Patient health-related quality of life deteriorates significantly while waiting six to 12 months for total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Aims: The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. Methods: This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery. Results: There was a clinical and statistically significant deterioration in the EQ-5D while awaiting THA (mean change 0.071 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.018 to 0.124); p = 0.009) and KA (mean change 0.069 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.106); p < 0.001). For patients awaiting a THA, there were deteriorations in OHS (p = 0.003), PSQI (p = 0.008), both HADS depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002), and an increased prevalence in those in a state WTD (p = 0.010). For those awaiting KA, there were significant deteriorations in OKS (p < 0.001), UCLA (p = 0.001), and HADS depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in wellbeing (satisfaction with life, feeling life to be worthwhile, and happiness) and increases in anxiety for those awaiting THA or KA (p < 0.001). Those awaiting THA (odds ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.89); p = 0.016) and KA (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71); p < 0.001) had a significant decrease in satisfaction with their healthcare. Conclusion: As patients waited from six to 12 months for THA or KA, they experienced a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL. There were also deteriorations in joint-specific function, mental health, wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with healthcare.

A preoperative package of care for osteoarthritis, consisting of weight loss, orthotics, rehabilitation, and topical and oral analgesia (OPPORTUNITY): a two-centre, open-label, randomised controlled feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major cause of disability worldwide. Non-operative treatments can reduce the morbidity but adherence is poor. We hypothesised that adherence could be optimised if behavioural change was established in the preoperative period. Therefore, we aimed to assess feasibility, acceptability, and recruitment and retention rates of a preoperative package of non-operative care in patients awaiting knee replacement surgery. METHODS: We did an open-label, randomised controlled, feasibility trial in two secondary care centres in the UK. Eligible participants were aged 15-85 years, on the waiting list for a knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, and met at least one of the thresholds for one of the four components of the preoperative package of non-operative care intervention (ie, weight loss, exercise therapy, use of insoles, and analgesia adjustment). Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to either the intervention group or the standard of care (ie, control) group. All four aspects of the intervention were delivered weekly over 12 weeks. Participants in the intervention group were reviewed regularly to assess adherence. The primary outcome was acceptability and feasibility of delivering the intervention, as measured by recruitment rate, retention rate at follow-up review after planned surgery, health-related quality of life, joint-specific scores, and adherence (weight change and qualitative interviews). This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN96684272. FINDINGS: Between Sept 3 2018, and Aug 30, 2019, we screened 233 patients, of whom 163 (73%) were excluded and 60 (27%) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=40) or the control group (n=20). 34 (57%) of 60 participants were women, 26 (43%) were men, and the mean age was 66·8 years (SD 8·6). Uptake of the specific intervention components varied: 31 (78%) of 40 had exercise therapy, 28 (70%) weight loss, 22 (55%) analgesia adjustment, and insoles (18 [45%]). Overall median adherence was 94% (IQR 79·5-100). At the final review, the intervention group lost a mean of 11·2 kg (SD 5·6) compared with 1·3 kg (3·8) in the control group (estimated difference -9·8 kg [95% CI -13·4 to -6·3]). A clinically significant improvement in health-related quality o life (mean change 0·078 [SD 0·195]) were reported, and joint-specific scores showed greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. No adverse events attributable to the intervention occurred. INTERPRETATION: Participants adhered well to the non-operative interventions and their health-related quality of life improved. Participant and health professional feedback were extremely positive. These findings support progression to a full-scale effectiveness trial. FUNDING: Versus Arthritis.

Standard versus short stem cemented Exeter® when used for primary total hip arthroplasty: a survivorship analysis.

