The Safety of Glycopeptide-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate Following Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) for Infected Total Knee Replacement.

Background and objective The impact of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) stretches far beyond the physical nature of the disease. It can result in psychological and social consequences, with significant morbidity and mortality for patients. Calcium sulphate-based delivery agents are effective in the management of PJI, yet with associated risks of systemic adverse events. This study aims to evaluate the risk of systemic adverse events when using calcium-sulphate-based local antibiotic delivery agents in the management of PJIs. Methodology We identified 43 patients who underwent debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) for infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2008 and 2014. Patients in the control groupunderwent conventional intravenous and then oral antibiotic administration, while those in the intervention groupunderwent additional local antibiotic therapy via a calcium sulphate alpha hemihydrate matrix. Case notes and laboratory results data were compiled to establish the safety and efficacy of local glycopeptide delivery. Results Serum vancomycin levels were within the safe therapeutic range for all patients in the intervention group with no difference in serum assays between treatment groups (intervention 7.7 mg/L; control 8.0 mg/L; P = 0.85). Renal function for the study cohort improved at every time point post-operatively when referenced against pre-operative renal function (P < 0.05). There was no difference in renal function between intervention and control groups on day 1, one week, six weeks or 12 weeks post-operatively (P = 0.78, 0.89, 0.20 and 0.50). Conclusions Local glycopeptide delivery via a calcium sulphate alpha hemihydrate matrix did not result in systemic adverse consequences specifically not raising the systemic level of glycopeptide, nor reducing renal function. Implications for future research Although demonstrates a safety profile and potential therapeutic benefit, the long-term efficacy of this approach needs to be established. Importantly, selection bias may contribute to masking clinically significant differences in post-operative outcomes.

Medium term results of the cementless Oxford mobile bearing medial unicompartmental knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: Medial Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR) has well-documented benefits over Total Knee Replacement in the treatment of anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee. There has been an increasing move from cemented to cementless UKR over the last decade. This non-design centre study assesses the initial experience using the cementless Oxford medial partial knee replacement and provides medium term revision data, as well as Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). METHODS: A cohort of 200 consecutive patients undergoing medial UKR using the cementless Oxford were identified from our knee groups prospectively collected database. Cases were performed in a single centre under the care of one of four surgeons. All patients were beyond the 5-year minimum timepoint following UKR surgery in order to produce medium term results, at a mean of 7.9 years. Eligible patients completed a postal questionnaire to collect PROMs: Oxford Knee Score, WOMAC and modified American Knee Society Score questionnaires in January 2020 and had their clinical records reviewed. RESULTS: The survivorship in our cohort was 94.5% at a mean follow up of 7.9 years following surgery. There were 11 re-operations in total with a three percent risk of re-operation within the first 18 months following surgery. There was a sustained improvement in Oxford Knee Score with a near 20 points improvement on pre-operative scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide further evidence that partial knee replacements using the cementless Oxford produce good clinical outcomes. Revision rates are similar to those published in the National Joint Registry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A radiological index that influences the outcome following patellofemoral joint arthroplasty: the anterior trochlea offset ratio.

PURPOSE: Although largely successful, patellofemoral joint arthroplasty (PFA) has a less than satisfactory outcome in some patients. It was hypothesized that certain factors can be identified on radiological review that correlate with poor patient reported outcomes following PFA. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review of 369 patients undergoing PFA at our institution between 2005 and 2018 identified 43 "poor outcome" patients with an Oxford Knee Score (OKS) of less than 20 at 2 years follow up. These cases were matched by sex and age with 43 "good outcome" patients who had an OKS above 40 at 2 years post-op. Multiple radiological measurements were performed including anterior trochlea offset ratio (ATOR), component flexion/extension, component varus/valgus, component to bone width ratio and retinacular index. The OKS PROM was the primary outcome of the study. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to analyze the differences in radiological indices between the two groups. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were 0.90-0.98 for all indices measured. The only index demonstrating statistical significance between the groups was the ATOR (p = 0.003). The good outcome group had a mean ATOR of 0.19 whereas the poor outcome group had a mean ATOR of 0.24. CONCLUSIONS: Lower ATOR on radiological review was strongly associated with improved outcomes following PFA. The surgeon should therefore take particular care to prevent increasing the anterior offset of the trochlea component when performing PFA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

