Health related quality of life in patients with total hip or knee replacement

Platelet-rich plasma use for hip and knee osteoarthritis in the United States

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are rising in prevalence and increasingly affecting younger patients. There is a rising demand for therapeutics to address its growing disease burden. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, but its role in OA treatment is not well understood. Even still, there is significant interest in this biologic for treatment of OA. The purpose of this study was to determine the PRP utilization trends in the United States for hip and knee OA.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review from the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients who had received PRP injections for hip and knee OA from 2010 to 2018. Injection incidence was evaluated on an annual basis and by patient demographics, geographic distribution, and medical specialty under which the treatment was administered.

RESULTS

A total of 3,884 PRP injections were administered over the study period, 15% for hip OA and 85% for knee OA. PRP injections per 100,000 patient cases increased by an average year-over-year percentage of 53% and 12% for hip and knee OA, respectively. The highest injection incidences were observed in patients younger than 44 years of age. 58% of both hip and knee PRP injections were administered in general orthopaedic practices.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that PRP is increasingly being used as a treatment modality for hip and knee OA. There is a need for further research on its long term outcomes.

Trabecular metal monoblock versus modular tibial trays in total knee arthroplasty: meta-analysis of randomized control trials

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty is one of the significantly evolving procedures with different knee designs available in the market. The continued development of these prosthesis resulted in improvement of the implant survivorship and patient satisfaction. This study is an RCT-based meta-analysis aimed to compare two designs of total knee replacement: the conventional modular and the monoblock trabecular metal tibial trays.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was performed by a literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines. A detailed search of the English literature was done using the PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Only randomized control trials were included in the analysis after ensuring homogeneity. RevMan V.5.0.18.33 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Extracted outcome measures were Knee Society score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, survivorship, complication rate, and radiostereographic analysis.

RESULTS

Seven randomized control trials with 635 patients were eligible for our analysis after they met our inclusion criteria. Three hundred twelve patients received monoblock tibias, and the other 323 patients received modular tibial trays during their total knee arthroplasty surgeries. There were statistically significant superiority of the modular knees in the functional Knee Society and WOMAC scores at five years (P = 0.003 and 0.05, respectively). The modular design was also more stable on RSA at two years (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Modular and monoblock tibial trays are comparable knee designs with comparable survivorship and complication rates. However, the modular knees had better mid-term functional outcome and are more stable on radiostereographic analysis.

Patient Functional Status as an Indication for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The number of total hip arthroplasties performed per year is increasing for reasons not fully explained by a growing and aging population. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of patient functional status as an indication for surgery and determine if patients are undergoing surgery at a better functional status than in the past.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Functional status was assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey's Physical Component Summary score. Only primary procedures were included; revisions were excluded. Articles were screened by 2 independent reviewers with conflicts resolved with a third reviewer. Meta-regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of time, patient age, and gender. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare geographic regions.

RESULTS

A total of 1504 articles were identified. Data from 172 groups representing 18,644 patients recruited from 1990 to 2013 and identified from 107 articles were included. The mean preoperative Physical Component Summary score was 31.2 (95% confidence interval 30.5-31.9) with a 95% prediction interval of 22.6-39.8. The variance across studies was statistically significant (P = .000) with 97.25% true variance. Year of enrollment, age, and the percentage of females were not found to have any significant effect. There were no differences between countries.

CONCLUSION

Patients are undergoing total hip arthroplasty at a similar preoperative physical functional status as in the past. Patient age, gender, and location do not influence the functional status at which patients are indicated for surgery.

Technological rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation following hip replacement: A prospective controlled study

BACKGROUND

Among new technological rehabilitation systems, there are proprioceptive platforms. These could be useful to improve static and dynamic balance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate technological proprioceptive rehabilitation compared to conventional rehabilitation in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Sixty-four patients after THA were divided in two groups: a conventional group (CG) and a technological group (TG) treated with proprioceptive platforms. Before (T0) and after 20 sessions (T1), we recorded static and dynamic balance. Clinical and disability scales (Modified Harris Hip Score, Barthel Index, Deambulation Index), pain scales (ID-PAIN, DN4, VAS) and QoL scale (SF-36) were administered to patients during T0 and T1. Mann-Whitney U test was used for stabilometric and dynamic assessments to detect differences between groups of patients and healthy subjects. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the within-group analysis and the ANCOVA test for the analysis between groups of patients.

