Kellgren-Lawrence Classification Research Articles

Intraosseous Injection of Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intraosseous injection in the treatment of patients with knee OA stages II-III. Materials and Methods. The multicenter randomized study involved 40 patients (27 women, 13 men, average age 67.07.8 years, BMI 32.74.8, duration of disease 17.33.7 months) with knee OA of stages II-III according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification. Patients of the main (BMAC group) group (n = 19) underwent a single intraosseous injection of BMAC, in the comparison group (n = 21) a PRP injection (PRP group). The results were evaluated after 1, 3, 6, 12 months with the verbal rating scale (VRS), VAS, Leken and WOMAC scales. Results. Comparison of the results in the groups on the VRS showed that at an earlier time (3 and 6 months), the preferences of patients were in favor of the treatment of BMAC (65% and 55% positive reviews) before PRP (55% and 45% positive reviews), whereas after 12 months the differences were insignificant. Analysis of VAS indicators in patients of both groups indicated a more pronounced decrease in the severity of pain syndrome after BMAC intraosseous injection. The analysis of the Leken scale indicators showed in favor of BMAC throughout the entire observation period, the differences were most pronounced in the first 3 months of observation. The ratio of the values of the WOMAC index in both patients groups indicated statistically significant differences that persisted in all periods of follow-up, the increase in indicators occurred to a lesser extent after the introduction of BMAC compared with PRP. Conclusion. A single intraosseous BMAC injection has an advantage over a similar PRP injection in terms of pain, knee function and physical activity of patients at all follow-up periods. Both methods of treatment are equally safe.

Risk factors for the postoperative effect of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus after arthroscopy

To explore the influencing factors of the postoperative effect of arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). From September 2008 to September 2015, patients with symptomatic DLM treated by arthroscopic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The knee function was evaluated by Lysholm scoring system. According to the scoring results, it was divided into excellent (≥90 points), good (80 to 89 points), fair (70 to 79 points) and poor (<70 points). Sixteen research factors were collected, namely gender, operation age, body mass index, work intensity, symptom duration, history of knee injury, involved knee side, DLM classification, DLM injury type, DLM injury site, medial meniscus injury, knee cartilage injury site and degree, Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification, operation method, and latest follow-up time. According to the data type, Kruskall-Wallis rank sum test or χ2 test was used for univariate analysis, and ordinal Logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Univariate analysis showed that the statistically significant factors were included in the multivariate analysis model, and the independent risk factors influencing the curative effect of symptomatic DLM were obtained. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 502 patients were included. Lysholm functional grade at the latest follow-up was higher than that before operation (P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in gender, body mass index, work intensity, history of knee injury, age of operation, duration of symptoms, medial meniscus injury, K-L grade, operation method, location and degree of knee cartilage injury among Lysholm functional grades(P<0.05). Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that female was an independent risk factor for postoperative efficacy (P=0.002, OR=0.370);body mass index (P=0.007, OR=0.894), work intensity(P=0.004, OR=0.525), age of operation(P<0.001, OR=0.953), duration of symptoms(P<0.001, OR=0.989), degree of cartilage damage (P=0.016, OR=0.631) were negatively correlated with Lysholm knee function classification. Arthroscopy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of symptomatic DLM. The gender, body mass index, work intensity, age of operation, duration of symptoms and degree of knee cartilage injury are independent influencing factors for the postoperative efficacy of symptomatic DLM.

An assessment of the return to professional activity of patients aged ≤30 years after hip replacement surgery.

The study evaluated the professional activity of patients after a total cementless hip replacement surgery performed at the age of ≤30 years. The study group comprised 87 patients, with 95 total cementless hip replacements. The mean age was 25.7 years. The youngest patient was 17 years old, and the oldest 30 years old. The mean length of observation was 20.1 years, ranging 5-33 years. All patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluations before the surgery, and again in the third, sixth and twelfth months after the surgery. Further follow-up visits were performed every year. The tests were scored according to the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel (MAP) classification, as recommended by the Polish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Postoperative radiographs were used to assess the position of the endoprosthesis, and the degree of implant healing in the bone tissue. The data was subjected to statistical analysis. Of the surveyed group, 67 patients were professionally active before the surgery: 34 were white-collar workers, 29 manual workers, and 4 students or school pupils. The remaining 20 had not worked for many years, and were receiving sickness or disability benefits. An excellent result, according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification, was noted in 22 cases, a good result in 42 cases, and a satisfactory result in 6 cases. In 25 cases, a poor result was observed. All of the patients professionally active before the surgery returned to work following the procedure. A further analysis found that 15 previously-unemployed patients commenced employment following the procedure. The mean length of the sick leave was 196.2 days, and rehabilitation payments were granted in 5 cases. Total cementless hip replacement is a valuable method of treating osteoarthritis in young patients. All of the patients who worked before the surgery returned to work in the same position and on the same employment conditions. Most of the previously-unemployed patients commenced employment following the procedure. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(6):747-54.

