Hospital For Special Surgery Knee Score Research Articles

The reliability and validity of the Lie‑To‑Sit‑To‑Stand‑To‑Walk transfer test in total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the standard procedure for treating end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, some residual issues can persist, leading to various problems, including pain, compromised strength, impaired proprioception, postural instability, dynamic balance issues, and gait deficiencies. The Lie-to-Sit-to-Stand-to-Walk Transfer Test (LSSWT) implements a multi-faceted methodology to evaluate basic transfer abilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the validity, reliability, and minimal clinically important difference of the LSSWT in TKA patients. Twenty-two patients with TKA were enrolled in this study. The patients were administered the LSSWT, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. Patients rested between the tests for an hour to prevent fatigue. The mean age was 68.1 ± 2.59 years and the mean HSS Knee Score was 85.43 ± 3.47 of the patients. The relative (ICC coefficient) and absolute (SEM and SRD95) reliability values were 0.88, 1.21, and 3.33 respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient of the LSSWT with the TUG was 0.63. The LSSWT displays excellent reliability and high validity in assessing fall risk, complex dynamic balance, and mobility required for daily activities in patients post-TKA. The low MCID value (3.33) indicates its sensitivity and ability to identify minor changes in a patient's status over time or in response to rehabilitation applications. Therefore, it is recommended to use the LSSWT when evaluating fall risk, dynamic balance, and mobility for community living, discharge planning, or facility admission.

Application of modified Frosch approach for Schatzker typeⅡtibial plateau fractures with posterolateral column

To explore clnical efficacy of modified Frosch approach for Schatzker typeⅡtibial plateau fracture with posterolateral column. From January 2019 to September 2020, totally 11 patients with Schatzker typeⅡtibial plateau fractures with posterolateral column were treated, including 7 males and 4 females, aged from 21 to 49 years old. Modified Frosch approach was adopted for lateral decubitus position, and posterolateral fractures were fixed with support plates or posterolateral screws. Anterolateral fixation with conventional tibial plateau lateral locking plate. Tibial plateau varus angle and posterior inclination angle were measured by X-ray immediately and 12 months after operation, as well as knee motion at 12 months after operation. Knee function at 12 months after operation was evaluated by knee score of Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS). Eleven patients were followed up for 12 to 15 months. Varus angle and inclination angle at immediately after operation ranged from 76° to 86° and 6° to 10°, respectively, and 79° to 88° and 6° to 10°, respectively at 12 months after operation. The range of extension of knee ranged from 0° to 5°, and flexion was 106° to 137° at 12 months after operation. Postoperative HSS knee score at 12 months ranged from 74 to 94 scores, 8 patients were excellent and 3 good. Modified Frosch approach is an effective surgical method for Schatzker typeⅡtibial plateau fracture with posterolateral column. A single incision is used to complete fracture exposure and fixation at two sites, avoiding use of combined incisions, and could obtain good postoperative knee joint function. During operation, popliteal fossa structure should be familiar, and the common peroneal nerve should be protected to avoid injury.

The use of a walking aid before surgery is not related to worse short-term outcomes after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty

Introduction: No study has been performed to compare patients’ pre- and post-operative knee disability, functional status, and length of hospital stay after surgery between patients with and without using a walking aid. Methods: One-hundred forty-five patients were enrolled and divided into four groups based on whether they used any walking aids before surgery: no walking aid, one cane, one elbow crutch, and two elbow crutches. The groups were compared for knee disability (Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score), functional status (Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS)), and length of hospital stay. Results: For the pre-operative HSS knee scores, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups ( p > 0.05). For the pre-operative ILAS scores, the patients without using walking aids had better functional status than those using any walking aids ( p < 0.05). For the post-operative outcomes, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the HSS knee and the ILAS scores and length of hospital stay after surgery. Conclusion: In this population, using any walking aids before surgery is related to worse pre-operative functional status but not to the pre-operative knee disability. Furthermore, it is not related to the short-term outcomes after surgery.

Non-drainage Offers Faster Proprioceptive and Functional Recovery, and More Clinical Benefits for Patients following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Drainage.

