Intraosseous Vancomycin May Not Be Helpful in Aseptic Revision Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Surgeon Consecutive Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Infection after aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reported from 9% to 14%. Intraosseous (IO) vancomycin infusion has decreased the risk of infection after primary TKA. The results of this additional prophylaxis were evaluated in aseptic revision TKA. METHODS: In this prospective, single-surgeon study of 20 consecutive patients having aseptic revision TKA, 500 milligrams of vancomycin in 120 mL of saline were infused into the tibia prior to incision, in addition to intravenous (IV) cefazolin. There were 18 men and 2 women who had a mean age of 67 years (range, 47-79), and mean body mass index of 34.4 (range, 25.9-51.2). The knees were aspirated in the operating room prior to IV and IO antibiotics. The outcomes were infections at 90 days requiring reoperation and complications from the infusion. RESULTS: Three of the 20 aseptic revisions had early prosthetic joint infection, 2 with gram-negative organisms and one with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. All had debridement, liner exchange and IV antibiotic treatment, but 1 patient eventually had an above knee amputation. No patient had total body "erythema syndrome", but 1 patient had transient facial flushing. Six patients had a transient elevation of serum creatinine including 3 with an abnormal preoperative serum creatinine. CONCLUSION: In this small series of aseptic revision TKA, there was no added benefit of IO vancomycin infusion, but there were no infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Additional studies are needed before this technique should be routinely recommended.

Trunnion Failure in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

In revision total knee arthroplasty, joint kinematics must be maintained amid bone and ligamentous insufficiency. Current modular designs address defects while allowing for intraoperative prosthesis customization through a variety of stem extensions and constraints. Additional constraint improves knee stability while increasing stress at the implant-host interface and modular junction of the implant. This renders the prosthetic stem-condyle junction more prone to fatigue failure. We report 2 cases of prosthetic stem-condyle junction failure in in a varus-valgus constrained revision total knee arthroplasty.

The effect of operative time on in-hospital length of stay in revision total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with increased rates of infections, readmissions, longer operative times, and lengths-of-stay (LOS) compared to primary TKA. Additionally, increasing operative times and prolonged postoperative LOS are independent risk factors for these postoperative complications in lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This has led to an increased effort to reduce these risk factors in order to improve patient outcomes and reduce cost. However, the relationship between operative time and LOS has not been well assessed in revision arthroplasty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (I) identify predictors of longer operative times; (II) identify predictors of longer LOS; and (III) evaluate the effects of operative time, treated as both a categorical variable and a continuous variable, on LOS after revision TKA. METHODS: The NSQIP database was queried for all revision TKA cases (CPT code 27487) between 2008 and 2016 which yielded 10,604 cases. Mean operative times were compared between patient demographics including age groups, sex, and body mass indexes (BMIs). To determine predictors of LOS, mean LOS were also compared between patient demographics in the same groups. To assess the correlation of operative time on LOS, the mean LOS for 30-minute operative time intervals were compared. Univariate analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. A multivariate analysis with a multiple linear regression model was performed to evaluate the association of LOS with operative times after adjusting for patient age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS: The mean LOS for revision TKA was 4 (±3) days. Further analysis showed that young age is associated with increased LOS (P<0.01). An analysis of operative times showed positive correlations with young age, BMI greater than 30 and male sex (P<0.05). The mean LOS of revision TKA patients was found to increase with increasing operative time in 30-minute intervals (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that longer operative times had significant associations with longer LOS even after adjusting for patient factors (ß=0.102, SE =0.001, P<0.001). These results also showed that out of all of the study covariates, operative times had the greatest effect on LOS after revision TKA. CONCLUSIONS: Revision TKA is a complex procedure, often requiring increased operative times compared to primary TKA. This study provides unique insight by correlating operative times to LOS in over 10,000 revision TKAs from a nationwide database. Our results demonstrate that out of all the study covariates (age, sex, and BMI), operative times had the greatest effect on LOS. The results from this study indicate that less time spent in the operating room can lead to shorter LOS for revision TKA patients. This relationship further underscores the need for improved preoperative planning and intra-operative efficiency in an effort to decrease LOS and improve patient outcomes.

