Age, personal and family history are independently associated with venous thromboembolism following acute Achilles tendon rupture.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to determine independent patient, injury and management-related factors associated with symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) following acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The secondary aim was to suggest a clinical VTE risk assessment tool for patients with acute ATR. METHODS: From 2010-2018, 984 consecutive adults (median age 47yrs, 73% [n = 714/984] male) sustaining an acute ATR were retrospectively identified. Ninety-five percent (n = 939/984) were managed non-operatively in a below-knee cast (52%, n = 507/984) or walking boot (44%, n = 432/984), with 5% (n = 45/984) undergoing primary operative repair (<6wks post-injury). VTE was diagnosed using local medical records and national imaging archives, reviewed at a mean 5yrs (range 1-10) post-injury. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent factors associated with VTE. RESULTS: The incidence of VTE within 90 days of ATR was 3.6% (n = 35/984; deep vein thrombosis 2.1% [n = 21/984], pulmonary embolism 1.9% [n = 19/984]), and the median time to VTE was 24 days (interquartile range 15-44). Age ≥50yrs (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.3, p = 0.027), personal history of VTE/thrombophilia (aOR 6.1, p = 0.009) and family history of VTE (aOR 20.9, p<0.001) were independently associated with VTE following ATR. These non-modifiable risk factors were incorporated into a VTE risk assessment tool. Only 23% of patients developing VTE (n = 8/35) had a relevant personal or family history, but incorporating age ≥50yrs into the VTE risk assessment tool (alongside personal and family history) identified 69% of patients with VTE (n = 24/35). Non weight-bearing for ≥2wks after ATR was also independently associated with VTE (aOR 3.2, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Age ≥50 years, personal history of VTE/thrombophilia and a positive family history were independently associated with VTE following ATR. Incorporating age into our suggested VTE risk assessment tool enhanced its sensitivity in identifying at-risk patients. Early weight-bearing in an appropriate orthosis may be beneficial to all patients in VTE risk reduction.

Do the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement change over time?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to search for changes in functional outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) between short and medium-term follow-up. Secondary aims included reporting rates of revision surgery and total hip arthroplasty (THA) at medium-term follow-up. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that patients' functional outcomes would improve between short and medium-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement with labral tears between February 2013 and June 2015 were included. Twelve item international hip outcome tool (iHOT-12) and EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D) scores were collected preoperatively, at short-term and medium-term follow-up. Short-term scores were recorded at a minimum of one year postoperatively and medium-term scores at a minimum of five years postoperatively. Survivorship was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Short-term outcome data (at median follow-up 1.6 year, Interquartile range [IQR] 1-2.5) was available for 70 of 87 patients (80.5%) and medium-term outcome data (at median follow-up of 6.5 years, IQR 6-7.1) was available for 68 patients (78.2%). Median age at the time of surgery was 31 years (IQR 25-37). The median iHOT-12 scores at short and medium-term follow-up were 72 (IQR 48.75-91.25) and 85.8 (IQR 66.7-96.7) respectively (p<0.001). Medium-term survivorship was 91.2%. Survivorship following labral repair was 94.2%, and 81.3% following labral debridement (p=0.09). DISCUSSION: Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI reported continued improvement in iHOT-12 scores between short and medium-term follow-up. Medium-term survivorship following FAI surgery may be greater when the labrum is repaired, although comparisons are limited by their differing indications. Conversion to THA was low with just 4 patients (4.6%) undergoing or being listed for THA at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Defining the Patient Acceptable Symptom State Using the Forgotten Joint Score 12 After Hip Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To contextualize the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) by identifying a patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) threshold for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and to investigate factors which correlated with postoperative FJS-12 score. METHODS: All patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) under the care of a single surgeon between January 2018 and November 2019 were prospectively identified and included. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis classification grade 2 or greater. Data (including FJS-12, EuroQol-5 Dimension-5L [EQ-5D-5L], visual analog scale (VAS), and 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) scores) were available before surgery and at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. PASS was calculated using an anchor-based approach and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was used to correlate preoperative and postoperative factors with postoperative FJS-12 score. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (54 female, 23 male; mean age 30.3 years [standard deviation {SD} 8.2]) were included. Linked longitudinal follow-up data were available for 65 patients (84%) at a mean of 23.8 months (SD 6.4). Six patients required reoperation. Mean postoperative FJS-12 score was 46.5 (SD 33.1) and mean change in score was 27.2 (SD 30.6, P < .001). The PASS threshold for the FJS-12 was 38.5 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 88%), and the area under the curve was 0.852 (95% confidence interval 0.752-0.951). Overall, 53.8% of patients achieved this score. Postoperative FJS-12 score has moderate correlations with preoperative EQ-5D-5L, iHOT-12, and FJS-12 scores, and strong correlations with EQ-5D-5L, iHOT-12 and VAS scores after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We report a postoperative PASS threshold of 38.5 points for the FJS-12 after hip arthroscopy for FAI in a United Kingdom population. This value can act as a quantifiable target for clinicians using the FJS-12 to monitor patient outcomes in practice. FJS-12 has strong correlations with EQ-5D-5L, iHOT-12, and VAS at a minimum 12 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We have calculated the patient acceptable symptomatic state of the Forgotten Joint Score to be 38.5 points at short-term follow-up. This can assist clinicians in determining whether surgical interventions related to hip arthroscopy for FAI are meaningful to the patient.

