Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery Research Articles

Tranexamic Acid and Tourniquet: Which Combination Reduces Blood Loss Most Effectively?

Blood loss during and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to substantial morbidity and the need for blood transfusions. There are several methods to minimize blood loss and decrease transfusion rates in patients undergoing TKA. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent with known efficacy for achieving these goals, is combined with tourniquets to reduce bleeding in arthroplasty surgeries. Our study investigated the effects of various combinations of tranexamic acid and tourniquet use on bleeding in knee arthroplasty in 558 patients. We aimed to determine the method that would provide the least blood loss and transfusion need in knee arthroplasty surgery. Between January 2018 and December 2022, 558 patients aged between 55 and 85 years underwent TKA surgery for grade 4 gonarthrosis in our clinic, and their decrease in hemoglobin value and whether they were transfused or not were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups based on use of tranexamic acid and tourniquet. Demographic variables and patient data (body mass index, INR values, and preoperative hemoglobin values) were recorded. There were 558 patients with a mean age of 68.19 (67 ± 6.949) years. In group 1, tranexamic acid was not used in 128 patients and tourniquet was used only during cementation; in group 2, in 132 patients, tranexamic acid was not used and tourniquet was used throughout the surgery; in group 3, in 158 patients, tranexamic acid was used and tourniquet was used throughout the surgery; in group 4, in 140 patients, tranexamic acid was used and tourniquet was used only during cementation. The decrease in hemoglobin value and transfusion rate was lowest in group 3 and highest in group 1. Besides, there was a greater decrease in hemoglobin value in group 2 than in group 4 and the transfusion rate was similar. This clinical study showed that using tranexamic acid and a tourniquet throughout surgery significantly reduced the decrease in hemoglobin value and the need for transfusion.

Risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients over 60 years old

PurposeThere is a significant risk of DVT after TKA. We aim to evaluate the potential risk factors for postoperative DVT in the lower extremities in TKA patients over 60 years of age and provide a reference for the effective prevention of DVT.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients older than 60 who underwent TKA surgery in our hospital from May 2015 to May 2022 and compared and analyzed patients' personal characteristics and clinical data with or without postoperative DVT. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the potential risk factors for DVT after TKA. The sensitivity and specificity of each risk factor in the diagnosis of DVT were compared by the ROC curve, and the value of this model in the diagnosis of DVT was further investigated using a multivariable combined diagnosis ROC curve model.ResultsA total of 661 patients over 60 who underwent TKA were included. Preoperative Hematocrit (HCT), platelet count, anesthesia mode, postoperative D-dimer, ESR, diabetes mellitus, and other aspects of the DVT group and non-DVT group were statistically significant after TKA (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that preoperative HCT, anesthesia mode, and diabetes were independent risk factors for DVT in patients over 60 years old after TKA. Compared with the univariate ROC model, the multivariable combined ROC curve analysis model has a higher diagnostic value for the diagnosis of DVT.ConclusionDVT is common in patients over 60 years of age after TKA, and there is a multivariable influence on its pathogenesis. For patients over 60 with diabetes, neuraxial anesthesia is recommended for patients with high preoperative HCT levels, which may reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT.

Designing and developing a nature-based virtual reality with heart rate variability biofeedback for surgical anxiety and pain management: evidence from total knee arthroplasty patients

Objectives Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common joint surgeries, with over a million procedures performed annually in the US. Over 70% of patients report moderate to high pain and anxiety surrounding TKA surgery, and 96% are discharged with an opioid prescription. This population requires special attention as approximately 90% of TKA patients are older adults and one of the riskiest groups prone to misusing opioids. This study aimed to develop and compare the efficacy of nature-based virtual reality (VR) with heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) to mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. Methods This randomized control trial recruited 30 patients (mean age = 66.3 ± 8.2 years, 23 F, 7 M) undergoing TKA surgery and randomly assigned to a control, 2D video with HRVBF, or VR with HRVBF group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain levels before and after the intervention. In addition, a second VAS and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure anxiety before and after the intervention. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was used to continuously measure HRV and respiration rate in preoperative and postoperative settings. Results VR and 2D-video with HRVBF decreased pain and anxiety post-intervention compared with the control group, p’s <.01. On analyzing physiological signals, both treatment groups showed greater parasympathetic activity levels, and VR with HRVBF reduced pain more than the 2D video, p < .01. Conclusions Nature-based VR and 2D video with HRVBF can mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. However, VR may be more efficacious than 2D video in reducing pain.

