Use of Stepped Porous Titanium Metaphyseal Sleeves for Tibial Defects in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Short Term Results

Stepped porous titanium metaphyseal sleeves may provide an option for enhanced fixation in managing challenging tibial defects in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We retrospectively reviewed data on 51 patients who underwent revision TKA utilizing a metaphyseal sleeve for Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) Type II and III tibial defects between June 2007 and July 2011. Of these 51 patients, 36 patients had complete clinical and radiographic data. At final follow-up (mean: 38 months) significant improvements in knee range of motion and Knee Society scores were observed postoperatively (P < 0.001). Four revision procedures were necessary, but none for aseptic implant fixation failure. Radiographic review at final follow-up revealed stable, osteointegrated components without component migration or clinically significant osteolysis. Metaphyseal sleeve use in the management of moderate to severe tibial defects in revision TKA resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and is a versatile option for achieving stable fixation.     

Clinical Survivorship of Aseptic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Hinged Knees and Tantalum Cones at Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundThe reconstruction of severe bone loss utilizing porous tantalum cones in patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been established in the last years. However, reports on a long-term follow-up to assess the durability of such implants when combined with hinged knee designs are lacking. The current study aimed to evaluate the results of a previous study cohort at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.MethodsA retrospective review was performed. The initial study cohort comprised of 38 patients who underwent aseptic revision TKA between 2007 and 2009 at a single institution. After exclusion of the deceased patients and patients who were lost to follow-up, 25 patients with hinged knees and 32 cones implanted were included with a minimum follow-up of 10 years (mean = 126.5 months, range 120-142, standard deviation [SD] = 5.92). Survivorship was determined, and re-revisions were observed. Functional Knee Society Score was assessed.ResultsAfter a minimum of 10 years, 24 of 32 cones (75%) had survived without any exchange in 18 patients. Reasons for cone revision included aseptic loosening (5/32 cones; 15.6%) and periprosthetic joint infection (3/32 cones; 9.4%). In 4 of the five revisions due to aseptic loosening, pure hinged knees had been implanted. The mean functional Knee Society Score of the survivors was 69.6 points (range 10-100, SD = 30.85), and the average flexion ability of the knee was 92° (range 30°-120°, SD = 22.09).ConclusionPorous tantalum cones in revision TKA exhibited no favorable but reasonable long-term durability. Rotating-hinge designs should be used whenever possible to reduce the risk of aseptic loosening. Further comparative long-term analyses with other techniques or implants could inform us about the best treatment method.     

Higher Rate of Early Revision Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Under Age 55: A Cautionary Tale

BackgroundThere has been an increased number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed in young and active patients. Although improved materials have decreased the likelihood of early catastrophic wear, concerns remain with the performance and survivorship of TKA implants in this patient population. The purpose this study is to evaluate perioperative complications, patient-reported outcomes, and implant survivorship of TKAs performed in patients under age 55.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 4259 primary TKAs performed over a 4-year period. There were 741 TKAs in patients under age 55. The primary outcome of interest was rate of revision at 30 days, 1, 2, and 5-year time points. Secondary outcomes included postoperative transfusion rate, length of stay, rate of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, need for manipulation under anesthesia, readmission and reoperation within 30 days, as well as patient-reported outcomes.ResultsThere were 3518 patients over 55 years and 741 patients under 55 years. Overall, 175 patients required revision (4.1%). Patients under 55 years had significantly higher cumulative revision rate at 1 (3.4% vs 1.8%, P < .001), 2 (5.0% vs 2.4%, P < .001), and 5 years (7.3% vs 3.7%, P < .001). Patients under 55 years had a higher rate of early reoperation. Patients over 55 years required more transfusions and suffered a higher rate of early deep vein thrombosis. Patients over 55 years had significantly greater improvements in Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global 10 Physical scores at 6 months postoperatively compared to patients under 55 years.ConclusionsDespite improvements in TKA implants, young and active patients remained at higher risk of early revision compared to older patients. The data should be used to counsel young prospective TKA patients about the early risk of reoperation and non–wear-related complications.     

Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Has Fewer Complications but Higher Revision Rates Than Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Study of Large United States Databases

BackgroundUnicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) has superior functional outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with good mid-term and long-term survival data from high-volume institutions. We sought to quantify the risk of complications, re-operation/revision, hospital re-admission for any reason, and mortality of knee arthroplasty patients in the US patient population using 2 large databases.MethodsUKA and TKA patients who were identified in the 2002-2011, 5% sample of Medicare data and 2004-2012 (June) MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases were followed to evaluate the risk of complications, hospital re-admission for any reason, and mortality within 90 days of surgery. Survival probability defined by re-operation was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method at 0.5, 2, 5, 7, and up to 10 years post-operatively.ResultsCompared to UKA, complication rates for TKA patients were significantly higher, including wound complication, pulmonary embolism, stiffness, peri-prosthetic joint infection, myocardial infarction, re-admission, and death. Age was found to be a significant risk factor (P < .05) for all complications in the Medicare cohort, except stiffness (P = .839), and all complications in the MarketScan cohort, except re-admission (P = .418), whereas gender had a variable effect on complications based on age. Survivorship of UKA was lower than TKA at all time points. Additionally, younger age adversely affected implant survival. By 7 years post-surgery, UKA survivorship in the Medicare and MarketScan cohorts was 80.9% and 74.4%, respectively. In contrast, TKA survivorship for the same cohorts was 95.7% and 91.9% by the same time point.ConclusionPatients undergoing UKA have fewer post-operative complications and re-admissions than those undergoing TKA. However, patients undergoing UKA have a higher rate of re-operation and revision at up to 10 years of follow-up. It appears that age, as well as surgeon and hospital volume significantly impacts implant survivorship while gender does not have a relation.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

Reasons for Revision,Oxidation, and Damage Mechanisms of Retrieved Vitamin E-Stabilized Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIn order to improve oxidation resistance, antioxidants such as vitamin-E are added to polyethylene used in the bearing surfaces of orthopedic components. Currently, little is known about the efficacy of this treatment in vivo. This study therefore reports on the reasons for revision, surface damage mechanisms, and oxidation of retrieved vitamin E-stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) for total knee arthroplasty.MethodsWe examined 103 retrieved knee inserts fabricated from vitamin E (VE)-stabilized HXLPE and 67 fabricated from remelted HXLPE as a control. The implantation times were 1.2 ± 1.3 and 1.5 ± 1.3 years for the VE and control cohorts, respectively. The inserts were evaluated for 7 surface damage mechanisms using a semiquantitative scoring method and analyzed for oxidation using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Reasons for revision were also assessed using operative notes created at time of retrieval.ResultsBoth groups were revised primarily for instability, infection, and loosening. Burnishing, pitting, and scratching were the most common damage mechanisms observed, with the VE cohort demonstrating less surface damage than the control. Measured oxidation for the cohort was low, with a median oxidation index of 0.09 ± .05 for the articulating surface, 0.05 ± 0.06 for the backside, 0.08 ± 0.06 for the anterior/posterior surfaces, and 0.08 ± 0.05 for the stabilizing post. As compared to the control cohort, oxidation tended to be less for the VE group at the articulating (P < .001) and backside (P = .003) surfaces, although the median differences were minimal and may not be clinically significant.ConclusionThe results indicate positive fatigue damage resistance and oxidation resistance for the retrieved VE-stabilized total knee arthroplasty inserts.     

