A Remote Physical Therapy Program Demonstrates Similar Outcomes Compared to In-Person, Supervised Physical Therapy After Same-Day Discharge Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients are candidates for same-day discharge (SDD). Previous research has shown that internet-based remote physical therapy (RPT) can produce equivalent outcomes to supervised outpatient physical therapy (OPT) after TKA. We sought to compare outcomes between RPT and OPT in patients undergoing SDD TKA using an electronic remote perioperative management (ERPM) program. METHODS: Patients undergoing SDD TKA were enrolled in an ERPM program and randomized to ERPM + RPT or ERPM + OPT. Preoperative and 6-week functional assessments included knee range of motion, timed up and go, and 4-meter gait speed. Numerical Rating Scale pain scores were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 and 12 weeks, and satisfaction was assessed at 6, 12, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Participants completed the Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 52 weeks postoperatively. OPT utilization was collected 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 197 initially randomized patients, 76 remained in the ERPM + RPT group and 95 in the ERPM + OPT group after withdrawals and crossovers. Baseline characteristics showed no differences between the 2 groups. No clinically relevant differences were observed in knee range of motion, Numerical Rating Scale pain, patient-reported outcomes, functional assessments, or satisfaction at any follow-up time. Participants in the ERPM + OPT group attended an average of 11.57 physical therapy sessions, incurring a total cost of $462.8 and 133 minutes of travel. Conversely, the ERPM + RPT group experienced no expenses or travel time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the ERPM + RPT group had similar outcomes, lower costs, and saved time compared to patients in the ERPM + OPT group after SDD TKA. Further analysis is needed to determine predictive indicators for crossovers.

Evaluating Knee Recovery Beyond Patient Reports: A Comparative Study of Smart Implantable Device-Derived Gait Metrics Versus Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is frequently performed for advanced osteoarthritis, with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) traditionally reporting on efficacy. These subjective evaluations, although useful, may inaccurately reflect post-TKA activity levels. With technological advancements, smart implantable devices (SIDs) offer objective, real-time gait metrics, potentially providing a more accurate postoperative recovery assessment. This study compares these objective metrics with PROMs to evaluate TKA success more effectively. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 88 participants undergoing TKA using a SID. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older and had advanced osteoarthritis. We excluded those who had bilateral TKAs, joint infections, or neuromuscular disease. The SID system collected daily gait metrics, including step count, distance traveled, walking speed, stride length, cadence, and functional knee range of motion. The PROMs, including Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement, Veterans Rand 12 Physical Component Summary, and Veterans Rand 12 Mental Component Summary, were analyzed against SID gait metrics. Among the 88 patients, 80 provided continuous data over 12 weeks. RESULTS: All gait metrics, except stride length, significantly increased at the 12-week point (P < .05). The PROMs also significantly improved postoperatively (P < .05). Initial low positive correlations between 12-week PROMs and SID metrics decreased after adjusting for demographic variables, leaving only weak correlations between the Veterans Rand 12 Physical Component Summary and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement with functional knee range of motion (r = 0.389, P = .002; r = 0.311, P = .014, respectively), and Veterans Rand 12 Mental Component Summary with step count (r = 0.406, P = .001) and distance traveled (r = 0.376, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that both PROMs and SID gait metrics show significant improvements post-TKA, though they correlate weakly with each other, suggesting a possible discrepancy between perceived recovery and actual functional improvement. The SID gait metrics might provide a valuable addition to traditional PROMs by offering an objective representation of physical capabilities unaffected by patient compliance or subjective perceptions of recovery. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger populations and to explore whether integrating SID metrics can enhance long-term functional outcomes.

