Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces need for patient selection for day surgery total knee arthroplasty.

Introduction: This study explored the safety and efficacy of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) together with a Day-surgery protocol on some commonly used selection criteria for expedited discharge after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: ERAS Day surgery TKA performed between Aug 2020 to July 2021 were included in this study. Discharge within 24 h was considered passing protocol. Complications such as infection, re-admission, and re-operation within 30-days were recorded. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and outcome measures at 6-month post-operatively were analysed between those who were successfully discharged within 24 h and those with prolong admission. Results: A total of 342 patients were included in the study. 315 patients (92.1 %) were discharged within 24 h s. Inadequately controlled pain was the most common reason for delayed discharge (17.9 %). No statistically significant difference in gender, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Body Mass Index (BMI), and American Society of Anaesthesiologist Classification (ASA) were noted between patients who failed protocol and those who passed. Readmission rate within 30days was 2.6 %. Infection occurred in 5 cases, including 2 prosthetic joint infection (PJI) requiring debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), 2 surgical site infection treated with antibiotics, and 1 pneumonia. No 30-days complication occurred in patients who initially failed ERAS Day-surgery protocol. Binary logistic regression was statistically insignificant on effect of gender, age, CCI, BMI, and ASA on passing protocol or 30-days complications. Propensity score matching of patients with prolong stay of more than 24 h did not demonstrate any difference in 6-month outcome. Conclusion: Patient characteristics such as gender, age, CCI, BMI, and ASA did not influence successful completion of ERAS Day-surgery protocol. Even if patients were initially enrolled in ERAS Day-surgery protocol but failed to be discharged within 24 h, this did not predispose them to increased 30-days complication or poorer 6-month outcome. Level of evidence: III.

Enhanced recovery after day surgery total knee arthroplasty, the new standard of care: An Asian perspective.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with day-surgery protocol to assess the outcome of ERAS day surgery TKA compared with traditional ERAS inpatient TKA in terms of length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS: Patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA from August 2020 to July 2021 were followed up. All TKAs were performed with the ERAS protocol. Patients who fulfilled the following inclusion criteria were offered day-surgery protocol: (1) ASA ≤ 3; (2) agreeable for discharge home. In addition, this day-surgery protocol comprised the following: (i) on-call physiotherapy review; (ii) home visit by physiotherapist at 1 week postoperative; (iii) home visit by nurse at 2 weeks postoperative. Day surgery was defined as discharge within 24 h. Patients were followed up for 6 months and PROMs, postoperative complications, and re-admissions recorded. RESULTS: A total of 738 patients were included (342 ERAS day surgery, 396 ERAS inpatient). 92.4% of patients in the day-surgery group were successfully discharged within 24 h, leading to a shorter mean LOS of 1.13 days compared with 4.12 days in the inpatient group (P < 0.005). Both groups achieved significant and comparable improvement in Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, and Physical and Mental component of Short Form-36. Both groups had similar rate of 30-day readmission and complications. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent ERAS day surgery TKA achieved similar functional and quality of life improvement compared with ERAS inpatient TKA with no increased complication rate. ERAS day surgery TKA is safe and cost effective, and its use should be promoted.

Long-Term Outcomes of Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) Implant in Hip Arthroplasty: A Single Institution Review.

Various metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacements (THRs) have been found to have high short-term failure rates due to adverse responses to metal debris (ARMD). As a consequence, several low-performing THRs have been removed off the market. The purpose of this research was to look at the at least five-year outcomes of patients who had MoM hip arthroplasty at our institution. In one specialised centre between 2007 and 2008, 24 Articular Surface Replacement (ASRTM, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA) MoM THRs (in 24 patients, mean age: 56.4 years) were implanted. DePuy ASR hip prosthesis for osteoarthritis or hip fractures were employed in the THR system. All patients were summoned back for a clinical assessment, and imaging was done as needed. The average period of follow-up was 8.0 years (6.0-10 years). In all, eight instances (33.3%) were discovered to have pseudotumors, four hips (16.7%) were revised, and one (4.1%) was operated for ARMD. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford ratings improved statistically significantly five years after surgery in all three areas of pain, disability, and stiffness; however, there was no statistically significant change in the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) (mental) score. MoM hip arthroplasty had a greater revision incidence at five years in our group, presumably owing to the adoption of a smaller femoral head size.