Clinical Results Before and After Implementation of a Fast - Track Protocol For 507 Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Clinical Results Before and After Implementation of a Fast - Track Protocol For 507 Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Does stature of female affect Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score following knee arthroplasty surgery: an observational pilot study

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) occurs frequently in females. So far, no study has evaluated postoperative outcome measures in females based on body height. We aimed to evaluate postoperative pain relief and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 6 months in women following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).In this prospective, observational pilot study, 20 women, 50–70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I and II, undergoing TKA surgery were enrolled. The patients were allocated to Group I (n = 10), women with a height less than 153 cm, and Group II (n= 10), women with a height greater than 153 cm. All patients received paracetamol, diclofenac, and epidural analgesia postoperatively for up to 72 h. The primary outcome was a comparison of KOOS scores from preoperative baseline value to 6 months following TKA.ResultsThe baseline demographics, KOOS, waist-hip ratio, and knee range of motion were similar. The height mean ± standard deviation (SD) (range) in Group I was 149.85 ± 3.28 (142.5–152.5) cm versus 157.25 ± 2.99 (155–165) cm in Group II, p = 0.001. KOOS score improved in patients of both Groups I and II as compared to the respective baseline. At 6 months, the KOOS pain score improved to 96.50 ± 3.14 [94.26–98.74 (89–100)] in Group I as compared to 89.40 ± 6.45 [84.79–94.01 (81–100)] in Group II, p value = 0.02.ConclusionsPostoperative KOOS pain score at 6 months was superior in short stature versus normal stature women following TKA surgery.

Effect of Preoperative Antianxiety Medications on Blood Pressure and Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case-Control Study.

The increasing number of canceled operations in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to high blood pressure readings has put a considerable burden on surgeons. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of giving antianxiety drugs preoperatively on maintaining blood pressure (BP) and blood loss for patients undergoing TKA surgery. This retrospective case-control study included patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and divided them into two main groups: those who had taken a 3 mg bromazepam oral tablet at the night preoperatively and the control group. The blood pressure of patients was then measured preoperatively (baseline), in the morning of surgery, in the operating room before anesthesia, and during the surgery. The percentage of measured BP was calculated by dividing the measured BP by the baseline, then multiplying by 100. 301 patients were included in our study: 137 received bromazepam and 164 as a control group. The ratio of systolic BP (SBP) in the morning of surgery to the baseline (percentage of morning SBP) decreased significantly in the bromazepam group compared with the controls. The ratio of SBP, in the operating room before anesthesia (percentage of preanesthesia SBP) also decreased significantly in the bromazepam group. However, the percentage of SBP in the middle of surgery did not change significantly. In addition, there was a significant difference change from the baseline in diastolic BP and mean arterial BP between the two groups in the morning of surgery, inside the theatre, and in the middle of the operation. The bromazepam group also showed a significant decrease in blood loss. Preoperative oral antianxiety drugs (bromazepam) helps in controlling hemodynamic changes associated with anxiety, including maintaining BP in well-controlled hypertensive and healthy patients undergoing TKA, and it plays a role in decreasing the total blood loss.

DO PREOPERATIVE IL-1BETA, IL-6 AND TNF-ALPHA LEVELS OF PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY SURGERY AFFECT THE POSTOPERATIVE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL RESULTS?