RESULTS

All scales improved significantly in both groups after treatment (p< 0.05). Static balance improved in both groups, but there were greater improvements in the TG than in the CG. All dynamic balance indexes showed significant improvements only in the TG after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both treatments improved the clinical, disability, pain, and QoL scales, as well as static balance, but only proprioceptive technological rehabilitation improved dynamic balance. Rehabilitation through proprioceptive platforms can indeed improve static and dynamic balance, which are both crucial for the patient's safety and autonomy.

Manipulation under anesthesia as a therapy option for postoperative knee stiffness: a retrospective matched-pair analysis

INTRODUCTION

Due to demographic changes, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic surgeries. Therapies for associated postoperative complications, such as postoperative knee stiffness (PKS), are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this retrospective matched-pair analysis was to evaluate mid-term-results following manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients with PKS were evaluated and 51 matched-pair patients without PKS after primary TKA were chosen for the control group. In addition to the range of motion, the functionality was recorded by Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and Mc Masters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short-Form-12 Questionnaire (SF-12). Experience of pain was mapped using a 10-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the analgesic requirement was mapped using the WHO step scheme. A final follow-up examination was conducted approximately three years after TKA. To evaluate potential risk factors for the development of PKS, TKA alignment was measured via postoperative X-ray images.

RESULTS

Improvement of the average knee flexion of 35.7° and total flexion of 107.4° was detected in PKS patients after MUA. The flexion of the control group was 112.4°; no significant between-group difference was present regarding prosthesis type, sex, age and BMI. Regarding KSS, WOMAC, and SF-12, the MUA cohort achieved statistically-relevant lower overall scores than the control group, p = 0.006, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively. Significantly higher experiences of pain and a higher need for analgesics in MUA patients were reported (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Radiological evaluation of the prosthesis alignment did not show any differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MUA can improve mobility after PKS, whereby MUA seemed to be a functional therapy option for PKS. Compared to the control group, the MUA group showed lower functional values and an increased experience of pain. A correlation between prosthesis malalignment and MUA could not be detected radiologically. Further studies are necessary to investigate the reasons for PKS.

Achieving Validated Thresholds for Clinically Meaningful Change on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Findings From a University-based Orthopaedic Tertiary Care Safety Net Practice

A lack of knowledge exists about which patient characteristics predict failure to meet validated thresholds for clinically meaningful change on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon between January 2013 and June 2018. Variables included demographics (age, sex, race, and insurance type), comorbidities, body mass index, and preoperative KOOS subscale scores. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with failing to meet or exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) on each KOOS subscale 6 months after TKA.

Results

A total of 159 patients were included. At 6 months after TKA, approximately one-third of patients (21% to 32%) failed to meet or exceed the MCID and 27% to 39% failed to meet or exceed the SCB on all KOOS subscales. Better preoperative KOOS Symptoms, quality of life, and activities of daily living subscale scores were statistically significantly associated with failing to meet the MCID and SCB on each respective subscale. Demographics, comorbidities, and body mass index were not notable predictors of either outcome for any of the KOOS subscales.

Discussion

About one-third of TKA patients in this single-site, single-surgeon sample failed to achieve a clinically meaningful outcome, and up to 4 in 10 patients had a less-than-ideal outcome 6 months after surgery. Surgeons should take care to set realistic expectations for patients with the least severe knee problems before TKA because this subgroup is especially at a high risk of failing to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Physical therapists collect different outcome measures after total joint arthroplasty as compared to most orthopaedic surgeons: a New England study

Background

Following total knee and hip arthroplasty, patient progress can be assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs). The American Joint Replacement Registry 2016 guide recommends collecting several measures, including Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System Global, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Jr, and Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Jr. This study aimed to assess the current and anticipated use of PROMs and PBOMs by New England physical therapists.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in July and August of 2015 asking physical therapists in New England to rate their current and anticipated future use of PROMs and PBOMs in terms of clinical decision making associated with the treatment and care of patients after total hip and knee replacement.

