The BioPoly Partial Resurfacing Knee Implant Provides Beneficial Clinical Outcomes: A Concise Follow-up, at 5 Years, of a Previous Report.

Abstract: We previously conducted a single-arm, prospective study in which 31 patients (mean age [and standard deviation], 42.5 ± 11.3 years) with cartilage lesions were treated with use of the BioPoly Partial Resurfacing Knee Implant. Treatment outcomes were compared with those reported for the standard of care, microfracture. We found that the mean KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) Quality of Life score at 5 years in the BioPoly cohort was noninferior to (p = 0.004), and indeed greater than (p = 0.021), that in the microfracture cohort. The BioPoly cohort demonstrated improvement in the mean scores for all KOOS domains at every postoperative time point (p < 0.025). The mean score for the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain significantly improved (p < 0.025) at all time points up to 4 years and trended toward significant improvement at 5 years (p = 0.027). This study indicated that the BioPoly implant was safe, provided significant improvement starting at 6 months and continuing to 5 years, and provided greater improvement than microfracture for some outcome measures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

High degree of consensus amongst an expert panel regarding focal resurfacing of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the femur with mini-implants.

INTRODUCTION: The rationale for the use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions is still under debate. The evidence supporting best practise guidelines is based on studies with low-level evidence. A consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance towards consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence. The purpose of this article is to report the resulting consensus statements. METHODS: Twenty-five experts participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted via an online survey of two rounds, for initial agreement and comments on the proposed statements. An in-person meeting between the panellists was organised during the 2022 ESSKA congress to further discuss and debate each of the statements. A final agreement was made via a final online survey a few days later. The strength of consensus was characterised as: consensus, 51-74% agreement; strong consensus, 75-99% agreement; unanimous, 100% agreement. RESULTS: Statements were developed in the fields of patient assessment and indications, surgical considerations and postoperative care. Between the 25 statements that were discussed by this working group, 18 achieved unanimous, whilst 7 strong consensus. CONCLUSION: The consensus statements, derived from experts in the field, represent guidelines to assist clinicians in decision-making for the appropriate use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Comparing shared decision making using a paper and digital consent process. A multi-site, single centre study in a trauma and orthopaedic department.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of shared decision making (SDM) for informed consent has been emphasised in the updated regulatory guidelines. Errors of completion, legibility and omission have been associated with paper-based consent forms. We introduced a digital consent process and compared it against a paper-based process for quality and patient reported involvement in shared decision making. METHODS: 223 patients were included in this multi-site, single centre study. Patient consent documentation was by either a paper consent form or the Concentric digital consent platform. Consent forms were assessed for errors of legibility, completion and accuracy of content. Core risks for 20 orthopaedic operations were pre-defined by a Delphi round of experts and forms analysed for omission of these risks. SDM was determined via the 'collaboRATE Top Score', a validated measure for gold-standard SDM. RESULTS: 72% (n = 78/109) of paper consent forms contained ≥1 error compared to 0% (n = 0/114) of digital forms (P < 0.0001). Core risks were unintentionally omitted in 63% (n = 68/109) of paper-forms compared to less than 2% (n = 2/114) of digital consent forms (P < 0.0001). 72% (n = 82/114) of patients giving consent digitally reported gold-standard SDM compared to 28% (n = 31/109) with paper consent (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a digital consent process has been shown to reduce both error rate and the omission of core risks on consent forms whilst increasing the quality of SDM. This novel finding suggests that using digital consent can improve both the quality of informed consent and the patient experience of SDM.