Frailty Predicts Medical Complications,Length of Stay,Readmission, and Mortality in Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) as a predictor of postoperative complications, readmission, and mortality in patients undergoing revision hip and knee arthroplasty.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s database for patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) and revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) between the years 2005 and 2016 was conducted. The 5-factor score, which includes presence of comorbid diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and functional status, was calculated for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the mFI-5 and postoperative complications while controlling for demographic variables.ResultsIn total, 13,948 patients undergoing rTHA and 16,304 patients undergoing rTKA were identified. The mFI-5 was a strong predictor of serious medical complications (cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, postoperative dialysis, reintubation, and prolonged ventilator requirement), discharge to a facility, total length of stay, readmission, and mortality (P ≤ .007).ConclusionThe mFI-5 predicts serious medical complications, increased length of stay, discharge to a facility, hospital readmission, and mortality in patients undergoing rTHA and rTKA. All the variables within the mFI-5 are easily obtained through the patient history, allowing for a practical clinical tool that hospitals and physicians can use to identify at-risk patients, educate and engage patients and their families in a shared decision-making conversation, and guide perioperative care in order to optimize patient outcomes.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Quadriceps Snip in 321 Revision Total Knee Arthroplasties: A Safe Technique in a Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundQuadriceps snips (QSs) are commonly used to gain enhanced exposure during revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). The goals of this study were to evaluate the longer-term clinical outcomes and complications in a contemporary cohort of patients treated with QS and to compare them to a matched cohort treated with standard exposure during revision TKAs.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 3107 revision TKAs performed at our institution between 2002 and 2012. QS was performed in 321 of these knees. Each QS revision TKA was 1:1 matched to a control (standard exposure) based on age, gender, body mass index, surgery date, and reason for revision. Clinical outcomes studied included Knee Society Score, range of motion, and extensor lag. Other outcomes assessed were complications (especially extensor mechanism disruption) and survivorship. Mean follow-up was 5 years.ResultsThe mean Knee Society Score improvement was not significantly different between groups (P = .9). At latest follow-up, the mean range of motion was 93° in the QS group and was slightly higher at 100° in the control group (P = .002). Postoperative extensor lag of 10 degrees or more was present in 21 (6.7%) QS knees versus 19 (6.8%) control knees (P = .95). Complication rates were similar in both groups with extensor mechanism disruption occurring in 3 in the QS group (0.7% at 10 years) versus 4 in the control group (0.8% at 10 years; P = .91). Kaplan-Meier survivorships free of revision for aseptic loosening, free of any revision, and free of any reoperation were similar at 10 years (85%, 71%, and 61%, respectively, in the QS group vs 89%, 70% and 60%, respectively, in the control group).ConclusionThis matched cohort study is the largest to report the results of QS and also the largest to report results compared with patients treated with standard exposure. Building on the results of smaller historical series, this study demonstrates QS was a facile technique in complex revision TKAs allowing for safe exposure with few complications.Level of EvidenceIII (case-control study).     

Pseudotumors and High-Grade Aseptic Lymphocyte-Dominated Vasculitis-Associated Lesions Around Total Knee Replacements Identified at Aseptic Revision Surgery: Findings of a Large-Scale Histologic Review

BackgroundAseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) development (including pseudotumors) secondary to metal debris generation around total hip arthroplasties is a well-recognized histopathologic phenomenon. Emerging data have highlighted a similar potential concern around TKAs although the body-of-knowledge has largely been limited to individual case reports or small retrospective case series. This study sought to establish the prevalence of pseudotumors or high-grade ALVALs seen at the revision of primary TKAs and to establish the correlation between histologic ALVAL grade and patient-reported functional outcome measures.MethodsThe findings of 321 non-infective (aseptic) patients undergoing unilateral revision knee surgery, at a high-volume tertiary referral center, were reviewed. Each case was independently histologically classified. Complete patient-reported functional outcome measures were available for 134 patients (42%) allowing correlation between functional performance and histopathology results.ResultsFive distinct pseudotumors and a further 18 high-grade ALVALs were histologically identified representing 1.6% and 5.6% of the cohort, respectively. When compared by histologic grade, Oxford Knee Score and Western Ontario and McMaster University’s Osteoarthritis Index suggested a high correlation between ALVAL grade and functional knee scores.ConclusionThese findings suggest a prevalence of pseudotumors or high-grade ALVALs at revision TKA surgery of >7%. This unexpectedly high result may contribute insight into the previously under-appreciated significance of metal debris-related local tissue reactions around TKAs. The findings also demonstrate a strong near-linear inverse relationship between patient-reported clinical knee performance and the underlying histologic grade of local tissue reaction. These results have potential management implications for patients with underperforming TKAs and should prompt consideration of an ALVAL secondary to metallosis in the differential diagnosis.Level of EvidenceThis is a retrospective cohort study with Level III evidence.     