AIMS: The aims were to compare the survival of the cemented standard (150 mm) with the short (DDH [35.5 mm offset or less], number 1 short stem [125 mm options of 37.5 mm, 44 mm, 50 mm offset] and revision [44/00/125]) Exeter® V40 femoral stems when used for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Patients were retrospectively identified from an arthroplasty database. A total of 664 short stem Exeter® variants were identified, of which 229 were DDH stems, 208 number 1 stems and 227 revision stems were implanted between 2011 and 2020. A control group of 698 standard Exeter® stems used for THA was set up, and were followed up for a minimum of 10 years follow-up (implanted 2011). All-cause survival was assessed for THA and for the stem only. Adjusted analysis was undertaken for age, sex and ASA grade. RESULTS: The median survival time for the short stems varied according to design: DDH had a survival time of 6.7 years, number 1 stems 4.1 years, and revision stems 7.2 years. Subjects in the short stem group (n = 664) were significantly younger (mean difference 5.1, P < 0.001) and were more likely to be female (odds ratio 1.89, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.39, P < 0.001), compared to the standard group. There were no differences in THA (P = 0.26) or stem (P = 0.35) survival at 5 years (adjusted THA: 98.3% vs. 97.2%; stem 98.7% vs. 97.8%) or 10 years (adjusted THA 97.0% vs. 96.0 %; stem 96.7% vs. 96.2%) between standard and short stem groups, respectively. At 5 years no differences were found in THA (DDH: 96.7%, number 1 97.5%, revision 97.3%, standard 98.6%) or stem (DDH: 97.6%, number 1 99.0%, revision 97.3%, standard 98.2%) survival between/among the different short stems or when compared to the standard group. CONCLUSION: The Exeter® short stems offer equivocal survival when compared to the standard stem at 5- to 10-year follow-up, which does not seem to be influenced by the short stem design.

Primary knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis restores patients' health-related quality of life to normal population levels.

This study investigates whether primary knee arthroplasty (KA) restores health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to levels expected in the general population. This retrospective case-control study compared HRQoL data from two sources: patients undergoing primary KA in a university-teaching hospital (2013 to 2019), and the Health Survey for England (HSE; 2010 to 2012). Patient-level data from the HSE were used to represent the general population. Propensity score matching was used to balance covariates and facilitate group comparisons. A propensity score was estimated using logistic regression based upon the covariates sex, age, and BMI. Two matched cohorts with 3,029 patients each were obtained for the adjusted analyses (median age 70.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 64 to 77); number of female patients 3,233 (53.4%); median BMI 29.7 kg/m2 (IQR 26.5 to 33.7)). HRQoL was measured using the three-level version of the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and summarized using the Index and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores. Patients awaiting KA had significantly lower EQ-5D-3L Index scores than the general population (median 0.620 (IQR 0.16 to 0.69) vs median 0.796 (IQR 0.69 to 1.00); p < 0.001). By one year postoperatively, the median EQ-5D-3L Index score improved significantly in the KA cohort (mean change 0.32 (SD 0.33); p < 0.001), and demonstrated no clinically relevant differences when compared to the general population (median 0.796 (IQR 0.69 to 1.00) vs median 0.796 (IQR 0.69 to 1.00)). Compared to the general population cohort, the postoperative EQ-VAS was significantly higher in the KA cohort (p < 0.001). Subgroup comparisons demonstrated that older age groups had statistically better EQ-VAS scores than matched peers in the general population. Patients awaiting KA for osteoarthritis had significantly poorer HRQoL than the general population. However, within one year of surgery, primary KA restored HRQoL to levels expected for the patient's age-, BMI-, and sex-matched peers.

Survivorship and functional outcome of a cemented acetabular component with bulk roof autograft for severe acetabular dysplasia: 12- to 23-year follow-up.

AIMS: Primary aim was to determine survival of a cemented acetabular component with bulk roof autograft with a minimum of 12 years follow-up. The secondary aim was to determine the clinical outcome. METHODS: A cohort of 62 consecutive patients (74 hips) undergoing cemented total hip arthroplasty with acetabular bulk roof autograft for acetabular dysplasia were retrospectively identified. The group consisted of 57 female patients (67 hips) and 5 male patients (7 hips) with a mean age at operation of 45 years. No patient was lost to follow-up, however 9 patients died had during the study period. The Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), EuroQol 5-Dimensional Score (EQ-5D), Short Form (SF-12) physical score and patient satisfaction were used to assess clinical outcome for patients with a surviving prosthesis. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 16.6 (13.4-19.1) years. 6 revisions were performed during the follow-up period, all of which were due to aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. The all-cause Kaplan Meier survival rate for the acetabular component was 99% at 10 years, 95% at 15 years and 83% at 20 years. Neither age, gender, femoral osteotomy or polyethylene (UHMW vs. cross-linked) were significant predictors of aseptic revision of the acetabular component. There were no case of graft resorption and all grafts were radiologically incorporated. 45 patients were available for functional assessment at a mean follow-up of 18.2 years. The mean OHS was 37.8, FJS was 55.7, EQ5D was 0.73, and SF-12 physical component was 43.2. No patient was dissatisfied, with 2 patients reporting a neutral satisfaction, 7 stating they were satisfied and the remaining 36 were very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: A cemented acetabular component with bulk roof autograft for dysplasia offers excellent survival with good to excellent functional outcome with high patient satisfaction in the medium- to long-term.