Intra-articular pressure characteristics of the knee joint: An exploratory study.

Inflammation-predominant osteoarthritis is an important clinical type of osteoarthritis, with synovitis suggested as its distinct pathophysiology. We investigated whether the synovium's mechanical properties in knees differed by osteoarthritis and other clinical parameters through retrospectively analyzing intra-articular pressure-volume characteristics. We analyzed 60 knees that were administered intra-articular corticosteroids while undergoing pressure monitoring. McMurray's test, pain complaints at end-range knee flexion, Kellgren-Lawrence classification from standing anteroposterior radiographs, and suprapatellar effusion from ultrasound constituted clinical parameters. Pressure-volume profiles-phasic changes in pressure by volume infusion, the volume of Phase 1-the potential volume of the synovial space, the pressure at 45 ml infusion-intra-articular pressure at a standardized volume, and the slope of Phase 2-synovial stiffness were compared with clinical parameters. All graphs were biphasic. Knees with suprapatellar effusion or radiologically definite osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2), had a lower Phase 1 volume. Knees with definite radiographic osteoarthritis also showed higher pressures at 45 ml and Phase 2 slopes (171.11 ± 94.35 mmHg and 5.08 ± 3.07 mmHg/ml, respectively) than those without (101.88 ± 58.12 mmHg and 2.84 ± 1.27 mmHg/ml, respectively). The Phase 2 slope was higher for knees with positive provocative tests than in those with negative provocative tests, although not statistically significant. The synovium stretched earlier in knees with effusion or radiologically definite osteoarthritis. Intra-articular pressure and synovial stiffness were significantly higher in patients with radiologically definite osteoarthritis. The synovium's mechanical characteristics are altered by osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Intra-articular pressure characteristics could be utilized for synovial evaluation clinically.

Long-term follow-up of bucket-handle meniscal repairs: chondroprotective effect outweighs high failure risk.

Outcomes after repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears tend to be satisfying in the short-term follow-up. However, the literature is scarce regarding long-term data following repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears. The aim of this study was to assess long-term follow-up outcomes, focusing on knee osteoarthritis (OA) development and failure rate, and determine risk factors associated with failure. This is a retrospective cohort study, including all patients with bucket-handle tears within 4mm of the menisco-synovial junction, who underwent meniscal repair, either isolated or combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between 2004 and 2015. A combination of all-inside, outside-in, and inside-out repair technique was used in all patients. Patients over 40years old, concomitant multi-ligamentous injuries, and severe cartilage lesions documented intraoperatively were excluded. During the follow-up, a meniscus was considered healed using Barrett's criteria, while knee OA evaluation was performed according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification using standing knee radiographs. Patients were assessed preoperatively as well as postoperatively in terms of knee function using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). In total, the inclusion criteria were met by 66 patients. Median age at the time of operation was 21.9years (13-39). Median follow-up was 114 (62-176) months. Total failure rate was approximately 33% at median time of 19 (6-39) months. Osteoarthritis was statistically significantly more prevalent in patients with failed repairs (mean KL score: 2.09) in comparison to patients with successful repairs (mean KL score: 0.54) p = 0.001. In addition, successful repairs were associated with higher KOOS score as compared with failed repairs (mean ± SD, 89.6 ± 4.6 vs 77.8 ± 4.9 p < 0.001), higher IKDC score (mean ± SD, 88.2 ± 5.1 vs 79.2 ± 5.2 p < 0.001), and Lysholm score (mean ± SD, 90.3 ± 5.3 vs 78.4 ± 7.8 p < 0.001). Patients with medial meniscus repair had 4.8 higher relative likelihood of failure compared to lateral meniscus [p = 0 .014, OR = 4.8 (95% Cl 1.2, 18.6)]. Patients over 16years old had 5.7 higher relative likelihood of failure [p = 0 .016, OR = 5.7 (95% Cl 0.04, 0.85)]. Concurrent ACLR did not have a significant effect on the postoperative outcomes. A high rate of clinical failure was observed after meniscal repair of bucket-handle tears. However, successful treatment led to lower rates of knee OA development and better knee function, approximately 10 years postoperatively. Meniscal repair of bucket-handle tears is recommended to improve knee function and prevent knee OA in young patients. III.

