Can a Total Knee System Providing 1 mm Increment of Polyethylene Insert Thickness Offer a Clinical Benefit?

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and polyethylene (PE) insert thickness between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems providing 1 mm and 2 mm increments. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 50 patients (100 knees) undergoing same-day or staggered bilateral TKA were randomized to receive a TKA system providing 1 mm increments in one knee (1 mm group) and a TKA system providing 2 mm increments in the other knee (2 mm group). At 2 years postoperatively, Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), range of motion (ROM), and insert thicknesses were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 47 patients (94 knees) participated in follow-up analysis. In each group, patient-reported outcomes improved significantly after TKA (all, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes. The mean ROM was not significantly different between groups at preoperative and 2-year points. The rate of postoperative flexion contracture ≥ 5° was 2.1% and 4.3%, and the rate of postoperative recurvatum ≥ 5° was 4.3% and 2.1% in the 1 mm group and 2 mm, respectively (all, p = 1.000). Mean insert thickness was significantly thinner in the 1 mm group than the 2 mm group (p = 0.001). The usage rate of a thick insert (≥14 mm) was 12.7% and 38.3% in the 1 mm group and 2 mm group (p = 0.005). Conclusions: The use of a TKA system providing 1 mm PE insert thickness increments offered no clinical benefit in terms of patient reported outcomes over systems with 2 mm increments at 2 years of follow-up. However, the TKA system with 1 mm increments showed significantly thinner PE insert usage. As a theoretical advantage of 1 mm increments has yet to be proven, the mid- to long-term effects of thinner PE insert usage must be determined.

Mobile-Bearing has no Benefit Over Fixed-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty in Joint Awareness and Crepitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Given higher component conformity, rotational availability of polyethylene insert, and more physiologic patellofemoral tracking, mobile-bearing (MB) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is supposed to offer advantages in joint perception and crepitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MB TKA offers superior outcomes over fixed-bearing (FB) TKA in terms of joint awareness and crepitus. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial included 49 FB and 49 MB TKAs that shared the same posterior-stabilized femoral component. Primary outcomes included joint awareness assessed with the Forgotten Joint Score and crepitus graded according to severity and sound at 3 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the range of motion, the Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, component position, and joint line level on radiographs. RESULTS: The Forgotten Joint Score showed no significant difference between the FB (67 points; range, 0-100) and MB groups (63 points; range, 13-100) (P = .440). For crepitus, no significant differences were found in the overall incidence rate (FB group, 18%; MB group, 12%; P = .386) and grade (grade 1, 6 versus 5; grade 2, 2 versus 1; grade 3, 1 versus 0, respectively). There were no significant differences in range of motion, Knee Society Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, as well as radiographic outcomes between the two groups (all, P > .05). CONCLUSION: MB TKA offers no benefits in terms of joint awareness and crepitus compared with FB TKA at mean 3 years postoperatively. The theoretical advantages of MB TKA have yet to be demonstrated in practice, leaving the selection of bearing type to the surgeon's judgment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Centrally sensitized patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty have higher expectations than do non-centrally sensitized patients.

