Causes of stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

A Comparison Between Polyethylene Exchange and Full Revision for Arthrofibrosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Arthrofibrosis is a debilitating postoperative complication and a major cause of patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for stiffness after TKA. For cases not amenable to manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), one component or full revision are both suitable options. In a value-based healthcare era, maximizing cost-effectiveness with optimized clinical outcomes for patients remains the ultimate goal. As such, we compared (1) Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores for Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR), (2) range of motion (ROM), as well as (3) complication rates, including MUA and lysis of adhesions (LOA), between polyethylene exchange and full component revision for TKA arthrofibrosis.

METHODS

Patients were queried from an institutional database who underwent revision TKA for arthrofibrosis between January 1, 2015, and April 31, 2021. There were 33 patients who underwent full revision and 16 patients who underwent polyethylene exchange. Demographics and baseline characteristics between the cohorts were analyzed. Postoperative outcomes included MUA, LOA, and re-revision rates as well as KOOS, JR, and extension and flexion ROM at a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Baseline comorbidities, including age, body mass index, alcohol use, tobacco use, and diabetes, were comparable between the full revision and polyethylene exchange revision cohorts (P > .05). The one and full component revisions had similar preoperative KOOS, JR (43 versus 42, P = .85), and flexion (81 versus 82 degrees, P = .80) versus extension (11 versus 11 degrees, P = .87) ROM.

RESULTS

The full component revision had higher KOOS, JR (65 versus 55, P = .04), and flexion (102 versus 92 degrees, P = .02), but similar extension (3 versus 3 degrees, P = .80) ROM at final follow-up compared to the polyethylene exchange revision, respectively. The MUA (18.2 versus 18.8%, P = .96) and LOA (2.0 versus 0.0%, P = .32) rates were similar between full component and polyethylene exchange revisions. There was one re-revision (3.0%) for the cohort of patients who initially underwent full revision. There were four full re-revisions (25.0%) and two polyethylene exchange re-revisions (12.5%) performed in the cohort of patients who initially underwent a polyethylene exchange revision.

CONCLUSIONS

The full component revision for stiffness after TKA showed favorable KOOS, JR, ROM, and outcomes in comparison to the polyethylene exchange revision. While the optimal treatment for stiffness after TKA is without consensus, this study supports the use of the full component revision when applied to the institutional population at hand. It is imperative that homogeneity exists in preoperative definitions, preoperative baseline patient demographics, ROM and function levels, outcome measures, and preoperative indications, as well as the inclusion of clinical data that assesses complete exchange, single exchange, and tibial insert exchange.

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is not associated with improved accuracy in implant position and alignment compared to conventional instrumentation in the execution of a preoperative digital plan

Purpose

The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate if robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RO-TKA) results in improved accuracy compared to conventional TKA (CO-TKA) with respect to alignment and component positioning executing a preoperative digital plan. The secondary objective was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the two groups at 6 months of follow-up (FU).

Methods

Patients who underwent primary TKA using the concept of constitutional alignment were identified from the database. Each patient underwent preoperative digital planning as well as postoperative evaluation of the preoperative plan (alignment and component position) using mediCAD® software (Hectec GmbH). Two groups were formed: (i) The RO-TKA group (n = 30) consisted of patients who underwent TKA with a robotic surgical system (ROSA®, Zimmer Biomet) and (ii) the CO-TKA group (n = 67) consisted of patients who underwent TKA with conventional instrumentation. To assess accuracy, all qualitative variables were analysed using the χ 2 test. Tegner activity scale, Oxford Knee Score and visual analogue scale were assessed preop and at 6-month FU. To assess differences between the two groups, a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance was performed.

Results

There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the accuracy of alignment as well as tibial and femoral component position between the two groups. At the 6-month FU, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in PROMs between the two groups.

Conclusion

While robotic TKA may have some potential advantages, no significant difference was found between robotic and conventional TKA with respect to limb alignment, clinical outcomes and component positioning.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Robotic-assisted TKA is Not Associated With Decreased Odds of Early Revision: An Analysis of the American Joint Replacement Registry

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted TKA continues to see wider clinical use, despite limited knowledge of its impact on patient satisfaction and implant survival. Most studies to date have presented small cohorts and came from single-surgeon or single-center experiences. Therefore, a population-level comparison of revision rates between robotic-assisted and conventional TKA in the registry setting may help arthroplasty surgeons better define whether robotic assistance provides a meaningful advantage compared with the conventional technique.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) After controlling for confounding variables, such as surgeon, location of surgery, and patient comorbidity profile, were robotic-assisted TKAs less likely than conventional TKAs to result in revision for any reason at 2 years? (2) After again controlling for confounding variables, were robotic-assisted TKAs less likely to result in any specific reasons for revision than the conventional technique at 2 years?

