Perception of a Natural Joint After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundAssessing patients’ functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with traditional scoring systems is limited by their ceiling effects. Patient’s Joint Perception (PJP) question of the reconstructed joint is also of significant interest. Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was created as a more discriminating option. The actual score constituting a “forgotten joint” has not yet been defined. The primary objective of this study is to compare the PJP and the FJS in TKA patients to determine the FJS score that corresponds to the patient’s perception of a natural joint.MethodsOne hundred TKAs were assessed at a mean of 40.6 months of follow-up using the PJP question, FJS, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Correlation between the 3 scores and their ceiling effects were analyzed.ResultsWith PJP question, 39% of the patients perceived a natural joint (FJS: 92.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 89.4-96.4), 12% an artificial joint with no restriction (FJS: 79.5; 95% CI, 65.7-93.3), 36% an artificial joint with minor restrictions (FJS: 70.0; 95% CI, 63.2-76.9), and 13% had major restrictions (FJS: 47.3; 95% CI. 32.8-61.7). PJP has a high correlation with FJS and WOMAC (Spearman’s rho, −0.705 and −0.680, respectively). FJS and WOMAC had a significant ceiling effect with both reaching the best possible score in >15%.ConclusionPatients perceiving their TKA as a natural knee based on PJP have a FJS ≥89. PJP has a good correlation with FJS and may be a shorter, simple, and acceptable alternative.     

Optimization of immunohistochemical detection of collagen type II in osteochondral sections by comparing decalcification and antigen retrieval agent combinations

Bone containing tissues such as osteochondral joint are resistant to routine tissue processing, therefore require decalcification. This technique causes removal of mineral salts, but in the process may macerate the organic tissue, hence the need for tissue fixation. Such severe processing demands careful antigen retrieval to necessitate optimal staining. The aim of our study was to compare five different antigen retrieval protocols (heat retrieval and protein digestion) following decalcification of rabbit knee joints using two different techniques (20% formic acid and 10% ethylenediamine-tetra acetic acid: EDTA). Osteochondral sections were compared based on time required for decalcification, ease of sectioning, morphological integrity using HE staining and antigen preservation (Collagen type II) using immunohistochemistry. The two decalcification solutions did not impair the tissue morphology and ease of sectioning. Joints processed with formic acid decalcified four times faster than EDTA. Among the five antigen retrieval approaches, maximal collagen II uptake with minimal nonspecific staining was found with protein digestion (pronase and hyaluronidase) in both formic acid and EDTA sections. For osteo-chondral sections, we recommend using 10% EDTA for decalcification and pronase plus hyaluronidase for antigen retrieval if maintaining tissue morphology is crucial, whereas if time is of the essence, 20% FA with pronase plus hyaluronidase is the faster option while still preserving structural integrity. Clin. Anat. 33:343–349, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The 2018 International Consensus Meeting Minor Criteria for Chronic Hip and Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Validation From a Single Center

BackgroundRecently, a revised definition of the minor criteria scoring system for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) was developed by the second International Consensus Meeting on musculoskeletal infection. The new system combines preoperative and intraoperative findings, reportedly achieving high sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to validate the modified scoring system at a high-volume center.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent a revision total hip or knee arthroplasty at our institution from May 2015 to August 2018. Serum C-reactive protein, synovial white blood cell count and polymorphonuclear percentage, leukocyte esterase test, alpha-defensin, microbiological and histologic results, and documented existence of sinus tract and intraoperative purulence were available for all patients. Cases with at least 1 major criterion were considered as infected. Using the new minor criteria, a score of ≥6 reflects PJI, while a score <3 can be considered as noninfected. Sensitivity, specificity, mean accuracy (ACC), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 345 cases were included. A cutoff score of ≥6 points had the following diagnostic performance: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.90; ACC = 0.88; sensitivity = 0.96; specificity = 0.84; PPV = 0.70; NPV = 0.98. Diagnostic performance was better for the hip (AUC = 0.92; ACC = 0.90; sensitivity = 0.96; specificity = 0.86; PPV = 0.81; NPV = 0.98) than the knee (AUC = 0.89; ACC = 0.85; sensitivity = 0.95; specificity = 0.83; PPV = 0.59; NPV = 0.98).ConclusionThe modified scoring system proposed by the 2018 International Consensus Meeting in diagnosing PJI showed high sensitivity and a good performance, especially as rule-out diagnostic criteria. The cutoff level seems to be different between the hip and knee. Further validation studies considering the acknowledged limitations are recommended.     

Effect of Day Optimizing Throughput (Dot) Knee Software Implementation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Workflow Efficiency

PurposeAttempts by magnetic resonance (MR) manufacturers to help imaging centres improve patient throughput has led to the development of more automated acquisition. This software is capable of customizing individual scan alignment; potentially improving imaging efficiency and standardizing protocols. However, substantial investments are required to introduce such systems, potentially deterring their widespread application. This study assessed the implementation costs and reduction in examination durations for automated knee MR imaging (MRI) software.Materials and MethodsResearch activities were performed at a community-based academic centre on a 3-Tesla (3-T) system using Siemens' Day Optimizing Throughput (Dot) knee software. Examination acquisition times were extracted from the system before and after software implementation. Fiscal year 2012/13 finances were used to determine the average hourly cost of MRI utilization. Costs associated with automated software implementation were also calculated. Finally, the number of knee scans required to achieve a positive return on investment using the software was established.Results and DiscussionThe mean (standard deviation, sample size) pre- and post-Dot software scan times were 23.20 (4.18, n = 266) and 21.94 (4.51, n = 59) minutes, respectively, for a routine knee scan and 11.88 (1.60, n = 74) and 11.24 (1.51, n = 27) minutes, respectively, for a fast knee scan. The overall weighted average resulted in a 64-second time savings per automated knee examination. This negligible time savings would be extremely difficult to make use of clinically. Dot simplified 29 unique knee protocols to two, improving the consistency of knee examinations. Current Dot software is not compatible with all patients and therefore has limitations that are a concern among MR technologists.ConclusionAdoption of automated knee systems could assist in standardizing protocols; however, the cost of implementation and difficulty in modifying patient scheduling to reflect the minimal time savings would make a financial return unlikely to occur at small- and medium-sized institutions.     

