The Olympia anatomic polished cemented stem is associated with a high survivorship, excellent hip-specific functional outcome, and high satisfaction levels: follow-up of 239 consecutive patients beyond 15 years.

INTRODUCTION: The Olympia femoral stem is a stainless steel, anatomically shaped, polished and three-dimensionally tapered implant designed for use in cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary aim of this study was to determine the long-term survivorship, radiographic outcome, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of the Olympia stem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2003 and December 2005, 239 patients (264 THAs) underwent a THA with an Olympia stem in our institution. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score, and patient satisfaction at mean 10 years following THA. Patient records and radiographs were then reviewed at a mean of 16.5 years (SD 0.7, 15.3-17.8) following THA to identify occurrence of complications or revision surgery for any cause following surgery. Radiographs were assessed for lucent lines and lysis according to Gruen's zones RESULTS: Mean patient age at surgery was 68.0 years (SD 10.9, 31-93 years). There were 156 women (65%, 176 THAs). Osteoarthritis was the indication for THA in 204 patients (85%). All cause stem survivorship at 10 years was 99.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.9%-100%) and at 15 years was 97.5% (94.6%-100%). The 15-year stem survival for aseptic loosening was 100%. Analysis of all-cause THA failure demonstrated a survivorship of 98.5% (96.3%-100%) at 10 years and 95.9% (92.4%-99.4%) at 15 years. There were 9 THAs with non-progressive lucent lines in a single Gruen zone and 3 had lines in two zones, and no patient demonstrated signs for lysis. At a mean of 10-year (SD 0.8, 8.7-11.3) follow-up, mean OHS was 39 (SD 10.3, range 7-48) and 94% of patients reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their THA. CONCLUSIONS: The Olympia stem demonstrated excellent 10-year PROMs and very high rates of stem survivorship at final follow-up beyond 15 years.

Return to Work Following Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: The Effect of Patient Intent and Preoperative Work Status.

BACKGROUND: The ability of total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) to facilitate return to work (RTW) when it is the patient's preoperative intent to do so remains unclear. We aimed at determining whether TKA/THA facilitated RTW in patients of working age who intended to return. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 173 consecutive patients <65 years of age, undergoing unilateral TKA (n = 82: median age 58; range, 39-65; 36 [43.9%] male) or THA (n = 91: median age 59; range, 34-65; 42 [46.2%] male) during 2018. Oxford knee/hip scores, Oxford-Activity and Participation Questionnaire, and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) scores were measured preoperatively and at 1 year when an employment questionnaire was also completed. RESULTS: Of patients who intended to RTW, 44 of 52 (84.6%) RTW by 1 year following TKA (at mean 14.8 ± 8.4 weeks) and 53 of 60 (88.3%) following THA (at mean 13.6 ± 7.5 weeks). Failure to RTW despite intent was associated with job physicality for TKA (P = .004) and negative preoperative EQ-5D for THA (P = .01). In patients unable to work before surgery due to joint disease, fewer RTW: 4 of 21 (19.0%) after TKA; and 6 of 17 (35.3%) after THA. Preoperative Oxford knee score >18.5 predicted RTW with 74% sensitivity (P < .001); preoperative Oxford hip score >19.5 predicted RTW with 75% sensitivity (P < .001). Preoperative EQ-5D indices were similarly predictive (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this United Kingdom study, preoperative intent to RTW was the most powerful predictor of actual RTW following TKA/THA. Where patients intend to RTW following TKA/THA, 85% RTW following TKA and 88% following THA.

