Functional Outcome Change Over 10 Years After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: To assess any clinically important difference in functional outcome over 10 years after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A prospective registry-based observational cohort study including 309 patients older than 60 years who underwent primary TKA. Patients were assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 postoperative years with the Knee Society scores (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Clinically important improvement was defined according to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patients were also categorized as type A (unilateral knee osteoarthritis), type B (bilateral knee osteoarthritis) or type C (various sites of osteoarthritis). RESULTS: The mean age at the TKA surgery was 69.2 (SD 7.3) years, 197 (63.7%) were women.Maximum postoperative improvements in functional scores occurred at 3 postoperative years, remained relatively stable up to 5-year. There were significant decreases in all KSS and WOMAC scores at 7-year follow-up (P = .001), remained stable up to 10-year. At 10-year, functional scores were significantly higher than preoperatively (P = .001). Differences between maximum scores at 3-year and those at 10-year were significantly lesser than MCID in all scores (P = .001). In multivariate analysis, type-C patient at TKA surgery was the only significant predictor of unsuccessful KSS score and dissatisfaction at 10-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Primary TKA provides clinically important improvements in functional and quality of life outcomes over 10-year follow-up compared to preoperatively. Although there were statistically significant declines in KSS and WOMAC scores from 3 to 10 years, the differences were lesser than the MCID.

A relevant number of patients do not increase their engagement in physical, social and leisure activities at the medium-term after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in engagement in physical, leisure and social activities in older adults following primary TKA. METHODS: A prospective study of 106 patients with a mean age of 72.6 (SD 7.4) years undergoing primary TKA was performed. Physical, social and leisure activities performed by the patients preoperatively and postoperatively at 3-year were recorded. Activities were selected according to the age, and grouped as passive, moderate and high intensity. The energy spent in each activity was expressed in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) units. Charlson Comorbidity Index, Mini-mental test and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores were also used. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of active patients. RESULTS: Mean WOMAC significantly improved from preoperative (34.8, SD 11.8) to final follow-up (74.4, SD 11.1) (p = 0.001), and the mean energy spent increased from 10.7 (SD 13.6) to 28.2 (SD 16.2) MET-hour weekly (p = 0.001) with a decrease in the passive activities and increase in the moderate activities. However, the participation in high-intensity activities according to age was negligible. Only 65 (61.3%) patients were considered active postoperatively (weekly spending ≥ 40 MET), although the WOMAC scores were not significantly different between active and sedentary patients. Active patients compared with sedentary patients had a significant increase in engagement in physical, social and leisure activities, and a decrease in passive activities. Female gender (p = 0.037), less preoperatively participation in passive activities (p = 0.042), and greater participation in social activities (p = 0.027) were significant predictors of active patients at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Overall, most patients increased their activity level postoperatively. However, 38.6% of patients had no increased engagement in moderate physical, social or leisure activities at the medium-term despite improvements in pain and function provided by TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Change in 1-year mortality after hip fracture surgery over the last decade in a European population.

OBJECTIVE: There are scarce data on the mortality after hip fracture surgery for patients treated in the most recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the overall initiatives introduced over the last decade for elderly patients with hip fractures had a positive impact on the 1-year mortality. METHODS: Patients treated during 2010-2012 were compared with patients treated during 2018-2020 for all-cause 1-year mortality. Variables influencing mortality were collected based on the literature, including demographic, comorbidity, cognitive status, and preinjury physical function. Crude mortalities were compared between periods, as well as with the expected mortality in the general population adjusted for age, gender, and year of surgery using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). A multivariate model was used to identify mortality risk factors. RESULTS: 591 patients older than 65 years were treated during 2010-2012 and 642 patients during 2018-2020. The mean age increased significantly between periods (78.9 vs. 82.6 years, respectively, p = 0.001) in both genders, together with an increase in comorbidity (p = 0.014). The in-hospital mortality risk had no significant difference between periods (2.5 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.339), but the 30-day mortality risk (8.3 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.031) and 1-year mortality risk (16.1 vs. 11.9%, p = 0.023) declined significantly. However, 1-year mortality in 2020 had an excess of 1.33 in SMR. Age older than 80 years, male gender, and Charlson comorbidity index > 2 were significant predictors of 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: The important evolution achieved in the last decade for the management of patients with hip fracture surgery has led to a significant decline in 1-year mortality, but the 1-year mortality remains significantly higher compared to the general population of similar age and gender.

