Aims. Intra-articular administration of antibiotics during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may represent a safe, cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Vancomycin with an aminoglycoside provides antimicrobial cover for most organisms isolated from acute PJI after TKA. However, the intra-articular doses required to achieve sustained therapeutic intra-articular levels while remaining below toxic serum levels is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the intra-articular and serum levels of vancomycin and tobramycin over the first 24 hours postoperatively after intra-articular administration in primary cementless TKA. Methods. A prospective cohort study was performed. Patients were excluded if they had poor renal function, known allergic reaction to vancomycin or tobramycin, received intravenous vancomycin, or were scheduled for same-day discharge. All patients received 600 mg tobramycin and 1 g of vancomycin powder suspended in 25 cc of normal saline and injected into the joint after closure of the arthrotomy. Serum from peripheral venous blood and drain fluid samples were collected at one, four, and 24 hours postoperatively. All concentrations are reported in µg per ml. Results. A total of 22 patients were included in final analysis. At one, four, and 24 hours postoperatively, mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) serum concentrations were 2.4 (0.7 to 4.1), 5.0 (3.1 to 6.9), and 4.8 (2.8 to 6.9) for vancomycin and 4.9 (3.4 to 6.3), 7.0 (5.8 to 8.2), and 1.3 (0.8 to 1.8) for tobramycin; intra-articular concentrations were 1,900.6 (1,492.5 to 2,308.8), 717.9 (485.5 to 950.3), and 162.2 (20.5 to 304.0) for vancomycin and 2,105.3 (1,389.9 to 2,820.6), 403.2 (266.6 to 539.7), and 98.8 (0 to 206.5) for tobramycin. Conclusion. Intra-articular administration of 1 g of vancomycin and 600 mg of tobramycin as a solution after closure of the arthrotomy in primary cementless TKA achieves therapeutic intra-articular concentrations over the first 24 hours postoperatively and does not reach sustained toxic levels in peripheral blood. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1702–1708

We performed a prospective, randomised study to compare the results and rates of complications of primary total knee replacement performed using a quadriceps-sparing technique or a standard arthrotomy in 120 patients who had bilateral total knee replacements carried out under the same anaesthetic. The clinical results, pain scales, surgical and hospital data, post-operative complications and radiological results were compared. No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to the blood loss, knee score, function score, pain scale, range of movement or radiological findings. In contrast, the operating time (p = 0.0001) and the tourniquet time (p < 0.0001) were significantly longer in the quadriceps-sparing group, as was the rate of complications (p = 0.0468). We therefore recommend the use of a standard arthrotomy with the shortest possible skin incision for total knee replacement

Background. There are limited data on the complication rates and risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients who have an acute wound dehiscence after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. From 2002 to 2018, 16,134 primary TKAs were performed at a single institution. Twenty-six patients (0.1%) had a traumatic wound dehiscence within the first 30 days. Mean age was 68, 38% were female, and mean BMI was 33 kg/m2. Median time to dehiscence was 13 days. The dehiscence resulted from a fall in 22 cases, including 4 in-hospital falls (3 with femoral nerve blocks), and sudden flexion after staple removal in 4 cases. The arthrotomy was disrupted in 58%, including a complete extensor mechanism disruption in 4 knees. A surgical debridement was performed within 48 hours in 19 of 26 knees. Two-thirds were discharged on antibiotic therapy. Results. Only two knees were complicated by PJI (cumulative incidence of 11% vs. 1% in all other primary TKAs, HR 6.5, p <0.01). One patient who developed a PJI was initially treated with a bedside closure in the ER rather than surgical debridement. The second patient had a complete extensor mechanism disruption at the time of dehiscence and was treated with surgical debridement, but did not receive a subsequent course of antibiotics. There were no PJIs in any of the cases that were treated with surgical debridement and a course of antibiotics. Three knees required reoperation (cumulative incidence of reoperation was 16% at 2 years, compared to 6% in all other primary TKAs, p=0.32) including 1 two-stage exchange for PJI, 1 irrigation and debridement with component retention for PJI, and 1 revision for tibial component aseptic loosening. Conclusion. Despite having a traumatic wound dehiscence, with nearly 60% resulting in arthrotomies that exposed implants, the risk of PJI was low but significantly higher than not having a traumatic arthrotomy. We recommend urgent surgical irrigation and debridement, inspection of arthrotomy integrity, and antibiotic treatment to decrease the risk of PJI. Summary. An acute, traumatic wound dehiscence with in the first 30 days after primary TKA results in a 11% risk of infection at 2 years