Improved joint line and posterior offset restoration in primary total knee replacement using a robotic-assisted surgical technique: An international multi-centre retrospective analysis of matched cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Accurate restoration of joint line height and posterior offset in primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) have been shown to be important factors in post-operative range of movement and function. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of joint line and posterior offset restoration in a group of patients that underwent robotic-assisted TKA (raTKA). A matched cohort of patients that underwent a TKA using a conventional jig-based technique was assessed for comparison. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between groups. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 120 patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis that received a TKA using the Navio Surgical System (n = 60), or Conventional manual TKA (n = 60). Procedures were performed between 1 January 2019 and 1 October 2019 at six different centres. Joint line height and posterior offset was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively on calibrated weight bearing plain radiographs of the knee. Two observers performed measurements using validated measuring tools. A BMI and age-matched cohort of patients that underwent TKA using a conventional technique in the same six centres were assessed for comparison. Mean values, standard deviations and confidence intervals are presented for change and absolute change in joint line height and posterior offset. Student's t-test was used to compare the changes between techniques. RESULTS: Patients that underwent robotic-assisted TKA had joint line height and posterior offset restored more accurately than patients undergoing TKA using a conventional technique. Average change from pre-operative measurement in joint line height using raTKA was -0.38mm [95% CI: -0.79 to 0.03] vs 0.91 [0.14 to 1.68] with the conventional technique. Average absolute change in joint line height using raTKA was 1.96mm [1.74 to 2.18] vs 4.00mm [3.68 to 4.32] with the conventional technique. Average change in posterior offset using raTKA was 0.08mm [-0.40 to 0.56] vs 1.64mm [2.47 to 0.81] with the conventional technique. Average absolute change in posterior offset with raTKA was 2.19mm [1.92 to 2.46] vs 4.24mm [3.79 to 4.69] with the conventional technique. There was a significant difference when comparing absolute change in joint line height and posterior offset between groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted primary TKA restores the joint line height and posterior offset more accurately than conventional jig-based techniques.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hip fractures: the central London experience COVID-related urgent geriatric hip trauma (COUGH) study COVERT ( COVid Emergency-Related Trauma and orthopaedics) collaborative.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has been recognized as the unprecedented global health crisis in modern times. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on treatment of neck of femur fractures (NOFF) against the current guidelines and meeting best practice key performance indicators (KPIs) according to the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) in two large central London hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-center, longitudinal, retrospective, observational study of NOFF patients was performed for the first 'golden' month following the lockdown measures introduced in mid-March 2020. This was compared to the same time period in 2019. RESULTS: A total of 78 cases were observed. NOFFs accounted for 11% more of all acute referrals during the COVID era. There were fewer overall breaches in KPIs in time to theatre in 2020 and also for those awaiting an orthogeriatric review. Time to discharge from the trust during the pandemic was improved by 54% (p < 0.00001) but patients were 51% less likely to return to their usual residence (p = 0.007). The odds ratio was significantly higher for consultant surgeon-led operations and consultant orthogeriatric-led review in the post-COVID era. There was no significant difference in using aerosol-generating anaesthetic procedures or immortality rates between both years. CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has not adversely affected the KPIs for the treatment of NOFF patients with significant improvement in numerous care domains. These findings may represent the efforts to ensure that these vulnerable patients are treated promptly to minimize their risks from the coronavirus.

Imageless robotic-assisted revision arthroplasty from UKA to TKA : Surgical technique and case-control study compared with primary robotic TKA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is evident from the national joint registries that numbers of revision knee arthroplasty operations are rising. The aim of this article is to introduce a new robotic-assisted approach in UKA to TKA revision arthroplasty and investigate the alignment accuracy, implant component use and surgery time and to compare it to primary robotic-assisted TKA arthroplasty. METHODS: This retrospective, case-control study included patients undergoing image-less robotic-assisted revision arthroplasty from UKA to TKA (n = 20) and patients undergoing image-less robotic-assisted primary TKA (control group, n = 20) from 11/2018 to 07/2020. The control group was matched based on the BMI and natural alignment. Comparison of groups was based on postoperative alignment, outlier rate, tibial insert size, lateral bone resection depth, incision-to-wound closure time. All surgeries were performed by a single senior surgeon using the same bi-cruciate stabilizing TKA system. Statistical analysis consisted of parametric t­testing and Fisher's exact test with a level of significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The two groups showed no differences in mean BMI, natural alignment (p > 0.05) and mean overall limb alignment. No outlier was found for OLA and slope analysis. The smallest insert size (9 mm) was used in 70% of the cases in the revision group (n = 14) and in 90% of the cases in the primary group (n = 18, p = 0.24), distal femoral and tibial resection depth showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). The incision to wound closure time was longer in the revision group but showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Image-less robotic-assisted revision arthroplasty from UKA to TKA showed a comparable surgery time, and alignment accuracy in comparison to primary robotic-assisted TKA. Comparable bone preservation and subsequent tibial insert size use was observed for both groups.

Latest Advances in Robot-Assisted Knee Arthroplasty.

