Patient-Reported Outcome Measures are not a Valid Proxy for Patient Satisfaction in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Can KOOS-PS be replaced with a simple anchor question in patients after total knee arthroplasty?: an agreement study of 2,478 primary surgeries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 Physical function and pain are the most important outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These can be evaluated by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), or by an anchor question. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate whether a simple anchor question can replace KOOS-PS in assessing postoperative knee function until 1-year follow-up, evaluated by analyzing the agreement between the 2 methods using the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Secondary aims were pain (NRS) at rest and during mobilization.

METHODS

 This is a diagnostic accuracy study with primary TKAs performed between 2010 and 2022. The surgeries were categorized as improved (I) or worsened (W) based on a dichotomized anchor question related to self-perceived change in physical function, and the dichotomized change in KOOS-PS until 1-year follow-up. This led to 4 groups: (II, IW, WI, and WW).

RESULTS

 Agreement was found with a DOR of 11.3 (CI 7.9-16.2). 2,335 (94%) reported improved function on the anchor question and 143 (6%) worsened function. Among those with improved anchor 2,132 (91%) had improved KOOS-PS, but among those with worsened anchor only 74 (52%) had worsened KOOS-PS. Pain at 1-year follow-up was lower in the groups reporting improved anchor.

CONCLUSION

 The KOOS-PS can be replaced with an anchor question to assess change in function until 1 year. However, the KOOS-PS might be a valuable supplement in patients reporting worsened anchor as only half of those had worsened KOOS-PS.

Clinical relevance of patient-reported outcome measures in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

In orthopaedic research, it is crucial to determine changes that are statistically significant and clinically meaningful. One approach to accomplish this is by calculating the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), the Clinically Important Differences (CID), the Minimum Detectable Change (MDC), the Minimal Important Change (MIC), and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) values. These tools assist medical professionals in comprehending the patient's viewpoint, enabling them to establish treatment objectives that align with patients' desires and expectations. The present systematic review investigated the MCID, MIC, CID, MDC, and PASS of the most used PROMs to assess patients who have undergone THA.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed were accessed in March 2024 without time constraints or additional filters. All the clinical investigations which evaluated data tools (MCID, MIC, CID, MDC, and PASS) to assess the clinical relevance of PROMs in THA were accessed. Articles in Spanish, Italian, German, and English were eligible. Studies with levels of evidence I to III were eligible.

RESULTS

Data from 100,824 patients were collected. All relevant demographic data were analysed and summarised. In addition, the MCID, MIC, CID, MDC and PASS of the COMI, HOOS, SF-36, OHS, Oxford-12, PROMIS-PF, SF-12, and WOMAC scores for THA were determined.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence recommends to collect MCIDs based on anchors routinely. These values should be used as complementary tools to determine the clinical effectiveness of a treatment instead of solely relying on statistically significant improvements.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Identification of Potentially High-risk Patients on the Basis of PROMs in a Certified Centre for Joint Replacement (EndoProthetikZentrum) Using the Example of Primary Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The subjective evaluation of the patient's state of health with the help of Patient-reported Outcome Measurements (PROMs) provides valuable information for assessing the treatment outcome and for treatment planning. However, the use of PROMs in the field of arthroplasty is not mandatory, so that there is a lack of standardised recording and interpretation. The present study aims to identify patients, who have not achieved the intended treatment goals with regard to pain, function and quality of life after total knee arthroplasty, more easily in the future on the basis of postoperative PROMs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data collection (for 3-month postoperative follow-up) included a standardised clinical follow-up (NU) and a questionnaire of different PROMs (Oxford Knee Score [OKS], OKS Pain Score [OKSS] and EndoCert Risk Score [ERS]). During the specialist follow-up examination, it was decided whether further medical therapy had to be initiated. Accordingly, patients were grouped into four post-treatment categories (NU not required/further diagnostics/new prescription/revision required).

RESULTS

For individual scores and questions, there were significant differences between the respective groups of consequences resulting from the follow-up examination. The OKS, OKS Pain Score and the ERS are suitable for detecting thresholds to determine the need for a follow-up examination. The postoperative thresholds of the scores are 24 for the OKS total score, 52 for the OKS pain score and 4 for the ERS pain intensity score.

