Primary total knee arthroplasty in the management of epiphyseal fracture around the knee

Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Fractures Around the Knee

Primary arthroplasty for fractures of the femoral neck is a very common procedure and even the gold standard for the geriatric patient. In contrast, primary arthroplasty for perigenicular fractures is a rare event. On the other hand, it can be a therapeutic option, especially for geriatric patients with prior osteoarthritis or complex fractures and severe osteoporosis.The operative procedure can be complex and requires experience in primary and revision arthroplasty as well as suitable implants and good preoperative planning.There are case series reporting primary arthroplasty in a total of approximately 200 cases of both distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures. Complication rates are between 0 and 90% and mostly concern wound healing problems and infections. From a functional point of view, predominantly good results and a range of motion of 100° can be achieved.Primary arthroplasty can be a therapeutic option for selected cases of perigenicular fractures and gives good functional results. The most frequent complications are wound healing problems and infections.

S2k Guideline for Tibial Plateau Fractures - Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Tibial plateau fractures are mostly complex and surgically demanding joint fractures, which require a comprehensive understanding of the fracture morphology, ligamentous and neurovascular injuries, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic options for an optimal clinical outcome. Therefore, a standardised and structured approach is required. The success of the treatment of tibial plateau fractures relies on the interdisciplinary cooperation between surgical and conservative physicians in an outpatient and inpatient setting, physical therapists, patients and service providers (health insurance companies, statutory accident insurance, pension providers). On behalf of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), the German Trauma Society (DGU) and the Society for Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery (AGA), under the leadership of the Fracture Committee of the German Knee Society (DKG), a guideline for tibial plateau fractures was created, which was developed in several voting rounds as part of a Delphi process. Based on the current literature, this guideline is intended to make clear recommendations and outline the most important treatment steps in diagnostics, therapy and follow-up treatment. Additionally, 25 statements were revised by the authors in several survey rounds using the Likert scale in order to reach a final consensus.

[Primary total knee arthroplasty following trauma]

BACKGROUND

Primary total knee arthroplasty following complex knee joint trauma is only performed occasionally. In most cases a reconstruction is carried out.

OBJECTIVE

Are there confirmed indications for primary total knee arthroplasty following trauma? Which special features should be paid attention to?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A selective literature search was carried out. The spectrum of indications and recommendations for action for primary total knee arthroplasty following trauma are presented, particularly against the background of demographic changes.

RESULTS

The spectrum of indications for primary total knee arthroplasty following trauma is limited. This has so far been carried out only in centers with the appropriate equipment and expertise, also for the management of complications but despite good overall results is still carried out only rarely. There is a lack of studies with large patient collectives.

CONCLUSION

Primary total knee arthroplasty following trauma is a safe procedure within the range of indications. The standard procedure for the vast majority of cases of complex knee trauma is a reconstruction.

Short-term results of a novel management of supracondylar fracture with coexisting osteoarthritis with bifold fixation and total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Presence of supracondylar and periarticular femoral fracture with associated arthritis of knee poses a challenging situation to the orthopaedic surgeon. The results of fixation of fracture in osteoporosis are not very satisfactory and have complications. With fixation alone, they still cannot bear weight on affected leg due to severe disability of osteoarthritis. To make patient walk, conventionally three surgeries in the form of fracture fixation, removal of implant and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) needs to be done in staged manner. We propose a novel management in form of bifold fixation and simultaneous TKA.

METHODS

Eight cases (6 females, 2 males) of supracondylar femoral fractures with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and osteoporosis were primarily fixed with bifold fixation using SIGN nail ( www.signfracturecare.org ) and locking plate together with simultaneous total knee arthroplasty. There were five cases (2 males and 3 females) of grade 4 (Kellgren-Lawrence grading) osteoarthritis (OA) and three cases (all females) of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RESULTS

The mean age was 68 years and average time for full weight bearing was 6 days. Radiographic evidence of fracture union was achieved in 16.25 weeks. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 26 months was 83.13 and 22.13 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Single stage combined bifold osteosynthesis with interlocking nail and locking plate together with total knee arthroplasty helps in one time management of these difficult injuries. It is a cost-effective and economically sound option and gives excellent results with good patient satisfaction.