Cemented conical stems can be removed more easily than cylindrical stems, regardless of cone angle in revision knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: According to literature, more than 30% of revised knee arthroplasties will require at least one re-revision. Practical experience has shown that there are considerable product-specific differences in the explantability of cemented long-stem prostheses. In the registers of successful implants, stem geometry varies considerably between the manufacturers. However, comparative data on explantability of the respective stems are missing. Objective of the present study was to identify a correlation between the geometry of a smooth cemented long stem and the necessary explantation energy required until failure of the implant-cement interface occurs. METHODS: Eight cemented stems with different conical profile angles (0°-3°) were explanted in a reproducible biomechanical setup each six times to evaluate the correlation between the stem design and the required explantation energy. RESULTS: The average explantation energy was highest in the case of the cylindrical stem, at 18.1 ± 3.6 J. At a cone angle of 0.25°, it was just 12.1 ± 2.1 J (p < 0.001) and dropped beyond 0.5° to an average of 5.7 ± 1.8 J (p < 0.001). Between 0.5° and 3°, no significant difference in the required extraction energy was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas smooth conical stems can mostly be removed easily, an early decision in favour of osteotomy or fenestration can be taken in the case of cylindrical cemented stems.

Metaphyseal sleeves in total knee arthroplasty revision: complications, clinical and radiological results. A systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty revision (TKAr) is increasing of relevance in orthopaedic surgeon daily practice and will become more and more relevant in the future. The aim of this study is to summarize indications, complications, clinical and radiological mid-term results of metaphyseal sleeves in management of bone defects in TKAr. METHODS: A systematic review of English literature was performed on Medline. Retrospective or prospective studies with 2 years of follow-up (FU) were included. The PRISMA 2009 flowchart and checklist were considered to edit the review. Rates of intraoperative fractures, aseptic loosening, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), reoperations and re-revisions were extrapolated by the papers. RESULTS: 13 articles with a level of evidence of IV were included in the systematic review. 1079 TKAr (1554 sleeves) with a mean FU of 4.0 ± 1.1 years were analysed. The studies showed good clinical and functional outcomes. Sleeves allowed a stable metaphyseal fixation and osseointegration with an implant and sleeves aseptic survival rate of 97.7 and 99.2%, respectively. The incidence of PJI was 2.7 ± 2.4%. The estimated rate of reoperations and re-revisions were 14.2 ± 9.2 and 7.1 ± 4.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Metaphyseal sleeves represent a viable option in management of types IIb and III AORI bone defects in TKAr. Further high-quality log-term studies would better clarify complications, clinical and radiological results of this promising technique in total knee arthroplasty revision.

Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Is Associated With Increased Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality Relative to Noninfectious Revisions.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication. The short-term morbidity profile of revision TKA performed for PJI relative to non-PJI revisions is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study is to determine 30-day postoperative outcomes after revision TKA for PJI, relative to primary TKA and aseptic revision TKA. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2015 was queried for primary and revision TKA cases. Revision TKA cases were categorized into PJI and non-PJI cohorts. Differences in 30-day outcomes including postoperative complications, readmissions, operative time, and length of stay were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 175,761 TKAs were included in this study, with 162,981 (92.7%) primary TKAs and 12,780 (7.3%) revision TKAs, of which 2196 (17.2%) revisions were performed for PJI. When compared to aseptic revision TKA, multivariate analysis demonstrated that PJI revisions had a significantly higher risk of major early postoperative complications including death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.25) and sepsis (OR 8.73). In addition, nonhome discharge (OR 1.75), readmissions (OR 1.67), and length of stay (+2.1 days) were all greater relative to non-PJI revisions. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a large, prospectively collected, national database, we found that revision TKA for PJI has a greater risk of short-term morbidity and mortality and requires a higher utilization of healthcare resources. These results have implications for patient counseling and alternative payment models that may eventually include revision TKA.

Outcome of knee revisions for osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis with postero-stabilized arthroplasties: a mean ten-year follow-up with 90 knee revisions.

PURPOSE: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) may require revision total knee replacement. Few studies have compared post-operative complications, results and risk of re-revision in RA and OA patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five RA patients who had undergone revision TKA from 1998 to 2010 were selected and matched with 45 OA patients who had revision during the same period. Results of the use of a revision postero-stabilized implant in osteoarthritis were compared to results of its use in inflammatory arthritis. With a mean follow-up of ten years (range, 5-17 years) we determined differences in comorbidities, risk for peri-operative adverse events, functional and radiological results, and risk of subsequent re-revision, between patients suffering from OA versus RA. RESULTS: There were higher comorbidities, post-operative (<30 days) adverse events, and mortality at average ten years FU in RA than in OA patients. The mean overall changes in function scores were greater for the RA revision group when compared with the OA revision group. Taking steroids (Cox's regression, p = 0.001), and methotrexate or TNFα blockers (Cox's regression, p = 0.02) were not significant factors for radiolucent lines in RA and for loosening. At average ten years followup, patients with RA undergoing revision TKAs were not more likely to have a re-revision (4 among 45 patients; 9 %) than patients with OA undergoing revision in our department (7 patients; 15 %). CONCLUSIONS: Similar results for the knee were observed in these two forms of arthritis in spite of the fact that the initial local joint status and general health status are worse in inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis than in "degenerative" osteoarthritis. However, complications were more frequent with RA.

