Manipulation Under Anesthesia is Safe After Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is thought to facilitate durable, biological fixation between the bone and implant. However, the 4-12 weeks required for osseointegration coincides with the optimal timeframe to perform a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) if a patient develops postoperative stiffness. This study aims to determine the impact of early MUA on cementless fixation by comparing functional outcomes and survivorship of cementless and cemented TKAs. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent MUA for postoperative stiffness within 90 days of primary, unilateral TKA at 2 academic institutions between 2014 and 2018 were identified. Cases involving extensive hardware removal were excluded. Cementless TKAs undergoing MUA (n = 100) were propensity matched 1:1 to cemented TKAs undergoing MUA (n = 100) using age, gender, body mass index, and year of surgery. Both groups had comparable baseline Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), Short Form (SF)-12 Physical, and SF-12 Mental scores. MUA-related complications as well as postoperative KOOS and SF-12 scores were compared. RESULTS: MUA-related complications were equivalently low in both groups (P = .324), with only 1 patella component dissociation in the cementless group. No tibial or femoral components acutely loosened in the perioperative period. Postoperative KOOS (P = .101) and SF-12 Mental scores (P = .380) were similar between groups. Six-year survivorship free from any revision after MUA was 98.0% in both groups (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative MUA after cementless TKA was not associated with increased MUA-related complications or worse patient-reported outcomes compared to cemented TKA. Short-term survivorship was also comparable, suggesting high durability of the bone-implant interface.

A patient-driven clinicogenomic partnership for metastatic prostate cancer.

Molecular profiling studies have enabled discoveries for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) but have predominantly occurred in academic medical institutions and involved non-representative patient populations. We established the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Project (MPCproject, mpcproject.org), a patient-partnered initiative to involve patients with MPC living anywhere in the US and Canada in molecular research. Here, we present results from our partnership with the first 706 MPCproject participants. While 41% of patient partners live in rural, physician-shortage, or medically underserved areas, the MPCproject has not yet achieved racial diversity, a disparity that demands new initiatives detailed herein. Among molecular data from 333 patient partners (572 samples), exome sequencing of 63 tumor and 19 cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples recapitulated known findings in MPC, while inexpensive ultra-low-coverage sequencing of 318 cfDNA samples revealed clinically relevant AR amplifications. This study illustrates the power of a growing, longitudinal partnership with patients to generate a more representative understanding of MPC.

One Year Later: The Lasting Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to generate notable disruption in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is any difference in patient characteristics, revenue, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing THA and TKA after the start of the pandemic. METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive series of 26,493 patients undergoing primary and revision THA and TKA by 48 surgeons in a single arthroplasty practice. We compared demographics, comorbidities, outcomes, and surgeon revenue from THA and TKA procedures from March 2020 to February 2021 with a prepandemic group undergoing a procedure from March 2019 to February 2020. RESULTS: There was a 20% decline in the volume of all cases in the pandemic group ( 11,688 versus 14,664 , P < 0.001). The postpandemic cohort had shorter length of stay (1.58 versus 1.70 days, P = 0.007), had higher rates of home discharge (98% versus 91%, P < 0.001), and were more likely to have their procedure done at an outpatient facility (21% versus 7%, P < 0.001). Even among patients older than 65 years, more pandemic patients underwent a procedure as an outpatient (19% versus 7%, P < 0.001), with no difference in complications or readmissions. Total surgeon charges and payments declined by 17.6% and 16.3%, respectively, during the pandemic ( P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a notable reduction in surgical volume and revenue loss for our practice, we found a marked shift of arthroplasty patients to outpatient facilities with increased rates of home discharge without compromising patient safety.

