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International audience; Introduction: Since the development of the last generation of implants total ankle replacements (TAR) is becoming more and more popular in patients and in specialized surgeon teams, the trend for outpatient surgery is growing, and protocols now are well established for hip or knee replacement. We adapted a protocol for outpatient TAR and hypothesized that it could be performed safely as standard procedure. Patients and methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients among 141 TAR were treated with our outpatient protocol relying on three fundamentals: bleed control, pain control, and autonomy. They received 1 g of tranexamic acid before surgery, and after discard from post-operative care unit, they were operated under long-lasting nerve block precociously relayed by oral NSAIDs and had an immediate full weight-bearing authorization at discharge. Results: No patients we readmitted for an acute care following TAR, especially for haematoma or uncontrolled pain. Mean VAS was < 1 before discharge from post-operative care unit and < 2 until day 90. One patient had a delayed wound healing treated surgically at day 30 without implant revision. Conclusion: Outpatient TAR is possible and safe if a risk management process is used, and the three basic principles for outpatient procedures are respected: bleed control, pain control, and patient autonomy. We consider now this modality as a routine.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fusiform capsulectomy of posterior capsule in correcting severe flexion contracture during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective analysis was performed in the patients who had preoperative severe flexion contracture (> 30 degrees) prior to TKA and received fusiform capsulectomy of posterior capsule during TKA between December 2013 and November 2018. Range of motion (ROM), knee functional score, forgotten joint score (FJS), post-operative complications, and radiographic results were collected and evaluated. Twenty patients (32 knees) were enrolled in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 27.19 ± 15.92 months. The flexion contracture improved from pre-operative 37.69 ± 11.79° to post-operative 5.78 ± 4.44° (p

Purpose We asked whether the clinical and radiographic outcomes and survivorship after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for osteoarthritis (OA) consequent to lateral tibial plateau fracture were comparable with those obtained after lateral UKA for primary OA. Methods A total of 13 patients receiving lateral UKA for OA secondary to tibial plateau fracture (post-traumatic UKA, P-UKA) were compared with 13 patients who underwent lateral UKA for primary OA (OA-UKA). Patients were matched for age at surgery, gender, body mass index, and follow-up length. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic assessments included clinical (KSS-c) and functional (KSS-f) Knee Society Score, Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle, and signs of osteolysis. Results Mean follow-up was similar in both groups: 9.9 ± 4.6 years for P-UKA and 9.3 ± 2.4 years for OA-UKA. The two way ANOVA procedure followed by the Bonferroni multiple comparisons test highlighted a baseline difference in KSS-c with PUKA having greater scores than OA-UKA (+ 12; p < 0.05) and both groups showed large improvements in KSS-c (p < 0.001), KSS-f (p < 0.001), and HKA angle (p < 0.001) at follow-up. The nine year prosthesis survival rate, tested by the Kaplan-Meier methods, was 92% in both groups. Conclusion Lateral UKA for OA secondary to tibial plateau fracture was efficient in restoring joint function, improving clinical results, and correcting lower limb alignment. Clinical outcomes and nine year survivorship did not differ from lateral UKA for primary OA. Consequently, lateral UKA should be considered a valid option in treating lateral posttraumatic OA in carefully selected patients.

The study aims to prospectively compare peri-operative morbidity and mortality of simultaneous single-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SS BLTKA) with two-staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TS BLTKA) performed within 12 months of the first surgery. We hypothesized that SS BLTKA is as safe as TS BLTKA. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included in this study. Oxford knee score and quality of life index SF12 was compared between the 2 groups at six weeks and six month follow-up. SS BLTKA included 250 patients and TS BLTKA included 210 patients. The minimum time interval between two operations was three weeks (mean 1.6 months, range 3 weeks-12 months). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in peri-operative mortality, surgical site infection, major peri-operative complications. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the Oxford knee score and quality of life index SF12 at 6-month follow-up. There was no difference in the range of knee flexion between the 2 groups at six months. Post-operative haemoglobin drop was significantly more in SS BLTKA patients and consequently, blood transfusion requirement was significantly higher in SS BLTKA. There was a significantly higher length of hospital stay and duration of surgery in TS BLTKA group. There does not appear to be a difference in complication rates between the 2 groups. SS BLTKA seems to be a logical choice if both knees have severe osteoarthritis. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary compromise were excluded, and a unilateral procedure may be preferred in them.

