Survivorship of 500 Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasties in Patients Under 55 Years of Age

Short-term survival of the cementless triathlon total knee arthroplasty in a young patient cohort

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess the short-term survivorship of a new cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) design in comparison to its cemented predecessor design in a young patient cohort less than 65 years of age.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all primary TKAs (cemented and cementless) in patients under the age of 65 at the time of the index procedure, in a single institution between May 2018 and May 2019. Primary outcome variables included aseptic revision and all-cause revision. Operative time was a secondary variable. Independent variables considered included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, implant type (cruciate-retaining (CR) or posterior-stabilised (PS)) and the use of cemented or cementless implants.

RESULTS

There were 106 cemented TKAs and 152 cementless TKAs (Triathlon, Stryker Inc, Mahwah, NJ ) implanted. The minimum follow-up for all cases was 2 years (mean cementless 32.5 months, mean cemented 34.9 months). Of the entire 258 implants only 2 were revised. Both revisions occurred in the cemented cohort for prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The all-cause revision rate in the cementless cohort was 0% compared to 1.8% in the cemented cohort (p = 0.168). Operative times were significantly reduced from 62 min in the cemented cohort to 52.2 min in the cementless cohort (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a young patient cohort, the cementless Triathlon TKA demonstrates excellent survivorship at short-term follow-up with significant reductions in operative times when compared to the cemented Triathlon TKA.

Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Resurgence-Who, When, Where, and How?

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedics, but there is still debate over the optimal fixation method for long-term durability: cement versus cementless bone ingrowth. Recent improvements in implant materials and technology have offered the possibility of cementless TKA to change clinical practice with durable, stable biological fixation of the implants, improved operative efficiency, and optimal long-term results, particularly in younger and more active patients.

METHODS

This symposium evaluated the history of cementless TKA, the recent resurgence, and appropriate patient selection, as well as the historical and modern-generation outcomes of each implant (tibia, femur, and patella). Additionally, surgical technique pearls to assist in reliable, reproducible outcomes were detailed.

RESULTS

Historically, cemented fixation has been the gold standard for TKA. However, cementless fixation is increasing in prevalence in the United States and globally, with equivalent or improved results demonstrated in appropriately selected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Cementless TKA provides durable biologic fixation and successful long-term results with improved operating room efficiency. Cementless TKA may be broadly utilized in appropriately selected patients, with intraoperative care taken to perform meticulous bone cuts to promote appropriate bony contact and biologic fixation.

Analysis of gender differences with traditional posterior stabilized versus kinematic designs in total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a good treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Approximately 60% of the patients are females, and 40% are males. This study analyzed pre- and postoperative angle differences in the range of motion (ROM), and the occurrence of complications with traditional posterior stabilization versus kinematic TKA in relation to gender.

METHODS

Data from 434 patients with primary cemented total knee arthroplasty from 2018 to 2021 were collected. Alpha and beta angles were determined pre- and postsurgery. The ROM was collected pre- and postoperatively and during follow-up. Additionally, perioperative complications, revision rate, and blood transfusion management were investigated.

RESULTS

The pre- and postoperative alpha-angle between men and women was significantly different, as was the level of alpha-angle correction between men and women (p = 0.001; p = 0.003). Same-gender differences in pre- to postoperative alpha-angles between traditional and kinematic TKA were shown (women (w): p = 0.001; men (m); p = 0.042). High postoperative alpha angles led to less ROM in traditional TKA for women (p = 0.008). No significant gender differences in ROM, perioperative complications, or revision surgery and transfusion rates were found.

CONCLUSION

Despite high gender differences in pre- and postoperative angles, only female patients with traditional arthroplasty and high postoperative alpha angles showed less ROM in the follow-up. This leads to the assumption that gender-related pre- and postoperative angle differences, and the degree of angle correction, do not influence the ROM or perioperative occurrence of complications. Both designs present safe procedures for both genders with a wide spectrum of axis deformities.

Extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh as a rare complication following total knee arthroplasty: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CASE

This is the first report of subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh as a complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 78-year-old female patient with valgus knee arthropathy underwent TKA. Two days postoperatively, the patient experienced left thigh swelling and pain, and subcutaneous emphysema was detected upon palpation. Although the skin tone was comparable to the other side, the left thigh was tender and firm. The surgical wound did not exhibit erythema. Computed tomography imaging revealed emphysema in the subcutaneous and intermuscular regions of the left thigh. Gram stain and culture tests from arthrocentesis were negative, and blood culture results were also negative. As there was no fever or disturbance of consciousness, and the LRINEC score was 1, supportive care was provided to the patient. At 5 days postoperatively, there was an observable improvement in the emphysema, and by day 9 postoperatively, the emphysema had fully resolved.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

There is a lack of documented cases reporting extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh following TKA, suggesting it to be an exceedingly rare complication. In this case, we conducted a thorough investigation to assess the potential association of infection. Subsequently, the symptoms were successfully alleviated with supportive care without antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema in the thigh was identified as a postoperative complication following TKA. Blood tests, culture tests and LRINEC score can be valuable tools for differentiation.