Changes in Expectation Fulfillment Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate how expectation fulfillment changes up to 10 years following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Preoperative data were collected for 323 patients undergoing TKA (Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Expectations survey, Oxford Knee Score [OKS], and Short Form [SF]-12). Expectation fulfillment, OKS, SF-12, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 1 year and 9-10 years postoperatively. Relative risk (RR) of dissatisfaction at late follow-up was calculated for each specific expectation question. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with early (1 year) and late (mean 9 years) expectation fulfillment scores. RESULTS: Mean expectation fulfillment scores declined from early to late follow-up (25.9-23.9, P = .025). Multivariate analysis identified younger age and better 1-year OKS as factors independently associated with long-term expectation fulfillment. Twelve percent of patients reported dissatisfaction at late follow-up. The risk of long-term dissatisfaction was greatest in patients with high preoperative expectations of kneeling (RR 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-5.5), walking without aids (RR 2.4, 95% CI 0.7-7.6), and improved psychological well-being (RR 3.9, 95% CI 0.9-5.0). Night pain relief, kneeling ability, participating in outside activities, and sports were the most poorly fulfilled expectations at both early and late time points. Fulfillment improved the least from early to late for kneeling ability (17%) and ability to participate in outside activities (17%). CONCLUSION: Expectation fulfillment following TKA changes with time. Expectations of kneeling ability and the ability to perform outside activities demonstrated persistently low levels of fulfillment. This information can be used to manage the longer term expectations of patients undergoing TKA.

Patient expectation fulfilment following total hip arthroplasty: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to assess how expectation fulfilment changes up to 10 years following total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and forty-six patients completed an expectation questionnaire (encompassing 18 activities), Oxford hip score (OHS) and Short Form (SF)-12 prior to surgery. At 1 year postoperatively, expectation fulfilment was assessed in addition to OHS, SF-12 and patient satisfaction (n = 346). This was repeated in surviving patients with intact THAs at 9.1-9.9 years postoperative (n = 224). Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with early (1 year) and late (mean 9.5 years) expectation fulfilment. RESULTS: Postoperative expectation fulfilment scores declined from 36.5 at 1 year to 33 at late follow-up (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.0-5.0, p < 0.001). Increased (better) late expectation fulfilment scores were significantly associated with better scores for all PROMs applied at both timepoints. Younger age, greater pre-operative expectation score and greater improvement in OHS (both early and late) were all independent predictors when adjusting for confounding (p < 0.05). At late follow-up 78% (14/18) activities demonstrated high levels of persistent expectation fulfilment. Approximately two out of every five patients who considered themselves unfulfilled at early follow-up went on to experience late fulfilment, but this was dependent upon the specific expectation (mean 40%, range 0-64%). CONCLUSIONS: Expectation fulfilment following THA changes with time. The majority of patients report high levels of expectation fulfilment following THA at late follow-up. This information can be used to help manage the longer-term expectations of patients undergoing THA.

Excellent 10-year patient-reported outcomes and survival in a single-radius, cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Over 2 million Triathlon single-radius total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have been implanted worldwide. This study reports the 10-year survival and patient-reported outcome of the Triathlon TKA in a single independent centre. METHODS: From 2006 to 2007, 462 consecutive cruciate-retaining Triathlon TKAs were implanted in 426 patients (median age 69 (21-89), 289 (62.5%) female). Patellae were not routinely resurfaced. Patient-reported outcome measures (SF-12, Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), satisfaction) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 5 and 10 years when radiographs were reviewed. Forgotten Joint Scores (FJS) were collected at 10 years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: At 10-11.6 years, 123 patients (128 TKAs) had died and 8 TKAs were lost to follow-up. There were four aseptic failures (two cases of tibial loosening, two cases of instability) and four septic failures requiring revision. Symptomatic aseptic radiographic loosening was present in three further cases at 11 years. Four (1%) patellae were secondarily resurfaced. OKS score improved by 17.7 ± 9.7 points at 1 year (p < 0.001), and was maintained at 34.7 ± 9.6 at 10 years with FJS 48.5 ± 31.4. Patient satisfaction was 88% at each timepoint. Ten-year survival was 97.9% (95% confidence interval 96.5-99.3) for revision for any reason, 98.9% (97.7-100) for mechanical failure, and 98.6% (97.4-99.8) for aseptic loosening (symptomatic radiographic or revised). CONCLUSION: The Triathlon TKA continues to show excellent longer-term results with high implant survivorship, low rates of aseptic failure, consistently maintained PROMs and excellent patient satisfaction rates of 88% at 10 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, Prospective cohort study.