Single-stage repair of displaced bucket-handle meniscal tears with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction leads to good meniscal survivorship : a retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: The best surgical strategy for the management of displaced bucket-handle (BH) meniscal tears in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee is unclear. Combining meniscal repair with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is thought to improve meniscal healing rates; however, patients with displaced BH meniscal tears may lack extension. This leads some to advocate staged surgery to avoid postoperative stiffness and loss of range of motion (ROM) following ACLR. METHODS: We reviewed the data for a consecutive series of 88 patients (mean age 27.1 years (15 to 49); 65 male (74%) and 23 female (26%)) who underwent single-stage repair of a displaced BH meniscal tear (67 medial (76%) and 21 lateral (24%)) with concomitant hamstring autograft ACLR. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), and Tegner score were recorded at final follow-up. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate meniscal repair survivorship. Analyses were performed with different cut-offs for meniscal and ACL injury-to-surgery time (within three weeks, three to ten weeks, and more than ten weeks). RESULTS: Meniscal repair survivorship at a median final follow-up of 55 months (interquartile range (IQR) 24 to 91) was 82% (95% confidence interval 70 to 89). A total of 13 meniscus repairs failed (12 requiring meniscectomy and one requiring a further meniscal repair). At final follow-up, median PROMs were: EQ-VAS 85 (IQR 75 to 90), EQ-5D Index 0.84 (IQR 0.74 to 1.00), KOOS Pain 89 (IQR 80 to 94), KOOS Symptoms 82 (IQR 71 to 93), KOOS Activities of Daily Living 97 (IQR 91 to 100), KOOS Sport and Recreation 80 (IQR 65 to 90), KOOS Quality of Life 69 (IQR 53 to 86), IKDC 82.8 (IQR 67.8 to 90.8), and Tegner 6 (IQR 4 to 7). Two patients underwent revision ACLR following further injuries. One patient had an arthroscopic washout for infection at 11 days post-BH meniscal repair/ACLR. Four patients (4.5%) required a further procedure for stiffness, reduced ROM, and pain, and all were operated on within three weeks of meniscal injury. There was no difference in the interval between meniscal injury and surgery between repairs that failed and those that survived. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that concomitant ACLR with repair of displaced BH meniscal tears, even if they have been displaced for some time, appears to afford satisfactory PROMs and good survivorship. Repairs within three weeks of meniscal injury may be associated with higher rates of postoperative reintervention for stiffness. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):680-686.

St Georg Sled medial unicompartmental arthroplasty: survivorship analysis and function at 20 years follow up.

PURPOSE: The peri-operative and short-term benefits of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are well supported in the literature. However, there remains concern regarding the higher revision rate when compared with total knee replacement. This manuscript reports the functional outcome and survivorship of a large series of fixed bearing, medial unicompartmental replacements (St Georg Sled), with a minimum of 20 years follow-up. METHODS: Between 1974 and 1994, 399 patients (496 knees) underwent a medial fixed-bearing UKA. Prospective data were collected pre-operatively and at regular intervals post-operatively using the Bristol Knee Score (BKS), Oxford Knee (OKS) and Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) scores. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine survivorship, with revision or need for revision as end point, and differences assessed using Mantel-Cox log rank test. RESULTS: Functional knee scores improved post-operatively, but demonstrated a slight decline from 10 years of follow-up onwards. Survivorship is estimated as 86% at 10 years, 80% at 15 years, and 78% at 20 years. Sixty knees were revised, with progression of disease in another compartment the commonest reason. Eighty eight percent were revised using a primary prosthesis. For patients over the age of 65 years at the time of index procedure, 93% died with a functioning prosthesis in situ. CONCLUSION: Medial UKA demonstrates good long-term function and survivorship, and represents an excellent surgical option for patients aged over 65 years of age, where few patients will require a revision procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Does Partial Knee Replacement Allow Return to High-Demand Activities?

