Agreement between Clinical Frailty Scale-scores based on information from patient interviews and Clinical Frailty Scale-scores based on information from medical records - a cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is an age-related condition with increased risk for adverse health outcomes. Assessing frailty according to the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) based on data from medical records is useful for previously unassessed patients, but the validity of such scores in exclusively geriatric populations and in patients with dementia is relatively unknown. METHODS: Patients admitted for the first time to one of two geriatric wards at Örebro University hospital between January 1st - December 31st, 2021, were included in this study if they had been appointed a CFS-score by anamnestic interview (CFSI) at admission. CFS scores based on medical records (CFSR) were appointed by a single medical student, who was blinded to the CFSI score. Score-agreement was evaluated with quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa (κ). RESULTS: In total, 145 patients between the age of 55-101 were included in the study. The CFSR and CFSI scores agreed perfectly in 102 cases (0.7, 95% CI 0.65-0.77). There was no significant difference regarding age, sex, comorbidity, or number of patients diagnosed with dementia between the patients with complete agreement and the patients whose scores did not agree. Agreement between the scores was substantial, κ = 0.66, 95% CI 0.53-0.80. CONCLUSIONS: CFS scores based on information from medical records can be generated with substantial agreement to CFS scores based on in-person anamnestic interviews. A dementia diagnosis does not influence the agreement between the scores. Therefore, these scores are a useful tool for assessing frailty in geriatric patients who previously lack a frailty assessment, both in clinical practice and future research. The results support previous findings, but larger studies are warranted.

Total knee arthroplasty and bariatric surgery: change in BMI and risk of revision depending on sequence of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obesity have a higher risk of complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We investigated the change in weight 1 and 2 years post-Bariatric Surgery (BS) in patients that had undergone both TKA and BS as well as the risk of revision after TKA based on if BS was performed before or after the TKA. METHODS: Patients who had undergone BS within 2 years before or after TKA were identified from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register (SOReg) and the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR) between 2007 and 2019 and 2009 and 2020, respectively. The cohort was divided into two groups; patients who underwent TKA before BS (TKA-BS) and patients who underwent BS before TKA (BS-TKA). Multilinear regression analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze weight change after BS and the risk of revision after TKA. RESULTS: Of the 584 patients included in the study, 119 patients underwent TKA before BS and 465 underwent BS before TKA. No association was detected between the sequence of surgery and total weight loss 1 and 2 years post-BS, - 0.1 (95% confidence interval (CI), - 1.7 to 1.5) and - 1.2 (95% CI, - 5.2 to 2.9), or the risk of revision after TKA [hazard ratio 1.54 (95% CI 0.5-4.5)]. CONCLUSION: The sequence of surgery in patients undergoing both BS and TKA does not appear to be associated with weight loss after BS or the risk of revision after TKA.

Total Wrist Arthroplasty With a New Design, 20 Cases With 8-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is an established motion-preserving alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of wrist arthritis, but post-TWA complications requiring additional surgery remain an issue. A new TWA design has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of a cohort study of 20 patients who underwent surgery using the new TWA design. METHODS: Patients were assessed before surgery and at 1, 2, and 8 years after surgery for visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, wrist range of motion, hand grip strength, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Radiographic examination was conducted for evidence of prosthetic loosening. Reasons for revision were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 24 reoperations were performed, including 12 revisions in 6 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures improved significantly at the 2-year follow-up compared with preoperative values. Hand grip strength, wrist extension, and VAS pain scores improved significantly at the 2-year follow-up. No radiographic loosening of the components was observed, but backing out of the carpal screws was noted in 16 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The new TWA resulted in improved VAS pain scores, PROMs, wrist extension, and hand grip strength. The high frequency of reoperation is a concern, and modification of the implant is needed. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Treatment and outcome of AO/OTA type C distal radius fractures: 12 199 fractures from the Swedish Fracture Register.

