A proposed anatomy syllabus for entry-level physiotherapists in the United Kingdom: A modified Delphi methodology by physiotherapists who teach anatomy.

The ever-increasing scope of physiotherapy practice is raising questions on what anatomical knowledge and skills ought to be taught within qualifying physiotherapy degree programmes in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of the study was to create core anatomical knowledge and skills learning objectives to inform knowledge and skills for entry-level physiotherapists in the UK. A two phased modified Delphi methodology created a consensual anatomy curriculum. A Research-Team-Expert-Panel of four physiotherapists who teach anatomy proposed Anatomy Learning Objectives (Anat-LOs) and accompanying clinical rationales relevant for newly qualified entry-level physiotherapists. A Teacher-Expert-Panel of nine physiotherapists who taught anatomy to physiotherapy students in the UK reviewed Anat-LOs in two consecutive Delphi Rounds, and rated and commented on each Anat-LO. After each Delphi Round, the Research-Team-Expert-Panel reviewed the ratings and comments from the Teacher-Expert-Panel and banked Anat-LOs that passed the 85% acceptance threshold. There were 182 banked Anat-LOs that spanned all eight areas: Introductory Concepts, Principles and Basic Histology; Head and Neck; Thorax; Abdomen, Pelvis and Perineum; Upper Limb; Lower Limb; Spine; and Neuroanatomy regions/systems. The Anat-LOs develop both anatomical knowledge and key anatomical skills, such as palpation and conducting manual tests on model patients. A first ever core anatomy curriculum for entry-level physiotherapists has been created for entry-level physiotherapists, typically Band-5 NHS physiotherapists, and takes an integrated learning approach. The anatomy curriculum brings clarity to students, teachers, clinical supervisors and future employers on the expected anatomical standards for entry-level physiotherapists.

Cost-Effectiveness of Group-Based Outpatient Physical Therapy After Total Knee Replacement: Results From the Economic Evaluation Alongside the ARENA Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of a group-based outpatient physical therapy intervention delivered 6 weeks after primary total knee replacement (TKR) compared with usual care, alongside the Activity-Orientated Rehabilitation Following Knee Arthroplasty (ARENA) multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. METHODS: The economic analyses were performed from the perspective of the health and social care payer. We collected resource use for health and social care and productivity losses and patient outcomes for 12 months after surgery to derive costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results were expressed in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and incremental net monetary benefit statistics (INMBs) for a society willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained, with sensitivity analyses to model specification and perspective. RESULTS: The cost of the ARENA physical therapy classes was mean ± SD £179 ± 39 per patient. Treatment in the year following surgery cost was, on average, £1,739 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -£742, £4,221) per patient in the intervention group (n = 89), which was an additional £346 (95% CI £38, £653) per patient compared with usual care (n = 91) (£1,393 [95% CI -£780, £3,568]). QALY benefits were 0.0506 higher (95% CI 0.009, 0.09) in the intervention group, corresponding to an additional 19 days in "perfect health." The ICER for the intervention group was £6,842 per QALY gained, and the INMB was £665 (95% CI £139, £1,191), with a 92% probability of being cost-effective, and no less than 73% in all sensitivity analysis scenarios. CONCLUSION: The addition of group-based outpatient physical therapy classes to usual care improves quality of life and is a cost-effective treatment option following TKR for a society WTP threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained.

Effect of Group-Based Outpatient Physical Therapy on Function After Total Knee Replacement: Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness of a novel group-based outpatient physical therapy (PT) following total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: In this 2-center, unblinded, superiority, randomized controlled trial, 180 patients on a waiting list for primary TKR due to osteoarthritis were randomized to a 6 session group-based outpatient PT intervention and usual care (n = 89) or usual care alone (n = 91). The primary outcome was patient-reported functional ability measured by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale at 12 months postoperative. Secondary outcomes included knee symptoms, depression, anxiety, and satisfaction. Questionnaires were completed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean difference in function between groups was 4.47 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.20, 8.75; P = 0.04) at 12 months postoperative, favoring the intervention. The mean difference in function between groups decreased over time, from 8.1 points at 3 months (95% CI 3.8, 12.4; P < 0.001) to 5.4 (95% CI 1.1, 9.8; P = 0.015) at 6 months postoperative. There were no clinically relevant differences in any secondary outcomes between groups, although patients in the intervention group were more likely to be satisfied with their PT. No serious adverse events related to the intervention were reported. CONCLUSION: Supplementing usual care with this group-based outpatient PT intervention led to improvements in function at 12 months after TKR, although the magnitude of the difference was below the minimum clinically important difference of 9 points. However, patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group, and there was some evidence of clinically relevant improvements in function at 3 months.