Aims. To describe the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and reoperation in patients who have an acute, traumatic wound dehiscence following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. From January 2002 to December 2018, 16,134 primary TKAs were performed at a single institution. A total of 26 patients (0.1%) had a traumatic wound dehiscence within the first 30 days. Mean age was 68 years (44 to 87), 38% (n = 10) were female, and mean BMI was 34 kg/m. 2. (23 to 48). Median time to dehiscence was 13 days (interquartile range (IQR) 4 to 15). The dehiscence resulted from a fall in 22 patients and sudden flexion after staple removal in four. The arthrotomy was also disrupted in 58% (n = 15), including a complete extensor mechanism disruption in four knees. An irrigation and debridement with component retention (IDCR) was performed within 48 hours in 19 of 26 knees and two-thirds were discharged on antibiotic therapy. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 15). The association of wound dehiscence and the risk of developing a PJI was analyzed. Results. Patients who sustained a traumatic wound dehiscence had a 6.5-fold increase in the risk of PJI (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 26.2; p = 0.008). With the small number of PJIs, no variables were found to be significant risk factors. However, there were no PJIs in any of the patients who were treated with IDCR and a course of antibiotics. Three knees required reoperation including one two-stage exchange for PJI, one repeat IDCR for PJI, and one revision for aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Conclusion. Despite having a traumatic wound dehiscence, the risk of PJI was low, but much higher than experienced in all other TKAs during the same period. We recommend urgent IDCR and a course of postoperative antibiotics to decrease the risk of PJI. A traumatic wound dehiscence increases risk of PJI by 6.5-fold. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):191–195

Abstract. Introduction. Fractures of the articular surface of the patella or the lateral femoral condyle usually occur following acute dislocation of the patella. This study looked at the radiological and functional outcomes of fixation of osteochondral fractures. Methods. Twenty-nine patients (18 male, 11 female) sustained osteochondral fractures of the knee following patellar dislocation. All patients had detailed radiographic imaging and MRI scan of the knee preoperatively. An arthroscopic assessment was done, followed by fixation using bio-absorbable pins or headless screws either arthroscopically or mini-open arthrotomy. VMO plication or MPFL repair were done if necessary. MRI scan was done at follow-up to assess for healing of the fixed fragment prior to patient discharge. Results. The mean age of the patients was 21 yrs (9–74), 11 had osteochondral fracture of the patella (38%), while 18 were from the lateral femoral condyle (62%). 13 patients needed additional VMO plication. Mean follow up period was 7.7 years (1 to 12 years). As per Tegner activity scale, all patients returned to their pre-injury activity level (Mean score 7) and sports. None of the patients had a further episode of patellar dislocation. Mean postoperative IKDC score was 86.5 (SD 17.3), Kujala was 91.1(SD 15.5) and Tegner- lysholm was 88.7 (SD 14.4). All patients had statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement. Post-operative MRI scan showed satisfactory union in all cases (100%). Conclusion. It is extremely important to identify this group of injury and treat them early to have satisfactory knee function and avoid long term complications of arthritis

Aims. In patients with a “dry” aspiration during the investigation of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), saline lavage is commonly used to obtain a sample for analysis. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the impact of saline lavage on synovial fluid analysis in revision arthroplasty. Methods. Patients undergoing revision hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA) for any septic or aseptic indication were enrolled. Intraoperatively, prior to arthrotomy, the maximum amount of fluid possible was aspirated to simulate a dry tap (pre-lavage) followed by the injection with 20 ml of normal saline and re-aspiration (post-lavage). Pre- and post-lavage synovial white blood cell (WBC) count, percent polymorphonuclear cells (%PMN), and cultures were compared. Results. A total of 78 patients had data available for analysis; 17 underwent revision THA and 61 underwent revision TKA. A total of 16 patients met modified Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI. Pre- and post-lavage %PMNs were similar in septic patients (87% vs 85%) and aseptic patients (35% vs 39%). Pre- and post-lavage synovial fluid WBC count were far more disparate in septic (53,553 vs 8,275 WBCs) and aseptic (1,103 vs 268 WBCs) cohorts. At a cutoff of 80% PMN, the post-lavage aspirate had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 95%. At a cutoff of 3,000 WBCs, the post-lavage aspirate had a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 98%. As the post-lavage synovial WBC count increased, the difference between pre- and post-lavage %PMN decreased (mean difference of 5% PMN in WBC < 3,000 vs mean difference 2% PMN in WBC > 3,000, p = 0.013). Of ten positive pre-lavage fluid cultures, only six remained positive post-lavage. Conclusion. While saline lavage aspiration significantly lowered the synovial WBC count, the %PMN remained similar, particularly at WBC counts of > 3,000. These findings suggest that in patients with a dry-tap, the %PMN of a saline lavage aspiration has reasonable sensitivity (75%) for the detection of PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):138–144