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials for interventions to treat injuries to the medial ligaments of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of severe and complex injuries to the medial knee ligaments remains uncertain. This systematic review evaluates outcomes from randomised controlled trials investigating interventions for treating injuries of medial ligaments of the knee. METHODS: Randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating interventions for treating injuries of the medial knee ligaments were identified through searching EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane, WHO, and clinicaltrials.org. Comparisons were made between different non-operative interventions, surgical versus non-operative interventions, different surgical interventions, and different postoperative interventions. Primary outcome measures included patient reported outcome measures (PROM) of knee function, pain, and treatment failure. RESULTS: 412 trial records were identified; 259 were non-redundant and distinct studies, of which eight were included for analysis. No differences between operative and non-operative management strategies were found for either primary outcome: Lysholm and IKDC scores. Compared to non-operative interventions, operative interventions resulted in reduced quadriceps strength at eight weeks (mean difference (MD) 29 (% knee extension strength deficit compared with unaffected knee); 95%CI 3.89-54.11) and were associated with greater incidence of minor complications (relative risk (RR) 25; 95%CI: 1.51-421, and RR 25; 95%CI: 1.50-416.58, respectively). Quadriceps strength between 16 and 52 weeks was similar in non-operative and operative groups (MD 20; 95%CI -1.92-41.92). Functional rehabilitation was associated with reduced valgus laxity at six weeks compared to bracing ((MD) -1.40; 95%CI: -2.21-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Non-operative interventions provided similar functional results to operative interventions for grade I-III injuries of the medial collateral ligaments. Non-operative intervention was associated with improved quadriceps strength during rehabilitation, and fewer complications, compared to operative interventions.

Responsiveness and ceiling effects of the English version of the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool following hip arthroscopy at minimum one-year follow-up.