METHODS

The American Joint Replacement Registry was used to identify patients 65 years or older who underwent TKA between January 2017 and March 2020 with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Patients were limited to age 65 yeas or older to link TKAs to Medicare claims data. Two retrospective cohorts were created: robotic-assisted TKA and conventional TKA. Patient demographic variables included in the analysis were age, gender, BMI, and race. Additional characteristics included the Charlson comorbidity index, anesthesia type, year of the index procedure, and length of stay. A total of 10% (14,216 of 142,550) of TKAs performed during this study period used robotics. Patients with robotic-assisted TKA and those with conventional TKA were similar regarding age (73 ± 6 years versus 73 ± 6 years; p = 0.31) and gender (62% [8736 of 14,126] versus 62% [79,399 of 128,334] women; p = 0.34). A multivariable, mixed-effects logistic regression model was created to analyze the odds of all-cause revision as a factor of robot use, and a logistic regression model was created to investigate specific revision diagnoses.

RESULTS

After controlling for potentially confounding variables, such as surgeon, location of surgery, and Charlson comorbidity index, we found no difference between the robotic-assisted and conventional TKAs in terms of the odds of revision at 2 years (OR of robotic-assisted versus conventional TKA 1.0 [95% CI 0.8 to 1.3]; p = 0.92). The reasons for revision of robotic-assisted TKA did not differ from those of conventional TKA, except for an increased odds of instability (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0 to 2.4]; p = 0.04) and pain (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.4 to 3.0]; p < 0.001) in the robotic-assisted cohort.

CONCLUSION

In light of these findings, surgeons should not assume that robotic assistance in TKA will lead to improved early implant survival. Our findings do not support an improvement over conventional TKA with robotic assistance with regards to common causes of early revisions such malalignment, malposition, stiffness, pain, and instability, and in some cases, suggest there is a benefit to conventional TKA. Differences in the mid-term and long-term revision risk with conventional versus robotic-assisted TKA remain unknown. Appropriate informed consent around the use of robotic assistance should not imply decreased early revision risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

The pre-anesthetic period is the best time to evaluate the knee flexion angle for predicting the flexion angle after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Knee flexion angle (KFA) is one of the most critical factors for evaluating patient functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Preoperative KFA and intraoperative drop leg test are both accepted as predictors of postoperative KFA after TKA. Preoperative testing performed after anesthesia helps overcome pain-related limitations; however, the KFA measurement timepoint that best predicts KFA at 6 months after TKA has not yet been established.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study recruited patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during August 2012 to August 2017. We recorded KFA at the pre-anesthetic phase, post-anesthetic phase, intraoperation using drop leg test, and at 6-months post-operation. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between different measurement timepoints and 6 months after surgery. Those same relationships were evaluated for overall patients, and for patients with KFA <90° (poor KFA), 90-120° (average KFA), and >120° (high KFA).

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients with a mean age of 68.7 years were recruited. Pre-anesthetic KFA measurement had the highest positive correlation with the 6-month KFA (r = 0.771, p<0.05). Post-anesthetic measurement and intraoperative drop leg KFA measurement had moderate positive correlation (r = 0.561, p<0.05) and low positive correlation (r = 0.368, p<0.05) with the 6-month KFA, respectively. The average KFA group had the highest positive correlation between pre-anesthetic KFA measurement and the 6-month KFA (r = 0.711, p<0.05). Predicted 6-month KFA (degrees) adjusted for pre-anesthetic KFA is 45.378 + [0.596 x pre-anesthetic KFA (degrees)] (r = 0.67, p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-anesthetic KFA demonstrated the highest correlation with the final KFA at six months after unilateral primary TKA, especially in the patients who had a preoperative KFA within 90-120°.

Custom total knee arthroplasty combined with personalised alignment grants 94% patient satisfaction at minimum follow-up of 2 years

PURPOSE

The purpose was to report detailed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction rates for computed tomography (CT)-based custom TKA at minimum follow-up of 2 years. The hypothesis was that custom TKA combined with 'personalised alignment' would yield equivalent or better PROMs compared to values reported in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on off-the-shelf (OTS) TKA.

METHODS

Of an initial cohort of 150 custom TKAs, four died (unrelated to surgery), one required a revision, and five refused participation, leaving 140 patients for analysis. Patients completed pre- and post-operative PROMs (Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC)) as well as overall level of satisfaction. Proportions that attained a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for OKS and FJS. Clinical findings were compared to the average scores reported for PROMs in recent systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses on OTS TKA. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the clinical findings as means, standard deviations (SD) and ranges, or numbers and percentages.