Meaningful values of the EQ-5D-3L in patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to report the meaningful values of the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty (KA). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing primary KA for osteoarthritis in a university teaching hospital (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) (1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019). Pre- and postoperative (one-year) data were prospectively collected for 3,181 patients (median age 69.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 64.2 to 76.1); females, n = 1,745 (54.9%); median BMI 30.1 kg/m2 (IQR 26.6 to 34.2)). The reliability of the EQ-5D-3L was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Responsiveness was determined by calculating the anchor-based minimal clinically important difference (MCID), the minimal important change (MIC) (cohort and individual), the patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) predictive of satisfaction, and the minimal detectable change at 90% confidence intervals (MDC-90). RESULTS: The EQ-5D-3L demonstrated good internal consistency with an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.75 (preoperative) and 0.88 (postoperative), respectively. The MCID for the Index score was 0.085 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.042 to 0.127) and EQ-VAS was 6.41 (95% CI 3.497 to 9.323). The MICCOHORT was 0.289 for the EQ-5D and 5.27 for the EQ-VAS. However, the MICINDIVIDUAL for both the EQ-5D-3L Index (0.105) and EQ-VAS (-1) demonstrated poor-to-acceptable reliability. The MDC-90 was 0.023 for the EQ-5D-3L Index and 1.0 for the EQ-VAS. The PASS for the postoperative EQ-5D-3L Index and EQ-VAS scores predictive of patient satisfaction were 0.708 and 77.0, respectively. CONCLUSION: The meaningful values of the EQ-5D-3L Index and EQ-VAS scores can be used to measure clinically relevant changes in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing primary KA.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(9):619-628.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe obesity provides value for money despite increased complications.

AIMS: Access to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is sometimes restricted for patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). This study compares the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with TKA in patients with a BMI above and below 40 kg/m2 to examine whether this is supported. METHODS: This single-centre study compared 169 consecutive patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) (mean age 65.2 years (40 to 87); mean BMI 44.2 kg/m2 (40 to 66); 129/169 female) undergoing unilateral TKA to a propensity score matched (age, sex, preoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS)) cohort with a BMI < 40 kg/m2 in a 1:1 ratio. Demographic data, comorbidities, and complications to one year were recorded. Preoperative and one-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were completed: EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), OKS, pain, and satisfaction. Using national life expectancy data with obesity correction and the 2020 NHS National Tariff, QALYs (discounted at 3.5%), and direct medical costs accrued over a patient's lifetime, were calculated. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was used to model variation in cost/QALY for each cohort across 1,000 simulations. RESULTS: All PROMs improved significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups without differences between groups. Early complications were higher in BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2: 34/169 versus 52/169 (p = 0.050). A total of 16 (9.5%) patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 were readmitted within one year with six reoperations (3.6%) including three (1.2%) revisions for infection. Assuming reduced life expectancy in severe obesity and revision costs, TKA in patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 costs a mean of £1,013/QALY (95% confidence interval £678 to 1,409) more over a lifetime than TKA in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2. In PSA replicates, the maximum cost/QALY was £3,921 in patients with a BMI < 40 kg/m2 and £5,275 in patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Higher complication rates following TKA in severely obese patients result in a lifetime cost/QALY that is £1,013 greater than that for patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2, suggesting that TKA remains a cost-effective use of healthcare resources in severely obese patients where the surgeon considers it appropriate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):452-463.

Venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty is associated with a worse functional outcome at one year.

AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to assess whether non-fatal postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) within six months of surgery influences the knee-specific functional outcome (Oxford Knee Score (OKS)) one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether non-fatal postoperative VTE influences generic health and patient satisfaction at this time. METHODS: A study of 2,393 TKAs was performed in 2,393 patients. Patient demographics, comorbidities, OKS, EuroQol five-dimension score (EQ-5D), and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Overall patient satisfaction with their TKA was assessed at one year. Patients with VTE within six months of surgery were identified retrospectively and compared with those without. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (1.5%) suffered a VTE and were significantly more likely to have associated comorbidities of stroke (p = 0.026), vascular disease (p = 0.026), and kidney disease (p = 0.026), but less likely to have diabetes (p = 0.046). In an unadjusted analysis, patients suffering a VTE had a significantly worse postoperative OKS (difference in mean (DIM) 4.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 8.0); p = 0.004) and EQ-5D (DIM 0.146 (95% CI 0.059 to 0.233); p = 0.001) compared with patients without a VTE. After adjusting for confounding variables VTE remained a significant independent predictor associated with a worse postoperative OKS (DIM -5.4 (95% CI -8.4 to -2.4); p < 0.001), and EQ-5D score (DIM-0.169 (95% CI -0.251 to -0.087); p < 0.001). VTE was not independently associated with overall satisfaction after TKA (odds ratio 0.89 (95% CI 0.35 to 2.07); p = 0.717). CONCLUSION: Patients who had a VTE within six months of their TKA had clinically significantly worse knee-specific outcome (OKS) and general health (EQ-5D) scores one year postoperatively, but the overall satisfaction with their TKA was similar to those patients who did not have a VTE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1254-1260.

The effect of COVID-19 restrictions on rehabilitation and functional outcome following total hip and knee arthroplasty during the first wave of the pandemic.

AIMS: The primary aim was to assess the patient-perceived effect of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 on rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims were to assess perceived restrictions, influence on mental health, and functional outcome compared to patients undergoing surgery without restriction. METHODS: During February and March 2020, 105 patients underwent THA (n = 48) or TKA (n = 57) and completed preoperative and six-month postoperative assessments. A cohort of 415 patients undergoing surgery in 2019 were used as the control. Patient demographic data, BMI, comorbidities, Oxford Hip Score (OHS) or Knee Score (OKS), and EuroQoL five-domain (EQ-5D) score were collected preoperatively and at six months postoperatively. At six months postoperatively, the 2020 patients were also asked to complete a questionnaire relating to the effect of the social restrictions on their outcome and their mental health. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients (47.6%, n = 50/105) felt that the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 had limited their rehabilitation and were associated with a significantly worse postoperative OKS (p < 0.001), EQ-5D score (p < 0.001), and lower satisfaction rate (p = 0.019). The reasons for the perceived limited rehabilitation were: being unable to exercise (n = 32, 64%), limited access to physiotherapy (n = 30, 60%), and no face-to-face follow-up (n = 30, 60%). A quarter (n = 26) felt that their mental health had deteriorated postoperatively; 17.1% (n = 18) felt depressed and 26.7% (n = 28) felt anxious. Joint-specific scores and satisfaction for the 2020 group were no different to the 2019 group, however patients undergoing THA in 2020 had a significantly worse postoperative EQ-5D compared to the 2019 cohort (difference 0.106; p = 0.001) which was not observed in patients undergoing TKA. CONCLUSION: Half of the 2020 cohort felt that their rehabilitation had been limited and was associated with worse postoperative Oxford and EQ-5D scores, and lower rates of patient satisfaction, but relative to the 2019 cohort their overall outcomes were no different, with the exception of THA patients who had a worse general health score. Level of evidence: Prospective study, Level 2 Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):380-387.