AIMS: Responsiveness and ceiling effects are key properties of an outcome score. No such data have been reported for the original English version of the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) at a follow-up of more than four months. The aim of this study was to identify the responsiveness and ceiling effects of the English version iHOT-12 in a series of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for intra-articular hip pathology at a minimum of one year postoperatively. METHODS: A total of 171 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) under the care of a single surgeon between January 2013 and March 2017 were included. iHOT-12 and EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) scores were available pre- and postoperatively. Effect size and ceiling effects for the iHOT-12 were calculated with subgroup analysis. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients (71.3%) completed postoperative PROMs scores with median follow-up of 24.3 months (interquartile range (IQR) 17.2 to 33.5). The median total cohort iHOT-12 score improved significantly from 31.0 (IQR 20 to 58) preoperatively to 72.5 (IQR 47 to 90) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The effect size (Cohen's d) was 1.59. In all, 33 patients (27%) scored within ten points (10%) of the maximum score and 38 patients (31.1%) scored within the previously reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the maximum score. Furthermore, nine (47%) male patients aged < 30 years scored within 10% of the maximum score and ten (53%) scored within the previously reported MCID of the maximum score. CONCLUSION: There is a previously unreported ceiling effect of the iHOT-12 at a minimum one-year follow-up which is particularly marked in young, male patients following hip arthroscopy for FAI. This tool may not have the maximum measurement required to capture the true outcome following this procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1010-1015.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Traditional Plaster Cast Rehabilitation With Functional Walking Boot Rehabilitation for Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

BACKGROUND: There has been a shift toward functional nonoperative rehabilitation in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) despite a shortage of studies directly comparing nonoperative functional rehabilitation with traditional nonoperative immobilization. PURPOSE: To compare patient-reported outcome measures and functional outcomes for nonoperatively treated ATR with traditional cast immobilization or functional rehabilitation in a walking boot. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: In a single-center nonblinded study, 140 patients were randomized to compare treatment for acute ATR in (1) an immobilizing cast in reducing degrees of equinus over a 10-week period with 8 weeks of nonweightbearing mobilization or (2) a walking boot for 8 weeks with reducing equinus and immediate full weightbearing. Exclusion criteria were delayed presentation >2 weeks after injury, tendon reruptures, and latex allergy. Analysis was undertaken on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients (median age, 41 years [interquartile range, 33-50.5 years]) were randomized to walking boot treatment and 71 patients (41 [32-49]) to cast treatment. At 6 months, patients treated in a walking boot reported better Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) dysfunction index (6.62 [2.21-12.50] vs 10.66 [4.96-13.42]; P = .050), SMFA bother index (7.29 [2.08-14.58] vs 10.42 [5.73-19.27]; P = .04), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (71.5 [53.50-84.25] vs 54.0 [37-76]; P = .01), and Foot and Ankle Questionnaire core score (91 [81.89-97.55] vs 85 [78.25-92.09]; P = .04). At 1 year, there was no difference in SMFA dysfunction index (2.21 [0.74-5.88] vs 2.94 [1.47-6.62]; P = .25), SMFA bother index (2.08 [0-9.38] vs 5.21 [0.52-11.98]; P = .25), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (92 [72.50-96] vs 87.5 [66.0-94.75]; P = .21), or Foot and Ankle Questionnaire core score (97.75 [89.46-99.00] vs 95.50 [90.88-97.50]; P = .18). Rerupture occurred in 5 and 11 patients (P = .075) and venous thromboembolism in 2 and 3 patients (P = .67) in the boot and cast groups, respectively. Fifteen patients in the boot group but none in the cast group had skin problems (P < .001). Patients treated in a boot returned to driving at a median 12 weeks (vs 13 weeks for cast; P = .045), but there was no difference in time to return to work (P = .48). CONCLUSION: Functional rehabilitation with early weightbearing is a safe alternative to traditional immobilizing treatment for ATR, giving better early functional outcomes, albeit with a higher incidence of transient minor skin complications. REGISTRATION: NCT02598843 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Operative repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture does not give superior patient-reported outcomes to nonoperative management.

