收肌管阻滞技术在初次全膝置换术后早期镇痛中的应用研究

目的探讨收肌管阻滞术在全膝关节置换术术后疼痛管理及早期康复中的作用。 方法前瞻性选取于哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院骨科行初次行单侧全膝关节置换术(TKA)的患者40例,随机分为收肌管阻滞联合帕瑞昔布镇痛组20例及单纯帕瑞昔布镇痛组20例。纳入初次单侧TKA患者,排除严重感染和精神疾病等患者。收肌管阻滞置管术后立即执行。两组患者围手术期观察术后不同时间点的静息与活动状态下视觉模拟评分、股四头肌肌力、膝关节活动范围、住院天数及有无并发症发生。所得数据通过独立样本t检验、非参数Wilcoxon秩和检验以及卡方检验进行分析。 结果与单纯应用帕瑞昔布相比,联合应用收肌管阻滞技术能够有效地降低患者术后早期VAS评分(术后6 h～72 h活动VAS：Z＝－3.124、－2.157、－2.044、－2.467、－2.471,P <0.05;术后6 h～24 h静息VAS：Z＝－2.310、－2.409、－2.208,P<0.05)。在膝关节活动度与术后住院时间上两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。且收肌管阻滞组患者体现出更好的康复依从性,未出现因操作引起的并发症。 结论全膝关节置换术术后辅助收肌管阻滞术能够有效地缓解患者术后疼痛,有助于患者早期开展功能锻炼与快速康复。     

Effect of a perioperative intra-articular injection on pain control and early range of motion following bilateral TKA

Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is integral in the immediate postoperative period for early rehabilitation. Numerous different methods of postoperative analgesia are available, but each has its own risk of adverse side effects. This study was performed to prospectively evaluate the benefits of an intra-articular analgesic injection in patients undergoing bilateral TKA.Thirty consecutive patients undergoing bilateral TKA were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled study. Each patient was randomized to receive (1) a perioperative intra-articular mixture of morphine, bupivacaine with epinephrine, and ketorolac in 1 knee, and (2) injectable sterile saline in the contralateral knee. Each patient acted as his or her own internal control. The pharmacologically injected knee had statistically significantly less pain immediately postoperatively when compared to the control knee and displayed significantly increased range of motion within the first week of rehabilitation.The use of an intraoperative intra-articular injection with the above drug combination significantly reduces patient pain and increases postoperative mobility with no apparent risks following bilateral TKA.     

Reduced length of stay and faster recovery after total knee arthroplasty without the use of tourniquet

IntroductionTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed using tourniquet despite being associated with several recognised complications that may affect patient's post-operative recovery and early rehabilitation. In this study we investigate whether or not use of a tourniquet during TKA was associated with shorter length of stay, faster recovery and lesser complications.Methods29 patients, who underwent bilateral sequential TKA, had their first TKA under tourniquet and the second TKA 15 (11–32) months later without tourniquet.All operations were performed by the first author using the same technique and instrumentation with the same early rehabilitation protocol. All patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 8 months.All patients had the following parameters measured which included surgical time, length of stay, post-operative pain using Visual analogue score (VAS), calf circumference, drop in haemoglobin, haematocrit level, oxford knee score (OKS), and range of motion (ROM).ResultsTKA performed without the use of tourniquet had significantly shorter Length of hospital stay (3.6 vs 4.4, P < 0.05), significantly less pain on day 2 (1 vs 2; P < 0.05) and significantly smaller increase in calf circumference on day 2 (1.2 cm vs 2.3 cm; P < 0.05). Postoperative calf circumference increase of less than 2 cm in TKA without tourniquet was associated with shorter length of stay when compared with increase of more than 2 cm in TKA with tourniquet 2.9 days (SD 0.6) versus 3.9 days (SD 0.8) P < 0.05.ROM and OKS were significantly better in TKA without tourniquet at 6 weeks but no difference at 8 months.ConclusionsTKA done without tourniquet was associated with shorter length of stay, lesser pain and swelling, in addition to improved range of motion in the early post-operative period     

Comparison of early postoperative rehabilitation outcome following total knee arthroplasty using different surgical approaches and instrumentation

