Diabetes mellitus does not increase the risk of knee stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of 7 studies including 246 053 cases

PURPOSE@#The association of diabetes mellitus with knee stiffness after total knee arthroplasty is still being debated. The aim of this study was to assess through meta-analysis the impact of diabetes mellitus on the prevalence of postoperative knee stiffness after total knee arthroplasty.@*METHODS@#We conducted a literature search for terms regarding postoperative knee stiffness and diabetes mellitus on Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed NCBI.@*RESULTS@#Of 1142 articles, seven were suitable for analysis. Meta-analysis showed that diabetes mellitus does not confer an increased risk of primary or revision total knee arthroplasty-induced postoperative knee stiffness when compared to nondiabetic patients (primary total knee arthroplasty, estimated odds ratio [OR] 1.474 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–2.23; primary and revision total knee arthroplasty, OR 1.340 and 95% CI 0.97–1.83).@*CONCLUSION@#There is no strong evidence that diabetes mellitus increases the risk of knee stiffness after total knee arthroplasty. The decision to proceed with total knee arthroplasty, discussion as part of the consent process, and subsequent rehabilitation should not differ between patients with and without diabetes mellitus with regards to risk of stiffness.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (meta-analysis)

Arthroscopic Excision of Medial Knee Plica: A Meta-Analysis of Outcomes

PURPOSE: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the outcomes following surgical intervention for medial knee plica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed using relevant key words. The primary outcome was patient-reported postoperative scores of “good” and “excellent”. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model. RESULTS: The literature search identified 731 articles. After removing duplicates and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 12 articles reporting on a total of 643 knees were included for analysis, and of these, 7 articles including 235 knees were used for meta-analysis. The overall rate of good and excellent outcomes following surgery was estimated at 84.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.8–91.4). In those cases that had non-surgical therapy prior to surgery, the rate of good and excellent outcomes of surgery was estimated at 76.1% (95% CI, 60.1–87). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic surgical management of symptomatic medial knee plica results in favourable outcomes. Our results suggest that arthroscopic surgical excision should be considered as a treatment modality in patients with pathological medial plica disease of the knee either as a first-line treatment or when symptoms have not responded to non-surgical interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections as a Treatment for Refractory Patellar Tendinosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials

PURPOSE: Patellar tendinosis (PT) is a common condition amongst athletes. In this study, we perform a meta-analysis on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for refractory PT. METHODS: A literature search was undertaken in various databases from their year of inception to October 2015. The primary outcome measure was the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) score. RESULTS: We identified 2 RCTs comparing PRP injections to alternative treatment options (extracorporeal shockwave therapy [ESWT] and dry needling of the tendon). Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in mean VISA-P scores between PRP injection and control at early assessment (2 or 3 months; estimated difference in means, 11.9; standard error [SE], 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.7 to 26.4; p=0.109). However, PRP was statistically better than control with regards to VISA-P scores at longer follow-up (6 months or longer; estimated difference in means, 12.7; SE, 4.4; 95% CI, 4.1 to 21.3; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of RCTs evaluating the role of PRP in PT. Our results suggest that, based on limited evidence, PRP is superior over other established non-surgical treatments (dry needling and ESWT) for refractory PT. Larger RCTs may allow better characterisation of the role of PRP in this condition.

Availability of Total Knee Arthroplasty Implants for Metal Hypersensitivity Patients

PURPOSE: To provide information on the type of “hypersensitivity-friendly” components available for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the current market. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implant manufactures were identified using the 2013 National Joint Registries of the United Kingdom and Sweden and contacted to obtain information about the products they offer for patients with metal hypersensitivity. RESULTS: Information on 23 TKA systems was provided by 13 implant manufacturers. Of these, 15 systems had options suitable for metal hypersensitivity patients. Two types of “hypersensitivity-friendly” components were identified: 10 implants were cobalt chrome prostheses with a “hypersensitivity-friendly” outer coating and 5 implants were made entirely from non-cobalt chrome alloys. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that several hypersensitivity TKA options exist, some of which provide the same designs and surgical techniques as the conventional implants. The information in this study can guide TKA surgeons in making informed choices about implants and identifying implants that could be examined in future controlled studies comparing outcomes between “hypersensitivity-friendly” and conventional implants.

Tibial Tunnel Cyst Formation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Non-Bioabsorbable Interference Screw

Tibial cyst formation following the use of bioabsorbable interference screws in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is well-described; however, cyst formation after the use of metallic interference screws is not well-documented. We describe a case of osteolytic lesion of the proximal tibia presenting to us 20 years after ACL reconstruction using an autologous bone-tendon-bone graft. The original graft fixation technique was interference fixation with a metal screw in the tibial and femoral tunnels. A two-stage revision reconstruction of the ACL was undertaken with curettage and bone grafting of the tibial lesion in the first stage and reconstruction using a four-strand hamstring tendon in the second stage. The patient recovered satisfactorily with complete healing of the cyst and returned to pre-injury level of activities. We have reviewed case reports and case series that describe the aetiology of intra-osseous cyst formation following ACL reconstruction.

Pseudogout: A Rare Cause of Acute Arthritis Following Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We report a case of an acute pseudogout attack following single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a 35-year-old man. At the initial reconstruction surgery, he was found to have early degenerative changes mainly in the lateral compartment. He presented with acute onset pain and swelling following reconstruction of the ACL. Arthroscopic irrigation was performed and the synovial fluid was positive for calcium pyrophosphate crystals. A pseudogout attack must be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of acute onset pain and swelling after arthroscopic surgery, especially with the background of degenerative knee changes, and this may signify a poorer long-term outcome.

Perioperative Care of a Patient with Refractory Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder leading to low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding. Major joint replacement surgery in a patient with ITP can be associated with severe postoperative bleeding. We present our experience of perioperative management in a patient with severe refractory chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who successfully underwent a cemented total knee replacement.