One-day surgery is safe and effective in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A prospective comparative study at 1 year of follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes and complications of two perioperative protocols for the management of patients who underwent medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA): 24 h (1-day surgery [OS]) versus 72 h (enhanced recovery after surgery [ERAS]) of the length of hospital stay (LOS). In our hypothesis, the reduction of the LOS from 3 to 1 day did not influence the outcomes and complications. METHODS: A total of 42 patients (21 in each group) with isolated anteromedial knee osteoarthritis and meeting specific criteria were prospectively included in the study. Clinical outcomes included Knee Society Score (KSS) and Forgotten joint score while pain evaluation was performed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Functional outcomes were assessed measuring the knee range of motion (ROM) while radiographic outcomes were evaluated measuring the amelioration of the varus deformity through the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). RESULTS: Clinical and functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Complications occurred in 9.5% of OS and 4.7% of ERAS group patients. Significant improvements in knee ROM, VAS pain, KSS and HKA angle were observed postsurgery, with no significant differences between groups except in KSS expectations and function trends. CONCLUSION: The OS protocol is safe and effective and LOS, in a well-defined fast-track protocol, did not significantly impact clinical and functional outcomes. OS may lead to reduced hospitalisation costs and potential reductions in complications associated with prolonged stays, benefiting both patients and healthcare facilities. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings. Early mobilisation and rehabilitation protocols are key components of successful patient recovery following UKA procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Patellofemoral arthroplasty: obesity linked to high risk of revision and progression of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on patient outcome, procedure failure rate and osteoarthritis (OA) progression in the tibiofemoral compartments in a series of isolated patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) performed with a third-generation implant. METHODS: The study population was patients who had undergone third-generation PFA at a specialized orthopedic center between 2007 and 2017. Patients were categorized by body-mass index (BMI) as obese (O, BMI > 30 kg/m2) or nonobese (NO, BMI < 30 kg/m2). Preoperative and postoperative clinical and functional assessment included knee range of motion, Knee Society Score (KSS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score, Tegner Activity Level Scale, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for progression of tibiofemoral compartment OA, changes in patellar height and in knee coronal alignment. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of BMI on outcomes together with other covariates. RESULTS: A total of 120 PFAs with a mean follow-up of 6.9 ± 2.5 years were included: 25 in the O group and 95 in the NO group. Significant improvement was noted in in knee range of motion (P < 0.001), clinical and functional KSS (P < 0.001), UCLA Activity Score (P < 0.001), Tegner score (P < 0.001) and VAS pain (P < 0.001) without inter-groups differences. Worsening of the medial Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade (but not the lateral KL grade) was more frequent in the O than the NO group during the follow-up period (P = 0.014). Failure occurred in 4.2% of NO and in 20% of O group patients; the difference was solely due to failure because of OA progression in the tibiofemoral compartment (16% in the O group). There were no between group differences in the failure rate for any cause other than OA progression (4.2% in the NO group, 4.0% in the O group). CONCLUSIONS: An equal improvement in function after PFA was noted in both obese and nonobese patients; however, the high failure rate due to OA progression in the medial tibiofemoral compartment warrants caution when considering PFA in obese patients.

Unicompartmental vs. total knee replacement in patients with failed high tibial osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of a previous high tibial osteotomy (HTO) on the outcome and survival of a knee arthroplasty is a debated issue. The purpose of this study is to compare subjective, radiographic, and functional outcomes of unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and total knee replacement (TKR) after failed open wedge HTO. METHODS: 26 post-HTO UKRs (group A) with an average follow-up of 7.8 years (range 2-13), and 33 post-HTO TKRs (group B) with an average follow-up of 11.2 years (range 4-16) operated between 2001 and 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Assessment included Knee Society Score (KSS), University of California at Los Angeles Activity Score (UCLA), and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Standard knee X-rays, and long-standing X-rays were performed pre-operatively and at follow-up to evaluate prosthesis survival, coronal alignment, and patellar height. RESULTS: Improvements regarding KSS, UCLA and WOMAC scores were noted at follow-up in both groups compared to pre-operatory status (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in clinical and functional postoperative scores were reported between groups (p = n.s.) at follow-up. Group B presented a more neutral mean mechanical axis of 0.5° compared to 2.7° in Group A (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Performing UKR after previous failed HTO is a safe and effective procedure which leads to clinical, radiological and functional outcomes comparable to TKR after HTO.

Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty After Failed Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists whether or not a previous high tibial osteotomy (HTO) influences the outcome and survival of a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of UKA after failed open-wedge HTO compared with UKA with no previous HTO. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2017, 24 post-HTO UKAs (group A) with an average follow-up of 8.1 years (range: 5 to 13) were compared with a control group of 30 patients undergoing simple UKA (group B) with an average follow-up of 9.5 years (range: 2 to 16). All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using Knee Society Score, University of California at Los Angeles Activity Score, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, and through objective evaluation. Mechanical coronal alignment and Caton-Deschamps index were measured both preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: In both groups, Knee Society Score, University of California at Los Angeles Activity Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scores significantly improved at follow-up (P < .001). In addition, statistically significant greater improvements in clinical and functional scores were reported in group B compared with group A (P < .001). No statistically significant differences concerning postoperative mechanical axis were observed between groups (2.7° and 3.2°, respectively, P = .27) and with regard to Caton-Deschamps index (1.0° and 1.1°, respectively, P = .44). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated improvements in clinical and functional outcomes compared with preoperatory status in both groups irrespective of a previous HTO. A prior HTO was a determinant for having reduced postoperative clinical and functional outcomes after UKA.

Conical Primary Cementless Stem in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: 94 Consecutive Implantations at a Mean Follow-Up of 12.7 years.

BACKGROUND: Revision of a failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) poses technical challenges. The use of primary stems for revision can be advantageous for maintaining bone stock and reducing complications: small case series have reported promising results in the short-term to mid-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and functional results and survivorship of a consecutive series of THA femoral component revisions using a conical primary cementless stem (PCS). METHODS: Ninety-four stem revisions with a preoperative Paprosky I or II defect were analyzed at an average follow-up of 12.7 ± 5.4 years. Aseptic loosening was the reason for revision in 92.5% of cases. Twenty patients were lost to follow-up. Two subgroups were created: Group 1 (n = 59) underwent isolated stem revision; Group 2 (n = 15) underwent complete THA revision. All were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively based on the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) score, and the visual analog scale for pain (VAS). Residual trochanteric pain and length discrepancies were recorded. Radiographic evaluation included signs of osteolysis, subsidence, loosening, and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: PCS survivorship was 100% at 5 years and 95.9% at 10 years. Overall, significant postoperative improvements (P < .01) were observed on the HHS (44.3 vs 86.9), WOMAC (42.8 vs 82.8), and VAS (7.0 vs 3.0). Postoperative scores on all scales were higher for Group 1 (P < .01). Three patients (4.1%) underwent further stem revision. Demarcation lines (1 mm) were found in 12 (16.2%) patients and significant heterotopic ossifications in 22 (29.7%). CONCLUSION: The use of PCS for stem revision in failed THA with a limited femoral bone defect is a reliable option for both isolated stem revision and concomitant cup revision in well-selected patients.

The Role of the Posterolateral Tibial Slope in the Rotational Instability of the Knee in Patients Affected by a Complete Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Its Value in the Decision-Making Process during the Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose The aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to investigate the correlation between a high degree of rotatory instability, posterolateral tibial slope (PLTS), and anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury. Methods The study population consisted of 76 adults with isolated, complete noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The sample was divided into two groups according to the preoperative degree of rotator instability (group A: pivot-shift test grades 2 and 3; group B: pivot-shift test grade 1). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment included angle of PLTS, posterior shift of the lateral femoral condyle (16 mm) on the tibial plateau, and the presence/absence of ALL injury. The two groups were compared for differences. Results There was a statistically significant association between pivot-shift test grades 2 and 3 (group A), PLTS slope angle > 9 degrees, and ALL injury ( p < 0.05). Group A also demonstrated a greater posterior shift of lateral femoral condyle (>11 mm), which was, however, not statistically significant when evaluated as an isolated variable. Conclusion Our study indicates that an increased PLTS is associated with an increased incidence of ALL injury and an increased grade of pivot shift in patients with ACL tear. Assessment of posterolateral tibial slope on MRI can therefore play a key adjunct role in the surgical planning of ALL reconstruction, especially in cases when ALL damage is radiologically difficult to detect or doubtful. Level of Evidence This is a retrospective comparative level III study.

Periprosthetic acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for the acetabular periprosthetic fractures. METHODS: This article explores the current literature on the epidemiology, causes and classification of periprosthetic acetabular fractures. Integrating data with the experience of the authors, it offers a guide to diagnosis and possible therapeutic strategies. RESULTS: Intra-operative fractures can occur during rasping, reaming or implant impaction, and they must be treated immediately if the component(s) is (are) unstable. Post-operative fractures can be due to major trauma (acute fractures) or minor forces in bone osteolysis; it is possible to plan reconstruction and fixation according to fracture characteristics. Treatment choice depends upon fracture site and implant stability. CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic acetabular fractures are uncommon complications that can occur intra-operatively or post-operatively, and a reconstructive surgeon must be able to manage the procedure. Accurate planning and reconstruction implant are necessary to achieve good cup stability.