Different Factors Conduct Anterior Knee Pain Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the risks associated with anterior knee pain (AKP) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Patellar Resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate this technique through an analysis of comparative studies in the current literature.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review is to determine if robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) results in improved clinical and radiological outcomes, and to elucidate the breadth and depth of studies conducted on this topic.MethodsA Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic review was conducted using 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science) to identify all clinical studies that investigate clinical or radiological outcomes using RATKA. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for cohort studies was employed for critical appraisal and evaluation of all 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria.ResultsAll studies reviewed determined that knee arthroplasty improved clinical outcomes. Twelve studies found statistically better clinical outcomes with RATKA compared with conventional TKA, whereas 9 studies found no difference. One study did not assess clinical outcomes. When assessing radiological outcomes, 14 studies reported that RATKA resulted in more consistent and accurate postoperative mechanical alignment, whereas 2 studies reported no difference. Six studies did not assess radiological outcomes.ConclusionAlthough knee arthroplasty is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic operations, the level of patient satisfaction varies. The meta-analyses conducted in our systematic review shows that RATKA results in greater improvements in postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores compared to conventional TKA. Furthermore, it shows that RATKA results in more accurate postoperative alignment of prostheses. These together can explain the improved postoperative outcomes. More randomized controlled trials must be conducted before this technique is integrated into routine clinical practice.     

Patient Dissatisfaction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background

Dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common. Approximately 20% of patients report dissatisfaction following primary TKA. This systematic literature review explores key factors affecting patient dissatisfaction following TKA.

Preoperative Patient Factors Affecting Length of Stay following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) yields substantial improvements in quality of life for patients with severe osteoarthritis. Previous research has shown that TKA outcomes are inferior in patients with certain demographic and clinical factors. Length of stay (LOS) following TKA is a major component of costs incurred by healthcare providers. It is hypothesized that patient-related factors may influence LOS following TKA. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate these factors.MethodsThree databases (PubMed, Embase, and OVID Medline) were searched using variants of the terms “total knee arthroplasty” and “length of stay”. Studies were screened and data abstracted in duplicate. The primary outcome was the effect of prognostic variables on LOS following TKA. Meta-analysis was performed using the Review Manager (RevMan) software (version 5.3. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014).ResultsA total of 68 studies met all inclusion criteria for this review. These studies comprised 21,494,459 patients undergoing TKA with mean age 66.82 years (range, 15-95 years) and 63.8% (12,165,160 of 19,060,572 reported) females. The mean MINORS score was 7, suggesting that studies had a low quality of evidence. Mean LOS following TKA has steadily decreased over the past 4 decades, partially because of the implementation of fast-track programs. Demographic factors associated with increased LOS were age >70 years (mean difference [MD] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38-1.24), female gender (MD = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.29-0.48), body mass index >30 (MD = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01-0.16), and non-White race (MD = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.10-0.29). Clinical factors associated with increased LOS were American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3-4 vs 1-2 (MD = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.58 to 1.66), Charlson Comorbidity Index > 0 vs 0 (MD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.32 to 1.22), and preoperative hemoglobin < 130 g/L (MD = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.98).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed that increased age, female gender, body mass index ≥ 30, non-White race, American Society of Anesthesiologists > 2, Charlson Comorbidity Index > 0, and preoperative hemoglobin < 130 g/L were predictors of increased LOS. Mean LOS has steadily decreased over the past decades with the implementation of perioperative “fast-track” programs. Future research should investigate the benefits of preoperative risk factor modification on LOS, in addition to novel surgical approaches, anesthetic adjuvants, and physiotherapy modifications.Level of EvidenceIV, systematic review, and meta-analysis of level III and IV evidence.     

