Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied during total knee arthroplasty

Impact of being underweight on peri-operative and post-operative outcomes of total knee or hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many systematic reviews have focused on assessing the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the outcomes and complications associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but primarily dealt with obesity compared to normal weight (NW). None of these reviews attempted to assess the effect of low BMI or underweight (UW) compared to NW in patients undergoing THA or TKA.

AIM

This review aims to compare specific operative outcomes such as operation duration, length of hospital stay, and post-operative complications including mortality, infections, deep vein thrombosis, etc. along with re-hospitalization and reoperation rates between UW and NW patients undergoing THA, TKA or both.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Web of Science (WoS), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) along with a manual search. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies. The data were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen retrospective and five prospective cohort studies were included. The quality of included studies was assessed to be good to fair. The length of hospital stay after TKA or THA was found to be significantly higher for UW patients when compared to NW patients, with a mean difference: 0.39 95%CI: [0.06, 0.72], P = 0.02 (in days). Studies presenting both THA and TKA together as total joint arthroplasty showed an increased incidence of mortality in patients treated with THA or TKA alone, Odds ratio: 4.18 95%CI: [2.88, 6.07]. A higher incidence of post-operative complications was also observed in UW patients undergoing THA.

CONCLUSION

UW patients undergoing THA or TKA had a higher incidence of post-operative complications and were associated with a higher readmission rate. Moreover, UW patients were associated with an increased incidence of mortality in the studies that reported THA and TKA together.

Serum Levels of VWF, t-PA, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 in Patients Receiving Hemocoagulase Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma during Total Hip Replacement

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hemocoagulase combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in total hip replacement (THR) on reducing bleeding and improving knee joint function in the patients with osteoarthritis.

Methods

From February 2018 to February 2020, 80 osteoarthritis patients undergoing THR were included in the study, of which 40 cases were treated with PRP and hemocoagulase (test group) in the joint capsule in THR and the other 40 cases received saline and thrombin in the joint capsule after THR (control group). Postoperative drainage and corresponding functional exercise were performed for the two groups 12 hours after operation. The outcome measures including operation time, soft-tissue release, blood routine, drainage volume, perioperative blood loss, postoperative incision inflammation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and range of motion (ROM) of the joint were recorded.

Results

The hemoglobin and hematocrit values of the test group on the second postoperative day were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative drainage volume and perioperative blood loss were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The test group was better than the control group in the ROM of the joint at 7 and 15 days after the operation (P < 0.05). A lower value of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time was revealed in the test group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the operation time, intraoperative soft-tissue release, postoperative incision inflammation, incidence of DVT, incidence of deep infection, and ROM at day 90 after THR was found in the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of hemocoagulase combined with PRP in THR can reduce perioperative blood loss, increase wound healing speed and quality, and improve coagulation and immune function. It is a safe and effective method for the patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent THR.

A possible injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus constructed with platelet-rich plasma and ADSCs in vitro

BACKGROUND

Injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus is a new idea for minimally invasive repair of degenerative intervertebral disc. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) could be harvested from autologous tissue easily. PRP contains numerous autologous growth factors and has reticulate fibrous structure which may have the potential to make ADSCs differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of constructing a possible injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus with PRP gel scaffold and ADSCs.

METHODS

After identification with flow cytometry, the rabbit ADSCs were seeded into PRP gel and cultured in vitro. At the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week, the PRP gel/ADSCs complex was observed by macroscopy, histological staining, BrdU immunofluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the PRP gel/ADSCs complex were measured by safranin O staining with spectrophotometry. In PRP gel/ADSCs complex, gene expression of HIF-1α, aggrecan, type II collagen were tested by RT-PCR. The injectability of this complex was evaluated.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, the complex was solidified into gel with smooth surface and good elasticity. The safranin O dye was almost no positive staining at 2nd week; however, the positive staining of extracellular matrix was enhanced obviously at 4th and 8th week. The HE staining and SEM demonstrated that the cells were well-distributed in the reticulate scaffold. BrdU immunofluorescence showed that ADSCs can survive and proliferate in PRP gel at each time points. The level of GAG at 4th week was higher than those at 2nd week (P < 0.05), and significant difference was also noted between 4th and 8th week (P < 0.05). HIF-1α, aggrecan, type II collagen gene expression at 4th week were much more than those at 2nd week (P < 0.05), and significant differences were also noted between 4th and 8th week (P < 0.05). The flow rate of complex was 0.287 mL/min when passed through the 19-gauge needle with the 100 mmHg injection pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings suggest that the PRP gel make it possible for rabbit ADSCs differentiated into nucleus pulposus-like cells after coculture in vitro. According to the results, it is a better feasible method for construction of autologous injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus.