Patients follow three distinct outcome trajectories following total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: Although total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly successful procedure, about 20% of patients remain dissatisfied postoperatively. This proportion is derived from dichotomous models of the assessment of surgical success or failure, which may not reflect the spectrum of outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore differing responses to surgery, and assess whether there are distinct groups of patients with differing patterns of outcome. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a UK multicentre TKA longitudinal cohort study. We used a group-based trajectory modelling analysis of Oxford Knee Score (OKS) in the first year following surgery with longitudinal data involving five different timepoints and multiple predictor variables. Associations between the derived trajectory groups and categorical baseline variables were assessed, and predictors of trajectory group membership were identified using Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression, as appropriate. The final model was adjusted for sociodemographic factors (age, sex) and baseline OKS. RESULTS: Data from 731 patients were available for analysis. Three distinct trajectories of outcome were identified: "poor" 14.0%, "modest" 39.1%, and "good" 46.9%. The predicted probability of membership for patients assigned to each trajectory group was high (0.89 to 0.93). Preoperative mental, physical health, and psychosocial factors determined which trajectory is likely to be followed. Poor responders were characterized by a comparatively small number of factors, preoperative expectations of pain and limitations, coping strategies, and a lower baseline physical health status, while the good responders were characterized by a combination of clinical, psychosocial, mental health, and quality of life factors. CONCLUSION: We identified three distinct response trajectories in patients undergoing TKA. Controlling for baseline score, age, and sex, psychosocial factors such as expectations of pain and limited function and poor coping strategies differentiated the trajectory groups, suggesting a role for preoperative psychosocial support in optimizing the clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1096-1102.

Meaningful values in the Forgotten Joint Score after total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), minimal important change (MIC), minimal detectable change (MDC), and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) threshold in the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) according to patient satisfaction six months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: During a one-year period 484 patients underwent a primary TKA and completed preoperative and six-month FJS and OKS. At six months patients were asked, "How satisfied are you with your operated knee?" Their response was recorded as: very satisfied, satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. The difference between patients recording neutral (n = 44) and satisfied (n = 153) was used to define the MCID. MIC for a cohort was defined as the change in the FJS for those patients declaring their outcome as satisfied, whereas receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the MIC for an individual and the PASS threshold. Distribution-based methodology was used to calculate the MDC. RESULTS: Using satisfaction as the anchor question, the MCID for the FJS was 16.6 (95% confidence interval (CIs) 8.9 to 24.3; p < 0.001) and when adjusting for confounding this decreased to 13.7 points (95% CI 4.8 to 22.5; p < 0.001). The MIC for the FJS for a cohort of patients was 17.7 points and for an individual patient was 10 points. The MDC90 for the FGS was 12 points; where 90% of patients scoring more than this will have experienced a real change that is beyond measurement error. The PASS was defined as 22 points or more in the postoperative FJS. CONCLUSION: The estimates for MCID and MIC can be used to assess whether there is clinical difference between two groups and whether a cohort/patient has had a meaningful change in their FJS, respectively. The MDC90 of 12 points suggests a value lower than this may fall within measurement error. A postoperative FJS of 22 or more was predictive of achieving PASS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):846-854.

The number of patients "worse than death" while waiting for a hip or knee arthroplasty has nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients on the waiting list for a total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary aims were to assess whether length of time on the waiting list influenced quality of life and rate of deferral of surgery. METHODS: During the study period (August and September 2020) 843 patients (THA n = 394, KA n = 449) from ten centres in the UK reported their EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) scores and completed a waiting list questionnaire (2020 group). Patient demographic details, procedure, and date when listed were recorded. Patients scoring less than zero for their EQ-5D score were defined to be in a health state "worse than death" (WTD). Data from a retrospective cohort (January 2014 to September 2017) were used as the control group. RESULTS: The 2020 group had a significantly worse EQ-5D score compared to the control group for both THA (p < 0.001) and KA (p < 0.001). Over one-third (35.0%, n = 138/394) of patients waiting for a THA and nearly a quarter (22.3%, n = 100/449) for KA were in a health state WTD, which was significantly greater than the control group (odds ratio 2.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83 to 2.93) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.70), respectively; p < 0.001). Over 80% (n = 680/843) of the 2020 group felt that their quality of life had deteriorated while waiting. Each additional month spent on the waiting list was independently associated with a decrease in quality of life (EQ-5D: -0.0135, p = 0.004). There were 117 (13.9%) patients who wished to defer their surgery and the main reason for this was health concerns for themselves and or their family (99.1%, n = 116/117). CONCLUSION: Over one-third of patients waiting for THA and nearly one-quarter waiting for a KA were in a state WTD, which was approaching double that observed prior to the pandemic. Increasing length of time on the waiting list was associated with decreasing quality of life. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective case control study Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):672-680.

