Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty Research Articles

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients with hemophilia undergoing bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundHemophilic arthropathy usually affects the knees bilaterally. In order to reduce costs and improve rehabilitation, bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be performed. However, pharmacological prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) remains controversial in patients with severe hemophilia. The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of DVT in severe hemophilia A patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.MethodsConsecutive patients with severe hemophilia A undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA at a single center between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received a modified coagulation factor substitution regimen. Tranexamic acid (TXA) was used for hemostasis in all patients during surgery. All patients followed a standardized postoperative protocol with routine mechanical thromboprophylaxis, and none received anticoagulation. D-dimer was measured preoperatively, on the day of the operation and on postoperative days 1, 7 and 14. Ultrasound (US) of the lower extremities was performed before (within 3 days of hospitalization) and after surgery (days 3 and 14) to detect asymptomatic DVT. Patients were followed up until 2 years after surgery for the development of symptomatic DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE).Results38 male patients with severe hemophilia A underwent 76 simultaneous TKAs. Mean (± standard deviation) age at the time of operation was 41.7 (± 17.1) years. Overall, 47.3% of patients had D-dimer concentrations above the threshold 10 µg/mL on day 7 and 39.5% on day 14. However, none of the patients had DVT detected on postoperative US, nor developed symptomatic DVT or PE during the 2-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe risk of DVT in patients with severe hemophilia A after bilateral simultaneous TKA is relatively low, and routine pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may not be needed.

Large multiplanar changes to native alignment have no apparent impact on clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty.

This study sought to examine if achieved postoperative alignment when compared to the native anatomy would lead to a difference in Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), and whether the achieved alignment could be broadly categorised by an accepted alignment strategy. A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data on patients undergoing single primary or bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was carried out. CT scans were used to determine the mean change ("delta values") between the pre and postoperative; hip-knee-ankle angle, lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle and femoral implant rotation. Femoral implant flexion and tibial implant slope were measured postoperatively. The primary outcome was the relationship of the variables to the change in KOOS pain subscale after one year. The secondary outcome was the number of knees which could be categorised postoperatively to an alignment strategy, and the mean PROMs in each cohort. A total of 296 knees in 261 patients were available for analysis. With regards to the primary outcome, the delta values for each variable did not demonstrate any association with the change in knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) pain score. Approximately 46% of knees could not be categorised to an alignment strategy based on postoperatively measured alignment, with no significant difference between each cohort with regards to the change in KOOS Pain score. Achieved alignment does not consistently match accepted alignment strategies, and appears to confer no benefit to clinical outcomes when the native anatomy is most closely approximated, nor results in poorer outcomes in outliers. This study highlights the importance of routine three dimensional pre and postoperative imaging in clinical practice and for the valid analysis of outcomes in studies on alignment. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Efficacy of pulse oximetry for early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism after total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionEarly diagnosis and aggressive treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) are crucial for preventing severe complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) using a pulse oximeter for early diagnosis of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Materials and methodsWe consecutively examined 1645 patients who underwent TKA between January 2015 and November 2019. Postoperative SpO2 was measured with a pulse oximeter, which was stopped if SpO2 was maintained at ≥ 95% until postoperative day 2 (POD2). To diagnose PE, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed for specific indications, including persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2), and decrease in SpO2 after POD3 with presenting symptoms (group 3). Also, we divided the patients into unilateral, simultaneous and sequential TKA groups and compared the results with specific statistical techniques.ResultsOf the 1645 patients who underwent TKA, there were 20 patients with PE (1.2%), and symptomatic PE was observed in only 4 patients (0.24%). CTPA was performed in 58 (3.5%) patients, of whom 20 were diagnosed with PE. In groups 1 (n = 34), 2 (n = 21), and 3 (n = 3), CTPA was performed 2.4, 2.6, and 8.3 days after TKA, respectively, and 12, 8, and 0 patients were diagnosed with PE, respectively. Of the 782, 416, and 447 unilateral, simultaneous, and sequential (done in same admission with interval 1 or 2 weeks) patients with TKA, 38, 18, and 2 received CTPA, and 13, 6, and 1 were diagnosed with PE, respectively. All patients diagnosed with PE have persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), or sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2) until POD2. Of the patients diagnosed with PE, SpO2 decreased without the presentation of symptoms in 16 patients (11 and 5 from groups 1 and 2, respectively) and with the presentation of symptoms, such as mild dyspnea and chest discomfort, in 4 patients (1 and 3 from groups 1 and 2, respectively).ConclusionsMeasuring SpO2 using a pulse oximeter until POD2 was an effective method for early diagnosis of PE after TKA. No case of morbidity or mortality was observed after early diagnosis with early stage CTPA and management of PE. We recommend measuring SpO2 with a pulse oximeter for early diagnosing of PE in TKA.

