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Introduction: Pilot or feasibility trials examine the feasibility, viability and recruitment potential of larger, main trials. Specifically, a pilot trial can be instrumental in identifying methodological issues essential to the development of an effective research protocol. However, numerous studies published as pilot or feasibility studies have demonstrated notable inconsistencies in the nature of information reported, resulting in poor-quality and incomplete reporting. It is unclear whether such low quality or incompleteness of reporting is also prevalent in arthroplasty pilot trials., Methods and Analysis: This protocol outlines a methodological survey examining the completeness of reporting among hip and knee arthroplasty pilot trials in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 extension to pilot trials. Secondary objectives include: (1) determining the prevalence of 'spin' practices, defined as: (a) placing a focus on statistical significance rather than feasibility, (b) presenting results that show the trial to be non-feasible as feasible or (c) emphasising the effectiveness or potential intervention benefits rather than feasibility; (2) determining factors associated with incomplete reporting, and 'spin'. A search of PubMed will be conducted for pilot trials in hip or knee arthroplasty published between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2023. Following screening, appropriate data will be extracted from eligible publications and reported as descriptive statistics, encompassing elements of the CONSORT checklist associated with completeness of reporting. Logistic regression analysis and Poisson regression will be used to analyse factors associated with completeness of reporting and spin., Ethics and Dissemination: This methodological review does not require formal ethical approval, as it will solely involve the use of published and publicly reported literature. The results of this study will be disseminated through submission to peer-reviewed journals and academic conference presentations. Study details will be sent to McMaster University's media coordinators to be shared through the institution's research-focused platforms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Since the meniscus is an important stabilizing structure of the knee joint and has a significant role in load-bearing and shock absorption, so the complete structural and functional reconstructions of the teared menisci should be done not only after partial meniscectomy but also post total meniscectomy. So far, animal experiments and good clinical practice have showed that TMAT after total meniscectomy has partially solved the problem of structural and functional reconstructions after total meniscectomy. However, partial meniscectomy will also lead to accelerated knee degeneration, and its proportion is much higher than that of patients with total meniscectomy. Herein, the feasibility of PMAT after partial meniscectomy was investigated for the first time by using the 40% posterior horn meniscectomy model of the medial meniscus in Beagle dogs, and also for the first time, TMAT group and the total meniscectomy group were used as control groups. Compared with the TMAT, the transcriptomics evaluation, scanning electron microscope observation, histological regeneration and structure, biomechanical property, inflammation environment, and the knee function post PMAT were more similar to that of normal meniscus was first reported. This study provides a PMAT scheme with clinical translational value for the complete structural and functional reconstruction of the patients with partial meniscectomy and fills the gap in the field of teared meniscus therapy on the basis of quite well clinical applications of the meniscus repair and the TMAT., (© 2022 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics.)

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between surgeons and two validated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) appropriateness tools, and secondarily to compare Australian appropriateness rates to those reported internationally., Methods: A consecutive sample of patients from one public hospital arthroplasty clinic and a convenience sample from private rooms of surgeons in New South Wales, Australia (n = 11), referred for surgical opinion regarding TKA were enrolled over 1 year. Surgeons applied appropriateness tools created by Escobar et al. and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Correlation between the appropriateness tools and surgeon's decisions were evaluated., Results: There were 368 patients enrolled, and contrasting rates of being "appropriate" for surgery were identified between the Escobar (n = 109, 29.6%) and AAOS (n = 292, 79.3%) tools. Surgeon agreement with the Escobar tool was substantial (ĸ = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.53-0.69) compared to slight with the AAOS tool (ĸ = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.06-0.16). Of those advised against TKA (n = 179, 48.6%), the AAOS tool suggested many patients (n = 111, 62.0%) were "appropriate" compared to the Escobar tool (n = 12, 6.7%)., Conclusions: Surgeons rated patients seeking opinion for TKA as appropriate over half the time, however the AAOS tool had low correlation with surgeons as opposed to the Escobar tool. This was illustrated by both tools rating a majority of patients to be operated on as appropriate, but only the AAOS tool considering most patients not chosen for surgery to be appropriate. When comparing previously published appropriateness rates, appropriateness in Australia, USA, Spain and Qatar was found to be similar., (Copyright © 2021 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. All rights reserved.)

Importance: The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model is Medicare's mandatory bundled payment reform to improve quality and spending for beneficiaries who need total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR), yet it does not account for sociodemographic risk factors such as race/ethnicity and income. Results of this study could be the basis for a Medicare payment reform that addresses inequities in joint replacement care., Objective: To examine the association of the CJR model with racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the use of elective THR and TKR among older Medicare beneficiaries after accounting for the population of patients who were at risk or eligible for these surgical procedures., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used the 2013 to 2017 national Medicare data and multivariable logistic regressions with triple-differences estimation. Medicare beneficiaries who were aged 65 to 99 years, entitled to Medicare, alive at the end of the calendar year, and residing either in the 67 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) mandated to participate in the CJR model or in the 104 control MSAs were identified. A subset of Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of arthritis underwent THR or TKR. Data were analyzed from March to December 2020., Exposures: Implementation of the CJR model in 2016., Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes were separate binary indicators for whether a beneficiary underwent THR or TKR. Key independent variables were MSA treatment status, pre- or post-CJR model implementation phase, combination of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic beneficiaries) and dual eligibility, and their interactions. Logistic regression models were used to control for patient characteristics, MSA fixed effects, and time trends., Results: The 2013 cohort included 4 447 205 Medicare beneficiaries, of which 2 025 357 (45.5%) resided in MSAs with the CJR model. The cohort's mean (SD) age was 77.18 (7.95) years, and it was composed of 2 951 140 female (66.4%), 3 928 432 non-Hispanic White (88.3%), and 657 073 dually eligible (14.8%) beneficiaries. Before the CJR model implementation, rates were highest among non-Hispanic White non-dual-eligible beneficiaries at 1.25% (95% CI, 1.24%-1.26%) for THR use and 2.28% (95% CI, 2.26%-2.29%) for TKR use in MSAs with CJR model. Compared with MSAs without the CJR model and the analogous race/ethnicity and dual-eligibility group, the CJR model was associated with a 0.10 (95% CI, 0.05-0.15; P < .001) percentage-point increase in TKR use for non-Hispanic White non-dual-eligible beneficiaries, a 0.11 (95% CI, 0.004-0.21; P = .04) percentage-point increase for non-Hispanic White dual-eligible beneficiaries, a 0.15 (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.01; P = .04) percentage-point decrease for non-Hispanic Black non-dual-eligible beneficiaries, and a 0.18 (95% CI, -0.34 to -0.01; P = .03) percentage-point decrease for non-Hispanic Black dual-eligible beneficiaries. These CJR model-associated changes in TKR use were 0.25 (95% CI, -0.40 to -0.10; P = .001) percentage points lower for non-Hispanic Black non-dual-eligible beneficiaries and 0.27 (95% CI, -0.45 to -0.10; P = .002) percentage points lower for non-Hispanic Black dual-eligible beneficiaries compared with the model-associated changes for non-Hispanic White non-dual-eligible beneficiaries. No association was found between the CJR model and a widening of the THR use gap among race/ethnicity and dual eligibility groups., Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this study indicate that the CJR model was associated with a modest increase in the already substantial difference in TKR use among non-Hispanic Black vs non-Hispanic White beneficiaries; no difference was found for THR. These findings support the widespread concern that payment reform has the potential to exacerbate disparities in access to joint replacement care.

Computer-assisted orthopedic surgery improves mechanical alignment and the accuracy of surgical cuts in the context of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A simplified, navigation-enhanced instrumentation system was assessed to determine whether the same effects could be achieved with a less intrusive system. Two cohorts of surgeons (experienced and trainees) performed a series of TKA cuts using models with and without navigation-enhanced instrumentation. The accuracy of each system was determined via the rate of outliers, measured as any cut that deviated from the planned cut by more than 2° or 2 mm. The effect of experience level was limited, with only the outlier rate for tibial varus or valgus measurement showing a significant difference between user groups with conventional instrumentation (P=.004). The use of navigation-enhanced instrumentation significantly reduced the total outlier rate compared with conventional instrumentation from 35% to 4% for experienced users (P<.001) and from 34% to 10% for trainees (P<.001). These results suggest that navigation-enhanced instrumentation is a viable alternative to conventional instrumentation to reduce outlier rates and improve cut accuracy. This trial also showed that additional experience may not correlate with improved surgical accuracy. Outliers may not reflect individual surgical ability as much as limitations of the instrumentation or other unidentified factors. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(1):54-57.]., (Copyright 2020, SLACK Incorporated.)

When sizing the femoral component or determining its placement in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), if the anterior-posterior diameter of the femoral condyle is between component sizes, the selected size will differ depending on whether anterior referencing (AR) or posterior referencing (PR) is used. As a result, the amount of resected bone will also vary. In the present prospective study, we compared the two referencing methods to determine which is more suitable for individual patients. We recruited 58 patients (92 joints) who received TKA using the standard technique with intermediate-size components. AR was used in 26 joints, and PR in 23 joints. Seventeen of the patients underwent same-day bilateral TKA in which components of different sizes were used for the left and right joints. AR resulted in significantly smaller anterior and posterior offsets than PR. Preoperative clinical evaluation revealed no significant differences among cases in which intermediate-size components were indicated, or those in which components of different sizes were indicated. When an intermediate-sized component was indicated using the AR method, moving the sizer forward resulted in a larger posterior gap, but this technique was nevertheless considered acceptable. AR is likely to be more suitable than PR as it achieves more physiological anterior clearance.