The use of pedobarographic analysis to evaluate movement patterns in unstable total knee arthroplasty: A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND: Definition and clinical diagnosis of instability in TKA is challenging. Sensitive and objective biomechanical tools to aid diagnosis are currently lacking. This proof-of-concept study evaluates the use of pressure mat analyses to identify abnormal biomechanical loading patterns associated with TKA instability within an outpatient clinical setting. METHODS: Twenty participants were examined: 10 patients with suspected unilateral TKA instability and 10 healthy controls. Participants underwent bilateral stance and gait tests measuring time and limb loading pressure parameters. Gait was divided into three phases: heel strike, mid-foot and toe off. Pressure recordings are expressed relative to bodyweight. Between-limb loading discrepancies were calculated in TKA patients and controls, and these differences were then compared between groups. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS: TKA patients consistentlyoffloadedpressure away from the operated limb, whereas healthy controls exhibited more even limb loading throughout bilateral stance (p < 0.05). TKA patients exhibited greater discrepancy in overall step contact time between limbs (-0.09 s ± 0.16 s; p = 0.016) compared to controls (0.06 s ± 0.08 s; p = 0.04). Post-hoc tests showed significant between-group differences during midfoot (-0.04 s ± 0.07 s; p = 0.03) and toe-off (0.05 s ± 0.14 s; p = 0.013). Between-group differences in limb loading discrepancy were evident at heel strike (-9.24% ± 2.11%; p = 0.0166) and toe-off (-10.34% ± 5.51%; p = 0.0496). DISCUSSION: Pedobarographic measurements demonstrated differences in mechanical loading patterns in patients with TKA instability compared to healthy controls during functional tasks and warrants further investigation. This may prove to be a useful clinical diagnostic tool in identifying patients that would benefit from revision surgery or physical therapy.

Correction to: Osteoarthritis Preoperative Package for care of Orthotics, Rehabilitation, Topical and oral agent Usage and Nutrition to Improve ouTcomes at a Year (OPPORTUNITY); a feasibility study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

After publication of our article [1] we have been notified that two of the author names have been mistakenly removed from the authorship list: Colin R. Howie and Nicholas D. Clement.

Reduction in patient outcomes but implant-derived preservation of function following total knee arthroplasty: longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: There are comparatively few randomized studies evaluating knee arthroplasty prostheses, and fewer still that report longer-term functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term outcomes of an existing implant trial cohort to document changing patient function over time following total knee arthroplasty using longitudinal analytical techniques and to determine whether implant design chosen at time of surgery influenced these outcomes. METHODS: A mid-term follow-up of the remaining 125 patients from a randomized cohort of total knee arthroplasty patients (initially comprising 212 recruited patients), comparing modern (Triathlon) and traditional (Kinemax) prostheses was undertaken. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), knee range of movement, pain numerical rating scales, lower limb power output, timed functional assessment battery, and satisfaction survey. Data were linked to earlier assessment timepoints, and analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed models, incorporating longitudinal change over all assessment timepoints. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of the 125 patients was 8.12 years (7.3 to 9.4). There was a reduction in all assessment parameters relative to earlier assessments. Longitudinal models highlight changes over time in all parameters and demonstrate large effect sizes. Significant between-group differences were seen in measures of knee flexion (medium-effect size), lower limb power output (large-effect size), and report of worst daily pain experienced (large-effect size) favouring the Triathlon group. No longitudinal between-group differences were observed in mean OKS, average daily pain report, or timed performance test. Satisfaction with outcome in surviving patients at eight years was 90.5% (57/63) in the Triathlon group and 82.8% (48/58) in the Kinemax group, with no statistical difference between groups (p = 0.321). CONCLUSION: At a mean 8.12 years, this mid-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial cohort highlights a general reduction in measures of patient function with patient age and follow-up duration, and a comparative preservation of function based on implant received at time of surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):434-441.