Clinical Course of Pain and Function Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely considered a successful intervention for osteoarthritis and other degenerative knee diseases. This study addresses the need for a high-quality meta-analysis that outlines the clinical course of pain and function post-TKA.MethodsThe review included prospective cohort studies assessing pain or function of patients undergoing primary TKA at baseline (preoperatively) and at least 2 additional time points including one at least 12 months postoperatively. Two reviewers independently screened references, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The time course of recovery of pain and function was modeled using fractional polynomial meta-regression.ResultsIn total, 191 studies with 59,667 patients were included, most with low risk of bias. The variance-weighted mean pain score (/100, 0 = no pain) was 64.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.2-67.7) preoperatively, 24.1 (95% CI 20.3-27.9) at 3 months, 20.4 (95% CI 16.7-24.0) at 6 months, and 16.9 (95%CI 13.6-20.3) at 12 months, and remained low (10.1; 95% CI 4.8-15.4) at 10 years postoperatively. The variance-weighted mean function score (/100, 0 = worst function) was 47.1 (95% CI 45.7-48.4) preoperatively, 72.8 (95% CI 71.3-74.4) at 3 months, 76.3 (95% CI 74.7-77.8) at 6 months, and 78.1 (95%CI 76.4-79.7) at 12 months. Function scores were good (79.7; 95% CI 77.9-81.5) at 10 years postoperatively.ConclusionPatients undergoing primary TKA can expect a large and rapid but incomplete recovery of pain and function in the first postoperative year. At 10 years, the gains in pain scores may still remain while there is an improvement in function.     

The Efficacy and Safety of Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis

BackgroundOral and intravenous (IV) acetaminophen has become widely used perioperatively as part of a multi-modal pain management protocol for primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published prior to September 2019 on acetaminophen in primary TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen.ResultsIn total, 1287 publications were critically appraised yielding 17 publications representing the best available evidence for analysis. Oral and IV acetaminophen demonstrates the ability to safely reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption during the inpatient hospital stay. No evidence was available to assess the efficacy and safety of oral acetaminophen after discharge.ConclusionModerate evidence supports the use of oral and IV acetaminophen as a non-opioid adjunct for pain management during the inpatient hospitalization. Strong evidence supports the safety of oral and IV acetaminophen when appropriately administered to patients undergoing primary TJA. Although there is lack of robust evidence for use of acetaminophen following discharge, it remains a low-cost and low-risk option as part of a multimodal pain regimen.     

Are 20% of Patients Actually Dissatisfied Following Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review of the Literature

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is among the most performed orthopaedic surgeries in the United States with at least 1,000,000 cases performed per year. Dissatisfaction following TKA has often been reported as 20% or more, with a multitude of causes including sociodemographic, preoperative, and postoperative factors. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the rate and causes of dissatisfaction following TKA.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed searching databases from 2010 to 2022. Only primary TKA cases were included and all cases of unicompartmental arthroplasty and revisions were excluded. After abstracts were reviewed, 35 articles were selected for a full-length review, which was ultimately reduced to 21 articles for final inclusion.ResultsThe average rate of patient dissatisfaction was 10%. Excluding complications, the average rate of dissatisfaction was 7.3%. The most common sociodemographic factors for dissatisfaction were age < 65 years, lower income, and non-White patients. Preoperative factors included lower Kellgren-Lawrence scores, depression/anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Postoperatively, most dissatisfaction was due to complications, unmet expectations, persistent pain, and stiffness.ConclusionBased on our review, the average rate of patient dissatisfaction following TKA is 10%. Improved counseling for known risk factors may have reduced dissatisfaction rates by increasing preoperative patient optimization. Many studies in recent years have demonstrated the issue of poor patient coping skills, such as pain catastrophizing and anxiety/depression as a common cause of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, dissatisfaction following TKA still continues to affect a high portion of patients but less than historical reports of 20%.     