Results

There were 122 responses. The most often used and recommended PROMS were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (99.2% and 97.5%, respectively) and Lower Extremity Function Scale (76.2% and 77.0%). There was significant variability in the use of different PBOMs, but the most often used and recommended were the Timed Up and Go (93.4% and 85.2%) and the Single Leg Balance Test (90.2% and 87.7%).

Conclusions

This study suggests that orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists use different PROMs and PBOMs for postoperative assessment of total joint patients and highlights the need for more collaboration and consistency between these disciplines.

Lower limb arthroplasty: can we produce a tool to predict outcome and failure, and is it cost-effective? An epidemiological study

Background

Although hip and knee arthroplasties are considered to be common elective cost-effective operations, up to one-quarter of patients are not satisfied with the operation. A number of risk factors for implant failure are known, but little is known about the predictors of patient-reported outcomes.

Objectives

(1) Describe current and future needs for lower limb arthroplasties in the UK; (2) describe important risk factors for poor surgery outcomes and combine them to produce predictive tools (for hip and knee separately) for poor outcomes; (3) produce a Markov model to enable a detailed health economic analysis of hip/knee arthroplasty, and for implementing the predictive tool; and (4) test the practicality of the prediction tools in a pragmatic prospective cohort of lower limb arthroplasty.

Design

The programme was arranged into four work packages. The first three work packages used the data from large existing data sets such as Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Hospital Episode Statistics and the National Joint Registry. Work package 4 established a pragmatic cohort of lower limb arthroplasty to test the practicality of the predictive tools developed within the programme.

Results

The estimated number of total knee replacements (TKRs) and total hip replacements (THRs) performed in the UK in 2015 was 85,019 and 72,418, respectively. Between 1991 and 2006, the estimated age-standardised rates (per 100,000 person-years) for a THR increased from 60.3 to 144.6 for women and from 35.8 to 88.6 for men. The rates for TKR increased from 42.5 to 138.7 for women and from 28.7 to 99.4 for men. The strongest predictors for poor outcomes were preoperative pain/function scores, deprivation, age, mental health score and radiographic variable pattern of joint space narrowing. We found a weak association between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes; however, increased BMI did increase the risk of revision surgery (a 5-kg/m2rise in BMI increased THR revision risk by 10.4% and TKR revision risk by 7.7%). We also confirmed that osteoarthritis (OA) severity and migration pattern of the hip predicted patient-reported outcome measures. The hip predictive tool that we developed performed well, with a correctedR2of 23.1% and had good calibration, with only slight overestimation of Oxford Hip Score in the lowest decile of outcome. The knee tool developed performed less well, with a correctedR2of 20.2%; however, it had good calibration. The analysis was restricted by the relatively limited number of variables available in the extant data sets, something that could be addressed in future studies. We found that the use of bisphosphonates reduced the risk of revision knee and hip surgery by 46%. Hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk by 38%, if used for at least 6 months postoperatively. We found that an increased risk of postoperative fracture was prevented by bisphosphonate use. This result, being observational in nature, will require confirmation in a randomised controlled trial. The Markov model distinguished between outcome categories following primary and revision procedures. The resulting outcome prediction tool for THR and TKR reduced the number and proportion of unsatisfactory outcomes after the operation, saving NHS resources in the process. The highest savings per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) forgone were reported from the oldest patient subgroups (men and women aged ≥ 80 years), with a reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of around £1200 saved per QALY forgone for THRs. In the prospective cohort of arthroplasty, the performance of the knee model was modest (R2 = 0.14) and that of the hip model poor (R2 = 0.04). However, the addition of the radiographic OA variable improved the performance of the hip model (R2 = 0.125 vs. 0.110) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein improved the performance of the knee model (R2 = 0.230 vs. 0.216). These data will ideally need replication in an external cohort of a similar design. The data are not necessarily applicable to other health systems or countries.