Characteristic Bone Morphology Change of the Subtalar Joint in Severe Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis

The subtalar joint has a possible compensatory mechanism for supramalleolar deformities; the failure of this mechanism causes the progression of ankle osteoarthritis. However, the reason for this failure has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the morphologic changes in the subtalar joint in varus ankle osteoarthritis using computed tomography. The study included 30 patients with severe osteoarthritis (modified Kellgren-Lawrence classification grade ≥ 3; mean age: 68.5 years) and 30 patients without- or with early osteoarthritis (grade 0-1; mean age: 43.0 years) as the control group. The location of cysts, osteophyte formation in the subtalar joint, and thickness of the subchondral bone plate were evaluated. In the osteoarthritis group, cyst formation was observed on the posterolateral side of the posterior facet of the calcaneus in 6 cases (20%) and of the talus in 7 cases (23.3%). Osteophyte formation was observed in the talus in 21 cases (70.0%) and in the calcaneus in 29 cases (96.6%). Osteophyte formation was observed on the posterior or lateral side of the posterior facet, and osteophyte contact between the talus and calcaneus was observed. The subchondral bone plate of the posterior medial side of the posterior facet of the talus was significantly thicker in the osteoarthritis group. The subtalar joint is less affected in severe varus ankle osteoarthritis containing a thickened subchondral bone plate in the posteromedial aspect of the posterior talar facet.

Efficacy of intra-articular methylprednisolone along with platelet rich plasma vs. platelet rich plasma in early osteoarthritis: a retrospective study

Background: Increased prevalence as well as burden affecting osteoarthritis of knee joint has led to increase in concerns regarding safety of various pharmacological methods. Hence, there is an increase in demand for newer and effective strategies for treatment and manage­ment. Thus, a novel alternate for treatment is required that might repair damage to cartilage rather than simply reduce related symptoms. The aim of this study was to study the efficacy of intra-articular methylprednisolone along with platelet rich plasma versus platelet rich plasma in early knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with initial stages of osteoarthritis of knee according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Patients age range was between 40 to 80 years who were divided into 2 groups; group I: It contained 30 subjects treated with intra-articular injections of Platelet Rich Plasma in combination with methylprednisolone and group II: comprised of 30 patients treated with intra-articular injection of Platelet rich Plasma alone. Clinical data pertaining to medical history, VAS and KOOS scores were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the student’s t test. Results: Statistically significant improvements in VAS and KOOS score values were observed on assessment of scores at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months intervals, respectively. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the study that a combination therapy of intra-articular injection of combination of PRP with methylprednisolone yields superior results when compared to use of PRP injections alone.

Efficacy and Safety of Postoperative Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsFrom March 2020 to August 2020, all patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA in our hospital were considered in prospective randomized controlled study. Included patients were randomized into three groups to receive either two doses of 15 mg/kg intravenous TXA postoperatively, at 2 and 24 h after closing the incision (group A), or a single dose of 15 mg/kg intravenous TXA 2 h postoperatively (group B), or placebo (group C). The calculated total blood loss (TBL) and hidden blood loss (HBL), incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and transfusion rate were compared among groups. The levels of prothrombotic state parameters including thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin‐anti‐thrombin complex (TAT), plasmin‐anti‐plasmin complex (PIC), and tissue‐type plasminogen activator‐plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t‐PAI·C) in plasma were measured during the perioperative period. Patients were compared depending on the Kellgren‐Lawrence classification (K‐L types III and IV).ResultsAll patients were followed up for at least 4 weeks. The mean TBL and HBL in group C (1,182.45 ± 160.50; and 965.47 ± 139.61 mL, respectively) were significantly higher than those in groups A (944.34 ± 130.88 mL, P < 0.05; and 712.45 ± 129.82mL, P < 0.05, respectively) or B (995.20 ± 154.00 mL, P < 0.05; and 757.20 ± 134.39 mL, P < 0.05, respectively), but no significant differences were found between groups A and B (P > 0.05 and P > 0.05, respectively). None of the patients of three groups received blood transfusion, so there were no significant differences in blood transfusion rate among groups. Similar results were obtained with subgroups of patients who had the K‐L types III and IV. The DVT frequencies were four, three, and three in groups A, B, and C, respectively, with no significant differences after comparison (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the levels of prothrombotic state parameters (TM, TAT, PIC, t‐PAI·C) or incidence of VTE among groups (P > 0.05). Wound leakage was observed in five patients during the hospital stay (two patients in group A, one patient in group B, and two patients in group C), and no statistical difference was found in wound leakage or other complications among groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsShort‐term application of postoperative intravenous TXA in TKAs resulted in reduced HBL without a measured increase in the actual incidence of VTE or the potential risk of thrombosis, but administration of TXA after the first 24 h had no significant effect.

