of Physiotherapist after Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and the satisfaction rate after total knee arthroplasty are the most important factors when evaluating the result of an operation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ROM and the functional outcome of these patients increase after joint exercise that is performed by special physiotherapists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 cases of 120 patients, who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between August 2006 and May 2008, were enrolled in this study. These cases were randomly divided into 3 groups. Only CPM (continuous passive movement) and MSE (muscle strengthening exercise) were performed after KTA in the first group. In the second group, pROME was performed by physical therapists in our rehabilitation institution during the hospital stay, as well as CPM and MSE. CPM, MSE and pROME were performed by special physiotherapists during the hospital stay and also in the outpatient department after being discharged from the hospital in the third group. We compared the results of these groups. RESULTS: The range of motion was not increased among the groups. On the other hand, the third group showed a significantly higher functional outcome, as compared to that of the first and second groups. Conclusion: Although the range of motion of the knee joint was not increased enough to achieve statistical significance, the functional outcome showed significant increases with the pROME performed by physiotherapists. This result demonstrates that the knee exercises performed by special physiotherapists are useful and they can yield good outcomes in patients who underwent TKA.

Synovial Impingement after Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty: A Case Report

A thickened soft tissue impingement after total knee replacement arthroplastyis a complication that causes pain and is usually developed between patella and femoral component such as patellar clunk syndrome. But we experienced a case that medial and lateral synovial tissues were impinged between femoral component and polyethylene liner after total knee replacement arthroplasty with medial pivot prosthesis for degenerative arthritis and were treated with arthroscopic excision. We report this case with literature review.

Blood Transfusion in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison between Staged and Simultaneous Surgery

BACKGROUND: In the case of bilateral total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA), surgery is performed either simultaneously or in a staged manner. We tried to investigate the differences of blood loss and transfusion practice between the use of simultaneous and staged operations. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of 20 patients undergoing simultaneous TKA (simultaneous group), who received autologous blood via a reinfusion system, and 20 patients undergoing staged TKA (staged group), of which the interval is about three weeks. We compared the amount of blood loss, and the number of transfusions and transfusion-related complications between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Postoperative total blood loss was 2,174 +/- 460 ml in the simultaneous group and 1,850 +/- 461 ml in the staged group. There was no significant difference for transfusion (simultaneous group 3.5 +/- 1.1 units, staged group 3.9 +/- 1.4 units; P > 0.05). In the simultaneous group, the volume of autologous transfusion was 985 +/- 326 ml, corresponding to 2.5 +/- 0.8 units. The total number of transfused RBC units including autologous blood was 6.1 +/- 1.5 units in the simultaneous group and 3.9 +/- 1.4 units in the staged group. In the staged group, the amount of postoperative drained blood was significantly less in the second knee operation than that in the first knee operation (first knee surgery, 992 +/- 265 ml; second knee surgery, 868 +/- 260 ml: P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative blood loss and total transfusion were less in the staged TKA group of patients as compared with the simultaneous TKA group of patients. Postoperative blood salvage and reinfusion appear to be safe and effective for patients undergoing simultaneous TKA.

Choroidal Ischemia and Serous Macular Detachment Associated with Severe Postoperative Pain

To report the association of a unilateral serous macular detachment with severe postoperative pain. A 71-year-old woman presented with a sudden decrease in vision in the right eye, seven days after a total knee replacement arthroplasty. The patient's history was unremarkable except for a severe pain greater than the visual analog scale of 8 points for about 2 days after surgery. Retinal examination showed a well differentiated serous detachment that was about 3.5 disc diameter in size and located in the macular area. Fluorecein angiography and indocyanine green angiography showed delayed perfusion of the choriocapillaris without leakage points in the early phase and persistent hypofluorescence with pooling of dye in the subretinal space in the late phase. There was a spontaneous resolution of the serous detachment and the choroidal changes with residual pigment epithelial changes. Severe postoperative pain may influence the sympathetic activity and introduce an ischemic injury with a focal, choroidal vascular compromise and secondary dysfunction of overlying RPE cells in select patients.

The Value of (99m)Tc-HMPAO-WBC Scan in the Diagnosis of Infection after Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The early diagnosis and detection of prosthetic infection after TKA is very important and difficult for deter- mination of the plan in management and reduction of complications. In these reasons, this study was performed to evaluate the usefulness and limitation of (99m)Tc-HMPAO(Technetium (99m)-hexamethyl- propylene amine oxime)-labeled WBC scan in the patients with clinically suspicious prosthetic infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects were 25 patients(3 men and 19 women, mean age: 66.5 years) performed (99m)Tc-HMPAO WBC scan in the patients with clinically suspicious prosthesis infection after TKA from January, 2005 to May, 2007. And in 6 patients who had undergone bilateral arthroplasty, we regarded one patient as two cases. Thus, total 31 prostheses were included in this study. Final diagnosis of infection was based on bacteriological result by intrao- perative cultures, surgical findings, and histological evidence intraoperatively obtained in the suspicious site and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: In the final diagnosis, we confirmed that total 16 prosthetic joints were infected. Of these infected prostheses, increased (99m)Tc-HMPAO WBC scan uptake waspositive in 15, negative in 1. Finally, 15 cases were confirmed as nonin- fected prosthesis, 6 showed positive by (99m)Tc-HMPAO WBC scan uptake, 9 showed negative. Over all sensitivity, speci- ficity, and positive predictive value for diagnosisof infected TKA were 93.75, 60%, and 71.43%. CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-HMPAO WBC scan was a highly sensitive method for the diagnosis of prosthetic infection after TKA. But low specificity and high false positive of (99m)Tc-HMPAO WBC scan demand more clinical follow-up for confirmed diagnosis. To increase specificity, additionally scan will be needed.