CONCLUSION

In the initial three months after knee arthroplasty, certain PROMs are suitable for identifying patients for whom further diagnostics and therapy are indicated. In particular, the OKS and the pain intensity score of the ERS are suitable for detecting a potentially unfavourable development in rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

What Factors Identified in Initial Osteoarthritis Management Are Associated With Poor Patient-reported Outcomes After THA? A Register-based Study

BACKGROUND

Some patients report long-term pain or no improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or are dissatisfied after THA. However, factors associated with these poorer patient-reported outcomes after surgery are inconsistent and have typically been studied in the late phase of hip osteoarthritis (OA) among patients already eligible for surgery. Earlier identification of risk factors would provide time to address modifiable factors, helping to improve patients' pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after surgery and reduce the burden on orthopaedic clinics by referring patients who are better prepared for surgery.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We analyzed data from patients with hip OA referred to a first-line OA intervention program in primary healthcare at a stage when they had not been referred for THA, and asked: (1) What percentage of patients who proceed to THA report lack of improvement in pain, lack of improvement in HRQoL as measured by the EQ-5D, or are not satisfied with surgery 1 year after THA? (2) What associations exist between baseline factors at referral to this first-line OA intervention program and these poorer patient-reported outcomes 1 year after THA?

METHODS

We included 3411 patients with hip OA (mean age 67 ± 9 years, 63% [2160 of 3411] women) who had been referred for first-line OA interventions between 2008 and 2015 and subsequently underwent THA for OA. All patients were initially identified through the Swedish Osteoarthritis Register, which follows and evaluates patients in a standardized national first-line OA intervention program. Then, we identified those who were also registered in the Swedish Arthroplasty Register with a THA during the study period. We included only those with complete patient-reported outcome measures for pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively, representing 78% (3411 of 4368) of patients, who had the same baseline characteristics as nonrespondents. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the associations between 14 baseline factors and the aforementioned patient-reported outcomes of pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction 1 year after THA, adjusted for all included factors.

RESULTS

Five percent (156 of 3411) of the study population lacked improvement in pain, 11% (385 of 3411) reported no improvement in HRQoL, and 10% (339 of 3411) reported they were not satisfied with surgery 1 year after THA. Charnley Class C (multiple-joint OA or another condition that affects the ability to walk) was associated with all outcomes: lack of improvement in pain (OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.24 to 2.71]; p = 0.002), lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 1.83 [95% CI 1.42 to 2.36]; p < 0.001), and not being satisfied (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.07 to 1.82]; p = 0.01). Older age was associated with a lack of improvement in pain (OR per year 1.03 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.05]; p = 0.02), lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR per year 1.04 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.06]; p < 0.001), and not being satisfied (OR per year 1.03 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.05]; p < 0.001). Depression was associated with a lack of improvement in pain (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.00 to 2.35]; p = 0.050) and with not being satisfied (OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.11 to 2.04]; p = 0.01) but not with a lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.76 to 1.43]; p = 0.79). Having four or more comorbidities was associated with a lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.39 to 3.10]; p < 0.001) but not with a lack of improvement in pain and not being satisfied.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that older age, Charley Class C, and depression in patients with first-line OA interventions were risk factors associated with poorer outcomes regarding pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after THA. Screening patients with hip OA for depression early in the disease course would provide increased time to optimize treatments and may contribute to better patient-reported pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after future THA. Further research should focus on identifying the optimal time for surgery in patients with depression, as well as what targeted interventions for depression can improve outcome of surgery in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Hospital Teaching Status and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: An American Joint Replacement Registry Study

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown lower morbidity and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) at academic teaching hospitals. This study sought to determine the relationship between hospital teaching status and patient-reported outcome measures following primary THA.

METHODS

Using American Joint Replacement Registry data from 2012 to 2020, 4,447 primary, elective THAs with both preoperative and one year postoperative Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) scores were analyzed. The main exposure variable was hospital teaching status, with three cohorts, as follows: major teaching hospitals, minor teaching hospitals, and non-teaching hospitals. Mean preoperative and one year postoperative HOOS, JR scores were compared.