PURPOSE: To assess early postoperative rehabilitation outcome following computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or standard instrumentation TKA using a medial parapatellar or subvastus approach. METHODS: A prospective controlled trial of 70 consecutive patients undergoing TKA with a low contact stress rotating platform prosthesis was conducted. Patients were randomised to receive surgery with either computer navigation or standard instrumentation. A medial parapatellar or subvastus approach was used according to the surgeons' preference. Outcome measures included preoperative knee function, intra-operative factors, and postoperative rehabilitation. RESULTS: Duration of surgery was significantly longer when using computer navigation; however, operating time decreased with greater experience. A higher incidence and duration of early postoperative quadriceps dysfunction was associated with computer-assisted TKA through the medial parapatellar approach than through the subvastus approach or TKA performed with standard instrumentation. No patient who received surgery through the subvastus approach had a lag of more than 20 degrees, at 48 hours postoperatively, regardless of the instrumentation used. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted TKA through a medial parapatellar approach was associated with delayed recovery of the quadriceps during early postoperative rehabilitation. This was due to the additional quadriceps dissection required to place the femoral tracking array. The subvastus approach is therefore recommended for computer-assisted TKA.     

Quadriceps strength and volitional activation before and after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee have quadriceps weakness and arthrogenous muscle inhibition (AMI). While total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reliably reduces pain and improves function in patients with knee OA, quadriceps weakness persists after surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to assess contributions of AMI to quadriceps weakness before and after TKA and to assess the effect of pain on AMI. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with unilateral, end-stage, primary knee OA were tested an average of 10 days before and 26 days after TKA. The mean age at time of operation was 63 years (range 49-82 years). Measurements on the involved and uninvolved knees were performed using the burst-superimposition technique, where supramaximal electrical stimulation is superimposed on a voluntary contraction. Knee pain during contraction was measured using a numeric rating scale. RESULTS: The involved quadriceps were significantly weaker than the uninvolved prior to TKA (p<0.05). Quadriceps strength decreased by 60% (p<0.001) and activation decreased 17% (p<0.001) after TKA. Changes in muscle activation accounted for 65% of the variability in the change in quadriceps strength (r(2)=0.65) (p<0.001). Knee pain during muscle contraction accounted for a small, but significant portion of the change in voluntary activation (r(2)=0.22) (p=0.006). DISCUSSION: Exercise regimens that emphasize strong muscle contraction and clinical tools that facilitate muscle activation like biofeedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be necessary to reverse the quadriceps activation failure and weakness in the patients with knee OA that worsens after TKA. The failure of current rehabilitation regimens to directly address activation deficits within the first months after surgery may explain the persistent quadriceps weakness in patients after TKA.     

Predicting Acute Recovery of Physical Function Following Total Knee Joint Arthroplasty

The objective was to explore predictors of physical function during acute in-patient rehabilitation within a few days after TKA. Physical function status of participants (n = 72) three days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the function subscale of the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC-function). Potential predictors of physical function were measured day one post-TKA. Their relationship with physical function was examined using backward elimination, multiple regression analyses. Older age and increased comorbidity were associated (R² = 0.20) with worse TUG times. Increased pain severity was associated (R² = 0.08) with worse WOMAC-function scores. Age, comorbidity, and pain severity should be considered when predicting which patients will struggle with acute recovery post-TKA.     

Effect of an intensive functional rehabilitation program on the recovery of activities of daily living after total knee arthroplasty: A multicenter,randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative exercise is effective for improving activities of daily living (ADL) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and exercise has been included in standard care after surgery provided in Japan. However, it is unknown whether standard care has room to develop for improving ADL. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of an intensive functional rehabilitation (IFR) program in addition to standard care on the recovery of ADL following surgery.MethodsA total of 104 inpatients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. The experimental group (n = 57) were given standard care and participated in the IFR program immediately after surgery (e.g., stand up and sit down, strengthen the knee extensor muscle, climbing onto a platform, and walking laterally). The control group (n = 47) were given standard care only. Primary outcomes were the score of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Barthel Index (BI) at 2 weeks postoperatively. Matching using the propensity score was performed to control the influence of the patient characteristic on the outcome.ResultsAs a result of matching, 42 patients were extracted. The averages (standard deviation) of the FIM motor score were 79.0 (10.8) for the experimental group and 80.5 (9.4) for the control group. The BI scores were 88.1 (13.3) for the experimental group and 91.0 (10.1) for the control group. The experimental and control groups did not show significant intergroup differences in either score.ConclusionsOur study shows that as compared to standard care, IFR program for 2 weeks in addition to standard care after surgery did not significantly improve ADL in patients undergoing TKA.     