Purpose  The purpose of this study was to assess postoperative partial knee replacement (PKR) functional improvement using the postoperative Oxford Knee Score for Activity and Participation Questionnaire (OKS-APQ). PKR includes medial, lateral, and patellofemoral knee arthroplasty. Methods A search of a National Health Service hospital database was made to identify eligible candidates for a survey of Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM). Database records were collected for patients who had medial, lateral, and patellofemoral knee arthroplasty. The first author, an orthopaedic surgery resident, retrospectively reviewed the data and selected 318 patient records for inclusion in a questionnaire survey. The inclusion criteria were: patients who had PKR within three years from the time of the study and patients who don't have medical problems that may affect their mobility; for example, balance problems. The survey used the postoperative Oxford Knee Score for Activity and Participation Questionnaire (OKS-APQ), Tegner Activity Score (TAS), and four questions were added to the present study, namely, three free-text questions and one visual analogue score (VAS). The survey was sent by post seeking the patients' responses. Results  Two-hundred five responded to the survey out of 318; a 64% response rate. The ceiling and floor effects were determined from patients' answers. Survey questions included: What is the most demanding activity you routinely do every month on your new knee? The patients' answers were divided into four groups. First, 29% were limited to low functional demand activities, for example, light walking for less than a mile. Second, 43% were involved in domestic work and sports activities, for example, golf, skittles, bowling, squatting, swimming, and gardening. Third, 21% had progressed to higher demand activities, for instance, dancing, racquet sports, cycling, and yoga. Fourth, 7% were performing higher demand activities involving impacts, for example, skiing, heavy gym workout, and marathon running. Conclusion The postoperative questionnaire demonstrated activities ranging from high-impact activities, for example, skiing, and from higher demand activities, for example, dancing to low function activities, for example, light walking.

The Ethylene Oxide Product Test of Sterility: Limitations and Interpretation of Results.

The ethylene oxide (EO) product test of sterility (ToS) can be conducted to comply with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135:2014 for the generation of data to demonstrate the appropriateness of the biological indicator (BI) that is used to develop and qualify the EO sterilization process. Clause D.8.6 of 11135 provides an option to perform a sublethal EO process, followed by conducting a product ToS, performing sterility testing of BIs from the process challenge device, and comparing the test results. Certain limitations for the EO product ToS should be considered when conducting studies that feature the use of this test, in order to support compliance with this requirement. Limitations for any sterility test include sample size, testing frequency, detection sensitivity, and/or the potential for false-positive/false-negative results, each of which must be recognized and well understood in order to support compliance with the standard. In addition, the experimental design of any study featuring the use of a sterility test should be carefully developed to ensure the generation of scientifically sound results and conclusions to support the study objective.

Use of a Novel Variable Power Radiofrequency Ablation System Specific for Knee Chondroplasty: Surgical Experience and Two-Year Patient Results.

Introduction Although stabilisation of knee cartilage lesions (chondroplasty) may be performed with an arthroscopic shaver, more recently, radiofrequency (RF) ablation has gained in popularity. However, their remain some concerns about the avoidance of thermal injury, chondrolysis, and osteonecrosis with the use of RF devices. Methods We reviewed the outcomes of 85 knee chondroplasties performed with a new RF ablation wand designed for knee chondroplasty. Lesion details and Chondropaenia Severity Score (CSS) were recorded for each patient. We evaluated the occurrence of adverse outcomes, post-operative complications, and the need for further surgery. Post-operative outcomes scores (Oxford Knee Score [OKS], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], and International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] subjective knee outcome) were recorded at a minimum of one-year follow-up. Results At the final mean follow-up of 27.5 months (range: 12-46.6 months), 12 (14%) knees had undergone or were listed for further surgery. Four patients had corticosteroid injections for ongoing pain at a median 7.5 months (range: 5-20 months) post-operatively. There were no observed re-operations considered to be caused by complications related to thermal injury. Of the six patients listed for or undergoing knee arthroplasty, five (83%) had grade 4 lesions found at the arthroscopic chondroplasty. A negative correlation was noted between CCS, and post-operative IKDC subjective score (R=-0.35), KOOS Sports (R=-0.39), and KOOS QoL (R=-0.36). Conclusions We found that RF chondroplasty appeared safe, and there were no concerns with regard to thermal injury. Functional outcome appeared to be related to the quality of chondral and meniscal tissue throughout all knee compartments, with better results for isolated grade 2 and 3 cartilage lesions.