To identify potential risk factors and micro-organisms associated with prosthetic joint infection following primary total knee replacement surgery. Our hypothesis is that body mass index (BMI), operative time, type of surgery, and order of surgery especially in bilateral simultaneous cases have a major impact on prosthetic joint infection (PJI). We identified 4269 patients who underwent for primary knee replacement surgery between 2008 and 2018. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidities, order of surgery, type of surgery, causative micro-organism, and their antibiotic susceptibility. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was built to identify risk factors that are associated with prosthetic joint infection following primary total knee replacement. Forty-eight patients developed prosthetic joint infection. The factors that are found to be associated with prosthetic joint infection are BMI, operative time, type of surgery, order of surgery, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the major underlying pathogen seen in majority of cases. Despite low incidence of prosthetic joint infection following primary total knee replacement, there are patients at higher risk that would benefit by addressing modifying risk factors significantly associated with prosthetic joint infection.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous concentrated adipose tissue for the treatment of knee OA. Eighty-seven patients with knee arthritis from grade 1 to 3, according to Kellgren-Lawrence scale, have been treated with knee arthroscopy and successive intra-articular injection of concentrated adipose tissue. The efficacy of the treatment has been evaluated by the Knee Society Score, Lysholm Score, Forgotten Joint Score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Noise Reporting Scale. A total of 78/87 patients concluded the study. Overall, the patients were satisfied with the intervention and a significant reduction of the pain was observed in 67 patients, while the others did not report any change in pain severity or worsening. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the considered orthopaedic index, and no major adverse effects were described. The first week after the intervention, most patients reported knee swelling. Five patients failed because they underwent knee replacement surgery between five and nine months from treatment. In patients with knee OA, a single intra-articular injection of autologous adipose tissue reduced knee pain, stiffness, improved knee function and quality of life without severe complications.

The biological action of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could slow down the osteoarthritis progression, resulting in a delay of joint replacement. This work aims to evaluate the ability of PRP to postpone and even avoid knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) analyzing, on the one hand, the time of delay and on the other hand the percentage of patients without undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective analysis and a survival analysis were conducted. KOA patients who underwent knee replacement between 2014 and 2019 and previously received PRP infiltrations were included in the retrospective analysis. Regarding survival analysis, KOA patients who received PRP treatment during 2014 and with follow-up until 2019 were included. The dates of PRP treatment and TKA, KOA severity, age of the patients, number of PRP cycles, and administration route were analyzed. This work included 1084 patients of which 667 met the inclusion criteria. 74.1% of the patients in the retrospective study achieved a delay in the TKA of more than 1.5 years, with a median delay of 5.3 years. The survival analysis showed that 85.7% of the patients did not undergo TKA during the five year follow-up. The severity degree, age, PRP cycles, and administration route had a statistically significant influence on the efficacy of PRP in delaying surgery. These data suggest that the application of PRP in KOA patients is a treatment that could delay TKA, although further studies are needed to understand and improve this therapy.

The occurrence, evolution and treatment outcome of osteoarthritis are influenced by a series of factors, including obesity. Assessing how chronic inflammation present in obesity changes the values of peri-operative biological tests could facilitate a clearer interpretation of laboratory examinations for the proper management of possible complications. This descriptive study compared biological and clinical factors during the peri-operative period in patients undergoing total hip/knee replacement, in order to identify the special characteristics of the inflammatory status in obese compared to normal weight patients. In the two groups (71 normoponderal, 74 obese), serum levels of fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined 24 hours pre- and post-operatively. Our results found significant post-operative increases in serum levels of IL-6 and hsCRP in both groups (p = 0.0001), with inter-group differences in pre-operative hsCRP (p = 0.02) and post-operative IL-6 levels (p = 0.013). Interestingly, TNF-alpha levels were much higher in the obese pre-operatively than post-operatively (p = 0.002) and higher than the normoponderals (p = 0.003), decreasing to levels similar to those of the normal weight patients on day two. Because of its important clinical implications, an appropriate comprehension of the peri-operative changes in a patient’s inflammatory status has the potential to influence therapeutic attitude. We failed to observe any significant post-operative differences in the mean values of the markers assessed, except those of IL-6, implying that serum levels of fibrinogen, hsCRP and TNF-alpha within 24 hours after large joint replacements are not influenced by the patient’s ponderal status.

International audience; PURPOSE:Some recent articles have suggested that in the case of large varus deformity, it may be advantageous to leave some residual post-operative varus as a means of improving functional outcome. The objective of this study is to compare the results of total knee replacement (TKR) performed for significant varus deformity (HKA 180°).METHODS:This series was made up of 208 knees. The mean pre-operative HKA angle was 166 ± 3° (154-169°), of which 150 were followed up for a mean 8.5 years (58 lost to follow-up). Based on post-operative radiographs, two groups were formed: group 1 (88 knees) in which post-operative alignment was 177.8 ± 1° (175-179°) and group 2 (62 knees) in which post-operative alignment was 181 ± 1° (180-184°).RESULTS:The mean international knee society (IKS) score for group 1 was 178.8 ± 22 points (113-200) and 181.7 ± 22 points (95-200) for group 2. Oxford knee score was 20.4 ± 9 points (12-45) in group 1 and 19.2 ± 9 (12-50) in group 2. The results were slightly better in group 2 (in slight valgus) but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.44 and 0.4).CONCLUSION:The results of knee replacement performed for severe varus deformity are not adversely affected by post-operative valgus alignment. There is in fact a trend towards superior results for neutral or valgus alignment than slight residual varus, but this difference was not statistically significant.