Randomized Prospective Comparative Study of Adductor Canal Block vs Periarticular Infiltration on Early Functional Outcome After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with significant postoperative pain. Effective pain relief is essential for early postoperative rehabilitation. Periarticular infiltration (PAI) and adductor canal block (ACB) have become popular modes of pain management after TKA. Our aim is to compare their efficacy and impact on early functional outcome in patients undergoing TKA.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 100 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA for symptomatic osteoarthritis were allocated to either of the 2 groups (50 in each arm): postoperative ultrasound-guided single shot of ACB (group A) or intraoperative PAI (group B). All patients underwent TKA without patella resurfacing under spinal anesthesia. Preoperative workup, surgical technique, and postoperative management were standardized for all the patients. Patients were assessed for pain using visual analogue scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery; hemoglobin level preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1 to calculate blood loss; hospital stay; tourniquet time; operative time; and postoperative complications by an independent observer blinded to the group allocation.ResultsPatients were matched for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and deformity. Visual analogue scale (scale 0-10) between PAI and ACB at 6, 12, and 24 hours were significantly different (P < .05) with higher scores seen in patients with ACB at all time points. Tourniquet time and operative time were significantly longer in the PAI than ACB. No significant difference in hospital stay was observed. No complications occurred during the study.ConclusionPAI achieves better pain control as compared to ACB in patients undergoing unilateral TKA.     

运动想象训练对全膝关节置换术患者干预效果的分析

目的系统评价运动想象训练(MIT)对全膝关节置换手术(TKA)患者的干预效果。 方法检索荷兰医学文摘数据库(EMBASE)、PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、卫生保健及护理学数据库(CINAHL)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、中国知网、万方、维普数据库,收集关于MIT对TKA患者干预效果的随机对照试验。筛选研究对象为采用MIT联合常规物理康复或只进行常规物理康复的TKA术后患者,结局指标涉及股四头肌肌力、膝关节活动范围(ROM)、疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、计时起立－行走测试(TUG)。运用Cochrane协作工具对纳入研究的质量进行评估,采用Stata 16.0软件进行Meta分析。 结果共纳入8篇文献,264例患者。Meta分析结果显示：MIT组与对照组相比,能显著提升TKA患者股四头肌肌力[标准化均数差(SMD)＝0.67,95%置信区间(CI)(0.37,0.96),P<0.001]、膝关节ROM [SMD＝0.60,95%CI(0.06,1.15),P＝0.032],降低VAS评分[SMD＝－0.64,95%CI(－1.00,－0.28),P＝0.001],但对TUG的影响无统计学意义[SMD＝－0.59,95%CI(－1.21,0.03),P＝0.063]。亚组分析显示,在慢性康复期(术后≥2周),MIT能显著提升膝关节ROM[SMD＝1.65,95%CI(0.84,2.45),P<0.001],降低VAS评分[SMD＝－0.63,95%CI(－1.10,－0.16),P＝0.008],而在急性康复期(术后24 h)MIT对膝关节ROM与VAS的影响无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论当前证据表明,MIT联合常规物理康复能够显著提升TKA术后患者股四头肌力量、膝关节ROM,缓解疼痛。但MIT对膝关节ROM与疼痛的干预效果受康复阶段的影响。     

