Robotic assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is not associated with increased patient satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common orthopedic surgery, yet postoperative dissatisfaction persists in around 20% of cases. Robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) promises enhanced precision, but its impact on patient satisfaction compared to conventional TKA remains controversial (cTKA). This systematic review aims to evaluate patient satisfaction post-rTKA and compare outcomes with cTKA. METHODS: Papers from the following databases were identified and reviewed: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Online Library, using keywords like "Knee replacement," "Total knee arthroplasty," "Robotic," and "Patient satisfaction." Extracted data included patient satisfaction measures, Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, Forgotten Joint Score, SF-36, HSS, and KOOS. Statistical analysis, including odds ratio and 95% CI was performed using R software. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's Q test. RESULTS: The systematic review included 17 articles, involving 1148 patients (571 in the rTKA group and 577 in the cTKA group) assessing patient satisfaction following rTKA. An analysis of proportions reveals rTKA satisfaction rate was 95%, while for cTKA, it was 91%. A meta-analysis comparing rTKA and cTKA found no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction. Additionally, various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were examined, showing mixed results across different studies and follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study found no difference in patient satisfaction outcomes in the short to mid-term for rTKA compared to conventional methods. This study does not assert superiority for the robotic approach, highlighting the need for careful consideration of various factors influencing outcomes in knee arthroplasty.

The Role of Three-Dimensional Custom Printing in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Acetabular revision accounts for approximately 18% of all total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. This was the third most common reason for THA revision in 2020. One of the unique challenges faced by reconstruction surgeons performing revision THAs is the issue of acetabular bone loss. The aim of this paper is to present the role of custom acetabular reconstruction with marked bone loss for undergoing revision THA, using a local case study as an example. We described utilization of custom components to address the highly complex cases with Paprosky classification of III and above. Recent studies have shown comparable clinical results to conventional methods and improvement of postoperative patient-rated outcome scores. However, larger clinical trials focusing on the long-term outcomes in comparison to off-the-shelf components in complex acetabular revisions would be of merit.

Five-year results after total knee arthroplasty in lymphoedema and lipoedema: encouraging functional and clinical outcomes and low rates of infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to define outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in lymphoedema and lipoedema patients managed by a multidisciplinary team and daily compression bandaging. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in a single centre. Between 2007 and 2018, 36 TKA procedures were performed on 28 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of lymphoedema and lipoedema. Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores, satisfaction scores, radiographs, and complications were obtained at the final follow-up. Patients were admitted to the hospital up to two weeks prior to surgery and remained on the ward for daily compression bandaging by the specialist lymphoedema team. RESULTS: Over the study period, 36 TKAs were performed on 28 patients (5 males, 23 females) with a mean age of 71 years (range 54-90). Of these, 30 TKAs were in patients with lymphoedema, five with lipoedema, and one with a dual diagnosis. Overall, 28 TKAs (21 patients) were available at the final follow-up with a mean follow-up time of 61 months (range 9-138). The mean BMI was 38.5 kg/m2. The mean pre-operative and post-operative Oxford Knee Score increased from 18 (range 2-38) to 29 (range 10-54); p < 0.001. EQ-5D score increased from 0.48 (range 0.15-0.80) to 0.74 (0.34-1.00) (p < 0.001). Mean post-operative satisfaction was 7.6/10 (range 2-10), with 89.3% TKAs satisfied. Complications were one (4%, 1/28) deep vein thrombosis, one superficial wound infection, one prosthetic joint infection, one stiff knee requiring manipulation, and one intra-operative femoral fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoedema and lipoedema should not be seen as barriers to TKA if adopting a multidisciplinary approach.

Ankle arthrodesis in patients with haemophilia-associated ankle arthropathy - does the technique influence the outcome?

Management of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle in patients with haemophilia can be challenging. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has been shown in non-haemophiliac patients to provide similar or superior rates of fusion to open ankle fusion. However, the literature regarding ankle arthrodesis in patients with haemophilia is limited. Our aim was to compare the rate of successful fusion between open and arthroscopic assisted ankle arthrodesis in patients with haemophilia. A retrospective study was performed. All patients with haemophilia who underwent ankle arthrodesis at our centre were included. Outcomes including peri- and post-operative complications, and lengths of stay were extracted from patients' records. Radiographs were reviewed for signs of successful arthrodesis. Seventeen arthrodesis procedures were performed in 13 patients between 1980 and 2017. Nine procedures were performed arthroscopically and eight were open. Ten patients were diagnosed with haemophilia A and three with haemophilia B. The success rates of arthroscopic and open tibiotalar arthrodesis were 100% and 87.5% respectively. Four complications occurred. In the open technique group, there was one non-union. The same patient also developed subsequent haematoma after revision surgery. One patient developed a superficial wound infection which resolved with antibiotics. In the arthroscopic group, one patient developed a pseudoarthrosis of the distal tibiofibular joint which required a revision procedure. The results of this study suggest that arthroscopic ankle fusion for haemophilia- associated arthropathy is a viable option, with the rate of successful fusion being comparable to open procedures.

