In a prospective multicentre study we investigated variations in pain management used by knee arthroplasty surgeons in order to compare the differences in pain levels among patients undergoing total knee replacements (TKR), and to compare the effectiveness of pain management protocols. The protocols, peri-operative levels of pain and patient satisfaction were investigated in 424 patients who underwent TKR in 14 hospitals. The protocols were highly variable and peri-operative pain levels varied substantially, particularly during the first two post-operative days. Differences in levels of pain were greatest during the night after TKR, when visual analogue scores ranged from 16.9 to 94.3 points. Of the methods of managing pain, the combined use of peri-articular infiltration and nerve blocks provided better pain relief than other methods during the first two post-operative days. Patients managed with peri-articular injection plus nerve block, and epidural analgesia were more likely to have higher satisfaction at two weeks after TKR. This study highlights the need to establish a consistent pain management strategy after TKR

Aims. This study compared the cobalt and chromium serum ion concentration of patients treated with two different metal-on-metal (MoM) hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems, as well as a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated variant. Methods. A total of 63 patients (65 implants) were treated using either a MoM-coated (n = 29) or TiN-coated (n = 7) hinged TKA (GenuX mobile bearing, MUTARS; Implantcast, Germany) versus the BPKS (Brehm, Germany) hinged TKA (n = 27), in which the weight placed on the MoM hinge is diffused through a polyethylene (PE) inlay, reducing the direct load on the MoM hinge. Serum cobalt and chromium ion concentrations were assessed after minimum follow-up of 12 months, as well as functional outcome and quality of life. Results. No differences in mean age (69 years, 40 to 86), mean age adapted Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.1 (SD 1.4)), mean BMI (29.2 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.8)), or number of other implants were observed between groups. Significant improvements in outcome scores and pain levels were achieved for all groups, and there was no difference in quality of life (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12)). Mean cobalt and chromium ion levels were significantly higher for the GenuX versus the BPKS hinged TKA (GenuX vs BPKS: cobalt: 16.3 vs 9.4 µg/l; chromium: 9.5 vs 5.2 µg/l). The TiN-coated implants did not appear to confer improvement in the metal ion levels. Metal ion concentrations above 7 µg/l were detected in 81%(29/36) of GenuX patients versus 41% (11/27) in the BPKS group. No GenuX patients had normal levels under 2 µg/l, versus 22% of BPKS patients. No significant reduction in outcome scores was observed regardless of the metal ion levels, whereas higher work-related activity was correlated with higher chromium concentrations. Conclusion. Hinged TKA, using MoM hinges, resulted in critically high cobalt and chromium ion concentrations. The BPKS hinged TKA showed significantly lower metal ion concentrations compared with the GenuX TKA. No benefits were observed using TiN coating. The different weightbearing mechanics might influence the wear of the component materials. Higher workloads and physical activity could influence chromium levels. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):376–385

Aims. The purpose of this study was to use pharmacogenetics to determine the frequency of genetic variants in our total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients that could affect postoperative pain medications. Pharmacogenetic testing evaluates patient DNA to determine if a drug is expected to have a normal clinical effect, heightened effect, or no effect at all on the patient. It also predicts whether patients are likely to experience side effects from medicine. We further sought to determine if changing the multimodal programme based on these results would improve pain control or reduce side effects. Methods. In this pilot study, buccal samples were collected from 31 primary TKA patients. Pharmacogenetics testing examined genetic variants in genes OPRM1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6. These genes affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. We examined the frequency of genetic variants to any of the medications we prescribed including celecoxib, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the control group received the standard postoperative pain regimen, and the study group received a customized regimen based on the pharmacogenetic results. For the first ten postoperative days, patients recorded pain scores, medication, and side effects. Results. Genetic variants involving one or more medications in the multimodal pain protocol occurred in 13 of the 31 patients (42%). In total, eight patients (26%) had variants affecting more than one of the medications. For the 25 patients who recorded pain and medication logs, the mean pain levels and morphine equivalents (MEQs) consumed in the first ten days were higher in the control group than in the custom-guided group (p = 0.019 for pain and p = 0.655 for MEQ). Conclusion. Overall, 42% of patients had a variant involving one of the pain medications prescribed in our perioperative pain program for TKA. Ongoing research will help determine if using these data to modify a patient’s medication will improve outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):73–78