Preoperative pain catastrophizing affects pain outcome after total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundsPreoperative widespread pain sensitization or pain catastrophizing could be associated with chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the present study was to examine the association between postoperative pain in patients undergoing TKA and preoperative factors, including patient characteristics and preoperative central sensitization as well as pain catastrophizing.MethodsPreoperative TKA patients were evaluated using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI)-9 and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Postoperative knee pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS) 6 months after TKA. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between NRS 6 months after TKA and preoperative factors, including patient characteristics, CSI-9, and PCS.ResultsWe enrolled 58 consecutive patients with osteoarthritis who underwent TKA. Using cutoff of 14, postoperative NRS was higher in the patients with ≥14 than the patients with <14 in CSI (p = 0.025). Postoperative NRS was higher in the patients with ≥30 than the patients with <30 in PCS (p = 0.043). Preoperative PCS was a significant risk factor of postoperative pain using a multivariate analysis.ConclusionsSurgeon should recognize preoperative PCS could affect postoperative pain 6 months after TKA.     

Effect of Methylprednisolone in Periarticular Infiltration for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty on Pain and Rehabilitation

BackgroundOptimal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important to ensure timely rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. This study examines the efficacy of adding corticosteroid in periarticular infiltration cocktail with relation to postoperative pain management and rehabilitation in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA.MethodsFifty patients with symptomatic end-stage bilateral knee osteoarthritis undergoing bilateral TKA under the same anesthetic were recruited. More painful knee was operated first, and the study solution containing ropivacaine, clonidine, epinephrine, and ketorolac with methylprednisolone was infiltrated in one knee and an identical mixture but without methylprednisolone was infiltrated in the second knee. Outcome measures included comparison of visual analogue scale on movement of each knee and range of motion achieved during the first three days after surgery.ResultsDifferences in visual analogue scale score and range of motion at day one and three between the two groups of knees were significant (P < .05). Postoperative inflammation and the ability to straight leg raise showed better trends in the knees receiving prednisolone although this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionAddition of methylprednisolone to periarticular infiltration cocktail for patients undergoing TKA has significant influence on reduction of pain in the early postoperative period and patients are able to regain knee flexion more quickly.     

Thigh pain after total knee arthroplasty: Analysis of risk factors

IntroductionThigh pain may sometimes occur following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The existence of thigh pain can interfere with postoperative rehabilitation and result in an unpleasant postoperative period. Our aim is to identify the risk factors of post-TKA thigh pain. Although the application of a pneumatic tourniquet is common while performing a TKA, it seems to play a role in the development of post-TKA thigh pain. In addition to the use of a tourniquet, some patient factors may also be associated with the occurrence of thigh pain after TKA. Therefore, we hypothesized that some factors correlated to post-TKA thigh pain exist.Materials and methodsDuring 2011–2012, we conducted a prospective cohort study enrolling 347 patients (with 411 cases of primary TKA) in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. There were 283 cases of unilateral and 64 cases of bilateral knee arthroplasty, respectively. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Thigh pain was measured according to the patients' response to the “squeeze test” on the next day after surgery, performed by a single technician. Thigh pain after surgery developed in 33 out of 411 cases of primary TKA. We analyzed the correlation between thigh pain and several possible risk factors, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tourniquet time, blood pressure, tourniquet pressure, thigh circumference, and use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), using a generalized estimating equation, with SPSS software version 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsThe study consisted of 77 male (22%) and 270 female (78%) patients. The mean age of the patients was 72.2 years (range, 29–89 years). The mean tourniquet time was 35.3 minutes and mean cuff pressure was 268.8 mmHg. Higher diastolic blood pressure and higher tourniquet pressure correlated to thigh pain, which achieved statistical significance. Age, gender, BMI, PCA use, and tourniquet time were found to have no significant influences on the occurrence of thigh pain.DiscussionIn this study, higher diastolic blood pressure and higher tourniquet pressure were found to have a correlation with thigh pain. Tissue ischemia and reperfusion may explain this finding. Tourniquet time seemed irrelevant, the reason for which might be attributed to the short tourniquet time in our study. In conclusion, factors that influence post-TKA thigh pain exist.     