With the continued and effective transfer of orthopaedic knowledge and skills across continents, the incidence of hip and knee replacement surgery has increased in the developing world. More patients are having these procedures done locally rather than having to travel over to the more developed western countries at great financial costs for those who cannot really afford it. We report the data collected by an orthopaedic charity MOTEC LIFE UK which has been offering hip and knee arthroplasty procedures to patients who require them. The time period of the procedures was February 2013–October 2017. The data was collated prospectively and this included age, sex, indication for procedure, and side of procedure (including if bilateral). The information on hip implants used were also collected—implant type (cemented or uncemented), type of bearing surface, size of acetabular cup, liner, femoral head size, and stem size and including if screws were used to augment the fixation of the femoral cup. For the knee implants used, information on the type of implant (semi-constrained, cruciate retaining, or Stanmore hinge knee prosthesis), femoral and tibia stem size, insert type (fixed bearing or mobile bearing), and size; patella button size (whether patella replacement or circumcision) were collected. The surgical approach used in both knee and hip arthroplasty cases was noted. It is seen from the data collected that a total of 113 hip arthroplasty procedures from 109 patients were carried out and for total knee replacements, 82 knee arthroplasty procedures from 76 patients were carried out. The above procedures were carried out in two separate hospitals. Degenerative osteoarthritis still remains the main indication for hip and knee arthroplasty surgery in our study and this is similar to other joint registries around the world. It was noted that the incidence of avascular necrosis as an indication hip surgery was higher than that seen in registries for developed countries. The mean age for the hip and knee replacement patient in our data was much lower than that what is obtained in the developed world. Furthermore, it was observed that there was increased use of semi-constrained knee prosthesis due to the severe osteoarthritic deformities noted in the patients seen when compared to rate of use of similar implants in the developed world. This observational study could serve as a springboard for establishment of arthroplasty registries for countries in the sub-region as a whole.

In Norway, 19 % of revisions of non-resurfaced total knee arthroplasties done for knee pain between 1994 and 2011 were Secondary Patella Resurfacing (SPR). It is, however, unclear whether SPR actually resolves the pain. The aim was to investigate prostheses survival and clinical outcomes following SPR.A total of 308 knees (301 patients) with SPR were used to assess implant survival, and a sub-cohort (n = 114 out of 301 patients) with Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) data were used to assess the clinical outcomes. The EuroQol (EQ-5D), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Visual Analogue Scales on satisfaction and pain were used to collect PROM data. Outcomes were analysed by Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and multiple linear regression.The five- and ten-year Kaplan-Meier survival percentages were 91 % and 87 %, respectively. Overall, 35 knees were re-revised at a median follow-up of eight years and pain alone (10 knees) was the main cause of re-revision. Younger patients (60 years) had nearly nine times higher risk of re-revision compared to older patients (70 years) (RR = 8.6; p 0.001). Mean EQ-5D index score had improved from 0.41 (SD 0.21) preoperative to 0.56 (SD 0.25) postoperative following SPR. A total of 63 % of patients with PROM data were satisfied with the outcomes of SPR.The long-term prostheses survival following SPR was satisfactory, although not as good as for primary knee replacement. Patients' health related quality of life improved significantly following SPR. Still, more than a third of patients with PROMs data were dissatisfied with the outcomes of the SPR procedure.

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacement bearings produce metallic ions that can cause health complications. Metallic release also occurs with other materials, but data on metallic ion levels after knee arthroplasty are sparse. We postulate that knee replacement generates elevating metallic ions (chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co) and titanium (Ti)) during the first year after implantation. This ongoing prospective study included all patients who underwent the same type of knee arthroplasty between May and December 2013. Cr, Co and Ti levels were measured in whole blood at pre-operation and one-year follow-up (6 and 12 months). Clinical and radiographic data (range of motion, Oxford, International Knee Society (IKS) and satisfaction scores) were recorded. In 90 patients, preoperative Cr, Co and Ti metallic ion levels were respectively 0.45 μg/l, 0.22 μg/l, 2.94 μg/l and increased to 1.27 μg/l, 1.41 μg/l, 4.08 μg/l (p

