Changes in Cardiopulmonary Capacity Parameters after Surgery: A Pilot Study Exploring the Link between Heart Function and Knee Surgery.

Background: A knee injury in an athlete leads to periods of forced exercise interruption. Myocardial work (MW) assessed by echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are two essential methods for evaluating athletes during the period following injury. However, compared to pre-surgery evaluations, the variations in cardiovascular parameters and functional capacity assessed by these methods after surgery remain unclear. Methods: We evaluated 22 non-professional athletes aged 18-52, involved in prevalently aerobic or alternate aerobic/anaerobic sports activities, who were affected by a knee pathology requiring surgical treatment. The evaluation was performed at rest using transthoracic echocardiography, including MW assessment, and during exercise using CPET. Each athlete underwent the following two evaluations: the first before surgery and the second after surgery (specifically at the end of the deconditioning period). Results: Resting heart rate (HR) increased significantly (from 63.3 ± 10.85 to 71.2 ± 12.52 beats per minute, p = 0.041), while resting diastolic and systolic blood pressure, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in the first second did not show significant changes. Regarding the echocardiographic data, global longitudinal strain decreased from -18.9 ± 1.8 to -19.3 ± 1.75; however, this reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.161). However, the global work efficiency (GWE) increased significantly (from 93.0% ± 2.9 to 94.8% ± 2.6, p = 0.006) and global wasted work (GWW) reduced significantly (from 141.4 ± 74.07 to 98.0 ± 50.9, p = 0.007). Additionally, the patients were able to perform maximal CPET at both pre- and post-surgery evaluations, as demonstrated by the peak respiratory exchange ratio and HR. However, the improved myocardial contractility (increased GWE and decreased GWW) observed at rest did not translate into significant changes in exercise parameters, such as peak oxygen consumption and the mean ventilation/carbon dioxide slope. Conclusions: After surgery, the athletes were more deconditioned (as indicated by a higher resting HR) but exhibited better resting myocardial contractility (increased GWE and reduced GWW). Interestingly, no significant changes in exercise capacity parameters, as evaluated by CPET, were found after surgery, suggesting that the improved myocardial contractility was offset by a greater degree of muscular deconditioning.

Assessment of cardiopulmonary capacity in deconditioned athletes because of knee injury.

BACKGROUND: An athlete's career inevitably goes through periods of forced physical exercise interruption like a knee injury. Advanced echocardiographic methods and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are essential in evaluating athletes in the period elapsing after the injury. However, the feasibility of a maximal pre-surgery CPET and the capacity of resting advanced echocardiographic techniques to predict cardiorespiratory capacity still need to be clarified. METHODS: We evaluated 28 non-professional athletes aged 18-52, involved in prevalently aerobic or alternate aerobic/anaerobic sports activities, affected by a knee pathology with indications for surgical treatment. The evaluation was performed at rest by trans-thoracic echocardiography, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) assessment, and during exercise by CPET. RESULTS: The percent-predicted peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2%) was 82.8±13.7%, the mean respiratory exchange ratio was 1.16±0.08, and the mean ventilation/carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) slope was 24.23±3.36. Peak VO2% negatively correlated with GLS (r=-0.518, P=0.003) and global wasted work (GWW) (r =-0.441, P=0.015) and positively correlated with global work efficiency (GWE) (r=0.455, P=0.012). Finally, we found that the VE/VCO2 slope during exercise was negatively correlated with GWE (r=-0.585, P=0.001) and positively correlated with GWW (r=0.499, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A maximal CPET can be obtained in deconditioned athletes because of a knee injury, allowing a comprehensive functional pre-surgery evaluation. In these patients, peak VO2 is reduced due to decreased physical activity after injury; however, a lower cardiopulmonary efficiency may be a concause of the injury itself. In addition, we demonstrated that the MW indexes obtained at rest could predict exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency as evaluated by CPET.