Although a non-drainage procedure following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is becoming more acceptable in enhanced recovery after surgery, postoperative drainage is still commonly used in TKA surgeries. This study aimed to compare the non-drainage to the drainage during the early postoperative stage regarding proprioceptive and functional recovery, and postoperative outcomes of TKA patients. A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was carried out on 91 TKA patients, who were randomly allocated into the non-drainage group (NDG) or the drainage group (DG). Patients were evaluated regarding knee proprioception, functional outcomes, pain intensity, range of motion, knee circumference, and anesthetic consumption. Outcomes were assessed at the time of charge, at postoperative 7th day, and at postoperative 3rd month. There were no differences between groups at baseline (p>0.05). During the inpatient period, the NDG experienced superior pain relief (p<0.05), had a higher Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (p=0.001), demanded lower assistance from a sitting position to a standing position (p=0.001) and walking for 4.5m (p=0.034), and performed the Timed Up and Go test in a shorter duration (p=0.016) compared to the DG. The NDG gained the actively straight leg raise earlier (p=0.009), needed lower anesthetic consumption (p<0.05), and showed improved proprioception (p<0.05) compared to the DG during the inpatient period. Our findings support that a non-drainage procedure would be a better option to provide a faster proprioceptive and functional recovery, and beneficial results for patients following TKA. Therefore, the non-drainage procedure should be the first choice in TKA surgery rather than drainage.

Is proximal tibial tubercle osteotomy superior to distal tibial tubercle osteotomy for medial compartmental osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis

BackgroundOpen-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is commonly performed for the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and is classified into proximal tibial tubercle osteotomy (PTO) and distal tibial tubercle osteotomy (DTO). The PTO osteotomy point is generally located about 3–4 cm below the joint of the proximal tibia, and the osteotomy line points to the upper part of the proximal tibiofibular joint. The DTO osteotomy point is generally located about 0.5–1.0 cm below the tibial tubercle, and the osteotomy line points to the contralateral cortex. However, there is currently no consensus on which surgical technique is superior. The purpose of our study was to investigate which among the two is superior for medial KOA, with respect to knee joint parameters, clinical function, and complications.MethodsThis study was conducted as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The Cochrane Central Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang databases were systematically searched for trials comparing PTO and DTO in patients with medial compartment KOA, from inception until March 2022. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2 software. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess methodological quality. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 12.0. Outcomes of interest included the Insall-Salvati index (ISI), Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), Blackburne-Peel index (BPI), posterior tibial slope (PTS), and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee-rating scale.ResultsA total of 15 retrospective studies (910 knees) were included. There were no significant differences in the age or sex of included patients. There was a significant difference in the ISI, CDI, BPI, and PTS between the two groups (all p ≤ 0.05). Further, DTO was associated with a significantly greater number of postoperative complications (p < 0.05) compared to PTO. However, there was no significant difference in the femorotibial angle (FTA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and HSS knee score (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with DTO, PTO is associated with a greater incidence of postoperative patella baja and increased PTS, whereas DTO is associated with more postoperative complications. Nevertheless, both can significantly correct knee varus deformity and improve knee function; their early knee function scores are also similar.Trial Registration. Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42021284443.

The Ilizarov technique in the management of haemophilic knee flexion contracture.

The Ilizarov technique has the potential to be an attractive option for severe knee flexion contracture (KFC) patients with a high risk of bleeding. However, studies on this technique in the management of haemophilic KFC are scarce. The purpose of this study was to review and analyse the results of the Ilizarov technique in correcting haemophilic KFC and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique. Twelve male haemophilia patients with severe KFC who underwent distraction treatment using the Ilizarov technique from June 2013 to April 2019 were included in this study. The hospital day, flexion contracture, range of motion (ROM) of the knees, complications and functional outcomes were recorded and analysed. Functional outcomes were evaluated according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scores of the preoperation, end of distraction and last follow-up. The average preoperative flexion contracture and range of motion (ROM) of the knees were 55±15° and 66±18°, respectively. The average preoperative HSS knee score was 47±5. The average duration of follow-up was 75.5±30.1 months. All flexion contractures achieved full correction (≤5°) at the end of distraction, and the flexion contracture significantly decreased to 6±5° at the last follow-up (p<.0001). The ROM of the knees was significantly increased at the last follow-up compared with that before distraction treatment (p<.0001). The HSS knee scores at the end of distraction and at the last follow-up were both significantly higher than the preoperative HSS knee score (p<.0001). No major complications were encountered. This study provided evidence for the safety and effectiveness of Ilizarov technique plus physical therapy in the management of haemophilic KFC and accumulated clinical experience for the proper application of this technology.