RESULTS

Preoperative HOOS, JR scores (nonteaching: 49.69 ± 14.42 versus major teaching: 47.68 ± 15.10 versus minor teaching: 42.46 ± 19.19, P < .001) were significantly higher at non-teaching hospitals than major and minor teaching hospitals, and these differences persisted at one year postoperatively (87.40 ± 15.14 versus 83.87 ± 16.68 versus 80.37 ± 19.27, P < .001). Both preoperative and postoperative differences in HOOS, JR scores were less than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) at both time points. In multivariate regressions, non-teaching and minor teaching hospitals had similar odds of MCID achievement in HOOS, JR scores compared to major teaching hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Using the HOOS, JR score as a validated outcome measure, undergoing primary THA at an academic teaching hospital did not correlate with higher postoperative HOOS, JR scores or greater chances of MCID achievement in HOOS, JR scores compared to non-teaching hospitals. Further work is required to determine the most important factors that may lead to improvement in patient-reported outcomes following THA.

Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for failure to achieve the 1-year MCID of the KOOS, JR and PROMIS PF-SF10a after TKA

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, which is a progressive and multifactorial condition of decreased muscle strength, has been identified as an independent predictor for falls, revision, infection, and readmissions following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but its association to patient reported outcomes (PROMs) is less studied. The aim of this study is to determine if sarcopenia and other measures of body composition are correlated with ability to achieve the 1-year minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the KOOS JR and PROMIS-PF-SF10a following primary TKA.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective case-control study was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients over the age of 18 undergoing primary TKA, body composition metrics determined by computed tomography (CT), and available pre- and post-operative PROM scores. Predictors of achievement of the 1-year MCID of the KOOS JR and PROMIS PF-SF-10a were determined through a multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

140 primary TKAs met inclusion criteria. 74 (52.85%) patients achieved the 1-year KOOS, JR MCID and 108 (77.41%) patients achieved the 1-year MCID for the PROMIS PF-SF10a. Sarcopenia was independently associated with decreased odds of achieving the MCID of both the KOOS, JR (OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.10-0.97, p = 0.04) and the PROMIS-PF-SF10a (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.12-0.85, p = 0.02) CONCLUSIONS: In our study, sarcopenia was independently associated with increased odds of failure to achieve the 1-year MCID of the KOOS, JR and PROMIS PF-SF10a after TKA. Early identification of sarcopenic patients may be beneficial for arthroplasty surgeons so that targeted nutritional counseling and exercises can be recommended prior to TKA.

Combinations of Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Phenotype (Pain, Function, and Mental Health) Predict Outcome After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Value-driven healthcare models prioritize patient-perceived benefits to quantify the quality of care through patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) is the highest level of symptom beyond which a patient considers his/her condition satisfactory. We identified preoperative phenotypes of PROMs associated with not achieving PASS at 1 year following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and explored the relationships between such phenotypes with hospital utilization parameters.

METHODS

A prospective institutional cohort of 5,274 primary TKAs for osteoarthritis from 2016 to 2019 with 1-year follow-up were included. Preoperative scores on Knee Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain, KOOS-Physical function Short form (PS), and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) Mental Component Summary (MCS) were used to develop patient phenotypes. Associations between preoperative "phenotype" and 1-year PASS, discharge disposition, length of stay, 90-day readmission, and 1-year reoperation were evaluated using multivariate regression.

RESULTS

In total, 16.3% (n = 862) of patients reported their state as "not acceptable" at 1 year. A combination of low scores in each of the presently examined PROMs was associated with the highest odds of 1-year dissatisfaction (odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.74-2.74). The PROM phenotypes were the greatest drivers compared to sociodemographic variables in predicting satisfaction. Combinations of low scores in VR-12 MCS and KOOS-PS were significantly associated with both non-home discharge status and prolonged length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Patients with combined lower preoperative scores across multiple PROMs (KOOS-Pain <41.7, KOOS-PS <51.5, and VR-12 MCS <52.8) have increased odds of dissatisfaction after TKA. Measuring pain, function, and mental health concurrently as phenotypes may help identify TKA patients at risk for not achieving a satisfactory outcome at 1 year.