PURPOSE: The goal of this retrospective observational study is to determine whether patients with and without central sensitization (CS) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have similar preoperative expectations. It was hypothesized that the degree of preoperative expectations is higher in patients with CS than in those without. METHODS: The data of 324 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA for knee osteoarthritis were reviewed and CS was measured using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), which is a validated self-reported questionnaire consisting of a total of 25 questions. CS was defined as a CSI score of 40 or more. Patient expectations were investigated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Expectations Survey (HSS-KRES) comprising five categories including pain relief, baseline activity, high flexion activity, social activity, and psychological well-being. The expectations of patients, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index (WOMAC) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scores were compared between the CS and non-CS groups. RESULTS: The top three patient expectations in both groups were pain relief, psychological well-being, and walking ability. The total score for the expectations was 55.0 ± 8.3 in the CS group and 52.3 ± 10.4 in the non-CS group, indicating that the expectations of the CS group were higher than the non-CS group before TKA (p < 0.05). When the items on the HSS-KRES scale and the five categories were compared, the CS group had significantly higher expectations for pain relief and psychological well-being than did the non-CS group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expectations of patients with CS before TKA were higher than those without CS. Given the limited improvement in patient-reported outcome measures of patients with CS undergoing TKA, they should be counseled to be realistic especially with their preoperative expectations of pain relief and psychological well-being. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Changes in joint space width over time and risk factors for deterioration of joint space width after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in joint space width (JSW) over time after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and identify risk factors for deterioration of JSW using anteroposterior (AP) and Rosenberg views. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed changes in JSW of 104 MOWHTO patients whose preoperative osteoarthritis (OA) grade was K-L grade 3 or less on AP and Rosenberg views. Serial changes in JSW were assessed from preoperatively to at least 3 years postoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups according to JSW change patterns on each of AP and Rosenberg views: non-deterioration group had either unchanged or increased JSW, and deterioration group had decreased JSW. Clinical outcomes were compared using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) score between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for deterioration of JSW. RESULTS: JSW on average for all patients increased 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm on AP and Rosenberg views, respectively (p < 0.05). Non-deterioration group showed significant improvement based on patient-reported outcomes (WOMAC) than deterioration group (all p < 0.05). Undercorrection was an independent risk factor for failure to achieve maintained or increased JSW on both AP (OR 6.885, 95% CI 1.976-23.986, p = 0.002) and Rosenberg (OR 12.756, 95% CI 2.952-55.129, p = 0.001) views. CONCLUSION: JSW increased gradually and continuously on standing AP and Rosenberg views until postoperative 3 years after MOWHTO. Deterioration of JSW following MOWHTO was closely related to the undercorrection and affected clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case control study.

Central Sensitization Is Associated with Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes and Increased Osteotomy Site Pain in Patients Undergoing Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that centrally sensitized patients have worse clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than non-centrally sensitized patients. It is unclear whether central sensitization (CS) affects patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and/or level of osteotomy site pain in patients undergoing medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether CS is associated with PROs and osteotomy site pain following MOWHTO. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 140 patients with varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were treated with MOWHTO and monitored for two years. Before surgery, the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used to assess CS status, and a CSI of 40 or higher was considered indicative of CS. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess PROs. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the WOMAC was set as 4.2 for the pain subscore, 1.9 for the stiffness subscore, 10.1 for the function subscore, and 16.1 for the total based on the results of a previous study. The WOMAC score, pain VAS score of the osteotomy site, and the achievement rates of WOMAC MCID were compared between the CS and non-CS groups. Results: Thirty-seven patients were assigned to the CS group, whereas 84 were assigned to the non-CS group. Before surgery, the CS group showed a higher WOMAC score than the non-CS group (58.7 vs. 49.4, p < 0.05). While there was a statistically significant improvement in WOMAC subscores (pain, stiffness, function, and total) for both groups at two years after surgery (all p < 0.05), the CS group had a higher WOMAC score than the non-CS group (37.1 vs. 21.8, p < 0.05). The CS group showed significantly inferior results in pre- and postoperative changes of WOMAC subscores (pain, function, and total) relative to the non-CS group (all p < 0.05). In addition, pain at the osteotomy site was more severe in the CS group than in the non-CS group at two years after surgery (4.8 vs. 2.2, p < 0.05). Patients with CS had worse MCID achievement rates across the board for WOMAC pain, function, and total scores (all p < 0.05) compared to the non-CS group. Conclusions: Centrally sensitized patients following MOWHTO had worse PROs and more severe osteotomy site pain compared to non-centrally sensitized patients. Furthermore, the WOMAC MCID achievement rate of patients with CS was lower than that of patients without CS. Therefore, appropriate preoperative counseling and perioperative pain management are necessary for patients with CS undergoing MOWHTO. Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control study.

Dual-Energy CT-Based Bone Mineral Density Has Practical Value for Osteoporosis Screening around the Knee.