Shaft Fractures in Patients Requiring Primary or Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Can Be Successfully Treated with Long-Stemmed Implants without Additional Fixation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone union, complication rate, clinical and functional outcomes of long-stemmed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with periprosthetic femoral or tibial shaft fractures and in patients with femoral or tibial shaft fractures with coexisting advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA). This retrospective study comprised 25 patients who underwent surgery due to tibial or femoral shaft fractures: (1) with coexisting severe knee OA or (2) with a periprosthetic fracture requiring implant exchange. In all cases, fracture stabilization was performed intramedullary with the use of long-stemmed implants without the use of additional fixation material (plates, screws, or cerclage). Bone union was achieved in 22/25 patients (88%). One patient required revision with additional plate stabilization due to non-union, and asymptomatic partial bone union was observed in two cases. The group with periprosthetic fractures demonstrated good clinical (mean 73.1 ± 13.3) and moderate functional (mean 59.2 ± 18.8) outcomes in the Knee Society Scoring system (KSS). In the group with shaft fracture and coexisting OA significantly higher clinical (excellent results, mean 84.1 ± 11; p = 0.03) and functional (good results, mean 76.2 ± 20.6; p = 0.04) results were noted. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of range of motion (ROM) or complication rate between these two groups. One-stage TKA with a long-stemmed implant without the use of additional fixation material is an effective method for the treatment of femoral or tibial shaft fractures in patients who require joint replacement. Despite being technically demanding, the approach yields bone union and moderate to excellent clinical and functional outcomes with a relatively low complication rate.

Complications and failures of non-tumoral hinged total knee arthroplasty in primary and aseptic revision surgery: A review of 290 cases

INTRODUCTION

Hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants are a commonly used option during revision or even primary surgery, but their complications are not as well known, due to the rapid adoption of gliding implants. The literature is inconsistent on this topic, with studies having a small sample size, varied follow-up duration and very different indications. This led us to carry out a large multicentre study with a minimum follow-up of 5 years to evaluate the complications after hinged TKA in a non-tumoral context based on the indications of primary arthroplasty, aseptic surgical revision or fracture treatment around the knee.

HYPOTHESIS

Hinged TKA was associated with a high complication rate, no matter the indication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and ninety patients (290 knees) were included retrospectively between January 2006 and December 2011 at 17 sites, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The patients were separated into three groups: primary surgery (111 patients), aseptic revision surgery (127 patients) and surgery following a recent (<3 months) fracture (52 patients: 13 around the TKA and 39 around the knee treated by hinged TKA). Patients who had an active infection the knee of interest were excluded. All the patients were reviewed based on a standardised computer questionnaire validated by the SOFCOT.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 71±39 months [range, 0 to 188]. Of the 290 patients included in the study, 108 patients (37%) suffered at least one complication and 55 patients (19%) had to undergo revision surgery: 16 in the primary TKA group (16/111, 14% of primary TKA), 28 in the revision surgery group (28/127, 22% of revision TKA) and 11 in the fracture treatment group (11/52, 21% of fracture TKA). The complications due to the hinged TKA for the entire cohort from most to least common were stiffness (41/290, 14%), chronic postoperative pain (37/290, 13%), infection (32/290, 11%), aseptic loosening (23/290, 8%), general complications (20/290, 7%), extensor mechanism complications (19/290, 6%), periprosthetic fracture (9/290, 3%), mechanical failure (2/290, 0.7%). In the primary TKA group, the main complication leading to re-operation was infection (12/111, 11%), while it was loosening for the revision TKA group (15/127, 12%) and infection (8/52, 15%) for the fracture TKA group.