High Rate of Reinfection With New Bacteria Following One-Stage Exchange for Enterococcal Periprosthetic Infection of the Knee: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: A wide range of success rates following the surgical management of enterococcal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with a tendency toward worse outcomes have been reported. However, the role of 1-stage exchange remains under-investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate our results after the 1-stage knee exchange for enterococcal PJI. METHODS: Forty patients were retrospectively included between 2002 and 2017 with a mean follow-up of survivors of 80 months (range 22-172; standard deviation [SD] = 5). Polymicrobial infections occurred in 45% (18/40) of patients. Patients' characteristics, joint-related data, and antibiotic therapy were recorded. Rates of enterococcal infection relapse, reinfection with new microorganisms, and re-revision for any reason were determined. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify risk factors of infection recurrence. RESULTS: Revision surgery was required in 22 cases (55%) with a mean time to revision surgery of 27 months (range 1-78; SD = 25). Indications for aseptic revisions (18%) included aseptic loosening (10%), periprosthetic fracture (5%), and patellar instability (3%). The most common cause of re-revision was a subsequent PJI (15/22; 68%) after a mean time of 22 months (range 1-77; SD = 24). Overall infection recurrence rate was 37.5% (15/40), substantially due to entirely non-enterococcal infections (9/15; 60%). Infection relapse with Enterococci occurred in 4 cases (10%) within 16 months postoperatively. Older patients (P = .05) and male gender (P = .05) were associated with a higher risk of infection recurrence. CONCLUSION: Overcoming the Enterococci using the 1-stage exchange for knee PJI is achievable but the rate of reinfection due to new microorganisms is high . However, the overall infection recurrence rate is comparable to other treatment approaches.

International Organism Profile of Periprosthetic Total Hip and Knee Infections.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce literature describing pathogens responsible for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) around the world. Therefore, we sought to describe periprosthetic joint infection causative organisms, rates of resistant organisms, and polymicrobial infections at 7 large institutions located in North/South America and Europe. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 654 periprosthetic hip (n = 361) and knee (n = 293) infections (January 2006 to October 2019) identified at Cleveland Clinic Ohio/Florida in the United States (US) (n = 159), Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires in Argentina (n = 99), Hospital Asociación Española in Uruguay (n = 130), Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in the United Kingdom (UK) (n = 103), HELIOS Klinikum in Germany (n = 59), and Vreden Institute for Orthopedics in St. Petersburg, Russia (n = 104). Analyses were performed for the entire cohort, knees, and hips. Alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Overall, the most frequent organisms identified were Staphylococcus aureus (24.8%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (21.7%). The incidence of organisms resistant to at least one antibiotic was 58% and there was a significant difference between hips (62.3%) and knees (52.6%) (P = .014). Rates of resistant organisms among countries were 37.7% (US), 66.7% (Argentina), 71.5% (Uruguay), 40.8% (UK), 62.7% (Germany), and 77.9% (Russia) (P < .001). The overall incidence of polymicrobial infections was 9.3% and the rates across nations were 9.4% in the US, 11.1% in Argentina, 4.6% in Uruguay, 4.9% in UK, 11.9% in Germany, and 16.3% in Russia (P = .026). CONCLUSION: In the evaluated institutions, S aureus and S epidermidis accounted for almost 50% of all infections. The US and the UK had the lowest incidence of resistant organisms while Germany and Russia had the highest. The UK and Uruguay had the lowest rates of polymicrobial infections.