In the longstanding pursuit of improving alignment and functional outcome in knee arthroplasty, technological evolution leading to robotic systems has now been introduced to the mainstream orthopaedic surgical world. This technology facilitates greater accuracy in implant placement, protects soft tissues, and achieves better balancing, while also allowing the potential to be more bone conserving. Robots currently in use in orthopaedic surgery can be classified into passive or haptic semi-active surgeon-guided systems. Using a virtual model of the knee joint, the robot system guides bone cuts and facilitates precise implant placement. In addition, small changes to bone resection can be made permitting deformity correction and balancing. This is achieved on-table by dynamic referencing, which enables live objective measurement of range of movements, stability, and gap balance throughout the range of motion. Preservation of ligaments and their unnecessary releases has been shown to reduce time to recovery and allow potentially better knee kinematics. Advances in robot technology in knee arthroplasty have led to the development of a variety of systems to execute the multiple steps in this procedure including using computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, plain radiographs (image based), or image-free systems. The combination of these images and on-table registering of bony landmarks allow the creation of a 3-dimensional (3D) virtual, but accurate, model of the knee during surgery. The various systems apply sculpting tools, burrs, or cutting saws to deliver the bone cuts or allow robots to guide placement of cutting blocks to ensure accurate pre-planned bone cuts. Intraoperative adjustments to bone resections can be made using a variety of tracker systems to measure joint movement and ligament balance to correct any malalignments while performing the surgery, so compound errors in the technique are avoided. Data from comparative studies suggest improved accuracy in implant placement in patients compared to conventional knee arthroplasty. Benefits of robot assistance have been demonstrated both in total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Recent studies show a trend toward improved patient-reported outcomes and better patient satisfactions as well as earlier recoveries following robot-assisted knee arthroplasty. Early survivorship data has also shown a better survivorship with robot-assisted knee arthroplasty, although long-term survivorship data are awaited. An increase in familiarity, availability, and demand for this technology is driving innovations aimed at delivering a personalized approach to knee arthroplasty. This chapter will discuss the latest advances and look at the clinical research in relation to the robotic technological advancement comparing some of the different system approaches.

The Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement is a valuable tool in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of joint line height is an important factor in post-operative function after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This is the first study investigating the reliability of the novel Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement (IJLCM) technique for the assessment of joint line height using plain radiographs. METHODS: The reliability of two techniques used to measure joint line height on pre-operative and post-operative plain radiographs is presented. 120 patients that underwent TKA from 6 different international centres were included. Measurements were performed using each technique by two senior orthopaedic surgeons at two different timepoints (test-retest). Two undergraduate medical students performed joint line measurements using the most reproducible of the two techniques on 40 pre-operative and post-operative images to establish the reliability of the measurement technique. RESULTS: The IJLCM demonstrated an average absolute difference of 1.83mm (CI 1.56-2.10mm) and excellent inter and intra-rater reliability between senior orthopaedic surgeons (>0.92 (CI 0.88-0.94) when measuring joint line height on plain radiographs. Overall Crohnbach's alpha over 0.92 confirmed internal consistency. Measurements performed using the control technique as previously described by Figgie et al. had an average absolute difference of 5.75mm (5.17-6.32mm). Comparison of measurements by senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students using the IJLCM technique with ANOVA and student's t-test demonstrated acceptable agreement and inter-rater reliability of >0.92 (0.87-0.95). CONCLUSION: This study shows excellent accuracy, precision, and reliability of the novel IJLCM technique. Furthermore, excellent agreement between senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students when using the IJLCM could be shown. The IJLCM technique is reliable for joint line assessment.

Blood loss and transfusion risk in robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare total blood loss and the risk of receiving a blood transfusion in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) against conventional jig-based techniques. METHODS: Robotic TKA (n = 50) and UKA (n = 50) patients were matched to contemporary controls for TKA (n = 50) and UKA (n = 50) and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Robotic TKA patients experienced 23.7% less blood loss compared to conventional TKA patients (911.0 ml vs 1193.7 ml, p < 0.01), and were associated with an 83% relative risk reduction of receiving a transfusion (2% of patients vs 12%, p = 0.02). Robotic UKA patients did not demonstrate less blood loss compared to corresponding controls (821.7 ml vs 854.7 ml, p = 0.69). Both UKA groups received no transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgical systems in TKA reduces blood loss and lowers the risk of requiring a blood transfusion. In UKA, robotic-assisted arthroplasty did not reduce blood loss compared to conventional arthroplasty.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic trauma workload in a London level 1 trauma center: the "golden month".