[Cemented stems in revision total knee arthroplasty on patients older than 75 y/o. Clinical and radiological analysis]. / Vástagos cementados en recambios de prótesis total de rodilla en pacientes mayores de 75 años. Análisis clínico y radiológico.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological evolution of the total knee revision arthroplasty with cemented stems in patients over 75 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in all the subjects who underwent revision of total knee arthroplasty with cemented stems between 2008 and 2014 in our center. Twenty-seven individuals over 75 years met the inclusion criteria. We assessed the Knee Society Score and range of motion for clinical outcome. We evaluated the implant stability with radiographs through radiolucent lines according to the modified radiological scale of the Knee Society; we registered the complications and prosthetic survival. RESULTS: With an average age of our participants of 82.6 ± 4.4 years and a follow-up of 43 ± 14.4 months, we did not find any mechanical failure of the components. The functional average score was 115 ± 32 in the total KSS, of which 77 ± 17.5 points were in the KSS knee and 42 ± 24 in the KSS function. The average range of motion was 98º ± 17. Radiologically, 18 patients presented radiolucent lines, but only three needed follow-up using the modified Knee Society radiographic scoring system. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that cemented stems are a good method for fixation in the revision of total knee arthroplasty in people over 75 years. We observed acceptable medium-term clinical results with a low risk of radiological failure, despite the high number of radiolucencies.

Analizar la evolución funcional y radiológica de los pacientes mayores de 75 años intervenidos de cirugía de revisión de rodilla con vástagos cementados.

Vástagos cementados en recambios de prótesis total de rodilla en pacientes mayores de 75 años. Análisis clínico y radiológico / Cemented stems in revision total knee arthroplasty on patients older than 75 y/o. Clinical and radiological analysis

Resumen: Antecedentes: Analizar la evolución funcional y radiológica de los pacientes mayores de 75 años intervenidos de cirugía de revisión de rodilla con vástagos cementados. Material y métodos: Mediante análisis retrospectivo, hemos revisado a 27 individuos mayores de 75 años a quienes se les ha implantado una prótesis total de rodilla de revisión con vástagos cementados en nuestro centro entre 2008-2014. Durante el seguimiento, se realizó un análisis clínico mediante la escala Knee Society Score y de movilidad de la rodilla, un análisis radiológico de la estabilidad de los implantes por medio de la escala radiológica modificada de la Knee Society, el registro de las complicaciones y la supervivencia protésica. Resultados: Con una edad media de los participantes de 82.6 ± 4.4 años y un seguimiento medio de 43 ± 14.4 meses, no hemos observado ningún caso de aflojamiento mecánico de los componentes. La valoración funcional ha sido de 115 ± 32 puntos en la escala total KSS, de los cuales 77 ± 17.5 puntos pertenecen al KSS rodilla y 42 ± 24 puntos al KSS función. El rango medio de movilidad fue de 98o ± 17. A nivel radiológico, 18 sujetos mostraron radiolucencias periprotésicas; según los criterios de la escala radiológica de la Knee Society, solo tres requirieron seguimiento clínico-radiológico estricto. Conclusiones: La cementación de los vástagos en prótesis totales de rodilla de revisión se trata de un buen sistema de fijación en personas mayores de 75 años, con elevada supervivencia del implante, buen resultado funcional y bajo porcentaje de aflojamiento radiológico a pesar de la aparición frecuente de radiolucencias.

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological evolution of the total knee revision arthroplasty with cemented stems in patients over 75 years. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in all the subjects who underwent revision of total knee arthroplasty with cemented stems between 2008 and 2014 in our center. Twenty-seven individuals over 75 years met the inclusion criteria. We assessed the Knee Society Score and range of motion for clinical outcome. We evaluated the implant stability with radiographs through radiolucent lines according to the modified radiological scale of the Knee Society; we registered the complications and prosthetic survival. Results: With an average age of our participants of 82.6 ± 4.4 years and a follow-up of 43 ± 14.4 months, we did not find any mechanical failure of the components. The functional average score was 115 ± 32 in the total KSS, of which 77 ± 17.5 points were in the KSS knee and 42 ± 24 in the KSS function. The average range of motion was 98o ± 17. Radiologically, 18 patients presented radiolucent lines, but only three needed follow-up using the modified Knee Society radiographic scoring system. Conclusions: The results revealed that cemented stems are a good method for fixation in the revision of total knee arthroplasty in people over 75 years. We observed acceptable medium-term clinical results with a low risk of radiological failure, despite the high number of radiolucencies.

