Highly Porous Metaphyseal Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Series.

Highly porous metaphyseal cones are used for the management of large bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty. These cones fill defects and allow bony ongrowth while providing several sizing and offset options. In this case series, we evaluated three patients who received these latest generation metaphyseal cones. Specifically, these cases will be explored in detail with respect to history, indications, operative technique, and short-term outcomes. Overall, these newer generation porous coated cones are excellent options for large contained bone loss in the absence of infection, and they have demonstrated good clinical and radiological outcomes at short-term follow-up.

Tantalum Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The best strategy to address large bony defects in revision total knee arthroplasty has yet to be determined. The relatively recent development of porous tantalum cones and their use to address massive bone loss in knee arthroplasty has shown promising short- and intermediate-term results. The purpose of this review is to present the current literature on: (1) basic science of porous tantalum, (2) classification and treatment for bone loss, (3) clinical results, and (4) evolution of newer generation cones.

Rehabilitative Guidelines after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review.

Rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to pose a challenge for both patients and providers. In addition, guidelines vary considerably between institutions, which often leave therapy regimens to the discretion of the provider. The lack of clear guidelines for rehabilitation may contribute to inadequate recovery of strength and range-of-motion, resulting in less optimal functional outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this review was to highlight and discuss a variety of post-TKA rehabilitative modalities currently available and to provide evidence regarding efficacy and practicality. Specifically, we assessed the role of and evidence for exercise therapy, aquatic therapy, balance training, continuous passive motion, cold therapy and compression, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy. Additionally, we proposed general recommendations for rehabilitation after TKA, and as we specifically described active and obese patients, we have included guidelines for these subsets as well. Our review examines the various rehabilitative modalities to offer suggestions for recovery of strength and range-of-motion after TKA, with a focus on the early incorporation of exercise therapy, balance training, aquatic therapy, cryopneumatic therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Dedication and commitment to rehabilitation may help patients attain and exceed their preoperative activity levels.

Effect of Age on Postoperative Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to grow exponentially, and this has been attributed to a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis and excellent procedural success. In particular, with increasing life expectancies and obesity rates, surgeons are seeing patients with a wider age range. Therefore, we assessed the effects of patient age on: (1) range of motion (ROM); (2) pain and function; (3) physical and mental status; and (4) activity levels following TKA. We assessed 278 TKA patients (108 men, 170 women), with subdivision into three age-specific groups: < 55, 55 to 74, and 75 years or older. ROM was assessed and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Society scoring (KSS) system, the short form-36 (SF-36), and the lower extremity activity scale (LEAS). The patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, and then yearly thereafter until 7 years. All cohorts demonstrated improvements in ROM, with no significant differences between the age groups. For KSS objective, there were no significant differences between groups after 6-week follow-up, though in pain and motion, the 75 years and older had the highest mean score at final follow-up (97 points). In KSS function, the < 55 years group had highest scores at 2 (90 vs. 87 vs. 75 points) and 5-year follow-up (96 vs. 88 vs. 72 points). For SF-36 and LEAS, the 75 year and older cohorts had the lowest mean scores at various time points. In the mental component, those < 55 years had the lowest scores postoperatively. It is important to understand the effect of age on post-TKA outcomes, particularly as the cohort of these patients continues to grow. Our results demonstrate that comprehensive preoperative discussions and management are needed, particularly in those patients at either end of the age spectrum (< 55 or ≥ 75 years).

Liposomal Bupivacaine Suspension Can Reduce Lengths of Stay and Improve Discharge Status of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to use a large hospital database to assess: (1) length of hospital stay (LOS) and (2) discharge status among patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with or without the use of a liposomal bupivacaine suspension injection. We utilized an all-payer hospital administrative database from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. We then selected patients age 18 years or older who had an inpatient stay for TKA in the data window based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) procedure codes (ICD-9-CM = 81.54), which resulted in 103,152 TKA patients. Patients who had nerve blocks were excluded, which resulted in 94,828 TKA patients. The TKA cohort who received a liposomal bupivacaine suspension consisted of 14,668 patients (9,211 females; 5,457 males) who had a mean age of 66 years, while the TKAs without injections or block consisted of 80,160 patients (49,699 females; 30,461 males) who had a mean age of 66 years. Analyses of LOS were performed using a linear model, controlling for age, sex, race, region, Charlson index, and operating time. Discharge status to home versus rehabilitation or short-term nursing facility was evaluated using logistic regression analysis controlling for the above covariates. The adjusted mean LOS for the injection cohort was significantly shorter at 2.58 days compared with 2.98 days in the no injection cohort. The unadjusted distribution of patients being discharged to home compared with short-term nursing facility or rehabilitation was higher in the injection cohort compared with the cohort who did not receive injections (73.2 vs. 66.6%). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was a higher likelihood of being discharged to home with liposomal bupivacaine. Patients who underwent TKA with liposomal bupivacaine had a significantly shorter LOS and a higher likelihood of being discharged to home. These results suggest that liposomal bupivacaine may represent a promising addition to current pain management regimens. Furthermore, it may limit pain following surgery, which may allow patients to ambulate earlier and have improved outcomes.