Conclusion

The number of total hip and knee replacements will increase in the next decade. High BMI, although clinically insignificant, is associated with an increased risk of revision surgery and postoperative complications. Preoperative pain/function, the pattern of joint space narrowing, deprivation index and level of education were found to be the strongest predictors for THR. Bisphosphonates and hormone therapy proved to be beneficial for patients undergoing lower limb replacement. The addition of new predictors collected from the prospective cohort of arthroplasty slightly improved the performance of the predictive tools, suggesting that the potential improvements in both tools can be achieved using the plethora of extra variables from the validation cohort. Although currently it would not be cost-effective to implement the predictive tools in a health-care setting, we feel that the addition of extensive risk factors will improve the performances of the predictive tools as well as the Markov model, and will prove to be beneficial in terms of cost-effectiveness. Future analyses are under way and awaiting more promising provisional results.

Future work

Further research should focus on defining and predicting the most important outcome to the patient.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.

Evaluation of the effects of a physiotherapy program on quality of life in females after unilateral total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study

[Purpose] Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative joint disease and is considered to be one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. This study evaluated the differences in the quality of life of females treated with supervised physiotherapy and a standardized home program after unilateral total knee arthroplasty. [Subjects and Methods] From January 2012 to May 2015, a total of 40 females were examined at the Central Military Hospital in Ruzomberk, Slovakia. Quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36. Quality of life and intensity of pain after normal daily activity, according to the visual analog scale, were assessed before total knee arthroplasty, immediately after physiotherapy, 3 months after total knee arthroplasty, and 6 months after total knee arthroplasty. [Results] We found statistically significant improvement of the quality of life results and a decreased intensity of pain at each time point compared with before total knee arthroplasty. [Conclusions] The results of this study provide further evidence indicating that patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the knee can achieve a significant improvement in the quality of life by using supervised physiotherapy compared with a standardized home program.

Influence of structured telephone follow-up on patient compliance with rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

To assess the effects of structured telephone follow-up on patient's home-exercise compliance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A total of 202 elderly patients who received a unilateral TKA were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group that received structured telephone follow-up after discharge and the control group that received routine health care. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression survey scores were measured before and after TKA. The intergroup and intragroup differences were analyzed during the 12 months following discharge.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of both groups. The mean home-exercise time and total days in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Variable scores differed significantly between groups. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression improved significantly after TKA in both groups, and the intervention group had greater improvement in mental health and active range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Undergoing a TKA can significantly reduce the patient's pain from osteoarthritis while improving the overall physical function and quality of life. Furthermore, a structured telephone follow-up can improve patient adherence to home exercise after TKA.

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional status and quality of life after knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of NMES to the post-TKA rehabilitation protocol on the functional status and quality of life of the patients. [Subjects and Methods] Patients were randomized into an exercise (control) and electrical stimulation (NMES) group. A home exercise program was prescribed for the control group. For the neuromuscular stimulation group 30 minute electrical stimulation applied to the vastus medialis muscle 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. VAS, the timed up and go test, WOMAC and SF-36 scores were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the first month and the third month of the follow-up period. [Results] Both the NMES group had 30 patients each, with 2 and 1 male patients respectively. The comparisons of WOMAC results at month 1 revealed that pain, stiffness, and total scores of the NMES group was significantly better than those of control group at the first and third months. Significantly better physical function and SF-36 subscales, except mental health, were found for the NMES group at the first month of follow-up. [Conclusion] The inclusion of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation program after knee arthroplasty was more effective at providing rapid improvements in knee pain, walking distance and quality of life.

Physical activity perceptions and beliefs following total hip and knee arthroplasty: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in pain and physical capacity experienced by patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), recent studies suggest that levels of physical activity may not change. This study aimed to qualitatively explore people's beliefs and perspectives about physical activity at 6 months following THA or TKA for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants (age range 51-78 years) at 6 months post-arthroplasty surgery. Participants were recruited from a concurrent larger quantitative study examining quantitative physical activity levels via accelerometers. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Participants described greater capacity to be physically active post-surgery despite no increase in objective measures. Three themes emerged from the interviews relating to the participants perspective of physical activity after surgery: (1) physical activity is for enjoying living; (2) new limitations on physical activity: age and comorbidities; and (3) personal beliefs about physical activity: it is enough to know you can.