What Factors Affect Whether Patients Return to the Same Surgeon to Replace the Contralateral Joint? A Study of Over 200,000 Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with hip and knee arthritis often undergo bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a staged or simultaneous fashion. However, when staged, the incidence and factors associated with having both procedures performed by the same surgeon or different surgeon are not well studied.

METHODS

All patients undergoing nonsimultaneous bilateral THA or TKA for osteoarthritis were abstracted from the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver Mariner administrative database. The National Provider Identifier number was used to determine whether the same surgeon performed both surgeries. Demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day complications after the first joint replacement were assessed as possible independent predictors of utilizing a different surgeon for the contralateral joint.

RESULTS

Of 87,593 staged bilateral THAs, the same surgeon performed 40,707 (46.5%) arthroplasties. Of 147,938 staged bilateral TKAs, the same surgeon performed 77,072 (52.1%) arthroplasties. Notably, older cohorts of patients had independent, stepwise, and significantly greater odds of changing surgeons for the contralateral THA and TKA. Those patients who were insured by Medicare and Medicaid had significantly lower odds of changing surgeons. For both THA and TKA, surgical and implant-related adverse events (surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, manipulation) carried the greatest odds of undergoing the contralateral replacement with a different surgeon.

CONCLUSION

Patients covered by Medicaid and sicker patients were significancy less likely to switch surgeons for their contralateral THA or TKA. Additionally, patients experiencing a surgery-related adverse event within 90 days of their first THA or TKA had significantly, increased odds of switching surgeons for their subsequent TJA.

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction With Care and Surgical Outcomes for Total Hip and Knee Replacement

INTRODUCTION

Although patient satisfaction with total joint arthroplasty has been a well-measured outcome, little is known about how preadmission and post-discharge care experiences affect patients' rating of satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to identify actionable factors associated with better ratings of overall care and surgical results.

METHODS

A 36-item survey assessing care in the preoperative, perioperative, and post-discharge phases of care and across all phases was mailed to 7,031 patients who underwent primary unilateral elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty in 2018. Exploratory factor analysis identified 7 actionable domains. Stepwise logistic regression models identified domains associated with ratings of overall care and satisfaction with surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 3,026 (43%) patients who returned the survey; 2,814 (93%) rated their overall experience of care as very good or excellent and satisfaction with surgical results as ≥ 7 on a 10-point scale. In exploratory factor analysis, four factors predicted higher ratings of both overall care and surgical outcome: knowing what to do with symptoms and pain during recovery (factor 1), self-reported health (factor 3), knowing what to expect before surgery (factor 4), and shared decision making (factor 6). Coordinated information among providers (factor 2), home health experience (factor 5), and patient-provider relationships (factor 7) also predicted overall care ratings.

CONCLUSION

Patient-centered quality improvement in total joint replacement care requires thinking of care across the entire episode, including before and after the hospital stay for surgery, in addition to perioperative care. The actionable factors identified from this study can be incorporated into total joint replacement care to improve patients' satisfaction with overall care and surgical results.

Development and internal validation of machine learning algorithms to predict patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction is a unique and important measure of success after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our study aimed to evaluate the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict patient satisfaction after THA.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of 1508 primary THAs performed between 2006 and 2018 were extracted from our joint replacement registry and split into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. Supervised ML algorithms (Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machines, Logistic LASSO) were developed with the training set, using patient demographics, comorbidities and preoperative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (Short Form-36 [SF-36], physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS], Western Ontario and McMaster's Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and Oxford Hip Score [OHS]) to predict patient satisfaction at 2 years postoperatively. Predictive performance was evaluated using the independent test set.

RESULTS

Preoperative models demonstrated fair discriminative ability in predicting patient satisfaction, with the LASSO model achieving a maximum AUC of 0.76. Permutation importance revealed that the most important predictors of dissatisfaction were (1) patient's age, (2) preoperative WOMAC, (3) number of comorbidities, (4) preoperative MCS, (5) previous lumbar spine surgery, and (6) low BMI (< 18.5).