Gender and Preoperative Function Predict Physical Activity Levels After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is projected to increase 6-fold worldwide by 2030. As the number of younger, physically active revision TKA patients increases in future, understanding factors influencing postoperative function will be increasingly important to help counsel patients. The primary aim of this study was to examine factors influencing return to physical activity following revision TKA. METHODS: Patients who had undergone tibiofemoral revision between 2003 and 2013 at a single UK teaching hospital were retrospectively identified from a prospectively collected arthroplasty database. Preoperative activity level (University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] score), patient demographics, indication, implant used, and Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs) were recorded in the database. At a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (standard deviation, 2.2), UCLA score, OKS, EuroQol-5 Dimension Score (EQ-5D), satisfaction, complications, and WORQ scores (Work, Osteoarthritis and Joint-Replacement Questionnaire) were sampled via postal questionnaire. Patient experience of complications and related surgery was also identified from healthcare records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Responses were received from 112 revision TKAs (112 patients; mean age, 71 years). Mean UCLA activity scores improved from preoperative levels (P < .001): activity levels improved in 47% of patients with 58% engaging in moderate or more intensive activities (UCLA score ≥5). Postoperative activity level was independently predicted by male gender (P = .042) and preoperative UCLA score (P < .001). Increasing social deprivation was associated with inferior UCLA (P = .005), EQ-5D (P < .005), and OKS (P = .006) scores. Indication, implant type, and patient body mass index did not affect functional outcome or satisfaction (P > .05). Patients <65 years old were more likely to be dissatisfied (P = .009), and patients aged ≤55 years were more likely to report difficulties with WORQ criteria (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Although 90% of patients maintain activity levels following revision TKA, less than half increase levels and this is predicted by male sex and pre-revision activity level.

The survivorship of the link endo-rotational hinge total knee arthroplasty: 5-12-year follow-up of 100 patients.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of survival data reporting the medium to long-term outcome of the LINK® Endo-Model® rotational hinge total knee arthroplasty (ERH-TKA). Such information is essential when counselling patients and predictors of survival would help inform patients of their likely outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of patients, who received an ERH-TKA, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years, were retrospectively identified from an established arthroplasty database. Data were collected from paper and electronic patient records. This included patient demographics, indication for surgery, complication rates and revision status. Our primary outcome of interest was joint implant survival. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent an ERH-TKA over an 11-year period. There were 66 females and 34 males, with a mean age of 73.8 years and 67.6 years, respectively. Indications were classified into primary (n = 41), aseptic revision (n = 47) and two-stage infective revision (n = 12). The median follow-up was 8.2 (range 5-12) years. One-year implant survival amongst the cohort was 99%, falling to 95% at 5 years. Overall, there were eight revisions during the follow-up period. Considering only cases of aseptic failure, survival was 97% at 5 years and all failures occurred amongst revision cases. Implant failure was greater following revision arthroplasty but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.97). Cox regression analysis identified male sex to be the only independent predictor of failure (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.04-31.82, p = 0.04) after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: The ERH-TKA has a good medium- to long-term survival rate but male patients are nearly twice as likely to undergo revision, compared to females, and should be made aware of this preoperatively.

Return to activity following revision total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Demand for revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) continues to grow worldwide and is expected to more than double within the next 1-2 decades. The primary aim of this study was to examine return to function following revision THA in a UK population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed 118 patients (132 RTHAs, mean age 65 years SD 13, range 23-88) at a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (SD 4.4) postoperatively. Preoperative age, gender, BMI, social deprivation, operative indication, comorbidities, activity level (UCLA score) and Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) were recorded. Postoperative UCLA score, OHS, EQ-5D, satisfaction levels and performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) were obtained and univariate and multivariate analysis performed. RESULTS: Mean UCLA activity score improved following RTHA (p < 0.001): UCLA activity score improved in 37% and was unchanged in 50%; 49% of patients engaged in at least moderate level activities (UCLA score ≥ 6). Patient BMI, gender, age and reason for revision did not influence levels of pain, stiffness or activity at follow-up. Preoperative UCLA activity scores (p < 0.001) independently predicted long-term UCLA scores. Independent predictors (p < 0.05) of poor hip-specific function (OHS) following revision included social deprivation, revision for periprosthetic fracture and lower preoperative OHS. Difficulties with ADLs were associated with increasing deprivation, ≥ 3 comorbidities, and revision for periprosthetic fracture or infection (p < 0.05). Overall, 79% of patients remained satisfied or very satisfied following revision THA. Following RTHA, 10% suffered a dislocation and 13% required reoperation for complications. CONCLUSION: Revision THA facilitates long-term return to preoperative levels of physical activity in the majority of patients, though activity levels increase in one-third only. Overall over three-quarters are satisfied with their outcome, but revision for periprosthetic fracture or dislocation gives the worse overall outcomes and lower satisfaction levels.