Kneeling ability after total knee replacement.

Kneeling ability is consistently the poorest patient-rated outcome after total knee replacement (TKR), with 60-80% of patients reporting difficulty kneeling or an inability to kneel.Difficulty kneeling impacts on many activities and areas of life, including activities of daily living, self-care, leisure and social activities, religious activities, employment and getting up after a fall. Given the wide range of activities that involve kneeling, and the expectation that this will be improved with surgery, problems kneeling after TKR are a source of dissatisfaction and disappointment for many patients.Research has found that there is no association between range of motion and self-reported kneeling ability. More research is needed to understand if and how surgical factors contribute to difficulty kneeling after TKR.Discrepancies between patients' self-reported ability to kneel and observed ability suggests that patients can kneel but elect not to. Reasons for this are multifactorial, including knee pain/discomfort, numbness, fear of harming the prosthesis, co-morbidities and recommendations from health professionals. There is currently no evidence that there is any clinical reason why patients should not kneel on their replaced knee, and reasons for not kneeling could be addressed through education and rehabilitation.There has been little research to evaluate the provision of healthcare services and interventions for patients who find kneeling problematic after TKR. Increased clinical awareness of this poor outcome and research to inform the provision of services is needed to improve patient care and allow patients to return to this important activity. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:460-467. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180085.

Comparison of group-based outpatient physiotherapy with usual care after total knee replacement: a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing group-based outpatient physiotherapy with usual care in patients following total knee replacement. DESIGN: A feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: One secondary-care hospital orthopaedic centre, Bristol, UK. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 46 participants undergoing primary total knee replacement. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group were offered six group-based exercise sessions after surgery. The usual care group received standard postoperative care. Participants were not blinded to group allocation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, reasons for non-participation, attendance, and completion rates of study questionnaires that included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. RESULTS: Recruitment rate was 37%. Five patients withdrew or were no longer eligible to participate. Intervention attendance was high (73%) and 84% of group participants reported they were 'very satisfied' with the exercises. Return of study questionnaires at six months was lower in the usual care (75%) than in the intervention group (100%). Mean (standard deviation) Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores at six months were 45.0 (20.8) in the usual care and 57.8 (15.2) in the intervention groups. CONCLUSION: Recruitment and retention of participants in this feasibility study was good. Group-based physiotherapy was acceptable to participants. Questionnaire return rates were lower in the usual care group, but might be enhanced by telephone follow-up. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale had high responsiveness and completion rates. Using this outcome measure, 256 participants would be required in a full-scale randomized controlled trial.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of outpatient physiotherapy after knee replacement for osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary total knee replacement is a common operation that is performed to provide pain relief and restore functional ability. Inpatient physiotherapy is routinely provided after surgery to enhance recovery prior to hospital discharge. However, international variation exists in the provision of outpatient physiotherapy after hospital discharge. While evidence indicates that outpatient physiotherapy can improve short-term function, the longer term benefits are unknown. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-week group-based outpatient physiotherapy intervention following knee replacement. METHODS/DESIGN: Two hundred and fifty-six patients waiting for knee replacement because of osteoarthritis will be recruited from two orthopaedic centres. Participants randomised to the usual-care group (n = 128) will be given a booklet about exercise and referred for physiotherapy if deemed appropriate by the clinical care team. The intervention group (n = 128) will receive the same usual care and additionally be invited to attend a group-based outpatient physiotherapy class starting 6 weeks after surgery. The 1-hour class will be run on a weekly basis over 6 weeks and will involve task-orientated and individualised exercises. The primary outcome will be the Lower Extremity Functional Scale at 12 months post-operative. Secondary outcomes include: quality of life, knee pain and function, depression, anxiety and satisfaction. Data collection will be by questionnaire prior to surgery and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and will include a resource-use questionnaire to enable a trial-based economic evaluation. Trial participation and satisfaction with the classes will be evaluated through structured telephone interviews. The primary statistical and economic analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with and without imputation of missing data. The primary economic result will estimate the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained from this intervention from a National Health Services (NHS) and personal social services perspective. DISCUSSION: This research aims to benefit patients and the NHS by providing evidence on the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of outpatient physiotherapy after knee replacement. If the intervention is found to be effective and cost-effective, implementation into clinical practice could lead to improvement in patients' outcomes and improved health care resource efficiency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN32087234 , registered on 11 February 2015.