Clinical Frailty Scale is a better predictor for adverse post-operative complications and functional outcomes than Modified Frailty Index and Charlson Comorbidity Index after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated correlations between frailty and comorbidity scores with adverse outcomes in total knee replacement (TKR). However, there is a lack of consensus on the most suitable pre-operative assessment tool. This study aims to compare Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Modified Frailty Index (MFI), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in predicting adverse post-operative complications and functional outcomes following a unilateral TKR. METHODS: In total, 811 unilateral TKR patients from a tertiary hospital were identified. Pre-operative variables were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, CFS, MFI, and CCI. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain odd ratios of pre-operative variables on adverse post-operative complications (length of stay < LOS >, complications, ICU/HD admission, discharge location, 30-day readmission, 2-year reoperation). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate the standardized effects of pre-operative variables on the Knee Society Functional Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: CFS is a strong predictor for LOS (OR 1.876, p < 0.001), complications (OR 1.83-4.97, p < 0.05), discharge location (OR 1.84, p < 0.001), and 2-year reoperation rate (OR 1.98, p < .001). ASA and MFI were predictors for ICU/HD admission (OR:4.04, p = 0.002; OR 1.58, p = 0.022, respectively). None of the scores was predictive for 30-day readmission. A higher CFS was associated with a worse outcome for 6-month KSS, 2-year KSS, 6-month OKS, 2-year OKS, and 6-month SF-36. CONCLUSION: CFS is a superior predictor for post-operative complications and functional outcomes than MFI and CCI in unilateral TKR patients. This suggests the importance of assessing pre-operative functional status when planning for TKR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

The effect of topical tranexamic acid on functional outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is being increasingly utilized to reduce blood loss after knee joint arthroplasty. However, there is a lack of studies on the effect of topical TXA on the functional outcomes and quality of life after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical TXA on functional outcomes and quality of life scores in patients undergoing UKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients undergoing unilateral UKA at a single tertiary hospital from 2005 to 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) The control group which did not receive TXA (n = 742); (2) The TXA group which received topical TXA (n = 331). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), while quality of life was evaluated with the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36) preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 months and 2 years post-surgery, there were no significant differences in the functional scores between the groups. The number of patients who attained minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for each of the functional scores was also comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing UKA, functional outcomes and quality of life scores were comparable between those who received topical TXA and those who did not. There was no significant improvement or impairment in knee function associated with topical TXA administration in UKA up to 2 years follow-up.

Alignment prior to total knee arthroplasty in high tibial osteotomy patients has no effect on subsequent functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of prior high tibial osteotomy (HTO) on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) functional outcomes remains widely debated. Alignment of failed HTO can pose technical challenges with subsequent TKA. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of HTO alignment on the clinical outcomes of subsequent TKA. The secondary aim was to compare the time to TKA for each HTO alignment type. METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA post lateral closing-wedge HTO for symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis between 2001 and 2014 were prospectively followed up for 2 years. A total of 159 patients were assigned to three groups based on their pre-TKA femora tibia angles using long lower limb radiographs: varus alignment (VrA) ≤ 3o valgus, neutral alignment (NA) 3-9o valgus alignment, valgus alignment (VlA) ≥ 9o valgus. Functional outcomes were quantified using Knee Society Function Score and Knee Scores (KSFS and KSKS respectively), modified Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Short Form 36 Physical Component Score (SF-36 PCS), and SF-36 Mental Component Score (SF-36 MCS). Pre-operative and post-operative knee range of motion were also measured. RESULTS: Mean pre-TKA KSKS in VrA patients (35 ± 18) was significantly lower than both NA (51 ± 19) and VlA (40 ± 21) patients (p < .05). Otherwise, there was no significant difference in functional outcome scores (KSFS, KSKS, OKS, SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS) or range of motion at 6 months and 2 years post-TKA. The mean duration from HTO to TKA was 12 ± 7 years with no significant differences between VrA, NA, and VlA HTO to TKA (13 ± 7 years, 13 ± 6 years and12 ± 8 years respectively, p > .05). CONCLUSION: HTO alignment did not influence time to subsequent TKA. HTO alignment did not influence early outcomes as well as radiological outcomes of subsequent TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty in severe varus osteoarthritis knee: A match-pair comparative study in an Asian population.

BackgroundPosterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is advocated in severe varus osteoarthritic (OA) knees as the posterior cruciate ligament posed challenges in gap balancing. However, there is scarcity in the literature to illustrate the superiority of PS TKA over cruciate retaining (CR) TKA. Our study aims to compare the outcomes between CR and PS TKAs in patients with severe varus OA knees. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent primary TKA for OA knee from 2003 to 2013. Patients with OA knees of varus tibiofemoral angle ≥15 were matched into two groups (Group CR and PS) according to age, gender, and body mass index and compared in terms of clinical (tibiofemoral alignment, range of motion, and revision rate) and functional outcome (Knee Society Scoring, Oxford Knee Score, Short Form-36 Health Survey). Results: Both Group CR (n = 56) and PS (n = 56) had similar pre-operative scores. Both groups achieved correction of tibiofemoral alignment from median pre-operative varus of 17.6/17.0 (CR/PS) (p = .279) to median post-operative valgus of 4.9/4.0 (CR/PS) (p = .408). Over 24 months, both groups were comparable in achieving significant improvement in clinical and functional outcomes. No case of revision surgery was reported (median follow-up months; CR: 65, PS: 74, p = .549). Conclusion: Both CR and PS TKAs perform similarly well in severe varus OA knee up to 2 years post-operation. Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term outcome between the two implant designs.

Early postoperative straight leg raise is associated with shorter length of stay after unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Shorter length of stay (LOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is cost-effective. Straight leg raise (SLR) is a common exercise prescribed after TKA, but the significance of early postoperative SLR is unknown. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the association between early postoperative SLR and LOS. Secondary aims are to explore associations among early postoperative SLR, time to ambulation, and time to stairs climbing and identify factors related to postoperative SLR. METHODS: 888 TKAs (888 knees, 865 patients) performed at a tertiary hospital in 2016 were included for this retrospective study. All TKAs were performed with medial parapatellar approach and tourniquet. Time to events (SLR, ambulation, stair climbing), LOS and factors influencing these events were analysed using a multivariate Poisson regression model and logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients who performed SLR on postoperative day 1 (POD1) had shorter LOS than those who did not (adjusted Mean Ratio (aMR) = 0.846, p < 0.001), with estimated mean LOS being 3.5 days and 4.1 days, respectively. Performing SLR on POD1 was also associated with shorter time to ambulation (aMR = 0.789; p < 0.001) and stair climbing (aMR = 0.811, p < 0.001). Female gender and higher rest pain on POD1 were associated with delayed postoperative SLR. CONCLUSION: Performing SLR on POD1 after TKA is associated with shorter LOS, time to ambulation, and time to stair climbing. Early postoperative SLR can prognosticate early recovery and discharge. Optimization of preoperative muscle strength and postoperative pain may be important in early recovery after TKA.