Patterns and Costs of 90-Day Readmission for Surgical and Medical Complications Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundUnplanned readmissions following elective total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty as a result of surgical complications likely have different quality improvement targets and cost implications than those for nonsurgical readmissions. We compared payments, timing, and location of unplanned readmissions with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-defined surgical complications to readmissions without such complications.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis on unplanned readmissions within 90 days of discharge following elective primary THA/TKA among Medicare patients discharged between April 2013 and March 2016. We categorized unplanned readmissions into groups with and without CMS-defined complications. We compared the location, timing, and payments for unplanned readmissions between both readmission categories.ResultsAmong THA (N = 23,231) and TKA (N = 43,655) patients with unplanned 90-day readmissions, 27.1% (n = 6307) and 16.4% (n = 7173) had CMS-defined surgical complications, respectively. These readmissions with surgical complications were most commonly at the hospital of index procedure (THA: 84%; TKA: 80%) and within 30 days postdischarge (THA: 73%; TKA: 77%). In comparison, it was significantly less likely for patients without CMS-defined surgical complications to be rehospitalized at the index hospital (THA: 63%; TKA: 63%; P < .001) or within 30 days of discharge (THA: 58%; TKA: 59%; P < .001). Generally, payments associated with 90-day readmissions were higher for THA and TKA patients with CMS-defined complications than without (P < .001 for all).ConclusionReadmissions associated with surgical complications following THA and TKA are more likely to occur at the hospital of index surgery, within 30 days of discharge, and cost more than readmissions without CMS-defined surgical complications, yet they account for only 1 in 5 readmissions.     

The Effect of Tourniquet Use and Sterile Carbon Dioxide Gas Bone Preparation on Cement Penetration in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTourniquetless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is experiencing resurgence in popularity due to potential pain control benefits. Furthermore, optimal cement technique and implant fixation remain paramount to long-term cemented TKA success, as aseptic loosening continues to be a leading cause of revision. The purpose of this study is to determine how tourniquet use and/or novel bone preparation using sterile, compressed carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas affected cement penetration in TKA.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 303 consecutive primary TKAs with the same implant in 3 groups: (1) a tourniquet without sterile CO₂ compressed gas used for bone preparation, (2) no tourniquet with CO₂ gas, and (3) tourniquet use and CO₂ gas bone preparation. Cement penetration was measured on radiographs by two independent, blinded raters across 7 zones defined by the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation System.ResultsThe 3 groups did not differ on age, body mass index, or gender (P ≥ .1). Cement penetration was greater in 6 of 7 zones with significantly greater cement penetration in 3 zones (tibial anteroposterior zone 2, femoral lateral zones 3A and 3P) in groups that utilized CO₂ gas bone preparation compared to the tourniquet only group (P ≤ .039).ConclusionBone prepared with CO₂ gas showed significantly more cement penetration in 3 zones with greater cancellous bone. The results suggest that use of CO₂ gas bone preparation may achieve greater cement penetration than using a tourniquet with lavage only.     

Unrecognized Osteoporosis Is Common in Patients With a Well-Functioning Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPeri-prosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are associated with poorer outcomes and high costs. We hypothesize that osteoporosis is under-recognized in the TKA population. The purpose of this study is to report osteoporosis prevalence in a healthy cohort of patients with well-functioning TKA and to compare prevalence between males and females.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study of 30 adults (15 males/15 females) aged 59-80 years without known bone health issues who volunteered to undergo routine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry 2-5 years (average 3.2 ± 0.8) after primary unilateral TKA. These data plus clinical risk factors were used to estimate fracture risk via the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and skeletal status (normal, osteopenic, osteoporotic) was determined based on the World Health Organization definition. The National Osteoporosis Foundation criteria for treatment were applied to all patients.ResultsSix of 30 (20%) patients had T-score ≤ ?2.5. Eighteen of 30 (60%) patients had T-score between ?1 and ?2.5 and 6 (20%) patients had T-score ≥ ?1. Five patients with normal or osteopenic bone mineral density (BMD) had occult vertebral fractures. Eleven of 30 (36.7%) patients met National Osteoporosis Foundation criteria for pharmacologic treatment.ConclusionThe prevalence of occult osteoporosis meeting treatment guidelines after TKA is substantial in this sample (36.7%). BMD and osteoporosis prevalence are similar between men and women. This underappreciated prevalence of osteoporosis may contribute to peri-prosthetic fracture risk. Arthroplasty surgeons and bone health specialists must be aware of post-operative changes in bone density. These data support the further study of post-operative osteoporosis and consideration of routine BMD screening after TKA.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Same-Day Surgery Does Not Increase the Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Reoperation Rates for Stiffness Following Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data on the incidence of stiffness and need for subsequent manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and reoperation following same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA). We compared the rates of at least 1 MUA, bilateral knee involvement, single and multiple MUA rates, and stiffness-related reoperation rates between patients undergoing same-day, same-admission staged, and staged within 1 year BTKA in a tertiary institution.MethodsWe analyzed institutional data for 3175 same-day (group A), 153 same-admission staged (group B), and 1226 staged within 1 year BTKA patients (group C) from 1998 to 2009. Several variables, including patient demographics, comorbidity profile, Charlson-Deyo index, and range of motion at different time points, were tabulated. Follow-up was minimum 1 year after first MUA. Univariate analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum or Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher exact or the chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to check the bilateral knee involvement rate across groups.ResultsOverall, 2.2% (98/4554) of BTKA patients required MUA. The rate of at least 1 MUA was similar across groups but the percentage of bilateral knee involvement was higher in group A. The single MUA rate was comparable among groups. Both no revision and revision reoperation rates were similar among the manipulated groups.ConclusionSame-day BTKA was not associated with increased incidence of single or multiple MUA and stiffness-related reoperation rates. These findings may facilitate preoperative counseling in patients with symptomatic bilateral knee disease, eligible for same-day BTKA.     

The Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Over Traditional Local Anesthetics in Periarticular Infiltration and Regional Anesthesia During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSince its Food and Drug Administration approval in 2011 as a local anesthetic for postsurgical analgesia, liposomal bupivacaine (LB) has been incorporated into the periarticular injection (PAI) of many knee surgeons. The slow release of this medication from vesicles should significantly extend the duration of its analgesic effect, but current evidence has not clearly demonstrated this benefit.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, as well as the Journal of Arthroplasty web page for relevant articles. All calculations were made using Review Manager 5.3.ResultsWe identified 42 studies that compared LB to an alternate analgesic modality. Seventeen of these studies were controlled trials that were included in meta-analysis. Significant differences were seen in pain scores with LB over a peripheral nerve block (mean difference = 0.45, P = .02) and LB over a traditional PAI (standard mean difference = ?0.08, P = .004).ConclusionWhile LB may offer a statistically significant benefit over a traditional PAI, the increase in pain control may not be clinically significant and it does not appear to offer a benefit in reducing opioid consumption. However, there is no standardization among current studies, as they vary greatly in design, infiltration technique, and outcome measurement, which precludes any reliable summarization of their results. Future independent studies using a standardized protocol are needed to provide clear unbiased evidence.     

The Economics of Antibiotic Cement in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Added Cost with No Reduction in Infection Rates

BackgroundTo reduce the substantial clinical and financial burden of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), some surgeons advocate for the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although its effectiveness continues to be debated in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the routine use of ALBC is cost-effective in reducing PJI after primary TKA.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing cemented primary TKA at two hospitals within our institution from 2015 to 2017. We compared demographics, comorbidities, costs, and PJI rates between patients receiving ALBC and plain cement. We performed a multivariate regression analysis to determine the independent effect of ALBC on PJI rate. We calculated readmission costs for PJI and reduction in PJI needed to justify the added cost of ALBC.ResultsOf 2511 patients, 1077 underwent TKA with ALBC (43%), with no difference in PJI rates (0.56% vs 0.14%, P = .0662) or complications (1.2% vs 1.6%, P = .3968) but higher cement costs ($416 vs $117, P < .0001) and overall procedure costs ($6445 vs $5.968, P < .0001). ALBC had no effect on infection rate (P = .0894). Patients readmitted with PJI had higher overall 90-day episode-of-care claims costs ($49,341 vs $19,032, P < .001). To justify additional costs, ALBC would need to prevent infection in one of every 101 patients.ConclusionRoutine use of ALBC in primary TKA is not cost-effective, adding $299 to the cost of episode of care without a reduction in PJI rate. Further study is needed to determine whether select use of ALBC would be justified in high-risk patients.     