Introduction: Adequate bone quality is essential for long term biologic fixation of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recently, vertebral bone quality evaluation using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been introduced. However, the DECT bone mineral density (BMD) in peripheral skeleton has not been correlated with Hounsfield units (HU) or central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the accuracy remains unclear. Materials and methods: Medical records of 117 patients who underwent TKA were reviewed. DXA was completed within three months before surgery. DECT was performed with third-generation dual source CT in dual-energy mode. Correlations between DXA, DECT BMD and HU for central and periarticular regions were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and area under the curve (AUC), optimal threshold, and sensitivity and specificity of each region of interest (ROI) were calculated. Results: Central DXA BMD was correlated with DECT BMD and HU in ROIs both centrally and around the knee (all p < 0.01). The diagnostic accuracy of DECT BMD was higher than that of DECT HU and was also higher when the T-score for second lumbar vertebra (L2), rather than for the femur neck, was used as the reference standard (all AUC values: L2 > femur neck; DECT BMD > DECT HU, respectively). Using the DXA T-score at L2 as the reference standard, the optimal DECT BMD cut-off values for osteoporosis were 89.2 mg/cm3 in the distal femur and 78.3 mg/cm3 in the proximal tibia. Conclusion: Opportunistic volumetric BMD assessment using DECT is accurate and relatively simple, and does not require extra equipment. DECT BMD and HU are useful for osteoporosis screening before cementless TKA.

Total knee arthroplasty in femoral bowing: does patient specific instrumentation have something to add? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) proponents have suggested the benefits of improved component alignment and reduced outliers. In this randomized controlled trial, we attempted to assess the advantage of using PSI over conventional intermedullary (IM) guides for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with bilateral severe femoral bowing (> 5°). A parallel trial design was used with 1:1 allocation. We hypothesize that PSI would support more accurate alignment of components and the lower-limb axis during TKA with severe femoral bowing in comparison with conventional IM guides. METHODS: Among 336 patients undergoing bilateral TKAs due to knee osteoarthritis, 29 patients with bilateral lateral femoral bowing of more than 5° were included in this study. Every patient was assigned randomly to PSI on one side and to conventional instrumentation lateralization of the entry point of the femoral IM guide was applied on the other with a goal of neutral mechanical alignment. The assessment of coronal alignment was completed by measuring the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle on preoperative and postoperative long film standing radiographs. Coronal and sagittal orientations of femoral and tibial components were assessed on weight-bearing radiographs. The rotational alignment of the femoral component was evaluated using computed tomography. RESULTS: The postoperative mean ± standard deviation (SD) HKA angle was varus 4.0° (± 2.7°) for conventional technique and varus 4.1° (± 3.1°) for PSI, with no differences between the two groups (p = 0.459). The component orientation showed no significant differences except with respect to the sagittal alignment of the femoral component (p = 0.001), with a PSI mean ± SD flexion of 5.8° (± 3.7°) and a conventional method mean ± SD flexion of 3.2° (± 2.5°), due to the intentional 3° flexion incorporated in the sagittal plane to prevent femoral notching in PSI planning. Computed tomography assessment for rotational alignment of the femoral components showed no difference between the two groups concerning the transepicondylar axis (p = 0.485) with a PSI mean ± SD external rotation of 1.5° (± 1.3°) and conventional mean ± SD external rotation of 1.5° (± 1.6°). CONCLUSION: PSI showed no advantage over lateralization of the femoral entry for IM guidance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on US national library of medicine ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02993016 ) on December 12th 2016.

2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Topical Adhesive as an Alternative to Subcuticular Suture for Skin Closure After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial in the Same Patient.

BACKGROUND: The 2-octyl cyanoacrylate topical adhesive with flexible self-adhesive polyester mesh (Dermabond Prineo) is becoming widely used in many surgical fields. However, no prior studies have tested the efficacy and safety of this topical adhesive compared with subcuticular suture in the same patient. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety between Dermabond Prineo and subcuticular suture for skin closure in patients undergoing same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed in 51 patients scheduled to undergo same-day bilateral TKAs. One knee was randomly assigned to the Dermabond Prineo and the other knee was allocated to the subcuticular suture. As primary outcomes, Vancouver scar scale was evaluated at 6 months and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included cosmesis efficacy (Hollander wound evaluation scale [HWES] and cosmesis visual analog scale [VAS]), time and pain efficiency (skin suture time, stitch out time, and stitch out pain VAS), and safety (wound complications during the 6-month follow-up period). The primary and secondary outcome measures were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in Vancouver scar scale and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 6 months. Although there were no significant differences in HWES at 2 weeks, the Dermabond Prineo group showed better step-off border item of HWES. There was also no difference in cosmesis VAS at 6 months. The Dermabond Prineo group showed superior results in terms of time (suture time: Dermabond Prineo = 191 second (sec) ± 60.1 sec, subcuticular suture = 356.8 sec ± 92.3 sec; stitch out time: Dermabond Prineo = 4 sec ± 1.3 sec, subcuticular suture = 26.6 sec ± 4.2 sec, all P < .001) without significant differences in pain scale (P = .823) or wound complications (all P > .05). CONCLUSION: Comparing cosmetic efficacy, time efficiency, and safety, Dermabond Prineo provided quicker wound closure, shorter stitch out time, and better wound margin coaptation in the early postoperative period but similar cosmetic efficacy compared with subcuticular suture. Based on our study, Dermabond Prineo is a useful alternative to subcuticular suture in patients undergoing TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level 1.