Proximal femoral defect classifications in revision total hip arthroplasty from X-rays imaging to advanced 3D imaging: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Femoral bone defect in hip arthroplasty revision surgery represents a complex problem, and the treatment is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons called to assess the residual bone stock in an altered anatomy and obtain stability for the new implant. Classification systems available are mostly based on X-rays two-dimensional images and lack of accuracy and reproducibility and comprehensive therapeutic algorithms. However, there is no record of any classification based on computed tomography (CT)-scan images or three-dimensional (3D) modeling modern techniques. We aimed to review the current literature around femoral defect classifications (FDCs) analyzing their different rationale basis, reliability and accuracy, and their benefit in clinical practice. Moreover, we highlighted the role of CT scan-based 3D modeling techniques in the setting of femoral bone defects and revision hip arthroplasty. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. The articles were selected from the PubMed and Scopus medical database updated to March 2023. All Level-I to IV studies in the English language were considered for inclusion. The research was performed using relevant search term items: "femoral defects", "classification", "radiographic", "revision hip arthroplasty", "CT scan" and "3D" and we included only articles that evaluated the accuracy or reliability (or both) of the different femoral bone defects classification system. Key Content and Findings: Our search yielded 408 results, of which 17 were deemed highly relevant. We found seven X-ray-based classification systems which have been attempted to quantify the degree of bone loss with low to good reproducibility. The most used classification system for femoral bone defects were the AAOS and Paprosky classification, which also offers a clinical therapeutic algorithm. In 2021, the FDC interestingly showed a new simple classification system with sub-optimal reproducibility and a practical therapeutic algorithm. Despite the numerous classification system of femoral defects, none of them comprehends the use of CT scan and 3D imaging technologies. Conclusions: Traditional X-rays-based classification system are still widely used event if their intra-observer and inter-observer reliability is sub-optimal. 3D modeling techniques represent an important diagnostic tool that could improve the understanding of bone defects and residual bone supportive structures, allowing to elaborate new, more precise, classification systems.

Accuracy of two-dimensional digital planning in uncemented primary hip arthroplasty: monocentric analysis of eight hundred implants.

PURPOSE: In the last decades, there has been a refinement in total hip arthroplasty, which allowed surgeons to achieve the highest performance and better patient outcomes. Preoperative planning in primary hip arthroplasty is an essential step that guides the surgeon in restoring the anatomy and biomechanics of the joint. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the 2D digital planning, considering cup sizing, stem sizing, and limb length discrepancy. Additionally, we conducted a multivariable analysis of demographic data and comorbidities to find factors influencing preoperative planning. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the planning accuracy in 800 consecutive uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty. We compared the preoperatively planned total hip arthroplasty with postoperative results regarding the planned component size, the implanted size, and the lower limb length restoration. Therefore, we investigated factors influencing planning accuracy: overweight and obesity, sex, age, past medical history, comorbidities, and implant design. All the surgeries were performed in the posterolateral approach by one expert surgeon who did the preoperative planning. The preoperative planning was determined to be (a) exact if the planned and the implanted components were the same size and (b) accurate if exact ± one size. The restoration of postoperative limb length discrepancy was classified into three groups: ± 3 mm, ± 5 mm, and ± 10 mm. This assessment was performed through a digital method 2D based on a standard hip X-ray. RESULTS: This court of 800 implants showed that planning was exact in 60% of the cups and 44% of the stems and was accurate in 94% of the cups and 80% of the stems. The postoperative limb length discrepancy was ± 3 mm in 91% and ± 5 mm in 97%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed preoperative 2D digital planning great precision and reliability, and we demonstrated that it was accurate in 94% of the cups and 80% of the stems. Therefore, the preoperative limb length discrepancy analysis was essential to guarantee the recovery of the operated limb's correct length.

No differences in terms of complications, readmissions, reoperations, and patient-reported outcomes in simultaneous bilateral versus staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty in selected patients.

BACKGROUND: The safety and the clinical success of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare complications and patient-reported outcomes following simultaneous BTKA (simBTKA) versus staged BKTA (staBTKA) in patients affected by bilateral symptomatic end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Data from patients who underwent simBTKA or staBTKA at a single institution from January 2017 to December 2020, with a minimum 1-year follow up period were retrospectively collected. Differences in terms of complications and clinical success were compared among the simBTKA and staBTKA patient groups. Alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were included in this study. The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of mortality, revision rate, readmission rate, local and systemic complications and patient-reported outcomes. SimBTKA group had a shorter operating room time (96 (73-119) vs. 195 (159-227); P < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (4 (3-5) vs. 7 (6-9); P < 0.0001) compared with the staBTKA group. CONCLUSIONS: SimBTKA performed in a selected patient population at a high-volume center can be considered comparable to staBTKA in terms of safety, postoperative complications, 30-day readmissions and patient satisfaction. Consequently, reduced operating room time and hospital stay renders simBTKA a cost-effective and advantageous option, not only for patients, but also for healthcare institutes. Furthermore, the current study also highlights the importance of correct patient selection based on clinical preoperative characteristics.

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons.

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice.

