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.

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.

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.

Optimum stem length for mitigation of periprosthetic fracture risk following primary total knee arthroplasty: a finite element study.

PURPOSE: Due to age-related changes to the material properties and thinning of the cortical bone structure, older patients with osteoporosis may be at greater risk of femoral fracture following total knee arthroplasty. This study investigates whether there is a potential role for stemmed prostheses in such scenarios to help mitigate peri-implant fracture risk, and if so what should the optimum stem length be to balance surgical bone loss with reduced fracture risk. METHODS: Finite element models of the distal femur implanted with four different implant types: a posterior stabilising implant, a total stabilising implant with short stem (12 mm × 50 mm), a TS implant with medium stem (12 mm × 75 mm), and a TS implant with long stem (12 mm × 100 mm), were developed and analysed in this study. Osteoporotic properties were applied to the implanted femurs and the periprosthetic stresses and strains of each were recorded. RESULTS: All stem lengths examined were found to lead to a reduction in periprosthetic stress in comparison with a primary stemless implant, with short-, medium-, and long-stemmed implants leading to an 11, 26, and 29% reduction in stress, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that periprosthetic stress and therefore fracture risk in old osteoporotic patients may be reduced through the use of stemmed femoral components. Of the three stems investigated, a medium-length stem is found to represent the best balance between bone preservation at the time of surgery and reduction in periprosthetic stress following implantation.

Treatment Success Following Joint Arthroplasty: Defining Thresholds for the Oxford Hip and Knee Scores.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome scores are the mainstay method for quantifying success following arthroplasty. However, it is unclear when a "successful outcome" is achieved. We calculated threshold values for the Oxford Hip and Knee Score (OHS and OKS) representing achievement of a successful treatment at 12-month follow-up. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to patients undergoing total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty before and 12 months after surgery alongside questions assessing key aspects of treatment success. A composite success criterion was used to perform receiver operator characteristic analysis. Thresholds providing maximum sensitivity and specificity were determined for the total sample and subgroups defined by presurgery scores. RESULTS: Data were available for 3203 THA and 2742 TKA patients. Applying the composite treatment success criterion, 67.3% of the TKA and 77.6% of the THA sample reported treatment success. Accuracy for predicting treatment success was high for the OHS and OKS (both areas under the curve, 0.87). For the OHS, a threshold value of 37.5 points showed highest sensitivity and specificity in the total sample, while for the OKS the optimal threshold was 32.5 points. Depending on presurgery scores, optimal thresholds varied between 32.5 and 38.5 for the OHS and 28.5 and 36.5 for the OKS. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to apply a composite "success" anchor to the OHS and OKS to evaluate outcome following total joint arthroplasty. Notably fewer patients report a "successful outcome" using a composite outcome threshold than report being "satisfied."

Aseptic Revision Knee Arthroplasty With Total Stabilizer Prostheses Achieves Similar Functional Outcomes to Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty at 2 Years: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient function is poorly characterized following revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although is generally accepted to be inferior to that following primary procedures. METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive aseptic revisions to total stabilizer devices were prospectively evaluated, preoperatively and at 6, 26, 52, and 104 weeks postoperatively, using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), range of motion, pain rating scale, and timed functional performance battery. Data were assessed longitudinally and in comparison to primary TKA data with identical outcome assessments at equivalent time points. RESULTS: Mean outcome changes were: 13 point increase in the OKS (from 17.5 [standard deviation-SD 7.4]-32.4 [SD 7.9] points); 21 degree improvement in the knee flexion (80.6 [SD 20.5]-101.5 [SD 13.2] degrees); 60% reduction in the pain report (7.7 [SD 2.3]-1.3 [SD 0.4] points); and 15 second improvement in the timed performance assessment (47.2 [SD 19.1]-32.0 [SD 7.0] seconds; P < .001). No difference was seen between primary and revision cohorts in OKS or pain scores (analysis of variance, P = .2 and .19). Knee flexion and timed performance assessment were different between primary and revision groups (analysis of variance, P = .03 and P = .02); however, this was due to differing preoperative values. The revision cohort achieved the same postoperative scores as the primary cohort at all postoperative time points. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing revision TKA for aseptic failure with total stabilizer implants made substantial improvements in the initial 2 years following surgery in both patient-reported and directly assessed function, comparable with that achieved following primary knee arthroplasty.

