Methodological Assessment of the 100 Most-Cited Articles in Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Last Decade Compared to the All-Time List.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been driven by a growing focus on evidence-based medicine. This transition is reflected in the critical appraisal of both, the quality of work and the potential impact on the orthopedic community. The purpose of our study was to (1) identify the top 100 most-cited articles in TKA in the last decade and from all-time, and (2) compare methodological rigor of the most-cited articles in TKA in the last decade to articles all-time by level of evidence. METHODS: The top 100 cited articles were recorded for manuscripts from the last decade, January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2022, and manuscripts from all-time for TKA. We collected authors, year of publication, journal of the article, country of origin of authors, article type (basic science article, clinical research article), level of evidence, methodological index for non-randomized studies score, physiotherapy evidence database scale, and citation density (total citations/years published). RESULTS: The largest number of studies for all-time TKA (53.0%) and decade TKA (42.0%) were Level III. The average methodological index for non-randomized studies score for comparative studies was 18.7 for all-time TKA and 20.7 for decade TKA (P < .001). The average physiotherapy evidence database score was 6.1 for all-time TKA and 8.1 for decade TKA (P > .05). The highest citation density for all-time TKA was 111 and for past decade was 63. The number of level II studies in TKA increased from 19.0% from all time to 38.0% from the last decade (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of improved methodologies over time reflect positive steps toward evidence-based practice in TKA. A continued focus on producing methodologically sound studies may guide evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Orthopedic Surgery Volume Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Postvaccination Era: Implications for Healthcare Planning.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic decreased surgical volumes, but prior studies have not investigated recovery through 2022, or analyzed specific procedures or cases of urgency within orthopedic surgery. The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the declines in orthopedic surgery volume during and after the pandemic peak, (2) characterize surgical volume recovery during the postvaccination period, and (3) characterize recovery in the 1-year postvaccine release period. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 27,476 orthopedic surgeries from January 2019 to December 2022 at one urban academic quaternary referral center. We reported trends over the following periods: baseline pre-COVID-19 period (1/6/2019 to 1/4/2020), COVID-19 peak (3/15/2020 to 5/16/2020), post-COVID-19 peak (5/17/2020 to 1/2/2021), postvaccine release (1/3/2021 to 1/1/2022), and 1-year postvaccine release (1/2/2022 to 12/30/2022). Comparisons were performed with 2 sample t-tests. RESULTS: Pre-COVID-19 surgical volume fell by 72% at the COVID-19 peak, especially impacting elective procedures (P < .001) and both hip and knee joint arthroplasty (P < .001) procedures. Nonurgent (P = .024) and urgent or emergency (P = .002) cases also significantly decreased. Postpeak recovery before the vaccine saw volumes rise to 92% of baseline, which further rose to 96% and 94% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While elective procedures surpassed the baseline in 2022, nonurgent and urgent or emergency surgeries remained low. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially reduced orthopedic surgical volumes, which have still not fully recovered through 2022, particularly nonelective procedures. The differential recovery within an orthopedic surgery program may result in increased morbidity and can serve to inform department-level operational recovery.

Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Diabetic Patients After Fast-Track Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Follow-up Cohort of 36,762 Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes increases the risk of adverse outcomes in surgical procedures, including total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA), and the prevalence of diabetic patients undergoing these procedures is high, ranging from approximately 8% to 20%. However, there is still a need to clarify the role of diabetes and antihyperglycemic treatment in a fast-track THA/TKA setting, which otherwise may decrease morbidity. Consequently, we investigated the association between diabetes and antihyperglycemic treatment on length of stay (LOS) and complications following fast-track THA/TKA within a multicenter fast-track collaboration. METHODS: We used an observational study design on data from a prospective multicenter fast-track collaboration on unselected elective primary THA/TKA from 2010 to 2017. Complete follow-up (>99%) was achieved through The Danish National Patient Registry, antihyperglycemic treatment established through the Danish National Database of Reimbursed Prescriptions and types of complications leading to LOS >4 days, 90-day readmission or mortality obtained by scrutinizing health records and discharge summaries. Patients were categorized as nondiabetic and if diabetic into insulin-, orally, and dietary-treated diabetic patients. RESULTS: A total of 36,762 procedures were included, of which 837 (2.3%) had insulin-treated diabetes, 2615 (7.1%) orally treated diabetes, and 566 (1.5%) dietary-treated diabetes. Overall median LOS was 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-3) days, and mean LOS was 2.4 (standard deviation [SD], 2.5) days. The proportion of patients with LOS >4 days was 6.0% for nondiabetic patients, 14.7% for insulin-treated, 9.4% for orally treated, and 9.5% for dietary-treated diabetic patients. Pharmacologically treated diabetes (versus nondiabetes) was independently associated with increased odds of LOS >4 days (insulin-treated: odds ratio [OR], 2.2 [99.6% confidence interval {CI}, 1.3-3.7], P < .001; orally treated: OR, 1.5 [99.6% CI, 1.0-2.1]; P = .002). Insulin-treated diabetes was independently associated with increased odds of "diabetes-related" morbidity (OR, 2.3 [99.6% CI, 1.2-4.2]; P < .001). Diabetic patients had increased renal complications regardless of antihyperglycemic treatment, but only insulin-treated patients suffered significantly more cardiac complications than nondiabetic patients. There was no increase in periprosthetic joint infections or mortality associated with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pharmacologically treated diabetes undergoing fast-track THA/TKA were at increased odds of LOS >4 days. Although complication rates were low, patients with insulin-treated diabetes were at increased odds of postoperative complications compared to nondiabetic patients and to their orally treated counterparts. Further investigation into the pathogenesis of postoperative complications differentiated by antihyperglycemic treatment is needed.

A projection of primary knee replacement in Denmark from 2020 to 2050.

Background and purpose - The incidence of knee replacements (KRs) has increased in the past decades. Previous studies have forecast a continuous and almost exponential rise in the use of KRs, but this rise must cease at some point. We estimated when and at what incidence the use of KRs will plateau in Denmark.Patients and methods - We retrieved 138,223 primary KRs conducted from 1997 to 2019 from the Danish Knee Arthroplasty Registry. Censuses from 1997 to 2019 as well as population projections from 2020 through 2050 were collected from Statistics Denmark. We applied logistic and Gompertz regression analysis to the data to estimate the future incidence until 2050 with root mean squared error (RMSE) as a quantitative measurement of the models' fit.Results - The Danish incidence of KRs from 1997 to 2009 increased by more than 300%, but has stalled since 2009. Logistic and Gompertz regression had an RMSE of 14 and 15 indicating that these models fitted the data well. Logistic and Gompertz regressions estimated that the maximum incidence will be reached in 2030 at 250 (95% prediction interval [PI]) 159-316) KRs per 105 or in 2035 at 260 (PI 182-336) KRs per 105, respectively.Interpretation - The Danish incidence of KRs seems set to plateau within the coming decades. Countries experiencing a current exponential rise at a lower incidence may benefit from this study's projection when forecasting their future demand for KRs.

