Complications in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty, is it a safe procedure?

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding various aspects of simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement (SBTKR). We found disparity in the postoperative outcomes and complications associated with the procedure in the literature linked with the topic. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the need for blood transfusion after surgery and complications associated with total knee replacement according to the type of procedure (SBTKR or unilateral). METHODS: Retrospective cohort analytical study. We included 251 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis that were divided into two groups. 124 (49%) who underwent SBTKR and 127 upon whom unilateral total knee replacement (UTKR) was performed. Demographic data, days of hospitalization, complications within the first 90 days after surgery (thromboembolic events, superficial and deep infection, stiffness, death); and percentages of patients transfused with blood products during hospitalization were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the analysis of postoperative complications in the first 90 days after surgery. In the SBTKR group, 8 patients (6.5%) presented some thromboembolic complication during the postoperative period, while this event was observed in only 2 patients (1.5%) from the other group. The analysis showed a statistically significant drop in postoperative hemoglobin, on average that of 0.8 â€‹g/dl, in the SBTKR patient group compared to the UTKR group (95% CI 0.44-1.13; p â€‹< â€‹0.001). A higher proportion of patients who required transfusion were observed in the SBTKR group (40%) (OR â€‹= â€‹7.12; 95% CI 3.3-16; p â€‹< â€‹0.001). We analyzed the cause of postoperative transfusion in the patients who required transfusion taking into account two parameters: hemoglobin less than 8 â€‹g/dl and the clinical needs of the patients (symptoms of hypotension, decay, difficulty to rehabilitate without pain, dyspnea). 59 patients received transfusion (50 in the SBTKR group and 9 in the other group). Of these, 19 patients (32.2%) did not meet any transfusion criteria. CONCLUSION: We consider SBTKR a safe procedure, which does not increase postoperative complications compared to UTKR. Although there is an increase in blood loss in SBTKR, it does not generate clinical symptoms of relevance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Total knee replacement in octogenarians, Is age a determining factor in predicting complications? a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Given the increase in life expectancy in the general population of our country, there is an exponential increase since the last decades of functional older adults who undergo total knee replacement (TKR). There is a direct relationship between the increase in age and the prevalence of both functional and cognitive disabling chronic diseases, however, little we know about whether age is an independent factor in predicting worse functional outcomes and readmissions after TKR. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical-functional results and unplanned readmissions within the first 90 postoperative days in patients older than 80 years compared with a control group of patients younger than 80 years. METHODS: From our institutional patient database, 450 patients who underwent TKR between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had the medical assurance of Hospital Italiano (Plan de Salud), for which none of these was lost on the follow-up nor were treated in another hospital. Patients were divided in two groups: Group A with 186 patients over 80 years and a control group B with 264 patients between 70 and 80 years. The fragility of these was defined according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Simple Frail Score. Comorbidities were divided in eight groups to define which were the most influential in the final results. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in terms of unplanned readmissions, pain or in functional scores within 90 days between both groups. There was a significant difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay in favor of group A (A: 2.56 SD + - 0.76, B: 4.08 SD = - 2.23; p = 0.00001). The Charlson score was higher in the group of patients older than 80 years (p = 0.02) as well as the Simple Frail Score (p = 0.004). The ASA score did not show significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: Age as an independent factor proved not to be a predictor by itself of unplanned readmissions or worse clinical-functional results in a period of 90 postoperative days between both groups. We believe that the preoperative evaluation of octogenarian patients should be multidisciplinary, with special attention to the identification of comorbidities that can influence the fragility of a patient and the optimization of the pathology.

¿Es seguro el ácido tranexámico en la cirugía de reemplazo total de rodilla de pacientes con enfermedad coronaria? / Is tranexamic acid safe in total knee replacement surgery in patients with coronary artery disease?