Patient Reported Kneeling Ability in Fixed and Mobile Bearing Knee Arthroplasty.

Kneeling is an important function of the knee joint required for many daily activities. Bearing type is thought to influence functional outcome following UKA and TKA. Self-reported kneeling ability was recorded in 471 UKA and 206 TKA patients with fixed or mobile bearing implants. Kneeling ability was recorded from the Oxford Knee Score question 7. The self-reported ability to kneel was similar in patients with fixed and mobile bearing UKA implants following surgery. In TKA, greater proportions of patients were able to kneel in the fixed compared to the mobile bearing groups up to two years after surgery indicating that self-reported kneeling ability is enhanced in fixed compared to mobile bearing TKA.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy exercise following total knee replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation, with an emphasis on physiotherapy and exercise, is widely promoted after total knee replacement. However, provision of services varies in content and duration. The aim of this study is to update the review of Minns Lowe and colleagues 2007 using systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of post-discharge physiotherapy exercise in patients with primary total knee replacement. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL to October 4(th) 2013 for randomised evaluations of physiotherapy exercise in adults with recent primary knee replacement. Outcomes were: patient-reported pain and function, knee range of motion, and functional performance. Authors were contacted for missing data and outcomes. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were assessed. Data was combined using random effects meta-analysis and reported as standardised mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD). RESULTS: Searches identified 18 randomised trials including 1,739 patients with total knee replacement. Interventions compared: physiotherapy exercise and no provision; home and outpatient provision; pool and gym-based provision; walking skills and more general physiotherapy; and general physiotherapy exercise with and without additional balance exercises or ergometer cycling. Compared with controls receiving minimal physiotherapy, patients receiving physiotherapy exercise had improved physical function at 3-4 months, SMD -0.37 (95% CI -0.62, -0.12), and pain, SMD -0.45 (95% CI -0.85, -0.06). Benefit up to 6 months was apparent when considering only higher quality studies. There were no differences for outpatient physiotherapy exercise compared with home-based provision in physical function or pain outcomes. There was a short-term benefit favouring home-based physiotherapy exercise for range of motion flexion. There were no differences in outcomes when the comparator was hydrotherapy, or when additional balancing or cycling components were included. In one study, a walking skills intervention was associated with a long-term improvement in walking performance. However, for all these evaluations studies were under-powered individually and in combination. CONCLUSION: After recent primary total knee replacement, interventions including physiotherapy and exercise show short-term improvements in physical function. However this conclusion is based on meta-analysis of a few small studies and no long-term benefits of physiotherapy exercise interventions were identified. Future research should target improvements to long-term function, pain and performance outcomes in appropriately powered trials.