An Improvement in Knee Disability does not Mean an Improvement in Functional Status in Geriatric Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the change in knee disability and change in functional status from before bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to discharge in geriatric patients. &#x0D; Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 88 patients who underwent bilateral TKA. Before surgery and at discharge, the knee disability and functinal status of the patients were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and the Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS), respectively. The Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the change in the HSS knee score and the change in the ILAS score.&#x0D; Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the HSS knee score between before surgery and at discharge (p0.05). A moderate relationship was found between the change in the HSS knee score and the change in the ILAS score (r = –0.48, p

A Prediction Modeling Based on the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score for Poor Postoperative Functional Prognosis of Elderly Patients with Patellar Fractures.

Background The main aim of this study was to develop a nomogram prediction model for poor functional prognosis after patellar fracture surgery in the elderly based on the hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee score. Methods A retrospective analysis of 168 elderly patients with patellar fractures was performed to collect demographic data, knee imaging, and functional prognosis preoperatively and during the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Good functional prognosis of knee joint was defined as the percentage of HSS knee scores on the injured side relative to the uninjured side ≥ 80% at six-month postoperative review. Multifactorial linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were then used to identify risk factors of functional prognosis and develop the nomogram prediction model. Furthermore, the validity and accuracy of the prediction model were evaluated using C-index, area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analyses. Results The final screening from the 12 potential risk factors yielded three high-risk factors which were included in the nomogram prediction model: advanced age (OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.11-0.67), P = 0.005), sarcopenia (OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.05-0.26), P < 0.001), and low albumin level (OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.02-1.29), P = 0.025). The model had a good predictive ability with an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI (0.783-0.929)) for the training group and a C-index of 0.836 for the overall sample. In addition, the decision analysis curve indicated that the model had good clinical applicability. Conclusion Our predictive model is effective in predicting the risk of poor functional prognosis after patellar fracture surgery in the elderly by assessing high-risk factors such as advanced age, sarcopenia, and serum albumin levels. This prediction model can help clinicians to make individualized risk prediction, early identification of patients at high risk for poor functional outcome, and appropriate interventions.

Comparison of Pain, Muscle Strength, and Functional Status Following Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty, Total Knee Arthroplasty, and Conservative Management of Gonarthrosis.

Treatment options and surgical decision for grade 3-4 gonarthrosis remains controversial. We aimed to compare the pain level, muscle strength, physical performance, lower extremity functions, and other physical activity levels between patients who underwent arthroplasty and those who received conservative management for grade 3-4 gonarthrosis. This prospective analytical observational study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. A total of 30 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and 30 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients as two different study groups and 30 patients were treated conservatively as the control group were included. The rehabilitation and complication rates were recorded. The values of the range of motion, quadriceps diameter, were measured and also the isokinetic muscle strength, pick-up, repeated sit-to-stand, stair ascending and descending, straight-line walking, timed up and go, and 20-m walk tests, the knee injury and osteoarthritis-outcome-score (KOOS), the hospital for special-surgery-knee-score (HSS), and Oxford-Knee-Score (OKS) were performed. Postoperative rehabilitation and complication rates were significantly higher in the TKA group compared to the UKA group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.026, respectively). Six months after the treatment, the knee extension muscle strength value at 180°/s, knee flexion degree, total work flexion, stair ascending, VAS at night, all KOOS symptom, pain and daily function and total scores in the UKA group was significantly different than the TKA and the control groups (p < 0.001). Total work extension values, knee flexion degree, in the control group were found to be significantly higher than the TKA group (p = 0.033, p < 0.001, respectively). The UKA was significantly superior to TKA and conservative treatment concerning pain, muscle strength, and quality of life. IIa.