Newer TKR designs have been introduced to the market with the aim of overcoming common sizing problems with older TKR designs. Furthermore, since a sizable percentage of patients with OA present with disease limited to the medial/lateral knee compartment in addition to the patellofemoral joint, for whom, a customized bi-compartmental knee replacement (BKR) is available as a treatment option. To date, there is very little information regarding knee strength and mechanics during gait for patients implanted with these modern TKR and BKR designs. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knee strength and mechanics during walking for patients with either a modern off the shelf TKR or a customized BKR and compare these findings to a cohort of healthy controls. Twelve healthy controls, eight BKR, and nine TKR patients participated in the study. Maximal isometric knee strength was evaluated. 3D kinematic and kinetic analyses were conducted for level walking. The TKR knee exhibited less peak extensor torque when compared to, both the BKR and control limbs (p

Total knee arthroplasty revision has wound healing deficits of up to 20 %. Defects in the knee region of multimorbid patients are hard to treat as complete explantation and revision arthroplasty is often too burdensome for them. In this study, we present our results with flaps for the treatment of defects after knee replacement, arthrodesis or osteosynthesis.Twenty-five patients (26 knees) with defects in the knee region were treated with flaps. Mean follow-up was 37 months (13-61) and the patients had a mean age of 72 years (49-85). A total of 39 flaps were performed (27 muscle flaps, seven fascio-cutaneous flaps and five free flaps).Patients with more than three comorbidities showed higher risk of complications after surgery. Fifteen patients showed no infection at last follow up. Five patients received an arthrodesis of the knee, two showed persistent infection of the implant with fistula, and three were amputated above the knee.Amputation could be avoided in 22 cases (85 %). The gastrocnemius muscle flap showed good results in the treatment of defects after arthroplasty or arthrodesis of the knee in multimorbid patients. This procedure can be used if further revision surgery is not indicated.

The key to a successful knee replacement is restoring normal kinematics with a neutral alignment, thus a hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle of 180° (within 3° limits). Conventional TKR is proven to have excellent results but relies in extensive visual referencing of bony landmarks. Customised cutting blocks provide accurate bone cuts, also lowering the risk of fat embolism, blood loss and operating time.We share our experience comparing two different TKA techniques using patient specific instrumentation (PSI) with the Visionaire knee and conventional instrumentation (CVI) from the same system (Genesis II SmithNephew). A total number of 80 knees were divided into two equal groups, 40 PSI and 40 CVI respectively, operated between April 2013 and August 2014. One female patient had bilateral TKR during this period, at six months interval, both with the PSI.All operated knees had varus deformity, with a mean HKA of 168° (PSI) vs 163° (CVI). We used tranexamic acid (double-dose scheme) and suction drains for 48 hours, with a mean blood drainage in the PSI group of 185 ml and Hb levels of 11.2 g/dl at three days post, compared to 260 ml and 10.7 g/dl in the CVI. Mean blood loss was 3.5 g/dl in PSI, and 4.2 g/dl in the CVI. On the long leg standing radiograph at six weeks, all knees were aligned in frontal plane, with simillar HKA values (178.9° PSI vs 178.6° CVI). Bone cuts measured intraoperatively proved to be accurate within a 1 mm limit.We cannot recommend PSI-TKR for a better outcome. It is an alternative to conventional and computer-assisted TKR, but further studies are needed to evaluate weather surgical or economic benefits may be achieved by choosing customised instruments.

The ability to identify and focus care to patients at higher risk of moderate to severe postoperative pain should improve analgesia and patient satisfaction, and may affect reimbursement. We undertook this multi-centre cross-sectional study to identify preoperative risk factors for moderate to severe pain after total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacement.A total of 897 patients were identified from electronic medical records. Preoperative information and anaesthetic technique was gained by retrospective chart review. The primary outcomes were moderate to severe pain (pain score ≥ 4/10) at rest and with activity on postoperative day one. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for moderate to severe pain.Moderate to severe pain was reported by 20 % at rest and 33 % with activity. Predictors for pain at rest were female gender (OR 1.10 with 95 % CI 1.01-1.20), younger age (0.96, 0.94-0.99), increased BMI (1.02, 1.01-1.03), TKR vs. THR (3.21, 2.73-3.78), increased severity of preoperative pain at the surgical site (1.15, 1.03-1.30), preoperative use of opioids (1.63, 1.32-2.01), and general anaesthesia (8.51, 2.13-33.98). Predictors for pain with activity were TKR vs. THR (1.42, 1.28-1.57), increased severity of preoperative pain at the surgical site (1.11, 1.04-1.19), general anaesthesia (9.02, 3.68-22.07), preoperative use of anti-convulsants (1.78, 1.32-2.40) and anti-depressants (1.50, 1.08-2.80), and prior surgery at the surgical site (1.28, 1.05-1.57).Our findings provide clinical guidance for preoperative stratification of patients for more intensive management potentially including education, nursing staffing, and referral to specialised pain management.