Sensorimotor function of the cervical spine in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Sensorimotor mechanisms are important for controlling head motion. However, relatively little is known about sensorimotor function in the cervical spine. This study investigated how age, gender and variations in the test conditions affect measures of position sense, movement sense and reflex activation in cervical muscles. METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers (19M/21F, aged 19-59 years) participated. Position sense was assessed by determining repositioning errors in upright and flexed neck postures during tests performed in 25%, 50% and 75% cervical flexion. Movement sense was assessed by detecting thresholds to passive flexion and extension at velocities between 1 and 25°s(-1). Reflexes were assessed by determining the latency and amplitude of reflex activation in trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Reliability was evaluated from intraclass correlation coefficients. FINDINGS: Mean repositioning errors ranged from 1.5° to 2.6°, were greater in flexed than upright postures (P=0.006) and in people aged over 25 years (P=0.05). Time to detect head motion decreased with increasing velocity (P<0.001) and was lower during flexion than extension movements (P=0.002). Reflexes demonstrated shorter latency (P<0.001) and greater amplitude (P=0.009) in trapezius compared to sternocleidomastoid, and became slower and weaker with age. None of the measures were influenced by gender. Reliability was good for movement sense measures, but was influenced by the test conditions when assessing position sense. INTERPRETATION: Increased repositioning errors and slower reflexes in older subjects suggest that sensorimotor function in the cervical spine becomes impaired with age. In position sense tests, reliability was influenced by the test conditions with mid-range flexion movements, performed in standing, providing the most reliable measurements.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based pain self-management intervention for patients undergoing total hip replacement: feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacement (THR) is a common elective surgical procedure and can be effective for reducing chronic pain. However, waiting times can be considerable. A pain self-management intervention may provide patients with skills to more effectively manage their pain and its impact during their wait for surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based pain self-management course for patients undergoing THR. METHODS: Patients listed for a THR at one orthopedic center were posted a study invitation pack. Participants were randomized to attend a pain self-management course plus standard care or standard care only. The lay-led course was delivered by Arthritis Care and consisted of two half-day sessions prior to surgery and one full-day session after surgery. Participants provided outcome and resource-use data using a diary and postal questionnaires prior to surgery and one month, three months and six months after surgery. Brief telephone interviews were conducted with non-participants to explore barriers to participation. RESULTS: Invitations were sent to 385 eligible patients and 88 patients (23%) consented to participate. Interviews with 57 non-participants revealed the most common reasons for non-participation were views about the course and transport difficulties. Of the 43 patients randomized to the intervention group, 28 attended the pre-operative pain self-management sessions and 11 attended the post-operative sessions. Participant satisfaction with the course was high, and feedback highlighted that patients enjoyed the group format. Retention of participants was acceptable (83% of recruited patients completed follow-up) and questionnaire return rates were high (72% to 93%), with the exception of the pre-operative resource-use diary (35% return rate). Resource-use completion rates allowed for an economic evaluation from the health and social care payer perspective. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of feasibility work prior to a randomized controlled trial to assess recruitment methods and rates, barriers to participation, logistics of scheduling group-based interventions, acceptability of the intervention and piloting resource use questionnaires to improve data available for economic evaluations. This information is of value to researchers and funders in the design and commissioning of future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN52305381.

Fixed bearing lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty--short to midterm survivorship and knee scores for 101 prostheses.

BACKGROUND: Isolated unicompartmental knee arthritis is less common laterally than medially. Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) constitutes only 1% of all knee arthroplasty performed. Use of medial UKA is supported by several published series showing good long-term survivorship and patient satisfaction, in large patient cohorts. Results of lateral UKA however have been mixed. We present the short and mid-term survivorship and 5-year clinical outcome of 101 lateral UKAs using a single prosthesis. METHODS: Over a 9 year period, 100 patients who satisfied inclusion criteria underwent a lateral fixed-bearing unicompartmental arthroplasty. American Knee Society (AKSS), Oxford Knee (OKS) and modified Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were completed preoperatively and at 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the 2-year and 5-year survivorship, using revision for any cause as end point. RESULTS: Survivorship was 98.7% and 95.5% at 2 and 5 years respectively. 1 knee was revised for subsidence of the tibial component and 1 knee for progression of medial compartment osteoarthritis. Of a possible 35 knees in situ at 5 year follow-up, 33 knees were fully scored. Median AKSS, OKS and modified WOMAC scores were 182, 41, and 16 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term survivorship and outcome scores at 5-years suggest that lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty provides a valuable alternative to total joint replacement in selected patients with isolated lateral tibio-femoral arthritis at mid-term follow-up. Level II evidence.

Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty; a pragmatic randomised controlled trial reporting outcomes up to 2 year follow up.