Effect of the amount of correction on posterior tibial slope and patellar height in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of amount of correction on postoperative changes in PTS (posterior tibial slope), PH (patellar height), and clinical outcomes following biplanar OWHTO (open-wedge high tibial osteotomy). Method: This study included 79 knees (32 left and 47 right) of 79 patients (mean age 60.28 ± 4.2years, 24 males, 55 females) with varus malalignment and symptomatic isolated medial joint osteoarthritis who underwent OWHTO. According to the amount of correction angles, all patients were divided into three groups: LCA (large correction angle) group (>14°), MCA (medium correction angle) group (10°-14°), and SCA (small correction angle) group (<10°). All patients were clinically assessed according to the Lysholm score, HSS (hospital for special surgery knee score), and KSS (knee society score) prior to and after surgery. For radiographic analysis, we measured the PTS, PH [ISI (Insall-Salvati index), and BPI (Blackburne-Peel index)]. The pre-post difference of PTS, ISI, and BPI was calculated by subtracting the post-OWHTO value to the pre-OWHTO value in three groups, respectively. The preoperative, postoperative, and difference of PTS, ISI, and BPI values were analyzed according to the correction angle. The mean follow-up period was 28.5months (SD, 4.9; range 18-52months). Results: Radiologically, PTS increased and PH decreased after surgery on the whole (p < .05). The relationship between amount of correction and slope increase is significant (p < .001). Furthermore, the pairwise difference between the LCA group and SCA group and MCA group is significant respectively (p < .05). In terms of PH, the LCA group yielded ISI and BPI that were significantly different from baseline for the SCA group and MCA group. In addition, the pairwise difference between the SCA group and LCA group in ISI and BPI is significant (p = .031). Clinically, significant improvements were observed in postoperative clinical scores of the Lysholm score, HSS, and KSS (p < .05). Seventy-four patients (93.67%) reported satisfaction with surgery. However, no correlation was found between changes in PTS and PH with postoperative knee score. No severe adverse complications were observed. Conclusions: The amount of correction angle is a significant factor affecting the PTS and PH in OWHTO. With increased correction angle, the likelihood of increasing the PTS and decreasing the PH increases. Special attention should be paid to keep PTS and PH unchanged in cases where large corrections are required. Otherwise, closing wedge osteotomy or other intraoperative effective measures are supposed to be adopted.

Midterm Survival of a Varus-Valgus Constrained Implant following One-Stage Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Single-Center Study.

Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is challenging to perform in patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to the difficulty of eradicating the infection and potential for bone and ligamentous deficits. The current study aimed to evaluate the midterm survival of varus-valgus constrained (VVC) implants used in one-stage revision TKA for chronic PJI at our institution. This retrospective analysis included 132 patients with chronic PJI who underwent one-stage revision using a VVC implant. The average follow-up was 51.6 months (range: 24-85 months). Five-year survival analysis was performed to set recurrent infection and mechanical failure as the end point. Hospital for special surgery (HSS) as functional outcomes was evaluated preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. A total of 12 patients (9.1%) underwent retreatment for reinfection (nine patients) and mechanical failure (three patients). The overall 5-year revision-free survival was 82.7%, the infection-free survival was 91.1%, and the mechanical failure-free survival was 98.3%. The preoperative HSS knee score improved from 35.6 points (range: 24.3-47.7 points) preoperatively to 76.8 points (range: 57.2-87.6 points) at the latest follow-up. Complications were identified in 20 patients (15.2%) which included aseptic osteolysis in 4 cases, acceptable flexion instability in 3 cases, arthrofibrosis in 2 patients, hematomas in 2 cases, calf intermuscular venous thrombosis in 6 patients, and femoral stem tip pain in 3 cases. This is the first study to report the outcomes of one-stage revision using VVC implants for knee PJI. Improved functional outcomes and good midterm survival are demonstrated at an average follow-up of 51.6 months.