Comparative Efficacy of the Different Surgical Approaches in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic-Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSeveral surgical approaches including midvastus, subvastus, mini-parapatellar, quadriceps-sparring (QS) and parapatellar are currently used to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Since none of published study exhibited a simultaneous comparison of all of them, a network meta-analysis has been conducted to compare the most widely used knee surgical approaches regarding the improvement of functional outcomes and the range of motion (ROM).MethodsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TKA approaches were searched in electronic databases, major orthopedics journals, and oral communications, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform until May 1st, 2020. Two reviewers independently selected trials and extracted data. The primary outcomes were functional scores at 6 months post-surgeryevaluated by KSS and WOMAC, and the ROM.ResultsSixty RCTs involving 5042 patients with 5107 TKA were included. No significant differences between different approaches were found for the KSS assessment or the WOMAC at 6 months. The mean of ROM at 6 months post-surgery were higher in the subvastus group than in all the others surgical approaches. The difference of ROM with subvastus approach was 7.3° (95% CI ?14.1 to ?0.1) with the midvastus approach, 11.1° (95% CI ?18.7 to ?2.8) with mini-parapatellar, 8.9° (95% CI ?14.2 to ?3.1) with standard parapatellar, and 9.2° (95% CI ?16.1 to ?1.8) with QS.ConclusionNo differences were found in functional outcomes over short or medium terms but subvastus seemed to increase the ROM at 6 months post-surgery. Until or unless future studies can demonstrate a long-term benefit, based on these results all studied surgical approaches to perform a TKA are equal.Level of EvidenceNetwork meta-analysis. Level 1.     

Comparison of Fixed-Bearing and Mobile-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundPrior studies have compared fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (FB-UKA) with mobile-bearing UKA (MB-UKA), suggesting that both procedures have good clinical outcomes. However, which treatment is more beneficial for patients is controversial. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the postoperative outcomes, including the revision rate, complications, functional results, range of motion, and femoral-tibial angle, between the 2 procedures.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases starting from August 2017 to May 2018. The publication date of articles was not restricted. Before we submit our contribution, we have re-searched it again. Articles that directly compared the postoperative outcomes of the 2 prosthesis type were included.ResultsA total of 15 comparative studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled data indicated no differences between the 2 operation modes in terms of revision rates, complications, and knee function, but earlier failure occurred more frequently with the MB design.ConclusionBoth the arthroplasty types provided satisfactory clinical results for patients with classic indications. However, MB-UKA tended to fail in early postoperative years whereas fixed-bearing UKA in later postoperative years. Therefore treatment options should be carefully considered for each patient, and surgeons should still use their personal experience when deciding between these options.     

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty vs High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Prior studies have compared unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) suggesting that both procedures had good clinical outcomes. However, which treatment is more beneficial for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis is still a controversy. The purpose of our study is to obtain postoperative outcomes of revision rate, complications, function results, range of motion (ROM), and pain between the 2 procedures.

Association Between Preoperative Depression and Readmission Rate Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTo date, no meta-analysis of the relationship between hospital readmission after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and preoperative depression has been conducted. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of preoperative depression with the readmission rate following TJA.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies published before March 28, 2021, which compared readmission rates in patients with or without preoperative depression who underwent TJA. The primary outcome was the relationship between preoperative depression and 30-day and 90-day readmission rates after TJA. We also performed surgery type subgroup analyses for total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total shoulder arthroplasty, and total ankle arthroplasty.ResultsWe included 9 studies with 395,815 TJA cases, of which 49,402 were diagnosed with preoperative depression and 346,413 were not. In pooled TJA analysis, the 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were significantly higher in the depression group than in the no-depression group (odds ratio [OR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-2.73, P = .002 and OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14-1.43,; P < .001, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, the 90-day readmission rate was higher in the depression group than in the no-depression group after TKA (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.42, P < .001). There were no differences in other surgery types.ConclusionBased on available evidence, preoperative depression increases the readmission rate after TJA, particularly TKA. As depression is a modifiable risk factor, screening for depression and referring patients for proper psychiatric management are important.Level of EvidenceLevel III, meta-analysis.     

Braking Time Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Background

Currently, no guidelines exist to assist surgeons in providing recommendations to patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on when it is safe to return to driving. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the best available literature to assist surgeons in providing evidence-based recommendations on when it is safe to return to driving after TKA.

The Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Using Periarticular Injection in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is gradually emerging as the treatment of choice for end-stage osteoarthritis. In the past, the method of liposomal bupivacaine by periarticular injection (PAI) showed better effects on pain reduction and opioid consumption after surgery. However, some recent studies have reported that liposomal bupivacaine by PAI did not improve pain control and functional recovery in patients undergoing TKA. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether liposomal bupivacaine provides better pain relief and functional recovery after TKA.