The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology, treatment, and patient-reported outcome of AO/OTA type C distal radius fractures (DRF) using data from a large national fracture register. We used prospectively collected data from the Swedish Fracture Register covering all AO/OTA type C DRFs registered between April 2012 and December 2018. Data on fracture type, epidemiology, trauma-mechanism, and treatment had been recorded by the treating physician. Patients had been sent an outcome questionnaire including EQ-VAS, EQ-5D, and the SMFA at the time of injury and 12 months after. A total of 12 199 cases with AO/OTA type C fracture were identified. AO/OTA type C1 fracture was most common, with 5400 cases, followed by AO type C2 with 4304 and AO/OTA type C3 with 2495. Cast treatment and surgical treatment with volar locking plate fixation were the most common treatments. Patient-reported outcome measures worsened significantly one year after the fracture, and 56% reported moderate problems with pain and discomfort one year after the fracture. Patients treated with a volar plate reported a significantly larger deterioration in EQ-5D outcome compared to patients treated with a cast. No treatment method was found to be superior. A good outcome after a type C fracture is possible, but many patients do not recover completely. Our findings indicate a relatively better self-reported outcome for patients treated with a cast, but as treatment was not randomized the clinical relevance is unclear.

Distal radius fractures in the superelderly: an observational study of 8486 cases from the Swedish fracture register.

BACKGROUND: The distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common fracture in adults. With an ageing population, the number of wrist fractures in the superelderly (≥ 80 years) is expected to rise. Optimal treatment for displaced DRFs remains controversial, especially in the superelderly group. In addition, basic knowledge of the outcome after a DRF in this heterogenic group is lacking. The aim of this study was to study injury characteristics, treatment and outcome of DRFs in superelderly patients using data from a large national register. METHODS: We used prospectively collected data from the Swedish Fracture Register. All distal radius fractures registered between April 2012 and December 2018 in patients ≥ 80 years of age were included. Data on epidemiology, fracture type, trauma mechanism and treatment are registered by the physician treating the patient. Patients are also sent a subjective outcome questionnaire including EQ-5D, EQ-VAS and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire (SMFA-score) at the time of injury and after 12 months. The 12-month questionnaire was sent to those who had completed the questionnaire at the time of injury. A Mann-Whitney U-test was used to assess differences between treatment methods. RESULTS: Mean age for this population was 86 years (80-105 years), a majority of the patients were female (86.7%). The dominating injury mechanism was a simple fall (74.6%) in the patient's residence. The majority of fractures were AO type A (70%) followed by AO type C (20.9%) and type B (8.6%). The incidence of open fractures was significantly higher in females (2.6%) compared to males (1.5%). A majority of the fractures were treated with a cast (87.5%) with volar locking plate as the second most common treatment method (6.6%). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) EQ-5D, EQ-VAS and the Arm Hand Function Index of the SMFA-score deteriorated somewhat one year after injury compared to pre-injury. PROMs did not correlate to treatment with cast or a volar plate. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide register study provides detailed data on DRFs in the superelderly regarding epidemiology, treatment and self-reported outcome. A good self-reported outcome is possible, but many patients do not recover completely. PROMs did not correlate to type of treatment. The frequency of open fractures was significantly higher in females. The reason for this is unclear but different skin thickness in older males versus females may be one explanation.

Volar Locking Plate Compared With Combined Plating of AO Type C Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Study of 150 Cases.

PURPOSE: The optimal way to stabilize intra-articular distal radius fractures is unclear despite recent advances in surgical management. Volar plating is the most common treatment but may not be sufficient for more complex intra-articular AO type C fractures. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of AO type C distal radius fractures, comparing volar with combined plating. METHODS: In this study, 150 patients were randomized to volar locking plate (n = 75) or combined plating (n = 75) following a distal radius fracture AO type C. The 1-year follow-up included radiographic outcome (Batra score), visual analog scale pain score, hand grip strength, wrist range of motion, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: Overall, 147 patients (median age 61 years) completed the 1-year follow-up (73 patients with volar plate and 74 with combined plating). No difference was found in radiographic outcome between the treatment groups. The volar plate group had significantly better Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, hand grip strength, visual analog scale scores during activity, and flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation than the combined plate group. Hardware removal was performed in 10% in the volar plate group and in 31% in the combined plate group. There was no postoperative infection in the volar plate group but 3 cases in the combined plate group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complex AO type C intra-articular fractures, volar and combined plating yielded the same radiographic result. The differences in Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores between the groups did not reach the thresholds for minimal clinically important differences, suggesting similar clinical outcome. The combined plating group had a considerably higher frequency of hardware removal and postoperative infections. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic I.