Serum Glucose Variability Increases the Risk of Complications Following Aseptic Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Increased serum glucose variability has been proposed as a risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality. Given the greater surgical complexity and complication risk of revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA), previous findings may not be generalizable to the revision population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between glucose variability and postoperative complications following aseptic revision TJA. METHODS: We identified 1,983 patients who underwent an aseptic revision TJA (636 total knee arthroplasties [TKAs] and 1,347 total hip arthroplasties [THAs]) from 2001 to 2019. Patients with ≥2 postoperative glucose values per day or ≥3 values during hospitalization were included in this study. Glucose variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation (COV). Outcomes included length of hospital stay, 90-day complications, mortality, and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as defined by the 2018 International Consensus Meeting criteria. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between glucose variability and each end point, using COV as continuous and categorical variables (that is, COV tertiles). RESULTS: Patients with high glycemic variability were at 1.7 times greater risk for 90-day complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.664 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.266 to 2.188]; p < 0.001) and 2 times greater risk for PJI at a minimum 1-year follow-up (OR, 1.984 [95% CI, 1.270 to 3.100]; p = 0.003). The risk of 90-day complications increased by 2.2% (OR, 1.022 [95% CI, 1.012 to 1.032]; p < 0.001) and the risk of PJI increased by 1.8% (OR, 1.018 [95% CI, 1.003 to 1.034]; p = 0.013) for every percentage-point increase in COV. Patients with higher glucose variability also had a longer length of stay (beta, 1.028 days [95% CI, 0.590 to 1.466 days]; p < 0.001). These associations were independent of age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, involved joint, operative time, history of diabetes, and mean glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Higher glucose variability was associated with an increased risk of medical complications and PJI following aseptic revision TJA. Patients undergoing these complex procedures should have glucose levels monitored closely in the perioperative period. Future studies should evaluate the utility of continuous glucose monitoring in this high-risk population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does Body Mass Index Influence the Outcomes and Survivorship of Modern Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with higher rates of aseptic loosening following cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the effect of BMI on the durability of modern cementless TKA. We aimed to assess the association between BMI and clinical outcomes following cementless TKA and to determine if there was a BMI threshold beyond which the risk of revision significantly increased. METHODS: We identified 1,408 cementless TKAs of a modern design from an institutional registry. Patients were classified into BMI categories: normal (n = 136), overweight (n = 476), obese class I (n = 423), II (n = 258), and III (n = 115). The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and 12-item Short Form Health Survey scores were collected preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Survivorship was recorded at minimum 2 years (range, 24 to 88 months). BMI was analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable. RESULTS: The improvement in patient-reported outcomes was similar across the groups. Thirty four knees (2.4%) were revised and 14 (1.0%) were for aseptic failure. Mean time-to-revision was 1.2 ± 1.3 years and did not differ across BMI categories (P = .455). Survivorship free from all-cause and aseptic revision was 97.1% and 99.0% at mean 4 years, respectively. Using Cox regression to control for demographics and bilateral procedures, BMI had no association with all-cause revision (P = .612) or aseptic revision (P = .186). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found no relationship between BMI and revision risk (c-statistic = 0.51). CONCLUSION: BMI did not influence functional outcomes and survivorship of modern cementless TKA, possibly due to improved biological fixation at the bone-implant interface. Longer follow-up is necessary to confirm these findings.

Intermediate-Term Survivorship of Metaphyseal Cones and Sleeves in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Both cones or sleeves have been developed to address metaphyseal bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but few studies have directly compared the outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the survivorship and aseptic revision rates between metaphyseal cones and sleeves at intermediate follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive series of 1,172 revision TKA patients between 2009 and 2018 with a minimum two-year follow-up on all patients. We compared demographics, surgical indication, stem fixation, constraint, rates of rerevision, and Short-Form-12 scores between patients with cones and sleeves. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the effect of cones and sleeves on aseptic rerevision. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare aseptic survivorship of cones and sleeves. RESULTS: There were 194 tibial cones (17%), 107 tibial sleeves (9%), 31 femoral cones (3%), and 135 femoral sleeves (12%) with a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (range: 2-12 years). There was no difference in demographics, indication, stem fixation, or constraint (P > .05). Although overall aseptic failure rates may be lower for tibial sleeves, there were no significant differences in survivorship over a one-year, two-year, and five-year follow-up when both tibial and femoral sleeves were directly compared to cones. CONCLUSION: Both tibial and femoral sleeves and cones perform well at an intermediate-term follow-up. Further investigation of these two are required to better understand their survivorship relative to each other.

