A Randomized Trial of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Versus Alternative Forms of Surgical Cartilage Management in Patients With a Failed Primary Treatment for Chondral or Osteochondral Defects in the Knee.

BACKGROUND: There are limited randomized controlled trials with long-term outcomes comparing autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) versus alternative forms of surgical cartilage management within the knee. PURPOSE: To determine at 5 years after surgery whether ACI was superior to alternative forms of cartilage management in patients after a failed previous treatment for chondral or osteochondral defects in the knee. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: In total, 390 participants were randomly assigned to receive either ACI or alternative management. Patients aged 18 to 55 years with one or two symptomatic cartilage defects who had failed 1 previous therapeutic surgical procedure in excess of 6 months prior were included. Dual primary outcome measures were used: (1) patient-completed Lysholm knee score and (2) time from surgery to cessation of treatment benefit. Secondary outcome measures included International Knee Documentation Committee and Cincinnati Knee Rating System scores, as well as number of serious adverse events. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Lysholm scores were improved by 1 year in both groups (15.4 points [95% CI, 11.9 to 18.8] and 15.2 points [95% CI, 11.6 to 18.9]) for ACI and alternative, with this improvement sustained over the duration of the trial. However, no evidence of a difference was found between the groups at 5 years (2.9 points; 95% CI, -1.8 to 7.5; P = .46). Approximately half of the participants (55%; 95% CI, 47% to 64% with ACI) were still experiencing benefit at 5 years, with time to cessation of treatment benefit similar in both groups (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.32; P > .99). There was a differential effect on Lysholm scores in patients without previous marrow stimulation compared with those with marrow stimulation (P = .03; 6.4 points in favor of ACI; 95% CI, -0.4 to 13.1). More participants experienced a serious adverse event with ACI (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Over 5 years, there was no evidence of a difference in Lysholm scores between ACI and alternative management in patients who had previously failed treatment. Previous marrow stimulation had a detrimental effect on the outcome of ACI. REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: 48911177.

A Soft- Tissue Injury Diagnosis in Knee Replacement Patients cannot be made without a Plain Radiograph.

INTRODUCTION: The design of some knee replacements includes the use of a mobile polyethylene bearing which can potentially dislocate away from the main bearing surfaces. This is particularly the case in unicompartmental or partial knee replacements (UKRs), and the most widely used UKR currently has this feature. Bearing dislocations are typically very painful and disabling, but not always, as in the case we present. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient presenting at a 1 -year follow- up following a mobile bearing UKR. At this consultation, the patient reported a smooth initial recovery but with on-going pain and swelling in the posterior aspect of his knee for 3 months, diagnosed as a soft- tissue strain. RESULTS: Radiographs at 1 year follow-up appointment showed that the polyethylene insert was dislocated posteriorly towards the popliteal fossa with metal components in direct contact. At revision surgery, this was confirmed as a chronic dislocation with severe metallosis requiring revision to a total knee replacement. CONCLUSION: We report a case of a posterior dislocation of a mobile polyethylene bearing of a partial / unicompartmental knee replacement UKR with delayed definitive treatment due to mis-diagnosis at the time of onset of symptoms and signs. The key lesson is that plain radiographs should be obtained promptly for any local issue in knee replacement patients.

Patient care modifications and hospital regulations during the COVID-19 crisis created inequality and functional hazard for patients with orthopaedic trauma.

PURPOSE: The COVID pandemic has decreased orthopaedic fracture operative intervention and follow-up and increased the use of virtual telemedicine clinics. We assessed the implications of this management on future orthopaedic practice. We also surveyed patient satisfaction of our virtual fracture follow-up clinics. METHOD: We prospectively analysed 154 patients during two weeks of 'lockdown' assessing their management. We surveyed 100 virtual fracture clinic follow-up patients for satisfaction, time off work and travel. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent of patients had decisions affected by COVID. Twelve percent of patients were discharged at diagnosis having potentially unstable fractures. These were all upper limb fractures which may go onto mal-union. Twenty-nine percent of patients were discharged who would have normally had clinal or radiological follow-up. No patients had any long-term union follow-up. Virtual telemedicine clinics have been incredibly successful. The average satisfaction was 4.8/5. In only 6% of cases, the clinician felt a further face-to-face evaluation was required. Eighty-nine percent of patients would have chosen virtual follow-up under normal conditions. CONCLUSION: Lessons for the future include potentially large numbers of upper limb mal-unions which may be symptomatic. The non-union rate is likely to be the same, but these patients are unknown due to lack of late imaging. Telemedicine certainly has a role in future orthopaedic management as it is well tolerated and efficient and provides economic and environmental benefits to both clinicians and patients.