There is a noticeable increase in the unnecessary ordering of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the knee in older patients. This quality improvement study assessed the frequency of unnecessary pre-consultation knee MRIs and investigated the effect on the outcome of the patients' consultation with the orthopedic surgeon. 650 medical charts of patients aged 55 years or older referred to an orthopedic clinic with knee complaints were reviewed. Patients arriving with a pre-consultation MRI were identified, and the usefulness of the MRI was evaluated using the appropriateness criteria developed to support this study. Of the 650 patient charts reviewed, 225 patients presented with a pre-consultation MRI, 76% of which were not useful for the orthopedic surgeon. The ordered knee MRI scans were considered not useful because they were requested for confirmed meniscal tear for patients ≥55 years, suspected degenerative disorder and ligament/tendon injury, or for patients with severe osteoarthritis without locking or extension. These MRI scans were done despite the absence of signs of effusion, tenderness, soft tissue swelling, decreased range of motion, or difficulty of weight-bearing, a lack of persistent knee joint pain at the time of assessment, or with no x-ray before ordering MRI. Half of the patients with a pre-consult MRI did not present with plain radiographs of their knee, however, 35% of those still required an x-ray to be ordered at the time of the surgical consult. A logistic regression analysis on post-consult disposition found that patients with pre-consult MRI were less likely to be considered for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (OR 0.424, CI 0.258-0.698, p = 0.001). Patients assessed by an advanced practice physiotherapist prior to referral for surgical consult were 4.47 more likely to have TKA (CI 2.844-7.039, p< 0.000). Most of the pre-consult knee MRIs were deemed as unnecessary for the orthopedic surgeon's clinical decision-making. This study highlights the potential benefits of following a comprehensive model of care within the referral process to reduce the unnecessary high orders of pre-consult MRI scans., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. The afflition does not alter the authros’ adherence to all PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and marterial.

Background: Many practices require tissues from hip and knee arthroplasty procedures to be sent for pathologic examination. These examinations rarely provide information beyond the clinical or radiologic diagnosis and rarely alter clinical management. We aimed to determine the rate at which histologic diagnoses based on gross assessment alone or gross plus microscopic assessment correspond with reported clinical diagnoses in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasties and whether the histologic diagnoses alter patient management., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed arthroplasty cases performed at a high-volume teaching hospital in Manitoba, Canada. The clinical diagnosis was compared with the final pathology report based on gross examination, with or without histologic assessment. The results of the comparison were classified into 3 categories: concordant (same diagnosis), discrepant (different diagnoses without alterations in management) and discordant (different diagnoses resulting in management change). The overall provincial cost for pathologic examination was determined by multiplying the total examination cost by the estimated number of arthroplasty cases., Results: There were 773 patients in our study sample. The concordant rate was 98.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 97.1%-99.1%), the discrepant rate was 1.7% (95% CI 0.9%-2.9%) and the discordant rate was 0.0% (95% CI 0%-0.5%) for 773 cases. The pathology diagnosis did not alter patient management in any case. A total of 91.5% of specimens did not require full histologic review and received gross descriptions only. The discrepancy rate was higher in cases that included microscopic examination than in those that received only gross descriptions (15.2% v. 0.4%, p < 0.001). The overall provincial cost for pathologic examination was estimated at Can$304 556., Conclusion: Submitting routine tissue from arthroplasty procedures to pathology does not affect patient management and therefore provides no value for the health care resources expended in doing so.

Importance: Whether laminar airflow (LAF) in the operating room is effective for decreasing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty remains a clinically important yet controversial issue., Objective: To investigate the association between operating room LAF ventilation systems and the risk of PJI in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty., Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 6972 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty at 2 surgical facilities within a single institution from January 1, 2013, to September 15, 2017, with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. All procedures were performed by 5 board-certified arthroplasty surgeons. Statistical analysis was performed from January 1, 2014, to September 15, 2018., Exposure: Patients underwent total joint arthroplasty in operating rooms equipped with either LAF or turbulent airflow., Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient characteristics were extracted from clinical records. Periprosthetic joint infection was defined according to Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria within 1 year of the index arthroplasty. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to explore the potential association between LAF and risk of PJI at 1 year, and then a sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching was performed to further validate the findings., Results: A total of 6972 patients (2797 who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 4175 who underwent total hip arthroplasty; 3690 women [52.9%]; mean [SD] age, 63.9 [10.7] years) were included. The incidence of PJI within 1 year for patients from the facility without LAF was similar to that of patients from the facility with LAF (0.4% [12 of 3027] vs 0.5% [21 of 3945]). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, after all confounding factors were taken into account, the use of LAF was not associated with a reduction of the risk of PJI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.40-2.19; P = .89). After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference in the incidence of PJI within 1 year for patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty at these 2 sites., Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that the use of LAF in the operating room was not associated with a reduced incidence of PJI after primary total joint arthroplasty. With an appropriate perioperative protocol for infection prevention, LAF does not seem to play a protective role in PJI prevention.

A clinical practice guideline on total knee arthroplasty was developed by an American Physical Therapy (APTA) volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists, an orthopedic surgeon, a nurse, and a consumer. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches to management of total knee arthroplasty., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the surgeon's handedness on the distribution of prosthesis during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA)., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 86 patients (100 knees) with primary TKA completed by the same right-handed surgeon between December 2016 and December 2018, including 72 cases of single knee and 14 of bilateral knees. The patients were divided into dominant group (right side) and non-dominant group (left side) according to the operating position of the surgeon and each group had 50 knees. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, clinical diagnosis, preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and other general data between the two groups ( P >0.05). The operation time and complications were recorded in both groups. The function of knee was evaluated by HSS score. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) were measured by using X-ray film of full-length lower extremity before TKA and at 2 weeks after TKA that were used to evaluate the coronal position of the prosthesis. Posterior distal femoral angle (PDFA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) were measured by using lateral X-ray films at 3 months after operation that were used to evaluate the sagittal position of the prosthesis., Results: There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups ( t =-1.128, P =0.262). One case of posterior tibial artery thrombosis occurred in the dominant group, and 1 case of poor healing of the incision occurred in each of the dominant group and the non-dominant group. Patients in both groups were followed up 12-34 months with an average of 22.0 months. The HSS scores at last follow-up were 87.2±4.3 in the dominant group and 86.8±5.0 in the non-dominant group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( t =0.471, P =0.639). No complications such as periprosthetic infection, prosthetic loosening, or periprosthetic fracture occurred during follow-up. There was no significant difference in the HKA, mLDFA, and mMPTA between the two groups before and after operation ( P >0.05). The differences in the incidence of sagittal femoral prosthesis malposition and PDFA between the two groups were significant ( P <0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the PPTA, the rate of femoral prosthesis distributed in the neutral position, the incidence of over-flexed femoral prosthesis, and the incidence of anterior femoral notch ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: The surgeon's handedness is one of the factors affecting the placement of the sagittal femoral prosthesis in primary TKA. The incidence of sagittal femoral prosthesis malposition could increase when the surgeon performs on the non-dominant side.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization is an independent, modifiable risk factor for periprosthetic joint infections. Post-operative infections are reported to be ten times greater in S. aureus carriers than in non-carriers in developed countries though recorded data is lacking for the developing world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of S. aureus colonization in patients awaiting TJA in South Africa., Methods: We prospectively assessed 119 patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty between May and October 2016. We screened three separate anatomical sites on each patient for S. aureus. Patients with positive cultures were treated with intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash. Univariate and comparative statistical analyses to determine risk factors for colonization was conducted using t tests, Fisher's exact tests, and chi-square analyses., Results: The overall prevalence of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus colonization was 31.9% (n = 38). There were no patients colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Nasal swabs returned a yield of 81.6% (n = 31), with groin swabs and axillary swabs at 39.5% (n = 15) and 28.9% (n = 11), respectively. Eradication was successful in 94.74% (n = 36) after 5 days treatment. All patients (100%) were decolonized after counseling and repeat eradication treatment. The overall complication rate was 7.6% (n = 9). The 30-day readmission rate in the S. aureus-colonized group was 7.9% (n = 3) as opposed to 7.4% (n = 6) in the non-colonized cohort. There were no 60- and 90-day readmissions and no cases were revised at a mean follow-up of 2.26 years., Conclusions: The rate of S. aureus colonization in patients undergoing elective TJA in a developing country was 31.9% and is equivalent to reported rates in developed countries. Eradication treatment with combined intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash is a successful treatment modality. A larger cohort of patients is recommended to determine risk factors and post-operative septic sequelae in this population group.