Data-driven preoperative hemoglobin thresholds in patients undergoing Bilateral simultaneous total Knee arthroplasty are similar to patients undergoing unilateral total Knee arthroplasty

IntroductionPreoperative anemia is a risk factor for transfusions and complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Bilateral TKA (bTKA) is more extensive compared to unilateral TKA (uTKA) and a higher preoperative hemoglobin threshold may be warranted. We hypothesized that the optimal hemoglobin cutoff value which predicts the need for postoperative transfusion would be higher for bTKA than uTKA. MethodsWe conducted a case control study using a national database and identified patients undergoing primary TKA from 2010-2020. 1:1, nearest-neighbor propensity-score matching was used to create a cohort of patients undergoing uTKA matched with patients undergoing bTKA based on age, gender, Charlston Comorbidity Index (CCI), and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification. After 2015, NSQIP discontinued collection of the variables MI, angina, and hemiplegia. Thus, the accuracy of CCI, which was used as a matching variable, will be less accurate after 2015. To explore this limitation further, a sensitivity analysis was performed excluding data after 2015 and there was no change in the significance of our primary outcomes.Hemoglobin thresholds which maximally predict postoperative transfusion risk and 30-day complications were identified using Youden’s index. Significance was considered if 95% CI’s were non-overlapping. Results9,891 patients were included in each of the bTKA and uTKA cohorts with successful 1:1 matching (p > 0.05 for all criteria). 3.216 (16 %) of patients received a transfusion in the postoperative period. Hemoglobin values which predict postoperative transfusions were not significantly different between uTKA and bTKA for both female and male groups. In females, the preoperative hemoglobin threshold was 12.8 g/dL (95 % CI: 12.2–13.3) in patients undergoing bTKA and 12.7 g/dL (95 % CI: 12.2 – 13.2) in uTKA. In males, the threshold was 13.9 (95 % CI: 13.7–14.2) in patients undergoing bTKA and 13.1 g/dL (95 % CI: 12.5–13.8) in patients undergoing uTKA. ConclusionsPreoperative hemoglobin values which maximally predict postoperative transfusion risk following uTKA and bTKA are similar without significant differences.

No Difference in 30-day Mortality Between Patients Undergoing Bilateral Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty With Technology Assistance Compared to Conventional Instrumentation

Background: Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (BSTKA) has decreased in frequency due to concerns about higher rates of early mortality and complications than unilateral or staged surgeries. Purpose: We sought to evaluate whether technology assistance (encompassing robotics and computer assistance) decreases early mortality following BSTKA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a national all-payer claims database. Patients who underwent BSTKA from October 2015 to December 2020 were identified. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to compare outcomes in patients who underwent BSTKA with technology assistance compared to conventional instrumentation. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes were respiratory failure and fat embolism. A post-hoc analysis was performed to evaluate length of stay, readmission, and other medical complications. Results: A total of 14,870 patients who underwent BSTKA were included in this study. Of these, 860 patients underwent technology-assisted BSTKA, and 14,010 patients underwent BSTKA without technology assistance. After a multivariable analysis, patients who underwent technology-assisted BSTKA had equivalent odds of 30-day mortality compared to those who underwent BSTKA without technology assistance. Technology assistance was not protective against the development of acute respiratory failure or fat embolism. Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study found no differences in the rates of 30-day mortality, respiratory failure, or fat embolism after technology-assisted BSTKA compared to conventional BSTKA. On the post-hoc analysis, technology use was associated with a decreased length of stay, lower readmission risk, and decreased rates of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and blood transfusion.