Beware of the hot swollen calf following knee replacement surgery: it might not be a deep vein thrombosis.

We report the case of a 77-year-old woman who presented with a 10-day history of increasing swelling and erythema of her right calf and popliteal areas 12 years after bilateral total knee replacements. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis or possible deep sepsis as a result of the knee replacement were the initial differential diagnoses. Due to clinical deterioration, exploration and radical debridement were performed and a 1.5 L collection of pus was identified through a small posteromedial proximal tibial bone defect adjacent to the tibial component, extending between gastrocnemius, soleus and into the distal calf. The procedure was extended to a first stage revision (complete implant and cement removal). Although leg swelling is common in joint infections secondary to knee swelling as a result of the inflammation, synovitis and/or knee effusion response, this case highlights the need to consider additional pathology such as deep abscess formation or DVT in these types of presentations.

Knee arthroplasty with a medial rotating total knee replacement. Midterm clinical findings: a district general experience of 38 cases.

BACKGROUND: The Medial Rotating Knee replacement (MRK) was first used in 1994, reporting high rates of satisfaction. It is designed to replicate natural knee kinematics and improve stability and function. There are limited studies on the mid-term clinical outcomes, in particular in a district general hospital (DGH) environment. This is the first study that we are aware of that evaluates the learning curve of the implementation of this knee system in this environment. PATIENTS/METHOD: Between 2007 and 2009 we performed 38 consecutive MRK replacements (MAT ORTHO, UK) in 36 patients. The mean follow-up was four years. Patients were evaluated clinically, using OKS and patient questionnaire and radiographically (good/acceptable/poor) to assess outcome. RESULTS: Mean age was 73.0 years. Mean pre-operative OKS was 17.7 (range 8-29), which rose to 38.1 (range 23-48) at latest follow up (p<0.005). Overall 71% of the patients were either satisfied (29%) or very satisfied (42%). 81% felt an improvement of the ability to go up or down stairs and 92% felt stable. All poor radiographic and the majority of acceptable outcomes were experienced in the first 50% of cases. CONCLUSION: The MRK can be successfully implanted in a DGH environment. It improves pain and function comparably to standard TKRs, however, subjective improvement may be higher. Radiographic evaluation shows an acceptable learning curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV case series.

5-Year cost/benefit analysis of revision of failed unicompartmental knee replacements (UKRs); not "just" a primary total knee replacement (TKR).

BACKGROUND: A number of studies suggest that one advantage of a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is ease of revision to a total knee replacement (TKR). We aimed to perform a cost/benefit analysis of patients undergoing this procedure at our centre to evaluate its economic viability. METHODS: From our own prospective joint replacement database we identified 812 consecutive tibio-femoral UKRs performed (1994-2007) of which 23 were revised to TKR (2005-2008). These were then matched to a cohort of primary TKRs (42 patients). Data were collected regarding patient demographics, cost of surgery, clinical outcome (OKS) and follow-up costs at five years. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in implant costs or in length of stay, however tourniquet time was significantly higher in the revision group (average 93 min (UKR) vs 75 min (TKR) p<0.0001). At five years there was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the revision UKR and primary TKR groups, mean OKS 27 and 32 respectively (p=0.20). The revision group had a greater complication and revision rate, attending significantly more follow-up appointments (average 6 (UKR) vs 2 (TKR) p<0.0001) and consultant appointments (average 4 (UKR) vs 0.4 (TKR) p<0.0001). This was translated to significantly higher follow-up costs. CONCLUSION: Revision of UKR to TKR is not universally a straightforward procedure comparable to a standard primary replacement. Despite cost of components not being significantly higher than primary TKR there are multiple hidden follow-up costs. The clinical outcomes are however similar at 5 years.

Non-traumatic compartment syndrome secondary to deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulation.