Cumulative Intraarticular Injections Are Not a Risk Factor for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: While injections within 90 days prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), there is a paucity of literature regarding the impact of cumulative injections on PJI risk. This study was conducted to assess the association between cumulative corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections and PJI risk following TKA. METHODS: This retrospective study using an injection database included patients undergoing TKA with a minimum 1-year follow-up from 2015 to 2020. Patients with injections within 90 days prior to surgery were excluded. The sum of corticosteroid and HA injections within five years prior to TKA was recorded. The primary outcome was PJI within 90 days following TKA. Area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for a cumulative number of injections. RESULTS: 648 knees with no injections and 672 knees with injections prior to TKA were included, among whom 243 received corticosteroids, 151 received HA, and 278 received both. No significant differences in early PJI rates existed between patients who received injections (0.60%) or not (0.93%) (P = .541). No significant differences existed in early PJI rates between patients injected with corticosteroids (0.82%), HA (0.66%), or both (0.36%) (P = .832). No cutoff number of injections was predictive for PJI. DISCUSSION: A cumulative amount of steroid or HA injections, if given more than 90 days prior to TKA, does not appear to increase the risk of PJI within 90 days postoperatively. Multiple intraarticular corticosteroid injections and HA injections may be safely administered before TKA, without increased risk for early PJI.

Cemented Versus Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty in Obese Patients With Body Mass Index ≥35 kg/m2: A Contemporary Analysis of 812 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to have higher failure rates in obese patients, and cementless TKA may provide more durable fixation. This study compared outcomes and survivorship of obese patients undergoing cemented and cementless TKA of the same modern design. METHODS: We identified a consecutive series of 406 primary cementless TKA performed in obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 in 2013-2018. Each case was matched 1:1 with 406 cemented TKA based on age, sex, BMI, bearing surface, and year of surgery. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and Short Form-12 were collected preoperatively, at 6 months and 2 years. Implant survivorship was recorded at mean 4.0 years (range 2.0-7.8). RESULTS: There was no difference in mean BMI between the cemented (38.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2; range, 35-60) and cementless cohorts (38.7 ± 3.3 kg/m2; range, 35-54; P = .706). Both groups had similar final postoperative scores and improvement in scores at 2 years. Furthermore, a similar percentage met the minimal clinically important difference (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, 70.0% vs 71.2%, P = .700; Short Form-12 Physical, 74.1% vs 70.4%, P = .240). Both groups demonstrated high 7-year survivorship free from aseptic revision (99.0% vs 99.5%, P = .665). CONCLUSION: Obese patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 undergoing cementless and cemented TKA of the same modern design had similar outcomes and survivorship at early to mid-term follow-up. Continued surveillance of this high-risk population is necessary.

Mild radiographic osteoarthritis is associated with increased pain and dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty when compared with severe osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The association between severity of radiographic osteoarthritis with patient pain, function, and satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty has been disputed. The discrepancies in current literature prompt us to further examine this association in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The OVID-Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception up to Mar 2020. The main independent variable was osteoarthritis severity as defined by preoperative radiographs. The outcomes measured were pain, function and satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty. A minimum of three studies assessing the same patient-reported outcome measures were included in the meta-analysis, as well as those separating patients by chronic pain or dissatisfaction. RESULTS: 29 studies were included in this study. Significant heterogeneity was seen between radiographic evaluation and reported outcomes. Patients with only mild radiographic osteoarthritis were more likely to suffer from chronic pain (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.80-3.34, p < 0.001) and dissatisfaction (odds ratio = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.79-3.31, p < 0.001) compared to patients with severe osteoarthritis. A significant association was found between mild radiographic severity and lower total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis scores (95% CI = - 0.37-0.06, p = 0.006) as well as Knee Society Scores (CI: - 0.54-0.16, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with mild radiographic osteoarthritis are anticipated to gain less from total knee arthroplasty compared to those with severe osteoarthritis. They are also at risk for chronic pain and dissatisfaction and should be consulted about this risk prior to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Octogenarians Undergoing Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Have Similar Patient-Reported Outcomes as Their Younger Counterparts.