Mid-term functional outcomes of patient-specific versus conventional instrumentation total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) utilizes three-dimensional imaging to produce total knee arthroplasty cutting jigs which matches patient's native anatomy. However, there are limited mid- to long-term studies examining its clinical efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes of PSI surgery versus conventional TKA surgery at 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively recruited into either the MRI-based PSI or conventional TKA group. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), while quality of life was evaluated with the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 and compared between the two groups at 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Although the PCS was 7 ± 3 points better in the PSI group preoperatively (p = 0.017), it became 5 ± 2 points worse than the conventional group at 5-year follow-up (p = 0.025). As compared to the PSI group, the conventional group showed a significantly greater improvement in PCS at 5 years as compared to before surgery (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in KSFS, KSKS, OKS or MCS between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: PSI TKA did not result in improved functional outcomes or better quality of life when compared to conventional TKA. The additional costs and waiting time associated with PSI are not justifiable and therefore not recommended as an alternative to conventional TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Similar postoperative outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with measured resection and gap balancing techniques using a contemporary knee system: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The Attune® Knee System provides new instrumentation to achieve symmetric flexion/extension gaps in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is limited information on the optimal TKA technique using this system. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to determine which surgical technique results in better postoperative clinical outcomes after TKA using the contemporary Attune® Knee System: the measured resection or gap balancing technique. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 patients undergoing TKA using measured resection (n = 50) or gap balancing (n = 50) technique. The measured femoral sizer was used in the measured resection group, while the balanced femoral sizer was used in the gap balancing group. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years post-surgery, using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Using weight-bearing coronal radiographs, the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), coronal femoral component angle (CFA), coronal tibial component angle (CTA) and joint line height were also evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the functional scores or the proportion of patients from each group who were satisfied or had their expectations fulfilled at 6 months or 2 years post-surgery. There was also no significant difference in the number of patients who attained minimum clinically important difference (MCID) postoperatively between the groups. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the number of HKA outliers between the groups (p = 0.202). The postoperative CFA (p = 0.265) and CTA (p = 0.479) were similar between the groups. There was also no significant difference in the absolute change (p = 0.447) or proportion of outliers (p = 0.611) for joint line height between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both measured resection and gap balancing techniques resulted in comparable functional and quality of life outcomes up to 2 years post-surgery. Both techniques appear to be equally effective in achieving excellent outcomes with the Attune® Knee System. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Ten year outcomes for the prospective randomised trial comparing unlinked, modular bicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A sizeable proportion of knee osteoarthritis is limited to the medial and patellofemoral compartments. Whilst short- and medium-term studies comparing bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BCA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have shown similar outcome scores, there are no studies comparing long-term outcomes. This study aims to determine which procedure resulted in superior long-term outcome scores. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with medial and patellofemoral compartment knee osteoarthritis were randomised to receive treatment in two groups: unlinked, modular BCA and TKA. The main outcome measures compared were the range of motion, Knee Society Function Score, Knee Society Knee Score, Oxford Knee Score, Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score of SF-36 pre-operatively and post-operatively up to 10 years. Radiographs of the operated knees were taken pre-operatively, post-operatively and at 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-six underwent BCA and 22 underwent TKA. Overall improvement was seen in both groups compared to pre-operatively, however there were no significant differences detected between the groups at 10 years. The median Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle was 183.38 (175.17-187.94) in the BCA group and 180.73 (174.96-185.65) in the TKA group. One patient from the BCA group had a peri-prosthetic fracture necessitating revision surgery to a TKA. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome scores for BCA results were comparable to TKA at long-term follow-up. BCA is an alternative arthroplasty option in selected patients.

Does Pain at an Earlier Stage of Chondropathy Protect Female Mice Against Structural Progression After Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis?

OBJECTIVE: Female C57BL/6 mice exhibit less severe chondropathy than male mice. This study was undertaken to test the robustness of this observation and explore underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Osteoarthritis was induced in male and female C57BL/6 or DBA/1 mice (n = 6-15 per group) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or partial meniscectomy (PMX). Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX) (n = 30). In vivo repair after focal cartilage defect or joint immobilization (sciatic neurectomy) following DMM was assessed. Histologic analysis, evaluation of gene expression in whole knees, and behavioral analysis using Laboratory Animal Behavior Observation Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS) and Linton incapacitance testing (n = 7-10 mice per group) were performed. RESULTS: Female mice displayed less severe chondropathy (20-75% reduction) across both strains and after both surgeries. Activity levels after PMX were similar for male and female mice. Some repair-associated genes were increased in female mouse joints after surgery, but no repair differences were evident in vivo. Despite reduced chondropathy, female mice developed pain-like behavior at the same time as male mice. At the time of established pain-like behavior (10 weeks after PMX), pain-associated genes were significantly up-regulated in female mice, including Gdnf (mean ± SEM fold change 2.54 ± 0.30), Nrtn (6.71 ± 1.24), Ntf3 (1.92 ± 0.27), and Ntf5 (2.89 ± 0.48) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively, versus male mice). Inflammatory genes were not regulated in painful joints in mice of either sex. CONCLUSION: We confirm strong structural joint protection in female mice that is not due to activity or intrinsic repair differences. Female mice develop pain at the same time as males, but induce a distinct set of neurotrophins. We speculate that heightened pain sensitivity in female mice protects the joint by preventing overuse.