Trends in Length of Stay and 30-Day Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis From 2006 to 2016

BackgroundHospital length of stay (LOS) is a quality metric and target of recent efforts in the last decade to decrease healthcare costs and postoperative nosocomial complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, decreasing LOS has raised concerns of possible increased complication and readmission rates. We present a decade-long analysis in trends of LOS and 30-day complication and unplanned readmissions following TKA.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was utilized to identify patients undergoing elective primary TKA between 2006 and 2016. Three cohorts of patients were created based on year of surgery (2006-2009 [N = 7111], 2010-2013 [N = 71,943], and 2014-2016 [N = 142,710]). Patient demographics, perioperative variables, LOS, 30-day postoperative complications, and readmission rates were analyzed between the 3 cohorts using bivariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsLOS decreased significantly over time when the 2006-2009 cohort (3.7 days) was compared to the 2010-2013 cohort (3.3 days, P < .001) and 2014-2016 cohort (3.0 days, P < .001). Similarly, there was a decrease in the rate of total 30-day complications in the 2006-2009 cohort (5.37%) compared to 2010-2013 (3.86%) and 2014-2016 (3.13%, P < .001), with significantly lower rates of deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, and urinary tract infection in the latter cohorts. Decreasing rates of 30-day readmission were also observed in the 2010-2013 cohort (3.63%) compared to 2013-2016 cohort (3.23%, P < .001).ConclusionIn the last decade, there has been a trend toward decreasing LOS after TKA. Despite concerns about early discharge, data from a national registry demonstrated a simultaneous decrease in total 30-day complication and readmission rates.Level of EvidenceIII, Retrospective cohort study.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Less Than 50 Years of Age: Results at a Mean of 13 Years

BackgroundPatients between 45 and 54 years old will be the fastest-growing cohort seeking total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over the next 15 years. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the clinical outcomes of TKA in patients less than 50 years old at a minimum of 10 years. We hypothesized that this patient population would have a high rate of survivorship that is similar to that of older patients.MethodsWe reviewed 298 consecutive TKAs on 242 patients at a minimum of 10 years postoperatively. Twenty patients died and 30 TKAs were lost to follow-up leaving 248 TKAs in 202 patients (91 male, 111 female) with a mean age of 45.7 years (range, 26-49) at the time of surgery. Patient-reported outcomes, survivorship, causes of reoperation, and initial postoperative radiographic parameters were collected.ResultsAt a mean of 13.0 years, there were 9 revisions for tibial loosening (3.6%), 8 for deep infection (3.2%), 7 for polyethylene wear (2.8%), and 3 for failed ingrowth of a cementless femoral component (1.2%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated 92.0% survivorship with failures defined as aseptic component revision and 83.9% survivorship for all-cause reoperation at 13 years. Patients with tibial alignment of 4° or more of varus or 10° or more of posterior slope were found to have increased rate of failure.ConclusionWhile overall durability was good in this young patient population, tibial fixation and deep infection were relatively common causes of failure. In addition, increased tibial varus and slope were found to increase the rate of failure. Furthermore, the nearly 3% risk of revision for wear suggests that the use of more wear-resistant bearing surfaces may reduce the risk of failure in this patient population.     

A Comparison Study of the Outcomes of Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty in Young vs Older Patients: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Prospective Matched Study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to analyze the outcome and prosthesis survival in patients aged between 20 and 40 years who received a cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a minimum follow-up of 10 years compared to older patients.MethodsProspective matched comparative study was conducted between 94 young patients with mean age of 37.2 (range 22-40) years and 90 older patients with mean age of 64.7 (range 60-70) years treated with ceramic-on-ceramic THA. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Harris Hip Score, reduced Western Ontario and MacMaster University (WOMAC), and Short-Form-12 (SF12) questionnaires. Radiological evaluation was also performed. The primary outcome was the THA survival rate.ResultsMean follow-up of 13.6 (range, 10-15) years. At the final follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups in Harris Hip Score (P = .356), WOMAC-pain (P = .461), SF12-physical (P = .305), or SF12-mental (P = .511), but younger group had significantly higher WOMAC-function score (P = .013). There were 7 revisions in the younger group and 4 in the older group (P = .197). The 14-year prosthesis survival for any reason was 93.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.7-99.7) in the younger group and 98.3% (95% CI 95.1-100) in the older group (P = .189). For aseptic reason, the 14-year survival was 94.7% (95% CI 88.9-100) in the younger group and 98.3% (95% CI 95.1-100) in the older group (P = .332).ConclusionAt minimum follow-up of 10 years, THA with cementless stem and ceramic-on-ceramic bearing provides successful survival and functional outcomes in young patients between 20 and 40 years old.