Introducción: El ácido tranexámico reduce la pérdida sanguínea y los requerimientos de transfusiones luego de un reemplazo total de rodilla. Una de sus contraindicaciones relativas son los antecedentes de colocación de prótesis intravasculares coronarias, por un supuesto aumento de eventos tromboembólicos. materiales y métodos:Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a un reemplazo total de rodilla primario y de revisión que recibieron ácido tranexámico y tenían antecedente de colocación de prótesis intravascular coronaria. Se los comparó con un grupo sin estas prótesis. Se analizó la presencia de cualquier cambio clínico o electrocardiográfico de oclusión coronaria aguda, eventos tromboembólicos, el requerimiento de transfusión sanguínea y el nivel de hemoglobina pre y posoperatorio. Resultados: 57 pacientes (59 cirugías, 56 reemplazos primarios y 3 revisiones) con colocación de prótesis intravascular coronaria, al menos, un año antes de la artroplastia. Un paciente tuvo síntomas de síndrome coronario agudo y cambios en el electrocardiograma. No hubo diferencias en la cantidad de eventos tromboembólicos. Solo un paciente del grupo de control recibió una transfusión de glóbulos rojos. El sangrado relativo fue menor en el grupo coronario independientemente del uso crónico de aspirina y clopidogrel antes de la cirugía (2,09 vs. 3,06 grupo de control; p = 0,01). En pacientes del alto riesgo, el ácido tranexámico no se asoció con más eventos tromboembólicos. Conclusiones: El ácido tranexámico impresionó ser seguro y efectivo en nuestro grupo de pacientes con prótesis intravasculares coronarias; sin embargo, se necesita un estudio prospectivo con más casos para confirmar estos resultados. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and need for a transfusion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, patients with a history of coronary artery (CA) stent placement might be at increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a history of coronary stenting who had undergone primary and revision TKA and received preoperative TXA. A comparison was made with a group of patients without coronary stenting. The presence of any clinical or electrocardiographic changes of acute coronary occlusion, thromboembolic events (TEE), blood transfusion, and pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels were analyzed. Results: 57 patients underwent 59 TKA surgeries (56 primary and 3 revisions) with a history of coronary stenting at least 1 year before arthroplasty. One patient presented symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. There were no differences in the number of thromboembolic events. Only 1 patient received red blood cell transfusion in the control group. Relative bleeding was lower in the coronary group regardless of chronic use of aspirin and clopidogrel before surgery (2.09 vs 3.06 in the control group; p=0.01). In high-risk patients, TXA was not associated with higher TEEs. Conclusions: Although TXA seemed safe and effective in this database review of patients with previous placement of CAS; a larger prospective trial is warranted to confirm these results. Level of Evidence: IV

Reemplazo total de rodilla asistido por el robot ROSA / ROSA Robotic-assisted total knee replacement

El reemplazo total de rodilla es un procedimiento con excelentes resultados, siempre y cuando se alcancen los objetivos de alineación y balance ligamentario. El confort y el bienestar posoperatorios se logran mediante un implante adecuado para cada paciente y el correcto posicionamiento de la prótesis. El sistema robótico ROSA utiliza información recolectada antes de la cirugía y durante esta, y le otorga al cirujano las herramientas necesarias para reproducir la anatomía específica de cada paciente. De esta manera, se logran implantes personalizados basados en los reparos anatómicos de cada individuo y en una planificación a partir de datos biométricos concretos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Total knee replacement is a procedure with excellent outcomes as long as the objectives of alignment and ligament balance are met. Postoperative comfort and well-being are achieved through a suitable implant for each patient and the correct positioning of the prosthesis. The ROSA robotic system uses information collected before and during surgery, and provides the surgeon with the necessary tools to reproduce the specific anatomy of each patient. In this way, personalized implants are achieved based on the anatomical landmarks of each individual and planning based on specific biometric data. Level of evidence: IV

Uso de conos de metal trabecular para defectos óseos severos en cirugía de revisión de reemplazo total de rodilla / The use of trabecular metal cones for the management of severe bone defects in revision total knee replacement

Introducción: Las alternativas reconstructivas para defectos óseos severos en la cirugía de revisión de prótesis son las camisas metafisarias, los conos de metal trabecular y el injerto óseo impactado o estructural. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la tasa de osteointegración de los conos de metal trabecular en pacientes con cirugía de revisión de prótesis total de rodilla. El objetivo secundario fue analizar los resultados funcionales, las tasas de complicaciones y reoperaciones. Materiales y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con conos de metal trabecular colocados en la cirugía de revisión de prótesis y un seguimiento mínimo de 2 años. Se evaluaron las causas de la revisión, cirugías previas, tipo de defecto óseo, cantidad y tipo de conos utilizados, y los diseños de las prótesis. Se realizó una evaluación clínico-radiográfica, se registraron las complicaciones y las revisiones ulteriores. Resultados: Se evaluó a 35 pacientes (49 conos de metal trabecular) en forma retrospectiva, con un seguimiento promedio de 32.1 meses. La mayoría de los defectos eran tibiales AORI 3, seguidos de los femorales tipo 3. La tasa de osteointegración de los conos fue del 94%; la de complicaciones, del 20% y la de reoperaciones, del 8,5%. El KSS objetivo promedio aumentó de 39 en el preoperatorio a 71 en el último control y el puntaje de la EAV promedio fue 8 y 2,5, respectivamente. Conclusión: La excelente tasa de osteointegración (94%) y los buenos resultados clínicos posicionan a los conos de metal trabecular como una alternativa para los defectos óseos severos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Major bone defects represent a challenge during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and there is still considerable debate about the best therapeutic option. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the osseointegration rate of trabecular metal cones in revision TKA with severe bone defects. The secondary purpose was to evaluate the functional outcomes and complication and reoperation rates. Materials and Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort including all consecutive cases of revision TKA using trabecular metal cones. All patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in the study. Reasons for revision, number of previous surgeries, type of bone defect, and number and type of trabecular cones used were evaluated. Clinical and radiological outcomes were also analyzed as well as complications rates. Results: 35 patients (49 cones) were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 32.1 months (24-62). Most defects were localized in the tibia and were classified as AORI type 3. The rate of osseointegration of the cones was 94%; the complication rate, 20%; and the reoperation rate, 8.5%. The mean KSS increased from 39 preoperatively to 71 at the last follow-up, and the mean VAS from 8 to 2.5. Conclusion: The excellent osseointegration rate (94%), added to the good clinical outcomes, position the trabecular metal cones as an alternative to treat severe bone defects. Level of Evidence: IV