No influence of posterior tibial slope change on outcomes after cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the functional outcomes were affected by the change in posterior tibial slope (PTS) after using a predetermined PTS for primary cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (CR-TKA). METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 152 patients who underwent primary CR-TKA with a standardized PTS of 5º regardless of the native PTS. Patients were classified postoperatively in two ways. Firstly, according to the PTS change from preoperative to postoperative (increased or decreased PTS group). Secondly, according to the PTS difference between preoperative and postoperative ≤ 4º (group A) and > 4º (group B). The functional outcomes were assessed with the Knee Society Scores (KSS), McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire (WOMAC), and range of motion (ROM). Preoperative and postoperative PTS were measured on lateral knee radiographs. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up was 5 year. There were no significant differences at the final follow-up in functional outcomes between increased (88 patients) and decreased (64 patients) PTS groups. Likewise, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes between group A (79 patients) and group B (73 patients). In multivariate analysis, the PTS change was not significant predictor for improvement in functional outcome (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.70-1.40; p = 0.061). CONCLUSION: The PTS change between preoperative and postoperative has no influence on the functional outcomes using a CR-TKA. A standardized PTS regardless of the native is a reliable procedure for primary CR-TKA.

Similar patient-reported outcomes for hybrid and cemented stem fixation for aseptic tibial revision total knee arthroplasty: a comparison of sequential prospective cohorts.

PURPOSE: The tibial stem fixation in an aseptic revision of total knee arthroplasty is poorly studied and controversial. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare clinical outcomes between hybrid and cemented fixation of the stem in aseptic tibial revision after a minimum follow-up of 5 years. METHODS: Two sequential prospective cohorts of patients who underwent aseptic tibial revision were compared after a minimum follow-up of five years: 31 had both tibial tray and stem cemented (cemented group), and 42 had a hybrid fixation with tibial tray cemented and stem cementless (hybrid group). Clinical assessment was performed by the Knee Society Scores and reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Radiological assessment was also performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative data between groups. Postoperatively, no significant differences between groups in clinical scores or complication rate were found. Survival of the TKA revision at 5-year was 94% (95% CI 89-98%) in the cemented group, and 98% (95% CI 92-100%) in the hybrid group (ns). CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes and implant survival were comparable between hybrid and cemented tibial stem fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A validated outcome categorization of the knee society score for total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine cutoff values for the Knee Society Scores (KSS) indicative of a categorical scale of medium-term outcomes. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five patients who underwent primary cruciate-retaining TKA with a patellar button for osteoarthritis at a single-centre were assessed prospectively by the KSS and short-form Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) simultaneously at the 3-year follow-up. A validated categorization of the WOMAC score was used as a standard. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) was used to assess the discriminative analysis accuracy of the, and the Youden index estimated the optimal cutoff point. RESULTS: For the KSS-knee score, the cutoff for an excellent outcome was 90.3 (AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.71-0.78), 76.6 (AUC 76.6, 95% CI 0.70-076) for good, 64.8 (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.72-0.79) for fair, and < 64.8 (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.67-0.73) for poor. For the KSS-function score, the cutoff values were 85.2 (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.69-0.75), 73.1 (AUC 0.72, 95% CI, 0.70-0.76), 55.7 (AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.71-0.74), and < 55.7 (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.66-0.72), respectively. CONCLUSION: A KSS-knee score ≥ of 90 was considered an excellent outcome, 77 good, 65 fair, and < 65 poor. For the KSS-function, those values are 85, 73, 56 and < 56, respectively. The treatment outcome's judgement may be clearer for the surgeon concerning a particular patient when using cutoff values for the scoring system employed, such as those determined in the present study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Varus alignment of the tibial component up to seven degrees is not associated with poor long-term outcomes in a neutrally aligned total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of varus alignment of the tibial component on the outcomes with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The hypothesis was that varus alignment of the tibial component might not affect the outcomes and survival of a neutrally aligned primary TKA. METHODS: A matched case-control study was designed between 66 patients with varus alignment of the tibial component and 66 with neutral alignment with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Functional outcome was assessed with the knee surgery scores (KSS) and reduced Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities questionnaire (WOMAC). Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a 0-10 visual analog scale. Radiological evaluation was performed at early postoperative and at final follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 11.9 (SD 2.6) years for both groups. The mean postoperative proximal tibial angle in the varus group was 85.0° (SD 0.9) and 88.8° (SD 0.9) in control group. At the final follow-up, there were no significant differences in KSS, WOMAC, range of motion or patient satisfaction. There were no differences in the coronal anatomical alignment of the TKA between groups. Revision of TKA was performed in four knees in the varus group, and one in control group, due to aseptic loosening of the tibial component in all cases. TKA survival at 10 years was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: The alignment of the tibial component up to 7° varus did not negatively affect implant survival, patient satisfaction, and function of a well-aligned TKA, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 10 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Similar outcomes and satisfaction after transtibial versus transportal femoral drilling for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in young adult recreational athletes.

