Is Adductor Canal Block Better Than Femoral Nerve Block in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? A GRADE Analysis of the Evidence Through a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with intense postoperative pain with a need for early ambulation to gain function and prevent postoperative complications. Compared with femoral nerve block (FNB), adductor canal block (ACB) can relieve postoperative pain and preserve quadriceps muscle strength. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate which analgesic method provides better pain relief and functional recovery after TKA.

Is Continuous Adductor Canal Block Better Than Continuous Femoral Nerve Block After Total Knee Arthroplasty? Effect on Ambulation Ability,Early Functional Recovery and Pain Control: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Total knee arthroplasty is associated with intense, early post-operative pain. Femoral nerve block is known to provide optimal pain relief but reduces the strength of the quadriceps muscle and associated with the risk of falling. Adductor canal block is almost pure sensory blockade with minimal effect on quadriceps muscle strength. We prospectively randomized 100 patients in two groups' continuous adductor and femoral block group. Ambulation ability (Timed up go, 10-m walk, 30 s chair test), time to active SLR, quadsticks, staircase competency, ambulation distance was significantly better (P value < 0.001) in adductor canal group whereas pain scores, opioid consumption showed no significant difference. Adductor canal block provided better ambulation and early functional recovery but without superior analgesia than femoral nerve block post TKA. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic study.     

Outpatient Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Is It Safe?

BackgroundIt is currently unknown if simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (si-BTKA) can also be safely performed in the outpatient setting. The primary aim of this study was to compare 30-day postoperative complication rates between outpatient and inpatient si-BTKA.MethodsAdults undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (si-BTKA) from 2015-2019 were queried using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Our primary analysis compared the rates of complications between outpatient si-BTKA and inpatient si-BTKA using bivariate comparisons and multivariable logistic regression of outpatient and inpatient cases controlling for differences in baseline demographics and comorbidities.ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, the utilization of outpatient si-BTKA increased from 0.6% to 10.5%. Outpatient si-BTKA were found to have significantly lower odds of any complication (OR = 0.49), minor complication (OR = 0.50), and postoperative transfusion (OR = 0.66) compared to inpatient cases. Outpatient si-BTKA also had a significantly shorter operative time.ConclusionCompared to inpatient si-BTKA, patients who undergo outpatient si-BTKA do not demonstrate increased rates of any complication, severe complications, and minor complications within 30-days postoperatively. Further insight is needed on the effect of outpatient si-BTKA on long-term outcomes.     

Does Limb Preconditioning Reduce Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Randomized,Double-blind Study

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be associated with considerable postoperative pain. Ischemic preconditioning of tissue before inducing procedure-related underperfusion may reduce the postoperative inflammatory response, which further may reduce associated pain.

Questions/purposes

In this prospective, randomized study, we aimed at evaluating the impact of ischemic preconditioning on postoperative pain at rest and during exercise; use of pain medication; levels of systemic prothrombotic and local inflammatory markers; and length of stay and achievement of physical therapy milestones.

Methods

Sixty patients undergoing unilateral TKA under tourniquet were enrolled with half (N = 30) being randomized to an episode of limb preconditioning before induction of ischemia for surgery (tourniquet inflation). Pain scores, analgesic consumption, markers of inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α in periarticular drainage), and periarticular circumference were measured at baseline and during 2 days postoperatively. Changes in prothrombotic markers were evaluated.

Results

Patients in the preconditioning group had significantly less pain postoperatively at rest (mean difference = −0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.40 to −0.02, p = 0.043) and with exercise (mean difference = −1.38, 95% CI = −2.32 to −0.44, p = 0.004), but showed no differences in analgesic consumption. No differences were seen between the study and the control group in terms of muscle oxygenation and intraarticular levels of IL-6 and TNF-α as well as levels of prothrombotic markers. No differences were found between groups in regard to hospitalization length and time to various physical therapy milestones.

Conclusions

Ischemic preconditioning reduces postoperative pain after TKA, but the treatment effect size we observed with the preconditioning routine used was modest.

Clinical Relevance

Given the ease of this intervention, ischemic preconditioning may be considered as part of a multimodal analgesic strategy. However, more study into the impact of different preconditioning strategies, elucidation of mechanisms, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness of this maneuver is needed.     

Does Greater Knee Flexion Increase Patient Function and Satisfaction After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether high flexion leads to improved benefits in patient satisfaction, perception, and function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Data were collected on 122 primary TKAs. Patients completed a Total Knee Function Questionnaire. Knees were classified as low (≤110°), mid (111°-130°), or high flexion (>130°). Correlation between knee flexion and satisfaction was not statistically significant. Increased knee flexion had a significant positive association with achievement of expectations, restoration of a “normal” knee, and functional improvement. In conclusion, although the degree of postoperative knee flexion did not affect patient satisfaction, it did influence fulfillment of expectations, functional ability, and knee perception. This suggests that increased knee flexion, particularly more than 130°, may lead to improved outcomes after TKA.     

Does Barbed Suture Lower Cost and Improve Outcome in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Wound closure is key to prevent infection, facilitate immediate rehabilitation, and improve efficiency of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Continuous knotless suturing with barbed suture can potentially save time and distribute tension more evenly. However, its role in TKA in terms of cost-effectiveness and wound complications is not clear. This study aims at comparing barbed and traditional sutures' wound closure time and cost in primary TKA.

Is Femoral Nerve Block Necessary During Total Knee Arthroplasty? : A Randomized Controlled Trial

There remains a lack of randomized controlled trials comparing methods of perioperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. To address this deficiency, a blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the use of femoral nerve block (group F) and local anesthetic (group L). A sample of 55 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either group. No significant differences in the most severe pain score or 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), or Oxford scores were observed between groups. However, the Knee Society score was significantly higher in group F. In addition, group F used significantly fewer micrograms of intravenous fentanyl in the first 24 hours. Balancing the risks of femoral nerve block with those of increased systemic narcotic delivery should be performed on a case-by-case basis.     