The long-term impact of preoperative psychological distress on functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: While patients with psychological distress have poorer short-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their longer-term function is unknown. We aimed to 1) assess the influence of preoperative mental health status on long-term functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction; and 2) analyze the change in mental health after TKA, in a cohort of patients with no history of mental health disorder, with a minimum of ten years' follow-up. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 122 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA in 2006 were reviewed. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively at two and ten years using the Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Function Score (KSFS); Oxford Knee Score (OKS); and the Mental (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) which were derived from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (MCS < 50, n = 51) and those without (MCS ≥ 50, n = 71). Multiple regression was used to control for age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and baseline scores. The rate of expectation fulfilment and satisfaction was compared between patients with low and high MCS. RESULTS: There was no difference in the mean KSKS, KSFS, OKS, and SF-36 PCS at two years or ten years after TKA. Equal proportions of patients in each group attained the minimal clinically important difference for each score. Psychologically distressed patients had a comparable rate of satisfaction (91.8% (47/51) vs 97.1% (69/71); p = 0.193) and fulfilment of expectations (89.8% vs 97.1%; p = 0.094). The proportion of distressed patients declined from 41.8% preoperatively to 29.8% at final follow-up (p = 0.021), and their mean SF-36 MCS improved by 10.4 points (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with poor mental health undergoing TKA may experience long-term improvements in function and quality of life that are comparable to those experienced by their non-distressed counterparts. These patients also achieved a similar rate of satisfaction and expectation fulfilment. Undergoing TKA was associated with improvements in mental health in distressed patients, although this effect may be due to residual confounding. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):845-851.

Should patients aged 75 years or older undergo medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? A propensity score-matched study.

INTRODUCTION: With increasing life expectancies worldwide, more elderly patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis may become suitable UKA candidates. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing outcomes between older patients (≥ 75 years) and younger patients undergoing UKA. The aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in functional and HRQoL measures between older patients (≥ 75 years) and younger controls (< 75 years) undergoing primary UKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected registry data of 1041 patients who underwent primary, cemented, fixed-bearing medial UKA at a single institution from 2002-2013 were reviewed. Propensity scores generated using logistic regression was used to match older patients (≥ 75 years, n = 94) to controls (< 75 years, n = 188) in a 1:2 ratio. Knee Society Scores, Oxford Knee Score, Short Form-36, satisfaction/expectation scores, proportion of patients attaining OKS/SF-36 PCS MCID and survivorship were analysed. RESULTS: Patients ≥ 75 years had significantly lower KSFS (67.1 ± 17.9 vs 79.4 ± 18.2, p < 0.001) and SF-36 PCS (47.3 ± 10.1 vs 50.4 ± 9.1, p = 0.01) as compared to the control group. In addition, a significantly lower proportion of patients ≥ 75 years attained MCID for SF-36 PCS when compared to the controls (50.0% vs 63.8%, p = 0.04). Survival rates at mean 8.3 ± 3.0 years were 98.9% (95% CI, 96.7-100) in the older group versus 92.8% (95% CI, 86.8-98.8) in the younger group (p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need to counsel older patients regarding potentially reduced improvements in functional outcomes, despite advantages of lower revision. However, UKA in older patients continues to be a viable option for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Propensity score matched study.