Comparison of short-time functional outcomes after TKA between Multigen Plus CR and Physica KR prostheses

BackgroundAim of this study was to compare functional results within 36 months following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a conventional prosthesis Multigen Plus CR and a new Physica KR implant. Our hypothesis was that the use of the Kinematics-Retaining design of an TKA implant leads to a significantly greater improvement in the active range of motion and better functional results (KSS 1, KSS 2 and WOMAC score) than the conventional CR implant at short-term follow-up.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analysed data of 234 patients who underwent primary TKA at our hospital from April 2010 to August 2015 with the CR type of implant and from July 2014 to August 2015 with the KR implant due to advanced knee arthrosis of IIIrd and IVth grade of Kellgren-Lawrence classification, with no major ligamentous instability. Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, Knee Society Scores 1 (KSS 1) and 2 (KSS 2) and flexion (AROM) were recorded preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 36 months after surgery.ResultsOur study showed a statistically significant difference in functional results at three years with better KSS 1 score, a tendency to higher values in the KSS 2 score, as well as a statistically significant overall improvement in AROM in favour of the new KR design over the conventional CR implant with a post-hoc power analysis of 83.8%. We found that there was no statistically significant difference between groups when comparing WOMAC score and complications at short-term follow-up.ConclusionsOur study provided more favourable clinical results for using Kinematics-Retaining implant in primary TKA. Further studies should focus on radiological and functional outcomes from mid- to long-term follow-up.

Early effectiveness of computer navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty

To estimate the early effectivenss of computer navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing with traditional TKA. The clinical data of 89 patients (100 knees) underwent primary TKA between October 2017 and July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively, including 44 patients (50 knees) who completed the TKA under the computer-assisted navigation system as the navigation group and 45 patients (50 knees) treated with traditional TKA as the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, body mass index, diagnosis, side, disease duration, Kellgren-Lawrence classification of osteoarthritis, and preoperative American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, range of motion (ROM), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) deviation. The operation time, incision length, difference in hemoglobin before and after operation, postoperative hospital stay, and the complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The HSS score, ROM, and joint forgetting score (FJS-12) were used to evaluate knee joint function in all patients. Unilateral patients also underwent postoperative time of up and go test and short physical performance battery (SPPB) test. At 1 day after operation, the HKA, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), sagittal femoral component angle (sFCA), and sagittal tibial component angle (sTCA) were measured and calculated the difference between the above index and the target value (deviation); and the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) was also measured. The operations of the two groups were successfully completed, and the incisions healed by first intention. The operation time and incision length of the navigation group were longer than those of the control group ( P<0.05); the difference in difference of hemoglobin before and after the operation and the postoperative hospital stay between groups was not significant ( P>0.05). Patients in the two groups were followed up 27-40 months, with an average of 33.6 months. Posterior tibial vein thrombosis occurred in 1 case in each of the two groups, and 1 case in the control group experienced repeated knee joint swelling. The HSS scores of the two groups gradually increased after operation ( P<0.05); HSS scores in the navigation group at 1 and 2 years after operation, and knee ROM and FJS-12 scores at 2 years were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative time of up and go test and SPPB results between the two groups at 7 days after operation ( P>0.05); the postoperative time of up and go test of the navigation group was shorter than that of the control group at 2 years ( t=-2.226, P=0.029), but there was no significant difference in SPPB ( t=0.429, P=0.669). X-ray film measurement at 1 day after operation showed that the deviation of HKA after TKA in the navigation group was smaller than that of the control group ( t=-7.392, P=0.000); among them, the HKA deviations of 50 knees (100%) in the navigation group and 36 knees (72%) in the control group were less than 3°, showing significant difference between the two groups ( χ 2=16.279, P=0.000). The JLCA and the deviations of mLDFA, mMPTA, sFCA, and sTCA in the navigation group were smaller than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Compared with traditional TKA, computer navigation-assisted TKA can obtain more accurate prosthesis implantation position and lower limb force line and better early effectiveness. But there is a certain learning curve, and the operation time and incision length would be extended in the early stage of technology application.