AIMS: The aim was to compare long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after operative and nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture in the context of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: PROMs including the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D), satisfaction, net promoter score and data regarding re-rupture, and venous thromboembolic rates were collected for patients randomized to receive either operative or nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture in a previous study. Of the 80 patients originally randomized, 64 (33 treated surgically, 31 nonoperatively) patients were followed up at a mean of 15.7 years (13.4 to 17.7). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between operatively and nonoperatively treated patients, in SMFA Dysfunction Index (median 1.56 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 5.51) vs 1.47 (IQR 0 to 5.15); p = 0.289), SMFA Bother Index (2.08 (IQR 0 to 12.50) vs 0.00 (IQR 0 to 6.25); p = 0.074), ATRS (94 (IQR 86 to 100) vs 95 (IQR 81 to 100); p = 0.313), EQ-5D-5L (1 (IQR 0.75 to 1) vs 1 (IQR 0.84 to 1); p = 0.137) or EQ-5D health today visual analogue score (85 (IQR 72.5 to 95) vs 85 (IQR 8 to 95); p = 0.367). There was no statistically significant difference between operative and nonoperative groups in terms of satisfaction (84% vs 100%; p = 0.119) or willingness to recommend treatment to friends or family (79% vs 87%; p = 0.255). Four nonoperative patients and two in the operative group sustained a re-rupture (p = 0.306). CONCLUSION: Both patient groups reported good results at long-term follow-up. The findings give no evidence of superior long-term patient reported outcomes (as measured by the SMFA) for surgical treatment over nonoperative treatment. There was no demonstrable difference in other patient reported outcome measures, satisfaction, or re-rupture rates at long-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):933-940.

Correlations between radiological classification systems and confirmed cartilage loss in severe knee osteoarthritis.

AIMS: Although knee osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed and monitored radiologically, actual full-thickness cartilage loss (FTCL) has rarely been correlated with radiological classification. This study aims to analyze which classification system correlates best with FTCL and to assess their reliability. METHODS: A prospective study of 300 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for OA (mean age 69 years (44 to 91; standard deviation (SD) 9.5), 178 (59%) female). Two blinded examiners independently graded preoperative radiographs using five common systems: Kellgren-Lawrence (KL); International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC); Fairbank; Brandt; and Ahlbäck. Interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Intraoperatively, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) status and the presence of FTCL in 16 regions of interest were recorded. Radiological classification and FTCL were correlated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Knees had a mean of 6.8 regions of FTCL (SD 3.1), most common medially. The commonest patterns of FTCL were medial ± patellofemoral (143/300, 48%) and tricompartmental (89/300, 30%). ACL status was associated with pattern of FTCL (p = 0.023). All radiological classification systems demonstrated moderate ICC, but this was highest for the IKDC: whole knee 0.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 0.74); medial compartment 0.84 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.87); and lateral compartment 0.79 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.83). Correlation with actual FTCL was strongest for Ahlbäck (Spearman rho 0.27 to 0.39) and KL (0.30 to 0.33) systems, although all systems demonstrated medium correlation. The Ahlbäck score was the most discriminating in severe knee OA. Osteophyte presence in the medial compartment had high positive predictive value (PPV) for FTCL, but not in the lateral compartment. CONCLUSION: The Ahlbäck and KL systems had the highest correlation with confirmed cartilage loss at TKA. However, the IKDC system displayed the best interobserver reliability, with favourable correlation with FTCL in medial and lateral compartments, although it was less discriminating in more severe disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):301-309.

Evaluation of the patient acceptable symptom state following hip arthroscopy using the 12 item international hip outcome tool.

BACKGROUND: The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) is a shorter version of the iHOT-33 which measures health related quality of life following treatment of hip disorders in young, active patients. The purpose of this study was identify a PASS threshold for a UK population undergoing hip arthroscopy for intra-articular hip pathology. METHODS: Data was identified retrospectively from a prospective database of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy under the care of a single surgeon within the date range January 2013 to March 2017. All patients with a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingment (FAI) undergoing arthroscopic treatment were included. iHOT-12, EuroQol 5D-5 L (EQ-5D-5 L) and a satisfaction questionnaire were available pre and post-operatively. PASS was calculated using an anchor-based approach and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: 171 patients underwent hip arthroscopy in the study period. Linked longitudinal follow-up data was available for 122 patients (71.3%) at a median of 24.3 months (740 days, interquartile range 576-1047). The PASS threshold for the iHOT-12 was 59.5 (sensitivity 81.1%, specificity 83.9%; area under the curve (AUC) 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97). 64% of patients achieved this score. The median postoperative iHOT-12 score was 72.5 (IQR 44) and the mean change in score was 35 (SD 25, p < 0.001). The EQ-5D Index improved by 0.18 (SD 0.25, p < 0.001) and there was a mean change of 7.67 (SD 24.82) on the EQ-5D VAS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We report a PASS threshold of the iHOT-12 following hip arthroscopy for FAI as a measurable benchmark for clinicians using this outcome measure.

