What Is the Efficacy of Repeat Manipulations Under Anesthesia to Treat Stiffness Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can help post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who have knee stiffness regain range-of-motion. However, despite undergoing MUA, patients may have persistent knee stiffness. Often, this persistent knee stiffness is treated with a repeat MUA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate repeat MUAs by assessing: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) range-of-motion, (3) clinical outcomes, and (4) rate of revision surgery in post-TKA patients with persistent knee stiffness who either underwent a single MUA or repeat MUAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-sixty-seven post-TKA who had undergone an MUA between 2005 and 2011 at two institutions were reviewed. Patients were stratified into those who had a single-MUA (138 knees) and those who had a repeat MUA (29 knees). The mean follow-up period was 63 months (range, 36 to 90 months). The incidence of repeat MUA within this cohort was determined. Demographics and ROM were compared using Student t-test and Chi-square as appropriate. Functional outcomes were assessed using Knee Society scores (KSS) and compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Among the 167 patients who underwent a MUA, 29 (17%) required repeat manipulations. The repeat MUA cohort was younger and more likely to have osteonecrosis as the underlying cause of knee disease. For the repeat MUA cohort, 17 patients (59%) had achieved satisfactory mean gains in ROM after their repeat MUAs. These patients had also achieved excellent mean Knee Society objective and functional scores. However, another seven knees (24%) had further persistent knee stiffness requiring arthrolysis of adhesions and five patients (17%) had undergone revision of the polyethylene spacer or patellar component to improve range-of-motion. CONCLUSION: In this study, the majority of patients who had undergone a repeat MUA were able to achieve improvements in flexion range-of-motion and functional outcomes. However, the remaining patients required more invasive procedure to treat persistent knee stiffness. In patients who have persistent knee stiffness after MUAs, a repeat MUA may be helpful to increase range-of-motion and function.

Post-operative blood management strategies for total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty is increasing in incidence due to our aging population. However, this procedure has a high potential for increased blood loss, with allogeneic blood transfusions commonly used. However, due to potential transfusion-related risks such as immunosuppression or infections, attempts have been made to reduce the amount of blood loss and minimize transfusions. Therefore, our aim was to provide a broad overview of the widely used methods for reducing post-operative blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. These include antifibrinolytic agents, autologous blood transfusion drains, avoiding the use of drains, and modifications in drainage techniques. In addition, lowering the transfusion threshold is another method used to decrease the rates of allogeneic blood transfusion. Current evidence suggests that the use of some of these strategies-either alone, or in combination-may reduce the amount of blood loss and the need for allogeneic transfusions. However, further research is needed to create new, more standardized guidelines.

Preoperative blood management strategies for total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty is associated with marked blood loss, with the potential for up to 90% of patients requiring allogeneic transfusions. Also, perioperative-induced anemia is associated with lower postoperative functional scores, increased mortality, increased cardiovascular risks, longer hospital stays, and postoperative infections. The purpose of this review was to analyze the recent evidence on preoperative blood management strategies utilized for total hip arthroplasty. Specifically, we evaluated the use of preoperative iron therapy, intravenous erythropoietin, and autologous blood donation. No single strategy was shown to be superior over another in reducing the need for allogeneic transfusions; however, a combination of these blood management strategies may result in improved blood loss outcomes. Larger prospective randomized studies comparing the individual strategies, as well as combination therapies, are needed to develop a concise statement on the most effective and efficient preoperative blood management treatment algorithms for total hip arthroplasty.

Preoperative blood management strategies for total knee arthroplasty.

Elective total knee arthroplasty is frequently associated with considerable blood loss and a concomitant decline in hemoglobin postoperatively. This often leads to high rates of allogeneic transfusions, with reports of up to 69%, to treat postoperative anemia. Allogeneic blood transfusions have been shown to be an independent risk factor for increased adverse outcomes, such as prolonged length of hospital stay and postoperative infections. Although multiple preoperative blood management strategies have been proposed, there are no concise guidelines, as few studies have compared the relative efficacy of these techniques. The aim of this review was to evaluate current evidence on the various preoperative blood management strategies for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and to provide an overview of the safety and efficacy of these practices. Specifically, we evaluated preoperative autologous blood donation, iron therapy, and intravenous erythropoietin. Current evidence suggests that these techniques independently may be effective at reducing the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusions, correcting preoperative, and preventing postoperative anemia. However, more studies are necessary to evaluate combination protocols, as well as the cost-effectiveness and safety of these practices as part of routine preoperative blood management for total knee arthroplasty.

Long-term outcomes of MUA for stiffness in primary TKA.

Knee stiffness following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-recognized problem which leads to poor patient outcomes and may limit patient activities of daily living. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is one option for the treatment of knee stiffness. However, there has been controversy regarding the safety and long-term efficacy of this procedure. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that reported the clinical outcomes and measured range of motion for patients undergoing MUA. Fourteen studies (913 patients) reported range of motion results following MUA at up to 10-year follow-up. The mean premanipulation and final range of motion were 66 and 99 degrees, respectively. Compared with preoperative range of motion, the gain in the range-of-motion arc at 1-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up was 30, 33, and 33 degrees, respectively. Complications were rare with only two reported periprosthetic fractures, resulting in an incidence of 0.2%. MUA for a stiff primary TKA is an efficacious procedure to restore range of motion. Early gains in motion appear to be maintained at long term, and in some cases patients may gradually improve further at mid-term follow-up. The risk of periprosthetic fracture is low, making MUA a safe option for improving knee range of motion.