CONCLUSION

Individual beliefs and perceptions are important in understanding factors influencing physical activity following THA and TKA. Health practitioners should examine this when developing management plans aimed at optimizing physical activity.

A preoperative scoring system to select patients for arthroscopic subacromial decompression

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the clinical and radiographic factors that influence outcome after arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD) for shoulder impingement syndrome. The goal was to develop a new preoperative scoring system to identify patients who would have a prompt and sustained benefit from ASAD.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed 112 consecutive patients with impingement syndrome who subsequently underwent ASAD. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) was recorded preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. A statistically significant improvement in OSS at 3 months after surgery was considered a good outcome.

RESULTS

The variables associated with good outcome were shoulder pain with overhead activities, persistent symptoms for more than 6 months, symptoms persistent despite a 3-month course of supervised physiotherapy, consistently positive Hawkins test result, radiologic changes of impingement on both acromion and humerus in the subacromial region, and improvement for more than 1 week after a steroid injection. These 6 criteria were combined into a single score for this study, termed the preoperative score (PrOS). Sixty-two patients who had been symptomatic for 1 year with a preoperative score of 5 to 6 showed significant improvement in OSS at 3 months after surgery (P < .001). Thirty-eight patients with a score 3 to 4 had no statistically significant improvement in OSS at 3 months but had a further slight improvement at 1 year. Twelve patients with a score of ≤2 had no significant improvement in OSS at 3 months or 1 year.

CONCLUSION

This scoring system can identify patients who would have a prompt benefit from ASAD. The impact of surgery in patients with a PrOS of ≤4 points is questionable.

Trabecular metal in total knee arthroplasty associated with higher knee scores: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Porous tantalum is an option of cementless fixation for TKA, but there is no randomized comparison with a cemented implant in a mid-term followup.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked whether a tibial component fixed by a porous tantalum system might achieve (1) better clinical outcome as reflected by the Knee Society Score (KSS) and WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, (2) fewer complications and reoperations, and (3) improved radiographic results with respect to aseptic loosening compared with a conventional cemented implant.

METHODS

We randomized 145 patients into two groups, either a porous tantalum cementless tibial component group (Group 1) or cemented conventional tibial component in posterior cruciate retaining TKA group (Group 2). Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 15 days, 6 months, and 5 years after surgery, using the KSS and the WOMAC index. Complications, reoperations, and radiographic failures were tallied.

RESULTS

At 5-year followup the KSS mean was 90.4 (range, 68-100; 95% CI, ± 1.6) for Group 1, and 86.5 (range, 56-99; 95% CI, ± 2.4) for Group 2. The effect size, at 95% CI for the difference between means, was 3.88 ± 2.87. The WOMAC mean was 15.1 (range, 0-51; 95% CI, ± 2.6) for the Group 1, and 19.1 (range, 4-61; 95% CI, ± 2.9) for Group 2. The effect size for WOMAC was -4.0 ± 3.9. There were no differences in the frequency of complications or in aseptic loosening between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest there are small differences between the uncemented porous tantalum tibial component and the conventional cemented tibial component. It currently is undetermined whether the differences outweigh the cost of the implant and the results of their long-term performance.

The utility of outcome measures in total knee replacement surgery

Total knee replacement (TKR) is the mainstay of treatment for people with end-stage knee OA among suitably “fit” candidates. As a high cost, high volume procedure with a worldwide demand that continues to grow it has become increasingly popular to measure response to surgery. While the majority who undergo TKR report improvements in pain and function following surgery, a significant proportion of patients report dissatisfaction with surgery as a result of ongoing pain or poor function. Poor outcomes of TKR require care that imposes on already overburdened health systems. Accurate and meaningful capture and interpretation of outcome data are imperative for appropriate patient selection, informing those at risk, and for developing strategies to mitigate the risk of poor results and dissatisfaction. The ways in which TKR outcomes are captured and analysed, the level of follow-up, the types of outcome measures used, and the timing of their application vary considerably within the literature. With this in mind, we reviewed four of the most commonly used joint specific outcome measures in TKR. We report on the utility, strengths, and limitations of the Oxford knee score (OKS), knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and knee society clinical rating system (KSS).