RESULTS

At mean follow-up 33.5 ± 4.5 months, 94% (135/143) were either satisfied or very satisfied. Proportions that achieved PASS were 89% for OKS (120/135), and 85% for FJS (118/139). Median OKS, WOMAC and KOOS Symptoms and Pain scores were all within the 4th quartile of medians reported in systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

At a minimum follow-up of two years following custom TKA combined with 'personalised alignment', 94% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied, and the PASS criteria were achieved in 89% for OKS and 85% for FJS, all of which compare favourably to published outcomes of OTS TKA. Direct comparisons to the literature may not be appropriate, however, considering the heterogeneity of patient demographics and alignment techniques. Randomised controlled trials with sufficient statistical power are needed to corroborate these findings and generalise them to unselected TKA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective cohort study.

Total knee arthroplasty improves sports activity and the patient-reported functional outcome at mid-term follow-up

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess (1) sports participation and preference for the type of sports activity after TKA, (2) mid-term functional outcome and activity level, (3) correlation of different age groups with activity level and functional outcomes, and (4) mid-term survivorship of the prosthesis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. 182 patients were included who underwent primary TKA between January 2010 and December 2016. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, age 50-90 years, and with a minimum of 5-year follow-up after TKA. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and revision TKA were excluded. Sports participation and sports preference, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Tegner Activity Level, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain were recorded pre- and postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. The patient cohort was subdivided according to age groups; activity levels, patient-reported outcomes, and improvement in knee pain were correlated with these age groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate survivorship at a minimum of 5 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cohort was 75.6 ± 7.2 years (range 52-89). Significant improvement was noted in sports participation (p < 0.003). After TKA, there was no change in the preference for sports and none of the patients had to discontinue their sporting activity. OKS improved significantly at all follow-up time points compared to the preoperative score (p < .0001). Patients' sports and physical activity improved significantly at 1 year compared to the preoperative activity level (p < 0.001). Although the Tegner activity level improved over time, this improvement was not significant (NS), while it was significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.004). Significant improvement was found in the VAS for pain at all follow-up time points compared to the preoperative score (p < .0001). Survivorship was found to be 100% at a 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

After TKA, patients can be able to return to sporting activity or even perform better than before surgery. Maximum improvement was noted in the first post-operative year. The male and younger groups perform better than the female and older groups. Sports and physical activity do not negatively impact survivorship of the knee prosthesis at mid-term follow-up and all patients are encouraged to take up sports participation after their TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Complications and downsides of the robotic total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the complications and downsides of robotic systems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A comprehensive search according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed across PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception until December 2021. All articles of any study design directly reporting on complications and downsides of the robotic system in TKA were considered for inclusion. Risk of bias assessment was performed for all included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias and MINORS score.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies were included, consisting of 4 randomized controlled trials, 7 prospective studies and 10 retrospective studies. Complications of the robotic system were pin-hole fracture, pin-related infection, iatrogenic soft tissue and bony injury, and excessive blood loss. While, downsides were longer operative duration, higher intraoperative cost, learning curve and aborting a robotic TKA due to different reasons. Iatrogenic injuries were more common in the active robotic system and abortion of the robotic TKA was reported only with active robotic TKA.

CONCLUSION

Robotic TKA is associated with certain advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, surgeons need to be familiar with the system to use it effectively. Widespread adoption of the robotic system should always be evidence-based.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

No difference in sports participation and patient-reported functional outcomes between total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at minimum 2-year follow-up in a matched control study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare (1) sports participation and type of sports activity between TKA and UKA patients; (2) functional outcome and activity level between TKA and UKA; and (3) survivorship of the prosthesis in both the groups.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data were obtained from an arthroplasty database to identify patients who underwent primary TKA and UKA. Both the cohorts of TKA and UKA were matched, controlling for age, sex, BMI and preoperative patient-reported outcomes, which include Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Tegner activity level, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score. After matching the two groups, 287 TKA and 69 UKA cases were available to be included in the study. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively at 2 years for sports participation and sports preference, patient-reported outcomes, activity levels, and improvement in knee pain.