Nonpharmacologic Pain Management and Muscle Strengthening following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Despite technological advances in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), management of postoperative muscle weakness and pain continue to pose challenges for both patients and health care providers. Nonpharmacologic therapies, such as neuromodulation in the form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and other modalities, such as cryotherapy and prehabilitation, have been highlighted as possible adjuncts to standard-of-care pharmacologic management to treat postoperative pain and muscle weakness. The aim of this review was to discuss existing evidence for neuromodulation in the treatment of pain and muscular weakness following TKA, and to shed light on other noninvasive and potential future modalities. Our review of the literature demonstrated that NMES, prehabilitation, and some specialized exercises are beneficial for postoperative muscle weakness, and TENS, cooling therapies, and compression may help to alleviate post-TKA pain. However, there are no clear guidelines for the use of these modalities. Further studies should be aimed at developing guidelines or delineating indications for neuromodulation and other nonpharmacologic therapies in the management of post-TKA pain and muscle weakness.

Liposomal Bupivacaine in Total Knee Arthroplasty for Better Postoperative Analgesic Outcome and Economic Benefits.

When orthopedists consider which analgesia to use after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the primary objective is to relieve pain with fewer adverse side effects. Over the last decade, substantial efforts have been made to improve pain control following TKA, but it is still very challenging to obtain optimal control. Current modalities in use, such as opioids, epidurals, and nerve blocks, provide substantial pain relief, but they are associated with substantial side effects and serious complications. Recently, bupivacaine, a commonly used nonopioid analgesic, has been formulated into an aqueous suspension of multivesicular liposomes that provide long-lasting analgesia, while avoiding significant adverse effects of opioids. The purpose of this review is to analyze the use of traditional postsurgical pain management and the potential contribution of a long-acting liposomal formulation of bupivacaine as part of the analgesic regimen in TKA, including its mode of action, injection technique, efficacy on pain, and health care costs.

A Novel, Nonoperative Treatment Demonstrates Success for Stiff Total Knee Arthroplasty after Failure of Conventional Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Certain patients continue to suffer from knee stiffness following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite undergoing conventional therapies. Astym therapy to these patients may offer an effective, safe, nonoperative treatment. This study evaluates the effects of Astym therapy upon (1) range of motion and (2) subjective functional improvements in post-TKA patients who suffered from stiffness recalcitrant to other nonoperative interventions. METHODS: Twenty-three post-TKA patients (29 knees) who had recalcitrant knee stiffness were included in this study. Pre- and post-Astym improvements in range of motion and Knee Society scores were compared. We analyzed knees based on the presence of flexion deficit or contracture. Further stratification was made into knees that received Astym therapy before and after a 3-month period of standard rehabilitation. Differences in range of motion from pre- to post-Astym were evaluated by measuring (1) degree of flexion deficit or contracture and (2) total arc of passive motion. Improvements in subjective functional status were determined by evaluating Knee Society scores pre- and post-Astym therapy. A two-tailed Student t-test was used to compare weighted mean differences from pre- to post-Astym for the above parameters. RESULTS: The mean flexion deficit improved significantly (p < 0.001) in all patients after Astym therapy. The mean flexion contracture improved significantly in (p = 0.001) in 91% of patients after Astym therapy. Knees with flexion deficits or contractures both improved in total arc of motion when compared with pretherapy. Overall, patients who underwent treatment with Astym therapy reported significant mean improvements in both Knee Society objective (80 vs. 57 points; p < 0.0001) and functional scores (80 vs. 54 points; p = 0.0003) when compared with their pretherapy objective and functional scores. No harms were reported. CONCLUSION: Astym therapy is a novel, nonoperative treatment that may be an effective treatment option for post-TKA patients suffering from persistent knee stiffness. Further studies are needed to validate this intervention as a part of cost-effective, standard treatment after TKA.

Predicting Blood Loss in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

Marked blood loss during lower extremity total joint arthroplasties may lead to higher rates of transfusion, which may negatively affect surgical outcomes and yield greater complication rates. It is therefore ideal to identify factors that may increase the likelihood of blood loss, so they can be modified. From this review, it can be concluded that preoperative anemia, older age, multiple comorbidities, increased operative time, and use of postoperative anticoagulation may lead to higher blood loss and transfusion rates, although the influence of other factors remains controversial.

Polyethylene Wear in Knee Arthroplasty.