Fixed bearing, all-polyethylene tibia, lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty - A final outcome study with up to 28 year follow-up of a single implant.

BACKGROUND: Lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) constitutes only 5-10% of all unicompartmental replacements performed. Whilst the short and medium term benefits are well documented, there remains concern regarding the higher revision rate when compared with total knee replacement. We report the long term clinical outcome and survivorship of a large series of lateral UKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1974 and 1994, 71 patients (82 knees) underwent a lateral fixed-bearing St Georg Sled UKA. Prospective data was collected pre-operatively and at regular intervals post-operatively using the Bristol Knee Score (BKS), with later introduction of the Oxford Knee (OKS) and Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) scores. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used, with revision, or need for revision, as end point. 85% of the patients were female. No patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Functional knee scores improved post-operatively up to 10 years, at which point they demonstrated a steady decline. Survivorship was 72% at 15 years, and 68% at 20 and 25 years. Nineteen knees were revised, with progression of disease in another compartment the commonest reason. There were two revisions due to implant fracture. In patients aged over 70 years at time of index procedure, 81% died with a functioning prosthesis in situ. CONCLUSION: This represents the longest follow-up of a large series of lateral UKA. Results of this early design of fixed bearing UKA demonstrate satisfactory long term survivorship. In elderly patients, further intervention is rarely required. More contemporary designs or techniques may show improved long term survivorship in time.

Minimum 10-year outcomes of a fixed bearing all-polyethylene unicompartmental knee arthroplasty used to treat medial osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) accounts for 8.9% of knee arthroplasty procedures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Fixed bearing UKA designs have shown favourable survivorship in registries when compared with mobile bearings but some studies suggest poor survival of all-polyethylene fixed tibial bearings. This study analyses long-term follow-up of patients with a medial fixed all-polyethylene tibial bearing UKA and reports survivorship and 10-year clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data was collected prospectively for 214 medial unicompartmental all-polyethylene tibial bearing UKAs implanted in 184 patients at our tertiary referral centre between November 2002 and December 2007. The indication was osteoarthritis in all but one patient. Patient reported outcome scores were documented pre-operatively and at five, eight, 10 and 12 years of follow-up. The mean patient age was 70 years (range 41-87). RESULTS: Outcome and survivorship data were collected for 214 medial all-polyethylene tibial bearing UKAs. There were outcomes recorded for 83 UKAs with at least 10-year follow-up. Twenty-four patients underwent revision of their UKA at an average of 5.84 years after the primary procedure. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated survivorship of 89.1% at 10 years and the OKS, AKSS and WOMAC patient reported outcomes remained significantly improved in comparison to preoperatively. For those 70 years or older, 10-year survivorship was 92.4%, compared to 85.0% for those under 70 years old. CONCLUSION: Medial fixed all-polyethylene tibial bearing UKA demonstrates acceptable long-term survivorship and patient outcomes. It appears to be a suitable option for the treatment of medial compartment OA, particularly in older patients.

Outcome of revision UKR to TKR when compared to a matched group of TKR of same total arthroplasty lifespan.

AIM: To compare outcomes of revision uni-compartmental knee replacement (UKR) with a defined revision cause with a matched group of primary total knee replacements (TKR). BACKGROUND: UKR accounts for 8.7% of knee arthroplasty in the UK each year. It has better functional outcome than total knee replacement for isolated single compartment arthritis but can result in complex surgery when revision is required. This is feared to result in poorer patient reported outcomes when compared to primary TKR. We aim to compare the clinical results of revised UKR with primary TKR, taking into account the survival length of the UKR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients (27 female) were retrospectively identified from our arthroplasty database that had undergone revision from UKR to TKR (1999-2014) and had a minimum of two years of follow-up post-revision. These patients were then matched with regards to age at primary procedure, sex, BMI and total arthroplasty life (UKR + Revision TKR) up to point of follow-up. RESULTS: In the UKR revision group (mean arthroplasty life 8.6 years) the mean Oxford knee score (OKS) was 31.8. In the primary knee group (mean arthroplasty life 8.4 years) the mean OKS was 32.8. This difference was not statistically significant. Fifteen out of 45 patients undergoing revision surgery required stemmed components. CONCLUSION: UKR provides comparable clinical outcome even after revision surgery to TKR as primary TKRs and should be considered in all patients meeting the selection criteria. Revision is complex and revision components should be available.