Intrathecal Morphine and Pulmonary Complications after Arthroplasty in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine is commonly and effectively used for analgesia after joint arthroplasty, but has been associated with delayed respiratory depression. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may be at higher risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. However, data is limited regarding the safety of intrathecal morphine in this population undergoing arthroplasty. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the safety of intrathecal morphine in 1,326 patients with documented or suspected obstructive sleep apnea undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Chart review was performed to determine clinical characteristics, perioperative events, and postoperative outcomes. All patients received neuraxial anesthesia with low-dose (100 µg) intrathecal morphine (exposure) or without opioids (control). The primary outcome was any postoperative pulmonary complication including: (1) respiratory depression requiring naloxone; (2) pneumonia; (3) acute respiratory event requiring consultation with the critical care response team; (4) respiratory failure requiring intubation/mechanical ventilation; (5) unplanned admission to the intensive care unit for respiratory support; and (6) death from a respiratory cause. The authors hypothesized that intrathecal morphine would be associated with increased postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 1,326 patients, 1,042 (78.6%) received intrathecal morphine. The mean age of patients was 65 ± 9 yr and body mass index was 34.7 ± 7.0 kg/m. Of 1,326 patients, 622 (46.9%) had suspected obstructive sleep apnea (Snoring, Tired, Observed, Pressure, Body Mass Index, Age, Neck size, Gender [STOP-Bang] score greater than 3), while 704 of 1,326 (53.1%) had documented polysomnographic diagnosis. Postoperatively, 20 of 1,322 (1.5%) patients experienced pulmonary complications, including 14 of 1,039 (1.3%) in the exposed and 6 of 283 (2.1%) in the control group (P = 0.345). Overall, there were 6 of 1 322 (0.5%) cases of respiratory depression, 18 of 1,322 (1.4%) respiratory events requiring critical care team consultation, and 4 of 1,322 (0.3%) unplanned intensive care unit admissions; these rates were similar between both groups. After adjustment for confounding, intrathecal morphine was not significantly associated with postoperative pulmonary complication (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.24 to 1.67]; P = 0.308). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose intrathecal morphine, in conjunction with multimodal analgesia, was not reliably associated with postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing joint arthroplasty.

Projections of Primary TKA and THA in Germany From 2016 Through 2040.

BACKGROUND: Future projections for both TKA and THA in the United States and other countries forecast a further increase of already high numbers of joint replacements. The consensus is that in industrialized countries, this increase is driven by demographic changes with more elderly people being less willing to accept activity limitations. Unlike the United States, Germany and many other countries face a population decline driven by low fertility rates, longer life expectancy, and immigration rates that cannot compensate for population aging. Many developing countries are likely to follow that example in the short or medium term amid global aging. Due to growing healthcare expenditures in a declining and aging population with a smaller available work force, reliable predictions of procedure volume by age groups are requisite for health and fiscal policy makers to maintain high standards in arthroplasty for the future population.Questions/purposes (1) By how much is the usage of primary TKA and THA in Germany expected to increase from 2016 through 2040? (2) How is arthroplasty usage in Germany expected to vary as a function of patient age during this time span? METHODS: The annual number of primary TKAs and THAs were calculated based on population projections and estimates of future healthcare expenditures as a percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in Germany. For this purpose, a Poisson regression analysis using age, gender, state, healthcare expenditure, and calendar year as covariates was performed. The dependent variable was the historical number of primary TKAs and THAs performed as compiled by the German federal office of statistics for the years 2005 through 2016. RESULTS: Through 2040, the incidence rate for both TKA and THA will continue to increase annually. For TKA, the incidence rate is expected to increase from 245 TKAs per 100,000 inhabitants to 379 (297-484) (55%, 95% CI 21 to 98). The incidence rate of THAs is anticipated to increase from 338 to 437 (357-535) per 100,000 inhabitants (29% [95% CI 6 to 58]) between 2016 and 2040. The total number of TKAs is expected to increase by 45% (95% CI 14 to 8), from 168,772 procedures in 2016 to 244,714 (95% CI 191,920 to 312,551) in 2040. During the same period, the number of primary THAs is expected to increase by 23% (95% CI 0 to 50), from 229,726 to 282,034 (95% CI 230,473 to 345,228). Through 2040, the greatest increase in TKAs is predicted to occur in patients aged 40 to 69 years (40- to 49-year-old patients: 269% (95% CI 179 to 390); 50- to 59-year-old patients: 94% (95% CI 48 to 141); 60- to 69-year-old patients: 43% (95% CI 13 to 82). The largest increase in THAs is expected in the elderly (80- to 89-year-old patients (71% [95% CI 40 to 110]). CONCLUSIONS: Although the total number of TKAs and THAs is projected to increase in Germany between now and 2040, the increase will be smaller than that previously forecast for the United States, due in large part to the German population decreasing over that time, while the American population increases. Much of the projected increase in Germany will be from the use of TKA in younger patients and from the use of THA in elderly patients. Knowledge of these trends may help planning by surgeons, hospitals, stakeholders, and policy makers in countries similar to Germany, where high incidence rates of arthroplasty, aging populations, and overall decreasing populations are present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, economic and decision analysis.