DISCUSSION

The 37% complication rate for hinged TKA implants is high, with 19% of them requiring re-operation. The frequency of complications differed depending on the context in which the hinged implant was used (primary, revision, fracture). The complications requiring revision surgery were major ones that prevented patients from preserving their autonomy (infection, symptomatic loosening, fracture, implant failure). The most found complications - stiffness and chronic pain - rarely led to revision.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective cohort study.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty for Distal Femur Fracture with Lateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of compound fractures around the knee in elderly patient raise concerns about long-term postoperative external fixation and complications. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been proposed as an alternative solution. We report a case where robotic-assisted (RA) TKA was used to treat lateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) with distal femur fracture. Case Presentation. A 90-year-old female visited our hospital with complications of sustained knee pain after a fall at home. Fracture line from the trochlea to the intercondylar notch was diagnosed on plain radiographs, and prior to this injury, the patient was receiving conservative treatment for lateral OA. We selected a conventional TKA over ORIF because the latter is associated with residual pain and the need for long-term immobilization, which can lead to other complications. However, the fracture site was the entry point for intramedullary rod, and there was concern that the fracture site would be displaced by conventional TKA. Therefore, the unique aspect of the case is that the technique utilized involved robotic milling using the Navio system while temporarily stabilizing the fracture using two tracker pins. RA TKA could determine osteotomy and implant placement by predicting the postoperative patient's soft tissue balance for no medial loosening and lateral contracture. The arthritic cartilage and bone were then methodically removed using the handheld sculptor. After immobilizing the fracture site with a bone grasper before removing the pin tracker, reaming of the femur and insertion of a stem prosthesis with semiconstrained were performed. Primary RA TKA is a viable option for intra-articular fractures in elderly patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Primary total knee arthroplasty in tibial plateau fractures: Literature review and our institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Displaced proximal tibia fractures in the elderly may be very difficult to manage. If osteosynthesis represents the standard of care in the younger patients, in the aged population this solution is controversial because a significant failure rate has been reported after internal fixation. Moreover, osteoarthritis progression following tibial plateau fractures is common, often requiring a subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In recent years, in order to overcome the fracture healing problems and to allow immediate full weight bearing, primary TKA after tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients has gained popularity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

from 2015 to 2019, 11 tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients with pre-existing osteoarthritis were treated with a primary TKA. Age, gender, mechanism of trauma, pre-operative autonomy level, fractures classification, degree of osteoarthritis and intraoperative data (ligamentous stability and type of implant) were collected. After a mean follow-up of 28 months, Knee Society Score (KSS), post-operative autonomy level and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were evaluated. The radiological assessment (signs of loosening, limb axis and patellar height indices) and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

according to fracture type and ligamentous competence, 6 cases of posterior-stabilized (PS) design and 5 cases of semi-constrained TKA were implanted. At the final follow up, mean KSS knee score was 83±16 and mean KSS functional score was 74±15. Mean pre-operative autonomy level assessed with the Parker scale, was significantly higher than the post-operative one (7.5±1.4 vs 5.6 ± 1.3). Mean FJS was 66 ± 14. No lines of radiolucency or limb malalignment were found at the final radiological follow-up. One major complication was recorded: one acute periprosthetic infection. One patient reported a periprosthetic femoral fracture after 26 months.

CONCLUSION

Based on our and results and those reported on literature, primary TKA is a suitable option in case of tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients with pre-existing osteoarthritis and poor bone quality, in which osteosynthesis outcome may be poor. Unlike ORIF, primary TKA may allow immediate weightbearing and a faster recovery. Nevertheless, it is a demanding surgery with a significant complications rate and should be reserved for selected patients and experienced surgeons.

Knee arthroplasty for acute fractures around the knee

Results of open reduction and internal fixation for complex articular fractures around the knee are poor, particularly in elderly osteoporotic patients.

Open reduction and internal fixation may lead to an extended hospital stay and non-weight-bearing period.

This may lead to occurrence of complications related to decubitus such as thrombo-embolic events, pneumonia and disorientation.

Primary arthroplasty can be a valuable option in a case-based and patient-specific approach. It may reduce the number of procedures and allow early full weight-bearing, avoiding the above-mentioned complications.