The relationship of mental health status to functional outcome and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

We studied whether mental health status is significantly correlated to patient reported functional outcomes and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release. Over a 7-year period, 809 patients completed Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaires which allowed calculation of the SF-12 mental component summary 1 year postoperatively, 780 (96%) completed a satisfaction questionnaire and 777 (96%) completed a QuickDisabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Median QuickDASH score was 55 preoperatively (interquartile range [IQR] 28) and 14 postoperatively (IQR 32). A total of 674 patients were satisfied. Patients with mental disability had worse QuickDASH scores (median 34, IQR 41) and a higher incidence of dissatisfaction (52/245, 21%) than those without mental disability (n = 9, IQR 20, 10%, both p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated scores in the SF-12 mental component summary were significantly related to postoperative QuickDASH score (p < 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.02). We concluded that patients with mental disability report poorer outcomes and lower satisfaction rates; however, the majority still exhibit significant improvements and are satisfied. Level of evidence: II.

Non-invasive massive growing prostheses reduce infection in paediatric cancer patients.

PURPOSE: In this study, we asked the question of whether non-invasive (NI) extendible bone tumour implants are as reliable and reduce infection when compared with patients who received a minimally invasive (MI) extendible implant. METHODS: Forty-two NI extendible bone tumour implants were investigated at a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 1-87 months) and 63 MI implants at a mean follow-up of 49 months (range, 1-156 months). RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the probability of MI implant survival was 58.8% compared with 78.6% in NI patients. No significant difference between these two patient groups was found. Infection was the main reason for failure in the MI implant group where nine (35%) implants were revised. However, only one (11%) NI implant was revised for infection ( p = 0.042). None of the NI implants failed due to aseptic loosening; however, six (23%) MI implants were revised for aseptic loosening of the intramedullary stem. Four (15%) of the failed MI implants were revised due to full extension and five (56%) of failed NI implants were replaced as the implant had been fully extended where the patient still required growth. CONCLUSION: Where possible, an NI massive prosthesis should be used in this patient group. Our results suggest that MI prostheses should be infrequently used due to the high incidence of infection. Lengthening of NI prostheses is painless, can be carried out in the clinic and is more cost-effective. However, further work is required to increase the amount of growth potential available in these implants.