Do patients with von Willebrand disease exhibit higher blood loss and revision rates in hip and knee arthroplasty? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the perioperative blood loss, need for transfusion and one-year revision rates in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty who also have a diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) with a matched control group. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre case-control study was conducted. Fifty-eight patients with VWD and 116 controls (1:2 match) who were operated for primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty at our hospital were included. Blood loss, haemoglobin (Hb)-drop, need for blood transfusion, intraoperative complications and revision rates within one year were noted in all cases. Outcome measures for subgroups of the primary hip, primary knee, revision hip and revision knee procedures, were also analysed. RESULTS: The mean perioperative Hb-drop was 3.47 (±1.27) g/dL and blood loss was 293 (±97) ml for the VWD group while Hb-drop was 2.85 (±1.21) g/dL and blood loss was 232 (±105) mL for the control group (P < .001). There were no significant increased transfusion rates (P = .264) and revision rates in the VWD group (P = .634). Patients having primary hip surgery had significantly higher Hb-drop (3.68 ± 1.25 g/dL vs 2.62 ± 1.19 g/dL; P = .003), higher blood loss (293 vs 203 mL; P = .002) and increased need for a transfusion (21% vs 2.6%; P = .038) compared to the controls. No outcome measure was found to be significantly different for primary and revision knee surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that patients with VWD undergoing primary or revision total hip and knee arthroplasty have higher levels of blood loss than the control cohort. Perioperative protective measures including meticulous surgical techniques should be considered.

Simultaneous or Staged Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty? An Analysis of Complications in 14,460 Patients Using National Data.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SimBTHA) is often performed in younger, fitter patients with bilateral hip disease. If patients are deemed not suitable for SimBTHA due to concurrent comorbidity, it may be more appropriate to perform staged bilateral total hip arthroplasties (StBTHAs) 3-6 months apart to minimize complications and morbidity. Complication rates following hip arthroplasty are low and large national datasets are helpful for assessing these rare events. We aimed at comparing SimBTHA vs StBTHA in order to determine any differences in morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Hospital Episode Statistics data for all patients who underwent bilateral THAs in the English National Health Service between April 2005 and July 2014 were obtained. Patients were grouped into SimBTHAs (same day) or staged, with the second THA occurring between 3 and 6 months after the first. Medical and surgical complications were compared and total length of stay was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2507 underwent SimBTHAs and 9915 had StBTHAs. SimBTHA patients were significantly younger (60.6 vs 65.5 years, P < .001) and more likely to be male, but had similar Charlson comorbidity scores. Compared to StBTHAs, patients undergoing SimBTHAs had a greater risk of pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, renal failure, chest infection, and inhospital death. Patients undergoing SimBTHAs had a significantly shorter overall hospital stay (8.9 vs 10.4 days). Patients undergoing SimBTHA at high-volume units had a lower average Charlson score and subsequent complication rate than low-volume units. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the greater risks of SimBTHA in patients with Charlson score greater than 0 performed at lower-volume centers in England.

Interprosthetic Femoral Sleeves in Revision Arthroplasty: A 20-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Interprosthetic femoral fractures in patients with ipsilateral stemmed total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be technically demanding to treat surgically. Nonunion and implant failure are among the main complications following fixation of interprosthetic femoral (IF) fractures. Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is associated with a high incidence of infection and instability. IF sleeves have been designed to avoid the disadvantages of these techniques and to provide a stable construct. The aim of this study was to present the results with this device from a single center. METHODS: We reviewed 26 patients who underwent revision arthroplasty procedures, using custom-made cemented IF sleeves between 1997 and December 2017 in our institution. Two-part sleeves were used in 18 patients and one-part sleeves in 8 patients. The most common indication was an IF fracture (18 patients). Patients were monitored for postoperative complications, implant failure, and re-revision. The minimum follow-up of the survivors with nonrevised sleeves was 12 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included for the final analysis. The mean survivorship of the IF sleeve was 4.6 years at latest follow-up (mean 48.5 months; range 12 to 156). The overall rate of complications was 47.8%. The rate of mechanical failure was 21.7%. Late infections occurred in 3 patients (13%). At the latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 69.9 points (range 39 to 94), and the mean functional Knee Society Score was 42.5 points (range 0 to 90), with average knee flexion of 95° (range 90° to 100°). CONCLUSION: The IF sleeve is a valid technique for the management of selected patients with IF fractures, particularly when a stable fracture fixation is not possible. Hip instability is not a concern, and functional improvement is achievable. Careful planning is required preoperatively to avoid mechanical failure.

No Difference Between Trabecular Metal Cones and Femoral Head Allografts in Revision TKA: Minimum 5-year Followup.