Self-Directed Home Exercises vs Outpatient Physical Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Value and Outcomes Following a Protocol Change

BackgroundThe need for outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) has been questioned following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent studies have suggested that similar outcomes may be possible with self-directed home exercise programs (HEP) compared to OPPT, which can be costly to both the patient and healthcare system. The aim of the present study is to compare the safety, efficacy, and health economics of formal OPPT with self-directed home exercises after TKA following a protocol change.MethodsA single-surgeon, retrospective study of 520 consecutive patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA from 2016 to 2018 was performed. All 251 TKAs performed in 2016 were routinely prescribed OPPT, while all 269 TKAs in 2017 completed a self-directed HEP alone for 2 weeks. At their 2-week visit, OPPT was prescribed if patients had less than 90° range of motion or per patient request. Financial data of postdischarge costs were collected for all patients. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated for variables associated with failure of the HEP program.ResultsOverall, 65.8% (177/269) of patients in the HEP group did not require OPPT. There was no significant difference in percentage of patients whose range of motion was less than 90° at 2-week follow-up between OPPT and HEP (14% vs 11.9%, P = .467). Between OPPT and HEP, there were no differences in manipulation under anesthesia (3.2% vs 3%, P = .883). On average, patients who received OPPT incurred an increase in average cost of $1340.87 and $1893.42 for Medicare and private insurer patients, respectively. We did not identify any significant risk factors for failing HEP.ConclusionComparable outcomes were demonstrated between patients receiving HEP compared to OPPT with a substantial cost saving. While a portion of patients still require formal OPPT, the majority do not. Surgeons should consider an initial trial of HEP with close follow-up in order to limit unnecessary costs associated with OPPT.     

Efficacy of Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Stiffness Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Background

Knee stiffness following primary total knee arthroplasty can lead to unsatisfactory patient outcomes secondary to persistent pain and loss of function. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) remains a viable option for treatment of post-operative stiffness. However, the optimal timing and clinical efficacy of manipulation of anesthesia remains unknown.

Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Is a Significant Risk Factor for Surgical-Site Infection Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Blood loss occurs significantly more frequently during total hip and knee arthroplasty than among any other type of orthopedic operation, which can sometimes lead to requiring a blood transfusion. Although allogeneic blood transfusion has been identified as a risk factor for postoperative surgical-site infection following arthroplasty, results are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to investigate whether having an allogeneic blood transfusion significantly increases the risk for surgical-site infection, particularly after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship After Total Knee Arthroplasty With a Contemporary Modular Knee System

A systematic review appraising the clinical performance and safety of the primary SIGMA modular knee system (DePuy-Synthes, Warsaw, Ind.) found 5 registry reports and 53 journal publications reporting survivorship or postoperative increase in Knee Society scores on 241 632 primary SIGMA knee arthroplasties. Pooled data from national joint registries and clinical studies on primary SIGMA knee survivorship were comparable. Both were higher than for all other knees in 5 national joint registries up to 5 years. Compared with pooled data from 2 independent systematic reviews of primary non-SIGMA knees, the SIGMA system provided comparable postoperative changes in Knee Society knee score and a nonsignificant trend of higher postoperative changes in Knee Society function score. This finding suggests that this knee system provides excellent durable results.     

A Meta-Analysis of Patellar Replacement in Total Knee Arthroplasty for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Background

This meta-analysis (MA) aims at comparing the clinical outcomes of resurfacing and nonresurfacing the patella in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Imageless Computer Navigation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Provides Superior Short Term Functional Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Computer navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is intended to produce more reliable results, but its impact on functional outcomes has not been firmly demonstrated. Literature searches were performed for Level I randomized trials that compared TKA using imageless computer navigation to those performed with conventional instruments. Radiographic and functional outcomes were extracted and statistically analyzed. TKA performed with computer navigation was more likely to be within 3° of ideal mechanical alignment (87.1% vs. 73.7%, P < .01). Navigated TKAs had a higher increase in Knee Society Score at 3-month follow-up (68.5 vs. 58.1, P = .03) and at 12–32 month follow-up (53.1 vs. 45.8, P < .01). Computer navigation in TKA provides more accurate alignment and superior functional outcomes at short-term follow-up.