Popliteal pseudoaneurysm after total knee arthroplasty: a report of 3 cases

Although the incidence of vascular injuries after total knee arthroplasty is quite low, clinical outcome could be significantly impaired. Quick response and accurate management are important to achieve the best possible outcome. We present 3 cases of popliteal pseudoaneurysm formation after total knee arthroplasty and their treatment by endovascular stenting together with a review of literature.     

Popliteal aneurysm after total knee arthroplasty: Case reports and review of the literature

Vascular complications after total knee arthroplasty include arterial occlusion, arterial severance, arteriovenous fistula, and arterial aneurysm. Both a false aneurysm and a true aneurysm of the popliteal artery are described. The false popliteal aneurysm resulted from direct surgical trauma and required excision and repair. The true popliteal aneurysm was unsuccessfully treated with excision, transfemoral thrombectomy, and bypass surgery. Many of the vascular complications after total knee arthroplasty may be preventable and the following prudent guidelines are suggested. Careful preoperative evaluation is critical, including past medical history, palpation of pedal pulses, and review of radiographs to identify abnormal calcification in the vessels. Vascular consultation may be necessary. Should a vascular complication occur, immediate intervention with the advice and assistance of a vascular surgeon is imperative.     

Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm following total knee arthroplasty: a case report

Direct vascular injury after primary total knee arthroplasty is rare. This case report illustrates a 65-year-old female who was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery when she was investigated for increased leg swelling and pain 1 week after total knee arthroplasty. She had a percutaneous endovascular repair with a stent after thrombectomy.     

Predictors of lower extremity arterial injury after total knee or total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: Lower extremity arterial injury is a rare complication following total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). To date, no multi-institutional study has identified preoperative factors that may portend increased risk for these injuries. We queried a large clinical database for the incidence and predictors of arterial injury and/or compromise following lower extremity arthroplasty. METHODS: Prospectively collected preoperative and postoperative data by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) of the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers were analyzed. All patients from 1996 to 2003 in the NSQIP database who underwent TKA or THA were identified via CPT codes. NSQIP defined, 30-day, postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Data were compared using bivariable analysis, as well as limited multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 41,633 arthroplasties (24,029 TKA, 2077 redo-TKA, 13,494 THA, 2033 redo-THA) were identified in the NSQIP database. A total of 34 (0.08%) lower extremity arterial injuries were recognized (0.08% TKA, 0.19% redo-TKA, 0.04% THA, 0.20% redo-THA). Eighteen injuries were repaired on the same day of surgery (seven intraop, 11 postop), eight between postoperative days 1 and 5, and 8 between days 6 and 30. Only two patients underwent lower extremity amputation (overall limb loss rate of 5.9% of patients who had arterial injury). Statistically significant predictors of lower extremity arterial injury identified on logistic regression analysis included redo procedure (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-6.0, P = .013) and African American race (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Lower extremity arterial injury was exceedingly rare after total knee or total hip arthroplasty. There is an increased incidence in African American patients and those undergoing redo arthroplasty. Among patients who sustain vascular injury, excellent limb salvage rates can be achieved with close postoperative surveillance to achieve early detection and repair of injuries.     

Anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty: a narrative review

Anterior knee pain is one of the most common causes of persistent problems after implantation of a total knee replacement. It can occur in patients with or without patellar resurfacing. As a result of the surgical procedure itself many changes can occur which may affect the delicate interplay of the joint partners in the patello-femoral joint. Functional causes of anterior knee pain can be distinguished from mechanical causes. The functional causes concern disorders of inter- and intramuscular coordination, which can be attributed to preoperative osteoarthritis. Research about anterior knee pain has shown that not only the thigh muscles but also the hip and trunk stabilising muscles may be responsible for the development of a dynamic valgus malalignment. Dynamic valgus may be a causative factor for patellar maltracking. The mechanical causes of patello-femoral problems after knee replacement can be distinguished according to whether they increase instability in the joint, increase joint pressure or whether they affect the muscular lever arms. These causes include offset errors, oversizing, rotational errors of femoral or tibial component, instability, maltracking and chondrolysis, patella baja and aseptic loosening. In these cases, reoperation or revision is often necessary.     

Tuberositas osteotomy for total knee arthroplasty: a review of the literature

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a well-known technique for improving exposure in difficult total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We have performed a review of the literature concerning this procedure with the purpose of evaluation using the clinical results and complication rates in primary and revision TKA using TTO. We conducted a search limited to the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Clinical Trial Register, and Embase. These were searched from 1979 to May 2009 to identify studies relating to the primary and revisions of TKA using a tuberositas osteotomy. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria including 823 cases. In 762 cases, a medial TTO was performed. Most patients had an improved knee function after TKA. Proximal migration of the osteotomized site (n=18), TTO-related pain (n=17), and avulsion fractures of the tubercle (n=13) were the most reported complications of this technique. TTO is a relatively safe and reproducible procedure for the enhancement of surgical exposure in difficult primary or revision TKA. Serious complications related to TTO were reported in 8 to 9% of all cases. Future studies should compare different fixation methods in a prospective randomized controlled way.     

