Distal femoral replacement for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures around a total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

Background: Periprosthetic fracture is a rare complication of arthroplasty but can have devastating consequences for the patient and presents a complex surgical challenge. Locking compression plate and retrograde intramedullary nail are both widely accepted surgical fixation techniques for distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty. Although there is still a need for further high-quality research into both techniques, there is even less literature concerning the use of distal femoral replacement to treat distal femoral periprosthetic fractures. Interest has been piqued in distal femoral replacements for the treatment of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures due to the theoretical advantages of immediate post-operative weight-bearing and lack of dependence on fracture union, but there are still understandably reservations about performing such an extensive and invasive procedure when an accepted alternative is available. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current literature to compare the complication rates and return to pre-operative ambulatory status of distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate. Method: A literature search was performed to identify articles related to the management of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Articles were reviewed, and data extracted for analysis. Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 345 periprosthetic fractures. The overall rates of complications for distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate were: re-operation (6.1% vs 12.1%), infection (3.0% vs 5.3%), mortality (19.7% vs 19.3%), and return to pre-operative ambulatory status (60.9% vs 71.8%) (respectively). Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows no statistically significant difference in the rates of re-operation, infection, mortality or return to pre-operative ambulatory status when comparing distal femoral replacement to locking compression plate.

The third compartment of the knee: an update from diagnosis to treatment.

The anterior part (third space) of the knee appears important in the soft tissue functional outcome following knee replacement surgery. Native patellofemoral kinematics are complex and variable, and further understanding has led to prosthetic redesign. Attention to soft tissue tension anteriorly (balancing the third space) during knee replacement may maximise post-operative function and avoid issues with understuffing and overstuffing. Patellofemoral compression forces may now be measured dynamically during knee replacement, allowing an objective approach to balancing the third space.

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is successful in the management of acutely infected unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Infections are rare and poorly studied complications of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgery. They are significantly less common compared to infections after total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Optimal management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after a UKA is not clearly defined in the literature. This article presents the results of the largest multicentre clinical study of UKA PJIs treated with Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, patients presenting between January 2016 and December 2019 with early UKA infection were identified at three specialist centres using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. All patients underwent a standardized treatment protocol consisting of the DAIR procedure and antibiotic therapy comprising two weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics followed by six weeks of oral therapy. The main outcome measure was overall survivorship free from reoperation for infection. RESULTS: A total of 3225 UKAs (2793 (86.2%) medial and 432 (13.8%) lateral UKAs) were performed between January 2016 and December 2019. Nineteen patients had early infections necessitating DAIR. The mean follow-up period was 32.5 months. DAIR showed an overall survivorship free from septic reoperation of 84.2%, with overall survivorship free from all-cause reoperation of 78.95%.The most common bacteria were Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococci. Three patients required a second DAIR procedure but remained free from re-infection at follow-up obviating the need for more demanding, staged revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In infected UKAs, the DAIR procedure produces a high rate of success, with a high survivorship of the implant.Key messagesDebridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) is a successful and minimally invasive surgical option for the management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after UKA.The surface area available for bacteria to colonise is much smaller in UKAs compared to total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), and this may account for the higher success rates of the DAIR procedure in infected UKAs versus infected TKAs.A second DAIR procedure can be considered in the management of the early recurrence of PJIs with a well-fixed UKA.

Similar rate of return to sports activity between posterior-stabilised and cruciate-retaining primary total knee arthroplasty in young and active patient.

PURPOSE: Cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilised implant designs are available for primary total knee arthroplasty. However, whether the implant design is associated with a difference in the level of activity still remains unclear. This clinical trial compared posterior-stabilised and cruciate-retaining implants in sport-related patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, rate of return to sport, and weekly time dedicated to sport in active adults. It was also hypothesised that in young and active patients both implants lead to a similar rate of return to sport in terms of hours per week, type of sport, and joint mobility. METHODS: All patients were evaluated preoperatively and for a minimum of 36 months follow-up. The University of California Los Angeles activity scores, High-Activity Arthroplasty Score, and Visual Analogue Scale were administered preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The range of motion was investigated at admission and the last follow-up. Data concerning the hours per week dedicated to sports and the type of sport practiced were also collected at admission and at the last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier Curve was performed to compare implant survivorship. RESULTS: Data from 227 procedures (cruciate-retaining: 109, posterior-stabilised: 118) were prospectively collected. At the last follow-up, no difference was reported in The University of California Los Angeles activity scores (p = 0.6), High-Activity Arthroplasty Score (p = 0.1), Visual Analogue Scale (p = 0.9), flexion (p = 0.7) and extension (p = 0.4). No difference was found in the rate of return (p = 0.1) and weekly hours dedicated to sport (p = 0.3). The Kaplan-Meier curve evidenced no statistically significant difference in implant survivorship (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: At approximately five years of follow-up, no difference was reported between cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilised implants in active adults in sport-related patient-reported outcomes measures, range of motion, pain, weekly time dedicated to sport, rate of return to sport, and implant survivorship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective study.

Management of instability after primary total knee arthroplasty: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Instability is one of the most common reasons for revision after a total knee replacement. It accounts for 17.4% of all single-stage revision procedures performed in the UK National Joint Registry. Through a careful patient evaluation, physical assessment and review of investigations one can identify the likely type of instability. AIMS: To critically examine the different types of instability, their presentation and evidence-based management options. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify articles relevant to the aetiology and management of instability in total knee replacements. RESULTS: Instability should be categorised as isolated or global and then, as flexion, mid-flexion, extension or recurvatum types. By identifying the aetiology of instability one can correctly restore balance and stability. CONCLUSION: With careful judgement and meticulous surgical planning, instability can be addressed and revision surgery can provide patients with successful outcomes.

Supracondylar humerus fractures in children: a comparison of experiences.

The most common elbow lesions found in pediatric practice are supracondylar fractures. We compared two groups of 34 patients each with a supracondylar humerus fracture grade III (Gartland classification). The first group was treated with percutaneous pinning with Kirschner wires, with patients in a supine position, sometimes preceded by transkeletal traction. The second group was treated with percutaneous pinning with Kirschner wires, with patients in a prone position, within 6 h of the trauma. No statistically significant differences with regard to clinical outcomes and neurovascular complications were revealed in the comparison. Therefore, we can state that both treatment techniques used are valid.