BACKGROUND: Encouraging clinical results have been reported with the use of femoral head structural allografts and, more recently, trabecular metal cones for the management of large structural defects of the femur and tibia during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, to our knowledge, there are no published studies comparing these two techniques. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Compared with bulk allografts, do trabecular metal cones result in (1) better validated outcomes scores; (2) a lower risk of loosening or revision at 5 years; and (3) fewer surgical complications when used for the management of bone loss in revision TKA? METHODS: Between 2002 and 2008, three surgeons performed 450 TKA revisions, 45 (10%) of which were performed using augmentation of host bone; in those, femoral head allograft was used in 30 (75%) and trabecular metal cones in 15 (25%). From 2002 to 2007, femoral head allografts were used in all patients (28 patients); from 2007 to 2008, trabecular metal augments were used in all patients. There was a period of 1 year (16 knees) in which there was some overlap; during that time, femoral head structural allografts were used in cases in which we were unable to fit the defect or achieve adequate stability with trabecular metal cones. Followup was at a mean of 9 years (range, 5-12 years). No patients were lost to followup. Knee function and quality of life were assessed using the Oxford Knee Score, WOMAC, SF-12, and the UCLA activity score. Radiographs were assessed for signs of loosening. Surgical complications included superficial or deep infections, iatrogenic fractures, symptomatic deep venous thromboses or pulmonary emboli, and blood loss requiring transfusion; these were obtained from our database and from review of patients' charts. RESULTS: The mean Oxford Knee Score in the allograft and trabecular metal cone groups was 91 (SD 10) and 91 (SD 14), respectively (95% confidence interval [CI], 88-94; p = 0.29). Mean WOMAC scores were 94 (SD 10) and 92 (SD 14), respectively (95% CI, 80-105; p = 0.52) and mean UCLA scores were 6 (SD 1.2) and 6 (SD 1.5), respectively (95% CI, 4-8; p = 0.49). Five- and 10-year survivorship of the allografts was 93% (95% CI, 77-98) and 93% (95% CI, 77-99), respectively. Survivorship at a mean of 5 years in the trabecular metal cones group was 91% (95% CI, 56-98). With the numbers available, there were no differences between the groups in terms of the frequency of surgical complications (3% [one of 30] versus 7% [one of 15]; odds ratio, 0.5; p = 0.632). CONCLUSIONS: With the numbers available, we found no difference in pain, function, or repeat revision when comparing femoral head allografts and trabecular metal cones for severe bone defects during revision TKA. However, we used allografts for the larger bone defects. Based on these results, we believe that femoral head allografts and trabecular metal cones can both be used for the management of Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute Types 2 and 3 defects. Future multicenter studies are required with larger numbers, cost analyses, and a longer duration of followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Nonmodular Tapered Fluted Titanium Stems Osseointegrate Reliably at Short Term in Revision THAs.

BACKGROUND: The ideal femoral component for revision THA is undecided. Cylindrical nonmodular stems have been associated with stress shielding, whereas junctional fractures have been reported with tapered fluted modular titanium stems. We have used a tapered fluted nonmodular titanium femoral component (Wagner Self-locking [SL] femoral stem) to mitigate this risk. This component has been used extensively in Europe by its designer surgeons, but to our knowledge, it has not been studied in North America. Added to this, the design of the component has changed since early reports. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Does the Wagner SL stem have low rates of rerevision and other complications at a minimum 2 years after surgery? (2) Is the Wagner SL stem associated with high levels of patient function and pain relief at a minimum 2 years after surgery? (3) Does the Wagner SL stem have low rates of subsidence at a minimum 2 years after surgery? (4) Is the Wagner SL stem associated with proximal femoral bone remodeling at a minimum 2 years after surgery? METHOD: Between May 2011 and December 2012, we performed 198 femoral revisions, of which 104 (53%) were performed using the Wagner SL femoral stem; during that period, our institution gradually shifted toward increasing use of these stems for all but the most severe revisions, in which modular fluted stems and proximal femoral replacements still are used on an occasional basis. Median followup in this retrospective study was 32 months (range, 24-46 months), and one patient was lost to followup before the 2-year minimum. The femoral deformities in this series were Paprosky Type I (10 hips), Paprosky Type II (26), Paprosky Type IIIA (52), Paprosky Type IIIB (nine), and Paprosky Type IV (two). Functional assessment was performed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), WOMAC, SF-12, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. All complications and cases of revision were documented. All patients had radiographs performed within 1 year of the latest followup. These were assessed by two surgeons for signs of proximal femoral bone remodeling and subsidence. RESULTS: Complete preoperative scores were available for 98 patients (98 of 104; 94%). The mean OHS preoperatively and at final followup were 39 (SD, 15) and 87 (SD, 19), respectively (p < 0.001; mean difference, 48; 95% CI, 43-53). Average WOMAC scores were 44 (SD, 15) and 87 (SD, 20), respectively (p < 0.001; mean difference, 43; 95% CI, 38-48). At final followup, signs of restoration of proximal femoral bone stock was noted in 45 of 103 hips (44%). Six (six of 104; 6%) patients had subsidence of 10 mm to 15 mm. In the remainder (98 of 104; 94%), the mean subsidence was 2 mm (range, 0-9 mm). One revision was performed for loosening associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: The Wagner SL stem is a viable option for patients with Paprosky Types II and III defects undergoing revision THA. This component provides high levels of patient function with low revision rates and low rates of subsidence during the early postoperative phase. They provide a viable alternative to modular components for treatment of Types II and III defects without the risk of junctional fractures. They can be used for very selected Type IV defects, however this extent of bone loss is most easily addressed with other techniques such as a proximal femoral replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Tapered, fluted titanium stems in revision total hip arthroplasty: role and results in contemporary practice.