Inducible displacement CT increases the diagnostic accuracy of aseptic loosening in primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inducible displacement CT compares 2 CTs acquired in series but with alternated rotation of the femur. This provides visual and quantitative clues as to the mechanical situation, i.e., loosening, of a total hip arthroplasty. We report the accuracy of this method as well as the experience of integrating it into a clinical workflow. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective single centre study of 72 cases of suspected aseptic loosening were the surgeon after reviewing a standard plain radiograph saw a need for more information. The displacement CT and plain radiograph were compared either to intraoperative findings or a 1-3 year follow up questionnaire for patients that did not have revision surgery. Patients reporting degradation in status since the time of the displacement CT were called for a follow up plain radiograph. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed, and user experience gathered. RESULTS: Of 72 enrolled patients 15 were lost to follow up. Of the remaining 57, 17 were judged by in-traoperative findings or follow-up to have had loose implants. For plain radiography the sensitivity and specificity were 59% (95% CI 35-82) and 85% (74-96). For displacement CT the corresponding values were 77% (56-97), and 100% (100-100) respectively. The tool was adaptable to clinical routine. CONCLUSION: Displacement CT with alternated rotations of the femur is a viable option to improve the diagnostic process for identifying aseptic loosening in a total hip arthroplasty.

Beta-Blocker Therapy Is Associated With Increased 1-Year Survival After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The high mortality rates seen within the first postoperative year after hip fracture surgery have remained relatively unchanged in many countries for the past 15 years. Recent investigations have shown an association between beta-blocker (BB) therapy and a reduction in risk-adjusted mortality within the first 90 days after hip fracture surgery. We hypothesized that preoperative, and continuous postoperative, BB therapy may also be associated with a decrease in mortality within the first year after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all adults who underwent primary emergency hip fracture surgery in Sweden, between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017, were included. Patients with pathological fractures and conservatively managed hip fractures were excluded. Patients who filled a prescription within the year before and after surgery were defined as having ongoing BB therapy. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative mortality within the first year. To reduce the effects of confounding from covariates due to nonrandomization in the current study, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to the weighted cohorts. These analyses were repeated while excluding patients who died within the first 30 days postoperatively. This reduces the effect of early deaths due to surgical and anesthesiologic complications as well as the higher degree of advanced directives present in the study population compared to the general population, which allowed for the evaluation of the long-term association between BB therapy and mortality in isolation. Results are reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was defined as a 2-sided P value <.05. RESULTS: A total of 134,915 cases were included in the study. After IPTW, BB therapy was associated with a 42% reduction the risk of mortality within the first postoperative year (adjusted HR = 0.58, 95% CI, 0.57-0.60; P < .001). After excluding patients who died within the first 30 days postoperatively, BB therapy was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of mortality (adjusted HR = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.71-0.75; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in the risk of mortality in the first year following hip fracture surgery was observed in patients with ongoing BB therapy. Further investigations into this finding are warranted.