There are four main indications:

1) Elderly (osteoporotic) patients with pre-existing (symptomatic) end-stage osteoarthritis.

2) Elderly (osteoporotic) patients with severe articular and metaphyseal destruction.

3) Pathological fractures of the distal femur and/or tibia.

4) Young patients with complete destruction of the distal femur and/or tibia.

The principles of knee (revision) arthroplasty should be applied; choice of implant and level of constraint should be considered depending on the type of fracture and involvement of stabilizing ligaments. The aim of treatment is to obtain a stable and functional joint.

Long-term data remain scarce in the literature due to limited indications.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:713-723. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190059

Short-Term Outcome of Early Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Fractures Around the Knee in the Elderly Population: The Experience of a Secondary Healthcare Centre in Malaysia

Background

The management of fractures around the knee in the elderly population can be challenging due to the complexity of the patients and the fracture characteristics. In this study, we aimed to investigate the short-term outcome of elderly patients who had fractures around the knee and who were treated with primary total knee arthroplasty. The study included patients who were at least 70 years old with poor bone quality and who presented with a fracture around the knee that would be difficult to treat with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as well as patients who were at least 55 years old presenting with severe concomitant knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study in which all the elderly patients who underwent early primary total knee replacement due to trauma around the knee at the Segamat Hospital between January 2015 and June 2019 were identified. Data were collected from clinical and operative notes. The clinical outcomes of these patients were evaluated by the range of motion of the knee and the Knee Society Score (KSS).

Results

Ten patients were identified to have undergone this procedure. Six patients sustained supracondylar femur fractures, two patients had tibial plateau fractures and two patients had concurrent supracondylar femur and tibial plateau fractures. The mean follow-up duration was 22.3 ± 13.9 months, the mean knee score was 87.7 ± 10.0 and the mean functional knee score was 56 ± 41.9.

Conclusion

In this cohort, good short-term outcomes close to pre-fracture condition was noted in patients who did not suffer from any complications during the post-operative period. Two patients who had surgical site infection had lower functional knee scores. Another two patients with lower knee scores experienced surgical site infection of the distal tibia and contralateral fixed flexion deformity of the knee. Early primary total knee replacement remains a viable option in treating fractures around the knee in the elderly. Infection, which in this study affected 20% of the patients, is the main deterring factor in performing this procedure.

Hinged total knee arthroplasty for fracture cases: Retrospective study of 52 patients with a mean follow-up of 5 years

INTRODUCTION

Hinged total knee arthroplasty (hTKA) is one of the treatment options available for complex fractures around an intact knee or an existing implant. The primary objective of this multicenter study was to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of hTKA for fractures. The secondary objective was to analyze the complications and risk factors based on fracture type, predisposition and time to surgery. We hypothesized that outcomes would be satisfactory, despite the context, and comparable to published data although impacted by significant mortality and morbidity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Within the framework of a symposium organized by the French Society of Orthopedic and Traumatology Surgery (SOFCOT), 52 patients from 11 hospitals were included retrospectively. All had undergone hTKA following a fracture event: recent fracture, postoperative course after a complex epiphyseal fracture on an intact knee, or periprosthetic fracture. Clinical outcomes (demographics, IKS score, Parker score, Devane score, time to surgery) and radiographic outcomes, along with complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients included, 3 were lost to follow-up and 1 died early on. Thus, 48 patients with a mean age of 72 years (range, 31-95) were available for analysis at a mean follow-up of 59 months (range, 3-162). Forty of these patients (78%) had suffered a fracture to an intact knee and 12 (22%) had suffered a periprosthetic fracture. Of the 52 initial patients, 21 (40%) had early complications with 7 patients (19%) requiring surgical revision (5 surgical site infections, 1 extensor mechanism tear, 1 patellar dislocation). Sixteen patients (31%) developed late complications an average of 57 months after the hTKA implantation. All required surgical revision. There were 8 implant infections (15%), 3 cases of stiffness (6%), 2 extensor mechanism tears (4%) and 3 cases of loosening (6%). At a mean follow-up of 59 months, there was a 24-point improvement on the IKS pain scale (p=0.032). The postoperative activity level was unchanged in the patients who did not suffer a complication. The mortality rate was high (7/48; 15%).