How Does Preoperative Central Sensitization Affect Quality of Life Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Central sensitization (CS) has been recently identified as a significant risk factor for persistent pain and patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it remains unclear as to whether the preoperative CS persists after the elimination of a nociceptive pain source by TKA, or how CS affects the quality of life after TKA. METHODS: A total of 222 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA were enrolled in the study. All patients were preoperatively screened for CS using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and categorized into either a CS (n = 55; CSI ≥ 40) or non-CS group (n = 167; CSI < 40). CSI, pain visual analog scale (VAS), Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and satisfaction were recorded at postoperative 2 years. RESULTS: Two years after TKA, preoperative CS remained unchanged; there was no difference between preoperative and postoperative CSI scores, and both preoperative and postoperative CSI severity levels were similar (P > .1). The CS group showed worse pain VAS, KSS, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores than did the non-CS group (P < .01) and more patients in the CS group were dissatisfied with all activities (P < .01). However, a similar percentage of the CS group achieved the previously documented minimal clinically important difference in pain VAS and KSS, compared with the non-CS group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that preoperative CSI scores were associated with dissatisfaction at postoperative 2 years. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CS was persistent at 2 years after TKA. Although CS patients achieved comparable clinical improvement following TKA, CS patients had worse quality of life, functional disability, and dissatisfaction than non-CS patients.

Patient Expectations and Satisfaction After Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to assess preoperative patient expectations of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and related postoperative fulfillment, to increase understanding of associated factors of postoperative satisfaction. METHODS: One hundred fifteen patients who underwent MOWHTO were enrolled. Patients' expectations were measured using the Hospital for Special Surgery-Knee Replacement Expectations Survey. Fulfillment of expectations and satisfaction was evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Fulfillment of Expectations Survey and a 5-point Likert scale at 2 years, postoperatively. The discrepancies between preoperative expectation and postoperative fulfillment score were also assessed. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to model predictions for satisfaction. RESULTS: The most expected items were "pain relief," "walking ability," and "perform daily activities." The top 3 items with the biggest discrepancies between expectation and fulfillment scores were "kneeling," "squatting," and "pain relief." Ninety patients (78.3%) were satisfied and 25 (21.7%) were dissatisfied at 2 years postoperative. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that patient expectations did not affect satisfaction. Small discrepancies between expectation and fulfillment scores (odds ratio [OR] 105.304, 95% confidence interval 20.974-528.714, P < .001), high postoperative fulfillment scores (OR 1.198, 95% CI 1.110-1.293, P < .001), and low postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index total scores (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.894-0.971, P < .001) were significantly associated with patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The small discrepancy between preoperative expectations and postoperative fulfillment of expectations was a major contributor to patients' satisfaction following MOWHTO.

Comparison of implant position and joint awareness between fixed- and mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a minimum of five year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To compare the implant position and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) regarding joint awareness using the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) following between fixed-bearing (FB) and mobile-bearing (MB) unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with a minimum of five years' follow-up. METHODS: One hundred fifteen consecutive UKAs (58 FB UKAs and 57 MB UKAs) performed were retrospectively evaluated. We compared the radiographic parameters including component positions and relationships as well as lower extremity alignment. Post-operative clinical outcomes were assessed using Knee Society Score (KSS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Tegner activity score, and FJS. RESULTS: The MB UKA group showed more convergent componentry relationship between femoral and tibial components (p < 0.001). The joint line of the MB UKA group was restored significantly better (p < 0.05). In addition, the positioning of femoral and tibial components of the MB UKA group showed less deviation from the weight-bearing line (WBL) (p < 0.05). Although there were no differences in KSS, WOMAC, and Tegner activity scores between the groups, the MB UKA group showed significantly better FJS than did the FB UKA group at five years post-operatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The MB UKA group had a more convergent componentry relationship, less deviation from WBL, better joint-line restoration, and reduced joint awareness than did the FB UKA group at five years follow-up.

