Bilateral Knee Arthroplasty Research Articles

Simultaneous (two-surgeon) versus staged bilateral knee arthroplasty: an observational study of intraoperative and post-operative outcomes.

The advantages of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (sim-BTKA) remain controversial. This study investigated the effects of two-surgeon sim-BTKA compared to separate admission staged BTKA regarding intraoperative and post-operative outcomes and health service costs. Patients underwent sim-BTKA or staged BTKA between 1 November 2008 and 30 June 2016. Data were extracted from a joint replacement registry and medical records. Median regression and chi-squared tests were used for between-group comparisons. Median hospital total length of stay was 5 days less for sim-BTKA (n = 122) than staged BTKA group (n = 46) (7 versus 12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9, 6.1), and 9 days less for inpatient rehabilitation (17 versus 26; 95% CI 3.7, 14.3). However, 80% of sim-BTKA patients went to inpatient rehabilitation (versus 27% following staged BTKA), so median total length of stay was 9 days less for staged BTKA (13 versus 22; 95% CI -12.8, -5.2). Total anaesthesia time was 135 min less for sim-BTKA (P < 0.001), while staged BTKA required less blood transfusions (P = 0.001). Complication rates were similar, except for superficial infections which were observed twice as often after staged BTKA (30% versus 15%, P = 0.048). Twelve months following sim-BTKA and the first staged total knee arthroplasty, sim-BTKA had better WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores (P ≤ 0.05). Average inpatient costs (hospital and rehabilitation) were $6388 less for sim-BTKA. Sim-BTKA appears to be a comparatively safe alternative to staged BTKA. Sim-BTKA may be superior to staged BTKA due to faster improvements in pain and function and lower healthcare costs. How these results generalize to other health services requires further investigation.

Preventive Epidural Analgesia in Bilateral Single-Stage Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionAlthough controversial, pre-emptive analgesia has shown some promise in preventing altered pain perception and reducing pain amplification after surgery. Hence, it has the potential to be more effective than a similar analgesic regimen started after surgery with an appropriate combination of patient category and analgesic modality. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of preventive epidural analgesia in reducing pain severity and duration after bilateral single-stage knee arthroplasty.MethodsFifty patients, 18–70 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I & II posted for bilateral single-stage knee replacement under regional anesthesia were randomly allocated into preventive versus postoperative epidural analgesia group to compare severity of post-operative pain, analgesic consumption, day of mobilization, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and hospital stay.ResultsThe pain score after surgery [2.0 (1.5, 2.0); 3.0 (1.5, 3.0), p = 0.005] and day of mobilization [(2. 92 ± 0. 28; 3. 31 ± 0. 48; p value 0.02)] were significantly lesser in the preventive epidural group. However, there was no difference in the hospital stay (9.92 ± 3.71 and 9.00 ± 2.12, p = 0.95) and analgesic consumption (65.38 ± 37.55 and 73.08 ± 43.85, p = 0.30). The preventive group had a larger drop in CRP and experienced a lesser number of days with pain after surgery as compared to the controls [(64.29 ± 21.29); (142.37 ± 80.04), p = 0.0001]. Six patients in the preemptive group (24%) and 13 of the control group (24 vs. 56.5%; p = 0.02) had chronic postsurgical pain.ConclusionsPreventive epidural analgesia reduces the severity and number of chronic pain days after bilateral single-stage knee replacement.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered in the Indian national registry (CTRI/2017/03/008240 on 28/03/2017).

Effects of bilateral knee arthroplasty on sagittal spinopelvic balance in patients with primer degenerative osteoarthritis

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the change in sagittal spinopelvic parameters in knee osteoarthritis patients without prior degenerative spinal disease following bilateral knee arthroplasty. Knee osteoarthritis often causes knee flexion contracture and the flexion contracture may affect posture and lumbar lordosis.Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study by evaluating the records of patients who have undergone bilateral knee arthroplasty in our clinic between 2012 and 2016 in patients due to degenerative bilateral knee osteoarthritis and minimum 12 months follow up. Patients with prior hip surgery, prior spine surgery, rheumatic disease and postoperative flexion contracture were excluded. Lumber lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were measured on lateral lumbosacral view in supine position pre-postoperatively and compared with paired T test. Extension deficit was also measured preoperatively.Results: This study includes 83 patients (77 females and 6 males) who underwent bilateral knee arthroplasty and matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average age at the time of first total knee arthroplasty was 64.4 years. Mean follow up was 37.3(12-66) months. The mean lumber lordosis was 43.9° preoperatively and 49.6° postoperatively. The increase in lumbar lordosis angle was statistically significant (p: 0,001). These changes were only related to the degree of extension deficit but not to age and postoperative follow-up time. Sacral slope, pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt did not change significantly. Conclusion: Bilateral knee arthroplasty increased lumbar lordosis patients with primer degenerative osteoarthritis especially who had high extension deficit. Sacral slope and pelvic tilt were decreased postoperatively but not significantly changed.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of patients who underwent bilateral versus unilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