Does Different Time Interval Between Staggered Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Affect Perioperative Outcome? A Retrospective Study

Staggered bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) performed 4 to 7 days apart has been shown to have fewer postoperative complications than sequential or staged BTKA. However, there has been no comparison of staggered BTKA with different intervals. A retrospective study involving 79 patients who underwent BTKA from 2002 to 2004 was performed to determine whether the interval between each TKA influenced the clinical outcome. Staggered operations performed 2 days (n = 46) or 7 days (n = 33) apart had similar incidence of major (acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, etc) and minor complications (transient hypotension or low Sp(o)(2)) throughout hospitalization. Perioperative complications in the first and second TKAs were similar when TKAs were performed with a 2- or a 7-day interval.     

Does Patient Experience After a Total Knee Arthroplasty Predict Readmission?

BackgroundTo our knowledge, the relationship between patient Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores and patient outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not yet been analyzed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether readmissions within the 30 or 90 days postoperative window after TKA were predicted by patient satisfaction scores, as measured by the HCAHPS survey.MethodsWe analyzed HCAHPS survey scores from all patients who underwent primary or revision TKA at our institution between January 1, 2016 and September 1, 2016. Demographic readmission information, preoperative baseline health status measures, validated patient-reported pain and joint function measures, and HCAHPS survey scores were collected. To determine whether 30-day or 90-day readmissions were independently associated with HCAHPS scores, statistical analyses were conducted using chi-squared and Student’s t-tests for categorical and continuous variables. Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for patient-level risk factors.ResultsPatients readmitted within 30 days were significantly less likely to choose the highest rating on survey questions in several dimensions of patient satisfaction when compared to patients who were not readmitted. These dimensions included physician communication (P = .045), discharge information (P = .016), and transition of care (P = .044). Similarly, patients who were readmitted within 90 days were less likely to choose the highest rating in survey questions that pertained to physician communication (P = .046), medication information (P = .040), and quietness of the hospital environment (P = .048).ConclusionOur results show that readmission is predicted by lower patient satisfaction scores in several dimensions of patient care including physician communication, hospital environment, medication information, discharge information, and transition of care.     

Is a Titanium Implant for Total Knee Arthroplasty Better? A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundLighter weight and lower modulus are potential advantages of titanium (Ti) implants over cobalt chrome (CoCr) implants in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was conducted to determine whether Ti implants in TKA resulted in better clinical outcomes and radiologic results.MethodsOne hundred and eight patients (216 knees) with knee arthritis warranting bilateral primary TKA were randomly allocated to undergo Ti rotating-platform TKA in one knee and CoCr rotating-platform TKA in the contralateral knee. The mean follow-up period was 5.3 years (range, 1-7 years). The weight of Ti implants was one-third lighter than that of CoCr implants (133.9 g vs 390.1 g, P < .01). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using clinical scores, patient preferences (lightness, comfort, naturalness, and satisfaction), gait analysis (kinetic and kinematic data), range of motion, and degree of pain. Radiologic results were evaluated based on the radiolucent line (RLL), degree of medial tibial bone loss, and loosening as seen on X-ray.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in clinical scores or patient preference. Regarding implant weight, approximately 70% of patients did not perceive the Ti implant as lighter. No significant differences were observed in gait analysis, range of motion, or degree of pain. The RLL was seen in 9% of the Ti implant group and 19% of the CoCr implant group.ConclusionThe lighter Ti implant did not show any clinical benefit over CoCr implants. The lightness of the Ti implant is not sufficient to matter or be noticeable. However, the Ti implant showed lower rate of RLL than the CoCr implant.Level of Evidencelevel I, randomized controlled trial.     

Does Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Affect Gait in Women?: Comparison of Gait Analyses Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared with Normal Knees

We performed gait analysis of 24 patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) before, 1 year, and 2 years after bilateral total knee arthroplasty and compared these results to 12 normal controls. Cadence was significantly decreased in OA patients when compared with controls. Step and stride lengths were significantly different preoperatively (shorter) and postoperatively (P < .05), but postoperative results showed no significant difference when compared with normal controls (P < .05). Step and stride times were significantly different (P < .05) between the preoperative OA group and controls, but no difference was seen with the postoperative measurements when compared with controls. In the OA group, the mean vertical component of the ground reaction forces expressed as percent body weight was significantly lower when compared with controls and postoperative results. No correlation was found between the preoperative and postoperative clinical scores and objective data obtained from gait analysis. Our results demonstrate that gait analysis is not a useful tool in evaluating the success of total knee arthroplasty patient.     

Does Prior Bariatric Surgery Affect Implant Survivorship and Complications Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty/Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of prior bariatric surgery on survivorship, outcome, and complications following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA)/total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Arthroplasty in Octogenarians: Can It Be Safe and Effective?

Simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasty (SBTKA) in octogenarians is controversial. Our purpose was to review the outcomes of octogenarians undergoing SBTKA. All patients greater than 80 years of age who underwent SBTKA by a single surgeon were retrospectively evaluated. Fifty-six patients with an average age of 82.5 years were identified. Twelve postoperative complications occurred. Three were serious; two non-fatal PEs and one wound debridement. Minor complications included UTI, decubitus ulcer, DVT, confusion, transfusion reaction and ileus. Average postoperative survival was 7.4 years. No deaths occurred within 30 days postoperatively. Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty can be a safe and effective option for octogenarians. Complications and mortality are not higher for SBTKA compared to UTKA in this population.