The Patterns of Limb Length,Height, Weight and Body Mass Index Changes after Total Knee Arthroplasty

The objective of this retrospective review of 466 patients was to document changes in limb length, leg length discrepancy (LLD), height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) 1 year after TKA and the patterns of height, weight, and BMI during 5 years. To determine change patterns over 5 years, the data of 291 patients were analyzed and compared with those of age and gender-matched normal subjects. Limb length, height, and weight increased, BMI remained unchanged, and LLD decreased 1 year after TKA. The bilateral group had a greater height increase and lower rate of LLD. Preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle was related to limb length increase, and patients with a smaller preoperative BMI showed more weight gain. During the 5 years, weight and BMI at 1 year were maintained, but height diminished, while the healthy population showed a decreasing trend in weight.     

Total knee arthroplasty in extra articular deformities: A series of 36 knees

Background:

The presence of extra articular deformities either in the femur or the tibia with arthritis of the knee makes total knee arthroplasty (TKA) technically demanding. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes with Total Knee Arthroplasty in patients with arthritis of the knee associated with extra articular deformity by intraarticular resection and soft tissue balancing.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty six knees (32 patients) who had arthritis of the knee associated with extra articular deformity, underwent total knee arthroplasty between 1999 and 2006 were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients had intraarticular resection with soft tissue balancing to correct the deformity. Full length weight bearing anteroposterior X-rays, Knee society scores, and Knee range of motion was recorded pre- and postoperatively.

Results:

The mean period of followup was 85 months (range 42-120 months). The deformities amenable to correction by intraarticular resection in our series were Femur- Coronal plane 11°-18° (mean 16.2°) Saggital plane 0°-15° (mean 10.1°) Tibia - Coronal plane 12°-24° (mean 21°). There was an improvement in the range of motion from mean of 54° preoperatively to 114° postoperatively (P value < 0.05). The Knee Society- Knee Score improved from 37 points to 85 points postoperatively (P value < 0.05). The functional score improved from a mean value of 19 to a mean of 69.5 at followup (P < 0.01). The preoperative hip knee ankle angle in the coronal plane improved from a mean of 14° ± 2° varus (26° varus to 4° valgus) to a mean of 2° ± 0.6° varus (6° varus to 2° valgus).

Conclusion:

With a good preoperative planning and templating, intraarticular bone resection and good soft tissue balancing both in flexion and extension, correction would be possible in majority of extraarticular deformities.     

Comparision of blood loss between computer assisted and conventional total knee arthroplasty

Background:

Bleeding during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause significant morbidity and mortality. One proposed benefit of computer assisted TKA is decreased bleeding as the femoral canal is not invaded. This study assessed blood loss between computer assisted surgery (CAS) and conventional TKA.

Materials and Methods:

73 consecutive patients (37 males, 36 females) underwent primary TKA between 2006 and 2009. Thirty eight patients underwent navigated TKA and 35 underwent conventional TKA for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. These patients were matched for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Average age was 70.3 years (range 47-91 years). Mean BMI was 30 (range 17-49). Average preoperative hemoglobin was 13.26 g/dL (range 8.7-18.4 g/dL) in the navigated group and 13.47 g/dL (range 9.6-15.8 g/dL) in the conventional group (P = 0.9). Average tourniquet time was 110 min (range 90-150 min) in the navigated group and 96.7 min (range 60-145 min) in the conventional group (P = 0.77).

Results:

Average postoperative hemoglobin in the navigated group was 10.34 g/dL (range 7.5-14.8 g/dL) and in the conventional group was 10.03 g/dL (range 7.5-12.2 g/dL) (P = 0.17). Six patients in both groups required blood transfusions. The mean drain collection was 599 mL (range 150-1370 mL) in the navigated group and 562 mL (range 750-1000 mL) in the conventional group (P = 0.1724). These results suggest that there is no significant reduction in blood loss in CAS TKA.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that there is no significant difference in blood loss in CAS TKA and conventional TKA. This study also highlights the heterogeneity of methods used in studies related to CAS TKA. We believe that there is a need for a large multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial to be performed before a consensus can be reached on the influence of CAS techniques on blood loss during primary TKA.     

Osseointegrated wrist-joint prostheses: A 15-year follow-up with focus on bony fixation

Five patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthrosis of the wrist joint were followed up for 15 (14–17) years after wrist-joint arthroplasty with semiconstrained artificial joint mechanisms that had been anchored to bone using the osseointegration principle. They were fixed by one titanium screw introduced into the radius, and two or more titanium screws introduced distally into the metacarpal bones. In four cases a screw was also introduced into the ulna thereby constituting one component in a distal radio-ulnar (DRU) joint mechanism. The titanium screw introduced into the radius and the distal metacarpal screws osseointegrated in all cases. In three cases the mechanism of the wrist joint or parts of it were replaced with new components that could be attached to the screws that were already osseointegrated. We conclude that wrist joint prostheses can be anchored to the surrounding bone using osseointegration and that they remain fixed for at least 15 years. The principle allows replacement of the joint mechanism, if needed, with maintenance of the osseointegrated anchoring elements.     

Tendon Arthroplasty for Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis

Trapeziometacarpal arthrcsis is common among middle-aged women, and the surgical treatment options include arthrodesis, excision of the trapezium, prosthetic replacement of the trapezium, reconstruction of the ligaments, and various tendoplasties. We have prospectively studied a simple tendoplasty in which a strip of abductor pollicis longus tendon was anchored to the flexor carpi radialis tendon, the intact part of the abductor pollicis tendon, and the joint capsule, after excision of the trapezium, and carried out 27 operations in 25 patients. The thumb was immobilised for only eight days. Systematic exercises were started on the day of operation. Complete pain relief was obtained in 17 patients and partial relief in eight. Grip strength improved. The mobility was unaltered and functionally satisfactory. Three patients were reoperated on for cutaneous nerve entrapment and one for carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure is simple, and the patients' symptoms improved without failures. The intensive supervised postoperative physiotherapy was essential to achieve the final results.     