Dual-mobility total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 55 years old: a systematic review.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is regarded as one of the most successful and cost-effective orthopedic procedures. However, THA is a surgical procedure with potential intraoperative and postoperative risks. Dislocation is one of the common postoperative complications and remains one of the main indications for THA revision. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the role and the outcomes of dual-mobility implant to prevent dislocation in patients younger than < 55 years in primary THA. In this systematic review, we included observational, prospective, and retrospective studies that evaluated the outcome and the complications of the dual-mobility cup in < 55-year-old patients. After applying exclusion criteria (femoral neck fractures or THA revision, case series, reviews, and meta-analyses), ten articles were included in the study. The overall number of participants in all the studies was 1530. The mean age of the participants was 50 years. The mean follow-up was 11.7 years. A total of 46 patients (2.7%) reported intraprosthetic dislocations, in which the polyethylene liner dissociates from the femoral head, while 4.8% of revision was due to aseptic loosening. The mean revision rate at twelve years was 11%. The mean value of Harris Hip Score increased from 50.9 pre-operatively to 91.6 after surgery. Dual mobility is a valid option for young patients with extended survivorship and low rates of instability and dislocation after primary THA.

Immunonutrition in Orthopedic and Traumatic Patients.

The role of nutrition intervention in surgical settings is constantly developing and evolving. Immunonutrition represents a viable option to reduce perioperative and postoperative complications in surgical oncology. However, as far as we know, little research has been conducted in the orthopedic field. With this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art in the application of immune-enhanced compounds to surgical, orthopedic, and traumatic patients. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were adopted. A comprehensive search was carried out using the PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. All the studies dealing with immunonutrition fed to traumatic and orthopedic patients were pooled, the data were extracted, and the studies were discussed. A total of eight studies were included: six focused on trauma surgery and two on elective orthopedic surgery. The epidemiological characteristics of participants and the assessment of results were reported. Data were analyzed using R software (2020; R Core Team). Based on the current available literature, a positive impact of immunonutrition in orthopedic and trauma surgical settings was registered. All studies analyzed showed the favorable impact of the immunonutrition diet on clinical outcomes. The full effect of this type of nutrition and its different applications in the orthopedic and traumatic fields should be critically investigated through more extensive randomized controlled trials.

Early return to activity of daily living after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an orthopaedic procedure that improves the quality of life in patients suffering from hip pain related to osteoarthritis, fractures, and avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Different surgical approaches can be used for THA leading to different recovery times. Because of the lowering medium age of people undergoing THA, it is important to focus on the earlier return of physiological activity after surgery. AIM: To evaluate the best approach for THA in terms of earlier return to activity. METHOD: Studies comparing the postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent THA through different approaches were analysed focusing on patients' self-reported outcomes, ADL score and UCLA activity score with a short follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1990 articles were identified in the search, and 14 met the inclusion criteria. The Review Manager software version 5.4 was used to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the direct anterior (DAA) and posterior (PA) approaches, which are the most adopted approaches. An earlier return to walk without aids and to independent ADLs were reported with DAA, but without statistical significance (respectively p = 0.06 and p = 0.10). The time to return to drive was similar among the 2 groups (p = 0.88). The return to work was faster with PA, but no statistical significance was reported (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed with a larger number of patients, that present homogeneous outcomes, follow-ups and rehabilitation programmes, and that compare similar surgical approaches to assess the early return to activity of daily living after THA.

The role of virtual reality in knee arthroscopic simulation: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Surgical training is crucial for orthopedics residents during their educational careers. Residents who follow classic training courses are less skilled than those trained with simulators. Virtual simulators are reported to be global learning tools for knee arthroscopy. The primary purpose of our study is to evaluate the current state of use of arthroscopic knee simulators and their actual effectiveness in transfer the skills learned in training to the operating theatre. The secondary purpose is to evaluate if the virtual simulators are better than the others in improve arthroscopic skills. METHODS: Studies involving knee arthroscopy training with virtual reality simulators were included: a search of the literature from 2009 to September 2019 was performed on MEDLINE(PubMed) using PRISMA guidelines. Exclusion criteria were systematic review articles, aims and topics not related to the purpose of the study, single case and technical reports, biomechanical analysis, articles not in the English language, and editorial commentaries. RESULTS: The literature review selected, nine studies and they included results on 93 residents, three expert surgeons and 189 medical students. All studies report improved arthroscopic skills after training with a simulator. Only four studies evaluated the transfer of arthroscopic skills of knee simulators to the operating theatre. CONCLUSIONS: Benchtop and Virtual Reality simulators are excellent tools for accelerating and improving arthroscopic training and skills acquisition. The second ones, high-cost, and fidelity simulators, seem to be the best of the two. A greater diffusion of Virtual Reality in universities is to be considered to improve residents' training and patients' clinical outcomes.

