Satisfaction Rates and Quality of Life Changes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in Age-Differentiated Cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Comparisons of satisfaction rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among large, age-differentiated, rigorously matched cohorts are lacking. Therefore, we compared satisfaction rates following TKA in large, age-differentiated, propensity score-matched cohorts. METHODS: We identified primary TKAs performed for non-inflammatory arthritis in patients of ages 18-55 or 65-75, yielding 529 younger and 2001 older patients. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded pre-operatively and 2 years post-operatively. 1:1 propensity score matching between groups yielded 529 patient pairs. Matching was based on gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Short Form 12 Mental Health Component score. Outcomes were compared between matched groups using t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: Satisfaction with knee surgery was 86% among younger patients and 91% among older patients. Distribution of satisfaction responses was shifted toward greater satisfaction in older patients (P < .001). Overall quality of life (QOL) improvement was 91% among younger patients and 96% among older patients. Pre-operative and post-operative knee-related QOL was better among older patients (P < .0001). Post-operative global health-related QOL was equivalent between groups based on Short Form 12 Physical Component Score and Mental Health Component score (P = .6646 and P = .5705, respectively) and QOL improvement questionnaires (P = .181). Younger patients reported greater knee-related dysfunction and higher activity levels pre-operatively and post-operatively (P ≤ .0002). CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with knee surgery was over 85% regardless of age. Younger patients perceived more knee-related dysfunction and dissatisfaction after surgery despite higher levels of self-reported activity pre-operatively and post-operatively.

Utilizing Dual Mobility Components for First-Time Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Instability.

BACKGROUND: Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant clinical problem. Few studies have focused on the use of dual mobility (DM) components in the setting of first-time revision for instability following THA. Here, we investigate patient outcomes following first-time revision THA with DM components for a diagnosis of instability. METHODS: Institution-wide revision THAs using DM components performed between 2010 and 2013 were identified. Chart review identified 40 patients with average 3-year follow-up who had undergone first-time revision for instability, defined as instability after primary THA. Etiology of instability was classified by Wera type. Patient demographics, medical co-morbidities, re-dislocations, and re-revisions were recorded. Component position and leg-length discrepancy were measured on pre-operative and post-operative radiographs when available. Utilizing Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test, we analyzed differences between those who endured recurrent dislocation and those who did not. RESULTS: Recurrent dislocation occurred in 2 patients (5%). Both patients underwent re-revision for recurrent instability and carried diagnoses of instability of unresolved etiology. Two patients underwent re-revision for reasons unrelated to the DM construct. All-cause re-revision rate at final follow-up was therefore 10% (4 patients). No medical, demographic, or radiographic factors were significantly associated with risk of recurrent instability (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The use of DM components for first-time revision THA for a diagnosis of instability carried a re-dislocation rate of 5% and an all-cause re-revision rate of 10% at average 3-year follow-up. Instability of unresolved etiology was associated with re-dislocation following revision surgery.

Success rates, characteristics, and costs of articulating antibiotic spacers for total knee periprosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND: The optimal type, characteristics, and success rates of articulating antibiotic spacers used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) have not been well defined in a single series. We sought to (1) determine the success rate for three unique spacer constructs and (2) evaluate any microbiological, surgical, or patient characteristics that would influence the success rate. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent a two-stage exchange for a TKA PJI with a prefabricated spacer (PREFAB), home-made mold (MOLD), or autoclaved femoral component (AUTOCL). Patient demographics, microbiology data, amount of antibiotic in each spacer construct, postoperative course, and infection cure outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The success rate for being infection free at final follow-up without the need for further reoperation for infection was 82.7% in the PREFAB group, 88.4% in the MOLD group, and 79.4% in the AUTOCL group (p=0.54). There was no clear statistical link between raw quantities of vancomycin and aminoglycoside in the spacer and a successful outcome. The surgeon's own intraoperatively created mold group had the lowest construct cost at a mean $1341.00±889.10 (p<0.0001) per construct, while the commercial cement molds had the highest mean cost at $5439.00±657.80 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates between the antibiotic spacer types. The surgeon's own intraoperative mold had the least overall associated cost.

Using a non-invasive secure skin closure following total knee arthroplasty leads to fewer wound complications and no patient home care visits compared to surgical staples.

BACKGROUND: Superficial wound complications occur in up to 10% of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures and have been associated with periprosthetic joint infection. The ideal material for TKA closure should offer: 1) fast intraoperative application, 2) minimal wound complications and 3) removable by patients without assistance. We evaluated a novel, non-invasive, removable skin closure system for TKA to determine its effect on wound complications. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 221 consecutive TKA patients who received skin closure using a non-invasive zipper-like system ('Zip'; Zip 16 Surgical Skin Closure System; Zipline Medical). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon using the mini-midvastus approach. Patients received two weeks of rivaroxaban postoperatively. Demographics, comorbidities, in-hospital complications and six-week wound evaluation were recorded. Data was compared to a cohort of 1001 patients from the same surgeon who received staples for closure and coumadin for thromboprophylaxis. RESULTS: Zip patients had a significantly higher BMI (p=0.001), incidence of diabetes (p=0.035) and smoking (p=0.005). Zip patients removed dressings themselves and did not report problems with dressing care. Rate of readmission for wound-related complications was significantly lower in the Zip closure group (p=0.045). Overall readmission rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the Zip 16 Surgical Skin Closure System is easy to apply, avoids home care and has produced fewer wound complications compared to staples. Results have been positive despite the study cohort having a higher number of diabetic patients and using an anticoagulant associated with a higher risk of wound complications.