Long Term Outcomes and Survivorship of Bilateral Lower Limb Arthroplasties in Patients with Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia

Background: Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) a rare form of skeletal dysplasia with early-onset osteoarthritis affecting the hip and knee joints. There is paucity of evidence regarding the long term outcomes of arthroplasty in this patient cohort. This is the first study to describe the outcomes of bilateral arthroplasty of the hip and knee in patients with MED. Methods: A prospective study of patients with MED who underwent bilateral staged total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between July 2013 to April 2014. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic assessment including functional outcomes namely Merle d’aubigne score, Harris hip score (HHS), Knee society score (KSS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain were recorded in prospective database and evaluated. Results: 3 patients (female - 1 / male - 2) with MED who underwent bilateral lower limb arthroplasty of the hip and knee were reviewed periodically with an average followup of 7.31 years. Mean preoperative Merle d'Aubigné score (6.33 ± 0.58), HHS (31.83 ± 5.31) and KSS (28.67 ± 7.97) increased following bilateral lower limb arthroplasty with mean postoperative Merle d'Aubigné score (16.33 ± 0.58), HHS (84.33 ± 5.99) and KSS (86.33 ± 7.09) (P&lt;0.001). Mean NRS decreased from 7.33 ± 0.58 in the preoperative period to 0.67 ± 0.58 at the most recent followup (P&lt;0.001). One patient had heterotrophic ossification following THA. There were no revisions. Conclusions: Bilateral lower limb arthroplasty of the hip and knee is a good treatment option to restore function and mobility in MED patients with advanced degenerative arthritis. Careful preoperative planning, meticulous surgical techniques, patient focussed postoperative rehabilitation with multidisciplinary team approach are vital to ensure good functional outcomes and implant survivorship.

Vascular injuries associated with total knee arthroplasty

&lt;div class="Section1"&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;Iatrogenic vascular injuries are rare but potentially devastating complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This retrospective study analyzes vascular injuries associated with total knee arthroplasties in an urban, tertiary level referral hospital between 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2020 consisting of 6548 TKAs. Six patients sustained vascular injuries which included five primary, and one revision TKAs. Three patients were bilateral, and two were unilateral primary TKAs. The mean age-adjusted Charlson’s comorbidity index was two (range 1-3). Only two injuries were recognized intraoperatively. They underwent successful vascular repair. The third patient was diagnosed and underwent a vascular repair on the first postoperative day but experienced a permanent foot drop. Two other patients underwent thrombectomy on the fifth postoperative day; one required above-knee amputation, and the other continued to suffer from vascular claudication and paraesthesia. Another patient developed a pseudoaneurysm, which was identified and repaired five months after the primary TKA. The site of vascular injury was popliteal artery in five and superficial femoral artery in one patient. The mechanism of injury was a direct laceration in three, posterior Hohman's retractor in one, the effect of tourniquet on calcified vessels in one, and unknown in one patient. Early recognition was the only factor that significantly altered the functional outcome and limb salvage. Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasties had no higher risks. A mandatory institutional protocol to recognize the early signs of vascular injuries is necessary for successful vascular repair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

Staging Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasties Reduces Alignment Outliers.

Patients frequently present with bilateral symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and request simultaneous total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Technical differences between simultaneous and staged TKAs could affect clinical and radiographic outcomes. We hypothesized that staged TKAs would have fewer mechanical alignment outliers than simultaneous TKAs. We reviewed 87 simultaneous and 72 staged TKAs with at least 2 years of follow-up. Radiographic assessment was done using standing long leg and lateral radiographs of the knee. Coronal and sagittal measurements were performed by 4 blinded observers on 2 separate occasions with an intraobserver agreement of 0.95 and interobserver of 0.92. The first simultaneous knee had no difference in the probability of establishing the mechanical axis outside 3° of neutral (45%) compared to the first staged knee (54%, P= .337). However, the second simultaneous knee (49%) was more likely to establish the axis outside mechanical neutral compared to the second staged knee (28%; odds ratio 2.54, confidence interval 1.31-4.94, P= .006). There was an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis with staged TKA (odds ratio 2.96, confidence interval 1.28-6.84, P= .011), but other perioperative complication rates were not significantly different. There were no clinically significant differences in range of motion or Knee Society Score. There is a significantly increased risk of establishing the second knee outside mechanical neutral during a simultaneous TKA compared to staged bilateral TKAs, possibly related to a number of surgeon-related and system-related factors. The impact on clinical outcomes and radiographic loosening may become significant in long-term follow-up.