Background and purpose - The COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized as an unprecedented global health crisis. This is the first observational study to evaluate its impact on the orthopedic workload in a London level 1 trauma center (i.e., a major trauma center [MTC]) before (2019) and during (2020) the "golden month" post-COVID-19 lockdown.Patients and methods - We performed a longitudinal observational prevalence study of both acute orthopedic trauma referrals, operative and anesthetic casemix for the first "golden" month from March 17, 2020. We compared the data with the same period in 2019. Statistical analyses included median (median absolute deviation), risk and odds ratios, as well as Fisher's exact test to calculate the statistical significance, set at p ≤ 0.05.Results - Acute trauma referrals in the post-COVID period were almost halved compared with 2019, with similar distribution between pediatric and adult patients, requiring a significant 19% more admissions (RR 1.3, OR 2.6, p = 0.003). Hip fractures and polytrauma cases accounted for an additional 11% of the modal number of injuries in 2020, but with 19% reduction in isolated limb injuries that were modal in 2019. Total operative cases fell by a third during the COVID-19 outbreak. There was a decrease of 14% (RR 0.85, OR 0.20, p = 0.006) in aerosol-generating anesthetic techniques used.Interpretation - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the number of acute trauma referrals, admissions (but increased risk and odds ratio), operations, and aerosolizing anesthetic procedures since implementing social distancing and lockdown measures during the "golden month."

The unicompartmental knee is the preferred side in individuals with both a unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine the preferred knee in patients with both one total and one unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. METHOD: Patients simply with a unicompartmental (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on contralateral sides were retrospectively screened from three senior knee surgeon's logs over a 15 year period. Patients safe and free from other diseases to affect gait were approached. A total of 16 patients (mean age 70 ± 8) agreed to ground reaction force testing on an instrumented treadmill at a fair pace and incline. A gender-ratio identical group of 16 healthy control subjects (mean age 67 ± 10) and 16 patients with ipsilateral medial knee OA (mean age 66 ± 7) were analysed to compare. RESULTS: Radiographically the mode preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence knee grade for each side was 3. Postoperatively, the TKA side had a mean coronal femoral component alignment of 7° and a mean tibial coronal alignment of 89° with a mean posterior slope of 5° in the sagittal plane. The UKA side had a mean coronal femoral component alignment of 7° and a mean tibial coronal alignment of 86° with a mean posterior slope of 4° in the sagittal plane. In 7 patients, the TKA was the first procedure, while 6 for the UKA and 3 done simultaneously. Gait analysis demonstrated in both walking conditions the UKA limb was the preferred side through all phases of loading (p < 0.05) and nearer to normal than the TKA limb when compared to healthy controls and patients with knee OA. The greatest difference was observed between the transition of weight acceptance and midstance (p = 0.008), when 22% more load was taken by the UKA side. CONCLUSION: By using a dynamic metric of an everyday activity, a distinct gait difference between differing arthroplasty types were established. A more natural loading pattern can be achieved with unicompartmentals as compared to total knees. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Evidence for robots.

Robots have been successfully used in commercial industry and have enabled humans to perform tasks which are repetitive, dangerous and requiring extreme force. Their role has evolved and now includes many aspects of surgery to improve safety and precision. Orthopaedic surgery is largely performed on bones which are rigid immobile structures which can easily be performed by robots with great precision. Robots have been designed for use in orthopaedic surgery including joint arthroplasty and spine surgery. Experimental studies have been published evaluating the role of robots in arthroscopy and trauma surgery. In this article, we will review the incorporation of robots in orthopaedic surgery looking into the evidence in their use.

Partial Resurfacing of the Knee with the BioPoly Implant: Interim Report at 2 Years.

BACKGROUND: Current treatments for focal chondral and osteochondral lesions of the femoral condyle have been associated with variable outcomes. We conducted a clinical trial of the BioPoly RS Partial Resurfacing Knee Implant to address this unmet need. METHODS: We performed a single-arm, prospective study in which 33 patients with focal cartilage lesions affecting the femoral condyle were managed with the BioPoly RS Partial Resurfacing Knee Implant. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scores, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component score , and the Tegner activity score were used to assess outcomes preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The KOOS outcomes at 2 years were compared with historical outcomes following microfracture treatment. RESULTS: We found significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the KOOS scores, VAS pain score, and SF-36 physical component score (p < 0.025) when the values at all 3 postoperative time points were compared with the preoperative scores, and we also found significant improvements when the Tegner activity score at 2 years was compared with the preoperative score (p < 0.025). More than half of the cohort of patients had had a previous failure of cartilage-repair procedures. No significant differences were detected between younger patients (≤40 years) and older patients (>40 years). When compared with historical microfracture data, the BioPoly RS Implant demonstrated significantly superior KOOS scores for quality of life and sports. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the BioPoly RS Partial Resurfacing Knee Implant is safe, that it resulted in significantly improved knee function by 6 months, and that this improvement was sustained for 2 years regardless of patient age. The BioPoly RS Knee Implant allows return to a higher level of sporting activity than microfracture. Additional long-term follow-up is needed to determine the long-term effects of the device. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Gait Analysis From a Single Ear-Worn Sensor: Reliability and Clinical Evaluation for Orthopaedic Patients.