Effects of Judet Quadricepsplasty in the Treatment of Post-traumatic Extension Contracture of the Knee.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical outcomes and the affecting factors of Judet's quadricepsplasty on the stiffness of post‐traumatic knee flexion.MethodsA retrospective survey was analyzed from June 2015 to October 2018. A total of 15 patients (eight males, seven females; mean age, 48.27 years) with extension contracture of the knee were treated by Judet's quadricepsplasty. All cases were injuries induced by fracture trauma. The mean interval between the initial procedure and quadricepsplasty was 56.2 months (range, 13–276 months). The knee range of motion (ROM) was assessed with a goniometer. The results of the procedure were analyzed by measuring the degrees of flexion of the operated knees at different time points (before, immediately after, and late postoperatively). We evaluated Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Judet's criteria, change in the degree of knee flexion, and complications.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 14 to 47 months, with an average of 31.53 months. The degree of flexion increased from 23.33° (range, 10°–50°) preoperatively to 107.33° (range, 100°–125°) intraoperatively, followed by a slight fall in the range of flexion in the late postoperative period, which reached an average of 95.33° (range, 60°–115°) in the last follow‐up. The knee joint function was assessed according to the Judet's criteria, eight cases (53.33%) achieved excellent results, six (40%) good, one (6.67%) fair, and zero (0.00%) poor results at final follow‐up. The long‐term excellent and good rate was 93.33%. The range of flexion of the knee during operation and at the last time of follow‐up was better than that before surgery (P < 0.001). The final flexion was significantly lower than that measured at immediate postoperative (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative HSS score for the entire group was 93.73 (range, 89–96). Fifteen excellent results were obtained according to the HSS knee score. Skin infection was seen in one patient (6.67%). There were no complications such as deep sepsis, intraoperative rupture of the quadriceps tendon, fracture of the lateral femoral condyle, skin dehiscence.ConclusionJudet quadricepsplasty is an effective method to treat knee extension contracture and improve knee range of motion (ROM). It should be performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and followed by physiotherapy with continuous passive motion (CPM). The knee ROM obtained with the surgery has an excellent long‐term effect.

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL RESULTS OF TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT USING PATIENT-SPECIFIC POSITIONING GUIDES WITH AT LEAST 5 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP

Objective: Patient-specific positioning guides have been designed to improve precision in total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes with magnetic resonance imaging-based patient-specific positioning guides. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients from two centers treated with total knee arthroplasty performed with patient-specific positioning guides. We enrolled patients operated on between January 2011 and December 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Preoperative and postoperative hip knee angle (HKA) and position of each component in the coronal plane were assessed. Overall malalignment was defined as an outlier of more than [Formula: see text] from the neutral mechanical axis and specific malalignment as when any component showed more than [Formula: see text] of deviation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee Score. Results: This study included 68 patients with a mean age of 72 years. The mean postoperative alignment (HKA) was [Formula: see text] and 26.5% of patients showed coronal malalignment [Formula: see text]. Regarding femoral components, 19.1% showed specific malalignment [Formula: see text], while 11.7% of tibial components were classified as outliers. The mean HSS Knee Score at final follow up was 89.2. Patients whose implants were mechanically aligned did not obtain better functional outcomes ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: In our series, the use of patient-specific positioning guides resulted in a range of mechanical malalignment, similar to conventional instrumentation results reported in the literature.

Porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves and MBT implant for severe bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty: a mean 2.4-year follow-up

BackgroundPorous-coated metaphyseal sleeves are designed to fill bone loss and facilitate osseo-integration when bone loss occurs during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves for severe bone loss in revision TKA.MethodsForm December 2014 to March 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 36 patients receiving revision TKAs. They had Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) Type II and III tibial bone loss and were treated with metaphyseal sleeve. The patients were followed up for a mean time of 28.5 months. The Knee Society Score (KSS), the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and the range of motion (ROM), radiographic findings of sleeve osteo-integration were also recorded. The paired t test was used to compare the KSS, the HSS knee score and VAS score before and after the revision TKAs. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThirty-six patients had complete clinical and radiographic data. At the final follow-up (mean: 28.5 months), significant improvements in knee range of motion, KSS, HSS score and VAS score were observed postoperatively (P < 0.001 for all). No aseptic implant fixation failure occurred. Radiographic reviews at the final follow-up revealed that components were stable without occurrence of component migration or clinically significant osteolysis.ConclusionsThis short-term retrospective study illustrated that porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves were useful in revision TKA, with a low rate of intraoperative complications, excellent osteo-integration and stable fixation.

Delayed or neglected meniscus tear repair and meniscectomy in addition to ACL reconstruction have similar clinical outcome.