Similar 20-year survivorship for single and bilateral total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundLong-term follow-up after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial to providing survivorship updates on available TKA implants to guide patient expectations when undergoing TKA. The purpose of this study was to compare implant survivorship between patients undergoing primary single, simultaneous bilateral, and staged bilateral TKA with 15-year minimum follow-up. MethodsThis retrospective study included 826 patients (n = 1089) who underwent primary single (n = 454), simultaneous bilateral (n = 266), or staged bilateral (n = 369) TKA using a single TKA system by a single surgeon from 1991-2005 with 15-year minimum follow-up. Demographics, clinical variables, and surgical outcomes were collected and compared using Student’s t-test, chi-squared tests, or Kaplan-Meier analyses. Reoperation was defined as all surgeries performed on the knee after the index procedure; revision TKA was defined as complete implant exchange. p < 0.05 significant. ResultsPatients in the staged TKA cohort were younger (65.4 years = staged, 67.8 = simultaneous, 67.1 = single, p < 0.019). Women were less likely to receive simultaneous TKAs (22 %vs.29%, p < 0.001). Postoperative range of motion was similar (116.8° = simultaneous, 114.9° = staged, 114.8° = single, p = 0.11). Overall 15-year implant survival based on revision TKA was similar (97.7% = simultaneous, 97.2% = staged, 96.7% = single, p = 0.45). The estimated 15-year reoperation rate was 7.0% (95% CI, 5.5–8.7%). Reoperations were secondary to infection (35.5%), implant wear (26.3%), arthrofibrosis (18.4%), traumatic injuries (10.5%), pain (6.6%), pathologic lesion (1.3%), and avascular necrosis (1.3%). ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high implant survival rate of 95–97% at 20-years after primary single, staged bilateral and simultaneous bilateral TKA. Furthermore, simultaneous bilateral TKAs exhibited similar range of motion, implant survival, and rates of reoperation to staged bilateral and single TKA.

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty : similar outcomes for trainees and trainers.

AimsSimultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used due to its financial advantages, overall resource usage, and convenience for the patient. The training model where a trainee performs the first TKA, followed by the trainer surgeon performing the second TKA, is a unique model to our institution. This study aims to analyze the functional and clinical outcomes of bilateral simultaneous TKA when performed by a trainee or a supervising surgeon, and also to assess these outcomes based on which side was done by the trainee or by the surgeon.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all simultaneous bilateral TKAs performed by a single surgeon in an academic institution between May 2003 and November 2017. Exclusion criteria were the use of partial knee arthroplasty procedures, staged bilateral procedures, and procedures not performed by the senior author on one side and the trainee on another. Primary clinical outcomes of interest included revision and re-revision. Primary functional outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and patient satisfaction scores.ResultsIn total, 315 patients (630 knees) were included for analysis. Of these, functional scores were available for 189 patients (378 knees). There was a 1.9% (n = 12) all-cause revision rate for all knees. Overall, 12 knees in ten patients were revised, and both right and left knees were revised in two patients. The OKS and patient satisfaction scores were comparable for trainees and supervising surgeons. A majority of patients (88%, n = 166) were either highly likely (67%, n = 127) or likely (21%, n = 39) to recommend bilateral TKAs to a friend.ConclusionSimultaneous bilateral TKA can be used as an effective teaching model for trainees without any significant impact on patient clinical or functional outcomes. Excellent functional and clinical outcomes in both knees, regardless of whether the performing surgeon is a trainee or supervising surgeon, can be achieved with simultaneous bilateral TKA.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):29–34.