Safety of Intra-articular Hip Corticosteroid Injections: A Matched-Pair Cohort Study.

Background:Recent studies have suggested there is an increased risk of avascular necrosis (AVN), subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF), femoral head collapse, and osteoarthritis (OA) progression in the 12-month period after hip corticosteroid/anesthetic injection (CSI); however, these studies have failed to account for preinjection OA severity or preexisting AVN/SIF.Purpose:To compare these complication rates in patients treated with versus without hip CSI, while minimizing the aforementioned forms of selection bias present in previous investigations.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:For all patients who had undergone a single hip CSI and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the preceding 12 months at a single institution (CSI cohort), 2 musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively graded OA severity (modified Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and femoral head collapse on hip radiographs taken within 12 months before, and 1 to 12 months after, CSI. Using identical methodology, radiographs from a control cohort (composed of hips that had never undergone CSI and had undergone hip MRI with hip radiographs taken within 12 months before, and 1-12 months after, MRI) were also graded. The cohorts were matched for age, sex, body mass index, and OA severity. Readers were blinded to cohort and time point. OA progression was defined as an increase in modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1 between radiographs.Results:Included were 141 matched pairs. After exclusion of 48 matched pairs with at least 1 incidence of preexisting AVN or SIF on index MRI, CSI (n = 93; mean time between CSI and final hip radiograph, 5.43 months) and control (n = 93; mean time between MRI and final hip radiograph, 4.87 months), groups did not significantly differ in rates of OA progression (3.2% vs 3.2%) or new femoral head collapse (3.2% vs 2.2%).Conclusion:In contrast to the findings of recent retrospective investigations, we did not find that patients treated with hip CSI had significantly higher rates of short-term OA progression or femoral head articular surface collapse after controlling for baseline OA severity and preexisting AVN or SIF. Future randomized trials investigating safety of hip CSI are needed to determine its exact short-term risk profile.

Dynamics of Quality of Life Indicators in Patients with Chronic Synovitis of the Knee Joint after Arthroscopic Laser Double-mode Synovectomy

Background: The treatment of patients with chronic synovitis of the knee joint is a challenge faced by many doctors all around the world. Treatment of this pathology is often a difficult task.&#x0D; Aim. The aim of the study was improving the results of treatment of patients with chronic synovitis of the knee joint by applying two wavelengths of radiation.&#x0D; Material and methods. The treatment results of 50 patients with chronic synovitis of the knee joint aged 23 to 67 years with stage II-IV osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification were analyzed. All patients underwent arthroscopic sanation, partial laser synovectomy using LSP-IRE-Polus apparatus, wavelength 0,97 microns in pulse-periodic mode (pulse 100 ms, pause 50 ms) with power 5 W and wavelength 1,56 microns in continuous mode with power 5 W. Morphological examination of the synovial membrane and capsule was performed. Preoperative, 3, 6 and 12 month postoperative questionnaires were administered using the following scales and questionnaires: VAS, Leken index, WOMAC and KOOS.&#x0D; Results. Mean age (M) was 45.32±131, BMI 28.63±4.72kg/m2, duration of synovitis 2.26±1.91 years. A statistically significant improvement on the VAS, WOMAC, Leken, KOOS scales was noted by the 3rd month of postoperative follow-up. By the 6th month postoperatively, the results had further improved. The achieved results were preserved up to 12 months after surgery (P &lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion. The results suggest that the proposed technique may be introduced into clinical practice.

The return to professional activity patients treated surgically due to advanced gonarthrosis.