Noise after total knee arthroplasty has limited effect on joint awareness and patient-reported clinical outcomes: retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Some patients complain of noise after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Controversy still exists on how the noise affects the clinical outcomes, including joint awareness, after TKA. The Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) measures the clinical outcomes focusing on joint awareness after surgery. The Knee Society Scoring System-2011 (KSS-2011) includes questionnaires for satisfaction, expectation, and functional activities. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship among FJS-12, KSS-2011, and the noise. Furthermore, the relationship between FJS-12 and KSS-2011 was validated. METHODS: Using FJS-12 and KSS-2011, 295 knees from 225 patients who underwent TKA were retrospectively evaluated. Noise perception was evaluated by a questionnaire with five grades, a method that follows the questionnaire form of FJS-12 ("Are you aware of the noise of your artificial joint?"; never, almost never, seldom, sometimes, mostly). Correlations among FJS-12, KSS-2011, and noise were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups based on the mechanism of their implant [cruciate retaining, posterior stabilized, cruciate sacrificed, and bicruciate stabilized (BCS)]. FJS-12, KSS-2011, and noise were compared among the groups. RESULTS: A strong correlation was found between FJS-12 and total score of KSS-2011 (0.70; P < 0.001). FJS-12 correlated with KSS-2011 subcategories of "symptoms," "satisfaction," and "standard activities," with correlation coefficients at approximately 0.60. Noise had weak correlations with FJS-12 (0.28; P < 0.001) and KSS-2011 (0.20 P < 0.001). In comparing the TKA mechanisms, BCS had remarkably better KSS-2011 and greater movement range but worse noise scores. CONCLUSIONS: Noise perception after TKA had limited effect on joint awareness and clinical outcomes. FJS-12 correlated strongly with KSS-2011 and associated with satisfaction, residual symptoms, and daily activities, as assessed by KSS-2011 subscores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Tokyo Women's Medical University (approval number: 4681 on March 2, 2018).

The efficacy of continuous versus single-injection femoral nerve block in Total knee Arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) has been developed to extend the analgesic effect since the efficacy of single-injection femoral nerve block (sFNB) is often limited to approximately 16-24 h. The aim of this meta-analysis was to validate the add-on effect of cFNB in the setting of a multimodal analgesic protocol. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review on Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PubMed. Eight randomized controlled trials (N = 626) that compared the efficacy of cFNB with sFNB were included. The primary outcome domains consist of visual analog scale (VAS) score at postoperative 24 and 48 h. The secondary outcome domains include opioid consumption, length of hospital stay and incidence of nausea. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that cFNB was associated with a lower VAS score at 24 h (SMD: -0.277;95% CI - 0.503 to - 0.05). However, the difference of VAS score did not meet the minimal clinically importance difference for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). VAS score at 48 h was similar between the cFNB and sFNB group. The cFNB group was associated with less amount of opioids consumed at both 24(SMD: -1.056;95% CI - 1.737 to - 0.375) and 48 h(SMD: -1.040;95% CI - 1.790 to - 0.289). Length of hospital stay and incidence of nausea were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In the setting of a multimodal analgesic protocol, patients might benefit from cFNB with regards to a reduced need of opioids in the early postoperative period. However, we did not find a clinically significant difference in pain scores at different time points between the cFNB and sFNB group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I; meta-analysis.

The incidence of shoulder arthroplasty: rise and future projections compared with hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There remains a paucity of epidemiologic data from recent years on the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty. We aimed to examine the recent trends and predict future projections of hemiarthroplasty (HA), anatomic (aTSA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), as well as compare these predictions to those for total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried from 2011 to 2017 for HA, aTSA, and RSA, as well as TKA and THA. Linear and Poisson regression was performed to project annual procedural incidence and volume to the year 2025. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2017, the number of primary shoulder arthroplasties increased by 103.7%. In particular, RSA increased by 191.3%, with 63,845 RSAs performed in 2017. All projection models demonstrated significant increases in shoulder arthroplasty volume and incidence from 2017 to 2025. By 2025, the linear model predicts that shoulder arthroplasty volume will increase by 67.2% to 174,810 procedures whereas the Poisson model predicts a 235.2% increase, to 350,558 procedures by 2025. These growth rate projections outpace those of THA and TKA. CONCLUSIONS: The number of shoulder arthroplasties has been increasing in recent years, largely because of the exponential increases in RSA. The overall incidence is increasing at a greater rate than TKA or THA, with projections continuing to rise over the next decade. These data and projections can be used by policy makers and hospitals to drive initiatives aimed at meeting these projected future demands.

Characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary total joint replacement: A 14-year trend analysis (2004-2017).

Objectives: To examine time trends in the characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing primary total joint replacement (TJR).Methods: Biologics were approved in Japan for use in patients with RA in July 2003. A total of 403 large joints in 282 patients who underwent TJR at our institute between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2017 were retrospectively examined.Results: A significant decreasing trend was observed in the number of TJRs performed from 2004 to 2017 (p = 0.013). No significant trend was observed in time from RA onset to TJR (p = 0.294). Age at RA onset (p = 0.034) showed a significant increasing trend, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels showed a significant decreasing trend (p < 0.001). Negative CRP (defined as ≤0.3 mg/dl; partial regression coefficient (B) = 2.44, p = 0.016) was independently associated with time from RA onset to TJR as well as age at RA onset and juxta-articular osteophyte formation.Conclusion: The number of TJRs decreased since the approval of biologics in Japan, and changes were observed in the characteristics of patients with RA undergoing TJR. Negative CRP was an independent factor associated with longer time from RA onset to TJR.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Periarticular Ketorolac in Adult Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Total Knee Replacement Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ketorolac tromethamine has been used for joint infiltration by the orthopedic surgeons as a part of postoperative multimodal analgesia. The objective of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of S (-) and R (+) enantiomers of ketorolac in adult patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Adult patients with normal preoperative renal function received a periarticular infiltration of 30 mg of ketorolac tromethamine along with 100 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 1 mg of epinephrine at the end of their THA or TKA surgery. Blood samples were taken from a venous cannula at various time points after infiltration. Pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using PMetrics 1.5.0. RESULTS: From 18 participants, 104 samples were analyzed. The peak plasma concentration for S (-) ketorolac was found to be lower than that of R (+) ketorolac, for both THA (0.19-1.22 mg/L vs 0.39-1.63 mg/L, respectively) and TKA (0.28-0.60 mg/L vs 0.48-0.88 mg/L, respectively). The clearance of the S (-) ketorolac enantiomer was higher than R (+) ketorolac (4.50 ± 2.27 vs 1.40 ± 0.694 L/h, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that with periarticular infiltration, S (-) ketorolac was observed to have increased clearance rate and highly variable volume of distribution and lower peak plasma concentration compared to R (+) ketorolac.

Are Histological Examinations of Arthroplasty Specimens Performed Consistently Across the Country? A Large Database Study.