Comparación de los espaciadores articulados vs. fijos en la revisión de la infección periprotésica de rodilla / Comparison between articulating vs. fixed spacers in revision for periprosthetic knee infection

Introducción: Los espaciadores de cemento con antibiótico pueden ser fijos o articulados y se logra un resultado similar con ambos para erradicar una infección. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar el rango de movilidad articular y los resultados funcionales después del reimplante. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a una revisión de la prótesis de rodilla por infección, en dos tiempos quirúrgicos. Se analizó la funcionalidad según el Knee Society Score (KSS) al año de la cirugía y se registró el rango de movilidad a los 45 días. Se registraron el grado de defecto óseo, dolor, satisfacción, las complicaciones y la recidiva de la infección. Resultados:Se incluyeron 103 pacientes (40 con espaciador articulado, 63 con espaciador fijo). El grupo con espaciador articulado tuvo una mediana 2,5° mayor en la movilidad final (102,5; RIC 95-110 vs. 100; RIC 90-105, p 0,01). Según el KSS funcional y el KSS de rodilla, no hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias en el grado de satisfacción, dolor y el tiempo hasta el reimplante. Las complicaciones fueron similares en ambos grupos, con una tasa de reinfección sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Conclusión: Los espaciadores articulados proporcionaron un beneficio en el rango de movilidad después del reimplante de la prótesis. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: Cement spacers with antibiotics can be fixed or articulating, with similar results in eradicating infection. Our objective was to compare joint range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes after reimplantation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone a knee prosthetic revision due to infection in two surgical stages. Functionality was analyzed according to the Knee Society Score (KSS) one year after surgery and ROM was recorded 45 days after surgery. Bone defect, pain, satisfaction, complications, and recurrence of infection were recorded. Results:A total of 103 patients were included. 40 with articulating spacers and 63 with fixed spacers. The articulating spacer group presents a median of 2.5 degrees greater in final mobility (102.5 IQR 95-110 vs 100 IQR 90-105, p 0.01). The KSS functional scale and KSS of the knee did not show differences between two groups. There were no differences concerning satisfaction, pain, and time until reimplantation. Complications were similar in both groups, with a reinfection rate without statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Articulating spacers have shown a benefit in ROM after prosthetic reimplantation. Level of Evidence: III

Reemplazo total de rodilla en pacientes con anquilosis. Reporte de tres casos y revisión bibliográfica / Total knee replacement in patients with ankylosis. Report of three cases and literature review

