Isokinetic Strength Testing of Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty Recovery

Fifty patients underwent isokinetic muscle strength testing before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after unilateral total knee arthroplasty using the minisubvastus surgical technique. Quadriceps muscle strength returned to preoperative levels by 3 months postoperatively and was 17% stronger at 6 months and 30% stronger at 1 year than preoperative levels (P < .05). At 1 year, the quadriceps strength of the involved knee was equivalent to that of the uninvolved knee (P = .81). When the entire study population was subdivided by age, weight, sex, and the presence of arthritis in the uninvolved knee, each subgroup still had equivalent quadriceps strength between the involved and uninvolved knees. This prospective study demonstrated that the minisubvastus total knee arthroplasty technique led to a more rapid and more complete recovery of muscle strength than has been previously demonstrated after total knee arthroplasty with a medial parapatellar arthrotomy.     

Effects of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) on Early Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): A Randomized,Double-Blind,Controlled Study

Functional exercise after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is necessary. However, it may be a difficult and painful process for the patient. Desirable methods of relieving the patient's pain are worth exploring. Oral supplement of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a potential option. In the present study, we decide to investigate whether short-term administration of ATP benefits patients undergoing TKA. A total of 244 subjects were randomized to receive 120 mg ATP or placebo each day for 4 weeks. Significant differences in quadriceps strength, pain scores at postoperative days 7, 14, 21, and 28 and total opioid consumption were detected. It follows that oral supplement of ATP could benefit patients recovering from TKA.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty After Lower Extremity Amputation: A Review of 13 Cases

Below knee amputation protects the ipsilateral knee from osteoarthritis and overloads the contralateral knee predisposing it to symptomatic osteoarthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 13 primary total knee arthroplasty (TKAs) in 12 patients with a prior lower extremity amputation. Twelve TKAs were performed on the contralateral side of the amputated limb while only one TKA was performed on the ipsilateral side. The average clinical follow-up was 6.8 ± 4.8 years. Knee Society Scores improved from 30.4 ± 11.8 to 88.5 ± 4.2 after TKA with a prior contralateral amputation. Three (23.1%) patients with TKA after contralateral amputation had aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Patients experience clinically significant improvement with TKA after lower extremity amputation. Augmentation of tibial fixation with a stem may be advisable during TKA after contralateral amputation.     

Patellar Eversion Does Not Adversely Affect Quadriceps Recovery Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Although avoiding patellar eversion during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has theoretical benefit in quadriceps recovery, there has been paucity of supportive objective clinical results. We prospectively designed the study whether TKA without patellar eversion has better quadriceps recovery in an objective, dynamometer study. Seventy-two knees undergoing TKA with midvastus approach were randomized into two groups according to patellar eversion or not. Clinical data and objective quadriceps recovery using a dynamometer were investigated preoperatively and postoperative at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. There were no statistical differences between two groups throughout the follow-up periods in recovery of quadriceps force or power and clinical data. Choosing to evert patella during TKA using midvastus approach would not adversely affect postoperative quadriceps recovery.     

Systematic Review of Three Electrical Stimulation Techniques for Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and electroacupuncture (EA) for improving patient rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. Therefore we conducted this systematic review to assess the available evidence.

Dynamic Electromyography After Cruciate-retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty Revealed A Threefold Quadriceps Demand Compared With The Contralateral Normal Knee

Quadriceps functional impairment accounts for a considerable amount of morbidity after knee replacement. Cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (CR-TKA) may predispose to increased quadriceps demand. We compared bilateral relative quadriceps effort in seven patients with successful unilateral CR-TKA at least 2 years after surgery. Dynamic electromyography (EMG) recorded quadriceps activity during walking recorded simultaneously with gait analysis using IDEEA. There was greater EMG activity for the operated knees, both in amplitude (43.08 ± 26.47 vs. 16.02 ± 5.38, P = .0355), and the area under the curve (7231.1 ± 3869.8 vs. 2547.3 ± 1007.9, P = .0267). The onset and duration of muscle activity were similar for both knees (P = .74). CR-TKA demonstrated threefold EMG activity and muscle effort during normal walking. The study suggested that quadriceps functional deficiency is associated with CR-TKA.     