The goal of this work is to analyze the issue of return to professional activity by working-age patients who have been treated surgically with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to gonarthrosis. Overall, 88 working-age patients were examined, with a total of 91 TKA procedures performed due to advanced gonarthrosis. The average age of the patients was 54.2 years for women and 58.1 years for men. A modified Knee Society Score scale was used to compile the results of the clinical trial. The Kellgren-Lawrence classification was used to assess preoperative radiographs. Postoperative radiographs evaluated the position of the endoprosthesis of both the femoral and tibial components in the anteriorposterior and lateral upright projections. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. In the preoperative assessment, both the clinical and radiological results obtained were unfavorable in all cases. Throughout the observation period of approximately over 3.8 years, a very good result was noted in 65 cases (71.4%), a good result in 20 cases (22%), and a satisfactory result in 6 cases. There were no bad results. The average improvement on the Visual Analogue Scale was 6.5 pts. The radiological assessment did not reveal any radiological symptoms of the aseptic loosening of the endoprosthesis, simultaneously concluding that each time the endoprosthesis components were properly seated. Only 53 (58.3%) of the examined patients were professionally active before the surgery. After completing the treatment, 46 (50.5%) of all patients returned to work, in favor of intellectual workers. The average duration of sick leave was 136.2 days, and rehabilitation allowance was granted in 19 cases. Firstly, in working-age patients, TKA is a valuable method for surgical treatment of advanced gonarthrosis of varying etiology. Secondly, most of the patients who worked before the surgery returned to performing work in the position held and on the same full-time equivalent basis. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):617-28.

Does meniscectomy have any advantage over conservative treatment in middle-aged patients with degenerative medial meniscus posterior root tear?

BackgroundThe best treatment for degenerative medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic meniscectomy and conservative treatment for degenerative MMPRT.MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2014, 146 patients (Meniscectomy group, 90; Conservative group, 56) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scoring scale, Tegner activity scale, and Lysholm knee scoring scale at the final follow-up. Radiologic outcomes evaluated the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification. We compared the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), medial proximal tibial angle, tibial posterior slope angle, and width of medial joint space. After an average follow-up of 6.3 years, the survivorship was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsAll clinical outcomes were significantly improved in both groups after treatment, with no significant differences between the two groups at the final follow-up. The progression of OA according to the K-L classification, HKAA and width of medial joint space was significantly advanced in the meniscectomy group (p = 0.03, 0.04, 0.03, respectively). The 10-year survival rates in the meniscectomy and conservative groups were 87 and 88%, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that both conservative treatment and meniscectomy provided symptomatic relief. However, it was confirmed that OA progression was more severe in the meniscectomy. We conclude that arthroscopic meniscectomy had no advantage over conservative treatment in terms of clinical outcomes and OA progression in middle-aged patients with MMPRT.Level of evidenceLevel III; retrospective comparative study.

The incidence and risk factors of contralateral knee arthroplasty after primary unilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is one of the commonly used surgical methods for unicompartmental osteoarthritis in recent years. Although the prognosis of the operated knee has been widely studied, there are relatively little data on the natural history of the contralateral knee after unilateral replacement. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence and risk factors of consequential knee arthroplasty in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (KOA) after receiving primary unilateral UKA, so as to provide a theoretical basis for making a more comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with KOA.We conducted a retrospective study and enrolled patients with bilateral KOA received unilateral UKA from June 2015 to December 2019 in the third department of joint orthopedics, the third hospital of Hebei Medical University. The patients were divided into replacement group and non-replacement group according to whether the contralateral knee joint received knee arthroplasty. Information about treatment of contralateral knee joint was collected from medical records to determine the incidence. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the independent risk factors.A total of 502 patients were enrolled in this study. The incidence of contralateral knee arthroplasty was 38.64%. In the univariate analysis, vertical angle of mechanical axis, knee joint's internal and external joint space, Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) classification, femoral tibial angle were the significant risk factors for contralateral knee arthroplasty. In the multivariate model, only vertical angle of mechanical axis ≥3.03° (odds ratio [OR] 4.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.47–9.11), K-L classification grades 3 and 4 (OR 2.46,3.72; 95%CI, 1.31–4.25, 1.98–6.87), and femoral tibial angle ≥187.32° (OR 6.32, 95%, 2.23–18.87) remained associated with the occurrence of knee arthroplasty.About a quarter of patients with bilateral KOA received unilateral UKA will receive contralateral knee arthroplasty. Higher K-L classification, femoral tibial angle, and mechanical axis vertical angle are identified risk factors.