Survival and functional outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty with a total stabilizer knee system: minimum 5 years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Revision knee arthroplasty surgery can range from patella resurfacing or polyethylene exchange, to staged revision and revision to a more constrained implant. Subsequently, the ability to elicit outcomes becomes difficult to obtain and hence information on functional outcome and survivorship for all modes of failure with a single revision system is valuable. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 100 consecutive revision knee replacements that were converted from a primary knee replacement to a Triathlon total stabilizer (TS) knee system (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ). Inclusion criteria included failure of a primary knee replacement of any cause converted to a Stryker TS knee system. Midterm outcome of at least 5 years was required. Implants survivorship, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12), Short Form (SF-) 12, reported patient satisfaction and radiographic analysis were recorded. RESULTS: The all-cause survival rate at 5 years was 89.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.3 to 90.7]. The all-cause survival rate was generally static after the first 4 years. The mean OKS was 27 (SD 11.9, range 0 to 46), FJS was 32.3 (SD 30.4, range 0 to 100), SF-12 physical component summary was 40.6 (SD 17.6, range 23.9 to 67.1), and mental component summary was 48.3 (SD 15.5, range 23.9 to 69.1). Reported patient satisfaction in patients who were not re-revised was 82%. CONCLUSION: The midterm survivorship of cemented Stryker Triathlon TS knee revision for all-cause mode of failure is good to excellent; however, future follow-up is required to ensure this survivorship is observed into the long term. Despite limited functional outcome, overall patient satisfaction rates are high.

Genetics, genomics, and cancer risk assessment: State of the Art and Future Directions in the Era of Personalized Medicine.

Scientific and technologic advances are revolutionizing our approach to genetic cancer risk assessment, cancer screening and prevention, and targeted therapy, fulfilling the promise of personalized medicine. In this monograph, we review the evolution of scientific discovery in cancer genetics and genomics, and describe current approaches, benefits, and barriers to the translation of this information to the practice of preventive medicine. Summaries of known hereditary cancer syndromes and highly penetrant genes are provided and contrasted with recently discovered genomic variants associated with modest increases in cancer risk. We describe the scope of knowledge, tools, and expertise required for the translation of complex genetic and genomic test information into clinical practice. The challenges of genomic counseling include the need for genetics and genomics professional education and multidisciplinary team training, the need for evidence-based information regarding the clinical utility of testing for genomic variants, the potential dangers posed by premature marketing of first-generation genomic profiles, and the need for new clinical models to improve access to and responsible communication of complex disease risk information. We conclude that given the experiences and lessons learned in the genetics era, the multidisciplinary model of genetic cancer risk assessment and management will serve as a solid foundation to support the integration of personalized genomic information into the practice of cancer medicine.

Revision of Unicompartmental to Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does the Unicompartmental Implant (Metal-Backed vs All-Polyethylene) Impact the Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate differences in implant requirement, outcomes, and re-revision when total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was performed following unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs) with metal-backed (MB) compared to all-polyethylene (AP) tibial components. METHODS: Retrospective study of 60 UKAs converted to 60 TKAs at mean 7.3 years (0.1 to 17) after implantation in 55 patients (mean age, 64 [49-83]; 44% male): 44 MB and 16 AP. TKA implant requirement was investigated in addition to mode of failure, Oxford Knee Score, and TKA survival at mean 5.4 years (0.5 to 17). RESULTS: Progression of osteoarthritis was the commonest mode of failure in MB UKAs (P = .03) and unexplained pain in AP (P = .011) where revisions were performed earlier (4.8 ± 3.2 vs 8.2 ± 4.5, P = .012). In 56 of 60 (93%) cases, unconstrained TKA implants were used. The use of standard cruciate-retaining TKAs without augments or stems was less likely following MB UKA compared to AP (12 of 38 [32%] vs 10/14 [71%], P = .013). Specifically MB UKA implants were associated with more tibial stem use (P = .04) and more use of cruciate-substituting polyethylene (P = .05). There was no difference in the use of constrained implants. Multivariate analysis showed tibial resection depth to predict stem requirement. Seven were re-revised giving 7-year TKA survival: from MB UKA 70.3 (95% CI, 47.0 to 93.6) and from AP UKA 87.5 (95% CI, 64.6 to 100; P = .191). CONCLUSION: MB UKA implants increase the chances of a complex revision requiring tibial stems and cruciate substitution but reduce the chances of early revision compared to AP UKA which often fail early with pain.