Introducción: El reemplazo total de rodilla en pacientes con anquilosis representa un desafío para el cirujano, tanto por la alta demanda técnica de la cirugía como por la elevada tasa de complicaciones comunicada. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar tres pacientes con anquilosis tratados con un reemplazo total de rodilla y una revisión bibliográfica actualizada. materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron las distintas etiologías, la movilidad preoperatoria, la técnica quirúrgica y el tipo de implante utilizado en cada caso. En el seguimiento, se evaluaron la tasa de complicaciones, el rango de movilidad y la supervivencia del implante. Por último, se realizó una revisión actualizada de la bibliografía. Resultados: Dos pacientes tenían artritis reumatoide juvenil y uno, una secuela de osteomielitis crónica de rodilla. Los pacientes no tenían movilidad articular y sufrían un severo compromiso para realizar las actividades de la vida cotidiana. En los tres pacientes, se efectuó un abordaje pararrotuliano medial seguido de una amplia liberación de partes blandas. En dos casos, se utilizaron prótesis primarias con vástagos y, en el restante, una prótesis de bisagra rotacional. El rango de movilidad alcanzado fue de 90° en promedio y los pacientes refirieron una tasa alta de satisfacción. No se registraron complicaciones. Conclusiones: El reemplazo total de rodilla en pacientes con anquilosis es una opción terapéutica por considerar, y tiene un impacto beneficioso en la calidad de vida. Por la complejidad que representa debe afrontarse como una cirugía de revisión, con una detenida planificación preoperatoria. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Performing a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) in patients with ankylosed knees is technically demanding and associated with considerable complications. The purpose of this study is to report three cases of patients with ankylosed knees treated with TKR and present an updated literature review. Materials and methods: We evaluated etiologies, preoperative range of motion, surgical technique and type of implant utilized in each case. Complications and postoperative range of motion were also analyzed. Radiographs were used to evaluate loosening or osteolysis. Lastly, we performed an updated literature review. Results: The etiologies were juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in two cases and chronic osteomyelitis in one. The patients did not have range of motion at all and the ability to perform daily life activities was severely affected. A medial parapatellar approach was used in all cases followed by an extensive soft tissue release. A primary posterior-stabilized design was used in two cases and a rotating-hinge in one case. The mean postoperative range of motion was 90° and all three patients reported a high satisfaction rate. No complications were reported. Conclusions: TKR in patients with ankylosed knees has substantially improved the clinical outcome and the arc of movement. Due to its complexity, it must be approached as a revision surgery, with careful preoperative planning. Level of Evidence: IV

Traumatic Avulsion of Gluteus Tendons Associated With Posterior Fracture-dislocation of the Femoral Head: A Case Report.

CASE: We report the case of a patient who suffered traumatic avulsion of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons associated with posterior fracture-dislocation of the femoral head. The patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation, followed by gluteus tenodesis with intraosseous anchors. CONCLUSION: Although in isolation, gluteus medius or gluteus minimus tendons tear, hip dislocation, and head fractures are relatively common injuries; the concurrence of these lesions is noteworthy for its rarity. This patient had an uneventful postoperative evolution, with a complete functional recovery, healing of the femoral head fracture and the tendons, and absence of signs of avascular necrosis.

Complementary Saphenous Nerve Block to Intra-Articular Analgesia Reduces Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous strategies exist for pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with a fast recovery and early ambulation required for full function. Currently, there is no universal standard of care to facilitate this management. We assessed pain management safety and efficacy after TKA, using intra-articular infiltration associated with peripheral saphenous nerve block (SNB) vs intra-articular infiltration alone. METHODS: We performed a controlled, double-blinded, and randomized trial to evaluate postoperative pain in TKA. One group was treated with intra-articular analgesia associated with SNB, whereas a second group received the same intra-articular cocktail, associated with placebo. Efficacy was evaluated according to average pain, pain-free time, and morphine rescue indices. Safety was assessed by intervention complications and surgery. RESULTS: About 70 patients were recruited. At time 0 (immediately postoperative), 51.43% of the intra-articular analgesia + placebo group presented pain <3, whereas in the intra-articular analgesia + SNB group, 8.82% (P = .001) presented with pain. This difference was maintained at 6, 12, and 24 hours, postoperatively. After 24 hours, the placebo group received an average 0.66 morphine rescues (standard deviation, 0.86), when compared with the SNB group that received 0.14 rescues (standard deviation, 0.43), (P = .002). We recorded a paresis of the external popliteal sciatic nerve, with spontaneous recovery without other complications. CONCLUSION: Complementary SNB to intra-articular analgesia was more effective in reducing average pain and the amount of pain-free time in the first 24 hours after TKA, with fewer requests for morphine rescue analgesia.

Unusual Listeria monocytogenes hematogenous infection in total knee replacement treated with one-stage revision surgery.

Septic arthritis due to Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is extremely rare and most infections due to this organism are seen in immunocompromised patients. We describe a patient without immunological compromise, with a late total knee arthroplasty infection caused by LM treated with one-stage revision surgery. She had an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (79 mm/h) and C-reactive protein (13 mg/dL). Aspiration of the knee joint yielded purulent fluid; cultures showed LM. The patient was given 6 weeks of intravenous ampicillin, followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and finally amoxicillin orally for 7 months. Two years after revision surgery, radiographs showed no evidence of implant loosening. This is a single case and although one-stage approach seemed to have worked, it should not be recommended on the basis of a single report.