Importance: In 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced mandatory bundled payments for knee and hip replacement surgical procedures among traditional Medicare (TM) patients in randomly selected areas. The association of bundled payments with outcomes among patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) is not known., Objective: To determine the association of bundled payments for joint replacement surgical procedures with the use of postacute care (PAC) services among MA patients., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used difference-in-differences analysis to evaluate changes in PAC use among patients enrolled in Medicare who underwent joint replacement operations before and after the introduction of bundled payments (ie, from January 1, 2013, to September 30, 2017). A total of 75 metropolitan statistical areas were randomized to participate in the bundled payment program, with 121 areas serving as controls. Data were analyzed between September 15, 2018, and October 1, 2019., Exposure: Bundled payments for hip and knee joint replacement operations, in which hospitals received a single payment to cover all costs associated with a joint replacement and associated care for the 90 days after surgery., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were discharge to any institutional PAC setting and days spent in institutional PAC within 90 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included discharge and days spent in specific PAC settings (ie, home health, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation)., Results: Of 1 536 387 individuals who underwent hip and knee join replacement surgery, 493 977 (32.2%) were enrolled in MA (mean [SD] age, 73.3 [8.4] years; 386 699 [63.5%] women; 55 078 [6.4%] black) and 1 042 410 (67.8%) were enrolled in TM (mean [SD] age, 73.3 [8.7] years, 829 014 [65.2%] women; 82 890 [9.4%] black). Among MA patients, bundled payments were associated with a reduction of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0-2.0) percentage points in discharge to an institutional PAC setting (P < .001) and an estimated reduction of 0.3 (95% CI, 0.2-0.5) days spent in an institutional PAC setting (P < .001), a 5.6% relative reduction. Among TM patients, bundled payments were associated with a reduction of 2.6 (95% CI, 2.2-2.9) percentage points in institutional PAC discharge (P < .001) and a reduction of 0.8 (95% CI, 0.7-0.9) days spent in an institutional PAC setting (P < .001), a 2.5% relative reduction. These changes were larger in hospitals with greater proportions of TM patients. In hospitals with low concentrations of MA patients, time spent in institutional PAC settings decreased by 0.9 days among TM patients and 0.8 days among MA patients; in hospitals with high MA concentrations, time spent in institutional PAC settings decreased by 0.6 days for TM patients and 0.2 days for MA patients., Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, the first 18 months of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services bundled payment program for joint replacement surgery were associated with reductions in the use of institutional PAC among MA patients. Past evaluations of bundled payments that focused on TM patients may not have measured the full consequences of this alternative payment model.

Background: Days alive and out of hospital (DAH) has been proposed as a pragmatic outcome measure of surgical quality. However, there is a lack of procedure specific data or data within an optimised fast-track protocol. Furthermore, information about influence of follow-up duration and types of complications on DAH is limited., Methods: Observational multicentre cohort study of patients undergoing fast-track total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prospective information on comorbidity and complete 90 days follow-up was undertaken through the Danish National Patient Register and chart review., Results: For 16 137 procedures, of which 18.6% were high-risk (≥2 preoperative risk factors), the median length of stay was 2 days (inter-quartile range [IQR], 2-3), and 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 5.7% and 8.1%, respectively. Median DAH 30 and DAH 90 days were 27 (26-28) and 87 (85-88) vs 28 (27-28) and 88 (87-89) (P<0.001) in high-vs low-risk patients, respectively. The fraction with DAH ≤25 at 30 days and DAH ≤85 at 90 days was increased in high-vs low-risk patients: 23.3% vs 6.8% (odds ratio [OR]=4.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.73-4.65) and 26.0% vs 8.6% (OR=3.75; 95% CI, 3.38-4.16). There were relatively fewer 'surgical' complications in high- vs low-risk patients with DAH 30 ≤25 (14.6% vs 25.8%) (OR=0.49; 95% CI, 0.37-0.65) and DAH 90 ≤85 (16.9% vs 31.89%) (OR=0.43; 95% CI, 0.34-0.56). About 2% of patients had readmissions, but DAH was >25 and >85 at 30 and 90 days after operation, respectively., Conclusion: Median DAH in fast-track THA/TKA patients is 28 at 30 days and 88 at 90 days after surgery. DAH in high-risk patients was only slightly reduced compared with low-risk patients, but they have relatively more 'medical' complications., (Copyright © 2019 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: While increased surgical-provider volume has been associated with improved outcomes, research regarding volume-outcome relationships within high-volume institutions and the role of anaesthesiologists is limited. Further, the effect of anaesthesia-care-team composition remains understudied. This analysis aimed to identify the impact of anaesthesiologist and surgeon volume on adverse events after total joint arthroplasties., Methods: We retrospectively identified 40 437 patients who underwent total joint arthroplasties at a high-volume institution from 2005 to 2014. The main effects of interest were anaesthesiologist and surgeon volume and experience along with anaesthesia-care-team composition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate three outcomes: any complication, cardiopulmonary complication, and length of stay (>5 days). Odds ratios (ORs) and 99.75% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported., Results: Across all three models, anaesthesiologist volume and experience, and anaesthesia-care-team composition were not significant predictors. Surgeon annual case volume >50 was associated with significantly reduced odds of any complication (annual case volume: 50-149; OR: 0.80; CI: 0.66-0.98) and prolonged length of stay (OR: 0.69; CI: 0.60-0.80). Surgeon experience >20 yr was associated with significantly reduced odds of prolonged length of stay (OR: 0.85; CI: 0.75-0.95)., Conclusions: Anaesthesiologist volume and experience, and anaesthesia-care-team composition did not impact the odds of an adverse outcome, although a higher surgeon volume was associated with decreased odds of complications and prolonged length of stay. Further study is necessary to determine if these findings can be extrapolated to less specialised, lower volume surgical settings., (Copyright © 2019 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The main purpose of health service systems is to improve patients' quality of life (QoL) and to ensure equitable access to health services. However, in reality, nearly half of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients present to the health system do not have access to health services, and their QoL remains poor. These circumstances raise important questions about what (if any) factors can improve health care accessibility and QoL for knee OA patients., Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was performed with 618 knee OA patients who received care at 16 hospitals in Thailand. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to investigate the association of health service factors and patient factors with access to health services and QoL., Results: The QoL of knee OA patients was very poor (mean score = 33.8). Only 2.1% of the knee OA patients found it easy to obtain medical care when needed. Approximately 39.4% of them were able to access appropriate interventions before being referred for knee replacement. More than 85% of orthopedic health services had implemented chronic disease management (CDM) policy into practice. However, the implementation was basic, with an average score of 5.9. SEM showed that QoL was determined by both health system factors (β = .10, p = .01) and patient factors (β = .29, p = .00 for self-management and β = -.49, p = .00 for disease factors). Access to health services was determined by self-management (β = .10, p = .01), but it was not significantly associated with QoL (β = .00, p = 1.0)., Conclusions: This study provides compelling information about self-management, access to health services and QoL from the individual and health service system perspectives. Furthermore, it identifies a need to develop health services that are better attuned to the patient's background, such as socioeconomic status, disease severity, and self-management skills.

Background: Fast-track and outpatient arthroplasty methodologies combine evidence-based clinical features with organizational optimization resulting in a streamlined pathway from admission to discharge and beyond. This qualitative study explored perceived problems of healthcare professionals during fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four surgeons, two anesthesiologists, ten nurses, and four physiotherapists. An inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used., Results: Analysis of the data revealed eight main categories of problems: patient selection, referrals, meeting the Health Care Guarantee, patient flow, homecare, patient counseling, transparency of the journey, and receiving feedback. In addition, problems related to information flows and communication, responsibilities between different stakeholders, and existing information systems were identified., Conclusions: The study revealed that healthcare professionals perceived several problems during the fast-track journey that reduce its effectiveness and make it more difficult to meet the Health Care Guarantee. Problems could be alleviated by changing internal and external organizational practices, as well as by developing new information and communication technologies that would provide up-to-date communication channels for healthcare professionals and patients. In addition, new collaboration mechanisms should be developed in order to solve the problems that occur across different organizations.