Short-term results of a novel management of supracondylar fracture with coexisting osteoarthritis with bifold fixation and total knee arthroplasty

PurposePresence of supracondylar and periarticular femoral fracture with associated arthritis of knee poses a challenging situation to the orthopaedic surgeon. The results of fixation of fracture in osteoporosis are not very satisfactory and have complications. With fixation alone, they still cannot bear weight on affected leg due to severe disability of osteoarthritis. To make patient walk, conventionally three surgeries in the form of fracture fixation, removal of implant and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) needs to be done in staged manner. We propose a novel management in form of bifold fixation and simultaneous TKA.MethodsEight cases (6 females, 2 males) of supracondylar femoral fractures with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and osteoporosis were primarily fixed with bifold fixation using SIGN nail (www.signfracturecare.org) and locking plate together with simultaneous total knee arthroplasty. There were five cases (2 males and 3 females) of grade 4 (Kellgren-Lawrence grading) osteoarthritis (OA) and three cases (all females) of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).ResultsThe mean age was 68 years and average time for full weight bearing was 6 days. Radiographic evidence of fracture union was achieved in 16.25 weeks. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 26 months was 83.13 and 22.13 respectively.ConclusionsSingle stage combined bifold osteosynthesis with interlocking nail and locking plate together with total knee arthroplasty helps in one time management of these difficult injuries. It is a cost-effective and economically sound option and gives excellent results with good patient satisfaction.

Long-term Functional Difference between the First and Second Knees in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.

To compare the long-term functional results of the first and second knees in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Descriptive study. Gulhane Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from January 2003 to December 2010. A total of 47 patients with at least 10 years of follow-up after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty were included in the study. The range of motion, forgotten joint score (FJS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and Western Ontario McMaster university osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) were compared between the first and the second knees. The Dependent t-test and the Wilcoxon Sign test were used to determine the significance. Whether there was a statistically significant correlation, so Spearman's correlation test and Bonferroni correction were used. WOMAC total scores both knees were 13 (p=0.755). The average OKS of the first operated knees was 40.53 ± 4.44, while it was 40.28 ± 4.59 in the second knees (p=0.239). The FJS of the first and second operated knees were 69.36 ± 21.97 and 69.02 ± 21.89, respectively (p=0.321). As the age increased, the ROM was decreased. As the patient age increased, WOMAC pain scores were found to decrease. The functional scores of the first and the second operated knees in SBTKA were similar in the long term. Although no correlation was found between age and the functional scores, these results complied with the previous information about the effect of age on TKA results. Key Words: Simultaneous total knee arthroplasty, Bilateral, Clinical outcome, Osteoarthritis.

Increased Early Mortality in Bilateral Simultaneous TKA Using Conventional Instrumentation Compared with Technology-Assisted Surgery: A Study of 34,908 Procedures from a National Registry.

Controversy exists regarding the safety of bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (BSTKA). When conventional instrumentation is used, the increased fat emboli that result from the insertion of intramedullary rods may increase the risk of perioperative complications. We hypothesized that the use of technology-assisted instrumentation (avoiding intramedullary involvement) would be associated with a lower rate of early postoperative death compared with the use of conventional instrumentation. We compared the 30 and 90-day rates of mortality following BSTKA performed with conventional versus technology-assisted instrumentation from 2003 to 2019, with use of data from a large national registry. Firth logistic regression analysis was utilized, adjusting for age, sex, and procedure year for all BSTKAs performed during the study period. For procedures performed from 2015 to 2019, odds ratios were additionally adjusted for American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and body mass index. A total of 34,908 BSTKAs were identified. The proportion of cases utilizing technology-assisted instrumentation increased over the study period. The odds ratio of death within 30 days after technology-assisted BSTKA, adjusted for age, sex, and procedure year, was 0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08 to 0.83; p = 0.02). The odds ratio, adjusted for age, sex, procedure year, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and body mass index, was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.74; p = 0.01). The corresponding odds ratios for 90-day mortality were 0.25 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.72; p = 0.01) and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.67; p = 0.005), respectively. Technology-assisted BSTKA was associated with a significant reduction in early mortality compared with the use of conventional instrumentation. This difference may be explained by the reduced fat emboli associated with technology-assisted BSTKA and is likely to be clinically important on a population scale. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bilateral Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients with Severe Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed in recent decades. However, there are controversies regarding the simultaneous or staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of bilateral total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients among severe osteoarthritis of knee joints in a tertiary care hospital. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from hospital records of 2015 to 2019 in elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Ethical clearance (20/2020) was taken from Institutional Review Board. Convenience sampling was used and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 16.0). Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Out of 1200 patients with severe osteoarthritis, the prevalence of bilateral total knee arthroplasty was found to be 80 (6.67%) (95% Confidence Interval = 6.60-6.74). The mean Knee Society Score was 36±3.70 preoperatively. There were 21 (26.2%) patients having hypertension, 17 (21.2%) diabetes mellitus, 14 (17.5%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 7 (8.7%) coronary artery disease. Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty was required in less patients with severe osteoarthritis of knee joints. Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty is safe, convenient, effective with early functional recovery, higher patient satisfaction and cost effective with acceptable cardiac, pulmonary and neurological complications in properly selected patients.

Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index as a novel guideline for patient selection between unilateral versus bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to validate the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index as a clinical practice guideline for patient selection between unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA) and bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (BSTKA). A consecutive series of 1016 patients undergoing UTKA (402 patients) or BSTKA (614 patients) was analysed. The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) was measured for all the patients and graded as low (0-2 score), moderate (3-4 score) and high risk (≥ 5 score). The complications occurring within 3months of surgery were compared between UTKA and BSTKA recipients. Following surgery, the complication rate was comparable between both the groups. However, among high-risk patients, there was significant difference in the complication rates between UTKA and BSTKA groups (12% versus 30.76%, minor; 8% versus 23.07%, major complication). The high-risk patients who had bilateral surgery were at more than three times greater risk of developing major and minor complications than those who had unilateral surgery. The BSTKA procedure is associated with significantly higher risk of post-operative complications than UTKA procedure in patients with ≥ 5 ACCI scores.

Cost analysis of staged versus simultaneous bilateral total knee and hip arthroplasty using a propensity score matching

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty (TJA), including total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), is required for many patients. This study aimed to evaluate the medical costs, length of stay...

Bilateral Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty May Not Be Safe Even in the Healthiest Patients.

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to increase both mortality and complications, but has potential benefits including decreased length of stay, rehabilitation time, and costs. The purpose of this study was to use data from a nationally representative database to identify if there is a population of patients undergoing TKA in whom bilateral TKA can be safely performed, by comparing 30-day mortality and complication rates with those of patients undergoing unilateral TKA. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried to compare 30-day rates of mortality and any complication between bilateral TKA and unilateral TKA. A total of 8,291 patients who underwent bilateral TKA were matched 1:1 with a unilateral TKA control cohort (n = 315,219) by morbidity probability, which is a cumulative variable encompassing demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory values. Patients were divided into quartiles based on morbidity probability. Binary logistic regression comparing bilateral TKA and unilateral TKA for the same quartiles was performed to establish if any population could safely have bilateral TKA performed. Bilateral TKA had an increased risk for all complications (p < 0.001) and major complications (p < 0.001) when compared with unilateral TKA regardless of health status. For all complications, there was a greater than threefold increase for the first quartile (healthiest patients) (p < 0.001), a greater than fourfold increase for the second and third quartiles (p < 0.001), and a greater than threefold increase for the fourth quartile (least healthy patients) (p < 0.001). For major complications, there was a greater than twofold increase for the first quartile (p = 0.001) and the second quartile (p < 0.001), an almost threefold increase for the third quartile (p < 0.001), and a 57% increase for the fourth quartile (p = 0.005). This study will assist shared decision-making between orthopaedic surgeons and patients by suggesting that bilateral TKA may not be as safe an option for even healthy individuals compared with unilateral TKA. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical Outcome of Free Latissimus Dorsi Flaps for Coverage of Soft Tissue Defects in Multiply Revised Total Knee Arthroplasties