Incidence of Leg-Length Discrepancy After Index Hinge Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundLeg-length discrepancies are not commonly associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, hinge TKA is a complex form of knee reconstruction where functionality of all knee ligaments is replaced by the TKA construct. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of leg-length discrepancies after unilateral index hinge TKA and association with patient outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent unilateral index hinge TKA at a single academic institution from 1999 to 2019. Among 671 patients who underwent index hinge TKA, 188 (28%) had full-length standing anteroposterior hip-to-ankle radiographs available for review both preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients with a leg-length change ≥2 cm were also contacted with a standardized questionnaire to assess for complications. The mean age was 65 years, the mean body mass index was 33 kg/m², and 52% were female. The mean number of prior surgeries was 2 (range, 0-12).ResultsThe absolute mean and median change in leg lengths was 20 mm and 13 mm, respectively (range, 0-130 mm). Lengthening occurred in 119 (63%) patients compared with shortening in 69 (37%) patients. An absolute change in leg lengths ≥1 cm was observed in 109 (58%) patients, ≥2 cm in 63 (34%) patients, and ≥5 cm in 15 (8%) patients.ConclusionLarge changes in the leg length are common after hinge TKA, likely secondary to altered soft-tissue constraints. Surgeons should be cognizant of potential changes in the leg length in the setting of hinge TKA and incorporate this into preoperative planning and patient counseling.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic.     

Most Patients Can Kneel After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Patients commonly report difficulty kneeling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess patients’ ability to kneel after TKA and to prospectively determine whether patients with reported difficulty can be taught to kneel.

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.     

影响全膝关节置换早期功能恢复的因素

对10例14个全膝关节置换术后早期功能恢复情况及影响功能的一些因素进行了探讨。10例平均随访时间11.6个月;平均膝关节屈曲度为:96.5°。平均HSS为82.8分。我们认为,要想获得全膝关节置换早期良好的功能结果,需注意以下几点:一是认真掌握手术指征,术前对病变的膝关节有一定客观的评判;二是术者需具备一定的手术技巧和临床经验,术中必须严格手术操作;三是术后合理使用CPM,术后三个月和半年期间,要指导和督促病人进行院外的膝关节功能训练。     

Asymmetry of the Leg Alignment Affects Trunk Bending in the Coronal Plane After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would produce asymmetric changes of lower extremity in patients with bilateral varus deformity. Our purpose was to investigate whether asymmetry of the leg alignment would affect trunk bending in the coronal plane after unilateral TKA. Twenty patients (mean 76 years old) with bilateral end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) participated. Spine images during relaxed standing were obtained on pre- and postoperative day 21. As a result, the shoulder tilted more to the TKA side and the pelvis inclined more to the contralateral OA side. These results suggested that the trunk would bend away from the contralateral OA side after unilateral TKA in patients with bilateral end-stage knee OA and varus deformity. Asymmetry of the leg alignment led to asymmetric trunk bending.     

Extension Limitation in Standing Affects Weight-Bearing Asymmetry After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to evaluate weight-bearing condition after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during standing and to examine whether the condition affects knee kinetics during gait in both limbs. Twenty-five patients, who underwent unilateral TKA for symptomatic bilateral osteoarthritis and who were on average 74 years old, participated. As a result, operated limbs became dominant in 80% of the patients. The other 20%, who had lack of knee extension during standing, showed more weight bearing in nonoperated knees. Furthermore, extension limitation in the operated knee in standing led to mechanical overload in the contralateral limb during gait. Therefore, to avoid progression of the osteoarthritis in the contralateral knee, it is important to acquire full extension in the operated knees during standing after unilateral TKA.     