Comparison of high- and low-dose intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injection for treatment of primary shoulder stiffness: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection has a proven effect for shoulder stiffness, yet the optimal dose is still controversial. The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes of intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injection at 2 different doses in patients with shoulder stiffness. METHODS: Intra-articular injection of 40 mg (group I, n = 76) or 20 mg (group II, n = 71) of triamcinolone acetonide was performed in patients with shoulder stiffness. The outcome measures including range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale for pain score, and Simple Shoulder Test score were evaluated at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and the last follow-up. Among the patients with controlled diabetes, the levels of blood glucose, fructosamine, and HbA1c were measured to evaluate systemic serologic changes induced by injection. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in ROM and functional scores in both groups at the last follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in any of the parameters at each time point. None of the diabetic patients in either group had a significant increase in blood glucose, fructosamine, and HbA1c levels compared with levels before injection. However, those in group I showed significantly higher blood glucose levels at 6 weeks after injection compared with those in group II (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of triamcinolone is an effective method for improving ROM and clinical function in patients with shoulder stiffness. However, there was no significant difference in regard to different doses. In diabetic patients, a lower dose is recommended as short-term glucose levels may increase with a high dose of corticosteroid.

Postoperative Hemodynamics of Total Knee Arthroplasty Unaffected by Cementless Approach under Contemporary Patient Blood Management Protocol: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

(1) Background: A cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a recent and an increasingly popular innovation that enhances porous fixation surfaces. However, the lack of cemented sealing of an exposed resected bone has raised concerns about the potential for greater blood loss. The goals of this study were to determine if a cementless approach impacts post-TKA hemodynamics and to identify risk factors for blood loss in instances of cementless (vs. cemented) TKAs under a contemporary patient blood management (PBM) protocol. (2) Methods: We recruited 153 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral TKAs between 2019 and 2023. All enrollees received cementless or cemented prostheses of the same design (cementless, 87; cemented, 66). After propensity score matching for demographics, there were 46 patients in each group. We then compared blood loss metrics (total [TBL] and estimated [EBL]), drainage volumes, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and transfusion rates by group. (3) Results: Post-TKA hemodynamics (i.e., TBL, EBL, drainage, Hb level, and transfusion rate) of cementless (n = 46) and cemented (n = 46) TKA groups did not differ significantly. In addition, the proportions of patients with Hb drops > 3.0 g/dL were similar for the two groups. A logistic regression analysis revealed that only preoperative Hb and EBL during the early postoperative period were predictive of a substantial fall in Hb levels. The fixation method was not associated with Hb decline > 3.0 g/dL by postoperative Day 3. (4) Conclusion: The cementless TKA has no impact on customary post-TKA hemodynamics and is not associated with greater TKA-related blood loss when implementing a contemporary PBM protocol.

Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose Improves Response to Postoperative Anemia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial in Asian Cohort.

Background: Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is an intravenous (IV) high-dose iron that is effective in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. This study was performed to determine whether postoperative FCM infusion is effective at improving hemoglobin (Hb) responders, Hb and iron profiles, and the patient's quality of life (QOL). Methods: A total of 110 patients with postoperative anemia, defined by a Hb < 10 g/dL within 3 days of unilateral primary TKA, between June 2018 and February 2020 were randomized into either the FCM or Control group. On postoperative day 3, the FCM group (55 patients) received IV FCM while the Control group (55 patients) did not. The Hb responders (Hb increase ≥ 2 g/dL compared to baseline), Hb level, iron profiles (ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT)), and EQ-5D scores were compared at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Results: The FCM group demonstrated a significantly greater number of Hb responders (p < 0.001) and a higher Hb level (p = 0.008) at 2 weeks postoperative than did the Control group. The FCM group recovered its preoperative Hb level between 4 and 8 weeks. In contrast, the Control group did not recover its preoperative level until 8 weeks. The FCM infusion group also had higher serum ferritin, iron and TSAT, and lower TIBC levels than those of the Control group between 2 and 8 weeks (all p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the postoperative transfusion rate (p = 0.741) or EQ-5D score between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Discussion: In postoperative anemia following TKA, IV FCM increases the Hb response and improves Hb and iron metabolism variables, however, it does not affect the transfusion rate or QOL.