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

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

Ten-year survival and patient-reported outcomes of a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty incorporating an all-polyethylene tibial component.

INTRODUCTION: Biomechanical studies have suggested that proximal tibial strain is elevated in UKAs incorporating all-polyethylene tibial components with concern that this leads to premature failure. This study reports minimum 10-year outcomes for a UKA incorporating an all-polyethylene tibial component to determine whether these concerns were realised. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 109 fixed bearing UKAs (97 patients, mean age 68 (range 48-87), 54/97 (56%) female) with all-polyethylene tibial components were followed up for ≥ 10 years with Oxford Knee Scores, Forgotten Joint Scores and Kaplan-Meier analysis. 106/109 implants were 7 mm, 3 were 9.5 mm. RESULTS: Ten-year survival was 85.5% (78.6-92.4 95% CI) with the end-point failure for any reason. Unexplained pain was the commonest mode of failure (6/17) followed by lateral compartment osteoarthritis (5/17) and tibial subsidence/loosening (4/17). Revision rate was highest at 2-5 years due to revisions for unexplained pain. Ten-year survival was worse in patients < 65 years old (p = 0.035), in those with BMI > 30 (p = 0.017) and in those with postoperative increases in medial tibial sclerosis (p < 0.001 log-rank). Implant malalignment was not significantly associated with failure. Radioisotope bone scans in 16 patients all remained "hot" at mean 6.1 years (range 2.1-11.5). Relative risk of failure in patients < 65 years was 2.9 (1.2-7.0 95% CI) and when BMI > 30 was 2.9 (1.2-6.9 95% CI). In those with intact UKAs at 10 years, mean Oxford Knee Score was 34.8 ± 10.7, Forgotten Joint Score was 37.9 ± 26.7 and 96% were satisfied with their knee. CONCLUSION: The high rate of early failure between 2 and 5 years in this all-polyethylene tibial component UKA did not persist in the long term. Though medial proximal tibial metabolic changes appear to persist they are not necessarily symptomatic. BMI > 30 and age < 65 years were significant risk factors for revision.

Impact of Comorbidities on Outcome After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

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

Changes in Bone Density in Metal-Backed and All-Polyethylene Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Proximal tibial strain in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may alter bone mineral density and cause pain. The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to quantify and compare changes in proximal tibial bone mineral density in metal-backed and all-polyethylene medial UKAs, correlating these with outcome, particularly ongoing pain. METHODS: Radiographs of 173 metal-backed and 82 all-polyethylene UKAs were analyzed using digital radiograph densitometry at 0, 1, 2, and 5 years. The mean grayscale of 4 proximal tibial regions was measured and converted to a ratio: the GSRb (grayscale ratio b), where GSRb>1 represents relative medial sclerosis. RESULTS: In both implants, GSRb reduced significantly to 1 year and stabilized with no differences between implants. Subgroup analysis showed less improvement in Oxford Knee Score in patients whose GSRb increased by more than 10% at 1 year (40/255) compared with patients whose GSRb reduced by more than 10% at both 1 years (8.2 vs 15.8, P=.002) and 5 years (9.6 vs 15.8, P=.022). Patients with persistently painful UKAs (17/255) showed no reduction in GSRb at 1 year compared with a 20% reduction in those without pain (P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bone mineral density changes under medial UKAs are independent of metal backing. Medial sclerosis appears to be associated with ongoing pain.