What Are the Long-term Outcomes of Mortality, Quality of Life, and Hip Function after Prosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip? A 10-year Follow-up from Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication after arthroplasty that negatively affects patient health. However, prior reports have not addressed the long-term consequences of hip PJI in terms of patient mortality, quality of life, and hip function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: At a minimum of 10 years after PJI in patients undergoing primary THA, in the context of several large, national databases in Sweden, we asked: (1) Is mortality increased for patients with PJI after THA compared with patients with a noninfected THA? (2) Does PJI of the hip have a negative influence on quality of life as measured by the Euro-QoL-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), ambulatory aids, residential status, and hip function as measured by the Oxford Hip Score (OHS)? (3) Which factors are associated with poor patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients with PJI after primary THA? METHODS: This study included 442 patients with a PJI after primary THA, from a previously published national study, including all patients with a THA performed from 2005 to 2008 in Sweden (n = 45,570) recruited from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Registry (SHAR). Possible deep PJIs were identified in the Swedish Dispensed Drug Registry and verified by review of medical records. Mortality in patients with PJI was compared with the remaining cohort of 45,128 patients undergoing primary THA who did not have PJI. Mortality data were retrieved from the SHAR, which in turn is updated daily from the population registry. A subgroup analysis of patients who underwent primary THA in 2008 was performed to adjust for the effect of comorbidities on mortality, as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores became available in the SHAR at that time. For the PROM analysis, we identified three controls matched by age, gender, indication for surgery, and year of operation to each living PJI patient. A questionnaire including EQ-5D-5L, ambulatory aids, residential status, and OHS was collected from patients with PJI and controls at a mean of 11 years from the primary procedure. Apart from age and gender, we analyzed reoperation data (such as number of reoperations and surgical approach) and final prosthesis in situ to explore possible factors associated with poor PROM results. RESULTS: After controlling for differences in sex, age, and indication for surgery, we found the all-cause 10-year mortality higher for patients with PJI (45%) compared with patients undergoing THA without PJI (29%) (odds ratio 1.4 [95% CI 1.2 to 1.6]; p < 0.001). The questionnaire, with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up, revealed a lower EQ-5D-5L index score (0.83 versus 0.94, -0.13 [95% CI -0.18 to -0.08; p < 0.001]), greater proportion of assisted living (21% versus 12%, OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2 to 3.3]; p = 0.01), greater need of ambulatory aids (65% versus 42%, OR 3.1 [95% 2.1 to 4.8]; p < 0.001), and a lower OHS score (36 versus 44, -5.9 [-7.7 to -4.0]; p < 0.001) for patients with PJI than for matched controls. Factors associated with lower OHS score for patients with PJI were three or more reoperations (-8.0 [95% CI -13.0 to -3.2]; p = 0.01) and a direct lateral approach used at revision surgery compared with a posterior approach (-4.3 [95% CI -7.7 to -0.9]; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that PJI after THA has a negative impact on mortality, long-term health-related quality of life, and hip function. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that modifiable factors such as the number of reoperations and surgical approach are associated with poorer hip function. This emphasizes the importance of prompt, proper initial treatment to reduce repeated surgery to minimize the negative long-term effects of hip PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Knee flexion contracture impacts functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy with various degree of involvement: a cross-sectional register study of 2,838 individuals.

Background and purpose - The impact of knee flexion contracture (KFC) on function in cerebral palsy (CP) is not clear. We studied KFC, functional mobility, and their association in children with CP.Subjects and methods - From the Swedish national CP register, 2,838 children were defined into 3 groups: no (≤ 4°), mild (5-14°), and severe (≥ 15°) KFC on physical examination. The Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) levels were categorized: using wheelchair (level 1), using assistive devices (level 2-4), walking independently (level 5-6). Standing and transfer ability and Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) were assessed.Results - Of the 2,838 children, 73% had no, 14% mild, and 13% severe KFC. KFC increased from 7% at GMFCS level I to 71% at level V. FMS assessment (n = 2,838) revealed around 2/3 were walking independently and 1/3 used a wheelchair. With mild KFC (no KFC as reference), the odds ratio for FMS level 1 versus FMS level 5-6 at distances of 5, 50, and 500 meters, was 9, 9, and 8 respectively. Correspondingly, with severe KFC, the odds ratio was 170, 260, and 217. In no, mild, and severe KFC 14%, 47%, and 77% could stand with support and 11%, 25%, and 33% could transfer with support.Interpretation - Knee flexion contracture is common in children with CP and the severity of KFC impacts function. The proportion of children with KFC rose with increased GMFCS level, reduced functional mobility, and decreased standing and transfer ability. Therefore, early identification and adequate treatment of progressive KFC is important.

Bariatric surgery prior to total knee arthroplasty is not associated with lower risk of revision: a register-based study of 441 patients.