Impact of Comorbidities on Outcome After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome scores gain increasing importance in quantifying clinical success and procedure remuneration. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of comorbidity on joint-specific outcome and general health in patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Longitudinal data on THA procedures were used to evaluate the association between comorbidity and surgical outcome in terms of joint-specific measures and general health (Forgotten Joint Score-12 [FJS-12], Oxford Hip Score [OHS], and Short Form-12) at 1-year follow-up. Comorbidities comprised the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), low back pain (LBP), pain from other joints (POJ), and body mass index. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 251 THA patients (age: 67.7 ± 11.8 years; 58.2% female). Most common conditions were POJ (75.9%), LBP (55.1%), connective tissue disease (12.1%), and diabetes (5.6%). With regard to postoperative improvement, we did not find statistically significant differences between patients with or without CCI comorbidities (FJS-12, +38.7 vs +43.2, P = .370; OHS, +15.6 vs +17.9, P = .100) or POJ (FJS-12, +39.9 vs +45.1, P = .325; OHS, +17.3 vs +16.6, P = .645). Patients with LBP showed less improvement on the FJS-12 than those without LBP (+35.6 vs +49.1; P = .002), whereas no difference was found for the OHS (+17.9 vs +16.5; P = .266). CONCLUSION: Patients with comorbid conditions report lower preoperative and postoperative outcome scores compared with patients with no such conditions; however, there was no statistically significant association of CCI comorbidities and POJ with postoperative improvement in joint-specific outcomes. LBP was found to have a negative impact on postoperative improvement in terms of joint awareness.

Functional and patient-reported outcomes of the Swanson metacarpo-phalangeal arthroplasty in the rheumatoid hand.

INTRODUCTION: Replacement of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints (MCPJ) with silastic Swanson's implants can help decrease pain, stiffness and allow for improved function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is a lack of patient reported outcome measure (PROM) studies assessing the efficacy of this procedure in RA. The aim of this study was to report any change in function, pain, stiffness and satisfaction following the Swanson MCPJ replacement using patient reported outcomes in a rheumatoid population. METHODS: The combined results of 64 RA patients (71 hands) with 284 Swanson MCPJ arthroplasties (mean follow-up: 75.85 months) were assessed using the validated M-SACRAH questionnaire and a separate satisfaction questionnaire. Radiographic evaluation was performed to insure correct alignment of the hinged prosthesis postoperatively. No attempt was made to identify other predictors, radiologically or clinically. Data analysed in the study was interpreted in the context of the number of hands and survivorship was defined as implant fracture, loosening or revision. RESULTS: The mean total functional outcome score improved by 46.2% and the total pain outcome improved by 60.2%. The total stiffness outcome improved by 56.9% postoperatively and the results obtained from the satisfaction questions revealed that 73.2% of patients would retrospectively elect to have the procedure again. We report two postoperative complications in this group of superficial wound infections. Radiographically, all MCPJs showed improved alignment, however five patients reported worsening pain, four patients reported increased stiffness and four reported reduced function postoperatively. There was one re-operation of a 5th MCPJ Swanson's, which did not require implant exchange and one implant was revised. Implant survivorship was 98.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction and functional surrogate markers were overall favourable. Our results support the continued use of Swanson silastic arthoplasty in advanced RA.

Five-year survivorship and patient-reported outcome of the Triathlon single-radius total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The Triathlon single-radius total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was used in 11% of primary procedures in England and Wales in 2011 making it the third most common prosthesis implanted. To date, there has been no independent report of survivorship or outcome for this implant. The aim of this study was to report the 5-year survival and patient-reported outcome of the Triathlon TKA in a single independent centre. METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-two consecutive Triathlon TKAs were implanted at the study centre from 2006 to 2007. The mean age was 68.7 (21-89) years, and 290 patients were women (62.7%). The Short Form 12 and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were obtained pre-operatively and at 1 and 5 years post-operatively when satisfaction was also assessed and radiographs reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-one had died and nine were lost to follow-up. There were three aseptic failures: two cases of tibial aseptic loosening and one of secondary instability. There were five additional septic failures. OKS improved by a mean of 17.4 points at 1 year from 41.3 pre-operatively (p < 0.001). This was unchanged at 5 years (n.s.). Patient satisfaction was high with 88% being satisfied or very satisfied at 1 and 5 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a 5-year survival of 97.6% (95% CI 95.6-99.6) for failure for any reason, and 99.5% (95% CI 98.7-100) for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: The Triathlon TKA offers good mid-term survivorship and functional outcome, which is reflected by a high patient satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

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.

Do modern total knee replacements offer better value for money? A health economic analysis.