Is the patient aware of the difference between resurfaced and nonresurfaced patella after bilateral total knee arthroplasty? A systematic review of simultaneous bilateral randomized trials.

PURPOSE: The optimal practice of patellar management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. This systematic review was conducted to compare patella-related (1) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), (2) clinical outcomes, and (3) reoperation rates after TKA with patellar resurfacing (PR) and nonresurfacing (NPR) in single patients undergoing bilateral patellar procedures during simultaneous bilateral TKA. METHODS: This review included prospective bilateral randomized trials investigating patella-related PROMs, clinical outcomes, and reoperation (secondary resurfacing and patellar component revision) and other patella-related complications in single patients undergoing randomly assigned PR and NPR during bilateral TKA. RESULTS: Six studies were included. There was no difference in PROMs between PR and NPR in five studies, whereas PR was found to be superior to NPR in one study. Five studies reported similar functional outcomes and complication rates between PR and NPR, while one study found better clinical outcomes and a lower complication rate in PR. Between-group secondary resurfacing and patellar revision rates were similar in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients who underwent bilateral patellar procedures could not tell the difference between PR and NPR following bilateral TKA. There were no differences in clinical outcomes or reoperation and complication rates between PR and NPR. No evidence was found to support routine PR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level 1.

Medial Meniscal Ramp Lesion Repair Through Anterior Portals Using a Medial Collateral Ligament Pie-Crusting Technique.

Ramp injury, that is, injury to the peripheral attachment of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, often requires additional surgery during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Diagnosis and treatment of ramp lesions are important because unrepaired ramp lesions could cause risk to the reconstructed ACL because of anteroposterior and external rotation laxity, whereas acute rupture or chronic deficiency of the ACL could also cause ramp lesions because of instability. Ramp lesions are difficult to diagnose and treat from the anterior compartment during arthroscopy. Typically, this repair requires technically demanding skills and is performed from the posterior portal using a suture hook under visualization with the arthroscope through the intercondylar notch. Inexperienced surgeons often struggle with using the posterior portal and the suture hook. Our all-inside repair technique using the FasT-Fix system (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) under direct visualization from the anterior compartment accompanied by a medial collateral ligament pie-crusting technique facilitates repair of ramp lesions without causing medial instability.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Patient-Reported Outcomes After TKA Depend on Central Sensitization.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, it is still unknown if central sensitization (CS) influences the magnitude of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for patient-reported outcome measures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of CS on the MCID for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score in patients who underwent TKA for knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 422 patients who underwent unilateral TKA and completed a 2-year follow-up were enrolled in this study. CS was measured using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). The WOMAC score was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes. The measurement of the MCID was performed separately for patients with and without CS using both the anchor-based method and the distribution method. The change difference method defined the MCID as the difference in preoperative-to-postoperative change between the minimal-improvement group and the no-change group. In addition, the MCID was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The percentage of MCID achievement in each group was also compared. RESULTS: According to the change difference method, the MCID for the WOMAC total score was 23.4 points for patients with CS and 14.7 points for patients without CS. The MCID using the ROC cutoff value for the WOMAC total score was 29.5 points for the patients with CS and 26.5 points for the patients without CS. MCID achievement rates in WOMAC pain, function, and total scores were all found to be significantly higher in the patients without CS through the change difference method and the ROC method (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The MCID for the WOMAC score of patients with CS after TKA was greater than that for patients without CS. Furthermore, by applying the calculated MCID to the group to which the patients belonged (with or without CS), we determined that patients with CS showed a lower MCID achievement rate than patients without CS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose in Patients with Postoperative Anemia Following Same-Day Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) to treat acute postoperative anemia following same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). (2) Methods: A total of 118 patients who underwent same-day bilateral TKA were randomly assigned to two groups: an FCM group (FCM infusion, 58 patients) and a Control group (placebo with normal saline, 60 patients). The primary endpoint was the number of responders with a Hb increase of two or more points by the second postoperative week. The secondary endpoints were Hb level, iron metabolism variables and blood transfusion rate at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. (3) Results: The FCM group had more Hb responders than the Control group (62.1% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001). The Hb level was significantly higher in the FCM group during 12 weeks after surgery (all p < 0.05). Ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation levels were significantly higher in the FCM group from 2 to 12 weeks postoperatively (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in transfusion rate after surgery (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusion: In patients with postoperative anemia after same-day bilateral TKA, IV FCM infusion significantly improved Hb response two weeks after surgery without severe adverse events compared to placebo. In contrast, transfusion rate and various parameters of quality of life assessment up to 12 weeks did not vary between these groups. Level of evidence: Level I.