To compare the clinical outcomes of meniscus repair and meniscus resection with concurrent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with ACL rupture and neglected or delayed medial meniscus tears. Thirty patients with ACL ruptures and unstable vertical longitudinal medial meniscus tears were included. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I included 15 patients who underwent meniscal repair and Group II included 15 patients who underwent meniscectomy. The knee range of motion, McMurray test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Questionnaire, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee score, and Tegner activity (TA) scale were used to assess all patients. The median follow-up time was 3.6 (0.5-6.5) years. Median age was 28 (16-36) years. Fourteen patients (93.3%) in Group I and six patients (40%) in Group II returned to their preinjury sport activity level (P = .007). Median maximum knee flexion was 132° (121°-140°) in Group I and 134° (121°-139°) in Group II (n.s.). All patients had full knee extension and negative McMurray test results. Lachman and pivot shift test results were similar between groups. The median IKDC Questionnaire score was 99 (86-100) in Group I and 93 (70-100) in Group II (P = .016). The difference in Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, HSS knee, and TA scale score between groups were not significant. Clinical outcomes of patients that underwent meniscus repair were better than those that underwent meniscus resection with concurrent ACL reconstruction. The technically complicated and costly meniscus repair may achieve better clinical outcomes than meniscectomy when treating a neglected or delayed meniscal tear with a concurrent ACL tear. III.

Adductor canal block is similar to femoral nerve block for the quality of rehabilitation after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy

Adductor canal block (ACB) provides postoperative pain relief as effectively as femoral nerve block (FNB) does, and it preserves the strength of the quadriceps femoris. However, its effect on rehabilitation after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pre-operative ACB and FNB on the quality of rehabilitation after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. A total of 150 patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were randomly allocated to the FNB group (receiving 0.3% ropivacaine 30ml at the thighroot-femoral nerve), the ACB group (receiving 0.3% ropivacaine 30ml at mid-thigh adductor canal), or the control group. The primary outcome was the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score on the 30th postoperative day. The HSS knee score of the ACB group on the 30th day after the operation was significantly higher than those of the FNB and control groups (88.6 ± 5.3 vs. 85.3 ± 6.9 and 81.2 ± 5.9, respectively; P < 0.05). Both the ACB and FNB groups showed excellent rehabilitation, indicating similar rehabilitation quality for both treatments. ACB is similar to FNB concerning the quality of rehabilitation and pain relief after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, while ACB has little effect on the strength of the quadriceps femoris. I TRIAL REGISTRATAION: This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INC-16008346).

Suprapatellar versus infrapatellar approaches in the treatment of tibia intramedullary nailing: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundTibial shaft fractures are routinely managed with intramedullary nailing (IMN). An increasingly accepted technique is the suprapatellar (SP) approach. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of knee joint after tibia IMN through an suprapatellar (SP) or traditional infrapatellar (IP) approach.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed in patients with tibial shaft fractures that were treated with IMN through a SP or IP approach between 01/01/2014 and 31/12/2016. The clinical and functional outcomes of the knee were assessed with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score. Secondary outcomes included the operation time and intraoperative blood loss.ResultsA total of 50 patients/fractures (26 IP and 24 SP) with a minimum follow-up of 15 months were evaluated. All fractures were OTA 42. No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, gender, side of fractures, operation time, intra-operative blood loss, and follow-up time. No significant difference was seen in HSS score (P = 0.62) between them. Sub analysis of all the HSS components scores revealed no significant differences between pain (P = 0.57), the stand and walk (P = 0.54), the need for walking stick (P = 0.60) and extension lag (P = 0.60). The other HSS components showed full scores (IP 10 vs. SP 10) in both approaches, including muscle force, flexion deformity and stability components. The range of motion (ROM) component score was superior in the IP group (P = 0.04) suggesting a higher ROM.ConclusionsBoth SP and IP approach results in equivalent overall HSS knee scores. However, for the HSS component, the IP approach was superior to SP approach regarding the ROM.