Aims. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has been introduced to provide accurate bone cuts and help achieve the target knee alignment, along with symmetric gap balancing. The purpose of this study was to determine if any early clinical benefits could be realized following TKA using robotic-assisted technology. Methods. In all, 140 consecutive patients undergoing RA-TKA and 127 consecutive patients undergoing conventional TKA with minimum six-week follow-up were reviewed. Differences in visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain at rest and with activity, postoperative opiate usage, and length of stay (LOS) between the RA-TKA and conventional TKA groups were compared. Results. Patients undergoing RA-TKA had lower average VAS pain scores at rest (p = 0.001) and with activity (p = 0.03) at two weeks following the index procedure. At the six-week interval, the RA-TKA group had lower VAS pain scores with rest (p = 0.03) and with activity (p = 0.02), and required 3.2 mg less morphine equivalents per day relative to the conventional group (p < 0.001). At six weeks, a significantly greater number of patients in the RA-TKA group were free of opioid use compared to the conventional TKA group; 70.7% vs 57.0% (p = 0.02). Patients in the RA-TKA group had a shorter LOS; 1.9 days versus 2.3 days (p < 0.001), and also had a greater percentage of patient discharged on postoperative day one; 41.3% vs 20.5% (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Patients undergoing RA-TKA had lower pain levels at both rest and with activity, required less opioid medication, and had a shorter LOS

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the general postoperative opioid consumption and rate of appropriate disposal of excess opioid prescriptions in patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods. In total, 112 patients undergoing surgery with one of eight arthroplasty surgeons at a single specialty hospital were prospectively enrolled. Three patients were excluded for undergoing secondary procedures within six weeks. Daily pain levels and opioid consumption, quantity, and disposal patterns for leftover medications were collected for six weeks following surgery using a text-messaging platform. Results. Overall, 103 of 109 patients (94.5%) completed the daily short message service (SMS) surveys. The mean oral morphine equivalents (OME) consumed during the six weeks post-surgery were 639.6 mg (. sd. 323.7; 20 to 1616) corresponding to 85.3 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone per patient. A total of 66 patients (64.1%) had stopped taking opioids within six weeks of surgery and had the mean equivalent of 18 oxycodone 5 mg tablets remaining. Only 17 patients (25.7%) appropriately disposed of leftover medications. Conclusion. These prospectively collected data provide a benchmark for general opioid consumption after uncomplicated primary unilateral TKA. Many patients are prescribed more opioids than they require, and leftover medication is infrequently disposed of appropriately, which increases the risk for illicit diversion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):98–103

Aims

In cases of severe periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee, salvage procedures such as knee arthrodesis (KA) or above-knee amputation (AKA) must be considered. As both treatments result in limitations in quality of life (QoL), we aimed to compare outcomes and factors influencing complication rates, mortality, and mobility.

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have both been shown to be effective treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Many studies have compared the outcomes of the two treatments, but less so with the use of robotics, or individualized TKA alignment techniques. Functional alignment (FA) is a novel technique for performing a TKA and shares many principles with UKA. Our aim was to compare outcomes from a case-matched series of robotic-assisted UKAs and robotic-assisted TKAs performed using FA.

Aims

Approximately 10% to 20% of knee arthroplasty patients are not satisfied with the result, while a clear indication for revision surgery might not be present. Therapeutic options for these patients, who often lack adequate quadriceps strength, are limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a novel rehabilitation protocol that combines low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR).

Introduction. Pharmacogenetics evaluates a patient's DNA to determine if a particular drug is expected to have a normal clinical effect, heightened effect, or no effect at all on a patient. It may also predict which patients are most likely to experience side effects from the medications. The purpose of this study was to use pharmacogenetic testing to determine how frequently total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients have genetic variants to standard postoperative pain medications. We further sought to determine if changing the multimodal program based on these results would improve pain control and reduce side effects. Methods. In this prospective, randomized study, buccal cheek swab samples were collected from 31 primary TKA patients. Pharmacogenetics testing was performed on the samples to examine genetic variants in genes OPRM1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6. These genes affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of NSAIDs and opioids. We examined the frequency of a genetic variant to one of the multimodal medications we prescribe including celecoxib, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Subjects included 9 men and 22 women. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the control group received the standard postoperative pain regimen; the study group received a customized regimen based on the pharmacogenetic results. For the first 10 postoperative days patients recorded pain scores, amount of pain medication taken, and any side effects experienced. Results. Genetic variations to one or more medications in our standard postoperative pain management protocol occurred in 13 of the 31 patients (42%). 8 patients (26%) had a variation of gene CYP2C9 affecting celecoxib. 11 patients (35%) had a variation of gene OPRM1 and/or CYP2D6 affecting the response to hydrocodone. 4 patients (13%) had a variation of gene CYP2D6 that altered their response to tramadol. Of the 31 patients tested, only 18 (58%) had no genetic variants related to the pain medications we routinely prescribe. 8 patients (26%) had variants affecting more than one of the medications. (Table 1, below) Both the average pain levels and morphine equivalents consumed in the first 10 days were higher in the control group than in the study group. Conclusion. 42% of patients in this study demonstrated a pharmacogenetic variant to one of the commonly used multimodal pain medications. Our early data suggests that customizing pain regimens based on this information can help reduce pain and the amount of pain medication used postoperatively. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims

The aim of this study was to report patient and clinical outcomes following robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) at multiple institutions with a minimum two-year follow-up.