CONCLUSION

Our hypothesis was confirmed since the outcomes were satisfactory, but mortality and morbidity were high. Performing hTKA remains an option in the post-fracture context, although surgeons must carefully consider the indications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Arthroscopy-Assisted Corrective Osteotomy, Reduction, Internal Fixation and Strut Allograft Augmentation for Tibial Plateau Malunion or Nonunion

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present the results of arthroscopy-assisted corrective osteotomy (AACO), reduction, internal fixation, and strut allograft augmentation for tibial plateau malunion or nonunion. Methods: Fifty-eight patients, mean age 49 ± 11.9 years old, with tibial plateau malunion (n = 44) or nonunion (n = 14), were included in this study. There were 19 Schatzker type II fractures (32.7%), 2 type III fractures (3.4%), 7 type IV fractures (12%), 20 type V fractures (34.5%), and 10 type VI fractures (17.2%). The mean follow-up period was 46.2 ± 17.6 months. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were scored by the Rasmussen system. Articular depression was measured from computed tomography. Secondary osteoarthritis was diagnosed when radiographs showed a narrowed joint space in the injured knee at follow-up. Results: Mean clinical score improved from 15.4 ± 3.9 (pre-revision) to 23.2 ± 4.5 (post-revision). Mean radiologic score improved from 7.7 ± 2.5 (pre-revision) to 12.0 ± 3.9 (post-revision). Fifty-six fractures achieved successful union. The average union time was 19.6 ± 7.5 weeks. Post-revision, 81% had good or excellent clinical results and 62% had good or excellent radiological results. Secondary osteoarthritis (OA) was noted in 91% of all injured knees, where 25.8% were mild OA, 25.8 % were moderate OA, and 38% were severe OA. There were 6 cases of deep infection (10.3%) and 1 case of wound edge necrosis (1.7%). Five cases were converted to total knee replacement after the index surgery with an average period of 13.5 months (range 8–24 months). Conclusions: Arthroscopy-assisted corrective osteotomy, reduction, internal fixation, and strut allograft augmentation can restore tibial plateau malunion/nonunion with well-documented radiographic healing and good clinical outcomes.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Prior Femoral and Tibial Fractures: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Complications and Reoperations

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with a prior femoral or tibial fracture, and identify the risk factors for surgical site complications and reoperations.

Methods

Seventy‐one TKAs performed in 71 patients with a prior tibial or femoral fracture between January 2005 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Forty males (40 knees) and 31 females (31 knees) were included. The mean age at the time of TKA was 59.2 (range, 29–83) years. Outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society score before surgery and at the final follow‐up visit. The patients' satisfaction rates were evaluated. Complications and reoperations were recorded by clinical and radiographic assessment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for surgical site complications and reoperations.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 4.7 (range, 3.2–7.1) years. The median knee range of motion increased from 90° preoperatively to 110° at the latest follow‐up. The Knee Society knee score and function score improved from 35 (30, 40) and 40 (30, 50) to 90 (82, 93) and 90 (65, 100), respectively. The degree of overall satisfaction after TKA surgery was very satisfied in 41 patients, satisfied in 20 patients, neutral in four patients, dissatisfied in four patients, and very dissatisfied in two patients. The overall satisfaction (very satisfied and satisfied) rate was 85.9% (61 knees). Twelve knees (16.9%) had 19 surgical site complications. Six knees (8.3%) underwent reoperations, including one revision due to periprosthetic joint infection, one debridement and implant retention for superficial infection, two debridements for delayed wound healing, one open reduction and internal fixation for supracondylar fracture, and one re‐fixation and bone grafting for hardware failure after a combined femoral shaft osteotomy and TKA. Preoperative patella baja was diagnosed in 12 knees, and was identified as a risk factor for surgical site complications and reoperations.