Patient expectation fulfilment following total hip arthroplasty: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to assess how expectation fulfilment changes up to 10 years following total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and forty-six patients completed an expectation questionnaire (encompassing 18 activities), Oxford hip score (OHS) and Short Form (SF)-12 prior to surgery. At 1 year postoperatively, expectation fulfilment was assessed in addition to OHS, SF-12 and patient satisfaction (n = 346). This was repeated in surviving patients with intact THAs at 9.1-9.9 years postoperative (n = 224). Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with early (1 year) and late (mean 9.5 years) expectation fulfilment. RESULTS: Postoperative expectation fulfilment scores declined from 36.5 at 1 year to 33 at late follow-up (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.0-5.0, p < 0.001). Increased (better) late expectation fulfilment scores were significantly associated with better scores for all PROMs applied at both timepoints. Younger age, greater pre-operative expectation score and greater improvement in OHS (both early and late) were all independent predictors when adjusting for confounding (p < 0.05). At late follow-up 78% (14/18) activities demonstrated high levels of persistent expectation fulfilment. Approximately two out of every five patients who considered themselves unfulfilled at early follow-up went on to experience late fulfilment, but this was dependent upon the specific expectation (mean 40%, range 0-64%). CONCLUSIONS: Expectation fulfilment following THA changes with time. The majority of patients report high levels of expectation fulfilment following THA at late follow-up. This information can be used to help manage the longer-term expectations of patients undergoing THA.

Changes in Expectation Fulfillment Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate how expectation fulfillment changes up to 10 years following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Preoperative data were collected for 323 patients undergoing TKA (Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Expectations survey, Oxford Knee Score [OKS], and Short Form [SF]-12). Expectation fulfillment, OKS, SF-12, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 1 year and 9-10 years postoperatively. Relative risk (RR) of dissatisfaction at late follow-up was calculated for each specific expectation question. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with early (1 year) and late (mean 9 years) expectation fulfillment scores. RESULTS: Mean expectation fulfillment scores declined from early to late follow-up (25.9-23.9, P = .025). Multivariate analysis identified younger age and better 1-year OKS as factors independently associated with long-term expectation fulfillment. Twelve percent of patients reported dissatisfaction at late follow-up. The risk of long-term dissatisfaction was greatest in patients with high preoperative expectations of kneeling (RR 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-5.5), walking without aids (RR 2.4, 95% CI 0.7-7.6), and improved psychological well-being (RR 3.9, 95% CI 0.9-5.0). Night pain relief, kneeling ability, participating in outside activities, and sports were the most poorly fulfilled expectations at both early and late time points. Fulfillment improved the least from early to late for kneeling ability (17%) and ability to participate in outside activities (17%). CONCLUSION: Expectation fulfillment following TKA changes with time. Expectations of kneeling ability and the ability to perform outside activities demonstrated persistently low levels of fulfillment. This information can be used to manage the longer term expectations of patients undergoing TKA.

Osteoarthritis Preoperative Package for care of Orthotics, Rehabilitation, Topical and oral agent Usage and Nutrition to Improve ouTcomes at a Year (OPPORTUNITY); a feasibility study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients' pre-operative health and physical function is known to influence their post-operative outcomes. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are often not optimised prior to joint replacement. This results in some patients undergoing surgery when they are not as fit as they could be. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative package of non-operative care versus standard care prior to joint replacement. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicentre, randomised controlled feasibility trial of patients undergoing primary total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. Sixty patients will be recruited and randomised (2:1) to intervention or standard care arms. Data will be collected at baseline (before the start of the intervention), around the end of the intervention period and a minimum of 90 days after the planned date of surgery. Adherence will be reviewed each week during the intervention period (by telephone or in person). Participants will be randomised to a pre-operative package of non-operative care or standard care. The non-operative care will consist of (1) a weight-loss programme, (2) a set of exercises, (3) provision of advice on analgesia use and (4) provision of insoles. The intervention will be started as soon as possible after patients have been added to the waiting list for joint replacement surgery to take advantage of the incentive for behavioural change that this will create. The primary outcomes of this study are feasibility outcomes which will indicate whether the intervention and study protocol is feasible and acceptable and whether a full-scale effectiveness trial is warranted. The following will be measured and used to inform study feasibility: rate of recruitment, rate of retention at 90-day follow-up review after planned surgery date, and adherence to the intervention estimated through review questionnaires and weight change (for those receiving the weight-loss aspect of intervention). In addition the following information will be assessed qualitatively: analysis of qualitative interviews exploring acceptability, feasibility, adherence and possible barriers to implementing the intervention, and acceptability of the different outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The aims of the study specifically relate to testing the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed effectiveness trial intervention and the feasibility of the trial methods. This study forms the important first step in developing and assessing whether the intervention has the potential to be assessed in a future fully powered effectiveness trial. The findings will also be used to refine the design of the effectiveness trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, ID: ISRCTN96684272. Registered on 18 April 2018.