Modular versus monoblock stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is estimated to grow in the following decades with a consequent increase of THA revisions (rTHA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare modular and monoblock stem in rTHA surgery, focusing on clinical and radiological outcomes and complication rates. Methods: A literature search was performed using the following search strategy: ((Modular stem) OR (monolithic stem)) AND (hip review) on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OS) compared clinical and radiological outcomes, and complication rates for monoblock and modular revision femoral stem were included. The risk of bias was assessed through the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. The Review Manager (RevMan) software was used for the meta-analysis. The rate of complications was assessed using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The authors included 11 OS and one RCT with 3,671 participants (mean age: 68.4 years old). The mean follow-up was 46.9 months. There was no prevalence of subsidence for one type of stem. Mean subsidence was from 0.92 to 10 mm for modular stem and from 1 to 15 mm for monoblock stem. Postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) showed better results with modular stems without statistical significance [mean difference (MD) =1.32; 95% CI: -1.62 to 4.27; P=0.38]. No statistically significant difference was found for dislocations (OR =2.48; 95% CI: 0.67 to 9.14; P=0.17), infections (OR =1.07; 95% CI: 0.51 to 2.23; P=0.86), intraoperative fractures (OR =1.62; 95% CI: 0.42 to 6.21; P=0.48), and postoperative fractures (OR =1.60; 95% CI: 0.55 to 4.64; P=0.39). Conclusions: Modular and monoblock stems show comparable and satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for rTHA. Both stems are valid and effective options for managing femoral bone deficit in hip revision surgery. The main limitation of this study is the small number and low quality of enclosed studies that compared the two stems. Moreover, the modular stem is usually used for more complex cases with lower quality femoral bone stock.

Length of Hospital Stay after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Correlation Study on 1200 Patients.

In countries with a high average population age, total knee arthroplasty is still carried out in an inpatient setting. The roadmap to performing major surgery on an outpatient basis passes through the understanding of those perioperative features that correlate with higher lengths of hospital stay (LOS). A retrospective database of 1200 patients was reviewed for retrieving preoperative and perioperative factors including anthropometric and demographic data, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory assessment, and surgical time. Considering the LOS as a discrete series, data were analyzed by means of logistic regression with multiple univariate and multivariate models. The results showed a median length of hospital stay of 3 (IQR 3, 4) days. According to multiple univariate analysis, arterial hypertension (p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.028), CCI score (p < 0.001), ASA score (p = 0.006), surgical time (p < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the duration of hospital stay in days. Moreover, preoperative hemoglobin value was inversely correlated to the LOS (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between LOS and surgical time and intraoperative blood loss. Many factors influence the permanence of the inpatient and acting on those variables, by stabilizing comorbidities and optimizing laboratory values, may reduce the overall healthcare burden.

Outcomes, Complications, and Reoperations After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation.

Background: Outcomes following meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) are an evolving topic. Purpose: To review clinical outcomes in younger, previously active patients who underwent an isolated MAT or MAT plus any osteotomy. Concurrent surgeries, complications, and graft survivorship are presented. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Inclusion criteria included having undergone MAT with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up with at least 1 of the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures collected pre- and postoperatively: visual analog scale for pain, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and overall satisfaction. From patient records, we recorded descriptive data, side (medial/lateral), previous or concurrent procedures, perioperative complications, revisions, and conversion to arthroplasty. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences in age and body mass index (BMI). A 2 × 2 chi-square test was used to determine if the spectrum of procedures performed on our study's patient group was representative of the entire population. PRO results were analyzed using a multivariate ANOVA. Results: From a total of 91 eligible patients, 61 (63 knees) met our inclusion criteria. Mean presurgery age was 25.5 ± 9.2 years, and mean BMI was 26.7 (range, 18.5-38.4). At follow-up (mean, 4.8 years; range, 1.0-13.6 years) overall PROs were statistically and clinically improved at final follow-up (P ≤ .003); effect sizes were moderate and large. KOOS Pain and KOOS Activities of Daily Living showed some main or interaction effects that were trivial or small. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was ≥7 out of 10 in 85% of patients. A minimum of 1 subsequent surgery for various concerns was necessary in 23% of the 93 knees. Graft survival in the included patients was 100%. Conclusion: Complications (conditions requiring at least 1 subsequent surgery) affected about one-quarter of the patients who underwent MAT. Nevertheless, MAT seemed to provide our patients with adequate pain relief and improved function.