In recent years, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a sensitive index of systemic inflammation. NLR predicts serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism or cardiovascular disease risk. Our study aims to compare the inflammation rate of bilateral simultaneous UKA versus unilateral UKA by using NLR. The medical records of 27 patients who underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous UKA (bUKA), whereas group 2 consisted of 17 patients who underwent unilateral UKA (uUKA). Preoperative and postoperative 1st hour blood chemistries were performed and results were extracted from the electronic database. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated from the absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. The mean preoperative and postoperative NLR and the difference in NLR between the preoperative and postoperative 1st hour was calculated. The mean preoperative NLR was 2.13 (0.51-4.54), and the mean postoperative NLR was 7.06 (0.50-15.33) in the uUKA group. NLR was significantly higher in the postoperative 1st hour (p=0.001). In the evaluation of the bilateral group (bUKA), the mean NLR was calculated as 1.61 preoperatively and 9.38 postoperatively. Hence, there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The mean difference in NLR was 7.77 in Group 1 and 4.92 in Group 2. Although the increase in NLR was higher in Group 1, no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.547). Our findings revealed similarly increased rates of NLR in the bilateral and unilateral UKA groups. Our study may suggest that bilateral simultaneous application of UKA is a safe procedure in terms of NLR-associated complications.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background: Appropriate pain control is one of the cornerstones necessary to promote positive clinical outcomes. A new bupivacaine liposomal formulation was designed to extend its analgesic effect for up to 72-hours post-surgery, reportedly leading to significant opioid-sparing. Method: Retrospective and prospective chart review conducted in a 178-bed academic institution between January 2013 to December 2013 and August 2014 to November 2014, in 115 patients that receive hip and knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome was the measurement of average daily pain score on post-operative days 1 and 2. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, overall opioid use post-surgery and pain control satisfaction using Press-Ganey® scores. Results: The average pain scores in the HCl group were 4.64 and 4.38 (Likert score: 0-10) for POD 1 and POD 2, compared to 4.72 POD 1 and 4.2 POD 2 in the liposome group (POD 1: p = 0.413; POD 2: p = 0.303). The difference in LOS for knee arthroplasty was statistically significant [HCl group: 1.94 days (± 0.66) versus liposome group: 2.27 days (±0.77) p-value = 0.038)] favoring the standard of care. For hip arthroplasty or bilateral knee arthroplasty the differences in LOS were not statistically significant (p = 0.052 and p = 0.484 respectively). 93% of the patients in the HCl group, pain was well controlled, versus 88.5% in the liposome group with similar oxycodone IR use among groups. Conclusion: Liposome bupivacaine did not offer a notable benefit compared to the HCl formulation in our study.

Erector spinae plane block: A safe, simple and effective alternative for knee surgery.

Neuraxial anaesthesia techniques are routinely used to manage postoperative pain in patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery. However, neuraxial anaesthesia is contraindicated in patients with a deformed spine or coagulopathy. Researchers recently described the erector spinae plane block—a safe, easy and effective interfascial plane block for managing chronic thoracic pain. Since then, it has been used for providing analgesia in thoracic, abdominal and hip surgery. We report its analgesic use in two patients undergoing knee surgery: one with lumbar scoliosis undergoing above knee amputation, and the other with haemophilia undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty.