Osteointegrative Sleeves for Metaphyseal Defect Augmentation in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Clinical and Radiological 5-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundCementless metaphyseal implant fixation of revision total knee arthroplasty has encouraging early results. We analyzed midterm results and implant survival of osteointegrative augments in Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute (AORI) type 2a, 2b, and 3 defects. Reasons for implant failure were explored and the potential for anatomic joint line reconstruction evaluated.MethodsSixty-seven consecutive patients (68 revision total knee arthroplasties) received cementless metaphyseal sleeves between 2011 and 2014. The mean follow-up was 5.0 years, mean age was 68.5 years, and mean body mass index was 31.4 kg/m². The clinical and radiographic results were determined using established scoring systems. Additionally, the survival rate was calculated and reasons for failure were analyzed.ResultsIn 2 patients (4.3%), sleeves had to be removed early postoperatively for deep infection after second-stage reimplantation. With continuously functioning remaining implants, the aseptic survival rate was 93.6%. Cleared up for initial technical issues due to poor bone quality, it is as high as 98%. The scores remained to be significantly improved by 64.8 points (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and 25.8 points (Knee Society score) (P < .001). In 10 patients (29.4%), diaphyseal radiolucencies were observed without suspicion of loosening. The mean joint line was noted to be 0.36 mm lower to the anatomic level.ConclusionAt a mean follow-up of 5.0 years, cementless osteointegrative sleeves for metaphyseal fixation in AORI 2a, AORI 2b, and AORI 3 defects yielded continuous implant fixation even in cases with preceding revisions. The cleared up aseptic survival rate was 98% at 5 years. The modular sleeve design allowed joint line reconstruction near the anatomic level.     

Intraoperative Practice Variability in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundConsiderable practice variability exists among orthopedic surgeons performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study is to understand what TKA surgical and perioperative techniques are standard among high-volume academic knee arthroplasty surgeons.MethodsA written survey with 59 questions regarding management preferences in TKA was distributed by the 2018 John N. Insall Traveling Fellows to all arthroplasty-trained attending physicians at 13 medical centers, with 45 responses recorded.ResultsSurveyed surgeons performed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (88%) and bilateral TKA (87%). Most surveyed surgeons rarely or never performed outpatient primary TKA (71%). Conventional alignment guides and cemented implants were used by 80% of respondents. Most surgeons used posterior-stabilized implants (67%), followed by cruciate-retaining (20%), ultracongruent (20%), and medial congruent or medial pivot designs (17.8%). Surveyed surgeons frequently or always resurfaced the patella (73%), used a tourniquet for the entire case (73%), and used tranexamic acid for all TKAs (91%). The most common locations for intra-articular anesthetic injection were the arthrotomy (91%), the periosteum (84%), and the medial posterior capsule (82%). Saline (62%) and dilute iodine (47%) were the most common irrigation fluids. The arthrotomy was most commonly closed with running barbed suture (60%) followed by interrupted vicryl (40%). Skin closure was predominantly with running monocryl (60%) followed by staples (29%). Anticoagulation for TKA was primarily aspirin 81 mg BID (60%).ConclusionThere was considerable variability among surgeons polled although a strong preference for more conventional and less developmental techniques prevailed.     

Ensayo clínico para determinar si el momento de administración del ácido tranexámico en la cirugía de prótesis total de rodilla con torniquete influye en el sangrado perioperatorio

Background and objectivesThe ideal timing of tranexamic acid administration in total knee arthroplasty with tourniquet remains unclear. Our primary objective was to prove if administering it before surgical incision, instead of before releasing the tourniquet, reduces postoperative bleeding. A second objective was to determine whether a second dose reduces post-operative bleeding.Material and methodsA prospective, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 212 patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. They were randomised into 4 groups. Tranexamic acid was administered before the surgical incision in “pre-induction groups” (1 and 2), and just before the tourniquet release in “pre-release groups” (3 and 4). Groups 2 and 4 received a second dose 3 hours post-surgery. Main outcome was postoperative bleeding (visible blood loss and calculated total bleeding). Secondary outcomes were haemoglobin variations, complications and transfusion rate.ResultsThe mean calculated total bleeding was 1563 ml (95%CI: 1445 to 1681) in preinduction groups versus 1576 ml (95%CI: 1439 to 1713) in pre-release groups (P = .9); 1579 ml (95%CI: 1452 to 1706) in single-dose groups versus 1559 ml (95%CI: 1431 to 1686) in double-dose groups (P = .82). One patient was transfused. The mean haemoglobin at discharge was 10.4 g/dl (95%CI: 10.2 to 10.7) in singledose groups versus 10.8 (95%CI: 10.6 to 11.1) in double-dose groups (P = .06).ConclusionsThere were no differences in bleeding or transfusion regarding the time of tranexamic acid administration. The second dose had not impact on outcomes.Trial registration: EudraCT 2016-000071-24.