RESULTS

The mean age of the TKA and UKA groups were 75.7 ± 8.1 and 74.2 ± 8.8, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning the demographic variables. Significant improvement was noted in the weekly sports participation at the final follow-up compared to preoperative sports participation in both the TKA and UKA groups (p < 0.05). All patients were able to return to their desired sporting activity. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in sports participation preoperatively and postoperatively (p > 0.05). OKS, Tegner activity level and VAS for pain demonstrated a significant improvement from preoperative to 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.05). However, preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between the TKA and UKA groups (p > 0.05). No case of revision surgery was found at a 2-year follow-up in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Traditionally, in isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis, UKA has been considered to be the procedure with better functional outcomes, but the current study demonstrates that when confounding factors are controlled, both TKA and UKA are effective, and offer similar functional outcomes and result in similar improvement in sports participation. These findings will be helpful to counsel the patients to choose the best suitable operative procedure between UKA and TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Association of circulating gene expression signatures with stiffness following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a pilot study

A subset of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee osteoarthritis develop debilitating knee stiffness (reduced range of motion) for poorly understood reasons. Dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses to surgery correlate with reduced surgical outcomes, but the dysregulated gene signatures in patients with stiffness after TKA are poorly defined. As a consequence, we are limited in our ability to identify patients at risk of developing poor surgical outcomes and develop preventative approaches. In this pilot study we aimed to identify perioperative blood gene signatures in patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis and its association with early surgical outcomes, specifically knee range of motion. To do this, we integrated clinical outcomes collected at 6 weeks after surgery with transcriptomics analyses in blood samples collected immediately before surgery and at 24 h after surgery. We found that patients with stiffness at 6 weeks after surgery have a more variable and attenuated circulating gene expression response immediately after surgery. Our results suggest that patients with stiffness following TKA may have distinct gene expression signatures detectable in peripheral blood in the immediate postoperative period.

Preoperative Strength Training for Clinical Outcomes Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

There is an increasing interest in preoperative strength training for promoting post-operative rehabilitation, but the effectiveness of preoperative strength training for clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial.

Objective

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of preoperative strength training on clinical outcomes before and after TKA.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases from the inception to November 17, 2021. The meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of preoperative strength training on clinical outcomes before and after TKA.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included (n = 306). Immediately before TKA, the pooled results showed significant improvements in pain, knee function, functional ability, stiffness, and physical function in the strength training group compared with the control group, but not in strength (quadriceps), ROM, and WOMAC (total). Compared with the control group, the results indicated strength training had a statistically significant improvement in post-operative knee function, ROM, and functional ability at less than 1 month and 3 months, and had a statistically significant improvement in post-operative strength (quadriceps), stiffness, and WOMAC (total) at 3 months, and had a statistically significant improvement in post-operative pain at 6 months. However, the results indicated strength training had no statistically significant improvement in post-operative strength (quadriceps) at less than 1 month, 6, and 12 months, had no statistically significant improvement in post-operative pain at less than 1 month, 3, and 12 months, had no statistically significant improvement in post-operative knee function at 6 and 12 months, and had no statistically significant improvement in post-operative physical function at 3 months.

Conclusions

Preoperative strength training may be beneficial to early rehabilitation after TKA, but the long-term efficacy needs to be further determined. At the same time, more caution should be exercised when interpreting the clinical efficacy of preoperative strength training for TKA.

Sensor-guided gap balance versus manual gap balance in primary total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

Background

Despite Vast improvements in technology and surgical technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), approximately 15–25% TKAs, have suboptimal subjective clinical outcomes. Our study sought to evaluate if sensor-guided balancing improves postoperative clinical outcomes compared to a conventional gap balancing technique.

Methods

We searched Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database in March 2022 to identify studies involving sensor-guided balancing versus conventional gap balancing technique in TKA. Finally, we identified 2147 knees assessed in nine studies.

Results

Compared with manual gap balancing, Sensor-guided gap balancing resulted in less rate of Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) (P = 0.02), however more rate of intraoperative additional procedures (P = 0.0003). There were no significant differences in terms of KSS (P = 0.21), KSS Function score (P = 0.36), OKS (P = 0.61), KOOS (P = 0.78), operative time (P = 0.17), Mechanical axis (P = 0.69) and rate of reoperation between two groups.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional manual gap balancing techniques, sensors have more balancing procedures being performed. However, it did result in a reduction in the rate of MUA. More extensive, high-quality RCTs are required to verify our findings further.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of an Exercise Program for Persons with Total Hip or Total Knee Replacement: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) are among the most common elective surgical procedures. There is a large consensus on the importance of physical activity promotion for an active lifestyle in persons who underwent THR or TKR to prevent or mitigate disability and improve the quality of life (QoL) in the long term. However, there is no best practice in exercise and physical activity specifically designed for these persons. The present protocol aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an exercise program (6 month duration) designed for improving quality of life in people who had undergone THR or TKR. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial protocol that involves persons with THR or TKR. The participant will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will perform post-rehabilitation supervised training; the control group will be requested to follow the usual care. The primary outcome is QoL, measured with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36); Secondary outcomes are clinical, functional and lifestyle measures that may influence QoL. The results of this study could provide evidence for clinicians, exercise trainers, and policymakers toward a strategy that ensures safe and effective exercise physical activity after surgery.