BackgroundMultiply revised total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) may present with large anterior soft tissue defects, which can be challenging to reconstruct. In the rare cases where local flaps are insufficient, we use free latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flaps to achieve soft tissue coverage. This study looked to determine implant survivorship, infection status, and patient-reported outcomes of patients undergoing simultaneous revision TKA and LD flaps in a tertiary unit. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 18 consecutive patients who had revision TKA and free LD flap reconstruction. Twelve were male and the median age was 65 years (range, 35-83). Patients had undergone a median of 4 previous arthroplasty procedures (range, 3-6). Median follow-up was 49 months (range, 18 to 110). The primary outcome was revision-free implant survival. Secondary outcomes included soft tissue integrity, Oxford Knee Score, and EuroQol 5-domain score at latest follow-up. ResultsAt latest follow-up, 14 of 18 patients had maintained their implant. Seven patients were infection-free, 7 were on suppressive antibiotics with the implant in situ, and 4 had undergone above-knee amputation. Five-year implant survival was 75% (95% confidence interval, 46-90). At median follow-up (49 months), mean Oxford Knee Score was 13.4 (range, 2-35) and mean EuroQol 5-domain index was 0.071 (range:−0.427 to 0.747). ConclusionLD free flap is a viable option for limb salvage in patients with large anterior soft tissue defects following multiple revisions of TKA. However, functional outcomes can be poor and there is a significant risk of ongoing infection and amputation in this complex patient cohort.

Are Three Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid more Effective than Single Dose in Reducing Blood Loss During Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has shown to reduce perioperative blood loss after bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). But dosage and schedule of administration are not clear in literature. This study was aimed to compare prospectively blood loss and transfusion requirement in bilateral TKA with 3-dose regimen versus a single intra-operative dose of intravenous TXA. This prospective non-randomised controlled trial included 25 patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA who received three doses of 1 g intravenous TXA (group 1). First dose was given prior to deflation of the tourniquet, followed by two more doses 6 h apart. The control group included 25 matched patients (group 2) receiving a single dose of 1 g intravenous TXA just prior to deflation of the tourniquet. Mean drop in haemoglobin was less in group 1 as compared to group 2, but this difference was not statistically significant (2.51 vs 2.93g/dL, p = 0.210). Similarly mean drop in haematocrit was more in group 2 as compared to group 1, though it was not statistically significant (9.34 vs. 9.18, p = 0.868). The need for blood transfusions was more in group 2 compared to group 1, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.601). Higher frequency of ecchymosis around the surgical site was noted in group 2 as compared to group 1, for which prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin had to be stopped post-operatively, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065). The study has failed to show any significant beneficial effect of three doses of TXA in TKA as compared to a single dose. Though a trend towards reduction in mean haemoglobin drop and decreased need for stopping LMWH in post-operative period was seen, the results were not statistically significant. II, prospective non-randomised controlled trial.

The 22 to 25-Year Survival of Cemented and Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty in Young Patients

BackgroundDespite cementless total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have potential advantages over cemented TKAs, there are conflicting results. The purpose of the present study is to determine the long-term clinical and radiographic results, the survival rate, and the prevalence of osteolysis of cemented vs cementless TKAs. MethodsA total of 261 patients (522 knees) who underwent bilateral simultaneous TKAs were included in the present study (mean age, 62.5 ± 5.5 years). Patients were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and also using computed tomography scans. A mean follow-up period was 23.8 years (range, 22-25 years). ResultsThere were no significant differences between the Knee Society total score, change in total score, knee function score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score in the 2 groups. In total, 8 knees (3%) were revised in the cementless group and 5 knees (2%) in the cemented group. Radiographs and computed tomography scans showed no femoral, tibial, or patellar osteolysis in either group. The rate of survival at 25 years was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92%-100%) in the cementless group and 98% (95% CI, 94%-100%) in the cemented group, with reoperation for any reason as the end point. The rate of survival at 25 years was 98% (95% CI, 94%-100%), with reoperation for aseptic loosening as the end point in both groups. ConclusionsAt this length of follow-up, cementless TKA has comparable outcomes and survivorship to cemented TKA.