Background and purpose - Obesity is a considerable medical challenge in society. We investigated the risk of revision for any reasons and for infection in patients having total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis (OA) within 2 years after bariatric surgery (BS) and compared them with TKAs without BS.Patients and methods - We used the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) and the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR) to identify patients operated on in 2009-2019 with BS who had had primary TKA for OA within 2 years after the BS (BS group) and compared them with TKAs without prior BS (noBS group). We determined adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the BS group and noBS group using Cox proportional hazard regression for revision due to any reasons and for infection. Adjustments were made for sex, age groups, and BMI categories preoperatively.Results - 441 patients were included in the BS group. The risk of revision for infection was higher for the BS group with HR 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.7) adjusting for BMI before the TKA, while the risk of revision for any reasons was not statistically significant different for the BS group with HR 1.3 (CI 0.9-2.1). Corresponding figures when adjusting for BMI before the BS were HR 0.9 (CI 0.4-2) and HR 1.2 (CI 0.7-2).Interpretation - Our findings did not indicate that BS prior to TKA was associated with lower risk of revision.

Reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms one year after knee replacement: a register-based cohort study of 403 patients.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are associated with patient dissatisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Understanding whether preoperative knee-related symptoms could be a cause of anxiety and depression might help prevent unnecessary delay of surgery for this group of patients. We investigated changes in prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms one year after TKA, and compared demographic data between patients with and without anxiety and depression symptoms preoperatively. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 403 patients scheduled for TKA. Data on patient-related outcome measures and the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Before-after differences in anxiety/depression prevalence were compared with a chi-square test, and differences in demographic data between the groups with and without anxiety and/or depression symptoms were compared with an independent t test. RESULTS: Among the 15% of patients with anxiety symptoms before surgery, 59% had improved in these symptoms one year after surgery; while among the 10% with depression symptoms before surgery, 60% had improved one year after surgery. Patients with preoperative anxiety and/or depression were younger, and had higher body mass index, lower general quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), higher pain scores (visual analog scale), and lower knee-related (KOOS) scores on all subscales except sport. CONCLUSION: Presurgical symptoms of anxiety and depression seem to be partly caused by knee symptoms. Understanding of this issue would offer better strategies to prevent unnecessary delay of surgery in this group of patients.

Patients' experiences of discontentment one year after total knee arthroplasty- a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure with generally good results. However, there are still patients who are dissatisfied without known explanation. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction have previously been captured by quantitative designs, but there is a lack of qualitative studies regarding these patients' experiences. Qualitative knowledge might be useful in creating strategies to decrease the dissatisfaction rate. METHODS: Of the 348 patients who responded to a letter asking if they were satisfied or dissatisfied with their surgery, 61 (18%) reported discontent. After excluding patients with documented complications and those who declined to participate, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 patients. The interviews were analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. The purpose was to describe patients' experiences of discontentment 1 year after total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: The patients experienced unfulfilled expectations and needs regarding unresolved and new problems, limited independence, and lacking of relational supports. They were bothered by pain and stiffness, and worried that changes were complications as a result of surgery. They described inability to perform daily activities and valued activities. They also felt a lack of relational supports, and a lack of respect and continuity, support from health care, and information adapted to their needs. CONCLUSION: Patient expectation seems to be the major contributing factor in patient discontentment after knee replacement surgery. This qualitative study sheds light on the on the meaning of unfulfilled expectations, in contrast to previous quantitative studies. The elements of unfulfilled expectations need to be dealt with both on the individual staff level and on the organizational level. For instance, increased continuity of healthcare staff and facilities may help to improve patient satisfaction after surgery.