全膝关节置换术后伸膝装置断裂的治疗现状

全膝关节置换术后伸膝装置断裂的发病率很低,断裂部位主要发生在髌腱、髌骨和股四头肌肌腱。其中任何部位一旦发生断裂,将给患者带来灾难性的创伤。目前关于治疗技术和治疗中存在的挑战的报道很多,但仍缺少可靠的可获得满意结果的方法。本篇文章主要对髌腱、髌骨、股四头肌腱损伤的治疗进展进行综述。     

Patellofemoral pain after total knee arthroplasty: clinical pathway and review of the literature

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an operation with a high gain in quality of life. However, some patients suffer from pain, limited range of motion, instability, infections or other postoperative complications. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) in particular is a common complication after TKA and is often responsible for revision surgery. In particular increasing and localized contact pressure and patella maltracking are held accountable for patellofemoral pain but the reasons are various. Diagnostics and therapy of patellofemoral pain is not easy to handle and should be treated following a clinical pathway. We suggest that patients with patellofemoral pain should be classified into four groups according to the suspected diagnosis after basic diagnostic measures as 1) tenidinosis, 2) mechanical reasons, 3) intraarticular non-mechanical reasons and 4) neurogenic psychogenic reasons. Efficient application of special diagnostic measures and further therapy is facilitated by this classification.     

Femoral fracture through a previous pin site after computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty

Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty has been gaining popularity given the proposed benefits of increased accuracy of the femoral and tibial cuts, quantitative feedback on soft tissue balancing, and the potential for performing the procedure through smaller incisions with decreased soft tissue trauma. Most navigation systems require femoral and tibial threaded pin insertion for placement of guidance trackers, which when removed leave behind defects in the bone that may act as stress risers. We present 2 cases of a femoral fracture through a previous pin site where a guidance tracker had been placed for computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty. Both patients were informed that data concerning the cases would be submitted for publication. To our knowledge, this complication has not previously been reported for this procedure.     

Is gait normal after total knee arthroplasty? Systematic review of the literature

Background  Development or retention of abnormal gait patterns after total knee arthroplasty may be related to the predictable pattern of further deterioration of other lower extremity joints. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gait mechanics are abnormal after total knee arthroplasty by conducting a systematic review of the literature. Methods  Articles were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science: 221 references were retrieved. The titles and abstracts were reviewed to identify studies that potentially met the inclusion criteria. These articles were retrieved for further assessment. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results  There was a lack of common variables across the studies. Studies indicated smaller peak knee flexion during weight acceptance and less knee flexion excursion in total knee arthroplasty subjects compared to controls. Knee angle at foot strike was generally similar in arthroplasty groups compared to controls. Maximum external knee flexion moment was generally lower in arthroplasty groups compared to controls. Conflicting results were found for other knee moments. Several other stance phase variables were reported by individual studies only. Conclusions  Peak knee flexion and knee flexion excursion during weight acceptance are smaller in the operated knee following total knee arthroplasty compared to healthy controls. There may also be a smaller peak knee flexion moment after arthroplasty compared to controls. Knee mechanics in the operated knee are not normal after total knee arthroplasty. Abnormal gait mechanics may predispose the individual to further joint degeneration, particularly in the nonoperated knee. Further research should focus on the effects of unilateral total knee arthroplasty on the nonoperated knee.     

Manipulation under anesthesia following total knee arthroplasty: a comprehensive review of literature

Introduction

The etiology of the stiff knee after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is largely unknown, although excessive scar tissue due to arthrofibrosis is an important reason for a limited range of motion (ROM) after this procedure. Persistent limited ROM after TKA results in poor patient-reported outcomes and is increasingly becoming a more prominent reason for TKA revision surgery.

Methods

A narrative review of current literature on manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after TKA analyzing etiology and risk factors for stiffness after TKA, effectiveness of MUA and what is known about rehabilitation after MUA.

Results

Literature describes numerous risk factors for insufficient knee ROM after TKA, but a comprehensive valid risk model is lacking. MUA is an effective treatment option with evidence suggesting better outcomes if performed within the first 3 months after TKA. The wide variety in both the indication and timing for MUA, and the lack of scientific evidence on how to rehabilitate patients after MUA, complicates the interpretation of available literature. This is even more so the case on the reporting of one versus two or more MUAs after TKA.

Conclusion

Future comparative trials, preferably with a randomized study design, should be conducted to elude more clear indications for MUA, to give clinical guidance on correct timing for MUA and on how to rehabilitate patients afterward.