Multimodal thromboprophylaxis includes preoperative thromboembolic risk stratification and autologous blood donation, surgery performed under regional anaesthesia, postoperative rapid mobilisation, use of pneumatic compression devices and chemoprophylaxis tailored to the patient's individual risk. We determined the 90-day rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE), other complications and mortality in patients who underwent primary elective hip and knee replacement surgery with multimodal thromboprophylaxis.A total of 1,568 consecutive patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery received multimodal thromboprophylaxis: 1,115 received aspirin, 426 received warfarin and 27 patients received low molecular weight heparin and warfarin with or without a vena cava filter.The rate of VTE, pulmonary embolism, proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and distal DVT was 1.2, 0.36, 0.45 and 0.36 %, respectively, in patients who received aspirin. The rates in those who received warfarin were 1.4, 0.9, 0.47 and 0.47 %, respectively. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 0.2 %.Multimodal thromboprophylaxis in which aspirin is administered to low-risk patients is safe and effective following primary total joint replacement.

The purpose of this study was to explore the increasing prevalence of factors affecting hospital charges for primary total hip replacement/total knee replacement (THR/TKR). This study analysed 37,918 THR and 76,727 TKR procedures performed in Taiwan from 1996 to 2004. Odds ratio (OR) and effect size (ES) were calculated to assess the relative change rate. Multiple regression models were employed to predict hospital charges. The following factors were associated with increased hospital charges: age younger than 65 years old; increased disease severity (Charlson comorbidity index [CCI] = 1 oror = 2); absence of primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), avascular necrosis (AVN); treatment at a hospital or by a surgeon performing a high volume of operations; and longer average length of stay (ALOS). The Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) should ensure that surgeons take precautionary measures to minimise complications and maximise quality of life after surgery. Use of joint prostheses from different manufacturers can reduce costs without compromising patient satisfaction.

Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee often require bilateral knee replacement before fulfilling their full ambulatory potential. Despite extensive research there is considerable debate about the risks of performing simultaneous bilateral knee replacements under the same anaesthetic. Our aim was to compare the relative short-term morbidity of one-stage bilateral with unilateral total knee arthroplasty in a retrospective, consecutive cohort of patients. Seventy-two bilateral knee replacements were case-matched for age and gender with 144 unilateral knees. One-stage bilateral arthroplasty was associated with increased morbidity with respect to wound (6.0 vs 0.7%; p = 0.003) and deep prosthetic (3.5% vs 0.7 %; p = 0.02) infections, cardiac complications (3.5% vs 0.7%; p = 0.04) and chest infections (7.0% vs 1.4%; p = 0.04). No differences were observed in the mortality rates (p = 0.30) and risk of thrombo-embolism (p = 0.70). We conclude that one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty is associated with increased morbidity compared with unilateral knee replacement.

Ninety-seven patients with 99 total knee arthroplasties were operated on by a surgeon in the first 3 years of his surgical career. Complete survival data were available for all 99 knees. The cases were reviewed at a minimum of 10 years after their initial operation, but as 37 patients had died before reaching 10 years, the average follow-up was 8 years 8 months with a maximum of 12 years 4 months. Ninety-one patients had osteoarthritis, five had rheumatoid arthritis, and three had juvenile chronic arthritis. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four required revision. The 10-year survival rate, using revision for all causes as an end-point, was 94.96%. The survival rate for aseptic loosening was 97.04%. The survival rate for loose joints that had not been revised was 94.13%. Three of the four revisions occurred in the first 6 patients operated upon, suggesting there may be a learning curve for surgeons at this stage in their career.

Despite bilateral knee replacement being frequently performed, little data is available to inform on the relative outcomes of each knee for individual patients. The purpose of this study was to compare these outcomes in a series of bilateral total knee replacements (TKRs) performed either simultaneously or at a staged interval. We compared outcomes measured by the Oxford Knee Score (OKS; /48) in a series of 656 bilateral TKRs (328 patients). One hundred and fifty-six TKRs were simultaneous and 500 TKRs staged. Of the staged patients, in 164 (65.6 %) the post-operative OKS in their second TKR matched the first, it was worse in 57 (22.8 %) and better in 29 (11.6 %). The trend was towards a worse OKS in the second staged TKR (p = 0.003). Mean improvement was similar in simultaneous cases to the first staged TKR (24.3 vs. 24.0; p = 0.883) but significantly less in second staged TKRs (20.2; p