Objective assessment of detailed gait patterns after orthopaedic surgery is important for post-surgical follow-up and rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of a single ear-worn sensor for clinical gait analysis. A reliability measure is devised for indicating the confidence level of the estimated gait events, allowing it to be used in free-walking environments and for facilitating clinical assessment of orthopaedic patients after surgery. Patient groups prior to or following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and knee replacement were recruited to assess the proposed method. The ability of the sensor for detailed longitudinal analysis is demonstrated with a group of patients after lower limb reconstruction by considering parameters such as temporal and force-related gait asymmetry derived from gait events. The results suggest that the ear-worn sensor can be used for objective gait assessments of orthopaedic patients without the requirement and expense of an elaborate laboratory setup for gait analysis. It significantly simplifies the monitoring protocol and opens the possibilities for home-based remote patient assessment.

Knee moments of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and control participants during normal and inclined walking.

OBJECTIVES: Prior injury to the knee, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, is known to predispose one to premature osteoarthritis (OA). The study sought to explore if there was a biomechanical rationale for this process by investigating changes in external knee moments between people with a history of ACL injury and uninjured participants during walking: (1) on different surface inclines and (2) at different speeds. In addition we assessed functional differences between the groups. PARTICIPANTS: 12 participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and 12 volunteers with no history of knee trauma or injury were recruited into this study. Peak knee flexion and adduction moments were assessed during flat (normal and slow speed), uphill and downhill walking using an inclined walkway with an embedded Kistler Force plate, and a ten-camera Vicon motion capture system. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used to assess function. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to examine statistical differences in gait and KOOS outcomes. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the peak knee adduction moment between ACLR and control participants, however, in further analysis, MANOVA revealed that ACLR participants with an additional meniscal tear or collateral ligament damage (7 participants) had a significantly higher adduction moment (0.33±0.12 Nm/kg m) when compared with those with isolated ACLR (5 participants, 0.1±0.057 Nm/kg m) during gait at their normal speed (p<0.05). A similar (non-significant) trend was seen during slow, uphill and downhill gait. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with an isolated ACLR had a reduced adductor moment rather an increased moment, thus questioning prior theories on OA development. In contrast, those participants who had sustained associated trauma to other key knee structures were observed to have an increased adduction moment. Additional injury concurrent with an ACL rupture may lead to a higher predisposition to osteoarthritis than isolated ACL deficiency alone.

Effectiveness of an audible reminder on hand hygiene adherence.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal interventions aim to improve health care workers' adherence to hand hygiene guidelines. Visitors are not primarily targeted, but may spread epidemic infections. Effective interventions that improve the adherence of visitors to hand hygiene guidelines are needed to prevent the transmission of epidemic infections to or from health care environments. METHODS: An electronic motion sensor-triggered audible hand hygiene reminder was installed at hospital ward entrances. An 8-month preinterventional and postinterventional study was carried out to measure the adherence of hospital visitors and staff to hand hygiene guidelines. RESULTS: Overall hand hygiene adherence increased from 7.6% to 49.9% (P < .001). The adherence of visitors and nonclinical staff increased immediately from 10.6% to 63.7% and from 5.3% to 34.8%, respectively (P < .001). Adherence of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists increased gradually from 4.5% to 38.3%, from 5.4% to 43.4%, and from 8.7% to 49.5%, respectively (P < .001). Improved adherence was sustained among visitors and clinical staff (P < .001), but not among nonclinical staff (P = .341). CONCLUSIONS: The electronic motion sensor-triggered audible reminder immediately and significantly improved and sustained greater adherence of hospital visitors and clinical staff to hand hygiene guidelines. This is an effective addition to multimodal hand hygiene interventions and may help control epidemic infections.