The Clinical Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Knee Disorders and Surgery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In recent years, the interest in biological treatment of knee lesions has increased, especially the application of platelet-rich plasma is of particular note. The number of articles evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) efficacy in the recovery of knee disorders and during knee surgery has exponentially increased over the last decade. A systematic review with meta-analyses was performed by assessing selected studies of local PRP injections to the knee joint. The study was completed in accordance with 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A multistep search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed to identify studies on knee surgery and knee lesion treatment with PRP. Of the 4004 articles initially identified, 357 articles focusing on knee lesions were selected and, consequently, only 83 clinical trials were analyzed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to evaluate risk. In total, seven areas of meta-analysis reported a positive effect of PRP. Among them, 10 sub-analyses demonstrated significant differences in favor of PRP when compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). This study showed the positive effects of PRP, both on the recovery of knee disorders and during knee surgery; however further prospective and randomized studies with a higher number of subjects and with lower biases are needed.

Blood management in fast-track orthopedic surgery: an evidence-based narrative review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Innovations able to maintain patient safety while reducing the amount of transfusion add value to orthopedic procedures. Opportunities for improvement arise especially in elective procedures, as long as room for planning is available. Although many strategies have been proposed, there is no consensus about the most successful combination. The purpose of this investigation is to identify information to support blood management strategies in fast-track total joint arthroplasty (TJA) pathway, to (i) support clinical decision making according to current evidence and best practices, and (ii) identify critical issues which need further research.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified conventional blood management strategies in elective orthopedic procedures. We performed an electronic search about blood management strategies in fast-track TJA. We designed tables to match every step of the former with the latter. We submitted the findings to clinicians who operate using fast-track surgery protocols in TJA at our research hospital.

RESULTS

Preoperative anemia detection and treatment, blood anticoagulants/aggregants consumption, transfusion trigger, anesthetic technique, local infiltration analgesia, drainage clamping and removals, and postoperative multimodal thromboprophylaxis are the factors which can add best value to a fast-track pathway, since they provide significant room for planning and prediction.

CONCLUSION

The difference between conventional and fast-track pathways does not lie in the contents of blood management, which are related to surgeons/surgeries, materials used and patients, but in the way these contents are integrated into each other, since elective orthopedic procedures offer significant room for planning. Further studies are needed to identify optimal regimens.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and the Knee-Applications in Orthopedic Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To consolidate and synthesize the most recent evidence on the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the knee with respect to osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries, ACL reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and high tibial osteotomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

PRP has been shown to be more beneficial in the context of knee osteoarthritis compared to both placebo and hyaluronic acid. Direct comparison with corticosteroid injections has been sparsely studied. It has also been shown to improve the clinical postoperative course in meniscal injuries and to a lesser extent TKA. Radiographic improvements without clinically significant benefits have been observed with ACL reconstructions treated with PRP. PRP injections may be more beneficial than other current non-surgical management options for specific knee pathologies. Further research should broaden the knowledge of PRP effects on the knee, and identify the type of PRP, growth factor distribution, and route of administration associated with the most benefit.