Comparison of early effectiveness and safety of simultaneous and staged bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for bilateral anteromedial compartment osteoarthritis

To compare the early effectiveness and safety of simultaneous bilateral and staged bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treatment of anteromedial compartment osteoarthritis. The clinical data of 31 patients with bilateral anteromedial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent bilateral UKAs between January 2015 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 17 patients were treated with simultaneous bilateral UKAs (simultaneous group) and 14 patients with staged bilateral UKAs (staged group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, osteoarthritis grading, and preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle, knee society score (KSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of knee between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, blood loss, hospitalization stay, minimum hemoglobin value during 10 days after operation, and hospitalization cost were recorded. The staged group was compared by the sum of two operations. The effectiveness was evaluated by KSS score, VAS score, ROM at 3, 6, 12 months after operation, and patient satisfaction scores were recorded at 12 months after operation. The operation time, hospitalization stay, and hospitalization cost of the simultaneous group were significantly lower than those of the staged group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in blood loss and the minimum hemoglobin value during 10 days after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). Superficial infection occurred in 1 side of 1 case (7.1%) in staged group. Postoperative delirium occurred in 1 case (5.9%) in simultaneous group. There was no significant difference in incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups ( P=1.000). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-32 months (mean, 24.7 months). There was no significant difference in KSS score between the two groups at 3 months after operation ( t=0.896, P=0.392). KSS scores were significanly higher in simultaneous group than in staged group at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ROM and VAS scores between the two groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in simultaneous group than in staged group ( P<0.05). X-ray films showed no loosening of the prosthesis in the two groups. Simultaneous bilateral UKAs has the same security as staged bilateral UKAs. Meanwhile knee function recovery was better, hospitalization stay and hospitalization cost reduced, and patient satisfaction was higher in simultaneous bilateral UKAs.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Single-stage Bilateral and Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Single-stage Bilateral and Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Computer navigation has no beneficial effect on blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral total knee Arthroplasty.

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss. Postoperative anaemia retards patients recovery, and blood transfusion increases the risk for major complications including infection. While strategies like hypotensive anaesthesia, tranexamic acid, bone wax and so on are useful to conserve blood, navigation has also shown to decrease blood loss and transfusion in unilateral knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral knee arthroplasty performed with or without navigation. A retrospective case control cohort study of sequential bilateral knee arthroplasties was performed between 2 groups of 77 patients each, group N operated with navigation and group M operated without navigation. Both groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. All patients were operated with similar surgical technique. The two cohorts were compared for blood loss calculated by three reliable methods. The preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) in group N was 12.83 ± 1.32 and group M was 12.58 ± 1.33 ( p = 0.24). The postoperative Hb taken day 4 before any blood transfusions was 8.60 ± 1.24 in group N and 8.54 ± 1.16 in group M ( p = 0.75). The average fall in Hb was 4.23 ± 1.08 in group N and 4.04 ± 1.19 in group M ( p = 0.31). There was no difference in blood loss between group N and M in all three methods; Gross equation ( p = 0.56), Hb dilution ( p = 0.24) and Hb balance ( p = 0.20). Need for blood transfusion was similar in group N and M ( p = 0.56). Blood loss and transfusion are equivalent in sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty perform with or without navigation.

Bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: one stage or two stages?

Bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may be performed as one- or two-stage procedure. Previous reports suggest that UKA provides a more rapid functional recovery than total knee arthroplasty. However, little data exist on whether bilateral UKA can be performed without increasing the perioperative risk compared with unilateral cases. We retrospectively compared 51 patients treated between January 2014 and March 2017 with single-stage UKA (group A) with 51 patients who underwent unilateral procedure (group B) to evaluate perioperative complications. We noted no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age and body mass index. Patients who underwent single-stage bilateral UKA had longer operating room time with respect to single procedure (93.2min vs. 50.7min). However, the bilateral group had a shorter cumulative operating room time (93.2min) compared to the unilateral group (101.5min) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Average hemoglobin loss at discharge was 3.1 points for group A and 2.4 for group B, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that bilateral simultaneous UKA does not increase the risk for perioperative complications. Total blood loss at discharge is statistically higher in bilateral UKA rather than unilateral UKA; however, cumulative hemoglobin loss is statistically lower in bilateral group. Patients can benefit from a single hospital admission and anesthetic time, while the shorter total inpatient stay and lower blood loss can reduce hospital costs in cases of bilateral surgery. Retrospective study.