Polyethylene (PE) wear and osteolysis are common causes for late revisions of knee arthroplasties. Several implant and surgical factors have been implicated in contributing to the development of wear, such as type of bearing surface used, inaccurate articular geometry, and poor knee kinematics. In addition, patient-related factors, such as younger age and higher activity levels, may also contribute to wear. Our purpose was to evaluate and compare the effect of these variables on wear rates following knee arthroplasty. Recently, technological advancements have been aimed at reducing the incidence of wear by improving the PE manufacturing process, creating implants that minimize contact stresses, and refining our surgical techniques. Furthermore, the development of newer highly cross-linked PEs (HXLPEs) and the introduction of additives, such as vitamin E, to the PEs may improve overall implant survivorship. As a result, with the advent of newer implant and PE designs, wear is no longer the most common cause of early failure, though it remains an important factor in limiting long-term implant survivorship. However, there are a few clinical studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of newer HXLPEs and implant designs, with further evaluations necessary to determine the best implant-PE combination for improved knee arthroplasty survivorship.

Rating Systems to Assess the Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), scoring systems have been developed to provide a straightforward method of evaluating the outcomes of patients following surgery. Fully evaluating these outcomes is a challenging and time consuming task, and these simplistic measures often do not provide a complete picture of a patient's recovery. Therefore, we evaluated different scoring systems to determine the most effective method of assessing the outcomes of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated all knee scoring systems currently available in literature, and a total of 46 questionnaires met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We then identified all the metrics assessed in the questionnaires (n=48) and subdivided them into objective, subjective, rehabilitative, and quality of life outcome measures. We identified the three most commonly referenced questionnaires (the Knee Society Scores, the Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcomes Scores, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Score-WOMAC) and assessed multiple permutations of these with other scoring systems to identify the combinations that would most comprehensively and efficiently evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing TKA. RESULTS: Of the 48 metrics, we identified four subjective, eight objective, 20 rehabilitation, and 16 quality of life metrics. On permutation of the three most referenced scoring systems, the KSS and the KOOS together yielded the greatest coverage of the above metrics (79%). When the KSS, KOOS, and WOMAC, respectively, were combined with the Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36), they yielded 77, 73, and 60% coverage of the metrics and 35, 39, and 37% redundancy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Surgeons and researchers have attempted to fully evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing TKA. The proposed combinations may provide a more comprehensive way to cost-effectively evaluate outcomes. Further analysis is required before attempting to create newer knee scoring systems.

Standardized Questionnaire Time Burden for Practitioners and Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Many questionnaires are used to assess patient-reported outcomes, but there are few studies assessing the time to complete these questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to: (1) evaluate how much time it takes to complete the most commonly used patient-reported outcome questionnaires; (2) calculate the potential variation for time of completion; and (3) assess the potential role of demographics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After literature review, nine different questionnaires were chosen based on the frequency of citation. Each patient was given one questionnaire and time to complete was recorded. Mean times were compared and statistical analysis was performed on patients based on age≥55 years, gender, and education level. RESULTS: The mean time of completion for each questionnaire is listed from shortest to longest: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), Hospital for Special Surgery Score (HSS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Oxford Knee Score-12 (OKS-12), Knee Society Scores (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The coefficients of variation were smallest in SF-36 and WOMAC while it was the largest in the UCLA activity score. Age of ≥55 years was associated with a longer time to complete the questionnaires. There was no association found between gender or education level. DISCUSSION: It is possible that if it takes longer to complete certain questionnaires, then the answers given may not accurately reflect the patient's condition. Future studies should focus on the accuracy of the respondents' answers to each questionnaire as well as the accuracy after filling out multiple questionnaires at a single patient office visit.

The Effect of Comorbidities on Outcomes following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

To enhance the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), clinicians must identify factors that may impede functional recovery. Multiple comorbidities may affect outcomes, and our purpose was to identify the role of overall disease burden, as well as individual comorbidities, on post-TKA outcomes. We prospectively reviewed 283 TKA patients (172 women, 111 men). Preexisting comorbidities were weighted using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Patients were divided into four groups: CCI score of 0 to 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more and followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and annually until 5 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were also individually assessed at these follow-ups. The effect of these on outcomes was evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), and lower extremity activity scale (LEAS). Patients who had lower CCI scores had significant improvements in KSS at 2- and 5-year follow-up (+34 and +38 points, respectively; p < 0.01). CCI scores of 0 to l demonstrated significantly greater improvement in the SF-36 physical component score (PCS) at final follow-up (+16 points; p < 0.05) and higher LEAS scores at 2 years postoperatively (p = 0.001), compared with the remaining cohorts. Endocrine disease and hypertension yielded significantly lower KSS at follow-up (-5 and -5 points, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients who had hypertension or gastrointestinal disease had significantly lower SF-36 PCS at final follow-up compared with those who did not (45 vs. 48 points and 47 vs. 49 points; p < 0.035 and 0.041, respectively), as well as lower activity scores (11 vs. 12 points for both comorbidities; p < 0.05). Patients who had cardiovascular disease had significantly lower SF-36 MCS (53 vs. 56 points, respectively; p = 0.03) at 4 years postoperatively than those without, as well as lower activity scores (11 vs. 12 points, respectively; p = 0.024). Patients who have lower CCIs may have improved activity and functional levels following TKA. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disease, and gastrointestinal disease may correlate with poorer functional and activity outcomes postoperatively.

Prospective evaluation of short and mid-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using the Accolade™ stem.

PURPOSE: Cementless press-fit total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the Accolade stem (Stryker AccoladeTM TMZF, Mahwah, New Jersey) has demonstrated variable implant survivorship and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyse the: 1) implant survivorship; 2) complications; 3) functional outcomes; 4) overall quality of life; and 5) patient expectations and satisfaction following THA with this particular press-fit stem. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of 222 patients who underwent THA at 7 institutions between 2006 and 2009 using the Accolade stem (Stryker Inc. Mahwah, New Jersey) was evaluated. Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-12 were used to assess the outcomes at 2- and 5-year follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was calculated at 5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: The 5-year aseptic and all-cause survivorship rates were 99.4% (95% CI, 96.3 to 99.9%) and 97.9% (95% CI, 94.6 to 99.2%), respectively. At 2 and 5 years postoperatively, the patients demonstrated a mean HHS of approximately 89 points and 92 points, respectively. The mental and physical components of the SF-12 mean score increased with the physical component having a more marked increase. The mental and physical components of the SF-12 score increased to a mean of 46 and 45 points at 2 and 5 years, respectively. At 2-year follow-up, over 90% of patients were satisfied with their outcome in a majority of areas surveyed. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the use of this press-fit construct results in tremendous improvements in functional and quality of life outcomes, along with excellent survivorship at short- and mid-term follow-up.

Use of a Flexible Intramedullary Rod and its Influence on Patient Satisfaction and Femoral Size in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Improper femoral component size remains a source of multiple postoperative complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the use of a flexible intramedullary (IM) rod may help optimize femoral component size and therefore improve outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess (1) patient-reported functional outcomes, (2) overall quality of life, and (3) changes in implant sizing associated with total knee arthroplasties performed with a flexible IM rod compared to a conventional, rigid rod. We reviewed 277 patients who had surgery using the rigid rod and 364 using the flexible rod to determine the tendency of each rod for selecting particular component sizes. Additionally, 100 patients were prospectively randomized (1:1) to the flexible or the conventional rigid IM rod cohorts. Outcomes were assessed using Knee Society scores (KSSs), SF-36 physical scores, and SF-36 mental scores preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The retrospective arm of the study showed that the flexible IM rod cohort tends to have smaller component sizes than their conventional counterparts. In the prospective phase of the study, the increase in clinical KSSs from preoperative levels was better in the flexible rod cohort (160% vs. 143% increases, respectively). The functional KSSs had slightly higher increases in the flexible rod cohort from their preoperative levels (68% vs. 62% increases, respectively). With both clinical and functional KSSs, the flexible rod cohort had a higher score than the rigid rod cohort at all follow-up points. There was better postoperative range of motion (ROM) in the flexible rod cohort (28% vs. 22% increases, respectively). The SF-36 physical scores were slightly different, with the flexible IM rod cohort having a more marked improvement in scores (64% vs. 46% increases, respectively). The SF-36 mental score had a slightly better improvement at latest follow-up in the flexible IM rod cohort (12% vs. 6% increases, respectively). Those patients who underwent TKA using a flexible IM rod had better improvements in their patient-reported outcomes and decreased risk of oversizing the femoral component. The use of such a rod is not detrimental to outcomes and may have a positive impact on outcomes. Future studies should focus on alignment and long-term outcomes associated with the use of a flexible rod.

Outcomes of post-operative periprosthetic acetabular fracture around total hip arthroplasty.

Post-operative periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare, but serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). As the number of THA performed each year increases so will the expected number of periprosthetic fractures, thus making the treatment of these fractures an important topic for discussion. The purpose of this review is to analyze the recent evidence on risk factors, fracture classification schemes and treatment strategies that have been used for periprosthetic acetabular fractures around THA. The modified Paprosky classification is the most widely used and is a useful guide for management strategies. This classification system provides the guidelines for developing multiple treatment algorithms for decision making. Treatment options for surgical management include open reduction and internal fixation with plating, use of reconstruction cages, trabecular metal augments and bone grafting as needed. Treatment decisions are still an area of controversy and current research.