Soft-Tissue Expansion beforeTotal Knee Arthroplasty:A Report of Two Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Wound complications are a feared complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, it is important to avoid underestimation in the pre-operative planning as it may lead to catastrophic TKA failure. Soft-tissue expansion (STE) has been indicated when insufficient or inadequate soft-tissue coverage is present before TKA as an alternative to optimize soft-tissue management. CASE REPORT: We report two cases in which we performed, previous to TKA, a prophylactic skin expansion around the knee. CONCLUSION: STE technique to expand the available tissue for closure and healing after TKA is a valuable tool in the treatment arsenal, which can be implemented by orthopedic surgeons.

Reconstrucción artroscópica de lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior con técnica doble banda: evaluación clínica y artrométrica a los 2 años / ACL arthroscopic reconstruction with double-bundle technique: clinical and arthrometric assessment at 2 years

Propósito: evaluar los resultados de las reconstrucciones artroscópicas de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) con técnica doble banda utilizando injerto de semitendinoso y recto interno autólogo. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 17 pacientes con reconstrucción artroscópica del LCA con técnica de doble banda, operados de forma consecutiva, con un promedio de edad de 26 años (19-48). El seguimiento promedio fue de 24 meses. Todos fueron evaluados en forma personal por un examinador. Se evaluaron clínicamente con los métodos del International Knee Documentation Committe (IKDC), con la evaluación subjetiva de Lysholm y con el score de Wegner, y con las artrometrías por el método del KT-1000. Se evaluaron por RMN la homogeneidad de la señal e integridad de las bandas. Resultados: A los 2 años pop, según el IKDC, el 7 por ciento de los pacientes consideró su rodilla como normal, el 86 por ciento cercano a lo normal y 7 por ciento restante anormal, en comparación con un IKDC preoperatorio en el cual el 71 por ciento presentaba una rodilla anormal y el 29 por ciento severamente anormal. El método de Lysholm registró un promedio de 94 puntos. Al examen, el Pivot Shift fue negativo en el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. Con el KT-1000 con fuerza de 20 libras el 67 por ciento de los pacientes tuvieron un desplazamiento menor de 3 mm. Las RMN mostraron una mayor homogeneidad e hipointensidad de la banda posteromedial. De los 17 pacientes estudiados, 14 pudieron regresar a su actividad deportiva previa. De la serie, 2 pacientes, presentaron ruptura del neoligamento y no se incluyeron en el análisis. Conclusión: Basándonos en nuestros hallazgos, la reconstrucción de LCA con doble banda permite una recuperación funcional comparable a los resultados publicados con la reconstrucción con banda única con el agregado de una mayor complejidad técnica.

Reconstrucción artroscópica de lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior con técnica doble banda: evaluación clínica y artrométrica a los 2 años / ACL arthroscopic reconstruction with double-bundle technique: clinical and arthrometric assessment at 2 years

Propósito: evaluar los resultados de las reconstrucciones artroscópicas de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) con técnica doble banda utilizando injerto de semitendinoso y recto interno autólogo. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 17 pacientes con reconstrucción artroscópica del LCA con técnica de doble banda, operados de forma consecutiva, con un promedio de edad de 26 años (19-48). El seguimiento promedio fue de 24 meses. Todos fueron evaluados en forma personal por un examinador. Se evaluaron clínicamente con los métodos del International Knee Documentation Committe (IKDC), con la evaluación subjetiva de Lysholm y con el score de Wegner, y con las artrometrías por el método del KT-1000. Se evaluaron por RMN la homogeneidad de la señal e integridad de las bandas. Resultados: A los 2 años pop, según el IKDC, el 7 por ciento de los pacientes consideró su rodilla como normal, el 86 por ciento cercano a lo normal y 7 por ciento restante anormal, en comparación con un IKDC preoperatorio en el cual el 71 por ciento presentaba una rodilla anormal y el 29 por ciento severamente anormal. El método de Lysholm registró un promedio de 94 puntos. Al examen, el Pivot Shift fue negativo en el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. Con el KT-1000 con fuerza de 20 libras el 67 por ciento de los pacientes tuvieron un desplazamiento menor de 3 mm. Las RMN mostraron una mayor homogeneidad e hipointensidad de la banda posteromedial. De los 17 pacientes estudiados, 14 pudieron regresar a su actividad deportiva previa. De la serie, 2 pacientes, presentaron ruptura del neoligamento y no se incluyeron en el análisis. Conclusión: Basándonos en nuestros hallazgos, la reconstrucción de LCA con doble banda permite una recuperación funcional comparable a los resultados publicados con la reconstrucción con banda única con el agregado de una mayor complejidad técnica.(AU)