Are there different gait profiles in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis? A machine learning approach

BackgroundDetermine whether knee kinematics features analyzed using machine-learning algorithms can identify different gait profiles in knee OA patients. Methods3D gait kinematic data were recorded from 42 patients (Kellgren-Lawrence stages III and IV) walking barefoot at individual maximal gait speed (0.98 ± 0.34 m/s). Principal component analysis, self-organizing maps, and k-means were applied to the data to identify the most relevant and discriminative knee kinematic features and to identify gait profiles. FindingsFour different gait profiles were identified and clinically characterized as type 1: gait with the knee in excessive varus and flexion (n = 6, 14%, increased knee adduction and increased maximum and minimum knee flexion, p < 0.01); type 2: gait with knee external rotation, either in varus or valgus (n = 11, 26%, excessive maximum and minimum external rotation, p < 0.001); type 3: gait with a stiff knee (n = 17, 40%, decreased knee flexion range of motion, p < 0.001); and type 4: gait with knee varus ‘thrust’ and decreased rotation (n = 8, 19%, increased and reduced range of motion in the coronal and transverse plane, respectively, p < 0.05). InterpretationIn a group of patients with homogeneous Kellgren-Lawrence classification of knee OA, gait kinematics data permitted to identify four different gait profiles. These gait profiles can be a valuable tool for helping surgical decisions and treatment. To allow generalization, further studies should be carried with a larger and heterogeneous population.

Comparison of early effectiveness of arthroscopic suture bridge technique and conventional double tunnel suture technique in treatment of avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament insertion

To compare the early effectiveness of arthroscopic suture bridge technique and conventional double tunnel suture technique in the treatment of avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insertion. Between June 2013 and December 2018, 62 patients with tibial avulsion fracture of PCL insertion that met the criteria were selected and randomly divided into trial group (using arthroscopic suture bridge technique) and control group (using conventional double tunnel suture technique), 31 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, Meyers & McKeever classification, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, and preoperative knee range of motion, difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and IKDC score, Lysholm score, knee range of motion, the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints (measured by KT-2000 under knee flexion of 90° and 30 lbs) were recorded and compared between the two groups before operation and at 3 and 12 months after operation. Both groups successfully completed the operation, and the operation time of the trial group and the control group were (61.81±6.83) minutes and (80.42±4.22) minutes respectively, showing significant difference between the two groups ( t=12.911, P=0.000). All the incisions healed by first intention, and there was no wound infection and other early postoperative related complications. All patients were followed up 13-18 months (mean, 14.6 months). The fractures in both groups healed at 3 months after operation. No knee pain, limited movement, or other complications occurred. At 3 and 12 months after operation, the IKDC score, Lysholm score, knee range of motion, and the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints in both groups were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones, and further improved at 12 months after operation when compared with at 3 months after operation ( P<0.05). At each time point after operation, the above indexes and the grade of the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Arthroscopic suture bridge technique in the treatment avulsion fracture of PCL insertion is simple and reliable, which can significantly improve the function and stability of the knee joint and obtain satisfactory early effectiveness.

A possible issue of articular cartilage degeneration in acute phase after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

A possible issue of articular cartilage degeneration in acute phase after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Hip Corticosteroid/Anesthetic Injections—Are the reported rates of osteoarthritis progression and femoral head collapse real?