Results of Simultaneous Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical and functional outcomes and complication rate of simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). A systematic search in PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was carried out to identify eligible randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or case series that reported on clinical and functional results of combined ACLR and UKA in adults with a unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and ACL deficiency. Four retrospective studies and three prospective studies were included in this review. A total of 169 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The Mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 29.4 to 43.9 at the final follow-up. All the other reported scores significantly improved after surgery. The overall revision rate was 3.5%. The MINORS score ranged from 8 to 14. Association analysis of MINORS score and year of publication, through Pearson's coefficient, showed no significant association (p = -0.089). Simultaneous ACLR and UKA is a safe procedure with a significant postoperative improvement of functional and clinical outcomes for patients with ACL injury that complain of knee instability and isolated medial compartment pain.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields after intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures: a case control study.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and functional outcomes of two groups of patients undergoing reduction and nailing fixation for diaphyseal fractures of the tibia with (PEMF group) and without (control group) post-operative pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) application. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 50 patients (mean age 43.3 years, 28 males and 22 females) with diaphyseal tibial fractures managed between 2017 and 2019. Twenty-five patients underwent reduction, nailing fixation, and PEMF application post-operatively (PEMF group) and 25 patients underwent nailing fixation. Radiographic imaging assessment was performed every month until fracture healing had been evident. Use of analgesics, fracture healing time, post-operative lower limb alignment, and post-operative complications were recorded. Patients were asked about return to preinjury activity. All patients were assessed at 3 months and at an average follow-up of 13 months. The VAS scale and Johner-Wruhs criteria were used for pain assessment and functional recovery, respectively. RESULTS: Comparing groups, VAS values were significantly lower in the PEMF group at three months and comparable at one year. The patients in the PEMF group took an average of 4.1 months to resume their preinjury activities, and control patients took an average of 5.3 months (P < 0.0001). According to the Johner-Wruhs score, the effective rate was 100% (25/25) in the PEMF group and 92% (23/25) in the control group (P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: PEMF application after intramedullary nailing is safe and reduces post-operative pain, use of analgesics, and the time of healing fracture. At one year, there is no difference in outcome measures, regardless of PEMF application.

Outcomes of Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Conventional TKA: A Bicentric Controlled Retrospective Clinical Study.

Despite the globally ascertained success of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) procedure, 20% of patients are still unsatisfied with the surgery results. The purpose of the study is to identify the functional and radiological outcomes of the computer-assisted (CAS) TKA compared to the conventional technique. The clinical databases and medical records of both clinical sites were retrospectively analyzed, and then according to study time-lapse, inclusion, and exclusion criteria, eligible patients were retrieved and included. A total of 42 patients that underwent to CAS TKA (NAVI) and 61 patients that underwent to Conventional TKA (CONV) were included. The NAVI group reported a statistically significant higher surgical time. A lower intraoperative blood loss was found in the computer-assisted group, though this difference was not statistically significant. Implant survival analysis at two years did not show differences between groups during the follow-up period. At two years, follow-up postoperative intergroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference between groups. According to the radiologic analysis, the NAVI group showed comparable outcomes to the conventional group. The present study showed that there was no clinical and radiological difference between CAS arthroplasty and conventional technique.

TKR after posttraumatic and primary knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: A few literatures reported that the outcomes of total knee replacement (TKR) in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) were lower compared to TKR in primary osteoarthritis (primary OA). The study's purpose was to compare the comorbidity and outcome of TKR among fracture PTOA, ligamentous PTOA, and primary OA. The secondary aim was to identify the effect of postoperatively lower limb mechanical axis on an 8-year survivorship after TKR between PTOA and primary OA. METHODS: Seven hundred sixteen patients with primary OA, 32 patients with PTOA (knee fracture subgroup), and 104 PTOA (knee ligamentous injury subgroup) were recruited. Demography, comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), operative parameters, mechanical axis, functional outcome assessed by WOMAC, and complications were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: PTOA group was significantly younger (p<0.0001) with a higher proportion of men (p=0.001) while the primary OA group had higher comorbidities than the PTOA group, including anticoagulant usage (p=0.0002), ASA class ≥3 (p<0.0001), number of diseases ≥ 4 (p<0.0001), and CCI (p<0.0001). Both the fracture PTOA group (p<0.0001) and ligamentous PTOA group (p = 0.009) had a significantly longer operative time than the primary OA group. The fracture PTOA group had significantly lower pain components and stiffness components than the primary OA group. There was no significant difference in the rate of an aligned group, outlier group, and an 8-year survivorship in both groups. CONCLUSION: The outcome following TKR in the fracture PTOA was poorer compared to primary knee OA in the midterm follow-up. However, no difference was detected between the ligamentous PTOA and primary knee OA. The mechanical axis alignment within the neutral axis did not affect the 8-year survivorship after TKR in both groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; retrospective cohort study.