Introduction. The success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) necessitates precise osteotomies and soft tissue balancing to realign the lower extremity to a neutral mechanical axis. While technological advances have facilitated precise osteotomies, soft tissue balancing has traditionally relied mostly on surgeons’ subjective and variable tactile feedback. As soft tissue imbalance accounts for 35% of early TKA revisions in North America, we aimed to compare outcomes when TKA was balanced free-hand versus a sensor-guided balancing device (VERASENSE, OrthoSensor, Inc (Dania, FL)). Methods. In a randomized-controlled fashion, patients underwent primary TKA soft tissue balancing either free-hand or with VERASENSE (Orthosensor Inc, Dania FL) at our institution beginning January 2018. With VERASENSE, soft-tissue balancing is considered when the pressure difference between the medial and lateral knee compartments was less than 15 pounds. Data regarding patient-reported outcomes, knee range of motion (ROM), pain level, opioid consumption, inpatient ambulation distance, length of stay (LOS), and incidence of arthrofibrosis was collected and analyzed in a two-year minimum follow-up and target patient goal of 120 patients. Results. The study cohort thus far consists of 53 patients, average age 72.4 ± 8.8 years. Soft-tissue balance was conducted freehand in 23 patients and the VERASENSE was used in 30 patients. In the free-hand cohort, preoperative patient-reported outcomes for SF-12 Physical, Mental, WOMAC (pain, stiffness, function) parameters, and knee society function score (KSFS) were 39.3, 45.8, 47.7, 37.5, 48.1, and 50.0, respectively and post-operative at 3 months were 45.0, 53.0, 79.5, 72.5, 81.0, and 72.5, respectively; difference between preoperative and post-operative ROM was +8.4 degrees; average VAS pain score in the first 3 post-operative days was 2.9 ± 2.3; average opioid consumption was 100.7 ± 103.3 mg morphine equivalents; average inpatient ambulation per day was 267.9 ± 187.4 feet; average LOS was 2.3 days. In the VERASENSE cohort, patient reported outcomes for SF-12 Physical, Mental, WOMAC (pain, stiffness, function) parameters, and knee society function score (KSFS) were 38.2, 48.6, 40.1, 30.3, 40.0, and 48.7, respectively and post-operative at 3 months were 41.9, 47.6, 67.2, 59.7, 69.1, and 56.7; difference between preoperative and post-operative ROM was +3.9 degrees; average VAS pain score in the first 3 post-operative days was 2.9 ± 2.3; average opioid consumption was 105.8 ± 86.7 mg morphine equivalents; average inpatient ambulation was 384.6 ± 316.1 feet; average LOS was 2.1 days. There was no incidence of arthrofibrosis and subsequent manipulation under anesthesia in the trial. Conclusion. Short-term follow up of this randomized-controlled trial demonstrates equivalent patient-reported and clinical outcomes when soft-tissue balancing in TKA is performed free-hand versus utilization of VERASENSE, though we hypothesize a difference in the long-term