CONCLUSION

Machine learning algorithms demonstrated fair discriminative ability in predicting patient satisfaction after THA. We have identified modifiable and non-modifiable predictors of postoperative satisfaction which could enhance preoperative counselling and improve health optimization prior to THA.

Patient satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty using restricted kinematic alignment

AIMS

Alternative alignment concepts, including kinematic and restricted kinematic, have been introduced to help improve clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, along with patient satisfaction, following TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment.

METHODS

A total of 121 consecutive TKAs performed between 11 February 2018 to 11 June 2019 with preoperative varus deformity were reviewed at minimum one-year follow-up. Three knees were excluded due to severe preoperative varus deformity greater than 15°, and a further three due to requiring revision surgery, leaving 109 patients and 115 knees to undergo primary TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment with advanced technology. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the preoperative limb varus deformity: Group A with 1° to 5° varus (43 knees); Group B between 6° and 10° varus (56 knees); and Group C with varus greater than 10° (16 knees). This study group was compared with a matched cohort of 115 TKAs and 115 patients using a neutral mechanical alignment target with manual instruments performed from 24 October 2016 to 14 January 2019.

RESULTS

Mean overall patient satisfaction for the entire cohort was 4.7 (SE 0.1) on a 5-point Likert scale, with 93% being either very satisfied or satisfied compared with a Likert of 4.3 and patient satisfaction of 81% in the mechanical alignment group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.006 respectively). At mean follow-up of 17 months (11 to 27), the mean overall Likert, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Forgotten Joint Score, and Knee Society Knee and Function Scores were significantly better in the kinematic group than in the neutral mechanical alignment group. The most common complication in both groups was contracture requiring manipulation under anaesthesia, involving seven knees (6.1%) in the kinematic group and nine knees (7.8%) in the mechanical alignment group.

CONCLUSION

With the advent of advanced technology, and the ability to obtain accurate bone cuts, the target limb alignment, and soft-tissue balance within millimetres, using a restricted kinematic alignment concept demonstrated excellent patient satisfaction following primary TKA. Longer-term analysis is required as to the durability of this method. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):59-66.

Are Oxford Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Useful Predictors of Clinical Meaningful Improvement and Satisfaction After Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Up to 15% of patients express dissatisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Preoperative patient-report outcome measures (PROMs) scores can potentially mitigate this by predicting postoperative satisfaction, identifying patients that will benefit most from surgery. The aim of this study was to (1) calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds for Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores and (2) identify the threshold values of these PROMs that could be used to predict patient satisfaction and expectation fulfilment.

METHODS

Prospectively collected registry data of 1334 primary THA patients who returned for 2-year follow-up from 1998 to 2016 were reviewed. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 years using the OHS, WOMAC, and SF-36 PCS/MCS scores. The MCID for each PROMs was calculated, and the proportion of patients that attained MCID was recorded. The relationship between satisfaction, expectation fulfilment, and MCID attainment was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Optimal threshold scores for each PROM that predicted MCID attainment and satisfaction/expectation fulfilment at 2 years were calculated using receiver operating curve analysis.

RESULTS

The calculated MCID for OHS, WOMAC, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 MCS were 5.2, 10.8, 6.7, and 6.2, respectively. A threshold value of 24.5 for the preoperative OHS was predictive of achieving WOMAC MCID at 2 years after THA (area under the curve 0.80, P < .001). 93.1% of patients were satisfied, and 95.5% had expectations fulfilled at 2 years. None of the PROMs were able to predict satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

OHS and WOMAC scores can be used to determine clinical meaningful improvement but are limited in their ability to predict patient satisfaction after THA.

Goal Attainment Scaling Rehabilitation Improves Satisfaction with Work Activities for Younger Working Patients After Knee Arthroplasty: Results from the Randomized Controlled ACTION Trial

BACKGROUND

Knee arthroplasty (KA) is increasingly performed in relatively young, active patients. This heterogeneous patient population often has high expectations, including work resumption and performance of knee-demanding leisure-time activities. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) may personalize rehabilitation by using patient-specific, activity-oriented rehabilitation goals. Since unmet expectations are a leading cause of dissatisfaction after KA, personalized rehabilitation may improve patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that, compared with standard rehabilitation, GAS-based rehabilitation would result in younger, active patients having higher satisfaction regarding activities after KA.