Purpose: Serum cytokines were associated with symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis. It is unknown whether these cytokines have a predictive role on the severity of symptoms after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or not. This study was performed to investigate the effect of preoperative Serum Cytokine Levels (SCL) on length of stay in hospital (LOS), postoperative pain intensity, functional status, joint position sense, and change in X-ray.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty-nine patients with Grade 4 osteoarthritis degeneration level were included in the study. SCL (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) were assessed before surgery. Pain intensity at rest/activity and lower limb alignment were evaluated preoperative, postoperative 72nd hour and 6th week. Functional status and joint position sense were assessed before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery. Length of stay in hospital was also recorded.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the participants was 67.55±6.55 years. The length of stay in the hospital mean was 6.48±3.06 day (min:3, max:16 days). Preoperative IL-6 and TNF-alpha level negatively correlated with functional status in the 6th week after surgery (r=0.46; p=0.01, r=0.39; p=0.03). Also, there was a positive correlation between preoperative TNF-alpha and the lower limb alignment at the 6th week after surgery (r=0.39; p=0.04).&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with osteoarthritis who had lower preoperative IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels had better functional status and better lower limb alignment in the postoperative period. So in order to decide TKA surgery timing, primarily decreasing SCL might be caused better biomechanical development after surgery. Preoperative SCL was not directly related to the length of stay in the hospital.

Influence of posterior tibial slope on postoperative outcomes after postero-stabilized and condylar-stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

To compare clinical outcomes and surgical times of two different types of total knee arthroplasty(TKA), postero-stabilized(PS) and condylar-stabilized(CS), in relation to posterior tibial slope(PTS) values and the deviation of these values from the surgical technique. 168 patients undergoing TKA surgery between 2016 and 2020 met our inclusion criteria. For each case, gender, age at surgery, operating time, type of implant and preoperative PTS(preop-PTS) and postoperative PTS(postop-PTS) measurements were collected; difference(∆PTS) between preop-PTS and postop-PTS was also calculated. Short Form 12 Mental and Physical scores(SF-12M and P) and functional Knee Society Score(fKSS) were collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 12months postoperatively. Four subgroups were thus created in relation to PS or CS system and postop-PTS value(≤ 5°and > 5°). Of the 168 patients, 96 had a PS system and 72 CS system. Performing a CS-TKA took less time than a PS-TKA(p < 0.05). SF-12P showed better results(p < 0.05) in CS-TKA group than PS-TKA, probably because of the younger age of CS-TKA patients(p < 0.05). In the PS > 5° all examined postoperative scores were better(p < 0.05) than PS ≤ 5°, while only fKSS was better(p < 0.05) in CS > 5° than CS ≤ 5°. No significant difference(p > 0.05) in terms of postoperative outcomes between the PS > 5° and CS > 5° was noted, whereas only SF-12P was better in the CS ≤ 5° compared with PS ≤ 5°. Highest values of SF-12M and fKSS were obtained in the PS ≤ 5°, in which postop-PTS was closer to technique. When performing a PS-TKA, the best result was obtained with a postop-PTS > 5°, but comparable outcomes between the two systems were evident with postop-PTS > 5°. It is crucial to come as close as possible to the indications reported in surgical technique regardless ∆PTS.

Effect of dexamethasone on intraoperative remifentanil dose in total knee arthroplasty surgery under general anaesthesia.

BackgroundThe effects of glucocorticoids may include both genomic and rapid nongenomic effects. The potential rapid analgesic effect during surgery has not previously been investigated. We aimed to explore the effect of dexamethasone on intraoperative infusion rate of remifentanil in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery under general anaesthesia.MethodsIn this post hoc subgroup analysis, we included patients randomised in the DEX‐2‐TKA trial, who were operated under total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol. Trial medication, intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg or placebo, was administered immediately after anaesthesia onset. The primary outcome was the median weight‐corrected infusion rate of remifentanil during surgery. Secondary outcomes included median weight‐corrected infusion rate of propofol, median intraoperative bispectral index and time spent in the post‐anaesthesia care unit.ResultsEighty‐seven patients were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. A significantly higher remifentanil infusion rate was observed in the dexamethasone group compared with the placebo group, p = .02. None of the secondary outcomes resulted in statistically significant differences between groups.ConclusionThis explorative post hoc analysis of the randomised DEX‐2‐TKA trail showed that patients undergoing TKA surgery under general anaesthesia and who received dexamethasone seemed to have a higher remifentanil infusion rate compared with patients who received placebo. The clinical implications of the potentially increased remifentanil infusion rate need to be validated and explored further.Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05002361 (12 August 2021).

A Study of Surgical Accuracy with X-Ray-Based Patient-Specific Instrument (X3DPSI®) vs Conventional Instrument in Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeries.