Variation in ligamentous laxity in well-functioning total knee arthroplasty is not associated with clinical outcomes or functional ability.

BACKGROUND: Around 20% of revision knee arthroplasty procedures are carried out for a diagnosis of instability. Clinical evaluation of instability is primarily through physical stress testing of knee ligamentous laxity and joint space opening. It is assumed that increased knee ligament laxity is associated with instability of the knee and, by association, reduced physical function. The range of knee ligament laxity in asymptomatic patients with total knee arthroplasty has however not been reported, nor has the association with measures of physical outcomes. METHODS: Patients who reported being happy with the outcomes of TKA and denied any feelings of knee instability were evaluated at routine follow-up clinicas. Knee ligamentous stability was evaluated seperately by 2 blinded assessors in both coronal and saggital planes. Assessors classified the ligamentous stability as 'tight', 'neutrol' or 'loose'. Clinical outcome was evaluated by Oxford Knee Score, patient satisfaction metric, timed performance test, range of motion and lower limb power. Analysis of variance was employed to evaluate variables between groups with post hoc pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: In total, 42 patients were evaluated. Mean time since index surgery was 46 (SD 8) months. In the coronal plane, 11 (26.2%) were categorised as 'tight', 22 (52.4%) as 'neutral' and 9 (21.4%) as 'loose'. In the sagittal plane, 15 (35.7%) were categorised as 'tight', 17 (40.5%) as 'neutral' and 10 (23.8%) as 'loose'. There were no between-group differences in outcomes: Oxford Knee Score, range of motion, lower limb power, timed functional assessment score or in satisfaction response in either plane (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found a range of ligamentous laxity in asymptomatic patients satisfied with the outcome of their knee arthroplasty, and no association between knee laxity and physical ability.

Exploring variation in patient access of post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip and knee arthroplasty under a choice based system in the UK: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess a targeted 'therapy as required' model of post-discharge outpatient physiotherapy provision. Specifically, we investigated what proportion of patients accessed post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether accessing therapy was associated with post-arthroplasty patient reported outcomes and whether it was possible to predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Single National Health Service orthopaedic teaching hospital in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: 1395 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and 1374 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported access of post-discharge physiotherapy, the Oxford Hip or Knee Score, EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire and post-operative surgical episode satisfaction metric. RESULTS: 662 (48.2%) patients with TKA and 493 (35.3%) patients with THA accessed additional post-discharge physiotherapy. Patient-reported outcomes (p<0.001) and surgical episode satisfaction (p=0.001) in both THA and TKA were higher in patients that did not participate in post-discharge physiotherapy. Regression models using pre-operative symptom burden and demographic data predicted post-discharge therapy access with an accuracy of only 17% greater than chance in patients with THA and 7% greater than chance in patients with TKA. CONCLUSIONS: In a choice-based service model of 'therapy as required' following hip and knee arthroplasty only a third of THA and half of TKA patients accessed post-discharge therapy. Patients who did not access physiotherapy reported greater post-operative outcomes. This variation in the need for post-discharge physiotherapy suggests that targeting of rehabilitation may be a cost-effective model, however it was not possible to reliably predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data.