BACKGROUND: It is currently unknown to what extent routine histological examination of joint arthroplasty specimens occurs across hospitals nationwide. Although this practice is neither supported nor refuted by the available evidence, given the increasing demand for joint arthroplasties, it is crucial to study overall utilization as well as its main drivers. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Using national data on joint replacements, we aimed to evaluate: (1) What is the current use of routine histological examination of joint arthroplasty specimens? (2) Does the use vary by geographic location and hospital characteristics? (3) Has use changed over time? METHODS: From the Premier Healthcare database (2006-2016) we included claims data from 87,667 shoulder (595 hospitals, median age 70 years, 16% nonwhite), 564,577 hip (629 hospitals, median age 65 years, 21% nonwhite), and 1,131,323 (630 hospitals, median age 66 years, 24% nonwhite) knee arthroplasties (all elective). Our study group has extensive experience with this data set, which contains information on 20% to 25% of all US hospitalizations. Included hospitals are mainly concentrated in the South (approximately 40%) with equal distributions among the Northeast, West, and Midwest (approximately 20% each). Moreover, the Premier data set has detailed billing information, which allows for evaluations of real-world clinical practice. There was no missing information on the main variables of interest for this specific study. We assessed frequency of histology examination (defined by Current Procedural Terminology codes) overall as well as by hospital characteristics (urban/rural, bed size, teaching status, arthroplasty volume), geographic region (Northeast, South, Midwest, West), and year. Given the large sample size, instead of p values, standardized differences were applied in assessing group differences where a standardized difference of > 0.1 (or 10%) was assumed to represent a meaningful difference between groups. For significance of trends, p values were applied. Percentages provided represent proportions of individual procedures. RESULTS: In most hospitals, histology testing was either rare (1%-10%, used in 187 of 595, 189 of 629, and 254 of 630 hospitals) or ubiquitous (91%-100%, used in 121 of 595, 220 of 629, and 195 of 630 hospitals) for shoulder, hip, and knee arthroplasties, respectively. Overall, histology testing occurred more often in smaller hospitals (37%-53% compared with 26%-45% in larger hospitals) and those located in the Northeast (59%-68% compared with 22%-44% in other regions) and urban areas (32%-49% compared with 20%-31% in rural areas), all with standardized differences > 10%. Histologic examination is slowly decreasing over time: from 2006 to 2016, it decreased from 34% to 30% for shoulder arthroplasty, from 50% to 45% for THAs, and from 43% to 38% for TKAs (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although overall use is decreasing, a substantial number of hospitals still routinely perform histology testing of arthroplasty specimens. Moreover, variation between regions and hospital types suggests that this practice is driven by a variety of factors. This is the first study addressing national utilization, which will be helpful for individual hospitals to assess how they compare with national utilization patterns. Moreover, the findings have clear implications for followup studies, which may be necessary given the exponentially growing demand for arthroplasties. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Patient reported outcomes and implant survivorship after Total knee arthroplasty with the persona knee implant system: two year follow up.

BACKGROUND: More personalized implant designs for total knee arthroplasty might optimize the clinical outcome after surgery. One of these personalized implant designs is the Persona knee implant system (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). The primary objective of this study was to determine patient reported outcomes and implant survivorship of the Persona Knee system used in primary total knee arthroplasty, up to two years after surgery. METHODS: From November 2013 to July 2016 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study at three centers. Preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 years after surgery, patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Knee Society Score (KSS, 2011, modified version) and the EQ-5D. Adverse Events were captured, assessed for relationship to device, and recorded in the study database. Furthermore, physical functioning was assessed by the orthopedic surgeon. Repeated measures analyses were performed on PROM scores. Kaplan Meier was used to calculate survivorship of the Persona Knee Implant System. RESULTS: A total of 146 total knee arthroplasties were performed. 61% (89/146) of the patients were female and mean age was 64.7 (± 6.9) years. Two years after surgery, one patient had a revision of the polyethylene insert because of a periprosthetic joint infection. Therefore, the Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 2 years was 0.99 (0.95-1.00 95% CI). OKS increased from 22.1 (95% CI 20.9-23.3) to 41.8 (95% CI 40.6-43.1) two years after surgery. Furthermore, all other PROMs also increased from before surgery to 2 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The Persona Knee implant is safe and effective and the clinical results up to two years after surgery are promising. PROMs results are very good; pain, function and quality of life all improved greatly after TKA. Further studies are needed to determine the long term clinical performance of the Persona prosthesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02337244 ). Registered June 1st, 2015. Retrospectively registered.

Technology-assisted rehabilitation following total knee or hip replacement for people with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of technology-assisted rehabilitation following total hip/knee replacement (THR/TKR). METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched without language or time restrictions for relevant studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro); from inception to November 7th, 2018. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion criteria to select eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of technology-based interventions, compared with usual care or no intervention for people undergoing THR/TKR. Two reviewers independently extracted trial details (e.g. patients' profile, intervention, outcomes, attrition and adverse events). Study methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Quality of evidence was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: We identified 21 eligible studies assessing telerehabilitation, game- or web-based therapy. There were 17 studies (N = 2188) in post-TKR rehabilitation and 4 studies (N = 783) in post-THR rehabilitation. Compared to usual care, technology-based intervention was more effective in reducing pain (mean difference (MD): - 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.48, - 0.02; moderate evidence) and improving function measured with the timed up-and-go test (MD: -7.03; 95% CI: - 11.18, - 2.88) in people undergoing TKR. No between-group differences were observed in rates of hospital readmissions or treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in those studies. CONCLUSION: There is moderate-quality of evidence showed technology-assisted rehabilitation, in particular, telerehabilitation, results in a statistically significant improvement in pain; and low-quality of evidence for the improvement in functional mobility in people undergoing TKR. The effects were however too small to be clinically significant. For THR, there is very limited low-quality evidence shows no significant effects.