Correction of Linezolid-Induced Myelotoxicity After Switch to Tedizolid in a Patient Requiring Suppressive Antimicrobial Therapy for Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Prosthetic-Joint Infection

A 71-year-old man (85 kg) has a past history of vitiligo, ischemic myocardiopathy, and bilateral knee arthroplasties. A 1-stage exchange of the right prosthetic-joint infection (PJI) was done in 2016 for a mechanical prosthetic loosening. A massive constrained prosthetic joint was used to compensate for the bone loss (Supplementary Figure S1A). Iterative postoperative dislocations were followed by occurrence of a fistula in January 2017 and prosthetic loosening (Supplementary Figure S1B) without any pain. Because it was impossible to imagine a 2-stage exchange, a debridement and implant retention (DAIR) procedure followed by suppressive antimicrobial therapy was proposed. Daptomycin (700 mg/day) and ceftaroline (1200 mg/day) were prescribed after the surgery. A multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is only susceptible to daptomycin, vancomycin, fosfomycin, and linezolid, was found in culture from all operative samples. After 6 weeks of intravenous antimicrobial therapy, 600 mg of linezolid bid was prescribed in August 2017. Concomitant medications were ramipril, bisoprolol, furosemide, and aspirin. Under therapy, the patient experienced a progressive decrease of hemoglobin and hematocrit (without decrease of white blood cells or platelets). Five months after linezolid introduction, the patient developed asthenia related to anemia, with a decrease of hemoglobin to 65 mg/dL, and without leucopenia or thrombocytopenia (Figure 1). The patient did not take any treatment with potential bone marrow toxicity, except linezolid. The patient has no other adverse drug reactions. A blood transfusion (2 bags) was performed, which led to an immediate increase of the hemoglobin level to 84 mg/dL, and linezolid was switched to 200 mg of tedizolid once a day. In May 2018, 9 months after the DAIR surgery and 4 months after the switch, the patient was perfectly fine, walked despite rupture of the right knee extensor apparatus (video S2), without any pain, without any local signs of relapse (Supplementary Figure S1C), without clinical signs of neuropathy, and he experienced a continuous increase of the hemoglobin to 14 mg/dL under tedizolid therapy. No other treatment was changed or introduced.

An evidence-based review of enhanced recovery after surgery in total knee replacement surgery.

Rationale: Enhanced recovery after surgery is gaining popularity among orthopaedic surgeons across the globe and hence a strong evidence base had to be reviewed to make an evidence-based sustainable protocol.MethodsThe following databases, PubMed, OVID, Cochrane database and EMBASE were searched. The search was limited to 15 components of enhanced recovery after surgery programme which is divided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases. Inclusion criteria were restricted to articles published in English within the last 15 years and articles comprising of unicompartmental arthroplasty, revision knee arthroplasty, bilateral simultaneous knee arthroplasty and only hip arthroplasty excluded. The full texts were analysed and controversies and limitations of various studies were summarised.DiscussionEach component of the programme was thoroughly reviewed and strength and weaknesses of the evidence base summarised. The strength of the evidence was assessed by critically appraising the study methodology and justifying the appropriateness of the inclusion in enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.ConclusionEnhanced recovery after surgery has already been used successfully in various surgical specialities. Enhanced recovery after surgery programmes in knee arthroplasty are yet to be established as a universal practice to be adopted globally. This evidence-based review provides an insight into the best evidence linked to each component and their rationale for inclusion in the proposed enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral and Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral and Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Integrative Review for Patients With Bilateral Total Knee Replacement

The aim of this joint project between the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses and the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses was to develop nursing practice guidelines for patients who experience bilateral knee arthroplasty (BTKA) across the continuum of care. No guidelines existed and an integrative review was completed to address this gap. An integrative review of refereed quantitative and qualitative research in published and gray literature was completed to answer the clinical questions: (1) What is the scope of evidence-based nursing interventions for patients undergoing BTKA? (2) What are patients' experiences with BTKA across the care continuum? The scope of the literature search was patients with bilateral and unilateral total knee arthroplasty. An evidence-based system was used to rate the strength of studies that met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The search method identified 588 potential titles but the analysis of the abstracts supported only 128 studies for possible inclusion in this project. The authors independently reviewed these studies and concluded that 126 studies did not meet the inclusion criteria and 2 quantitative studies were eligible for inclusion. Understanding which interventions are most effective for pain management, functional gains, quality of life, and other nurse-sensitive outcomes is best derived from empirical studies. Most likely, BTKA nursing care is being guided by clinical experts and not by empirical nursing evidence. In the absence of empirical evidence, it is feasible that nurses can extrapolate findings from other studies to guide and support the care of BTKA patients. Research recommendations include the exploration of early mobilization interventions, development of nursing care bundles, and evaluation of patient-centered outcomes at the points of transitional care.