Preoperative psychological distress no reason to delay total knee arthroplasty: a register-based prospective cohort study of 458 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is effective in alleviating pain and improving function in patients with knee arthritis. Psychological factors are known to affect patient satisfaction after TKA. It is important to determine the effectiveness of TKA in patients with presurgical anxiety and/or depression to avoid excluding them from surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on all patients who underwent TKA during 2016-2018. Patients were divided into four groups: with anxiety, without anxiety, with depression, and without depression. Outcome measures comprised both generic and knee-specific instruments. Each patient group was compared regarding changes in outcome measures one year after surgery. Between-group comparison was also performed. RESULTS: Of the 458 patients with complete data, 15.3% and 9.6% had experienced presurgical anxiety and depression, respectively. All patient groups displayed statistical (P < 0.001) and clinical improvement in all outcome measures. Patients with presurgical anxiety and/or depression generally displayed less improvement, though the only significant mean differences concerned the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-sport score in the non-anxiety and non-depression groups (P = 0.006 and 0.03, respectively), a higher proportion of clinically improved KOOS pain in the non-anxiety group (P = 0.03), and the general health state in the anxiety and depression groups (P = 0.004 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: All patients improved in outcome measures 1 year after TKA, regardless of presurgical psychological state. Patients with presurgical anxiety and/or depression benefit greatly from surgery and should not be discriminated against based on presurgical psychological distress, though this fact should not eliminate the preoperative psychological assessment of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The anatomical SP-CL stem demonstrates a non-progressing migration pattern in the first year: a low dose CT-based migration study in 20 patients.

Background and purpose - RSA is the gold standard for evaluation of early implant migration. We report the results of a new CT-based method Sectra CT micromotion analysis (CTMA) applied to assess the migration pattern in 20 patients in the 1st year after surgery, both with and without the use of tantalum beads in the bone. The patients had an SP-CL anatomical stem that uses an S-shape, designed to better fit the curvature of the femur. Patients and methods - 20 THA patients (mean age 61 years, 10 female) received SP-CL stems, tantalum markers in the femur, and low-dose CT scans at 1 day, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. In addition, precision as well as inter- and intra-observer variability of the 12-month migration was measured. Results - The 3-month subsidence was median 0.5 mm (95% CI 0.3-1.0) and the internal rotation 1.8° (CI 0.9-2.6). At 12 months the corresponding values were 0.6 (CI 0.3-1.6) mm and 1.9° (CI 0.8-2.4). Precision was 0.1 to 0.3 mm and 0.1° to 0.4° at 3 and 12 months. Intra- and inter- observer variability yielded R-values averaging 0.96 and 0.98. Interpretation - The migration mainly took place during the 1st 3 months, in line with other uncemented stems. The number of patients with subsidence over 2 mm in the first year (5) might be due to the design of the prosthesis with an anatomical shape. Alternatively, our results might indicate a challenge when choosing the correct size for these new anatomical stems. CTMA provided precise and highly repeatable measurements of migration without the need for tantalum markers.

How do orthopaedic surgeons inform their patients before knee arthroplasty surgery? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful and common procedure. However, 6-28% of patients are dissatisfied postoperatively. The provision of preoperative patient information, inquiring about patients' expectations, and taking a psychiatric history are essential parts of both preoperative evaluation and postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate how orthopaedic knee surgeons in Sweden inform their patients before surgery. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to all knee surgeons performing TKA in Sweden. Responses were received from 60 of the 65 orthopaedic departments performing TKA in Sweden (92%), covering 219 of the approximately 311 knee surgeons at the 65 departments (70%). The answers were analysed with descriptive statistics. A content analysis of the surgeons' opinions was also performed using a thematic method. RESULTS: In terms of information provision, 58% of the surgeons always gave written information while 92% informed orally. Only 44% always asked about the patient's expectations, and only 42% always informed patients about the 20% dissatisfaction rate after TKA. Additionally, 24% never operated on mild indication of arthrosis, 20% always took a psychiatric history, and half never or seldom consulted a psychiatrist. However, all the knee surgeons believed in a psychiatric impact on TKA outcome. Qualitative analysis revealed five common causes of patient dissatisfaction, which in descending frequency were: patients' expectations, choice of patients to operate on, surgical factors, combinations of factors, and insufficient information provision to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Knee surgeons in Sweden have considerable awareness of the importance of preoperative patient information, the impact of patient expectations, and psychiatric illness. However, they need to improve their preoperative routines when it comes to providing written information, asking about the patient's expectations, and psychiatric assessment.