Quadriceps-sparing versus traditional medial parapatellar approaches for total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is still controversy regarding whether Quadriceps-sparing (QS) approach for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) lead to better earlier recovery as well as compromising low limb alignment and prosthesis position compared with conventional medial parapatellar (MP) approach. To overcome the shortcomings and inaccuracies of single studies, the clinical outcomes and radiographic assessments of QS approach and MP approach were evaluated through meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed this meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane Collaboration Library and Web of Science databases. Our search strategy followed the requirements of the Cochrane Library Handbook. The study selection, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality were independently completed by four authors. And subgroup analysis and publication bias were also performed in the study. RESULTS: Eight prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight retrospective studies were identified. Overall meta-analysis and subgroup meta-analysis of RCTs identified the QS approach mainly was associated with increased Knee Society function score beyond 24 months postoperatively (weighted mean difference [WMD] 1.78, P = 0.0004) (WMD 1.86, P = 0.0002), and improved range of motion 1-2 weeks postoperatively (WMD 5.84, P < 0.00001) (WMD 4.87, P = 0.002). Besides, lower visual analogue scale on postoperative day 1 (WMD -0.91, P = 0.02), shorter hospital stay (WMD -0.88, P = 0.02) and shorter incision (extension) (WMD -4.62, P < 0.00001) were indicated in overall meta-analysis. However, surgical and tourniquet time was significantly longer in QS group by both overall and subgroup meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: QS approach may accelerate early recovery without increasing the risk of malalignment of low limb and malposition of prosthesis.

Osteoarthritis- a systematic review of long-term safety implications for osteoarthritis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: There is no cure for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and typically patients live approximately 30-years with the disease. Most common medical treatments result in short-term palliation of symptoms with little consideration of long-term risk. This systematic review aims to appraise the current evidence for the long-term (≥12 months) safety of common treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline and PubMed were systematically searched from 1990 to July 2017, inclusive. Inclusion criteria were 1) peer-reviewed publications investigating treatments for KOA referred to in the Australian Clinical Care Standard and/or Therapeutic Guidelines: Rheumatology 2) specifically addressing safety of the treatments 3) with ≥12 months of follow-up and 4) Downs and Black quality score ≥ 13. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Lifestyle modifications (moderate exercise and weight loss), paracetamol, glucosamine, Intraarticular Hyaluronic Acid (IAHA) and platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections have a low risk of harm and beneficial ≥12 month outcomes. Although Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) provide pain relief, they are associated with increased risk of medical complications. Cortisone injections are associated with radiological cartilage degeneration at > 12 months. Arthroscopy for degenerative meniscal tears in KOA leads to a 3-fold increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA improves primary outcomes of KOA but has a low rate of significant medical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Given the safety and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and exercise, these should be advocated in all patients due to the low risk of harm. The use of NSAIDs should be minimized to avoid gastrointestinal complications. Treatment with opioids has a lack of evidence for use and a high risk of long-term harm. The use of IAHA and PRP may provide additional symptomatic benefit without the risk of harm. TKA is associated with significant medical complications but is justified by the efficacy of joint replacement in late-stage disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International prospective register for systematic reviews; registration number CRD42017072809 .