The burden of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rising. As increasingly younger patients are treated with THA procedures, it is likely that this trend will continue. The results of revision THA are greatly influenced by the quantity and the quality of available femoral bone stock available for reconstruction. Modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems are increasingly used in revision THA. It is helpful to be familiar with the use of these components in revision THA.

Opiate prescription after hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: Excessive opiate analgesia in relation to orthopaedic surgery is associated with morbidity and mortality. Pre-operative use of opiates is associated with higher post-operative use. There is little information about opiate prescribing practices in relation to elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in New Zealand rural centres. The aims of this study were to describe opiate use before, immediately after and 1 year after TJA, and to compare prescribing practices with local guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of elective primary hip and knee arthroplasties was conducted between January 2018 and April 2019. Opiate use was evaluated from clinical records and from electronic prescribing records and described in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) with a particular focus on pre-operative and post-operative periods, and use after 1 year. RESULTS: In the study period, 199 patients underwent 203 joint arthroplasties. Of these, data from 157 patients were analysed. Patient data were not analysed because of unavailable files (N=20), non-elective procedures (N=11), bilateral arthroplasties (N=4), deaths (N=4) and incomplete information (N=3). Pre-operative opiates were used by 92 (59%) patients, of whom 70 (76%) were not using opiates after 1 year. There were 126 (80%) patients who were discharged with opiate prescriptions and the vast majority, 121 (96%), did not receive discharge prescriptions that conformed to local guidelines. CONCLUSION: Despite undergoing joint arthroplasty, about one quarter of patients who had been prescribed opiates before the operation were still receiving opiates after 1 year. There was poor compliance with local guidelines.

Primary total hip arthroplasty with a tapered Trabecular Metal™ coated femoral component: experience with a minimum 24-month follow-up.

We prospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological outcome of the first 32 patients (32 hips) undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty using a Trabecular Metal™ coated tapered femoral component. Seventeen males and 15 females were included. Average age was 71.6 years (range 61.5-85 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 34 months (range 24-48 months) Average preoperative Oxford, Harris, and WOMAC scores were 34, 51, and 44, respectively. Mean postoperative scores were 18, 82, and 11, respectively (P < 0.001 for all scores). All patients reported relief of preoperative pain. There were no revisions. These results suggest that the Trabecular Metal™ taper femoral component successfully relieves pain and leads to a significant functional improvement in patients with symptomatic hip arthritis in the early postoperative period.

High early failure rate for a new unicondylar knee system.

Background: This single-center retrospective study evaluated early failure rates for an unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) system with an anti-allergic surface. Methods: We studied 87 consecutive joints received an UKA at a single center between 2017 and 2020. All patients received a fully cemented anti-allergic Univation-Aesculap partial knee replacement implant with a corundum blasting surface. All joints had precise indication of unicompartmental arthroplasty according to the current criteria of this procedure. The current series was restricted to patients undergoing medial cemented UKA. Medial compartment osteoarthritis was the main indication. Results: We found early failure (aseptic loosening) was documented in 20 of the 87 joints (23%). The time to failure ranged from 7 weeks to 3 years, for an estimated 33% (15-46%) cumulative hazard rate for implant loosening over three years. No cases of periprosthetic joint infection were found. On average, the patients began complaining about first symptoms during the third month after surgery. In most cases (66.66%), the cement remained fixed to the bone. Conclusions: Based on these early results, the manufacturer of this implant stopped all further distribution. Continued efforts should be made to understand the clinical and radiographic outcomes of alternative and anti-allergic surface coatings in knee arthroplasty.