Objectives:In the absence of definitive Level I evidence regarding the safety of hip CSI, there have been an increasing number of retrospective case series studying outcomes after hip corticosteroid injection (CSI). Recent studies have suggested that hip CSI may be associated with increased rates of avascular necrosis (AVN), subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF), femoral head articular surface collapse, and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis (OA), but these studies do not compare against a control arm matched for baseline OA severity or exclude patients with pre-injection AVN or SIF from analysis, causing selection bias. The purpose of this study was to compare complication rates in patients treated with and without CSI, while minimizing the aforementioned selection bias.Methods:For all patients at our institution who had undergone hip CSI between 2007 and 2019 and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the preceding 12 months (CSI cohort), two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed hip radiographs taken within 12 months prior to and after CSI and graded OA severity (modified Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and femoral head collapse, blinded to cohort and timepoint. The same was done for a hip control cohort (matched for age, sex, BMI, and OA severity on baseline radiograph reports) that had undergone hip MRI and pre- and post-MRI hip radiographs within 12 months. A third reader arbitrated discrepant reads. OA progression was defined as an increase in modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1 between radiographs. Matched pairs with at least one incidence of pre-existing AVN or SIF on index MRI were excluded for analysis.Results:186 hips in the CSI group [mean ±95% CI age: 55.8±2.1, mean±95% CI BMI: 27.5±0.8, 69 (37.1%) males, 100 (53.8%) right hips] and 186 hips in the control group [mean ±95% CI age: 55.7±2.3, mean±95% CI BMI: 28.0±0.8, 69 (37.1%) males, 96 (51.6%) right hips] were included in this study. There were no significant differences between groups in age, gender, BMI, laterality, baseline OA severity, or baseline AVN/SIF on index MRI. Analysis of adjudicated radiographic outcomes were performed after exclusion of 61 matched pairs with at least 1 instance of pre-existing AVN or SI (Table 1). Rates of OA progression (5.6% vs. 2.4%; p=0.33), new AVN or SIF (1.6% vs. 0.0%; p=0.50), and new femoral head collapse (3.2% vs. 2.4%; p=1.000) were all similar between groups. Of the 4 cases of new femoral head collapse in the CSI group, 2 were classified as femoral head remodeling secondary to OA, leaving only two (1.6%) definitive femoral head collapses secondary to AVN or SIF. Of the 3 cases of new femoral head collapse in the control group, 2 were classified as femoral head remodeling due to an unknown etiology, leaving only one (0.8%) definitive femoral head collapses secondary to AVN or SIF. (Tables 1, 2, 3)Conclusions:When controlling for baseline OA severity and pre-existing AVN or SIF, patients treated by CSI in our study showed OA progression in only 6% of cases and new femoral head collapse in only 3% of cases, which was not significantly greater than control and similar to the expected progression of natural disease. Future multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating safety of hip CSI are needed.

Arthroscopy combined with high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of knee medial compartment osteoarthritis and its influence on cartilage injury

To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopy combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in the treatment of knee medial compartment osteoarthritis and its influence on cartilage injury. The clinical data of 57 patients with knee medial compartment osteoarthritis treated with arthroscopy combined with HTO between March 2017 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 27 males and 30 females with an average age of 52.4 years (range, 44-57 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 6 years, with an average of 3.6 years. Twenty-one cases were grade Ⅰ and 36 cases were grade Ⅱ according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Flexion contracture of knee joint ranged from 0° to 8° with an average of 1.36° and varus deformity ranged from 5° to 10° with an average of 7.60°. Preoperative arthroscopic evaluation showed that there were 11 cases with grade Ⅰ, 42 cases with gradeⅡ, and 4 cases with grade Ⅲ according to the international cartilage repair classification system (ICRS). Lysholm score, American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were used to evaluate knee function before operation, at 3 months, at 1 year after operation, and at last follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain. The mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) and femoral tibial angle (FTA) were measured before operation and at last follow-up. When the internal fixator was removed, the knee arthroscopy was performed again to explore the cartilage repair condition, and the regeneration level and maturity level were selected for cartilage grading evaluation. All patients' incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no incision infection or skin necrosis occurred. After operation, the knee joint function of the patients was significantly improved, the pain symptoms were relieved, and the force line measurement reached the target set before operation. The VAS score, Lysholm score, HSS score, and IKDC score were significantly improved at 3 months, 1 year after operation, and at last follow-up when compared with those before operation. They were gradually improved with the time and there were significant differences between time points ( P<0.05). mMPTA and FTA were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). When the internal fixator was removed, the arthroscopic re-assessment found that the cartilage regeneration was classified into 10 cases of grade Ⅰ and 47 cases of grade Ⅱ; 18 cases of immature cartilage regeneration and 29 cases of mature cartilage regeneration were found in the knee joints of grade Ⅱ cartilage regeneration. There was no significant difference in the cartilage regeneration grade between different ICRS gradings ( H=0.176, P=0.916), and the difference in maturity grading was significant ( H=10.500, P=0.005). Arthroscopy combined with HTO for the treatment of knee medial compartment osteoarthritis can effectively improve the symptoms and function of the knee joint, and can promote the regeneration of articular cartilage.