Background: Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a demanding procedure, with a high complication and failure rate and a high rate of bone losses and poor bone quality. Different classifications for bone losses have been proposed, but they do not consider bone quality, which may affect implant fixation. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of a consecutive series of rTKA. Furthermore, a modified bone loss classification will be proposed based also on bone quality. Finally, the association between radiolucent line (RLL) development and different risk factors will be evaluated., Methods: All the patients who underwent rTKA between 2008 and 2016 in the same institution were included. rTKAs were performed by the same surgeon according to the three-step technique. Bone losses were classified according to the proposed classification, including bone quality evaluation. The Knee Scoring System (KSS), the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS), and the SF-12 were used for the clinical evaluation. Radiological evaluation was performed according to the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation System. Different possible risk factors (i.e., gender, age, amount of bone losses) associated to RLL development were identified, and this association was evaluated using logistic regression., Results: Fifty-one patients (53 knees) were included (60.8% female, average age 71.5 years). The average follow-up was 56.6 months (range 24-182). The most frequent cause of failure was aseptic loosening (41.5%). 18.9% of the cases demonstrated poor bone quality. Bone losses were treated according to the proposed algorithm. In all the cases, there was a significant improvement in all the scores (P < 0.05). The average post-operative range of motion was 110.5° (SD 10.7). At the radiological evaluation, all the implants resulted well aligned, with 15.1% of non-progressive RLL. There were 2 failures, with a cumulative survivorship of 92.1% at the last follow-up (SD 5.3%). At the logistic regression, none of the evaluated variables resulted associated to RLL development., Conclusion: rTKA is a demanding procedure, and adequate treatment of bone losses is mandatory to achieve good results. However, also bone quality should be taken into consideration when approaching bone losses, and the proposed classification may need surgeons after an adequate validation., Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Background: The accelerometer-based navigation (ABN) system is an emerging navigation system for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine whether the ABN system could improve the accuracy of mechanical alignment, component positioning, and short-term clinical outcomes for TKA when compared to conventional instruments (CON)., Methods: A total of 204 patients were selected and divided into two groups (CON: 135, ABN: 69) after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed for age, gender, body mass index, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, and follow-up times. A total of 82 consecutive patients (82 knees) underwent total knee arthroplasty using ABN (n = 41) or CON (n = 41) were enrolled in this study. The postoperative HKA, frontal femoral component (FFC) angle, frontal tibial component (FTC) angle, lateral femoral flexion (LFF) angle, and lateral tibial component (LTC) angle were compared between the two groups to evaluate mechanical alignment and component positioning. Additional clinical parameters, including haemoglobin reduction, the KSS, and the WOMAC score, were assessed at the final follow-up (the mean follow-up period was 20.9 months in the CON group and 21.2 months in the ABN group)., Results: The ABN group had a significantly improved mean absolute deviation of HKA (P = 0.033), FFC (P = 0.004), FTC (P = 0.017), LFF (P = 0.023), and LTC (P = 0.031) compared to those of the CON group. The numbers of FFCs and LTCs within 3° were significantly different (P = 0.021, P = 0.023, respectively) between the two groups. However, no differences in the numbers of FTCs within 3° (P = 0.166) and LFF within 3° (P = 0.556) were found. The ABN group had a significantly higher KS function score (P = 0.032), and the pain and stiffness scores were significantly different (P = 0.034, P = 0.020, respectively) between the two groups. Moreover, the ABN system could reduce hidden blood loss postoperatively. However, no difference was found in the KS knee score and the total WOMAC score between the two groups., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that ABN system improved TKA mechanical alignment and component positioning and decreased the hidden blood loss postoperatively compared to conventional instruments. However, no significant differences were found in short-term clinical outcomes between ABN and conventional instruments at the final follow-up. However, whether this system contributes to revision rates and long-term clinical outcomes requires further study.

There is little information about the management and clinical outcomes of the periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a stem extension. The purposes of this study were to demonstrate management of the periprosthetic fractures after TKA with a stem extension, to report treatment outcomes, and to determine whether dual-plate fixation is superior to single-plate fixation regarding the radiographic bone union time and incidence of metal failure.This retrospective study included 15 knees with periprosthetic fractures after TKA using a stem extension. We demonstrated the fracture characteristics and management according to the fracture location and implant stability. The radiographic union time was determined. Complications, range of motion, and functional outcomes, including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score were assessed. Periprosthetic fractures after TKA with stem extension were 1 metaphyseal fracture without implant loosening, 7 diaphyseal fractures adjacent to the stem without implant loosening, 3 diaphyseal fractures away from the stem without implant loosening, and 4 fractures with implant loosening.Treatment included immobilization using a long leg cast, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and re-revision TKA. There was no difference in functional outcomes and range of motion pre- and posttreatment. The complications included 2 cases of subsequent implant loosening. Patients in the dual-plating required a shorter bony union time than those in the single-plating (2.4 ± 1.1 vs 7.4 ± 2.2 months; P = .003).Periprosthetic fractures after TKA with stem extension could be managed individually according to the fracture location and implant stability. Complications were not uncommon even if patients were able to return to their preinjury functional level posttreatment. To avoid complications after ORIF, the dual plate was superior to the single plate, and subtle implant loosening should not be overlooked.

Objectives: To investigate the relative performance of knee replacement constructs compared with the best performing construct and illustrate the substantial variability in performance., Design: A non-inferiority study., Setting: England and Wales., Participants: All primary total and unicondylar knee replacements performed and registered in the National Joint Registry between 1 April 2003 and 31 December 2016., Main Outcome Measures: Kaplan-Meier failure function for knee replacement constructs. Failure difference between best performing construct (the benchmark) and other constructs., Methods: Using a non-inferiority analysis, the performance of knee replacement constructs by brand were compared with the best performing construct. Construct failure was estimated using the 1-Kaplan Meier method, that is, an estimate of net failure. The difference in failure between the contemporary benchmark construct and all other constructs were tested., Results: Of the 449 different knee replacement constructs used, only 27 had ≥500 procedures at risk at 10 years postprimary, 18 of which were classified as inferior to the benchmark by at least 20% relative risk of failure. Two of these 18 were unicondylar constructs that were inferior by at least 100% relative risk. In men, aged 55-75 years, 12 of 27 (44%) constructs were inferior by at least 20% to the benchmark at 7 years postprimary. In women, aged 55-75 years, 8 of 32 (25%) constructs were inferior at 7 years postprimary. Very few constructs were classified as non-inferior to the contemporary benchmark., Conclusions: There are few knee replacement constructs that can be shown to be non-inferior to a contemporary benchmark. Unicondylar knee constructs have, almost universally, at least 100% worse revision outcomes compared with the best performing total knee replacement. These results will help to inform patients, clinicians and commissioners when considering knee replacement surgery., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Submitted work as described in the funding statement; AWB and MRW are coapplicants on a grant from Stryker investigating the outcome of the triathlon total knee replacement; there are no other financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years, and there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: More personalized implant designs for total knee arthroplasty might optimize the clinical outcome after surgery. One of these personalized implant designs is the Persona knee implant system (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). The primary objective of this study was to determine patient reported outcomes and implant survivorship of the Persona Knee system used in primary total knee arthroplasty, up to two years after surgery., Methods: From November 2013 to July 2016 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study at three centers. Preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 years after surgery, patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Knee Society Score (KSS, 2011, modified version) and the EQ-5D. Adverse Events were captured, assessed for relationship to device, and recorded in the study database. Furthermore, physical functioning was assessed by the orthopedic surgeon. Repeated measures analyses were performed on PROM scores. Kaplan Meier was used to calculate survivorship of the Persona Knee Implant System., Results: A total of 146 total knee arthroplasties were performed. 61% (89/146) of the patients were female and mean age was 64.7 (± 6.9) years. Two years after surgery, one patient had a revision of the polyethylene insert because of a periprosthetic joint infection. Therefore, the Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 2 years was 0.99 (0.95-1.00 95% CI). OKS increased from 22.1 (95% CI 20.9-23.3) to 41.8 (95% CI 40.6-43.1) two years after surgery. Furthermore, all other PROMs also increased from before surgery to 2 year postoperatively., Conclusion: The Persona Knee implant is safe and effective and the clinical results up to two years after surgery are promising. PROMs results are very good; pain, function and quality of life all improved greatly after TKA. Further studies are needed to determine the long term clinical performance of the Persona prosthesis., Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02337244 ). Registered June 1st, 2015. Retrospectively registered.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has rapidly gained popularity in a variety of surgical subspecialities. A large body of literature suggests that ERAS leads to superior outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, reduced length of hospital stay, and cost benefits, without affecting rates of readmission after surgery. These patterns have been described for patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, adoption of ERAS to orthopedic surgery has lagged behind other surgical disciplines. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in partnership with the American College of Surgeons and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute (AI) for Patient Safety and Quality, has developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery. The program comprises a national effort to incorporate best practice in perioperative care and improve patient safety, for over 750 hospitals and multiple procedures over the next 5 years, including orthopedic surgery. We have conducted a full evidence review of anesthetic interventions to derive anesthesiology-related components of an evidence-based ERAS pathway for TKA. A PubMed search was performed for each protocol component, focusing on the highest levels of evidence in the literature. Search findings are summarized in narrative format. Anesthesiology components of care were identified and evaluated across the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases. A summary of the best available evidence, together with recommendations for inclusion in ERAS protocols for TKA, is provided. There is extensive evidence in the literature, and from society guidelines to support the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery goals for TKA.

Background: While the rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continue to rise worldwide, there are concerns about whether all surgeries are appropriate. Guidelines for appropriateness suggest that patients should have realistic expectations for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and that the patient and their surgeon should agree that the potential benefits outweigh the potential harms. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether routinely collected pre- and post-TKA patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) could be integrated into a patient decision aid to better inform these appropriateness criteria. This randomised trial will evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a tailored PROM-based patient decision aid and surgeon report (compared to usual care) for patients considering TKA on decision quality., Methods: This is a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial conducted at one site in Alberta, Canada. Adults over the age of 30 years, who have been scheduled for a TKA consultation at the Edmonton Bone and Joint Centre with a participating surgeon, who understand, speak, and read English, and can provide informed consent, are eligible to participate. Participants will be randomised to receive a PROM-based patient decision aid and surgeon report before their surgical consultation or usual care. The decision aid will provide patients with information on their expected outcomes based on the EQ-5D-5L PROM, and these estimates are individualized based on clinical and demographic characteristics. The primary outcome of this trial is decision quality. Analysis will consider outcomes intention to treat, and feasibility outcomes for implementing the trial to routine practise., Discussion: This patient decision aid and surgeon report intervention could contribute to improved treatment decision-making for patients considering total knee arthroplasty., Trial Registration (registry and Number): ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03240913. Registered on August 1, 2017.