The Knee Osteoarthritis Grading System for Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to validate the Knee Osteoarthritis Grading System (KOGS) of progressive osteoarthritic degeneration for the tri-compartmental knee. This system defines the site and severity of osteoarthritis to determine a specific knee arthroplasty. METHODS: The radiographic sequence for KOGS includes standing coronal (anteroposterior), lateral, 30° skyline patella, 15° and 45° Rosenberg and stress views in 20° of flexion. Cohen's kappa and related agreement statistical methods were used to assess the level of concordance of the 7 evaluators between A and B cohorts for each evaluator and also against the actual arthroplasty used. Sensitivity and specificity was also assessed for the KOGS in identifying true partial knee arthroplasties (PKAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) as decided from the cohort A evaluations. RESULTS: From a cohort of 330 patients who were included in the study, 71 (22.5%) underwent a TKA procedure, 258 (78.2%) a PKA, and 1 (0.3%) was neither a TKA nor PKA. KOGS was able to identify true PKAs (sensitivity) in the range of 92.2%-98.5% across all the different evaluators. The KOGS method was able to identify a PKA or a TKA with an accuracy ranging from 92% to 98.8% across all different evaluators. The surgical results after 20 months are at least comparable with the expected average in the academic literature. CONCLUSION: The KOGS classification provides a reliable and accurate tool to assess suitability of an individual patient for undergoing PKA or TKA.

Analysis Of The KLIC-score; An Outcome Predictor Tool For Prosthetic Joint Infections Treated With Debridement, Antibiotics And Implant Retention.

Background: Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) forms the primary treatment modality for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The KLIC score has been proposed as a risk stratification tool for use in predicting outcome of prosthetic knee infections. Our aim was to determine the accuracy of this scoring system at an independent tertiary PJI centre in a typical DAIR population. Methods: Between 2008 and 2015, patients with infected knee prostheses treated with DAIR were identified. The patient notes and blood tests were reviewed retrospectively and the 'KLIC-score' was calculated and correlated with outcome. The end point for early failure was defined as: 1) the need for unscheduled surgery, 2) infection-related death ≤12 months from debridement or 3) the need for suppressive antibiotic treatment. Results: 59 patients received DAIR procedures for knee PJI. Treatment was successful in 41 patients (69%) with early failure in 18 patients (31%). Patients deemed high-risk (KLIC-score ≥7) had notably higher failure rates (60%) than those scoring <7 (28%). No relationship can be drawn between KLIC-scores of <7 and failure rates. Conclusions: The KLIC-score applied retrospectively was able to predict patients with the highest risk of early failure but provides little information in patients with scores of <7.

Reliability of two techniques and training level of the observer in measuring the correction angle when planning a high tibial osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: In high tibial osteotomy, planning is critical for achieving successful realignment. Any method selected needs to be reliable, with inter-observer and intra-observer correlation. A literature review demonstrated two distinct methods of planning for high tibial osteotomy. HYPOTHESIS: Both methods are precise and show excellent inter and intra-observer correlation. METHOD: Fifty consecutive weight-bearing long leg alignment antero-posterior (AP) radiographs were identified and planning undertaken on suitable radiographs using the methods of Puddu (method 1) and Miniaci (method 2). Two observers, one junior trainee and one Specialist Knee Fellow, recorded measurements to calculate inter and intra-observer correlation. RESULTS: Thirty-two radiographs were included. Inter-observer and intra-observer correlation, and correlation between the two methods were all greater than 0.97 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our results show excellent correlation between both methods and both observers. Both methods are reliable for planning and can be performed by both junior trainees and subspecialists. Further work should consider how planning can ensure adequate intraoperative correction.

Implications of the getting it right first time initiative for regional knee arthroplasty services.