BACKGROUND: As a procedure with lower surgical morbidity, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may present a practical solution for elderly patients with unicompartmental arthritis. However, few studies have analyzed the results of UKA in the extreme elderly. This study compared the functional and perioperative outcomes between octogenarians and age-appropriate controls undergoing UKA. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 44 patients aged ≥80 years who underwent unilateral UKA were analyzed. Each octogenarian was matched 1:3 with 132 patients aged 65-74 years using propensity scores adjusting for gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and preoperative scores. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and Short Form-12 were collected preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Complications, reoperations, readmissions, and unplanned visits were recorded up to 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.0 ± 2.7 years in the control group and 83.0 ± 3.0 years in the octogenarian group (P < .001). The percentage of outpatient procedures was comparable (control 50.0%; octogenarian 45.5%; P = .601). With the exception of poorer Short Form-12 physical scores in octogenarians at 2 years (39.4 ± 14.1 vs 44.9 ± 9.2, P = .028), there was no difference in final postoperative scores or improvement in scores between the groups. The rate of complications, reoperations, readmissions, and emergency room visits was also similar. The five-year survivorship was 97% in the control group and 93% in the octogenarian group (P = .148). CONCLUSION: Octogenarians undergoing UKA can experience clinical outcomes that are similar to those of their younger counterparts. The clinical trajectory outlined may help clinicians provide valuable prognostic information to elderly patients and guide preoperative counseling.

A New Additive-Manufactured Cementless Highly Porous Titanium Acetabular Cup for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty-Early Two-Year Follow Up.

INTRODUCTION: Additive-manufacturing technologies are increasingly being used, not only to create acetabular components with porous coating architecture very similar to the complex trabecular structure of cancellous bone, but also for producing the entire implant in a single step. The aim of this study is to assess two-year clinical and radiological outcomes of a new additive-manufactured cup in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 266 primary THAs (254 patients) performed in our institution between December 2016 and December 2018 using a new highly porous titanium acetabulum shell fabricated via additive manufacturing. Clinical and functional outcomes were measured using SF/VR-12 and HOOS JR to determine patient satisfaction with surgery. Radiographs were assessed to determine the presence of migration, radiolucency, and loosening. Patients records were reviewed to assess cup survivorship in terms of all-cause revisions and revision for aseptic cup loosening. RESULTS: At a minimum of two-year follow up (range: 2-3.45 years), the patient cohort demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative functional scores (hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement [HOOS JR.] and clinical scores (12-item short-form health survey [SF/VR-12]) (p<0.001). One cup developed progressive radiolucent lines at the prosthesis-bone interface consistent with loosening and was revised. The overall acetabular component two-year survivorship free of all-cause failure was 97.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95.5-99.4%). When aseptic loosening of the acetabular component was used as the failure endpoint, the two-years survivorship rate was 99.6% (95% CI: 98.9-100%). CONCLUSION: Highly porous titanium cementless acetabular cups produced via additive-manufacturing showed promising early clinical and radiological results in primary THA with low rates of aseptic loosening. Further follow-up studies are needed to assess the long-term survivorship and outcomes of this new acetabular component.

The Missing Piece: A Subtrochanteric Hip Fracture Presenting with Abdominal Pain: A Case Report.

CASE: A 33-year-old man presented with acute abdominal and left hip pain after being struck by a motor vehicle. Radiographs revealed a comminuted left subtrochanteric femoral fracture. Computed tomography demonstrated a large pelvic hematoma and a radiopaque mass in the abdomen. Laparoscopy revealed the mass to be a large bone fragment lying within the greater omentum. The bone fragment, which seemed to be a femoral fracture fragment, was removed, and the fracture was repaired with a short cephalomedullary nail. CONCLUSION: Rarely, subtrochanteric fracture fragments can penetrate the pelvis or abdomen because of high-energy trauma. Recognizing this possibility is important to assure a correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.