Comparison of analgesic effect, knee joint function recovery, and safety profiles between pre-operative and post-operative administrations of meloxicam in knee osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of pre-operative and post-operative meloxicam administration regarding post-operative pain control and knee joint function recovery in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Totally, 196 KOA patients who underwent TKA were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned into pre-operative (N = 98) and post-operative administration group (N = 98) as 1:1 ratio. Pre-operative administration group received meloxicam 15 mg at 24 h pre-operation and 7.5 mg at 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-operation, respectively. Post-operative administration group received meloxicam 15 mg at 4 h post-operation and 7.5 mg at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-operation, respectively. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and at flexion, patient's global assessment (PGA), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption, hospital for special surgery (HSS), knee score, and adverse events were assessed. Pre-operative meloxicam administration attenuated pain VAS score at rest at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h; and pain VAS score at flexion at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h; as well as PGA score at 6 h, 12 h, 48 h post-TKA compared with post-operative meloxicam administration. Additional and total consumption of PCA were both decreased in pre-operative meloxicam administration group than post-operative meloxicam administration group, while HSS knee score at 3 months post-TKA was similar between pre-operative and post-operative meloxicam administration groups. Regarding safety, the incidence of adverse events was of no difference between the two groups. Pre-operative administration of meloxicam might assist the post-operative pain management and care in KOA patients who underwent TKA.

Comparison of Clinical and Biomechanical Outcomes between Partial Fibulectomy and Drug Conservative Treatment for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background Upper partial fibulectomy has been preliminarily proved to have the efficacy for pain alleviation and improvement of function in patients with mild to moderate medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the previous studies lack the control group with other treatments. The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled study is to compare the clinical and biomechanical effects between upper partial fibulectomy and drug conservative treatment on improvement of clinical pain, function, and gait for patients with mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and further discuss its biomechanical mechanism. Methods From August 2016 to February 2017, 49 and 48 patients with mild to moderate medial KOA were allocated to fibulectomy and drug groups. We assessed the patients' visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, limb alignment, passive flexion/extension range of motion (ROM) of the knee, and 3D gait kinematics and kinetics parameters before and after intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc assessment and multivariate analysis of variance were applied for intragroup and intergroup comparisons, respectively. Results The improvement in the fibulectomy group on the VAS pain score, HSS knee score, walking speed, and walking knee range of motion (ROM) was statistically better than that in the drug group. The decreased overall peak knee adduction moment (KAM) (decreased by 16.1%) and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle (decreased by 0.99° from a more varus alignment to a more neutral alignment) of the affected and operated side 1 year after surgery were observed in the fibulectomy group. Conclusion This research demonstrated that as a biomechanical intervention, upper partial fibulectomy can be a better choice in pain relief and function and gait improvement than drug conservative treatment for patients with early-stage knee OA. The long-term clinical outcomes, indication, and rationale for the improvement in clinical symptoms should be investigated further.

Imaging characteristics of irreducible tibial shaft fractures and their clinical significance

Objective To propose a concept of irreducible tibial shaft fractures and to discuss their imaging characteristics and clinical significance. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 21 patients with tibial shaft fracture who had received intraoperative intramedullary nailing after limited open reduction at Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital to Anhui Medical University from November 2013 to June 2018. They were 14 males and 7 females, aged from 2l to 66 years (average, 34.9 years). There were 15 left and 6 right sides. Firstly, closed reduction was performed followed by traction, folding and rotation, but repeated attempts failed to achieve smooth reduction or insertion of guide wire. Next, local limited open reduction had to be performed for intramedullary nailing. The X-ray and CT images of the tibial fractures were collected to analyze their imaging characteristics. The imaging manifestations were characterized into 4 types: single-segment type with intact fibula, multiple-segment type, interlocking type where the distal and proximal ends interlock commonly seen in short spiral and short oblique fractures, and incarceration type where the fracture interspace is blocked by a bone fragment. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated at the final follow-up by knee scores of The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Kofoed ankle scores. Results Of the 21 patients, 2 were single-segment type, 4 multiple-segment type, 13 interlocking type and 2 incarceration type. They were followed up for 7 to 50 months (average, 22.7 months). The fractures united after 5 to 16 months (average, 7.3 months). Postoperative knee pain was observed in 3 cases and delayed fracture union in 2. Osteomyelitis, superficial wound infection, implant breakage or malunion occurred in none of the patients. The therapeutic efficacy evaluated at the final follow-up by HSS knee scores and Kofoed ankle scores revealed 15 excellent, 4 good and 2 fair cases, yielding an excellent to good rate of 90.5%. Conclusion The concept of irreducible tibial shaft fractures may lead to preoperative awareness on the part of the surgeons so that ineffective repeated reductions can be spared and the damage to the blood supply to the fracture ends and the operation time can be reduced. Key words: Tibia fracture; Knee joints; Ankle joints; Imaging characteristics; Irreducible