Optimizing surgical instrumentation may contribute to value-based care, particularly in commonly performed procedures. We report our experience in implementing a perioperative efficiency program in 2 types of orthopedic surgery (primary total-knee arthroplasty, TKA, and total-hip arthroplasty, THA).A comparative before-and-after study with 2 participating surgeons, each performing both THA and TKA, was conducted. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of surgical tray optimization on operating and processing time, cost, and waste associated with preparation, delivery, and staging of sterile surgical instruments. The study was designed as a prospective quality improvement initiative with pre- and postimplementation operational measures and a provider satisfaction survey.A total of 96 procedures (38 preimplementation and 58 postimplementation) were assessed using time-stamped performance endpoints. The number and weight of trays and instruments processed were reduced substantially after the optimization intervention, particularly for TKA. Setup time was reduced by 23% (6 minutes, P = .01) for TKA procedures but did not differ for THA. The number of survey respondents was small, but satisfaction was high overall among personnel involved in implementation.Optimizing instrumentation trays for orthopedic procedures yielded reduction in processing time and cost. Future research should evaluate patient outcomes and incremental/additive impact on institutional quality measures.

Total knee arthroplasty aims to mimic the natural knee kinematics by optimizing implant geometry, but it is not clear how loading relates to tibio-femoral anterior-posterior translation or internal-external pivoting. We hypothesised that the point of pivot in the transverse plane is governed by the location of the highest axial force. Tibio-femoral loading was measured using an instrumented tibial component in six total knee arthroplasty patients (aged 65-80y, 5-7y post-op) during 5-6 squat repetitions, while knee kinematics were captured using a mobile video-fluoroscope. In the range of congruent tibio-femoral contact the medial femoral condyle remained approximately static while the lateral condyle translated posteriorly by 4.1 mm (median). Beyond the congruent range, the medial and lateral condyle motions both abruptly changed to anterior sliding by 4.6 mm, and 2.6 mm respectively. On average, both the axial loading and pivot position were more medial near extension, and transferred to the lateral side in flexion. However, no consistent relationship between pivoting and load distribution was found across all patients throughout flexion, with R 2 values ranging from 0.00 to 0.65. Tibio-femoral kinematics is not related to the load distribution alone: medial loading of the knee does not necessarily imply a medial pivot location.

Background: Younger knee arthroplasty patients expect to perform better in work and sports after surgery, and often at demanding levels. Although the provision of rehabilitation is almost universal, no systematic literature review reporting the effect of these exercise-based therapies on return to work and sports is available., Aims: To investigate the effect of exercise-based therapies on return to work and sports after knee arthroplasty., Methods: A systematic search strategy was developed by a clinical librarian (J.G.D.), and the search was performed in Ovid Medline and EMBASE up to March 2017. In line with the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), three authors (P.P.F.M.K., M.M.H. and M.H.W.F.-D.) independently screened titles and abstracts, and assessed full texts for eligibility. The inclusion criteria were patients with primary knee arthroplasty, and studies that compared at least two exercise-based rehabilitation programmes and reported outcomes including return to work or sports. No restrictions were applied for language, study design or year of publication., Results: After removal of duplicates, the search resulted in 3788 studies, of which 22 were selected for full text reading. After full text reading, none of these studies reported on return to work or sports., Conclusions: No studies were found evaluating the effect of rehabilitation programmes for knee arthroplasty on return to work or sports. Given the importance of work and sports, especially for younger knee arthroplasty patients, these results underpin the importance of including return to work or sports in core outcome sets and future trials to eventually contribute to more satisfied knee arthroplasty patients.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is one of the effective surgical methods for the treatment of unicompartmental knee arthritis. When UKA fails, a revised surgery to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of revision of failed UKAs to TKAs with primary TKAs. The hypothesis was that the TKAs revised from UKAs had inferior clinical outcomes compared with primary TKAs.This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for evaluating the methodological quality of the studies. PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies that compared the revision of UKA to TKA with primary TKA. Primary outcomes included Range of motion (ROM); Knee society score (KSS); (re-)revision rate and complications. Secondary outcomes were blood loss and length of hospital stay.A total of 8 eligible retrospective comparative studies were identified from a keyword search. Results revealed that the primary TKAs group has a better ROM (MD = -7.29, 95% CI:-14.03-0.56, P < .05), higher Knee Society Knee scores (MD = -0.54, 95% CI:-1.12-0.04, P < .05), higher Knee Society function score (MD = -0.65,95% CI:-1.25-0.06, P < .05), lower (re-)revision rate (MD = 4.15, 95% CI:2.37-7.25, P < .05) than rUKAs. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications, blood loss and length of stay between the 2 groups.Our meta-analysis revealed that compared with primary TKAs, TKAs revised from UKAs had inferior clinical outcomes.

Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is considered a risk factor for complications after THA and TKA. Stakeholders have proposed BMI cutoffs for those seeking arthroplasty. The research that might substantiate BMI cutoffs is sensitive to the statistical methods used, but the impact of the statistical methods used to model BMI has not been defined., Questions/purposes: (1) How does the estimated postarthroplasty risk of minor and major complications vary as a function of the statistical method used to model BMI? (2) What is the prognostic value of BMI for predicting complications with each statistical method?, Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2012, we investigated the impact of BMI on major and minor complication risk for THA and TKA. Analyses were weighted with covariate-balancing propensity scores to account for the differential rate of comorbidities across the range of BMI. We specified BMI in two ways: (1) categorically by World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classes; and (2) as a smooth, continuous variable using splines. Models of risk for major complications (deep surgical site infection [SSI], pulmonary embolism, stroke, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, wound disruption, implant failure, unplanned intubation, > 48 hours on a ventilator, acute renal insufficiency, coma, sepsis, reoperation, or mortality) and minor complications (superficial SSI, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, or peripheral nerve injury) were constructed and were adjusted for confounding variables known to correlate with complications (eg, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification). Results were compared for different specifications of BMI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were compared to determine the additive prognostic value of BMI., Results: The type of BMI parameterization leads to different assessments of risk of postarthroplasty complications for BMIs > 30 kg/m and < 20 kg/m with the spline specification showing better fit in all adjusted models (Akaike Information Criteria favors spline). Modeling BMI categorically using WHO classes indicates that BMI cut points of 40 kg/m for TKA or 35 kg/m for THA are associated with higher risks of major complications. Modeling BMI continuously as a spline suggests that risk of major complications is elevated at a cut point of 44 kg/m for TKA and 35 kg/m for THA. Additionally, in these models, risk does not uniformly increase with increasing BMI. Regardless of the method of modeling, BMI is a poor prognosticator for complications with area under the ROC curves between 0.51 and 0.56, false-positive rates of 96% to 97%, and false-negative rates of 2% to 3%., Conclusions: The statistical assumptions made when modeling the effect of BMI on postarthroplasty complications dictate the results. Simple categorical handling of BMI creates arbitrary cutoff points that should not be used to inform larger policy decisions. Spline modeling of BMI avoids arbitrary cut points and provides a better model fit at extremes of BMI. Regardless of statistical management, BMI is an inadequate independent prognosticator of risk for individual patients considering total joint arthroplasty. Stakeholders should instead perform comprehensive risk assessment and avoid use of BMI as an isolated indicator of risk., Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.

Objectives: To (1) compare the 2015 hospital grades reported on Medicare's Hospital Compare website for heart failure (HF) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) readmissions with the HF- and AMI-specific scores for excess readmissions used to assess Medicare readmission penalties and (2) assess how often hospitals were penalized for excess readmissions in only 1 or 2 conditions, given that hospitals received a penalty impacting all Medicare payments based on an overall readmission score calculated from 5 conditions (HF, AMI, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and total hip/knee arthroplasty)., Study Design: Retrospective secondary data analysis., Methods: Descriptive analyses of hospital-specific, condition-specific grades and excess readmission scores and hospital-level penalties downloaded from Hospital Compare., Results: Of the 2956 hospitals that had publicly reported HF grades on Hospital Compare, 91.9% (2717) were graded as "no different" than the national rate for HF readmissions, which included 48.6% that were scored as having excessive HF admissions, and 87% received an overall readmission penalty. Of 120 (4.1%) hospitals graded as "better" than the national rate for HF, none were scored as having excessive HF readmissions and 50% were penalized. AMI data yielded similar results. Among 2591 hospitals penalized for overall readmissions, 26.6% had only 1 condition with excess readmissions and 27.5% had 2 conditions., Conclusions: Many hospitals with an HF and AMI readmission grade of "no different" than the national rate on Hospital Compare received penalties for excessive readmissions under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. The value signal to consumers and hospitals communicated by grades and penalties is therefore weakened because the methods applied to the same hospital data produce conflicting messages of "average grades" yet "bad enough for penalty."

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful and common procedure. However, 6-28% of patients are dissatisfied postoperatively. The provision of preoperative patient information, inquiring about patients' expectations, and taking a psychiatric history are essential parts of both preoperative evaluation and postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate how orthopaedic knee surgeons in Sweden inform their patients before surgery., Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all knee surgeons performing TKA in Sweden. Responses were received from 60 of the 65 orthopaedic departments performing TKA in Sweden (92%), covering 219 of the approximately 311 knee surgeons at the 65 departments (70%). The answers were analysed with descriptive statistics. A content analysis of the surgeons' opinions was also performed using a thematic method., Results: In terms of information provision, 58% of the surgeons always gave written information while 92% informed orally. Only 44% always asked about the patient's expectations, and only 42% always informed patients about the 20% dissatisfaction rate after TKA. Additionally, 24% never operated on mild indication of arthrosis, 20% always took a psychiatric history, and half never or seldom consulted a psychiatrist. However, all the knee surgeons believed in a psychiatric impact on TKA outcome. Qualitative analysis revealed five common causes of patient dissatisfaction, which in descending frequency were: patients' expectations, choice of patients to operate on, surgical factors, combinations of factors, and insufficient information provision to patients., Conclusions: Knee surgeons in Sweden have considerable awareness of the importance of preoperative patient information, the impact of patient expectations, and psychiatric illness. However, they need to improve their preoperative routines when it comes to providing written information, asking about the patient's expectations, and psychiatric assessment.

ISO 14243 is the governing standard for wear testing of knee prostheses, but there is controversy over the correct direction of anterior-posterior (AP) displacement and loading and the correct direction of tibial rotation (TR) angles and torque. This study aimed to analyze how altering the direction of AP and TR affected wear on the tibial insert. Modifications to the conditions specified in ISO 14243-1 and ISO 14243-3 were also proposed. As such, five loading conditions were applied to FEA models of a knee prosthesis: (1) Modified ISO 14243-3 with positive AP displacement and TR angle, (2) ISO 14243-3:2004 with negative AP displacement and positive TR angle, (3) ISO 14243-3:2014 with positive AP displacement and negative TR angle, (4) Modified ISO 14243-1 with positive AP load and TR torque, and (5) ISO 14243-1:2009 with negative AP load and positive TR torque. This study found that changing the input directions for AP and TR according to ISO 14243-1 and 14243-3 had an influence on the wear rate and wear contours on the tibial insert model. However, the extent of wear varies depending on the design features of the tibial insert and shape of the input curves. For displacement control according to ISO 14243-3, changing the direction of AP displacement had a marked influence on the wear rate (272.77%), but changing the direction of TR angle had a much lower impact (2.17%). For load control according to ISO 14243-1, reversing the AP load (ISO 14243-1:2009) only increased the wear rate by 6.73% in comparison to the modified ISO 14243-1 conditions. The clinical relevance of this study is that the results demonstrate that tibial wear is affected by the direction of application of AP and TR. Incorrect application of the loading conditions during the design stage may lead to an ineffective preclinical evaluation and could subsequently influence implant longevity in clinical use., Competing Interests: First author (Xiao-Hong Wang) is a PhD candidate of Beihang University, and at the same time working in Beijing Naton Technology Group Co.LTD (BNTG), a research center of orthopedic implants in Beijing. Four of the authors (DaYong Song, Wei Zhang, Hui Li and Xiang Dong) are working in BNTG. Professor CK Cheng is Xiao-Hong Wang’s Advisor in Beihang University. Professor Zhong-Min Jin is the co-advisor. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objectives: To evaluate the measurement properties of four performance outcome (PerfO) measures (timed up and go, four-step stair climb, long stair climb, and repeated chair stand) in three patient populations(elective total hip replacement [eTHR], elective total knee replacement [eTKR], and hip fracture [HF])., Methods: A cross-sectional and longitudinal design was used to assess the PerfO measurement properties using the US Food and Drug Administration guidance for industry around patient-reported outcome measures to support labeling claims. Patient-reported outcome measures and patient- and clinician-reported global concept items were completed along with four PerfO measures at visit 1 and two follow-up visits. Measurement properties assessed included reliability, construct validity, ability to detect change, and estimates of meaningful change., Results: A total of 280 patients (100 eTHR, 105 eTKR, and 75 HF) were recruited, with most (n = 276) providing data at visit 1. Most of the patients were female (64%) and retired (64%), and had at least one comorbidity (91%). Inter-rater and test-retest reliability ranged from good to excellent (0.73 ≤ intraclass correlation coefficient ≤ 0.95) for each PerfO measure. Known-groups validity was demonstrated for all PerfO measures, with those reporting less pain better physical functioning and those who did not use an assistive device having quicker mean completion times. Construct validity and ability to detect change were demonstrated and estimates of meaningful change derived., Conclusions: This study found the measurement properties of four PerfO measures in samples of patients with eTHR, eTKR, and HF to be supported for consideration of future use, and provided estimates for interpretation of change., (Copyright © 2018 ISPOR–The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Neuraxial anesthesia is increasingly recommended for hip/knee replacements as some studies show improved outcomes on the individual level. With hospital-level studies lacking, we assessed the relationship between hospital-level neuraxial anesthesia utilization and outcomes., Methods: National data on 808,237 total knee and 371,607 hip replacements were included (Premier Healthcare 2006 to 2014; 550 hospitals). Multivariable associations were measured between hospital-level neuraxial anesthesia volume (subgrouped into quartiles) and outcomes (respiratory/cardiac complications, blood transfusion/intensive care unit need, opioid utilization, and length/cost of hospitalization). Odds ratios (or percent change) and 95% CI are reported. Volume-outcome relationships were additionally assessed by plotting hospital-level neuraxial anesthesia volume against predicted hospital-specific outcomes; trend tests were applied with trendlines' R statistics reported., Results: Annual hospital-specific neuraxial anesthesia volume varied greatly: interquartile range, 3 to 78 for hips and 6 to 163 for knees. Increasing frequency of neuraxial anesthesia was not associated with reliable improvements in any of the study's clinical outcomes. However, significant reductions of up to -14.1% (95% CI, -20.9% to -6.6%) and -15.6% (95% CI, -22.8% to -7.7%) were seen for hospitalization cost in knee and hip replacements, respectively, both in the third quartile of neuraxial volume. This coincided with significant volume effects for hospitalization cost; test for trend P < 0.001 for both procedures, R 0.13 and 0.41 for hip and knee replacements, respectively., Conclusions: Increased hospital-level use of neuraxial anesthesia is associated with lower hospitalization cost for lower joint replacements. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate all drivers of differences found before considering hospital-level neuraxial anesthesia use as a potential marker of quality.

Background: Component design is one of the contributory factors affecting the postoperative flexion angle. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of flat surface and medial pivot designs in posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA)., Methods: A retrospective, case-control, and observational cohort study consisted of matched-pairs of the flat surface design (Hi-Tech Knee II) and the medial pivot design (FINE Knee) in CR-TKA with a two-year follow-up period., Results: Hi-Tech Knee II and FINE knee groups each included 7 males and 38 females. Surgical time was significantly shorter in the FINE Knee group than in the Hi-Tech Knee II group (104.8 min versus 154.9 min, p = 0.001). Estimated total blood loss was significantly lower in the FINE Knee group than in the Hi-Tech Knee II group (654 ml versus 1158 ml, p = 0.001). The postoperative flexion angle was significantly better in the FINE Knee group than in the Hi-Tech Knee II group (119.3 degrees versus 112.5 degrees), and was positively correlated with the preoperative flexion angle. Postoperative Knee Society scores were significantly better in the FINE Knee group than in the Hi-Tech Knee II group (93.0 points versus 85.0 points, p = 0.001), especially for postoperative pain relief (46.0 points versus 39.0 points out of 50, p = 0.001). Complications were not observed in either group over a two-year follow-up period., Conclusion: The short-term outcome of the medial pivot design used in CR-TKA was more favorable than the flat surface design, especially for surgical time, estimated total blood loss, postoperative flexion angle, and knee pain.

Background: The theoretical benefits of a mobile bearing design in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) include increased articular surface conformity with a reduction in both polyethylene wear and implant interface shear. However, to date these theoretical advantages have not been translated into published evidence of superior survivorship. This paper presents the results of a prospective, non-comparative study evaluating the performance of the mobile bearing Low Contact Stress LCS Complete Rotating Platform TKA in a largely cementless cohort without patellar resurfacing., Methods: 237 consecutive patients (240 knees) undergoing primary TKA were prospectively recruited. All received the LCS Complete Rotating Platform TKA (DePuy International, Leeds, UK). Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at 3, 12, 60 and 120 months post-operatively. Radiographic evaluation was performed by an independent external surgeon., Results: The mean age was 70.3 years. 77.5% of cases were cementless. Radiographic assessment suggested excellent femoral component fixation. 22 tibial radiolucent lines (RLLs) > 1 mm were observed in 12 knees. No RLLs were progressive. There have been two revisions; one for late infection and one for aseptic loosening. No patients underwent secondary patellar resurfacing. The cumulative implant survivorship, using component revision for any reason as the endpoint, was 98.9% (95% CI, 95.6 to 99.7%) at 10 years., Conclusions: The excellent survivorship at a minimum 10-year follow-up supports the use of uncemented porous coated fixation without patellar resurfacing with the non-posterior stabilized LCS Complete Rotating Platform TKA.