Patient-specific instruments (PSI) have been shown to be a good solution in getting accurate bone cuts in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in many studies. However, the need for an extra CT/MRI makes the existing PSI method costly and unsafe. X-ray-based PSI can solve these problems, if proven to be accurate. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel method to measure the performance of X-ray to 3D-based PSI (X3DPSI ® ) in achieving planned bone cuts by comparing with conventional instruments (CI). This was a prospective study of a total of ten patients undergoing TKA surgery. Preoperative full length lower limb scanogram was done with specialized calibration strap-on marker to develop X3DPSI ® which was used intraoperatively for the placement of guiding pins for the cutting jig. Similarly, intraoperative guide pins were placed using CI also. Calibrated intraoperative X-ray images, in AP and LAT view, were taken while the cutting-block guiding pins were placed on the distal femur and proximal tibia. These X-ray images were used to calculate the cutting plane alignments for femur and tibia and to simulate the postoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and MAD (mechanical axis deviation), in a virtual Tabplan3D environment for both the methods. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two methods in terms of femoral cutting plane angles and in terms of the HKA angles and MAD. There was no significant difference in the tibial cutting plane angles in the coronal plane. The mechanical axis alignment achieved based on the virtual cuts made using the X3DPSI ® was significantly better than the alignment achieved based on the cuts made using the CI, in terms of both HKA and MAD. This novel method of X-ray-based PSI is a low-cost alternative to CT/MRI-based PSI if found to be accurate in future planned studies.

The relationship between body mass index and clinical efficacy of knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BackgroundIncrease body mass index (BMI) is often accompanied by metabolic diseases such as diabetes, which will increase the uncertainty of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) efficacy and the risk of postoperative complications. The present study was to study the relationship between increase BMI and clinical efficacy of knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsA total of 97 patients (36 males and 61 females) with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who underwent TKA surgery were selected. According to the preoperative body mass index (BMI), the patients were divided into a normal group (n=42), overweight group (n=35), and obese group (n=20). All patients received TKA after admission. Seven days after surgery, the American Knee Society (AKS) and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scales were used to evaluate the recovery of knee function. The recovery was poor if the scores of AKS and HSS were less than 70.ResultsSeven days after TKA, the scores of AKS and HSS in different BMI groups were significantly different, and decreased with the increase of BMI (P<0.05). Age, increased BMI, diabetes, preoperative range of motion (ROM), intraoperative blood loss, postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), postoperative posterior slope angle (PSA), postoperative infection, and postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities were related to AKS score <70 (P<0.05). Diabetes, preoperative ROM, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative CRP, postoperative PSA, and postoperative infection were related to HSS score <70 (P<0.05). Increased BMI, diabetes, postoperative CRP, postoperative infection, and postoperative DVT were independent risk factors for AKS score <70 (HR =3.458, 1.152, 2.960, 1.023, 3.589, P<0.05). Increased BMI, diabetes, postoperative CRP, and postoperative infection were independent risk factors for HSS score <70 (HR =6.891, 1.263, 1.967, 1.235, P<1.235). The area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI) of BMI in diagnosing AKS <70 was 0.740 (0.641–0.839). The AUC (95% CI) of BMI in diagnosing HSS <70 was 0.809 (0.723–0.894).ConclusionsThe increase of BMI is an independent risk factor for the poor recovery of knee function after TKA in patients with KOA.

Over-constrained kinematic of the medial compartment leads to lower clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

PurposeTo investigate if postoperative clinical outcomes correlate with specific kinematic patterns after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. The hypothesis was that the group of patients with higher clinical outcomes would have shown postoperative medial pivot kinematics, while the group of patients with lower clinical outcomes would have not.Methods52 patients undergoing TKA surgery were prospectively evaluated at least a year of follow-up (13.5 ± 6.8 months) through clinical and functional Knee Society Score (KSS), and kinematically through dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA) during a sit-to-stand motor task. Patients received posterior-stabilized TKA design. Based on the result of the KSS, patients were divided into two groups: “KSS > 70 group”, patients with a good-to-excellent score (93.1 ± 6.8 points, n = 44); “KSS < 70 group”, patients with a fair-to-poor score (53.3 ± 18.3 points, n = 8). The anteroposterior (AP) low point (lowest femorotibial contact points) translation of medial and lateral femoral compartments was compared through Student’s t test (p < 0.05).ResultsLow point AP translation of the medial compartment was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the lateral one in both the KSS > 70 (6.1 mm ± 4.4 mm vs 10.7 mm ± 4.6 mm) and the KSS < 70 groups (2.7 mm ± 3.5 mm vs 11.0 mm ± 5.6 mm). Furthermore, the AP translation of the lateral femoral compartment was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the two groups, while the AP translation of the medial femoral compartment was significantly higher for the KSS > 70 group (p = 0.0442).ConclusionIn the group of patients with a postoperative KSS < 70, the medial compartment translation was almost one-fourth of the lateral one. Surgeons should be aware that an over-constrained kinematic of the medial compartment might lead to lower clinical outcomes.Level of evidenceII.