Persistent pain after total knee or hip arthroplasty: differential study of prevalence, nature, and impact

This study compares the incidence, nature, and impact of persistent post-surgical pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and investigates differences between these procedures, with the focus on potential presurgical and post-surgical issues that could be related to the distinct persistent post-surgical pain outcomes between these two groups. A consecutive sample of 92 patients was assessed prospectively 24 hours before, 48 hours, and 4-6 months after surgery. The data show that TKA patients had a higher likelihood of developing persistent post-surgical pain, of reporting higher pain levels, and of using more neuropathic descriptors when classifying their pain. In addition, TKA patients more often reported interference from pain on functional domains, including general activity, walking ability, and normal work. Demographic factors, like gender and age, along with presurgical clinical factors like disease onset, existence of medical comorbidities, and other pain problems, may have contributed to these differences, whereas baseline psychologic factors and functionality levels did not seem to exert an influence. Heightened acute post-surgical pain experience among TKA patients could also be related to distinct outcomes for persistent post-surgical pain. Future prospective studies should therefore collect TKA and THA samples wherein patients are homogeneous for demographic and presurgical clinical issues. Overall, these findings contribute to a small but growing body of literature documenting persistent post-surgical pain after major arthroplasty, conducted in different countries and across different health care settings.

Do patients care about higher flexion in total knee arthroplasty? A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial

Background

Little information exists to support that patients care about flexion beyond what is needed to perform activities of daily living (ADL) after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to investigate if the achievement of a higher degree of knee flexion after TKA would result in a better patient perceived outcome.

Methods

The study is a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial in which 36 patients (mean age: 67.2 yrs) undergoing one-stage bilateral TKA randomly received a standard cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA in one knee and a high-flex posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA in the contra lateral knee. At follow-up ROM, satisfaction, pain, “feel” of the knee and the abilities in daily activities were assessed.

Results

At 1-year follow-up we found an expected significantly higher degree of knee flexion of 7° in the high-flex knees (p = 0.001). The high-flex TKA’s showed a mean active flexion of 121°. In both TKA’s the median VAS pain score was 0, the median VAS satisfaction score was 9, and the median VAS score of the patient “feel” of the knee was 9 at 1-year follow-up. Further, there were no significant differences between the knees in the performance of daily activities.

Conclusions

As expected the high-flex TKA showed increased knee flexion, but no significant differences in the patient perceived outcomes were found. This suggests little relevance to the patients of the difference in knee flexion – when flexion is of this magnitude – as pain free ROM and high patient satisfaction were achieved with both TKA’s.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00294528

Epidemiology and burden of osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease involving the cartilage and many of its surrounding tissues. Disease progression is usually slow but can ultimately lead to joint failure with pain and disability. OA of the hips and knees tends to cause the greatest burden to the population as pain and stiffness in these large weight-bearing joints often leads to significant disability requiring surgical intervention.

SOURCES OF DATA

The article reviews the existing data on epidemiology of osteoarthritis and the burden of the disease.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Symptoms and radiographic changes are poorly correlated in OA. Established risk factors include obesity, local trauma and occupation. The burden of OA is physical, psychological and socioeconomic.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Available data does not allow definite conclusion regarding the roles of nutrition, smoking and sarcopenia as risk factors for developing OA.

GROWING POINTS

Variable methods of diagnosing osteoarthritis have significantly influenced the comparability of the available literature.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Further research is required to fully understand how OA affects an individual physically and psychologically, and to determine their healthcare need.

The association between radiographic severity and pre-operative function in patients undergoing primary knee replacement for osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) and pre-operative function in patients undergoing primary knee replacement.

METHODS

Single centre study examining pre-operative outcomes in a consecutive series of 525 patients who underwent primary knee replacement for OA between January 2006 and December 2007. Pre-operative data included: demographics, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status and OA in the contralateral knee. The International Knee Society (IKS) rating and Short Form-12 (SF-12) were recorded for each patient. Pre-operative radiographs were read by a single observer for Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) grading and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas features. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the strength of associations between radiographic OA severity and function, adjusting for clinically relevant variables.