PURPOSE: Controversy continues regarding whether the transtibial (TT) and transportal (TP) methods for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction provide similar or different outcomes, and the evidence on patient satisfaction is very limited. The objective of this study was to compare functional outcomes and patient satisfaction in young adult recreational athletes who underwent arthroscopic hamstring ACL reconstruction using either the TT or the TP femoral tunnel drilling method. METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective study was designed to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic hamstring ACL reconstruction using TT or TP method. Functional outcome was assessed with the Lyshom score, and patient satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale. Knee stability was measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer. RESULTS: 42 patients in the TT group and 41 in TP group, with age ranged 18-40 years, were compared with a mean follow-up of 42 (range 24-60) months. There were no significant differences between groups in the Lysholm score (n.s.), sport return rate (n.s.) or patient satisfaction with the surgery (n.s.). Satisfaction was only significantly associated with the Lysholm score (OR 1.3; IC 95% 1.06-1.6; p = 0.012), but not with the return to sports (n.s.) or knee anterior laxity (n.s.). CONCLUSION: This study showed no statistical differences between the TT and the TP method in functional outcomes or patient satisfaction in young adult recreational athletes. In those patients, satisfaction with the surgery was not influenced by the return to sport activities. This study can guide surgeons in the decision-making for ACL reconstruction in recreational athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Negative Association of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Improvement in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential influence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on improvement in patient-reported outcome measures following primary total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A prospective, comparative cohort study between 92 SCH and 90 euthyroid patients was performed. Patients were followed up to 5 postoperative years. Patient-reported outcome measure was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. The Knee Society Scores were used for functional evaluation, and 5-point Likert scale for patient satisfaction. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale was also used. RESULTS: All outcome scores significantly improved from preoperative to final follow-up in both groups (P = .001). There were no significant differences between groups in Knee Society Scores (P = .057) at the final follow-up, but Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores were significantly lower in the SCH group (P = .015). Likewise, the patient satisfaction rate was significant lower in the SCH group (0.010). CONCLUSION: SCH patients have a slower functional recovery than euthyroid patients, and trended toward lower improvements in patient-reported scores. Depression was the most important negative factor. The findings of this study can provide the surgeon with an important information for better counseling the SCH patients.