Examining the use of the pressure modulated knee rehabilitation machine (PMKR) with traditional physical therapy versus traditional physical therapy alone following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized control study

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered a successful operation, however, 8% to 25% of patients are not satisfied with their TKA after surgery, with contracture being a common reason. The purpose of this study was to compare range of motion (ROM), patient-reported outcomes, and patient satisfaction between patients who utilized the X10™ Pressure Modulated Knee Rehabilitation (PMKR) machine (X10 Therapy, Franklin, MI) in addition to physical therapy and patients who only had physical therapy after TKA. Methods: Patients were randomized to either the PMKR plus traditional physical therapy group or the traditional physical therapy only group. Patient-reported outcome scores and ROM were recorded at baseline, 2 wk, 4 wk, and 4 mo postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Results: A total of 107 patients underwent TKA surgery (50 PMKR group, 57 traditional therapy alone group). At 4 wk, the PMKR group exceeded the minimally clinical important difference of 5 degrees after TKA; however, this was not sustained at 4 mo. There were no statistically significant differences in the patient-reported outcome scores, but patients in the PMKR group had statistically significantly higher satisfaction. Conclusions: In summary, our results demonstrate that patients who utilize a PMKR machine in addition to traditional physical therapy may have an initial increase in postoperative knee ROM; however, this clinical relevance was not sustained at the 4-month time point. Even though this difference in ROM was not maintained over the entire study, patients who used the PMKR machine had greater satisfaction with their TKA than those who underwent traditional physical therapy alone. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Carboxymethyl chitosan reduces inflammation and promotes osteogenesis in a rabbit knee replacement model

BackgroundThe major causes of failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include prosthesis loosening and infection. This study aimed to investigate the role of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) in knee arthroplasty.MethodsA total of 20 New Zealand white rabbits that were divided into two groups (10 in the control group and 10 in the chitosan group) were included in the study. They underwent TKA surgery, and all were implanted with titanium rod prostheses; the prosthesis in the chitosan group was coated with CMC. After 12 weeks, all rabbits were euthanized, and the following analyses of some specific surface membrane tissues around the prosthesis were performed: X-ray analysis; micro-computed tomography scan; haematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson, and Von Kossa staining; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; and Western Blotting.ResultsThe result of CCK8 test showed CMC can promote cell proliferation and increase cell viability. Radiological result showed better amount of bone deposits and more bone formation in the chitosan group. HE staining result showed CMC reduces inflammation around the prosthesis. The VG and Von Kossa staining results showed CMC can promote bone deposition around prosthesis. And according to the results of PCR and WB, the OCN content was higher in the chitosan group, while the MMPs content was lower. The chitosan group has an increased OPG/RANKL ratio than the control group.ConclusionCMC can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response around the prosthesis and osteoclast activation and promote osteogenesis by interfering with the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β signalling pathway.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Italian language Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) as an outcome measure for total knee arthroplasty in an Italian population