Effects of continuing use of aspirin on blood loss in patients who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Concerning the ongoing debate on the effects of continuing aspirin therapy on blood loss in knee arthroplasty, we conducted a retrospective investigation to test the hypothesis that continuation of aspirin prior total knee arthroplasty (TKA) will not cause more blood loss. METHODS: From a database of patients who underwent unilateral TKA between 2011 and 2016, we identified two groups: the aspirin group (patients continued aspirin during perioperative period) and the nonaspirin group (patients had no current or recent history of aspirin usage). We extracted and compared patient demographic information, comorbidity index, baseline serum hemoglobin (Hb), and creatinine level between the two groups. We also compared our primary outcomes, including the total blood loss, transfusion requirement, and length of hospitalization between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression for analyzing the risk factors of requiring transfusion was performed. RESULTS: We found that apart from preoperative serum creatinine level, there was no difference in the baseline Hb level, perioperative change in Hb, total blood loss, or length of hospitalization between the two groups. The percentage of transfusion utilization was also comparable between the two groups. Our regression analysis shows that the risk of requiring transfusion after TKA is not significantly associated with patients taking aspirin therapy before operation. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent TKA with continuation of low-dose aspirin did not result in more blood loss. Current blood loss management has provided sufficient reduction of blood loss to accommodate aspirin therapy perioperatively. We suggest that it is safe to continue aspirin prior to TKA.

Increased constraint of rotating hinge knee prosthesis is associated with poorer clinical outcomes as compared to constrained condylar knee prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are any differences in patient-reported outcome measures between semi-constrained condylar constrained knee (CCK) and fully constrained rotating hinge knee (RHK) prostheses in midterm follow-up. We reviewed prospectively collected data of our hospital arthroplasty registry between 2007 and 2014. Thirty-nine patients were identified to have RHK prosthesis TKA and matched for a number of primary/revision TKA, gender, age, body mass index and pre-operative clinical scores to a control group of 78 patients with CCK TKA. Patient demographics, range of movement, varus/valgus deformity, Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS) and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Pre-operatively, the RHK and the control group of CCK had similar demographics, proportion of primary/revision TKA and baseline clinical scores (p > 0.05). At 2-year follow-up, patients with CCK prostheses had significantly better clinical outcomes as compared to patients with RHK prosthesis in terms of KSS functional scores, OKS, SF-36 sub-domains of physical functioning, physical role functioning and physical component score. We conclude that at midterm follow-up of 2 years, the CCK patients as compared to RHK patients reported better clinical and functional outcomes in terms of OKS, KSS functional score and SF-36 with a greater proportion of patients who were satisfied and had their expectations met by surgery. Further biomechanical studies are needed to investigate the association between component constraint and clinical outcomes for these prostheses.

Functional outcome and quality of life in patients with hip fracture after total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a cause of significant morbidity. While rare, ipsilateral hip fractures within 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can negatively affect the functional outcome and the quality of life for patients who have had TKA. This aim of this study is to investigate (1) the incidence of hip fracture within 12 months after TKA and (2) the influence of hip fracture after TKA on functional outcome and quality of life in patients. METHODS: Between March 1999 and February 2012, 25 patients who sustained an ipsilateral hip fracture within 12 months after TKA were included in this study. A propensity score matching algorithm was used to select a 1:3 control group without hip fracture. All patients were assessed using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of SF-36®. RESULTS: The incidence of hip fracture was 0.16% among male patients and 0.20% for female patients. At 24 months after TKA, the OKS was 36 ± 7 in the hip fracture group versus 41 ± 5 in the control group (p = 0.003). The KSFS was 50 ± 24 in the hip fracture group versus 68 ± 21 in the control group (p = 0.001), while the KSKS was 83 ± 12 and 87 ± 8, respectively (p = 0.166). The PCS was 37 ± 12 in the hip fracture group versus 47 ± 11 in the control group (p < 0.001), while the MCS was 55 ± 10 and 54 ± 11, respectively (p = 0.664). CONCLUSION: Although hip fracture during the rehabilitation period after TKA is uncommon, these patients have poorer functional outcome and quality of life. We recommend additional caution against hip fracture after TKA.

Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following revision of failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty are as good as a primary total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: With unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) being increasingly performed for medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for failed UKA is expected to increase. Our primary aim is to evaluate patients in our tertiary institution who underwent revision of failed UKA to TKA to compare their pre-operative clinical scores (patient-reported outcome measures, PROMs) to those of primary TKA. METHODS: Retrospective review of our institutional arthroplasty registry between 2001 and 2014 was performed. We identified 70 patients who underwent revision of UKA to TKA. The revision UKA to TKA patients was matched with 140 patients who underwent primary TKA for OA in terms of preoperative demographics, gender, age at time of surgery, body mass index (BMI), primary surgeon, and PROMs. Intra-operative data and postoperative complications or re-revision surgeries performed were reviewed. RESULTS: In the revision UKA to TKA group, more stems, augments or constrained implants were used compared to primary TKA. A greater proportion of patients with metal-backed UKA revision to TKA required stems, augments or constrained implants as compared to all-polyethylene UKA revision to TKA, but not a significant proportion (P = 0.250). At two years postoperatively, there were no significant differences observed between the groups in terms of patient satisfaction and PROMs. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed similar outcomes following revision of failed UKA to TKA and primary TKA. There were significant improvements in PROMs for revision UKA to TKA, which is comparable to that of primary TKA.

The safest and most efficacious route of tranexamic acid administration in total joint arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Blood loss in Total Joint Arthroplasty can be significant and often under-estimated. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of different routes of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in reducing blood transfusion after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary aim is to find the safest and most efficacious route and dose of TXA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and OpenGrey were systemically searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy and/or safety of TXA for THA and/or TKA. Network meta-analysis, comparing the number of transfusion and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among different interventions, was performed using a multivariate meta-regression model with random-effects, adopting a frequentist approach. RESULTS: 211 publications (20,639 individuals) were included. For outcome of transfusion, all interventions showed significantly lower transfusion rates compared to placebo. When compared to placebo, TXA via intra-venous and topical showed statistically significant lowest risk ratio (RR = 0.11, 95CI: 0.03, 0.41). For safety, TXA via topical showed relatively lowest risk ratio (RR = 0.75, 95CI 0.44, 1.30). TXA via topical and intra-articular had the highest but statistically insignificant RR (RR = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.51, 2.38). Therefore, current studies did not reveal any significant safety issue in using TXA. CONCLUSION: All forms of TXA administration showed significantly lower transfusion rate compared to control. There is a trend towards better efficacy with intra-venous and topical. In patients with higher risk of thrombosis, physicians may consider topical alone for its best safety profile.

Pre-existing patellofemoral disease does not affect 10-year survivorship in fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess 10-year functional outcome and survivorship analysis of patients with significant radiographic evidence of patellofemoral joint arthritis treated with fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Two hundred and sixteen patients (263 knees) that underwent UKA from 2003 to 2005 for a mean of 10.5 ± 2.1 years were prospectively followed up. Preoperative radiological assessment of the patellofemoral joint state was assessed according to the Ahlback classification by an independent assessor and radiographically significant patellofemoral disease was defined as grade 2 or more. Patients with significant bone-on-bone contact in the patellofemoral joint were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 263 knees, 222 (84.4%) had normal patellofemoral joint state and 41 (15.6%) radiologically significant patellofemoral disease. At 10 years' follow-up, the normal and patellofemoral groups had similar OKS (20 ± 7 vs 20 ± 8, n.s.) and KSS scores (79 ± 20 vs 81 ± 20, n.s.), respectively. There were 12 revision surgeries in the normal group and the most common indication for revision was progression of contralateral compartment osteoarthritis (6 of 12 cases). There was only one revision in the patellofemoral group and it was due to progression of contralateral compartment osteoarthritis (n.s.). When all secondary surgeries to the operated knee were considered as failures, the 10-year survival rate was 95.1% (CI 95%: 92.2-97.7%). CONCLUSION: The presence of significant preoperative radiological patellofemoral disease does not affect long-term implant survival and patients have excellent functional outcomes 10 years postoperatively. These patients should not be contraindicated from undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.