Heterotopic Ossification Following Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty With and Without Postoperative Analgesic Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatories.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) can result in poorer clinical outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Multiple modes of intervention have been evaluated for HO prevention, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Additionally, multimodal pain management strategies including celecoxib have become more prominent. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the influence of celecoxib as part of postoperative analgesia on the risk of developing HO following the direct anterior approach (DA) for THA. METHODS: A retrospective query identified primary DA THAs performed by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2020. Patients were grouped according to those who received 3 weeks celecoxib upon discharge, and those who did not. Radiographs were used to categorize patients according to the Brooker classification system for HO. Preoperative and 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative X-rays were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 688 DA THAs were included, demonstrating a 9.6% (n = 66) incidence of HO with Brooker classification: 1: 5.7% (n = 39); 2: 2.6% (n = 18); 3: 1.2% (n = 8); and 4: 0.1% (n = 1). Patients who did not receive celecoxib had a 14.3% (52/364) rate of HO following THA (odds ratio 4.53, P < .001) vs only 4.3% (14/324) in the celecoxib group (odds ratio 0.22, P < .001). Overall, 9 patients (1.3%) went on to develop significant HO (Booker 3 or greater): 8 (2.2%) in the control group and 1 (0.3%) in the celecoxib group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a significant reduction in the formation of HO following DA THA when using postoperative analgesic celecoxib as part of a multimodal pain protocol. Future prospective randomized studies are needed to identify ideal dosage, duration, and formulation to reduce the risk of HO while optimizing multimodal pain management.

Range of Motion to Impingement Curves Create a New Patient-Specific Impingement-Free Zone for Acetabular Cup Placement.

INTRODUCTION: The acetabular "safe zone" has recently been questioned as a reliable reference for predicting total hip arthroplasty impingement and instability as many dislocations occur within the described parameters. Recently, an improved understanding of spino-pelvic mechanics has provided surgeons useful information to both identify those at a higher risk of dislocation and, in some cases, allows altering component positioning to accommodate the patient's individual "functional" range of motion. The purpose of this study was to create a new patient-specific impingement-free zone by considering range of motion (ROM) to prosthetic impingement for both high flexion and extension poses, thus demarcating a zone that avoids both anterior and posterior impingement, thereby creating an objective approach to identifying a patient's ideal functional safe zone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated hip ROM three-dimensional simulator was utilized to create ROM-to-impingement curves for both high flexion as well as pivot and turn poses. The user imported a computerized tomography (CT) with a supine pelvic tilt (PT) value of zero and implant models (tapered wedge stem, 132° neck angle, 15° stem version, 36mm femoral head). Femur-to-pelvis relative motions were determined for three upright seated poses (femur flexed at 90° and 40° internal rotation, with 0°, 10°, and 20° posterior PT), one chair rise pose (femur flexed at 90° and 0° internal rotation, with the pelvis flexed anteriorly until the pelvis made contact with the femur), and three standing pivot and turn poses (femur set at 5° extension, and 35° external rotation, with 5° posterior PT, 0°, and 5° anterior PT). ROM-to-impingement curves for cup inclination versus anteversion were graphed and compared against the Lewinnek safe zone. RESULTS: The ROM-to-impingement curves provide an objective assessment of potential impingement sites as they relate to femoral rotation and pelvic tilt. The area between the stand and sit curves is the impingement-free area. A sitting erect pose with a simulated stiff spine (0° PT) yielded less impingement-free combinations of cup inclination and version than poses with greater than 0° posterior pelvic tilt. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the acetabular target zone has a relatively small margin for error between the sitting and standing ROM curves to impingement. Importantly, anterior and posterior pelvic tilt can markedly increase the risk of impingement, potentially leading to posterior or anterior dislocations, respectively. This study highlights the importance of correctly identifying the patient-specific functional range of motion to execute optimal component positioning.

Do Antibiotic-Impregnated Intramedullary Dowels Assist in Eradicating Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty? Pro.

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) spacer constructs for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections of the knee continue to evolve from the original hockey puck designs. Countless techniques have since been described for augmentation of ALBC spacers with the use of intramedullary (IM) dowels. The use of IM dowels has become a vital addition to any knee spacer construct. ALBC IM dowels are an excellent vessel to provide targeted local antibiotic treatment to high-risk areas like the medullary canal while increasing the overall therapeutic antibiotic elution. In addition, IM dowels provide needed stabilization to the relatively unstable intra-articular spacer component, thereby reducing spacer-related complications like displacement and fracture. Therefore, we recommend regular use of IM dowel augmentation to ALBC spacer constructs.

The Use of New Technology for Wound Management Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Implications for the COVID-19 Crisis.