Conclusions

TKA for post‐fracture osteoarthritis significantly relieved pain and improved function, but the incidence of surgical site complications and reoperations was high. Preoperative patella baja was a risk factor for surgical site complications and reoperations.

Total knee arthroplasty for distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone: a systematic literature review

PURPOSE

Distal femoral fractures in the elderly are associated with high morbidity and mortality and their incidence is increasing with an ageing population. Management of these fractures has evolved over recent decades and there is now an accepted recognition of the important role that acute arthroplasty may have in treatment of these fractures. Our purpose was to systematically review the evidence available in the literature for arthroplasty as a treatment option for distal femoral fractures.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded (until October 2018) for studies and case series. Furthermore, clinical trial registries were searched for ongoing studies. We included all studies or case series that described total knee arthroplasty for distal femoral fractures irrespective of language, publication status, sample size, or follow-up period due to limited studies available in the literature. Exclusion criteria included single patient case reports, isolated tibia fractures, and periprosthetic fractures. Two authors independently identified trials for inclusion and independently extracted the data. Outcome measures included mortality, peri-operative complications (excluding mortality), anaesthetic time, blood loss, time to mobilisation, length of hospital stay, functional scores, radiological loosening, and revision rate.

RESULTS

Fourteen papers were included for subsequent quantitative and qualitative synthesis incorporating a total of 181 patients. The highest level of evidence identified was a single cohort study (level III), the remaining 13 papers consisted of multi- or single-centre case series (level IV). The mean mortality rate was 3.34% (range 0-10) at 30 days and 18.4% (range 0-42) at 1 year. The mean revision rate was 3.43% (range 0-25) at 1 year. The mean time to mobilisation was 3.90 days (range 2.5-6) with a mean time to discharge from the acute ward being 16.6 days (range 8-33).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is limited evidence in the literature available, our review suggests that there is a role for acute knee arthroplasty in distal femoral fractures. This mode of treatment has satisfactory mortality and revision rates, and may result in faster time to mobilisation and discharge. There is a need for a higher level of evidence to delineate this issue further.

Primary and Secondary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Tibial Plateau Fractures

The surgical management of tibial plateau fractures can be technically demanding. In younger patients, the mainstay is fixation with cartilage preservation. In older patients with osteoporotic bone, this method has higher rates of fixation failure; in addition, it requires prolonged bed rest or protected weight bearing, which are major challenges in this group. In contrast, total knee arthroplasty performed acutely for primary treatment of tibial plateau fractures has potential advantages for elderly patients, such as immediate stability, early mobilization, and positive functional outcomes with decreased rates of reoperation. Additionally, arthroplasty can be technically challenging in younger patients with previous tibial plateau fractures in whom debilitating posttraumatic arthritis develops. In these patients, old wounds, retained metalwork, bony deficiency, and instability can lead to poorer outcomes and higher complication rates than in routine knee arthroplasty. In both cases, we recommend surgery be performed by experienced arthroplasty surgeons with ample access to a range of implants with varying constraints and the option of stems and augments.

Medium term results of total knee arthroplasty as a primary treatment for knee fractures

Introduction: Successful treatment of knee comminuted periarticular fractures associated with osteoporosis and pre-existing arthritis is a challenging task.

Methods: This is a prospective study on 27 patients who had comminuted intra and periarticular knee fractures and pre-existing arthritis. Fractures were classified according to Muller's AO classification. Primary knee arthroplasty was performed ± internal fixation following 4 weeks of splinting. A stem was added to the tibial tray and Legacy Constrained Condylar Knee (LCCK) or Rotating Hinge (RH) prosthesis were used depending on the level of ligament damage and bone defects. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiological evaluation were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months then annually thereafter.

Results: The average age of this group of patients was 63 years (range 59–74). Sixteen knees received primary femoral component and Posterior Stabilized insert, while 8 had LCCK. RH implants were chosen in 2 and distal femoral replacement was necessary in one knee. Twenty five patients were available for the final review at an average 6 years in whom the KSS was 80 (range 75–89) points. All patients achieved full knee extension and average knee flexion of 110° (range 90–135°). One knee needed re-admission for early Debridement Antibiotic Irrigation and Retention (DAIR) but none of the knees was revised or awaiting revision.