Assessing the Outcome of Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears in Femoroacetabular Impingement Using the Minimum Dataset of the British Non-arthroplasty Hip Register: A Single-Surgeon Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess changes in British Non-arthroplasty Hip Register (NAHR) minimum dataset (MDS) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and define the relation between these and patient satisfaction. Secondary aims included exploring the impact of patient characteristics (age, sex, and social deprivation status) on MDS PROMs and satisfaction and determining the Net Promoter Score for hip arthroscopy for FAI. METHODS: Preoperative data were collected from the NAHR, and postoperative data were collected through the NAHR, by mail, and by telephone survey. Correlations between satisfaction, International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12), and EQ-5D scores were explored. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 89 primary hip arthroscopy procedures for FAI in 88 patients is reported. Patients reported improvements in the iHOT-12 score (mean, 34.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.88 to 40.28; P < .001), EQ-5D index score (+0.124; 95% CI, 0.063 to 0.185; P < .001), and EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS) (+4.49; 95% CI, -1.56 to 10.54; P = .061) after hip arthroscopy for FAI. Satisfaction was predicted by both change in iHOT-12 score (Spearman r [rs] = 0.54, P < .001) and absolute postoperative iHOT-12 score (rs = 0.78, P < .001), change in EQ-5D index score (rs = 0.42, P < .001) and absolute postoperative EQ-5D index score (rs = 0.70, P < .001), and change in EQ-5D VAS score (rs = 0.30, P = .012) and absolute postoperative EQ-5D VAS score (rs = 0.59, P < .001); and the strength of correlation was greater with the absolute postoperative score than with the change in score for all 3. Sex, age, and social deprivation status did not predict postoperative PROMs (P ≥ .15) or satisfaction (P ≥ .32). The postoperative iHOT-12 score correlated strongly with EQ-5D index (rs = 0.90, P < .001) and EQ-5D VAS (rs = 0.81, P < .001) scores. The Net Promoter Score for hip arthroscopy for FAI was 70.31. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed significant improvements in hip-specific function (iHOT-12) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), as measured by the NAHR MDS, in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. Satisfaction rates were high (75.7%) and correlated strongly with hip-specific and general health PROMs. Satisfied patients were more likely to be willing to undergo similar surgery in the future. Self-reported postoperative hip function correlated very strongly with general health-related quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Range of movement correlates with the Oxford knee score after total knee replacement: A prediction model and validation.

BACKGROUND: Patient reported outcome measures are widely used in the evaluation of outcomes after Total Knee Replacement (TKR) in joint registries and large studies. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the Oxford knee score (OKS) and range of motion (ROM) after TKR, and to construct and validate prediction models of ROM from the measured OKS. METHODS: Eight hundred sixty patients reviewed five years postoperatively and 273 patients reviewed nine to 10 years postoperatively completed an OKS. Of these, 808 (94%) and 226 (83%) patients, respectively, had a complete dataset (knee extension and ROM) and formed the study cohort. RESULTS: Regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the OKS and ROM (r=0.38, p<0.001) after adjusting for other confounding variables (age, sex, body mass index, and knee extension). A prediction model was constructed and validated using a second cohort of 226 patients at nine to 10 years after their TKR. Intraclass correlation demonstrated good reliability (r=0.60, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.69) between predicted and actual measured ROM for this group. However, when the OKS is used in isolation the reliability of the predicted ROM is diminished (intraclass correlation r=0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The OKS is an independent predictor of ROM after TKR. It is also possible to predict ROM from the OKS, but the reliability of this is improved when other independent predictors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and degree of knee extension are also acknowledged.

Longer hospital stay, more complications, and increased mortality but substantially improved function after knee replacement in older patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Total knee replacement (TKR) is being increasingly performed in elderly patients, yet there is little information on specific requirements and complication rates encountered by this group. We assessed whether elderly patients undergoing TKR had different length of stay, requirements, complication rates, and functional outcomes compared to younger counterparts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively gathered data on 3,144 consecutive primary TKRs (in 2,092 patients aged less than 75 years, 694 patients aged between 75 and 80 years, and 358 patients aged over 80 years at the time of surgery). RESULTS: Incidence of blood transfusion, urinary catheterization, postoperative confusion, cardiac arrhythmia, and 1-year mortality increased with age, even after adjusting for confounding factors, whereas the incidences of chest infection and mortality at 1 month were highest in those aged 75-80. Rates of thromboembolism, prosthetic infection, and revision were similar in the 3 age groups. All groups showed similar substantial improvements in American Knee Society (AKS) knee scores, which were maintained at 5 years. Older patients had smaller improvements in AKS function score, which deteriorated between 3 and 5 years postoperatively, in contrast to the younger group. INTERPRETATION: Elderly people stand to gain considerably from TKR, particularly in terms of pain relief, and they should not be denied surgery based solely on age. However, they should be warned that they can expect a longer length of stay, a higher requirement for blood transfusion and/or urinary catheterization, and more medical complications postoperatively. Mortality was also higher in the older age groups. The risks have been quantified to assist in perioperative counselling, informed consent, and healthcare planning.