Improved knee biomechanics among patients reporting a good outcome in knee-related quality of life one year after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It is not well understood why one in five patients report poor outcomes following knee arthroplasty. This study evaluated changes in knee biomechanics, and perceived pain among patients reporting either a good or a poor outcome in knee-related quality of life after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 66 (SD 7) years) were included in this prospective study. Within one month of knee arthroplasty and one year after surgery, patients underwent three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis, completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and rated perceived pain using a visual analogue scale. A "good outcome" was defined as a change greater than the minimally detectable change in the KOOS knee-related quality of life, and a "poor outcome" was defined as change below the minimally detectable change. Nineteen patients (68%) were classified as having a good outcome. Groups were analyzed separately and knee biomechanics were compared using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Differences in pain between groups were evaluated using Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: Patients classified as having a good outcome improved significantly in most knee gait biomechanical outcomes including increased knee flexion-extension range, reduced peak varus angle, increased peak flexion moment, and reduced peak valgus moment. The good outcome group also displayed a significant increase in walking speed, a reduction (normalization) of stance phase duration (% of gait cycle) and increased passive knee extension. Whereas, the only change in knee biomechanics, one year after surgery, for patients classified as having a poor outcome was a significant reduction in peak varus angle. No differences in pain postoperatively were found between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients reporting a good outcome in knee-related quality of life improved in knee biomechanics during gait, while patients reporting a poor outcome, despite similar reduction in pain, remained unchanged in knee biomechanics one year after total knee arthroplasty. With regards to surgeon-controlled biomechanical factors, surgery may most successfully address frontal plane knee alignment. However, achieving a good outcome in patient-reported knee-related quality of life may be related to dynamic improvements in the sagittal plane.

Epidemiology of calcaneal fractures in Finland.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the nationwide incidence (per 100,000 person-years) of operative treatment and hospitalization due to calcaneal fractures (CF) in Finland. METHODS: The study was based on the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register. All patients aged 18-years or older admitted to Finnish hospitals for primary treatment of CF in 1987-2012 were included. RESULTS: During the 26-year study period 5977 patients were hospitalized with main or secondary diagnosis of a CF. The incidence of hospitalization due to CF remained relatively stable: (12.5)/100,000 in men and 3.9/100,000 in women. The men were younger (median 43 years) than the women (median 61 years). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the hospitalization due to CF in Finland has remained at steady level during the past 26 years. The incidence of CF is three times higher in men. In 2012 22% of the fractures were operatively treated.

Association between changes in global femoral offset after total hip arthroplasty and function, quality of life, and abductor muscle strength. A prospective cohort study of 222 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is no consensus on the association between global femoral offset (FO) and outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We assessed the association between FO and patients' reported hip function, quality of life, and abductor muscle strength. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 250 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis who underwent a THA. Before the operation, the patient's reported hip function was evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and quality of life was evaluated with EQ-5D. At 1-year follow-up, the same scores and also hip abductor muscle strength were measured. 222 patients were available for follow-up. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the postoperative global FO of the operated hip compared to the contralateral hip, as measured on plain radiographs: the decreased FO group (more than 5 mm reduction), the restored FO group (within 5 mm restoration), and the increased FO group (more than 5 mm increment). RESULTS: All 3 groups improved (p < 0.001). The crude results showed that the decreased FO group had a worse WOMAC index, less abductor muscle strength, and more use of walking aids. When we adjusted these results with possible confounding factors, only global FO reduction was statistically significantly associated with reduced abductor muscle strength. The incidence of residual hip pain and analgesics use was similar in the 3 groups. INTERPRETATION: A reduction in global FO of more than 5 mm after THA appears to have a negative association with abductor muscle strength of the operated hip, and should therefore be avoided.

Post-traumatic in situ fusion after calcaneal fractures: a retrospective study with 7-28 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In situ fusion as salvage operation after calcaneal fractures has been used. In this retrospective investigation, a group of in situ fused patients is analyzed with long-term follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with in situ single or multiple fusions performed between 1970 and 1990 were included. In 1998 these patients were examined with plain radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected foot. Also, a visual analogue score (VAS) for calcaneal fractures, short form health survey (SF-36), Olerud Molander score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were evaluated. RESULTS: The plain radiographs and CT scan showed severe remaining deformities in these patients. The outcome parameters were generally poor and correlated to the degree of remaining deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Simple in situ fusion, without consideration of the deformity at hand, after a calcaneal fracture is not an adequate treatment and generally associated with poor outcome.