We describe an unusual case of non-traumatic compartment syndrome in three compartments of the left lower limb in a 57-year-old male inpatient. He had recently been started on anticoagulation therapy for multiple pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis of the left posterior tibial and peroneal veins. Three of the four osteofascial compartments had pressures above 70 mm Hg, hence four compartment fasciotomies were performed. Postoperatively, intravenous heparin therapy was started resulting in a significant blood loss, but he had no neurovascular deficit. At reoperation, for primary wound closure, his tissues looked healthy. Non-traumatic causes of acute compartment syndrome, including deep venous thrombosis and anticoagulation, are considered.

Bilateral simultaneous traumatic upper arm compartment syndromes associated with anabolic steroids.

BACKGROUND: Acute compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency, is defined as increased pressure in an osseofascial space. The resulting reduction of capillary perfusion to that compartment requires prompt fasciotomy. Treatment delay has a poor prognosis, and is associated with muscle and nerve ischemia, resultant infarction, and late-onset contractures. OBJECTIVES: We report a case of traumatic bilateral upper limb acute compartment syndrome associated with anabolic steroids, requiring bilateral emergency fasciotomies. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old male bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids, with no past medical history, presented to the Emergency Department 25 min after a road traffic accident. Secondary survey confirmed injuries to both upper limbs with no distal neurovascular deficit. Plain radiographs demonstrated bilateral metaphyseal fractures of the distal humeri. Within 2 h of the accident, the patient developed clinical features that were consistent with bilateral upper arm compartment syndrome. Bilateral fasciotomies of both anterior and posterior compartments were performed, confirming clinical suspicion. CONCLUSION: We suggest consideration of a history of anabolic steroid use when evaluating patients with extremity trauma.

Medial tibial plateau fracture and the Oxford unicompartmental knee.

Tibial plateau fracture is a rare complication of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The fracture almost always occurs during surgery, and it is likely to be the result of a technical error, usually an unnecessarily deep vertical saw cut into the proximal tibia. However, anything that weakens or overloads the proximal tibia may contribute to fracture, such as damage to the posterior cortex, excess removal of bone particularly in small patients with osteopenic bones, inadequate preparation of the keel slot, or use of excessive force with a heavy hammer. This series of eight case reports presents our experience with this complication after medial Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and outlines a treatment protocol.

Aneurysmal bone cyst as a rare cause of spinal cord compression in a young child.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report: 1) one of the youngest cases of aneurysmal bone cysts presenting with cord compression at the cervicothoracic junction with 7-year follow-up; and 2) the technique we used to stabilize such a small spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Aneurysmal bone cyst is an uncommon but well-recognized tumor affecting the spine of children. The mean age of presentation is 16 years. It has hardly been reported below the age of 4 years. All data are in the form of case reports or series. Surgical or nonoperative management can be used. Spinal implant systems are not designed for use in very small children. METHODS: Clinical data analysis. RESULTS: A girl presented at age 2 years and 3 months with cord compression at the cervicothoracic junction. After an inconclusive biopsy, a formal excision and reconstruction of the C7 and T1 were performed anteriorly and posteriorly. We used a fibular graft, internal fixation with crossed plates from the maxillofacial implant tray and a Cervifix rod contoured into a rectangle with sublaminar titanium cables. Postsurgery, she had a left Horner syndrome that has never recovered and motor weakness of the right arm that improved but did not fully recover. She developed a staphylococcal infection 6 months postsurgery that was managed by removal of the rectangle. She developed a posterior recurrence 10 months postsurgery, which was managed surgically. Follow-up has been for 7 years without further evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical and nonsurgical management has been advocated for these tumors. The cord compression at presentation forced us toward surgical management. It is likely that observational data are the only evidence available for clinical decision-making. In this case, we were able to obtain good access to the front of the upper thoracic spine by a supraclavicular approach. Tiny plates are available to maxillofacial surgeons that can be adapted for use in the spines of small children.

Septic arthritis of the elbow after chickenpox.

Musculoskeletal complications following chickenpox are rare among immunologically normal children. Septic arthritis after varicella is caused by group A Streptococcus and affects the knee most frequently. We present a case of septic arthritis of the elbow caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We review the English language literature on septic arthritis complicating chickenpox. We conclude that diagnosis and treatment should be carried out according to guidelines on de novo septic arthritis including the early use of magnetic resonance imaging.