PURPOSE: Cost effectiveness is an increasingly important factor in today's healthcare environment, and selection of arthroplasty implant is not exempt from such concerns. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) are the typical tool for this type of evaluation. Using this methodology, joint arthroplasty has been shown to be cost effective; however, studies directly comparing differing prostheses are lacking. METHODS: Data was gathered in a single-centre prospective double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing the outcome of modern and traditional knee implants, using the Short Form 6 dimensional (SF-6D) score and quality adjusted life year (QALY) methodology. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the SF-6D score for both groups at one year (p < 0.0001). The calculated overall life expectancy for the study cohort was 15.1 years, resulting in an overall QALY gain of 2.144 (95% CI 1.752-2.507). The modern implant group demonstrated a small improvement in SF-6D score compared to the traditional design at one year (0.141 versus 0.143, p = 0.94). This difference resulted in the modern implant costing £298 less per QALY at one year. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that modern implant technology does not influence the cost-effectiveness of TKA using the SF-6D and QALY methodology. This type of analysis however assesses health status, and is not sensitive to joint specific function. Evolutionary design changes in implant technology are thus unlikely to influence QALY analysis following joint replacement, which has important implications for implant procurement.

A micro-architectural evaluation of osteoporotic human femoral heads to guide implant placement in proximal femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The micro-architecture of bone has been increasingly recognized as an important determinant of bone strength. Successful operative stabilization of fractures depends on bone strength. We evaluated the osseous micro-architecture and strength of the osteoporotic human femoral head. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 6 femoral heads, obtained during arthroplasty surgery for femoral neck fracture, underwent micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning at 30 µm, and bone volume ratio (BV/TV), trabecular thickness, structural model index, connection density, and degree of anisotropy for volumes of interest throughout the head were derived. A further 15 femoral heads underwent mechanical testing of compressive failure stress of cubes of trabecular bone from different regions of the head. RESULTS: The greatest density and trabecular thickness was found in the central core that extended from the medial calcar to the physeal scar. This region also correlated with the greatest degree of anisotropy and proportion of plate-like trabeculae. In the epiphyseal region, the trabeculae were organized radially from the physeal scar. The weakest area was found at the apex and peripheral areas of the head. The strongest region was at the center of the head. INTERPRETATION: The center of the femoral head contained the strongest trabecular bone, with the thickest, most dense trabeculae. The apical region was weaker. From an anatomical and mechanical point of view, implants that achieve fixation in or below this central core may achieve the most stable fixation during fracture healing.

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.

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.

High survivorship of cemented sockets with roof graft for severe acetabular dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Socket fixation in patients with acetabular dysplasia can be technically demanding but the use of structural grafts can help to reconstruct the original center of hip rotation. Because reported survival rates differ, construct survival seems to depend on the technique of graft preparation and fixation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: What is the survivorship of cemented sockets with acetabular roof graft in patients with severe acetabular dysplasia? Do clinical scores equal those of patients without acetabular grafting? METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients (74 hips) who had undergone cemented THA with acetabular roof graft. Mean age at surgery was 45 years (range, 19-71 years). Revisions and radiographic failures were determined and clinical scores (Oxford, SF-12) were obtained and matched to a control group. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine survivorship at a minimum followup of 5 years (mean, 10.4 years; range, 5-16 years). RESULTS: Survivorship for all-cause revision was 98% (95% CI, 92.5%-100.0%) at 10 years followup. Two hips were revised for aseptic acetabular loosening and one hip for polyethylene wear. All grafts incorporated and no additional radiographic loosenings were seen. Patients with grafting had higher Oxford scores compared with the control group but other scores were equal. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to reported series and the common use of cementless cups in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, we found high survivorship of cemented sockets with roof graft in severe acetabular dysplasia at a mean followup of more than 10 years. These patients showed higher Oxford scores than patients in a control group. This technique that restores bone stock is a reasonable solution for often young patients with dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Profiles of biomarkers of excess alcohol consumption in patients undergoing total hip replacement: correlation with function.

AIMS: Patients who misuse alcohol may be at increased risk of surgical complications and poorer function following hip replacement. Identification and intervention may lead to harm reduction and improve the outcomes of surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of biomarker elevation in patients undergoing hip replacement and to investigate any correlation with functional scores and complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study that examined the profile of biomarkers of alcohol misuse in 1049 patients undergoing hip replacement. Results. Gamma-glutamyltransferase was elevated in 150 (17.6%), and mean corpuscular volume was elevated in 23 (4%). At one year general physical health was poorer where there was elevation of γGT, and the mental health and hip function was poorer with elevation of MCV. There were no differences in complications. DISCUSSION: Raised biomarkers can alert clinicians to potential problems. They also provide an opportunity to perform further investigation and offer intervention. Future research should focus on the use in orthopaedic practice of validated screening questionnaires and more sensitive biomarkers of alcohol misuse. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a potential substantial proportion of unrecognised alcohol misuse that is associated with poorer functional scores in patients after total hip replacement.