With constantly evolving materials and techniques used in wound closure management for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is imperative that we continuously evaluate new modalities and techniques to optimize healing. This article provides a concise review of the current closure and wound management methods for each of the following three layers and dressing: 1) deep fascia layer, or arthrotomy; 2) subdermal layer or subcutaneous layer; 3) skin and subcuticular layer; and 4) dressing application. By introducing a comprehensive and systematic approach to TKA wounds, this report also incorporates newer modalities such as barbed sutures and adhesive dressings, which have increasingly replaced traditional suture and staple methods. Furthermore, we examine how various layers of modern wound closure compare to conventional methods while discussing both the clinical and economic impacts of each. Newer wound management methods, such as the adhesive and occlusive dressings with varying monofilament subcuticular sutures, can eliminate the need for staple and suture removal, increase the value of care provided, limit unnecessary postoperative visits, and potentially address wound issues by communicating safely with patients via telemedicine, an ever-relevant discussion in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Wound Management following Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Updated Review.

Optimal wound closure techniques following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have focused on enhancing healing potential, preventing infection, yielding satisfactory cosmesis, and allowing early ambulation and functionality. An appropriate layered closure and management of the TKA typically involves addressing the (1) deep fascial layer; (2) subdermal layer; (3) intradermal layer, including the subcuticular region; and (4) final application of a specific aseptic dressing, each of which are covered here in detail. This focused critical review of the literature discusses traditional techniques used in all layers of wound closure following TKA while introducing several emerging popular techniques. For example, absorbable barbed skin sutures and occlusive dressings have the potential to reduce operative time, limit the need for early postoperative visits, obviate the need for suture or staple removal, and safely promote patient communication via telemedicine. As novel wound closure techniques continue to emerge and traditional approaches are improved upon, future comparative studies will assist in elucidating the key advantages of various options. In an extremely important field that has tremendous variability, these efforts may enable the reaching of a classically elusive standard of care for these techniques.

Can Component Size in Total Knee Arthroplasty Be Predicted Preoperatively?-An Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

Accurately predicting component sizing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can ensure appropriate implants are readily available, avoiding complications from malsizing while also reducing cost by improving workflow efficiency through a reduction in instrumentation. This study investigated the utility of demographic variables to reliably predict TKA component sizes. A retrospective chart review of 337 patients undergoing primary TKA was performed. Patient characteristics (age, sex, race, height, weight) were recorded along with implant and shoe size. Correlation between shoe size and TKA component size was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis using three models: (A) standard demographic variables, (B) shoe size, and (C) combination of both models. Shoe size demonstrated the strongest correlation with femoral anteroposterior (FAP) (p < 0.001) followed by height (p < 0.001). Conversely, height exhibited the strongest correlation with tibial mediolateral (TML) (p < 0.001) followed by shoe size (p < 0.001). Model C was able to correctly predict both the femur and tibia within one and two sizes in 83.09 and 98.14% of cases, respectively. Individually, model C predicted the FAP within one and two sizes in 83.09 and 96.14% of cases, and the TML in 98.81 and 100% of cases, respectively. A patient's shoe size demonstrates a strong correlation to the TKA implant size, and when combined with standard demographic variables the predictive reliability is further increased. Here, we present a predictive model for implant sizing based solely on easily attainable demographic variables, that will be useful for preoperative planning to improve surgical efficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, Diagnostic.

Bridging the Gap: The Influence of Foot and Ankle Pathomechanics in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Altered spinopelvic mechanics can have dramatic influences on the success of hip arthroplasty as seen with concomitant hip and spine disease. Interestingly, limited focus has been directed toward a similar codependent relationship between concurrent knee and foot deformities. By bridging this interdisciplinary gap, we attempt to explore the current understanding and clinical implications of concomitant knee and foot pathology while reviewing management options for addressing this unique yet ubiquitous patient population. Multiple authors have demonstrated an inverse relationship between progressive coronal plane deformities concerning the knee and hindfoot. The utility of a conventional mechanical axis during total knee arthroplasty may be limited in the presence of foot deformity where ground reactive forces often markedly deviate with the hindfoot, potentially leading to eccentric knee loading. The use of alternative indices, such as ground mechanical axis deviation, may offer a more reliable metric for achieving an accurate neutral mechanical axis. In addition, although foot deformity and compensation can often improve to a limited degree after total knee arthroplasty, residual deformity may have deleterious effects on the success of the procedure. A comprehensive understanding of the functional relationship between the foot and the knee can allow surgeons to better guide appropriate treatment sequence, often beginning with the more symptomatic deformity. Future research is needed to further elucidate the implications and appropriate management of concomitant knee and foot deformity.