Background. In the setting of a “dry” aspiration, saline lavage is commonly used to obtain a sample for analysis. The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine the impact of saline lavage on synovial fluid markers in revision arthroplasty. Methods. 79 patients undergoing revision hip (19) and knee (60) arthroplasty were enrolled. Intraoperatively, prior to arthrotomy, the maximum amount of fluid possible was aspirated to simulate a dry-tap (“pre-lavage”) followed by subsequent injection with 20 mL of normal saline and re-aspiration (“post-lavage”). Pre and post-lavage synovial white blood cell (WBC) count, percent polymorphonuclear cells (%PMN), and cultures were compared. Statistical analyses utilized the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results. Nine patients met modified MSIS criteria for prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Pre and post-lavage %PMN were similar in septic patients (90.1% vs. 88.2%, p=0.40 for septic). Pre and post-lavage WBC counts were different in both cohorts (69,432 vs. 6,547 WBCs, p=0.008 for septic; 1,850 vs. 449 WBCs for aseptic, p<0.001). Using a pre-lavage cutoff of >80% PMN, the post-lavage aspirate correctly identified 84.6% of true positives (sensitivity) and 98.5% of true negatives (specificity). Using a pre-lavage cutoff of >3000 WBCs, the post-lavage aspirate correctly identified only 38.1% of true positives (sensitivity). As the synovial fluid WBC count increased, the correlation between pre and post-lavage %PMN was stronger (mean difference of 7.0% PMN in WBC <3000 vs. mean difference −2.9% PMN in WBC >3000, p=0.002). Of seven positive pre-lavage fluid cultures, 4 remained positive post-lavage. Conclusion. While saline lavage aspiration significantly lowers the synovial WBC count, the %PMN is well maintained, particularly at WBC counts >3000. Our findings suggest that in the setting of a dry tap where saline lavage is required to obtain a sample, the %PMN has reasonable sensitivity and specificity for the detection of PJI. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

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Implantation of ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel is safe and effective in animal osteochondral defect models. This study aimed to examine the applicability of UPAL gel implantation to acellular therapy in humans with cartilage injury.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- to long-term outcomes and complications of the Stanmore Modular Individualised Lower Extremity System (SMILES) rotating hinge implant in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) at a tertiary unit. It is hypothesized that this fully cemented construct leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

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The aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral component, five years postoperatively, between patients with a highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) insert and those with a conventional polyethylene (PE) insert in an uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We have previously reported the migration and outcome of the tibial components in these patients.

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Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a technically challenging and costly procedure. It is well-documented that primary TKA (pTKA) have better survivorship than rTKA; however, we were unable to identify any studies explicitly investigating previous rTKA as a risk factor for failure following rTKA. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes following rTKA between patients undergoing index rTKA and those who had been previously revised.

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The primary objective of this study was to compare the five-year tibial component migration and wear between highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) inserts and conventional polyethylene (PE) inserts of the uncemented Triathlon fixed insert cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary objectives included clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

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This study compared patient-reported outcomes of three total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs from one manufacturer: one cruciate-retaining (CR) design, and two cruciate-sacrificing designs, anterior-stabilized (AS) and posterior-stabilized (PS).

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Patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with manual jig-based instruments has been reported to be as high as 30%. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has been increasingly used in an effort to improve patient outcomes, however there is a paucity of literature examining patient satisfaction after RA-TKA. This study aims to identify the incidence of patients who were not satisfied following RA-TKA and to determine factors associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction.

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This study aims to determine the rate of and risk factors for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after operative management of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) in older adults.

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Intraoperative pressure sensors allow surgeons to quantify soft-tissue balance during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether using sensors to achieve soft-tissue balance was more effective than manual balancing in improving outcomes in TKA.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate medium-term outcomes and complications of the S-ROM NOILES Rotating Hinge Knee System (DePuy, USA) in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) at a tertiary unit.

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Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) occurs in approximately 1% to 2% of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) presenting multiple challenges, such as difficulty in diagnosis, technical complexity, and financial costs. Two-stage exchange is the gold standard for treating PJI but emerging evidence suggests 'two-in-one' single-stage revision as an alternative, delivering comparable outcomes, reduced morbidity, and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates five-year results of modified single-stage revision for treatment of PJI following TKA with bone loss.

This retrospective study evaluates the midterm results of the Rotating Platform PFC Sigma Total Knee Arthroplasty System. We reviewed 161 cases in 147 patients with an average follow-up of 5 years (4 to 7 years) operated on at our institution between June 2001 and June 2004. Patient outcomes were measured using the Oxford and American Knee Society Scores and radiographs underwent independent radiological evaluation. Average pre-operative Oxford Scores improved from 43(29-55) to 21 (13 - 44) postoperative;y and average Knee Society Scores improved from 57 (43-70) preoperatively to 80 (58-90) at last follow up. Range of movement improved from 91 degrees (70 - 110) to 113 degrees (75 - 130). There were 5 complications reported; one superficial infection treated with antibiotics, one patient required manipulation under anaesthesia at 3 months for post operative stiffness, which improved. There was one arthrotomy for dislocation of the bearing immediate postoperatively. There was one case of DVT and one non-fatal PE. There were no deep infections. The PFC Sigma Knee Rotating Platform system offers excellent mid-term results in our review

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Single-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is gaining popularity in treating chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). We have introduced this approach to our clinical practice and sought to evaluate rates of reinfection and re-revision, along with predictors of failure of both single- and two-stage rTKA for chronic PJI.