Comparison of Complete Distal Release of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Medial Epicondylar Osteotomy during Ligament Balancing in Varus Knee Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

During ligament balancing for severe medial contracture in varus knee total knee arthroplasty (TKA), complete distal release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or a medial epicondylar osteotomy can be necessary if a large amount of correction is needed.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 9 cases of complete distal release of the MCL and 11 cases of medial epicondylar osteotomy which were used to correct severe medial contracture. The mean follow-up periods were 46.5 months (range, 36 to 78 months) and 39.8 months (range, 32 to 65 months), respectively.

Results

There were no significant differences in the clinical results between the two groups. However, the valgus stress radiograph revealed significant differences in medial instability. In complete distal release of the MCL, some stability was obtained by repair and bracing but the medial instability could not be removed completely.

Conclusions

Medial epicondylar osteotomy for a varus deformity in TKA could provide constant medial stability and be a useful ligament balancing technique.     

Scapular notching: Danger ahead?

Scapular notching is a radiographic finding in patients that have had a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. It has been linked to decreased range of motion, strength, and increased pain. It occurs most commonly in the early postoperative period but can be progressive. The incidence of scapular notching reported in the current literature ranges from 9.7% to 68%. This wide range can be attributed to the variable positioning of the glenosphere on the glenoid. To decrease the occurrence of scapular notching, it appears that the optimal positioning of the scapular component is inferior on the glenoid so the prosthesis will be anchored below the native glenoid. This prevents the humeral component from making contact with the glenoid neck and inferior bony pillar.     

Late Results of Perthes' Disease

A follow-up is given of early and late results in 109 arthroplasties with the self-locking Austin T. Moore vitallium femoral head prosthesis in fractures of the femoral neck on 106 patients. Operative indication was usually fresh medial fracture of the femoral neck in an elderly woman, or its late complication. The surgery was performed in a unit for general surgery also engaged in pre- and postgraduate teaching activities. Many operations were performed by residents engaged in general surgery or orthopaedics. Point scores according to a modification of Merle D'Aubigné's classification showed excellent or at least good results in 81 per cent of the 69 mobile patients. Because of deteriorated general physical condition 11 patients were chronically bed-ridden. Five patients could not be reached. In three instances the prosthesis was removed. 21 patients died, three during the stay in hospital and 18 later for reasons not connected with the operative procedure. The mortality during 40 months of observation corresponded fairly well to that expected in the age group for the population as a whole.     

Results of Wagner SL revision stem with impaction bone grafting in revision total hip arthroplasty

Background:

As the number of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed increases, so do the number of required revisions. Impaction bone grafting with Wagner SL Revision stem is a good option for managing bone deficiencies arising from aseptic osteolysis. We studied the results of cementless diaphyseal fixation in femoral revision after total hip arthroplasty and whether there was spontaneous regeneration of bone stock in the proximal femur after the use of Wagner SL Revision stem (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) with impaction bone grafting.

Materials and Methods:

We performed 53 hip revisions using impaction bone grafting and Wagner SL Revision stems in 48 patients; (5 cases were bilateral) for variety of indications ranging from aseptic osteolysis to preiprosthetic fractures. The average age was 59 years (range 44-68 years). There were 42 male and 6 female patients. Four patients died after surgery for reasons unrelated to surgery. 44 patients were available for complete analysis.

Results:

The mean Harris Hip Score was 42 before surgery and improved to 86 by the final followup evaluation at a mean point of 5.5 years. Of the 44 patients, 87% (n=39) had excellent results and 10% (n=5) had good results. The stem survival rate was 98% (n=43).

Conclusion:

Short term results for revision THA with impaction bone grafting and Wagner SL revision stems are encouraging. However, it is necessary to obtain long term results through periodic followup evaluation, as rate of complications may increase in future.     

Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Joint Disease: a Review of Risk Factors and Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Management

Background

Prevention, early identification, and effective management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) present unique challenges for physicians. Discontinuing disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARDs) perioperatively may reduce immunosuppression and infection risk at the expense of increasing disease flares. Interpreting traditional diagnostic markers of PJI can be difficult due to disease-related inflammation.

Purposes

This review is designed to answer how to (1) manage immunosuppressive/DMARD therapy perioperatively, (2) diagnose PJI in patients with IJD, and (3) treat PJI in this population.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched for relevant articles with subsequent review by independent authors.

Results

While there is evidence to support the use of methotrexate perioperatively in RA patients, it remains unclear whether using anti-tumor necrosis factor medications perioperatively increases the risk of surgical site infections. Serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can be useful for diagnosis of PJI in this population, but only as part of comprehensive workup that ultimately relies upon sampling of joint fluid. Management of PJI depends on several clinical factors including duration of infection and the likelihood of biofilm presence, the infecting organism, sensitivity to antibiotic therapy, and host immune status. The evidence suggests that two-stage revision or resection arthroplasty is more likely to eradicate infection, particularly when MRSA is the pathogen.

Conclusion

Immunosuppression and baseline inflammatory changes in the IJD population can complicate the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PJI. Understanding the increase in risk associated with IJD and its treatment is essential for proper management when patients undergo lower extremity arthroplasty.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-013-9338-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.