BackgroundWith ever-increasing numbers of patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and as TKA is performed in increasingly younger patients, patient demands and expectations have also increased. With improved patient outcomes, new PROMs with heightened discriminatory power in well-performing patients are needed. The present study aimed to translate and validate the Italian version of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) as a tool for evaluating pre-operative through longitudinal post-operative outcomes in an Italian population.MethodsIn this prospective study, patients with unilateral osteoarthritis, undergoing TKA surgery between May 2015 and December 2017 were recruited to participate in the study. The FJS-12 and WOMAC were collected pre-operatively and at six and 12 months post-operatively. According to the COSMIN checklist, reliability, internal consistency, validity, responsiveness, effect size, and ceiling effects and floor effects were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred twenty patients completed the study, 66 of which participated in the evaluation of test-retest reliability. Good test-retest reliability was found (ICC = 0.90). The FJS-12 also showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.81). Construct validity with the WOMAC, as a measure of the Pearson correlation coefficient, was moderate (r = 0.45 pre-operatively; r = 0.46 at 6 months and r = 0.42 at 12 months post-operatively). From six to 12 months, the change was slightly greater for the WOMAC than for the FJS-12 patients (effect size d = 0.94; d = 0.75, respectively). At 12-months follow-up, the ceiling effects reflecting the maximum score were 12% for the FJS-12 and 6% for the WOMAC; however, scores within 10% of the maximum score were comprised 30% of the FJS-12 scores and 59% for the WOMAC.ConclusionThe Italian FJS-12 demonstrated strong measurement properties in terms of reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in TKA patients. Furthermore, a more detailed look at ceiling effects shows a superior discriminatory capacity when compared to the WOMAC at 12-months follow-up, particularly in better-performing patients.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT03805490. Registered 18 January 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Clinical Results Before and After Implementation of a Fast - Track Protocol For 507 Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess the effects of using versus not using a fast-track protocol, including a new mobilization device called Flexet.Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study. Two groups were formed with a total of 507 TKA patients. 283 were treated in 2010 with a standard program (S group) and 224 with a fast-track protocol (FT group) in 2016. The variables studied were active knee flexion and extension, length of stay, and time to autonomous gait.Results: Study groups were comparable. The mean time from surgery to autonomous gait was shorter for the FT group (4.43 hours, SD = 2.11) than for the S group (59.95 hours, SD = 16.59) (p &lt; 0.001). Mean stay for the FT group was 2.36 nights (SD = 1.81) and 6.20 nights (SD = 1.52) for the S group (p &lt; 0.001). Mean active flexion at hospital discharge was 89.33º (SD = 7.45) in the FT group versus 84.10º (SD = 9.01) in the S group. The mean active extension was: -5.37º (SD= 2.49) in the FT group versus -8.60º (SD = 3.98) in the S group, (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: Patients in the FT group showed more significant improvements (i.e., shorter length of stay, shorter time to autonomous gait, and larger active ROM in flexion and extension). However, the exact role of the Flexet device is still to be determined.

Different femoral rotation with navigated flexion-gap balanced or measured resection in total knee arthroplasty does not lead to different clinical outcomes.

Femoral rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is hypothesized to vary in the same knee depending on the method used to establish it. Thirty-eight patients who underwent TKA surgery using a measured resection technique (RT) were compared with 40 patients who underwent a flexion-gap balancing technique with computer-assisted (for navigation) surgery (FB-CAS) to assess clinical and radiographic alignment differences at two years postoperatively. In 36 of the 40 patients in the FB-CAS group, both methods were used. Intraoperatively, the transepicondylar femoral rotation (TEFR) in reference to the transepicondylar axis was established as the rotation that balanced the flexion gap. Once the TEFR was obtained, an analogous rotation as measured by a posterior reference femoral rotation (PRFR) cutting guide was determined. Femoral component rotation determined by the TEFR and PRFR methods differed in each of the knees. The median TEFR was 0.08°±0.6° (range - 1.5°, 1.5°), and the median PRFR was 0.06°±2.8° (range - 6°, 5°). The mean difference in the rotational alignment between the TEFR and PRFR techniques was 0.01° ± 3.1°. The 95% limits of agreement between the mean differences in measurements were between 6.2° external rotation and - 6.1° internal rotation. At 2 years postoperatively, we found no differences in the radiographic or clinical American Knee Society score between the two groups. Rotation of the femoral component in TKA can vary in the same knee depending on the surgical method used to establish it. This variation in femoral rotation is sufficiently small enough to have no apparent effect on the 2-year clinical outcome score. II.