VALUE OF PREOPERATIVE RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATIONS ON KNEE BONE DEFECTS FOR REVISION ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of preoperative radiographic evaluations for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision. METHODS: Thirty-one knees that were operated between 2006 and 2008, in a consecutive series of cases of TKA revision surgery were analyzed retrospectively. The following criteria were evaluated: number of wedges or structured bone grafts used for filling the bone defects; locations of the wedges and bone grafts used; and mean thickness of the polyethylene used. The AORI classification was previously established based on preoperative radiographs, using preestablished criteria. After the analysis, the knees were divided into four groups (I, IIA, IIB and III). RESULTS: The mean number of wedges or grafts used in each knee progressively increased among the groups (group I: 1.33; group IIA: 2; group IIB: 4.33; and group III: 4.83) (P = 0.0012). The commonest locations were medial in the tibia and posteromedial in the femur. There were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of the polyethylene used. CONCLUSION: The AORI classification for bone defects in the knee, based on preoperative radiographs, showed a correlation with increasing need to use wedges and/or structured grafts in TKA revisions. However, up to 46% of the knees in groups I and IIA presented bone defects of up to 5 mm that were not diagnosed by means of preoperative radiographs.

Valor da avaliação radiográfica pré-operatória dos defeitos ósseos no joelho nas revisões de artroplastia / Value of preoperative radiographic evaluations on knee bone defects for revision arthroplasty

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o valor da avaliação radiográfica pré-operatória nas revisões de artroplastias totais do joelho. MÉTODOS: Trinta e um joelhos operados no período de 2006 a 2008 em uma série consecutiva de casos de cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total de joelho foram analisados retrospectivamente. CRITÉRIOS ANALISADOS: número de cunhas ou enxertos ósseos estruturados utilizados para preenchimento dos defeitos ósseos; localização das cunhas e enxertos ósseos utilizados e espessura média do polietileno utilizada. A classificação AORI era estabelecida previamente através de radiografias pré-operatórias segundo critérios preestabelecidos. Após a análise, os joelhos foram divididos em quatro grupos (I, IIA, IIB e III). RESULTADOS: O número médio de cunhas ou enxertos ósseos utilizados em cada joelho variou de maneira crescente entre os grupos (grupo I: 1,33; grupo IIA: 2; grupo IIB: 4,33; grupo III: 4,83) (P = 0,0012). As localizações mais comuns foram: medial na tíbia e posteromedial no fêmur. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na espessura do polietileno utilizado. CONCLUSÃO: A classificação AORI para defeitos ósseos no joelho baseada em radiografias pré-operatórias mostrou correlação crescente com a necessidade de utilização de cunhas e/ou enxertos estruturados na revisão de artroplastia total do joelho. Porém, até 46% dos joelhos dos grupos I e IIA apresentaram falhas ósseas de até 5mm não diagnosticadas através das radiografias pré-operatórias.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of preoperative radiographic evaluations for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision. METHODS: Thirty-one knees that were operated between 2006 and 2008, in a consecutive series of cases of TKA revision surgery were analyzed retrospectively. THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WERE EVALUATED: number of wedges or structured bone grafts used for filling the bone defects; locations of the wedges and bone grafts used; and mean thickness of the polyethylene used. The AORI classification was previously established based on preoperative radiographs, using preestablished criteria. After the analysis, the knees were divided into four groups (I, IIA, IIB and III). RESULTS: The mean number of wedges or grafts used in each knee progressively increased among the groups (group I: 1.33; group IIA: 2; group IIB: 4.33; and group III: 4.83) (P = 0.0012). The commonest locations were medial in the tibia and posteromedial in the femur. There were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of the polyethylene used. CONCLUSION: The AORI classification for bone defects in the knee, based on preoperative radiographs, showed a correlation with increasing need to use wedges and/or structured grafts in TKA revisions. However, up to 46% of the knees in groups I and IIA presented bone defects of up to 5 mm that were not diagnosed by means of preoperative radiographs.