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognised post-operative complication of major lower limb joint arthroplasty. Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest the use of both mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis following hip and knee replacement. Since the introduction of enhanced recovery programmes following hip and knee arthroplasty the requirement for routine pharmacological VTE prophylaxis has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of pharmacological prophylaxis against symptomatic VTE in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty under an enhanced recovery programme.Symptomatic VTE incidence was audited in 1,100 patients undergoing primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty at the same hospital with only mechanical prophylaxis from 2007 to 2009. Following addition of chemical prophylaxis (enoxaparin) symptomatic VTE incidence in 522 patients undergoing primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty from 2011 to 2012 was re-audited.In the mechanical prophylaxis group incidence of DVT was 0.73 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.37-1.43 %] and incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) 0.91 % (95 % CI 0.49-1.67 %). Following addition of pharmacological prophylaxis incidence of DVT was 0.57 % (95 % CI 0.20-1.68 %) and incidence of PE 1.15 % (95 % CI 0.53-2.48 %).We found no statistically significant difference in symptomatic VTE incidence following the addition of enoxaparin. We question whether routine pharmacological prophylaxis still has a role following total hip and knee arthroplasty. Peri-operative optimisation, including post-operative analgesia and mobility, with current enhanced recovery programmes may be sufficient. As anticoagulants carry increased risk of post-operative bleeding and wound ooze, in addition to significant cost implications, their role remains controversial.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials is to assess the effectiveness of no drainage when compared to drainage in total knee arthroplasty, in terms of recovery of knee flexion, reduction in swelling, length of hospital stay and haemoglobin levels following TKA. Six randomised controlled trials were included. There is no significant difference between the individuals who receive a drain and those who do not across any of the measures examined (p

In line with the SICOT policy of universality, the Editorial Board has opted to deal with the subject of osteotomy around the knee (OAK) for this special issue because this surgery is being performed today in most parts of the world. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the major indications and results of OAK. General orthopaedic surgeons worldwide have all been trained to practice at least high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Indeed, it is one of the most frequent procedures in knee osteoarthritis and does not need any sophisticated instruments or implants. It is also convenient in some countries for socio-economic reasons. Concerning OA of the medial or lateral compartment, the goal of osteotomy is to transfer the weight load from the damaged area to an undamaged compartment, thus delaying a joint arthroplasty. HTO remains a viable option for selected patients. To address some major aspects of OAK, we have selected and invited eminent authors from 11 countries in four continents. Among them, Tomihisa Koshino from Japan who is famous for his outstanding experience. If the international orthopaedic community were to give an OAK recognition award, it would be given to Tomihisa Koshino of Yokohama both for his pioneering work and for the number of impressive articles and excellent results. The state of the art is mainly concerned with biomechanics, which are being revisited, preoperative planning, precision of surgical techniques and calculation of angles sufficiently accurately to optimise axes correction and enhance cartilage regeneration. New challenges are born with navigation and with new implants, allowing greater surgical indications in addition to better OAK stability and knee mobility. Modern reviews are reporting slightly longer satisfactory results. Regarding our 21 articles, three good reviews are from the United States. First, Wolcott et al. [1] have stated that “Correction of malalignment in young patients with unicompartmental disease has shown promising results, but more long-term, prospective studies are needed to determine functional results”. The review of Sherman and Cabanela (Mayo Clinic) [2] concerns closing osteotomy in femur and tibia. Their “principal indications include unicompartmental medial and, to a lesser extent, varus knee gonarthrosis and unicompartmental lateral or valgus knee gonarthrosis with a well-maintained range of motion in patients who are physiologically young”. Based on the findings of Amendola and Bonasia [3], “the ideal candidate for a HTO is a young patient (

We reviewed the perioperative records of haemophiliac patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR) over the period 1990–1999 and followed up the surviving patients. Nine knees were replaced in eight patients. Seven of the nine patients did not require blood transfusion. Mean perioperative haemoglobin drop was 2.9 g/dl. There were no significant complications. All surviving patients (eight TKRs) were reviewed clinically using a standard scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 51 months. All patients scored excellent (>90/100) in the functional category. The frequency of haemarthroses fell significantly from the rate experienced prior to TKR, and pain scores were zero.

When unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) failure occurs, a revision procedure to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often necessary. We compared the long-term results of this procedure to primary TKA and evaluated whether they are clinically comparable. Twenty-one patients underwent UKA conversion to TKA between 1991 and 2000. The results of these patients were compared to the group of 28 primary TKA patients with the same age, sex and operation time point. The long-term outcomes were evaluated using clinical and radiological analysis. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 10.5 years. The UKA revision patients were more dissatisfied, as measured by the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scale (0-100 mm) compared to the primary TKA patients (pain 18.1/7.8; p = 0.014; stiffness 25.7/14.4, p = 0.024; physical function 19.0/14.8, p = 0.62). Two patients were revised twice in the UKA revision group. There was one revision in the primary TKA group (p = 0.39). Improvement in range of motion (ROM) was better in the TKA patients compared to the UKA revision patients (8.2 degrees /-2.6 degrees , p = 0.0001). We suggest that UKA conversion to TKA is associated with poorer clinical outcome as compared to primary TKA.