Efficacy of duloxetine compared with opioid for postoperative pain control following total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of duloxetine as an alternative to opioid treatment for postoperative pain management following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Among 944 patients, 290 (30.7%) of patients received opioid or duloxetine for pain control for 6 weeks when the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was greater than 4 out of 10 at the time of discharge. 121 patients in the Opioid group and 118 in the Duloxetine group were followed up for more than one year. Preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcome measures (pain VAS score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) score were compared. The rate of further drug prescription (opioid or duloxetine) after 6 weeks of first prescription, 30-day readmission rate, and side effects were also investigated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pain VAS score, WOMAC Pain and Function score, at each time point between before and after surgery (all p>0.05). Fifteen (9.8%) patients in the opioid group and six (4.4%) patients in the duloxetine group were prescribed additional medication after first 6 weeks, showing no significant (p>0.05) difference in proportion. The 30-day readmission rate and the incidence of side effects were also similar (all p>0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of side effects between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Duloxetine and opioid did not show any difference in pain control, function, and side effects for up to one year after TKA. Although large-scale randomized controlled trials are still required to further confirm the side effects of duloxetine, it can be considered as an alternative to opioid for postoperative pain control following TKA.

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the WOMAC and Factors Related to Achievement of the MCID After Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Many approaches have been used to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, but the MCID for outcome measures after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) for the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) has not been reported. PURPOSE: To define the MCID for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) after MOWHTO and to identify risk factors for not achieving the MCID. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Among patients with medial compartment knee OA who underwent MOWHTO, 174 patients who were followed for 2 years were included in the study. The MCID and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for the WOMAC were determined using the anchor-based method with a 15-item questionnaire. Preoperative OA severity was measured by the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system, and the acceptable range of the postoperative weightbearing line ratio was 50% to 70%. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the MCID and SCB were achieved, and then factors related to failure to achieve the MCID and SCB were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The MCID for the WOMAC was 4.2 points for the pain subscale, 1.9 points for the stiffness subscale, 10.1 points for the function subscale, and 16.1 points for the total. Additionally, the SCB for the WOMAC was 6.4 for pain, 2.6 for stiffness, 16.4 for function, and 25.3 for the total. Overall, 116 (66.7%), 99 (56.9%), 127 (73.0%), and 128 (73.6%) patients achieved the MCID for the WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total, respectively, after MOWHTO. The odds of not achieving the MCID for the WOMAC total were 1.09 times greater (95% CI, 1.05-1.13; P < .001) in patients with a low preoperative WOMAC total score (cutoff values: 10.5 for pain, 3.5 for stiffness, 34.5 for function, and 51.0 for the total), 11.77 times greater (95% CI, 3.68-37.70; P < .001) in patients with K-L grade 4 OA compared with K-L grades 2 or 3 OA, and 8.39 times greater (95% CI, 2.98-23.63; P < .001) in patients with undercorrection or overcorrection. A low preoperative WOMAC score, K-L grade 4 OA, and undercorrection or overcorrection were also associated with not achieving the SCB for the WOMAC total (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patients treated with a MOWHTO require a 16.1-point improvement in the WOMAC total score to achieve a MCID from the procedure. Low preoperative WOMAC scores, severe OA, and undercorrection or overcorrection were related to failure to achieve the MCID.