Periarticular Ropivacaine Cocktail Is Equivalent to Liposomal Bupivacaine Cocktail in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThis study compares the effectiveness of 2 commonly used periarticular injection formulations: liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine (EXP) and ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine (ROP) in patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. MethodsTwenty-six total knee arthroplasty patients (52 knees) and 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty patients (6 knees) undergoing simultaneous, bilateral arthroplasty were randomized to receive periarticular injections in a blinded fashion. Even birth year patients were selected for PAI of EXP in the right knee and ROP in the left knee. This was reversed for odd birth years. Visual analog scale pain scores for each knee and patient perceived difference in knee functional recovery were recorded during physical therapy, throughout the hospitalization. ResultsThere was no difference in visual analog scale pain scores between the EXP and ROP injected knees at any time point during the first 2 days after surgery. Postoperative pain scores averaged 41.9 mm (range 0-100 mm) for EXP and 43.1 mm (range 0-100 mm) for ROP. Patients were unable to detect a difference in the functional recovery between their knees on postoperative day 0, 1, or 2. No complications as a result of either periarticular injection occurred. ConclusionPeriarticular injections of EXP and ROP are equally effective after knee arthroplasty and patients do not appreciate differences between knees as determined by pain score or perceived functional recovery during the first 2 days after bilateral knee arthroplasty. This study demonstrates that a liposomal bupivacaine injection does not add an incremental benefit for pain control compared to a less expensive injection formulation.

Bilateral simultaneous unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus unilateral total knee arthroplasty: A comparison of the amount of blood loss and transfusion, perioperative complications, hospital stay, and functional recovery

BackgroundUnicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a good alternative treatment option to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for single compartment knee osteoarthritis. Several recent reports suggest that UKA results in more rapid functional recovery than TKA, together with fewer complications. Few performed a comparison of bilateral simultaneous UKA and unilateral TKA. HypothesisBilateral simultaneous UKA would result in fewer perioperative complications, less blood loss, less transfusion and faster recovery of short-term clinical outcomes, compared with unilateral TKA patients. Material and methodsIn a retrospective trial, the bilateral simultaneous UKA (bUKA) cases were matched one to one with a cohort of unilateral TKA (uTKA) cases according to age, body mass index, gender, Kellgren-Lawrence grade of knee osteoarthritis and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. In bilateral simultaneous UKA group, patients had KL grade 4 of bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and in unilateral TKA group, patients had KL grade 4 of unilateral knee osteoarthritis. The transfusion requirements, estimated blood loss (EBL), duration of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and knee clinical scores of the bUKA and uTKA groups were compared at the 6-month short-term follow-up. ResultsPatients were categorized into the bUKA group (n=52) and uTKA group (n=52). The number of patients requiring transfusion and the amount of EBL was smaller in the bUKA group (P<0.001 for transfusion and P=0.043 for EBL). The duration of hospital stay was shorter and the number of complications was smaller in the bUKA group (P<0.001 for hospital stay and P=0.028 for complications). The clinical outcomes were also superior in the bUKA group (P<0.001). ConclusionsBilateral simultaneous UKA shows fewer perioperative complications, less blood loss, less transfusion, and better functional outcomes at 6 months postoperatively than unilateral TKA. The data suggest that bilateral simultaneous UKA can be performed safely, and results in acceptable clinical outcomes. Level of evidenceIII, case-control study.

Bilateral Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: Average 10-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundThe present study investigates the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with all 4 major lower extremity joints replaced. MethodsA retrospective review of our institution's database identified 125 patients in whom both hips and both knees were replaced. The mean time between the first and last arthroplasty was 6.6 years. Preoperative diagnoses included osteoarthritis in 80% and rheumatoid arthritis in 20%. The average age at the time of the first arthroplasty was 63.7 years. The mean follow-up for all arthroplasties was 10.5 years (range 2-31 years). Patients were then matched according to age, gender, diagnosis, prosthesis, and follow-up, to patients with single or bilateral total hip or total knee arthroplasty. ResultsThere were 11 aseptic hip revisions (4.4%) and 3 aseptic knee revisions (1.2%). At final follow-up, 86% of hips and 83% of knees were rated with no or mild pain, 68% of patients rated walking as unlimited, and 98% of patients were able to satisfactorily negotiate stairs. Aseptic survivorship for all joint arthroplasties was 93.8% at 15 years. No statistical differences were noted in pain, function, stair, and walking scores between the matched groups. ConclusionThis report demonstrated excellent clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in patients with all 4 major lower extremity joints replaced. Walking aids were needed in 15% of patients, however. At final follow-up, this selected group of patients appears to fare just as well as patients with single or bilateral hip or knee arthroplasty with respect to pain and function.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Blood Transfusion in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Analysis of a Statewide Database