The purpose of this work was to document eleven years of experience in knee replacement for fixed knee valgus through a lateral approach with special emphasis on the balancing procedures. At a mean follow-up of seven years, only one revision for sepsis was required in this series of 63 knee replacements. The mean knee score improved from 37 (range 20-45) to 91 (range 65-100) at the last review (p0.01) while the function score increased from 29.5 (range 0-50) to 78.7 (range 10-100) (p = 0.01). The mean mechanical axis (HKA) was 14.7 degrees of valgus preoperatively and 1 degrees of valgus postoperatively. After the iliotibial band was automatically released in the approach, only four of 63 knees required additional release for tightness in extension. These results underline the appeal of the lateral approach with the automatic release of the iliotibial band. If required, additional ligament release is recommended step-by-step after bone section to avoid postoperative instability.

Septic and aseptic loosening with or without extensive bone loss after total knee replacement are the most common indications for knee fusion. Both external fixation and intramedullary nailing can be used for the treatment, though the latter appears to be the method of choice for most patients. Nine patients were treated after a total knee replacement failure using intramedullary nailing. A long intramedullary nail with a proximal interlocking screw was used in five cases, and a customised nail was used in four cases. Successful fusion occurred in eight of nine patients (89%). Average time for the joint union was 6.5 months, and average operative blood loss was 860 ml. In two patients, iliac crest and patellar bone graft were also used. In conclusion, intramedullary nailing can give excellent results in achieving knee fusion after a failed knee replacement as it allows early weight bearing and at the same time offers stability, pain relief, and a high rate of union, even though the surgical technique is demanding.

There has been a debate amongst orthopaedic surgeons about which plain radiographs are required in common knee conditions and this is a 5-year review assessing the influence of recent publications on the use of radiographs. A postal survey of all members of the British Orthopaedic Association was performed. The response rate was 60% (990/1,650). There was a broad agreement on the use of anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The use of the posteroanterior (PA) weight-bearing radiograph has increased from 82 to 86%. The use of skyline view for suspected arthritis and after knee replacement has increased from 23 to 41%. There is still disparity amongst orthopaedic surgeons regarding the knee flexion angle for skyline and weight-bearing views. After review of the literature we recommend that a single skyline view in 30 degrees flexion is adequate and should be a standard investigation in knee disorders. We also stress the importance of weight-bearing PA radiograph in 30 degrees knee flexion for adequate assessment in all patients with suspected arthritis.

Total knee replacement has been carried out in the 4 knees of 2 patients for spontaneous bony ankylosis. Minimally constrained prostheses were used because the ligaments were usually intact and the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint lines could be re-established. The approach and repair was by a V-Y quadricepsplasty. Satisfactory results were obtained.

Seventy-seven anatomically graduated components (AGC) total knee arthroplasties (TKA) were performed on 52 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis. According to the nature of previous surgery on the knee, the patients were subdivided into three groups. The mean age at onset of disease in 23 patients with previous synovectomy of the knee was 11 (1.5–16) years, the mean age at the time of synovectomy was 20 (4–42) and the mean age when arthroplasty was performed was 31 (18–45) years. In nine patients with previous epiphyseal stapling, the mean age at disease onset was 4 (1.5–8) years, at stapling 8 (4–16) years, and at arthroplasty 23 (18–30) years. In patients with no previous surgery, the mean age at disease onset in this group was 7 (1.5–16) years and the mean age at arthroplasty 34 (16–64) years. Patients with need for epiphyseal arrest had an early disease onset and knee replacement in early adulthood. The mean age at knee replacements was highest in the group with no prior surgery.

We reviewed 32 patients who all had knee arthrodesis performed after failed knee replacement. The minimum clinical follow-up was 1 year. The arthrodesis was performed by means of the Wichita fusion nail in 11, by external fixation in 15 cases, by plating in three and by intramedullary nailing in three. The mean patient age was 68.6 years. When the Wichita nail was used, fusion was achieved in ten out of 11 cases after a mean period of 4.5 (3–7) months. Of the remaining 21 patients, fusion was only achieved in 11 cases after a mean period of 6.5 (4.5–10) months.

Four fresh, cadaveric specimens were fitted with total knee replacements and mounted on a knee joint loading and measuring rig. Femoral component micromotion in the sagittal plane was measured with a transducer during flexion and extension of the specimen. Various condylar designs were used without and with cement. Movement followed a characteristic curve pattern and was less with cement fixation particularly for bone of low trabecular strength as determined by bone sample tests for stiffness. Cement fixation appears to be superior to cementless fixation.