Conclusion: Knee arthroplasty achieves highly successful outcome when performed as a primary treatment for comminuted intra and periarticular knee fractures in elderly patients. Survival of implants and functional range of movement at midterm are excellent.

Primary total knee arthroplasty for acute fracture around the knee

Relatively poor results have been reported with open reduction and internal fixation of complex fractures around the knee in elderly osteoporotic patients, and primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been proposed as an alternative solution. While limiting the number of procedures, it meets two prerequisites: (1) to save the patient's life, thanks to early weight-bearing, to limit decubitus complications; and (2) to save knee function and patient autonomy, thanks to early knee mobilization. There are 3 main indications: complex articular fractures in elderly patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis prior to fracture; complex articular fractures of the tibial plateau in elderly patients whose bone quality makes internal fixation hazardous; and major destruction of the distal femur in younger patients. Although admitted in emergency, these patients require adequate preoperative management, including a multidisciplinary approach to manage comorbidities, control of anemia and pain, and assessment and management of vascular and cutaneous conditions. Preoperative planning is crucial, to order appropriate implants and materials that may be needed intraoperatively. Surgical technique is based on the basic principles of revision surgery as regards choice of implant, steps of reconstruction, bone defect management and implant fixation. For complex fractures of the distal femur, primary temporary reduction is a useful "trick", to determine the level of the joint line and femoral rotation. Complementary internal fixation may be required in case of diaphyseal extension of the fracture and to prevent inter-prosthetic fractures. In the literature, the results of primary TKA for fracture are encouraging and better than for secondary TKA after failure of non-operative treatment or internal fixation, with lower rates of revision and complications, earlier full weight-bearing and better functional results. Loss of autonomy is, however, frequent, and 1-year mortality is high, especially following complex femoral fractures in the elderly.

Surgical treatment of osteoporotic fractures: An update on the principles of management

The treatment of osteoporotic fractures continues to challenge orthopedic surgeon. The fragility of the underlying bone in conjunction with the need for specific implants led to the development of explicit surgical techniques in order to minimize implant failure related complications, morbidity and mortality. From the patient's perspective, the existence of frailty, dementia and other medical related co-morbidities induce a complex situation necessitating high vigilance during the perioperative and post-operative period. This update reviews current principles and techniques essential to successful surgical treatment of these injuries.

Total knee arthroplasty and fractures of the tibial plateau

Tibial plateau fractures are common injuries that occur in a bimodal age distribution. While there are various treatment options for displaced tibial plateau fractures, the standard of care is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In physiologically young patients with higher demand and better bone quality, ORIF is the preferred method of treating these fractures. However, future total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a consideration in these patients as post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a common long-term complication of tibial plateau fractures. In older, lower demand patients, ORIF is potentially less favorable for a variety of reasons, namely fixation failure and the need for delayed weight bearing. In some of these patients, TKA can be considered as primary mode of treatment. This paper will review the literature surrounding TKA as both primary treatment and as a salvage measure in patients with fractures of the tibial plateau. The outcomes, complications, techniques and surgical challenges are also discussed.

Does primary total knee arthroplasty for acute knee joint fracture maintain autonomy in the elderly? A retrospective study of 21 cases

INTRODUCTION

Due to poor results and failure encountered in osteosynthesis of peri-articular fracture of the knee, arthroplasty may be suggested to osteopenic elderly subjects. All osteosynthesis techniques entail loss of independence and are associated with elevated mortality. No studies definitively establish better management of such fractures.