BackgroundSignificant attempts have been made to adopt practices to minimize blood transfusion after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) because of transfusion cost and potential negative clinical consequences including allergic reactions, transfusion-related lung injuries, and immunomodulatory effects. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for blood transfusion in a large cohort of TJA patients. MethodsWe used the all-payer California Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data from 2006 to 2011 to examine the trends in utilization of blood transfusion among arthroplasty patients (n = 320,746). We performed descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression clustered by hospital, controlling for Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, age, insurance type (Medicaid vs others), gender, procedure year, and race/ethnicity. ResultsEighteen percent (n = 59,038) of TJA patients underwent blood transfusion during their surgery, from 15% with single knee to 45% for bilateral hip arthroplasty. Multivariate analysis indicated that compared with the referent category of single knee arthroplasty, single hip had a significantly higher odds of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-1.83), as did bilateral knee (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 3.20-3.98) and bilateral hip arthroplasty (OR, 6.17; 95% CI, 4.85-7.85). Increasing age (eg, age ≥80 years; OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 2.82-3.17), Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.27-1.45), higher comorbidity index (eg, score of ≥3; OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 2.22-2.45), and females (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.70-1.80) all had significantly higher odds of blood transfusion after TJA. ConclusionPrimary hip arthroplasties have significantly greater risk of transfusion than knee arthroplasties, and bilateral procedures have even greater risk, especially for hips. These factors should be considered when evaluating the risk for blood transfusions.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides periprosthetic knee infection, an unusual fastidious Gram-positive bacteria: a case report

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infections are mainly caused by Gram-positive cocci. Leuconostoc mesenteroides is a rare microorganism mainly causing bloodstream infections. At times, it might be confused with another type of cocci and give rise to misdiagnosed infections. Molecular diagnosis and biofilm production comprise important techniques to guide antibiotic treatment.Case presentationA 68-year-old Hispanic female with a previous history of bilateral knee arthroplasty presented with acute right-knee inflammation and gait impairment. Blood tests showed inflammatory response and knee x-ray revealed no prosthesis loosening. Irrigation and debridement was performed. Gram-positive cocci were obtained from cultures, and then biochemical and molecular identification revealed L. mesenteroides. Susceptibility and biofilm production were performed. The patient was treated with IntraVenous (IV) Ceftriaxone for ten days and was then switched to Amoxicillin-Clavulanate for 3 months with clinical and laboratory success.ConclusionsMicrobiology diagnosis of fastidious microorganisms is mandatory to treat periprosthetic joint infections adequately. L. mesenteroides may infect non-immunocompromised persons; however, treatment guidelines are lacking.

Optimizing effectivity of tranexamic acid in bilateral knee arthroplasty — A prospective randomized controlled study

IntroductionTranexamic acid (TEA) is used in reducing surgical blood loss. Literature shows no optimal regimen recommended for Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated three TEA regimens differing in dosage, timing and mode of administration in bilateral TKA to identify the most effective regimen to reduce blood loss. MethodsWe prospectively studied three TEA regimens (25 patients each) as follows: (1) two intraoperative, intravenous doses (IOIO), (2) two intraoperative local applications (LALA), and (3) one preoperative plus two intraoperative, intravenous doses (POIOIO). Two independent parameters of drain loss and total blood loss, calculated by the hemoglobin balance method were statistically evaluated. ResultsMean drain loss was least (412.9ml) in the POIOIO group, greatest (607.2ml) in the IOIO group and LALA group in between (579.4ml), with a statistically significant difference among them (p=0.0022). On paired evaluation, the drain loss in the POIOIO group was significantly less as compared to the other two groups, whereas the difference between IOIO and LALA was not significant.Mean total blood loss was least in the POIOIO group (1207ml) and greatest in LALA group (1270ml). The difference among the groups was not statistically significant (p=0.80). There was no incidence of any thromboembolic phenomenon. On correlation with our study on Most Effective Regimen in Unilateral TKA, both results were found to substantiate each other.