BACKGROUND: We present a prospective, randomised, multi-surgeon, controlled trial comparing minimally invasive (MIS) and standard approach total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Participants underwent unilateral TKA. Patients were randomised to Bristol, quadriceps sparing MIS or standard medial parapatellar approaches. Length of stay with secondary outcome measures including knee range of movement, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and American Knee Society Score (KSS) up to 2 years. Radiographic and post operative assessment was blinded. RESULTS: 86 patients (92 knees) participated in the study. Mean operative time between MIS and control groups was 95.5 (95% CI 90.0-101.0) and 94.8 (95% CI 88.2-101.4) minutes respectively. Mean readiness for discharge was shorter in the MIS group 4.5±1.5 (95% CI, 4.1-4.9) days versus 5.9±2.7 (95% CI, 5.1-6.7) days amongst controls (p=0.004). Patients in the MIS group had fewer complications (p=0.003). One patient developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and one required revision surgery, both in the control group. 83 patients completed follow up to 2 years (40 MIS, 43 controls). Range of movement and other outcome measures improved up to 1 year post-operatively with no statistically significant differences between MIS and controls. We found no evidence of radiographic loosening in either group at the 2 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: MIS offers reduced length of stay and fewer complications for patients following TKR without evidence of component mal-alignment. Our findings of fewer systemic complications in MIS TKR patients warrant further future study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.

Physiotherapy provision following discharge after total hip and total knee replacement: a survey of current practice at high-volume NHS hospitals in England and wales.

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) are two common elective orthopaedic procedures, and the provision of physiotherapy for patients after discharge is variable, with evidence for best practice remaining uncertain. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the standard physiotherapy service offered to patients following discharge after THR and TKR. METHODS: A telephone survey was carried with clinicians at 24 high-volume NHS orthopaedic centres in England and Wales. Information was gathered on standard physiotherapy provision and categorized into; no routine physiotherapy, outpatient physiotherapy (including one-to-one and group), home-based physiotherapy or other physiotherapy (including telephone consultation and drop-in services). RESULTS: No centres surveyed referred patients to outpatient physiotherapy as a routine pathway of care following THR. Eleven centres provided group physiotherapy to patients after discharge following TKR compared with five centres providing one-to-one outpatient physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The provision of physiotherapy following discharge after TKR is a more common practice than after THR, where ongoing physiotherapy is provided depending upon clinical need. Group exercises are the favoured destination for patients following TKR in high-volume centres.

Alteration in skin sensation following knee arthroplasty and its impact on kneeling ability: a comparison of three common surgical incisions.

PURPOSE: Disturbance in skin sensation is a recognised, often unpleasant consequence of knee replacement for many patients and may affect function especially kneeling. The aim of this study was to compare post-operative changes in skin sensation following total (TKA) and unicompartmental knee (UKA) arthroplasties using three different incision types and its effect on kneeling ability. METHODS: Skin sensation was recorded using a purpose-designed grid over the front of the knee in 72 patients (78 knees) following knee arthroplasty. Surface area of sensory change, length of incision, and kneeling ability were recorded and compared between three different types of incision; long antero-medial and midline for TKA, and short medial for UKA. RESULTS: The average length of the long antero-medial incision was 19 ± 5 cm with an average area of sensory alteration of 88 ± 56 cm(2). The average length of the midline incision was 18 ± 3 cm with an average area of sensory alteration of 57 ± 52 cm(2). The short medial incision used for UKA averaged 11 ± 3 cm in length with an average area of sensory alteration of 54 ± 45 cm(2). Long antero-medial produced a significantly greater area of sensory alteration than standard short medial (P = 0.017), but not the midline incision. There was a significant positive correlation of incision length with reduced sensation. Patients unable to kneel demonstrated a significantly larger area of hypersensitivity than patients who could kneel (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Increased length of incision results in a greater surface area of sensory change in the front of the knee. This finding was greatest in the long antero-medial incisions used in TKA. The inability to kneel following knee arthroplasty is associated with increased area of hypersensitivity of the anterior knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective comparative study, Level II.