The projected burden of primary total knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis in Australia to the year 2030.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive national joint replacement registries with well-validated data offer unique opportunities for examining the potential future burden of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) at a population level. This study aimed to forecast the burden of primary total knee (TKR) and hip replacements (THR) performed for OA in Australia to the year 2030, and to model the impact of contrasting obesity scenarios on TKR burden. METHODS: De-identified TKR and THR data for 2003-2013 were obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Population projections and obesity trends were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with public and private hospital costs sourced from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection. Procedure rates were projected according to two scenarios: (1) constant rate of surgery from 2013 onwards; and (2) continued growth in surgery rates based on 2003-2013 growth. Sensitivity analyses were used to estimate future TKR burden if: (1) obesity rates continued to increase linearly; or (2) 1-5% of the overweight or obese population attained a normal body mass index. RESULTS: Based on recent growth, the incidence of TKR and THR for OA is estimated to rise by 276% and 208%, respectively, by 2030. The total cost to the healthcare system would be $AUD5.32 billion, of which $AUD3.54 billion relates to the private sector. Projected growth in obesity rates would result in 24,707 additional TKRs totalling $AUD521 million. A population-level reduction in obesity could result in up to 8062 fewer procedures and cost savings of up to $AUD170 million. CONCLUSIONS: If surgery trends for OA continue, Australia faces an unsustainable joint replacement burden by 2030, with significant healthcare budget and health workforce implications. Strategies to reduce national obesity could produce important TKR savings.

Current Practice Trends in Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasties Among Members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons: A Long-Term Update.

At the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, an audience response poll was conducted to determine current practice patterns among its members. The poll pertained to primary total hip arthroplasties and primary total knee arthroplasties, and results were compared to the findings from similar polls completed at previous annual meetings of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. This article summarizes the current findings and compares trends over time from the previous polls.

Outpatient Joint Arthroplasty-Patient Selection: Update on the Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment Score.

BACKGROUND: The Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment (OARA) score was designed to identify patients medically appropriate for same- and next-day discharge after surgery. The purpose of this study was to update and confirm the greater predictive utility of the OARA score in relation to American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification for same-day discharge and to identify the optimal preoperative OARA score for safe patient selection for outpatient surgery. METHODS: The perioperative medical records of 2051 primary total joint arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Six statistical measures were calculated to examine OARA score performance in binary classification of successful same-day discharge and preoperative OARA scores equal to 0 to 59 points (yes vs no) vs 0 to 79 points (yes vs no). RESULTS: Mean OARA scores increased more sharply in magnitude with increasing length of stay, providing superior discrimination than the ASA-PS classification with respect to same-day discharge. Preoperative OARA scores up to 79 points approached the desired 100% for positive predictive value (98.8%) and specificity (99.3%) and 0% for false positive rates (0.7%). CONCLUSION: The OARA score was designed to err in the direction of medical safety, and OARA scores between 0 and 79 are conservatively highly effective for identifying patients who can safely elect to undergo outpatient total joint arthroplasty. The ASA-PS classification does not provide sufficient discrimination for safely selecting patients for outpatient arthroplasty.

A Feasibility Study of Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the present feasibility study was to investigate the use of a new treatment modality-percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)-in controlling the often severe and long-lasting pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: For patients undergoing a primary, unilateral TKA, both femoral and sciatic open-coil percutaneous leads (SPR Therapeutics, Cleveland, OH) were placed up to seven days prior to surgery using ultrasound guidance. The leads were connected to external stimulators and used both at home and in the hospital for up to six weeks total. RESULTS: In six of seven subjects (86%), the average of daily pain scores across the first two weeks was <4 on the 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale for pain. A majority of subjects (four out of seven; 57%) had ceased opioid use within the first week (median time to opioid cessation for all subjects was six days). Gross sensory/motor function was maintained during stimulation, enabling stimulation during physical therapy and activities of daily living. At 12 weeks following surgery, six of seven subjects had improved by >10% on the Six-Minute Walk Test compared to preoperative levels, and WOMAC scores improved by an average of 85% compared to before surgery. No falls, motor block, or lead infections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study suggests that for TKA, ultrasound-guided percutaneous PNS is feasible in the immediate perioperative period and may provide analgesia without the undesirable systemic effects of opioids or quadriceps weakness induced by local anesthetics-based peripheral nerve blocks.