HYPOTHESIS

Total arthroplasty provides better autonomy after peri-articular fracture of the knee.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Seventy-nine patients aged over 65years were operated on for peri-articular fracture of the knee between April 2008 and March 2013. In 21 cases, treated by a single surgeon, total knee arthroplasty was performed in view of osteopenia or osteoarthritis. Mean age was 79years (range, 68-96years). There were 10 distal femoral and 11 proximal tibial fractures. Mean follow-up was 31months (range, 9-68months). Cases of pathologic fracture, failed osteosynthesis and non-operative management were excluded. All patients showed severe osteopenia on radiology and half already had advanced osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

One-year mortality was 14%. At last follow-up, the revision rate was 9.5%. Fifteen patients were followed up. Mean Parker score fell from 7.2 (range, 2-9) preoperatively to 4.6 (range, 0-9) at last follow-up, indicating loss of independence. At follow-up, mean IKS score was 116.6 (range, 0-192) with mean IKS knee score of 78.4 (range, 0-100) and IKS function score of 38.2 (range, 0-100). Mean Oxford score was 36/60 (range, 18-53). Global IKS and IKS function scores were significantly better in case of ASA-2 than ASA-3 (P<0.05). There was no difference between femoral and tibial fractures in terms of IKS or Oxford score or loss of independence.

DISCUSSION

Total knee arthroplasty can be considered for peri-articular fracture of the knee in osteopenic geriatric patients. Although surgical revision was less frequent than after osteosynthesis and resumption of weight-bearing was immediate, autonomy was still impaired. Mortality was comparable to other reports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Total knee arthroplasty following tibial plateau fracture: a matched cohort study

Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer. The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis. Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau. Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and > 60 months using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction score. Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular malunion (50 months, p < 0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13% vs 1% p = 0.014) and persistent stiffness (10% vs 0%, p = 0.014). Two (6%) PTOA patients required revision total knee arthroplasty at 57 and 114 months. The mean Oxford knee score was worse pre-operatively in the cohort with primary osteoarthritis (18 vs 30, p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in post-operative Oxford knee score or patient satisfaction (primary osteoarthritis 86%, PTOA 78%, p = 0.437). Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction are comparable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:532-8.

Total knee replacement in acute and chronic traumatic events

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a widely used procedure for the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis. This type of solution has also been used recently for the treatment of acute fractures around the knee, particularly in joints that were already arthritic before the trauma. The purpose of this paper is to present our experience with TKR in both acute and chronic traumatic events, highlighting the main problems associated with these conditions and focussing on the indications, principles of technique, tips, tricks and pitfalls of this procedure. The main issues related to post-traumatic arthritis and the problem of TKR in acute fractures are discussed, and our case series of both groups of patients is presented.

Treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures by resurfacing prosthesis in elderly patients

In elderly patients, distal radius fractures are often associated with osteoporotic bone. Under these conditions, anatomic resurfacing implants may provide satisfactory results in terms of range of motion, pain and function. Between July 2009 and January 2012, eight elderly patients were treated with the SOPHIA™ implant at our hand surgery department. Inclusion criteria were isolated comminuted distal radius AO type C2 fractures in patients greater than 70 years of age. All patients were reviewed in February 2013 by an independent surgeon. Clinical, functional and radiographic assessments were performed. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range 17-36 months). Mean ROM was 45° (range 40-50°) in flexion and 44° (range 40-50°) in extension. Mean pronation-supination range was 160°. Mean grip strength was 18 kgf. Mean Quick DASH was 18.2/100 (range 6.82-29.55) and mean pain on VAS was 2.33 (range 0-4). X-rays did not reveal any implant loosening or ulnar translation of the carpus. Use of a wrist resurfacing implant led to rapid recovery of autonomy in elderly patients with comminuted distal radius fractures. It parallels the use of shoulder or elbow prostheses for complex joint fractures in the elderly.

Primary arthroplasty for management of osteoporotic fractures about the knee

Primary cemented arthroplasty of the knee is a viable alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of osteoporotic fractures about the knee. This permits early return of knee function and weight bearing activity. Stemmed revision total knee arthroplasty implants and techniques are needed, which can be associated with complications of late loosening and periprosthetic fracture. However, for elderly sedentary patients who would not be expected to outlive the durability of the arthroplasty and with fracture patterns in which ORIF may be associated with poor outcomes, primary arthroplasty can be a favorable treatment option.