The axial alignment on short and long radiographs was measured in 50 knees in 34 patients who had undergone posteriorly stabilised (Insall-Burstein) condylar knee arthroplasty. A mean difference of 1.6 degrees was found when the tibiofemoral angles were compared on short and long radiographs. Short radiographs are probably adequate for routine assessment of knee replacements in a busy out-patient clinic, but for accurate scientific studies the long radiographs are preferable.

Walking ability has been assessed in 20 patients before and after knee replacement. In 8, who had severe osteoarthritis, a bicompartmental ICLH (Imperial College-London Hospital) prosthesis was used; in 12, with moderate arthritis, the medial side of the joint was replaced by a unicompartmental Brigham prosthesis. Knee function was assessed with the British Orthopaedic Association assessment chart, and walking capacity by the oxygen cost of level walking. Before operation, the function was the same in both groups, but patients with moderate osteoarthritis could walk faster with a lower energy cost than those with severe osteoarthritis. One year after operation, all the patients had improved clinically, alignment had been corrected, and the knees were stable with a satisfactory range of movement. Walking speed was improved; pain and perceived exertion were reduced. The oxygen cost of walking was decreased in patients with a unicompartmental arthroplasty, but not in patients with a total replacement. An uneconomic walking pattern, acquired before operation in those with severe osteoarthritis, was considered to be the reason why walking efficiency was not improved. The walking ability in patients with moderate osteoarthritis recovered to almost normal after unicompartmental replacement.

This paper presents the results of adding the antibiotic cefuroxime to CMW bone cement in a group of patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement, in which the levels of cefuroxime were assayed in the blood, wound drainage fluid, urine and surplus bone cement. It was found that very small amounts of cefuroxime, less than 5%, were recovered in the urine, serum and drainage fluid in the first week following operation, and since it is known that cefuroxime is not metabolised or excreted elsewhere in the body, it must follow that approximately 95% remains in the bone cement as a potential source of prophylaxis against infection.

Ninety-five modular total knee replacements, 54 of them unicompartmental, have been reviewed. The average follow-up was three years. The major indication for operation was pain. A precise reoperative radiographic evaluation and a technique for a positioning the components are described. This had led to a significant improvement in the clinical and radiographic results in 67 out of 95 knees which were operated on. The modifications concern the orientation of the tibial cut, the placing of the femoral components and the correction of axial deviation. The main causes of the 13% of failures in our series were either errors in positioning the components or a preoperative diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Unicompartmental replacement gave similar results in both valgus and varus knees, and the morbidity was lower than in the biocompartmental replacements. The best results were obtained in osteoarthritic knees in elderly patients and in posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Anterior knee pain is one of the most common causes of persistent problems after implantation of a total knee replacement. It can occur in patients with or without patellar resurfacing. As a result of the surgical procedure itself many changes can occur which may affect the delicate interplay of the joint partners in the patello-femoral joint. Functional causes of anterior knee pain can be distinguished from mechanical causes. The functional causes concern disorders of inter- and intramuscular coordination, which can be attributed to preoperative osteoarthritis. Research about anterior knee pain has shown that not only the thigh muscles but also the hip and trunk stabilising muscles may be responsible for the development of a dynamic valgus malalignment. Dynamic valgus may be a causative factor for patellar maltracking. The mechanical causes of patello-femoral problems after knee replacement can be distinguished according to whether they increase instability in the joint, increase joint pressure or whether they affect the muscular lever arms. These causes include offset errors, oversizing, rotational errors of femoral or tibial component, instability, maltracking and chondrolysis, patella baja and aseptic loosening. In these cases, reoperation or revision is often necessary.

The concentrations of Gentamicin in the serum, drainage fluid and urine were determined by radioimmunoassay in 40 patients after total hip replacement and 10 after knee replacement. Palacos R bone cement with added Gentamicin had been used to fix the prostheses in all cases. Two types of response were observed; in Group I the Gentamicin levels rose very rapidly, whereas in Group II a more gradual increase was seen. In all cases the level of Gentamicin had fallen to a negligible amount by the fifth day after operation.

The cruciate ligaments were resected with their bony insertions during total knee arthroplasty carried out in 12 patients with severe rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. The ligaments were examined histologically and biomechanically, using ten specimens from healthy adults as a control. A significant difference was found in the tensile stiffness and viscoelastic properties of the ligaments between the arthritic and the control group. The ligaments in the rheumatoid knees had a distinctly inferior tensile strength compared with the osteoarthritic knees. Total knee replacement, which also replaces ligament function, should therefore be considered in severely damaged rheumatoid knees.

This is a case report of a fifty-year old female patient with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone well localised in the distal metaphysis of the right femur. It was treated by 'en bloc' resection and replacement with a purpose-made polymethylmethacrylate prosthesis and a Waldius-type knee replacement. The diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopy. The patient had good function of the limb and was symptom free two years later.