Introduction. Over the past few decades, opioid abuse has become a major threat to public health. In 2013 alone, enough opioid prescriptions were written in the United States for every American adult to have their own bottle of pills. Since then, opioid prescribing rates and opioid related deaths have continued to grow, with over 46 people dying on average each day from prescription opioid overdoses in 2016. Orthopaedic surgeons are among the top 5 specialties in the number of opioid prescriptions written. For many common surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), post-discharge prescriptions are based on prescriber habits and opinion. There exists limited data-driven protocols to guide post-operative opioid prescribing practices. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the average postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing primary TKA using a novel mobile text messaging platform. We hypothesized that majority of patients undergoing TKA do not properly dispose of left over pills after surgery. Methods. 95 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA with one of nine arthroplasty surgeons at a single orthopaedic specialty hospital were prospectively enrolled. Daily pain levels and opioid consumption, and quantity and disposal patterns for left over medications were collected for six weeks following surgery using a novel mobile phone text messaging system. This system automatically queried patients twice a day, storing responses on a secure third-party host that investigators monitored and used to generate data reports in real-time. Results. Of the 95 patients enrolled, 1 was excluded for undergoing a secondary procedure in the acute postoperative data collection period. Of the remaining 94 patients, 88 (93.6%) completed the daily SMS surveys and were included in analysis. Average age was 62.0 ± 7.1 years, BMI 31.1 ± 6.2, and length of hospital stay 2.6 ± 1.2 days. The average oral morphine equivalents (OME) consumed during the 6 weeks post-surgery were 617.3 ± 350.26 mg, which corresponds to a mean consumption of 82 oxycodone 5 mg tablets per patient. For the 55(58.5%) of patients who had stopped taking opioids within 6 weeks of surgery, there were on average 196.2 mg OME left over, the equivalent of 26 oxycodone 5 mg tablets; 20% of those who stopped taking opioids had at least 367.5 mg OME left over, the equivalent of at least 49 oxycodone 5 mg tablets. Only 26.5% of patients with left over pills described an appropriate method of disposal of left over medications, with most patients storing left over pills in their homes. Conclusion. This prospectively collected data provides a benchmark for average opioid consumption after uncomplicated primary unilateral TKA. Many patients are prescribed more opioids than they require, and left-over medication is infrequently disposed of appropriately, which increases the risk for illicit diversion. Prospective collection of patient reported opioid consumption has tremendous value in the development of national postoperative guideline protocols while informing further research and strategies aimed to reduce opioid use and misuse and in predicting patient characteristics associated with increased opioid consumption after surgery

Aims

Stemmed tibial components are frequently used in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction, overall pain, and diaphyseal tibial pain in patients who underwent revision TKA with cemented or uncemented stemmed tibial components.

Aims

Many surgeons choose to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery with the aid of a tourniquet. A tourniquet is a device that fits around the leg and restricts blood flow to the limb. There is a need to understand whether tourniquets are safe, and if they benefit, or harm, patients. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and harms of tourniquet use in TKA surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the Oxford knee score (OKS) and direct assessment of outcome, and to examine how this relationship varied at different time-points following total knee replacement (TKR). Prospective data consisting of the OKS, numerical rating scales for ‘worst pain’ and ‘perceived mean daily pain’, timed functional assessments (chair rising, stairs and walking ability), goniometry and lower limb power were recorded for 183 patients pre-operatively and at six, 26 and 52 weeks post-operatively. The OKS was influenced primarily by the patient’s level of pain rather than objective functional assessments. The relationship between report of outcome and direct assessment changed over time: R. 2. = 35% pre-operatively, 44% at six weeks, 57% at 26 weeks and 62% at 52 weeks. The relationship between assessment of performance and report of performance improved as the patient’s report of pain diminished, suggesting that patients’ reporting of functional outcome after TKR is influenced more by their pain level than their ability to accomplish tasks

The Unispacer knee system is a cobalt-chrome self-centring tibial hemiarthroplasty device for use in the treatment of isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The indications for use are similar to those for high tibial osteotomy, but insertion does not require bone cuts or component fixation, and does not compromise future knee replacement surgery. A prospective study of a consecutive series of 18 patients treated with the Unispacer between June 2003 and August 2004 was carried out to determine the early clinical results of this device. The mean age of the patients was 49 years (40 to 57). A total of eight patients (44%) required revision within two years. In two patients revision to a larger spacer was required, and in six conversion to either a unicompartmental or total knee replacement was needed. At the most recent review 12 patients (66.7%) had a Unispacer remaining in situ. The mean modified visual analogue score for these patients at a mean follow-up of 19 months (12 to 26) was 3.0 (0 to 11.5). The mean pain level was 30% that of the mean pre-operative level of 10. The early clinical results using this device have been disappointing. This study demonstrates that use of the Unispacer in isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis is associated with a high rate of revision surgery and provides unpredictable relief of pain

Objectives

The use of the haptically bounded saw blades in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) can potentially help to limit surrounding soft-tissue injuries. However, there are limited data characterizing these injuries for cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA with the use of this technique. The objective of this cadaver study was to compare the extent of soft-tissue damage sustained through a robotic-assisted, haptically guided TKA (RATKA) versus a manual TKA (MTKA) approach.

Aims

The aim of this independent multicentre study was to assess the mid-term results of mobile bearing unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) for isolated lateral osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Aims

Our aim was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes in 257 consecutive Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (OUKAs) (238 patients), five years post-operatively.

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been successfully performed in the United States healthcare system on outpatients. Despite differences in healthcare structure and financial environment, we hypothesised that it would be feasible to replicate this success and perform UKA with safe day of surgery discharge within the NHS, in the United Kingdom. This has not been reported in any other United Kingdom centres.