人工全膝关节置换术中关节周围注射镇痛药物和术后持续性冷冻压迫的疗效分析

目的研究人工全膝关节置换术(TKA)术中关节周围注射布比卡因、吗啡、肾上腺素等混合药物的止痛效果,同时观察术后冷冻压迫法的疗效。方法将80例TKA患者随机分为四组,记录VAS评分,比较周径变化,测量膝关节活动度。结果术中关节周围注射镇痛药物和术后持续性冷冻压迫在术后镇痛、术后减轻肿胀和增加关节活动度上效果显著。结论TKA术中关节周围镇痛药物注射和术后持续性冷冻压迫可以在术后早期控制疼痛、减轻肿胀、改善关节活动度、促进早期康复。     

A Home-Based,Remote-Clinician-Controlled,Physical Therapy Device Leads to Superior Outcomes When Compared to Standard Physical Therapy for Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe optimal postoperative rehabilitation regimen following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is not clearly defined. The advent of telerehabilitation offers potential for increased patient convenience and decreased cost, while maintaining similar outcomes to traditional physical therapy (PT). Therefore, we evaluated a novel, home-based, clinician-controlled, multi-modal evaluation and therapy device with telerehabilitation functionality for TKA.MethodsA total of 135 consecutive TKA patients receiving standard therapy protocol (STP) were compared to 135 consecutive patients receiving a home-based clinician-controlled therapy system (HCTS). Outcomes were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, including visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score JR (KOOS JR), and knee range of motion (ROM) measured by the same certified physical therapists.ResultsPostoperative knee ROM was greater in the HCTS group at all time points throughout the study period (P < .001 at 2, 6, and 12 weeks). VAS and the KOOS JR functional scores were statistically better (P < .001) in the HCTS group at all time points and exceeded the threshold for minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for both VAS and KOOS JR. There were significantly fewer cases of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) in the HCTS group (1.48 versus 4.44%).ConclusionFollowing TKA, a novel, home-based, clinician-controlled, multi-modal therapy device was superior to standard PTduring the first 12 weeks postoperatively for ROM, KOOS JR, and VAS (with all scores exceeding the MCID) and had substantially fewer manipulations for arthrofibrosis.     

Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to optimize quadriceps muscle function following total knee arthroplasty: a case report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. BACKGROUND: Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), restoration of normal quadriceps muscle function is rare. One month after surgery, quadriceps torque (force) is only 40% of preoperative values and quadriceps activation is only 82% of preoperative levels, despite initiating postoperative rehabilitation the day after surgery. Early application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) offers a possible approach to minimize loss of quadriceps torque more effectively than traditional rehabilitation exercises alone. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old female underwent a right, cemented TKA. Isometric quadriceps and hamstrings muscle torque were measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after TKA. Quadriceps muscle activation was measured using a doublet interpolation technique at the same time points. The patient participated in a traditional TKA rehabilitation program augmented by NMES, which was initiated 48 hours after surgery and continued twice a day for the first 3 weeks, and once daily for 3 additional weeks. OUTCOMES: Preoperatively, the involved quadriceps produced 75% of the torque of the uninvolved side and demonstrated only 72.9% activation. At 3, 6, and 12 weeks after TKA, quadriceps torque was greater than the preoperative values of the involved side by 16%, 29%, and 56%, respectively. Similarly, activation improved to 93.4%, 94.6%, and 93.5% at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after TKA. DISCUSSION: Mitigating quadriceps muscle weakness immediately after TKA using early NMES may improve functional outcomes, because quadriceps weakness has been associated with numerous functional limitations and an increased risk for falls. Despite presenting preoperatively with substantial quadriceps torque and activation deficits, the patient in this case demonstrated improvements in quadriceps function at all the times measured, all of which were superior to those reported in the literature. The patient also made substantial improvements in functional outcomes, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), 6-minute walk test, timed up and go (TUG) test, stair-climbing test, and the SF-36 Physical Component Score. Appropriately controlled clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether such favorable outcomes following TKA are specifically attributable to the addition of NMES to the rehabilitation program.     