METHODS

We performed a single-center randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients were <65 years of age, working outside the home, and scheduled to undergo unicompartmental or total KA. The required sample size was 120 patients. Using GAS, patients developed personal activity goals with a physiotherapist preoperatively. These goals were used to monitor patients' goal attainment and provide goal-specific feedback during postoperative outpatient rehabilitation. Standard rehabilitation consisted of regular outpatient physiotherapy visits. The primary outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (scale of 0 to 100) for satisfaction regarding activities of daily living and work and leisure-time activities 1 year postoperatively, which were analyzed using generalized estimating equation models.

RESULTS

Patient satisfaction with work activities was significantly higher in the GAS group (β = 10.7 points, 98% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0 to 19.4 points) than in the control group. Patient satisfaction with activities of daily living and leisure-time activities did not differ between groups. We found no differences in VAS satisfaction scores between unicompartmental KA and total KA.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized, goal-specific rehabilitation using GAS resulted in higher patient satisfaction with work activities, compared with standard rehabilitation, 1 year after KA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Overview of Randomized Controlled Trials in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (34,020 Patients): What Have We Learnt?

Aim:

To provide an overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in primary total hip arthroplasty summarizing the available high-quality evidence.

Materials and Methods:

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2020, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase. We excluded nonrandomized trials, trials on neck of femur fractures or revision surgery, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Trials that met our inclusion criteria were assessed using a binary outcome measure of whether they reported statistically significant findings. These were then classified according to the intervention groups (surgical approach, fixation, and component design use, among others).

Results:

Three hundred twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included. The total number of patients in those 312 RCTs was 34,020. Sixty-one RCTs (19.5%) reported significant differences between the intervention and the control groups. The trials were grouped into surgical approach 72, fixation 7, cement 16, femoral stem 46, head sizes 5, cup design 18, polyethylene 25, bearing surfaces 30, metal-on-metal 30, resurfacing 20, navigation 15, robotics 3, surgical technique 12, and closure/drains/postoperative care 13 RCTs.

Discussion:

The evidence reviewed indicates that for the vast majority of patients, a standard conventional total hip arthroplasty with a surgical approach familiar to the surgeon using standard well-established components and highly cross-linked polyethylene leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes. This evidence also offers arthroplasty surgeons the flexibility to use the standard and cost-effective techniques and achieve comparable outcomes.

Psychometric Assessment of Modified Harris Hip Score for Femoral Neck Fracture in Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Objective of the study was to evaluate and compare psychometric properties such as validity, reliability, floor ceiling effects and interpretability of the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) in patients undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in Indian patients, because this has not been done before.

METHODS

This observational study consisted of 40 consecutively operated patients. Construct validity and reliability were evaluated using correlation coefficient and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Interpretability was evaluated by describing mean and standard deviation of mHHS and FJS in five subgroups of patients based on their response to the global rating questions and assessment.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 15.7 months ± 10.4. There was very high correlation between mHHS and FJS (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001) suggesting convergent construct validity. The results of correlation coefficient were 100% and 66.7% in accordance with the pre-formulated hypotheses for mHHS and FJS, respectively. mHHS and FJS demonstrated adequate construct validity and inadequate construct validity, respectively. The ICC value for mHHS and FJS was 0.80 (p = 0.005) {adequate reliability} and 0.34 (p = 0.06) {inadequate reliability}, respectively. Both mHHS and FJS-12 demonstrated acceptable level of floor (0% for mHHS and 14.3% for FJS) and ceiling effects (12.5% for both mHHS and FJS). There was significant difference in the mHHS and FJS in the five subgroups of patients suggesting adequate interpretability.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the use of the modified Harris Hip Score over the Forgotten Joint Score for functional outcome evaluation of Indian patients from rural setting undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture.