Introducing a day-case arthroplasty pathway significantly reduces overall length of stay.

AIMS: Day-case arthroplasty is gaining popularity in Europe. We report outcomes from the first 12 months following implementation of a day-case pathway for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an NHS hospital. METHODS: A total of 47 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 24 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients were selected for the day-case arthroplasty pathway, based on preoperative fitness and agreement to participate. Data were likewise collected for a matched control group (n = 58) who followed the standard pathway three months prior to the implementation of the day-case pathway. We report same-day discharge (SDD) success, reasons for delayed discharge, and patient-reported outcomes. Overall length of stay (LOS) for all lower limb arthroplasty was recorded to determine the wider impact of implementing a day-case pathway. RESULTS: Patients on the day-case pathway achieved SDD in 47% (22/47) of THAs and 67% (16/24) of UKAs. The most common reasons for failed SDD were nausea, hypotension, and pain, which were strongly associated with the use of fentanyl in the spinal anaesthetic. Complications and patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Following the introduction of the day-case pathway, the mean LOS reduced significantly by 0.7, 0.6, and 0.5 days respectively in THA, UKA, and total knee arthroplasty cases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Day-case pathways are feasible in an NHS set-up with only small changes required. We do not recommend fentanyl in the spinal anaesthetic for day-case patients. An important benefit seen in our unit is the so-called 'day-case effect', with a significant reduction in mean LOS seen across all lower limb arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):900-908.

Cementless medial Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement. Five-year results from an independent series.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is a common treatment option for patients with advanced medial compartment knee arthritis. The Oxford UKR (OUKR) is the most commonly used implant for partial knee replacement. A cementless Oxford prosthesis was introduced in 2004 aiming to reduce the revision rate by potentially reducing radiolucencies as well as errors of cementation associated with the cemented prosthesis. Whilst results from the designer centre have been reported, there is little independent clinical evidence of outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of the cementless OUKR in a single surgeon series at an independent centre and to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: All patients who received a cementless medial OUKR and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were included in the series. The Oxford knee score was used to evaluate patient outcomes at five years postoperatively. Survival rates, complications and evidence of radiolucencies on plain radiographs were also reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight cementless medial OUKR were implanted in 126 patients. Three patients died and four knees were revised. The five-year survival was 97.4% and the median Oxford knee score was 43 at five years postoperatively. No Complete radiolucent lines were observed on radiographs at one year. Four tibial components subsided. CONCLUSIONS: This independent series shows that low revision rates and excellent results can be achieved with the use of the cementless OUKR at five years. Early subsidence of the tibial component, which is specific to the cementless prosthesis, warrants further investigation.

Pyomyositis of Gluteus medius: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: We present a case of 12 year old boy presented with right hip pain, fever and antalgic gait. Inflammatory markers were raised at presentation. The pelvic radiograph and ultra sound scan of right hip joint did not detect any abnormality. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans revealed inflammatory oedema in the right gluteus medius muscle. He was treated with intravenous Flucloxacillin for 10 days and later 6 weeks of oral Flucloxacillin. At the 6 weeks follow up patient was asymptomatic with normal gait. MRI at 6 weeks did not show any fluid collection in gluteus medius. CONCLUSION: Pyomyositis is rare in temperate countries. It must be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in a child presenting with hip pain, fever and raised inflammatory markers.

Patellofemoral Joint Arthroplasty: Early Results and Functional Outcome of the Zimmer Gender Solutions Patello-Femoral Joint System.

BACKGROUND: Improved knee prosthesis designs have led to an increase in the use of patellofemoral arthroplasty as a primary treatment option in recent times. We report the early results and outcomes of the Zimmer Gender Solutions Patello-Femoral Joint (PFJ) system used to treat isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analysed data of patients who underwent PFJ replacement (PFJR) at our institution with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: Median Oxford Knee score (OKS) was 38 (interquartile range, 28 to 42) at the latest follow-up with a significant improvement from preoperative scores (p < 0.0005). Median OKS was 40 for unilateral PFJRs and 39 for nonobese patients (body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m2). There was no significant difference in OKS between unilateral and bilateral procedures (p = 0.462). Likewise, there was no significant difference in OKS between obese and nonobese patients (p = 0.272). Two knees (4%) were revised for progression of osteoarthritis. No complications were reported related to infectious or thromboembolic causes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed good early results of the PFJ system, at least equal to those of other leading brands in the National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR). There have been no complications related to either the implantation technique or prosthetic design for this new implant. Progression of tibiofemoral arthritis remains a major concern. Our study also suggests that PFJR in obese patients and bilateral procedures can have good results.

The Oxford Medial Partial Knee Replacement. The rationale for a femur first technique.

BACKGROUND: The Oxford Medial Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) has been in clinical use for more than 20 years. The current surgical technique requires a number of judgements to be made, and even in the most experienced hands surgery can be challenging. We present an alternative surgical technique, which we believe addresses the unpredictability of the current method. The technique is based on precise femoral positioning prior to tibial resection. METHOD: A prospective series of 125 Oxford Medial PKRs was performed using this new technique and a radiographical analysis was performed. We used meniscal thickness, meniscal position and femoral position as measures of reproducibility of the procedure. RESULTS: Variability in meniscal thickness has been minimised with a 3mm meniscal bearing used in 21 knees (15%), 4mm (the target thickness) in 73 knees (59%) and 5mm in 30 knees (24%). The mean meniscal position relative to the tibial tray upright was 2mm (SD 1mm). Femoral component position relative to the tibial tray, which defines the excursion of the meniscus was also assessed. Mean coronal plane alignment was 2° of valgus (SD 2.8). Mean flexion/extension was 3.8° (SD 3.1). The mean rotation was 10° internal (SD 5°). CONCLUSION: We believe this new technique makes this procedure more reproducible, and should be considered as a viable alternative to the current recommended technique. It may be a better technique for those surgeons who are relatively inexperienced with this prosthesis.

Acute sciatic nerve palsy caused by a polyethylene granuloma arising from a well-fixed total knee arthroplasty.

We report the presentation of an acute sciatic nerve palsy, arising as a result of an inflammatory mass in the posterior thigh containing polyethylene debris from an adjacent, well-fixed total knee arthroplasty.