全膝关节置换治疗膝关节炎术后早期镇痛的研究进展

因膝关节炎而行全膝关节置换术的患者在术后早期多会出现程度不一的疼痛,这直接影响术后膝关节早期的功能锻炼及康复。目前,常用的镇痛方法有静脉自控镇痛、硬膜外自控镇痛、连续股神经阻滞镇痛、关节周围注射药物镇痛以及一些非药物性镇痛等。本文对全膝关节置换术后早期镇痛方法研究进展进行综述。     

Postoperative Pain and Contracture Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Comparing Parapatellar and Subvastus Approaches

The purpose of this study was to see if subvastus approach would decrease incidence of postoperative contracture and pain following TKA compared to standard parapatellar approach. Retrospective review of 546 patients in Group A undergoing TKA using parapatellar approach were compared to 255 patients in Group B undergoing subvastus approach. No statistically significant differences regarding OR time, blood loss, BMI, or LOS. Total of 23 (4%) manipulations under anesthesia for contracture in Group A compared to 6 (2%) in Group B (p > 0.05). Postoperative pain scores at 6 weeks was greater in Group A, p < 0.05. We feel that a subvastus approach minimizes trauma to the extensor mechanism, and therefore decreases the incidence of postoperative pain following TKA.     

Intraoperative Ketamine in Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Decrease Pain and Narcotic Consumption: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundMultiple studies have demonstrated that ketamine, a glutamate receptor blocker, may decrease postoperative pain in abdominal and orthopedic surgeries. However, its role with spinal anesthesia and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of subanesthetic dosing of ketamine during TKA on postoperative pain and narcotic consumption.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, we enrolled 91 patients undergoing primary TKA with spinal anesthesia in a single institution from 2017 to 2018. Patients were randomized to receive intraoperative ketamine infusion at a rate of 6 mcg/kg/min for 75 minutes or a saline placebo. All patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches, pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Patient-reported visual analog pain scores were calculated preoperatively, postoperative days (POD) 0-7, and 2 weeks. Narcotic consumption was evaluated on POD 0 and 1.ResultsThere was no difference in average pain between ketamine and placebo at all time points except for at PODs 1 (45 vs 56, P = .041) and 4 (39 vs 49, P = .040). For least pain experienced, patients administered with ketamine experienced a reduction in pain only at POD 4 (22 vs 35, P = .011). There was no difference in maximum pain cohorts at all time points of the study or in-hospital morphine equivalents between the 2 cohorts.ConclusionAs part of multimodal pain management protocol, intraoperative ketamine does not result in a clinically significant improvement in pain and narcotic consumption following TKA.     

I-ONE therapy in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized and controlled study

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often associated with a severe local inflammatory reaction which, unless controlled, leads to persistent pain up to one year after surgery. Standard and accelerated rehabilitation protocols are currently being implemented after TKA, but no consensus exists regarding the long-term effects. Biophysical stimulation with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has been demonstrated to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, to promote early functional recovery and to maintain a positive long-term effect in patients undergoing joint arthroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PEMFs can be used to limit the pain and enhance patient recovery after TKA. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study in 30 patients undergoing TKA was conducted. Patients were randomized into experimental PEMFs or a control group. Patients in the experimental group were instructed to use I-ONE stimulator 4hours/day for 60days. Postoperatively, all patients received the same rehabilitation program. Treatment outcome was assessed using the Knee Society Score, SF-36 Health-Survey and VAS. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and one, two, six and 12 months after TKA. Joint swelling and Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) consumption were recorded. Comparisons between the two groups were carried out using a two-tail heteroschedastic Student's t-test. Analysis of variance for each individual subject during the study was performed using ANOVA for multiple comparisons, applied on each group, and a Dunnet post hoc test. A p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Pre-operatively, no differences were observed between groups in terms of age, sex, weight, height, Knee-Score, VAS, SF-36 and joint swelling, with the exception of the Functional Score. The Knee-Score, SF-36 and VAS demonstrated significantly positive outcomes in the I-ONE stimulated group compared with the controls at follow-ups. In the I-ONE group, NSAID use was reduced and joint swelling resolution was more rapid than in controls. The effect of I-ONE therapy was maintained after use of the device was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show early functional recovery in the I-ONE group. I-ONE therapy should be considered after TKA to prevent the inflammatory reaction elicited by surgery, for pain relief and to speed functional recovery.