A small difference in recovery between total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet use the first 3 months after surgery: a randomized controlled study

PurposeWhen a tourniquet is used during surgery on the extremities, the pressure applied to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels can cause neuromuscular damage that contributes to postoperative weakness. The hypothesis was that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved if total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed without the use of a tourniquet.Methods81 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent TKA surgery were randomized to surgery with or without tourniquet. Active flexion and extension of the knee, pain by visual analog scale (VAS), swelling by knee circumference, quadriceps function by straight leg raise, and timed up and go (TUG) test results were measured before and up to 3 months after surgery.ResultsANCOVA revealed no between-groups effect for flexion of the knee at day 3 postsurgery. Compared with the tourniquet group, the nontourniquet group experienced elevated pain at 24 h, with a mean difference of 16.6 mm, p = 0.005. The effect on mobility (TUG test) at 3 months was better in the nontourniquet group, with a mean difference of -1.1 s, p = 0.029.ConclusionsThe hypothesis that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved without a tourniquet is not supported by the results. When the results in this study for surgery performed with and without tourniquet are compared, no clear benefit for either procedure was observed, as the more pain exhibited by the nontourniquet group was only evident for a short period and the improved mobility in this group was not at a clinically relevant level.Level of evidenceInconsistent results, Level II.

Tranexamic acid is associated with selective increase in inflammatory markers following total knee arthroplasty (TKA): a pilot study

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in orthopedic surgery to reduce excessive bleeding and transfusion requirements. Our aim was to examine if TXA was required in all osteoarthritis patients undergoing TKA surgery, and its possible effects on systemic inflammation and coagulation properties.MethodsTwenty-three patients (Oxford Score 22–29) were recruited consecutively; 12 patients received TXA before (IV, 1.2 g/90 kg) and immediately after surgery (intra-articular, 1.4 g/90 kg). Inflammatory mediators and ROTEM parameters were measured in blood at baseline, after the first bone-cut, immediately after surgery, and postoperative days 1 and 2.ResultsAfter the bone cut and surgery, TXA significantly increased MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared to non-TXA patients, which was further amplified postoperatively. During surgery, TXA significantly prolonged EXTEM clot times, indicating a thrombin-slowing effect, despite little or no change in clot amplitude or fibrinogen. TXA was associated with three- to fivefold increases in FIBTEM maximum lysis (ML), a finding counter to TXA’s antifibrinolytic effect. Maximum lysis for extrinsic and intrinsic pathways was < 8%, indicating little or no hyperfibrinolysis. No significant differences were found in postoperative hemoglobin between the two groups.ConclusionsTXA was associated with increased systemic inflammation during surgery compared to non-TXA patients, with further amplification on postoperative days 1 and 2. On the basis of little or no change in viscoelastic clot strength, fibrinogen or clot lysis, there appeared to be no clinical justification for TXA in our group of patients. Larger prospective, randomized trials are required to investigate a possible proinflammatory effect in TKA patients.

Use of porous monoblock patella component should avoid for patient with patella baja

BackgroundAlthough many studies have evaluated the success of porous tantalum component in primary and revision cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases, few studies have reported the breakage of porous tantalum monoblock patella component (PTMP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiographic outcomes of breakage of PTMP at short-term follow up. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 49 consecutive knees in 43 patients who underwent TKA surgery between September 2012 and March 2014. Bone marrow contents/tissue volumes (BMC/TV. mg/cm3) were evaluated using 2-dimensional osteomorphometry software with 2D- multi-detector-row computed tomography (2D-MDCT) to measure fixation of the bone-prosthesis interface with patella at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Clinical follow up was obtained by reviewing each patient at orthopedic record. ResultsWe experienced a case that resulted in breakage of PTMP without traumatic episode at 26 months after surgery. Relative changes of Bone Mineral Contents per Tissue Volume. (BMC/TV mg/cm3) at ROI. 1 (superior border of the patella) and ROI. 2 (peg of patella) were significantly higher than ROI.3 (inferior border of patella) at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery (p < 0.001. p < 0.01). Patient with breakage of PTMP has patella baja (Insall- Salvati ratio: 0.72), and the relative change of BMC/TV at ROI.1 and 2 for patients who experienced a breakage of PTMP was higher than any other patients. ConclusionThe present study revealed that the use of PTMP should be avoided for patients with patella baja.