Perioperative Blood Management Strategies for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often causes a significant amount of blood loss with an accompanying decline in hemoglobin and may increase the frequency of allogeneic blood transfusion rates. Unfortunately, allogeneic blood transfusions have associated risks including postoperative confusion, infection, cardiac arrhythmia, fluid overload, increased length of hospital stay, and increased mortality. Other than reducing the need for blood transfusions, reducing perioperative blood loss in TKA may also minimize intra-articular hemorrhage, limb swelling, and postoperative pain, and increase the range of motion during the early postoperative period. These benefits improve rehabilitation success and increase patients' postoperative satisfaction. Preoperative anemia, coupled with intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, is a major factor associated with higher rates of blood transfusion in TKA. Thus, treatment of preoperative anemia and prevention of perioperative blood loss are the primary strategies for perioperative blood management in TKA. This review, combined with current evidence, analyzes various methods of blood conservation, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative methods, in terms of their effectiveness, safety, and cost. Because many factors can be controlled to reduce blood loss and transfusion rates in TKA, a highly efficient, safe, and cost-effective blood management strategy can be constructed to eliminate the need for transfusions associated with TKA.

Application of Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty - Prospective Randomized Trial

Background:

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has shown good results. Bleeding may cause local complications consequently greater pain and reduced function postoperatively. No study has related the use of TXA to these facts.

Objective:

The aim was to evaluate the effects of TXA haemoglobin, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), pain intensity and flexion gain after TKA.

Methods:

43 patients were randomized and then underwent TKA. TXA was applied to 22 of these patients before closure of the joint capsule. Haemoglobin measurements (mg/dL) were taken preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The WOMAC questionnaire and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were applied, and flexion gain was measured up to the second postoperative month. Statistical analysis compared the results to determine whether there were differences between the groups for each of the evaluated times.

Results:

There were differences in favour of the drug 48 hours postoperatively for the haemoglobin variable (p = 0.01), in pain evaluation, 24 and 48 hours, postoperatively (p < 0.01) and in flexion gain, 24 hours after surgery (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the groups in the haemoglobin evaluation 24 hours postoperatively, in pain assessment 7 days, 21 days and 2 months, postoperatively, in flexion gain 48 hours, 7 days, 21 days and 2 months, postoperatively and in WOMAC after 2 months.

Conclusion:

In addition to reducing bleeding, topical TXA improved pain and increased flexion gain in the first hours after TKA.

Trial Registration:

RBR-9b4qgq

Perioperative blood management strategies for patients undergoing total knee replacement: Where do we stand now?

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most common surgeries over the last decade. Patients undergoing TKR are at high risk for postoperative anemia and furthermore for allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT). Complications associated with ABT including chills, rigor, fever, dyspnea, light-headedness should be early recognized in order to lead to a better prognosis. Therefore, perioperative blood management program should be adopted with main aim to reduce the risk of blood transfusion while maximizing hemoglobin simultaneously. Many blood conservation strategies have been attempted including preoperative autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic haemodilution, autologous blood transfusion, intraoperative cell saver, drain clamping, pneumatic tourniquet application, and the use of tranexamic acid. For practical and clinical reasons we will try to classify these strategies in three main stages/pillars: Pre-operative optimization, intra-operative and post-operative protocols. The aim of this work is review the strategies currently in use and reports our experience regarding the perioperative blood management strategies in TKR.

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on reducing blood loss after total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with control for preventing postoperative bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether PRP might reduce blood loss and improve function following TKA.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify RCTs comparing PRP with control for patients undergoing unilateral TKA. The mean difference (MD) of total blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) level, Hb drop, drain volume, range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, length of hospital stay (LOS), and odds ratios of transfusion rate and postoperative complications in the PRP and control groups were pooled throughout the study. Relevant data were meta-analyzed using RevMan v5.3.

RESULTS

Six RCTs involving 529 patients were included (208 PRP vs. 321 controls). The application of PRP in TKA had a significantly less calculated total blood loss (MD = -98.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -153.63 to -42.59, P = .0005) and lower Hb drop (MD = -0.34; 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.09, P = .008) than the control in the early postoperative period while decreasing the LOS (MD = -2.12; 95% CI: -3.47 to -0.76, P = .002). No significant differences were seen in drain volume, Hb level, transfusion rate, ROM, WOMAC scores, and complications between the 2 groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that PRP appears to be effective in reducing postoperative blood loss and lowering Hb drop without increasing the risks of postoperative complications after TKA. However, owing to the variation of included studies, no firm conclusions can be drawn.