Influence of Body Mass Index on Sagittal Knee Range of Motion and Gait Speed Recovery 1-Year After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on gait parameters preoperatively and 1 year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Alteration of Hindfoot Axis After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIt has been shown that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can correct the alignment of the lower limb, not only correcting the knee axis, but also affecting the alignment of the hindfoot. However, there is still not a significant amount of work in the literature.MethodsA prospective study was carried out in which 72 patients were radiographically (long axial view of the hindfoot) and clinically (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale) evaluated before and 3 months after TKA. We investigated whether there were any significant associations between measurements of the axes, hindfoot angle, and AOFAS score with the type of deviation of the patient’s axis.ResultsFor the subgroups “hindfoot valgus-knee valgus,” “hindfoot valgus-knee varus,” and “hindfoot varus-knee valgus,” a reduction in angle after surgery was observed; for the cases “hindfoot varus-knee varus,” an increase in angle after surgery was observed. However, the Wilcoxon test showed that only the changes in the hindfoot axis of the “hindfoot varus-knee valgus” subgroup are statistically significant (P < .05). After surgery, the Wilcoxon test showed that the AOFAS score changes are statistically significant for all subgroups for which it was possible to perform the test (P < .05).ConclusionTKA promotes changes in the postoperative hindfoot axis, significantly in patients with knee valgus and hindfoot varus. In addition, TKA provides significant improvement in the postoperative AOFAS score.Level of EvidenceIIB.     

人工全膝关节置换术的临床应用

目的：探讨人工全膝关节置换在临床应用的疗效。方法：1999年5月～2003年4月共有28例患者02膝）在我院行人工全膝关节置换术,其中男性10例,女性18例,年龄最大72岁,最小32岁（平均56．7岁）,晚期骨性关节炎16膝,类风湿性关节炎12膝,骨肿瘤2膝,创伤性关节炎2膝。术前膝关节平均活动度为52度,HSS评分平均为41分。术后平均随访时间为1年4个月。结果：28例32膝中有1例术后发生浅表感染,经换药后好转。其余患者疗效满意,膝关节平均活动度改善为85度,HSS评分平均为79．5分。结论：对于严重的骨性关节炎、类风湿性关节炎晚期、创伤性关节炎、膝部肿瘤等保守治疗无效的疾病人工全膝关节置换是一种较好的选择,但应严格掌握手术适应证和熟练的手术操作技巧才能取得满意的疗效。     

Lysis of Adhesion for Arthrofibrosis After Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Increased Risk of Subsequent Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to determine incidence of lysis of adhesion (LOA) for postoperative arthrofibrosis following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patient factors associated with LOA, and impact of LOA on revision TKA.MethodsPatients who underwent primary TKA were identified in the Humana and Medicare databases. Patients who underwent LOA within 1 year after TKA were defined as the “LOA” cohort. Multiple binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify patient factors associated with undergoing LOA within 1 year after index TKA, and identify risk factors including LOA on risk for revision TKA within 2 years of index TKA.ResultsIn total, 58,538 and 48,336 patients underwent primary TKA in the Medicare and Humana databases, respectively. Incidence of LOA within 1 year after TKA was 0.56% in both databases. Age <75 years was a significant predictor of LOA in both databases (P < .05 for both). Incidence of revision TKA was significantly higher for the “LOA” cohort when compared to the “TKA Only” cohort in both databases (P < .0001 for both). LOA was the strongest predictor of revision TKA within 2 years after index TKA in both databases (P < .0001 for both). Additionally, age <65 years, male gender, obesity, fibromyalgia, smoking, alcohol abuse, and history of anxiety or depression were independently associated with increased odds of revision TKA within 2 years after index TKA (P < .05 for all).ConclusionIncidence of LOA after primary TKA is low, with younger age being the strongest predictor for requiring LOA. Patients who undergo LOA for arthrofibrosis within 1 year after primary TKA have a substantially high risk for subsequent early revision TKA.Level of EvidenceIII, Retrospective Cohort Study.     

Selective Denervation for Persistent Knee Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Report of 50 Cases

Background

Despite the general success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), up to 20% of patients report dissatisfaction following surgery. One potential cause of this dissatisfaction is residual pain secondary to neuroma formation in the sensory nerve branches that innervate the knee. We found, after performing a retrospective review, that up to 9.7% of patients following primary TKA and up to 21% of revision cases exhibited persistent knee pain attributable to neuroma formation. Despite the high incidence of this pathology, little is known about the effective diagnosis or treatment of neuroma formation following TKA.

Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Background

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a locally destructive histiocytic proliferation most commonly occurring in the knee. Extensive local joint destruction can indicate the need for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study is to evaluate PVNS of the knee as a risk factor for complication after TKA.