Influence of sesamoid position after scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus on patient-reported outcome. A prospective cohor study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the influence of the postoperative sesamoid position as measured with conventional radiographs on the patient-reported outcome after scarf osteotomy. The hypothesis was that incomplete reduction of the sesamoid would result in a decreased functional outcome. METHODS: Eighty-two patients who underwent scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus were prospectively assessed for up to two postoperative years. The Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) was used to assess the quality of life, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS) for the functional outcome. A visual analogue scale (VAS) assessed pain, and Likert scale for patient satisfaction. Radiologically, hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and sesamoid position were analyzed. According to the final sesamoid position, patients were classified as normal position (48 patients) and outlier position (34 patients). A power analysis, conventional and logistic regression statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, significant improvements in all clinical scores were observed for both groups (p = 0.001) with no significant difference in AOFAS score (p = 0.413), but SEFAS score (p = 0.023), VAS-pain (p = 0.006), and satisfaction (p = 0.014) were significantly better in the normal group than in the outlier group. There were significant differences between groups in final HVA (p = 0.042) and IMA (p = 0.040). In multivariate analysis, only lower VAS-pain score (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.6; p = 0.039) and normal sesamoid position (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6-3.2; p = 0.012) were significant predictor of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: At two postoperative years, normal sesamoid position as measured on weight-bearing radiographs was associated with lower pain and better patient satisfaction in patients underwent scarf osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Successful mid- to long-term outcome after reconstruction of the extensor apparatus using proximal tibia-patellar tendon composite allograft.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the outcomes of extensor mechanism reconstruction with proximal tibia-patellar tendon composite allograft. METHODS: 24 consecutive patients treated with allograft-prosthetic composite for proximal tibia tumour resection and a conventional total knee arthroplasty were included. Extensor mechanism reconstruction was performed with a proximal tibia-patellar tendon composite allograft and the suture of the donor tendon to the remnant native patellar tendon. Function was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) and range of motion. Western Ontario and MacMaster University (WOMAC) and visual analogue scale for pain also were used. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 11.7 (range 3-15) years, mean MSTS score was 22.4 (range 20-30), mean flexion was 94.0° (range 84°-110°), and mean extension lag was 7.2° (range 0°-18°). The mean VAS-pain was 4.3 (range 2-6), and WOMAC score was 72.4 (range 58-100). There was no failure of the reconstructed extensor mechanism. CONCLUSION: Patellar tendon reconstruction with allogeneic tissue from the proximal tibia allograft sutured to the recipient's remnant patellar tendon provides the mechanical support needed for healing of the reconstructed extensor mechanism with a substantial functional benefit to stabilize active knee extension and successful reconstruction survival at long-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Better clinical outcomes and overall higher survival with hybrid versus cemented primary total knee arthroplasty: a minimum 15 years follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and survival at long-term between hybrid and cemented primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A better clinical outcome and survival following a follow-up as long as 15 years with the use of hybrid fixation as compared with cemented fixation was hypothesized. METHODS: Case-control study of 126 patients with a mean age of 62.4 years who underwent hybrid TKA matched with 126 patients underwent cemented TKA. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Knee Society scores (KSS) and reduced Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities questionnaire (WOMAC). Radiological assessment was made by the Knee Society method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 15.7 (range 15-17) years. At the final follow-up, clinical scores were significantly better in the hybrid group, although the differences were not clinically relevant. Revisions for all reasons were performed in five knees in the hybrid group and 15 knees in the cemented group (p = 0.033). In the hybrid group, there was one aseptic femoral loosening and no aseptic tibial loosening. In the cemented group, the main reasons for aseptic revisions were polyethylene wear (six knees) and tibial loosening (four knees). Cemented fixation was a significant risk factor for aseptic revision (hazard ratio 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-3.7%; p = 0.004). Survival at 15 years for aseptic reasons was 96.5% (95% CI 93.4-98.7%) in hybrid groups and 90.3% (95% CI 88.7-93.9%) in cemented group (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: After a minimum follow-up of 15 years, hybrid fixation of primary TKA for osteoarthritis provide significantly higher clinical benefits compared with cemented fixation, but the differences were not clinically relevant. Hybrid fixation provides longer overall survival, although the femoral component survival was similar between groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail: a prospective cohort study at a minimum five year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the functional outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a contemporary retrograde intramedullary nail after a minimum follow-up of five years. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 51.3 (range, 18-79) years were included in the study. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot score (AOFAS), Short-Form 12-item Health Survey (SF12), and visual analog scales (VAS) for both pain and patient satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean post-operative follow-up was 6.8 (range, 5-8) years. Mean AOFAS and SF12 scores significantly improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.001), and the mean VAS for pain significantly decreased (p < 0.001). At the final follow-up, only five (8.2%) patients gave an AOFAS score of less than 50, 52 (85.2%) were satisfied with their surgery, and 32 (52.4%) returned to their employment. There were two tibiotalar joint nonunions that required re-operations, and another patient required re-operation for screw removal. There was no deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: The retrograde intramedullary nail provided a stable TTC arthrodesis with a high union rate, acceptable functional outcomes, and a low severe complication rate. This procedure appears to offer a reliable salvage option for TTC arthrodesis in patients with severe ankle and hindfoot degeneration.

V-Y turndown flap augmentation for acute quadriceps rupture after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective matched cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the quadriceps V-Y turndown augmentation for acute quadriceps tendon ruptures in the setting of TKA. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 22 patients with quadriceps rupture after TKA were compared with 44 matched patients underwent TKA without quadriceps rupture. Quadriceps ruptures were treated within three weeks after injury by suture augmented with Scuderi quadriceps V-Y turndown flap. Clinical evaluation was performed by the Knee Society Scores (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and range of motion. Patellar height was assessed by the Blackburne-Peel ratio. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3.3 (range, 3-4) years. At the final follow-up, there were significant improvements in mean KSS scores in both groups (p = 0.001). In the quadriceps group, the mean flexion for all patients, but one with arthrodesis for periprosthetic infection, was 100.1° (range, 90-110°) and mean extensor lag was 7.1° (range, 0-20°). There were significant differences between groups in KSS scores (p = 0.001). Active flexion (p = 0.020) and extension (p = 0.001) were significantly better in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in WOMAC scores (p = 0.252) or patient satisfaction (p = 0.352). There were no quadriceps reruptures. One patient with periprosthetic infection was treated with arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: The quadriceps V-Y turndown is an effective and safe procedure for quadriceps ruptures in the setting of TKA. Although the functional outcomes were lower than in TKA patients with no quadriceps rupture, the quality of life and satisfaction were successful in the TKA patients with quadriceps rupture.