Total knee arthroplasty is an effective method for the treatment of end-stage knee osteoarthrosis, which can effectively relieve joint pain and reconstruct the integrity of the joint. Whether the posterior cruciate ligament should be preserved during surgery or not, which is still in dispute. In recent years, posterior cruciate-retaining and substituting total knee prostheses are both applied in clinical practice. Both domestic and international studies have shown that there are no significant difference in patient satisfaction, knee flexion, survival rate of the prosthesis and the main clinical manifestations between two prostheses. However, posterior cruciate-retaining total knee prosthesis is more consistent with the normal physiology and biomechanics of the human body. The gait is more balanced and proprioceptive when walking up and down the stairs, but when the joints are buckling, the femur is abnormal to move back to the tibia, resulting in abnormal motion. While posterior cruciate-substituting total knee prosthesis can correct severe deformity of the knee, and keep better balance between flexion and extension of the knee joint, but there is a potential complication of patellar clunk syndrome. Therefore, under the same conditions, the younger patients may prefer to chose posterior cruciate-retaining total knee prosthesis, while elder patients may prefer to chose posterior cruciate-substituting total knee prosthesis. This paper reviews the function of posterior cruciate ligament, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of two prostheses, so as to provide some references for clinic.

Background: A structured approach to perioperative patient management based on an enhanced recovery pathway protocol facilitates early recovery and reduces morbidity in high income countries. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the feasibility of implementing enhanced recovery pathways and its influence on patient outcomes is scarcely investigated. To inform similar practice in LMICs for total hip and knee arthroplasty, it is necessary to identify potential factors for inclusion in such a programme, appropriate for LMICs., Methods: Applying a Delphi method, 33 stakeholders (13 arthroplasty surgeons, 12 anaesthetists and 8 physiotherapists) from 10 state hospitals representing 4 South African provinces identified and prioritised i) risk factors associated with poor outcomes, ii) perioperative interventions to improve outcomes and iii) patient and clinical outcomes necessary to benchmark practice for patients scheduled for primary elective unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty., Results: Thirty of the thirty-three stakeholders completed the 3 months Delphi study. The first round yielded i) 36 suggestions to preoperative risk factors, ii) 14 (preoperative), 18 (intraoperative) and 23 (postoperative) suggestions to best practices for perioperative interventions to improve outcomes and iii) 25 suggestions to important postsurgical outcomes. These items were prioritised by the group in the consecutive rounds and consensus was reached for the top ten priorities for each category., Conclusion: The consensus derived risk factors, perioperative interventions and important outcomes will inform the development of a structured, perioperative multidisciplinary enhanced patient care protocol for total hip and knee arthroplasty. It is anticipated that this study will provide the construct necessary for developing pragmatic enhanced care pathways aimed at improving patient outcomes after arthroplasty in LMICs.

Aim: To investigate whether the current, generally accepted practice of orthopaedic surgical skills training can raise the performance of supervised residents to levels equal to those of experienced orthopaedic surgeons when it comes to clinical outcomes or implant position after total knee arthroplasty., Methods: In a retrospective analysis of primary total knee arthroplasty outcomes (minimum follow-up of 12 months) procedures were split into two groups: supervised orthopaedic residents as first surgeon (group R), and experienced senior orthopaedic surgeons as first surgeon (group S). Outcome data that were compared 1 year postoperatively were operation times, complications, revisions, Knee Society Scores (KSS) and radiological implant positions., Results: Of 642 included procedures, 220 were assigned to group R and 422 to group S. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in patient demographics. Operation time differed significantly (group R: 81.3 min vs. group S: 71.3 min (p = 0.000)). No statistically significant differences were found for complications (p = 0.659), revision rate (p = 0.722), femoral angle (p = 0.871), tibial angle (p = 0.804), femoral slope (p = 0.779), tibial slope (p = 0.765) and KSS (p = 0.148)., Discussion and Conclusion: Supervised residents needed 10 minutes extra operation time, but they provided the same quality of care in primary total knee arthroplasty as experienced orthopaedic surgeons concerning complication rates, revisions, implant position on radiographs and KSS. The currently used training procedure in which the supervising surgeon and the resident decide if the resident is ready to be first surgeon is safe for patients.

Background: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been integrated in national quality registries or specific national monitoring initiatives to inform the improvement of quality of care on a national scale. However there are many unanswered questions, such as: how these systems are set up, whether they lead to improved quality of care, which stakeholders use the information once it is available. The aim of this study was to examine supporting and hindering factors relevant to integrating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in selected health information systems (HIS) tailored toward improving quality of care across the entire health system., Methods: First, a systematic search and review was conducted to outline previously identified factors relevant to the integration of PROMs in the selected HIS. A social network analysis was performed to identify networks of experts in these systems. Second, expert interviews were conducted to discuss and elaborate on the identified factors. Directive content analysis was applied using a HIS Evaluation Framework as the frame of reference. This framework is structured into four components: Organization, Human, Technology, and Net benefits., Results: The literature review revealed 37 papers for the NHS PROMs Programme and 26 papers for the SHPR and SKAR: Five networks of researchers were identified for the NHS PROMs Programme and 1 for the SHPR and SKAR. Seven experts related to the NHS PROMs Programme and 3 experts related to the SKAR and SHPR participated in the study. The main themes which revealed in relation to Organization were Governance and Capacity building; to Human: Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement; to Technology: the Selection and Collection of PROMs and Data linkage. In relation to Net benefits, system-specific considerations are presented., Conclusion: Both examples succeeded in integrating PROMs into HIS on a national scale. The lack of an established standard on what change PROMs should be achieved by an intervention limits their usefulness for monitoring quality of care. Whether the PROMs data collected within these systems can be used in routine clinical practice is considered a challenge in both countries.

Background: One complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is patella baja (PB). Patellar tendon shortening and joint line elevation are two main causes of PB. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PB before and after TKA by measuring the patellar height and provide evidence for choosing a suitable index., Methods: In total, 256 consecutive patients who underwent primary TKA were included in this study. Radiographic measurements were performed; the Insall-Salvati (IS) index, modified IS (MIS) index, Blackburne-Peel (BP) index, and Caton-Deschamps (CD) index were computed; and the incidence of PB was calculated before and after the operation. The consistency between the IS and MIS indices and between the BP and CD indices was analyzed., Results: The preoperative incidence of true PB (TPB) and pseudo-PB (PPB) was 9.4 and 0.8%, respectively. The postoperative incidence of TPB and PPB was 10.2 and 9.0%, respectively. The consistency between the IS and MIS indices was moderate preoperatively (pre-kappa = 0.602) and postoperatively (post-kappa = 0.742). The consistency between the BP and CD indices was moderate preoperatively (pre-kappa = 0.742) and good postoperatively (post-kappa = 0.797)., Conclusion: The incidence of PB, especially PPB, increased after TKA. The CD and BP indices are of greater importance for the diagnosis of PB after TKA. The MIS index is a better choice than the IS index to measure the length of the patellar tendon. To measure the height of the joint line, the BP index is better postoperatively and the CD index is better preoperatively.

Objective: To describe the integral role of a Patient Panel in the development of the 2017 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) clinical practice guideline., Methods: We convened a Panel of 11 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, all of whom had undergone 1 or more arthroplasties, to review the evidence and provide guidance on recommendations for the 2017 ACR/AAHKS guideline to address the perioperative management of antirheumatic medication in patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty. The guideline used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology that acknowledges the critical role of patient values and preferences when the quality of the evidence base is low or when there are important trade-offs between benefits and harms. The Patient Panel considered the relative importance of complications including perioperative infection versus rheumatic disease flare and voted on the recommendations. Before the Voting Panel's own discussion of the recommendations, they reviewed a summary of the Patient Panel's discussion, including their perioperative experience, the relative importance they placed on infections versus flares in the perioperative period, and their votes on the recommendations., Results: The Patient Panel placed higher importance on avoiding an infection than a disease flare despite the far greater frequency of flares than infections. The decisions of the Voting Panel were concordant with those of the Patient Panel. For the 7 recommendations that both Panels voted on, the Panels agreed on the direction as well as the strength of recommendation (which was conditional for all recommendations)., Conclusion: The Voting Panel considered the importance that the patients placed on risk of infection. The Patient Panel's values informed the direction and strength of the recommendations in the final 2017 ACR/AAHKS guideline., (© 2017, American College of Rheumatology.)

Objective: This collaboration between the American College of Rheumatology and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons developed an evidence-based guideline for the perioperative management of antirheumatic drug therapy for adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing elective total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA)., Methods: A panel of rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons specializing in hip and knee arthroplasty, and methodologists was convened to construct the key clinical questions to be answered in the guideline. A multi-step systematic literature review was then conducted, from which evidence was synthesized for continuing versus withholding antirheumatic drug therapy and for optimal glucocorticoid management in the perioperative period. A Patient Panel was convened to determine patient values and preferences, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to rate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using a group consensus process through a convened Voting Panel of rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons. The strength of the recommendation reflects the degree of certainty that benefits outweigh harms of the intervention, or vice versa, considering the quality of available evidence and the variability in patient values and preferences., Results: The guideline addresses the perioperative use of antirheumatic drug therapy including traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic agents, tofacitinib, and glucocorticoids in adults with RA, SpA, JIA, or SLE who are undergoing elective THA or TKA. It provides recommendations regarding when to continue, when to withhold, and when to restart these medications, and the optimal perioperative dosing of glucocorticoids. The guideline includes 7 recommendations, all of which are conditional and based on low- or moderate-quality evidence., Conclusion: This guideline should help decision-making by clinicians and patients regarding perioperative antirheumatic medication management at the time of elective THA or TKA. These conditional recommendations reflect the paucity of high-quality direct randomized controlled trial data., (© 2017, American College of Rheumatology.)