     

Periprosthetic thyroid metastasis after total knee arthroplasty: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an attractive option for relief of pain secondary to degenerative joint disease. Overall, knee replacement surgery typically results in excellent outcomes. Nevertheless, failure caused by malalignment, infection, wear, and osteolysis is known to occur. Pain after TKA may be secondary to numerous etiologic factors-most commonly, loosening, fracture, infection, and malposition of components. This case report presents two patients who developed pain after TKA that was caused by periprosthetic thyroid metastasis and who subsequently sustained a fracture below the tibial component. Clinical and radiographic examinations, as well as surgical follow-up, are presented to underscore the need for a focused history and physical examination in the initial evaluation of a patient with a painful TKA.     

The need for patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a literature review

The controversy over whether or not to routinely resurface the patella during a total knee arthroplasty has persisted despite three decades of successful joint replacement procedures. Advocates for routine patellar resurfacing admit the occasional need for secondary patellar resurfacing and declare increased incidence of anterior knee pain in patients with non‐resurfaced patellae as a cause for worry. Surgeons that leave the patella unresurfaced cite avoidance of complications that include patellar fracture, avascular necrosis, patellar tendon injury and instability. This review discusses the available literature on patellar resurfacing through an evidence‐based analysis of randomized and pseudo‐randomized controlled trials and published meta‐analyses to date. The published literature seems to favour resurfacing the patellar routinely. Selective patellar resurfacing would be the ideal solution if sound pre‐operative criteria could be established. So far, a method for accurately predicting which patients can avoid patellar resurfacing has not been found. Future research looking at patellar resurfacing should concentrate on developing criteria for selecting those patients that would benefit from patellar resurfacing and those that would do as well without resurfacing, and thus, limiting potential surgical complications.     

全髋关节置换术患者恐动症的研究进展

对全髋关节置换术患者恐动症研究现状进行综述,阐述恐动症的发生情况、不良影响、危险因素及干预方法,为预见及预防全髋关节置换术患者恐动症的发生提供信息支持,以达到帮助患者尽早恢复正常髋关节功能、提高生活质量的目的。     

High-flexion total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

This study is a systematic literature review of outcomes following total knee arthroplasty with implants specifically designed to enable increased knee flexion. English language comparative studies without date restriction were identified through a computerised literature search and bibliography review. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria representing a total of 399 high-flexion knee arthroplasties in 370 patients. Five studies reported greater flexion or range of motion; however, the methodological rigour was questionable with inadequate blinding, flawed participant selection, short follow-up periods and functional outcomes which lacked sensitivity. There was insufficient evidence of improved range of motion or functional performance after high-flexion knee arthroplasty.     

Effectiveness of clinical pathways for total knee and total hip arthroplasty: literature review

Although many hospitals have implemented clinical pathways to standardize the process of care, the effectiveness of clinical pathways for total hip and knee arthroplasties has not been reviewed critically. We searched for articles comparing outcomes of total hip or knee arthroplasty for patients who were treated using clinical pathways as opposed to patients treated without these pathways. Eleven studies met criteria for inclusion. Ten used historical controls, and 1 was a randomized trial. The studies had important methodological limitations. In general, the articles showed that patients treated using pathways experienced shorter hospital stays and lower costs, with comparable clinical outcomes as compared with patients treated without clinical pathways. We concluded that clinical pathways appear successful in reducing costs and length of stay in the acute care hospital, with no compromise in patient outcomes. However, interpretation of these studies is complicated by substantial methodological limitations, particularly the use of historical controls and failure to account for length of stay in rehabilitation facilities.     

Physical activity after total knee arthroplasty: A critical review

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most commonly performed elective surgery in the United States. TKA typically improves functional performance and reduces pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Little is known about the influence of TKA on overall physical activity levels. Physical activity, defined as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure”, confers many health benefits but typically decreases with endstage osteoarthritis. The purpose of this review is to describe the potential benefits (metabolic, functional, and orthopedic) of physical activity to patients undergoing TKA, present results from recent studies aimed to determine the effect of TKA on physical activity, and discuss potential sources of variability and conflicting results for physical activity outcomes. Several studies utilizing self-reported outcomes indicate that patients perceive themselves to be more physically active after TKA than they were before surgery. Accelerometry-based outcomes indicate that physical activity for patients after TKA remains at or below pre-surgical levels. Several different factors likely contributed to these variable results, including the use of different instruments, duration of follow-up, and characteristics of the subjects studied. Comparison to norms, however, suggests that daily physical activity for patients following TKA may fall short of healthy age-matched controls. We propose that further study of the relationship between TKA and physical activity needs to be performed using accelerometry-based outcome measures at multiple post-surgical time points.