Minimal clinically important differences and substantial clinical benefits for Knee Society Scores.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of literature defining the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Knee Society Scores (KSS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and no data on the substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for KSS have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine MCID and SCB for the KSS in patients with primary TKA. METHODS: The median age of patients was 71.6 (range 50-88) years, and 60.3% were females 507 patients with TKA were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed the KSS before surgery and at second postoperative year. The MCID values of the KSS were estimated using anchor-based method, distribution-based method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with calculation of the area under curve (AUC). SCB was estimated using ROC. RESULTS: The MCID for KSS-knee score was 7.2 points by the anchor-based method, 7.2 by the distribution-based method, and using a ROC analysis the cutoff point was 8.9 points with an AUC of 0.75. For KSS-function score, the MCID values were 9.7, 6.3, and 10.3 (AUC 0.71), respectively. SCB values were 39.7 points (AUC 0.74) for the KSS-knee score, and 38.6 (AUC 0.76) for the KSS-function score. Logistic regression showed age and Charlson index to negatively affect the changes in KSS. CONCLUSION: Different methods for MCID calculation lead to different results. With the use of ROC curve analysis, patients with an improvement of at least 9 points for KSS-knee and 10 points for KSS-function scores experience a clinically important change, whereas those who have at least an improvement of 40 points for KSS-knee and 39 points for KSS-function scores experience a substantial clinical benefit. These findings can ensure clinical improvement from the patient's perspective and also aid in interpreting results from clinical studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Prior unilateral total hip arthroplasty does not influence the outcome of ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of a prior well-functioning unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) on the functional outcome of a subsequent ipsilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 92 patients older than 60 years underwent unilateral primary TKA after a prior ipsilateral THA (THA-TKA group) and 92 matched patients underwent only TKA (TKA group). Clinical assessments were performed using the Knee Society Scores (KSS) and Harris Hip Score (HSS), quality of life by the Reduced Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities (WOMAC) and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaires. Radiological evaluation was also performed. RESULTS: Median follow-up after TKA was 7.2 (range 5-9) years. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline data at the TKA time. The mean gains in KSS were similar in both groups. At the last follow-up, there were no significant differences in WOMAC-pain or SF12-physical scores, but the WOMAC-function (p = 0.003) and SF12-mental (p = 0.018) scores were significantly better in the isolated TKA group. At the last follow-up, there were no significant differences in the radiological knee alignment or component positions. For aseptic reasons, the TKA survival at 8 years in the TKA group was 95.8 (95% CI 87.8-100%), and 96.6% (95% CI 91.8-100%) in the THA-TKA group (ns). CONCLUSION: A well-functioning unilateral THA does not influence on the functional outcome of a subsequent ipsilateral TKA. This finding can help clinicians when counseling patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is Pseudo-Patella Baja Really a Serious Complication of Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The available evidence on pseudo-patella baja (PPB) is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate prospectively the occurrence of PPB after primary total knee arthroplasty and its clinical consequences in a large series of patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. PPB was defined as a patella distally displaced in relationship to the femoral trochlea with absence of patellar tendon shortening (Grelsamer RP. J Arthroplasty 2002;17:66-69) due to elevation of the joint line. METHODS: This study is a prospective case series of 354 patients with a mean age of 71.7 (range 52-87) years. Clinical evaluation was performed by the Knee Society Scores (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short-Form 12-item (SF12), and range of motion. Patellar height was assessed by the Insall-Salvati and Blackburne-Peel ratios. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3.6 (range 2.0-6.6) years. Postoperatively, 286 (80.7%) patients had a normal patellar height, 17 (4.8%) had true patella baja (TPB), and 51 (14.4%) had PPB. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in mean KSS-function (P = .107), range of motion (P = .408), WOMAC-pain (P = .095), WOMAC-stiffness (P = .279), or SF12-mental (P = .363). Between normal and PPB groups, there were no significant differences in mean KSS-knee (P = .903), WOMAC-function (P = .294), or SF12-physical (P = .940). However, the TPB group had significantly lower mean KSS-knee (P = .031), WOMAC-function (P = .018), and SF12-physical (P = .005) as compared with either 2 other groups. CONCLUSION: PPB was a relatively common finding, but no significant differences in terms of clinical outcomes were found as compared to patients with postoperative normal patellar height. TPB was infrequent, but these patients had significantly worse clinical outcomes than those with PPB or normal patellar height.

Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Healed Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures. A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have analyzed the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed intertrochanteric fracture fixation, but not after healed fracture. The objective is to investigate the influence of a prior healed intertrochanteric fracture fixation on the outcomes of a subsequent THA for osteoarthritis. METHODS: This is a matched retrospective cohort study of THA between 43 patients who suffered a prior intertrochanteric fracture successfully managed with internal fixation and 43 patients without prior hip fracture. Mean age was 73.6 vs 74.2 years. A conventional cementless THA was used in both groups. Functional outcome was assessed by the Harris hip score (HHS) and reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Radiological assessment was also performed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 6.6 (range, 5-8) years. The mean operative time and blood transfusion rate were significantly higher in the fracture group (P = .001), but there was no significant difference in the length of stay. HHS significantly improved in both groups. At final follow-up, HHS was significantly higher in nonfracture group (P = .008), but the rate of patients with excellent and good outcomes was similar (P = .616). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score at the final follow-up was not different between groups (P = .058). Complication rate was similar between groups. There were no revisions, dislocations, or loose implants in the study group. CONCLUSION: Cementless THA provided successful functional outcomes and implant durability at medium term in patients treated for osteoarthritis following healed intertrochanteric fracture fixation, comparable to those without prior fracture who underwent primary THA. Surgical complexity and complication rate were low.

Mid- to long-term results of allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction after removal of a distal femoral malignant tumor are comparable to those of the proximal tibia.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of allograft-prosthesis composite for reconstruction after malignant tumors at the distal femur and proximal tibia. METHODS: Case-control study of 24 patients with distal femur tumor and 21 with proximal tibia tumor. Union of the allograft-host interface was assessed by the International Society of Limb Salvage criteria, and complications according Henderson. Functional outcome was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, and pain by a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The median follow-up in the femoral group was 11.4 (range 2.3-25.0) years, and 10.1 (range 2.2-25.0) in tibial group. Incorporation of the allograft was successful in more than 90% in both groups. Tumor location was not significant predictor for allograft failure in multivariate analysis. Aseptic prosthesis loosening occurred in two patients in either group, and another patient in the tibial group had a breakage of the tibial insert. Excluding local recurrences and amputations, the prosthesis survival at 10 years was 94.1% in the femoral group, and 83.3% in the tibial group (n.s.). For the patients with preserved limb, the median MSTS score was 23.6 in the femoral group and 22.8 in tibial group (n.s.). Likewise, there were no significant differences in median WOMAC score (n.s.) or VAS pain (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Allograft-prosthesis composite is an effective procedure for distal femur tumors related to the graft, prosthesis survival, and functional outcomes. The results are comparable to those for proximal tibial tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III.

Negative impact of prior debridement on functional outcome of subsequent two-stage revision for early knee periprosthetic infection.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcome of two-stage revision (2SR) in patients without a prior debridement, antibiotics and implant retention with those patients who underwent 2SR after a failed debridement, antibiotics and implant retention for early periprosthetic joint infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Negative impact of prior failed debridement, antibiotics and implant retention on the functional outcome of subsequent 2SR was hypothesized. METHODS: Case-control study of 49 patients initially treated with 2SR (group A) and 43 treated with 2SR after a prior failed debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (group B). Functional outcome was assessed by the Knee Society Scores (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questionnaire. Range of motion (ROM) of the knee was also measured. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 4.1 (range 3-7) years. At final follow-up, KSS-knee (p = 0.001), KSS-function (p = 0.002), WOMAC-function (p = 0.022) and ROM (p = 0.002) were significantly better in the group A as compared to the group B. There was no significant difference between groups in the WOMAC-pain score (p = 0.597). In multivariate analysis, BMI < 30 (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7-4.9, p = 0.026), non- Staphylococcus causative microorganism (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6-5.9, p = 0.037), and 2SR procedure (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7-5.2, p = 0.018) were significant predictors of successful functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A prior debridement, antibiotics and implant retention has been shown to have a negative impact on the functional outcome of a subsequent 2SR. These findings suggest that treatment with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention for early periprosthetic infection should only be used in selected patients, and the first option in those patients with Staphylococcus organisms should be 2SR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.