High tibial derotation osteotomy for distal extensor mechanism alignment in patients with squinting patella due to increased external tibial torsion.

BACKGROUND: The patellofemoral joint is often affected by torsionaldisorders of the lower limb, causing pain, instability and knee degeneration. The aims of this study were to determine functional outcomes of patients who underwent a high tibial derotation osteotomy (HTDO) for symptomatic squinting patella due to increased external tibial torsion. Moreover, factors associated with inferior clinical outcomes were investigated. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic squinting patella, increased external tibial torsion (>30°) treated with this technique, and with 2 years of follow up were included. Fulkerson and Kujala patellofemoral joint scores were assessed. Age, body mass index, history of prior surgery, increased femoral anteversion, association of lateral retinaculum release and patellar cartilage lesions were analysed. RESULTS: Sixty HTDOs were included in this retrospective study with an average of 66 months of follow up. The mean Kujala score improved from 47.5 preoperatively to 93 postoperatively. The mean Fulkerson score improved from 40.6 to 91.6. Kujala subscores for pain improved from 8.6 to 30.4, for instability improved from 6.4 to 17.9, and their ability to climb stairs increased from 6.9 to 17.9 (all P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression model identified that patient age (P < 0.005) and advanced chondral damage (P < 0.001) were the dominant factors predicting inferior clinical outcomes using Kujala's score. CONCLUSION: HTDO provided good results regarding the pain symptoms, instability and the ability to climb stairs. Advanced chondral damage and advanced age had negative effects on outcomes.

Predictors for readmission following primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Readmission following total joint arthroplasty has become a closely watched metric for many hospitals in the United States due to financial penalties imposed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The purpose of this study was to identify both preoperative and postoperative reasons for readmission within 30 days following primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Retrospective data were collected for patients who underwent elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA; CPT code 27130) and TKA (27447) from 2008 to 2013 at our institution. The sample was separated into readmitted and nonreadmitted cohorts. Demography, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), operative parameters, readmission rates, and causes of readmission were compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 42 (3.4%) and 28 (2.2%) readmissions within 30 days for THA and TKA, respectively. The most common cause of readmission within 30 days following total joint arthroplasty was infection. Trauma was the second most common reason for readmission of a THA while wound dehiscence was the second most common cause for readmission following TKA. With univariate regression, there were multiple associated factors for readmission among THA and TKA patients, including body mass index, metabolic equivalent (MET), and CCI. Multivariate regression revealed that hospital length of stay was significantly associated with 30-day readmission after THA and TKA. CONCLUSION: Patient comorbidities and preoperative functional capacity significantly affect 30-day readmission rate following total joint arthroplasty. Adjustments for these parameters should be considered and we recommend the use of CCI and METs in risk adjustment models that use 30-day readmission as a marker for quality of patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III/Retrospective cohort study.

Return to Sport Activity in the Elderly Patients after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In patients with knee osteoarthritis, when only medial or lateral compartment of the knee is involved, unicompartimental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a reliable option for addressing the symptoms and restore function. The main aim of the present review is to systematically collect the available evidence concerning the return to sport activity in the elderly patients after UKA. An electronic search was carried out on the following databases; Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane central, and Scopus, searching for randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective case-control studies, and case series. Data concerning the evaluation of the return to sport (RTS) and of functional outcomes in the elderly patients after UKA surgery. MINORS score was used to assess the risk of methodological biases. Odds ratios and raw proportions were used to report the pooled effect of UKA on the return to sport in comparative and non-comparative studies, respectively. Same level RTS in elderly patients was of 86% (pooled return proportion 0.86, 95%CI 0.78, 0.94), showing also better relative RTS and time to RTS of patients undergoing UKA, in comparison to those undergoing TKA. Sport-specific RTS showed that higher return rates were observed for low-impact sports, whereas high-impact sports prevented a full return to activities. UKA is a valid and reliable option for elderly patients to satisfactorily resume their sport practice, especially for low impact activities. The rate of return to sports following UKA is higher than TKA.