Background: It is not known, whether outcome reporting in trials of total joint arthroplasty in the recent years is adequate or not. Our objective was to assess whether outcomes reported in total joint replacement (TJR) trials fulfil the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter 2.0., Methods: We systematically reviewed all TJR trials in adults, published in English in 2008 or 2013. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria for the studies, and any disagreement was resolved with a third review author. All outcome measures were abstracted using a pre-piloted standardised data extraction form and assessed for whether they mapped to one of the three OMERACT Filter 2.0 core areas: pathophysiological, life impact, and death., Results: From 1635 trials identified, we included 70 trials (30 in 2008 and 40 in 2013) meeting the eligibility criteria. Twenty-two (31%) trials reported the three essential OMERACT core areas. Among the 27 hip replacement surgery trials and 39 knee replacement surgery trials included, 11 hip (41%) and nine knee (23%) trials reported all three essential OMERACT core areas. The most common outcome domains/measures were pain (20/27, 74%) and function (23/27, 85%) in hip trials and pain (26/39, 67%) and function (27/39, 69%) in knee trials. Results were similar for shoulder and hand joint replacement trials., Conclusions: We identified significant gaps in the measurement of OMERACT core outcome areas in TJR trials, despite the majority reporting outcome domains of pain and function. An international consensus of key stakeholders is needed to develop a core domain set for reporting of TJR trials., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42014009216.

Background: Debate remains whether high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is more beneficial for the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional results, knee scores, activity levels, and complications between the two procedures., Methods: We performed a systematic review of published literature from August 1982 through January 2017. Fifteen papers reporting three prospective randomized trials were subjected to a meta-analysis., Results: No significant difference between the two groups was noted with respect to free walking (velocity), knee score, deterioration of the contralateral or patellofemoral knee, or revision rate and total knee arthroplasty. However, UKA produced better outcomes compared to HTO in terms of the functional results, pain assessment, and complications, although patients who underwent HTO tended to have slightly better range of motion., Conclusions: Valgus HTO provides better physical activity for younger patients whereas UKA is more suitable for older patients due to shorter rehabilitation time and faster functional recovery. Although UKA patients tended to have improved overall long-term outcomes, which may be due to accurate indications and patient selection, both treatment options yielded pleasing results. Therefore, we are unable to conclude that either method is superior.

Background: Medical practice variation refers to differences in health service utilization among regions in the same country. It is used as a tool for studying health inequities. In 2011, the OECD launched a Medical Practice Variation Project which examines regional differences within countries and explores the sources of the inter-regional differences. The aim of this study is to examine the patterns and trends in geographic variation for selected health services in Israel., Methods: The analysis is based on data from the National Hospital Discharges Database (NHDD) of the Israeli Ministry of Health. The eight procedures and services studied were: medical admissions (i.e. admissions without surgical procedures); hip fractures; caesarian sections; diagnostic cardiac catheterization; cardiac angioplasty (PTCA); cardiac bypass surgery (CABG); hysterectomy; and knee replacement surgery. The data are presented for the 7 districts in Israel, determined by address of residence., Results: The procedures and services with the lowest variation across the seven districts were medical admissions (RR between regions-maximum/minimum 1.3) and hip fractures (RR 1.44), while the one with the highest variation was CABG (RR 1.98). The Israeli periphery, and the northern district in particular, had higher rates of medical admissions, knee replacement and cardiac procedures. When studying the trend over time, we found a decrease in use rates for most procedures, such as coronary bypass (R. 04) and CABG (R 0.8). Medical admissions decreased by 8%, with the highest decline (16%) observed in the central districts., Conclusions: This study provides Israeli policy makers with information which is vital for the strategic planning of service development, such as strengthening preventive medical services in the community, reducing cardiovascular risk factors in the periphery and expanding the national publication of clinical quality scores.

Background: In previous studies, 50%-70% of patients referred to orthopedic surgeons for total knee replacement (TKR) were not surgical candidates at the time of initial assessment. The purpose of our study was to identify and cross-validate patient self-reported predictors of suitability for TKR and to determine the clinical utility of a predictive model to guide the timing and appropriateness of referral to a surgeon., Methods: We assessed pre-consultation patient data as well as the surgeon's findings and post-consultation recommendations. We used multivariate logistic regression to detect self-reported items that could identify suitable surgical candidates., Results: Patients' willingness to undergo surgery, higher rating of pain, greater physical function, previous intra-articular injections and patient age were the factors predictive of patients being offered and electing to undergo TKR., Conclusion: The application of the model developed in our study would effectively reduce the proportion of nonsurgical referrals by 25%, while identifying the vast majority of surgical candidates (> 90%). Using patient-reported information, we can correctly predict the outcome of specialist consultation for TKR in 70% of cases. To reduce long waits for first consultation with a surgeon, it may be possible to use these items to educate and guide referring clinicians and patients to understand when specialist consultation is the next step in managing the patient with severe osteoarthritis of the knee.

Background: This systematic review gives an overview of guidelines and original publications as well as the evidence on which the currently proposed indication criteria are based. Until now such a state-of-the-science overview was lacking., Methods: Websites of orthopaedic and arthritis organizations (English/Dutch language) were independently searched by two authors for THA/TKA guidelines for OA. Furthermore, a systematic search strategy in several databases through August 2014 was performed. Quality of the guidelines was assessed with the AGREE II instrument, which consists of 6 domains (maximum summed score of 6 indicating high quality). Also, the level of evidence of all included studies was assessed., Results: We found 6 guidelines and 18 papers, out of 3065 references. The quality of the guidelines summed across 6 domains ranged from 0.46 to 4.78. In total, 12 THA, 10 TKA and 2 THA/TKA indication sets were found. Four studies stated that no evidence-based indication criteria are available. Indication criteria concerning THA/TKA consisted of the following domains: pain (in respectively 11 and 10 sets), function (12 and 7 sets), radiological changes (10 and 9 sets), failed conservative therapy (8 and 4 sets) and other indications (6 and 7 sets). Specific cut-off values or ranges were often not stated and the level of evidence was low., Conclusion: The indication criteria for THA/TKA are based on limited evidence. Empirical research is needed, especially regarding domain specific cut-off values or ranges at which the best postoperative outcomes are achieved for patients, taking into account the limited lifespan of a prosthesis.

Background: Proper limb and component alignments as well as soft tissue balance are vital for the longevity and optimal long-term outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This procedure is technically demanding in patients with Ranawat type-II valgus arthritic knees with marked coronal femoral bowing. Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and intra-articular bone resection with TKA are the treatments of choice for patients with ipsilateral extra-articular deformity. In theory, both CAS and intra-articular bone resection are beneficial in Ranawat type-II valgus arthritic knees with marked coronal femoral bowing deformity, but the literature on this topic is sparse. We compared the benefits of using these two techniques for TKA under this circumstance., Methods: Patients who had Ranawat type-II valgus arthritic knees and marked coronal femoral bowing deformity and had undergone TKA at our hospital between 2005 and 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients treated with CAS were assigned to the CAS-TKA group; patients treated with intra-articular bone resection were assigned to the Bone-Resect-TKA group. Radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes (International Knee Society (IKS) scores and patellar scores) in both groups were compared., Results: Forty-seven patients (50 knees) met the inclusion criteria: 22 knees in the CAS-TKA group and 28 knees in the Bone-Resect-TKA group. Lateral retinaculum release was significantly (P = 0.008) higher in the Bone-Resect-TKA group. The joint-line was significantly properly restored in the CAS-TKA group (P = 0.011). The reconstructed mechanical axis was significantly (P = 0.012) closer to normal in the CAS-TKA group than in the Bone-Resect-TKA group. For component alignment, the femoral valgus and femoral flexion angles were significantly better in the CAS-TKA group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively), but not the tibial valgus, tibial flexion, or patellar tilting angles. IKS scores and patellar scores were not significantly different between groups at a mean follow-up of 60.2 months., Conclusions: CAS-TKA was effective for obtaining proper alignment and joint-line restoration in patients with Ranawat type-II valgus arthritic knees and marked coronal femoral bowing deformity, but not for yielding better clinical outcomes. Additional large-scale prospective randomized cohort studies with long-term follow-ups are necessary to make evidence-based recommendations.

Objective: To examine the effect of nurse staffing and the work environment on 10- and 30-day unplanned readmissions for US Medicare patients following elective total hip and knee replacement., Design: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data., Setting: Acute care hospitals in California, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, during 2006., Participants: Medicare patients (n = 112 017) admitted to an acute care hospital for an elective total hip or knee replacement., Main Outcome Measures: The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of experiencing an unplanned readmission within 10 and 30 days of discharge following an elective total hip or knee replacement., Results: Our sample included 112 017 Medicare patients in 495 hospitals. Nearly 6% of the patients were readmitted within 30 days; more than half of whom were rehospitalized within 10 days. Adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics, patients had 8% higher odds of 30-day readmission and 12% higher odds of 10-day readmission, for each additional patient per nurse. Patients cared for in the best work environments had 12% lower odds of 30-day readmission., Conclusions: Readmission outcomes following major joint replacement are associated with hospital nursing care. Attention to nurse work conditions may be central to improving readmissions in this postoperative Medicare population., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care; all rights reserved.)