Trabecular Metal Use in Paprosky Type 2 and 3 Acetabular Defects: 5-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The reconstructive challenge of achieving a stable acetabulum in revision total hip arthroplasties in the presence of major osteolytic lesions has led to debate about the most appropriate surgical strategy to minimize implant-related failures. Trabecular metal (TM) implants have become popular but ongoing surveillance of their performance is required. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and radiological outcome of a consecutive series of 52 patients (55 hips) who had undergone revision total hip arthroplasty for Paprosky type 2 or 3 acetabular defects with TM revision acetabular shells between 2002 and 2008. RESULTS: Four implant failures occurred (2 infections and 2 dislocations). Eleven patients from this cohort died (representing 12 hips) before the 5-year follow-up period giving us a follow-up of 78.2%. Implant survival at 5 years was 92% (95% confidence interval: 80.2%-96.9%). There were no cases of radiological loosening. The mean Oxford hip score was 34 (range, 5-48) at a mean follow-up of 63 months (range, 34-105 months). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of TM revision shells for complex acetabular reconstruction yields satisfactory results.

Mirror mirror on the ward, who's the most narcissistic of them all? Pathologic personality traits in health care.

BACKGROUND: Stereotypes in medicine have become exaggerated for the purpose of workplace amusement. Our objective was to assess the levels of "dark triad" personality traits expressed by individuals working in different health care specialties in comparison with the general population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study within multiple departments of a UK secondary care teaching hospital. A total of 248 health care professionals participated, and 159 members of the general population were recruited as a comparison group. We measured 3 personality traits--narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy--through the validated self-reported personality questionnaires Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), MACH-IV and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP), respectively. RESULTS: Health care professionals scored significantly lower on narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy (mean scores 12.0, 53.0 and 44.7, respectively) than the general population (p < 0.001). Nursing professionals exhibited a significantly higher level of secondary psychopathy than medical professionals (p = 0.04, mean LSRP score 20.3). Within the cohort of medical professionals, surgeons expressed significantly higher levels of narcissism (p = 0.03, mean NPI score 15.0). INTERPRETATION: Health care professionals expressed low levels of dark triad personality traits. The suggestion that health care professionals are avaricious and untrustworthy may be refuted, even for surgeons.

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

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

Personality, function and satisfaction in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between personality and joint-specific function, general physical and general mental health in patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: One hundred and eighty-four patients undergoing THA and 205 undergoing TKA were assessed using the Eysneck Personality Questionnaire, brief version (EPQ-BV). General physical and mental health was measured using the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire and the EuroQol (EQ-5D). Joint-specific function was measured using the Oxford hip or knee score. RESULTS: The "unstable introvert" personality type was associated with poorer pre-operative function and health in patients with hip arthrosis. In patients with knee arthrosis, there was poorer general health in those with "stable extrovert" and "unstable introvert" types. Personality was not an independent predictor of outcome following TKA or THA. The main predictor was pre-operative function and health. Comorbidity was an important covariate of both pre-operative and postoperative function. CONCLUSIONS: Personality may play a role in the interaction of these disease processes with function and health perception. It may also affect the response and interpretation of psychometric and patient-reported outcome measures. It may be important to characterise and identify these traits in potential arthroplasty patients as it may help deliver targeted education and management to improve outcomes in certain groups.

Patient health-related quality of life deteriorates significantly while waiting six to 12 months for total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Aims: The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. Methods: This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery. Results: There was a clinical and statistically significant deterioration in the EQ-5D while awaiting THA (mean change 0.071 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.018 to 0.124); p = 0.009) and KA (mean change 0.069 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.106); p < 0.001). For patients awaiting a THA, there were deteriorations in OHS (p = 0.003), PSQI (p = 0.008), both HADS depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002), and an increased prevalence in those in a state WTD (p = 0.010). For those awaiting KA, there were significant deteriorations in OKS (p < 0.001), UCLA (p = 0.001), and HADS depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in wellbeing (satisfaction with life, feeling life to be worthwhile, and happiness) and increases in anxiety for those awaiting THA or KA (p < 0.001). Those awaiting THA (odds ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.89); p = 0.016) and KA (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71); p < 0.001) had a significant decrease in satisfaction with their healthcare. Conclusion: As patients waited from six to 12 months for THA or KA, they experienced a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL. There were also deteriorations in joint-specific function, mental health, wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with healthcare.