STUDY AIM: The aim of this case study of regional orthopaedic practice was to estimate the potential impact of the GIRFT recommendations (iGIRFT) of minimum unit and surgeon specific volumes to orthopaedic units within the Severn Region, UK. METHOD: Practice profiles for surgeons and units were generated using the UK National Joint Registry Surgeon and Hospital Profile Database. Minimum volume thresholds were set at 13 procedures/year for surgeons and 30 procedures/year for units. RESULTS: Five thousand five hundred seventeen knee arthroplasty procedures were recorded within the Severn Region between 1st of January and 31st December 2012 and these were performed by 94 surgeons in 18units. During this time, 4232 (76.7%) primary TKR, 751 (13.6%) primary UKR, 97 (1.7%) primary PFJR and 437 (7.9%) revision TKR were performed. Median surgeon volumes were 33 (range two to 180) for primary TKR, ten (range 2 to 64) for UKR, two (range two to 41) for PFJR and five (range two to 57) for Revision TKR. Amongst 48 surgeons performing UKR, 26 (54%) performed less than 13 procedures per year accounting for 108 (14%) procedures. Amongst 20 surgeons performing PFJR, 19 (95%) performed <13/year, accounting for 56 (58%) of cases. Fifty surgeons performed revision TKR with 37 (74%) performing <13 revisions per annum, accounting for 151 (35%) procedures. Amongst 16units performing UKR, eight (50%) performed <30/year, accounting for 16% overall. Revision TKR was performed in 15units whilst eight (53%) performed <30/year, accounting for 62 (15%) cases. CONCLUSION: We have hypothesised the impact of implementing minimum unit and surgeon volume thresholds for the organisation of regional arthroplasty services. Our analysis suggests that whilst these effects may be considerable, they may be mitigated by local rationalisation to achieve an appropriate caseload mix.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total knee replacement; medium term results with minimum five year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: MIS TKA has been shown to offer a reduced in-patient stay, but no clinical difference at two years. Whilst there may be a benefit from earlier discharge, we need to ensure that there are no detrimental effects in the medium and long-term following MIS-TKA. To report the mid-term result from a prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing MIS-TKA with standard approach for TKA. METHODS: Using knee score questionnaires, we collected patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding pain and function. Sixty-six patients (from an eligible cohort of 83 patients) completed the mid-term postal follow-up. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups for change in score from pre-operative to final follow-up in all three PROMs. Mean MIS and standard group improvement was: AKSS 53 and 51 (p=0.7644), OKS 15 and 16 (p=0.2341) or WOMAC 15 and 15 (p=0.9900) respectively. Both groups showed improvement in pain and function with no significant difference between groups. There was no difference between groups for revision due to malalignment at a mean six year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the early benefits regarding hospital stay and complications, we have found that at a mean of six years there was no increase in malalignment, pain or function with MIS techniques.

Management of the exposed total knee prosthesis, a six-year review.

INTRODUCTION: An exposed knee prosthesis is a limb threatening condition. Our unit manages such cases according to a multidisciplinary orthoplastic protocol. Whilst early prosthetic joint infection with dehiscence may be managed by Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) and soft tissue coverage, the majority of these cases are chronic and in our unit are managed by Debridement, Explantation, Antibiotics (spacer and systemic) and Flap (DEAF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report our experience of managing 17 of these challenging cases, 16 DEAFs and one DAIR and flap. Outcomes were assessed clinically and using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: The mean time from arthroplasty to presentation in our unit was 19months (range: 0.5-80). Whilst an open knee replacement is by definition 'infected', significant microbiological growth from deep tissue/fluid samples was only detected in 14 patients (82%). Five patients (29.4%) subsequently underwent an amputation. Of these five, three patients were extensor deficient at presentation. At follow-up, health-related quality of life scoring using the Short Form-36 demonstrated poor physical function and highlighted differences in emotional function and pain levels between patients whose limbs were salvaged and patients who underwent amputation. CONCLUSION: An exposed total knee prosthesis is a devastating complication, which despite our multidisciplinary salvage approach, has a high rate (5/17=29%) of amputation in this series. Quality of life in this patient group is poor irrespective of limb salvage. Salvage surgery was associated with worse pain, but better emotional profile than patients with an above knee amputation.