RESULTS

Lateral tibiofemoral osteophyte grade was an independent predictor of pre-operative function as determined by the functional sub-scale of the IKS in patients undergoing primary knee replacement (coefficient=2.58, p=0.033). No associations were evident between pre-operative function and modified K&L, joint space narrowing, Ahlbäck attrition and coronal plane deformity. Other statistically significant predictors of poorer pre-operative function included: advancing age, female gender, knee pain and poorer SF-12 mental component summary scores which including osteophyte grade accounted for 24.6% of the variation in functional scores, (r=0.496).

CONCLUSION

Osteophytes in the lateral compartment of the knee were associated with pre-operative function in patients with advanced knee OA. Further studies are required which examine individual radiographic features specifically in patients with advanced knee OA to determine their relationship to pre-operative pain and function.

Obesity and symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee

Given the growing prevalence of obesity around the world and its association with osteoarthritis of the knee, orthopaedic surgeons need to be familiar with the management of the obese patient with degenerative knee pain. The precise mechanism by which obesity leads to osteoarthritis remains unknown, but is likely to be due to a combination of mechanical, humoral and genetic factors. Weight loss has clear medical benefits for the obese patient and seems to be a logical way of relieving joint pain associated with degenerative arthritis. There are a variety of ways in which this may be done including diet and exercise, and treatment with drugs and bariatric surgery. Whether substantial weight loss can delay or even reverse the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis remains to be seen. Surgery for osteoarthritis in the obese patient can be technically more challenging and carries a risk of additional complications. Substantial weight loss before undertaking total knee replacement is advisable. More prospective studies that evaluate the effect of significant weight loss on the evolution of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee are needed so that orthopaedic surgeons can treat this patient group appropriately.

Cost-effectiveness of total hip and knee replacements for the Australian population with osteoarthritis: discrete-event simulation model

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis constitutes a major musculoskeletal burden for the aged Australians. Hip and knee replacement surgeries are effective interventions once all conservative therapies to manage the symptoms have been exhausted. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hip and knee replacements in Australia. To our best knowledge, the study is the first attempt to account for the dual nature of hip and knee osteoarthritis in modelling the severities of right and left joints separately.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We developed a discrete-event simulation model that follows up the individuals with osteoarthritis over their lifetimes. The model defines separate attributes for right and left joints and accounts for several repeat replacements. The Australian population with osteoarthritis who were 40 years of age or older in 2003 were followed up until extinct. Intervention effects were modelled by means of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted. Both hip and knee replacements are highly cost effective (AUD 5,000 per DALY and AUD 12,000 per DALY respectively) under an AUD 50,000/DALY threshold level. The exclusion of cost offsets, and inclusion of future unrelated health care costs in extended years of life, did not change the findings that the interventions are cost-effective (AUD 17,000 per DALY and AUD 26,000 per DALY respectively). However, there was a substantial difference between hip and knee replacements where surgeries administered for hips were more cost-effective than for knees.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Both hip and knee replacements are cost-effective interventions to improve the quality of life of people with osteoarthritis. It was also shown that the dual nature of hip and knee OA should be taken into account to provide more accurate estimation on the cost-effectiveness of hip and knee replacements.

Evaluation of improvement in quality of life and physical activity after total knee arthroplasty in greek elderly women

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality of life of patients after total knee arthroplasty and to assess the changes in physical activity by using a self-reported questionnaire and by counting the number of steps 3-6 months after post-operatively.

Methods:

Included were fifty two elderly women (age 72.6±65.9 years, mean±SD) with knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary knee arthroplasty. Health-related quality of life, physical activity, pain and function and the number of steps were assessed before, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the pedometer SW200 Digiwalker of Yamax.

Results:

Patients showed a significant improvement (p< 0.01, η2 =0.22) in health–related quality of life, particularly in physical function, (p<0 .001) body pain (p< 0.001) and vitality scale (p< 0.001) of SF-36 at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Physical activity (PASE score) increased at 3 and 6 months after arthroplasty (p< 0.001, η2 =0.74), and the number of steps increased 6 months after, compared to the assessment that took place 3 months after operation (p< 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that total knee arthroplasty leads to a gradual improvement in quality of life of elderly patients over the first 6 post-operative months.

An Eccentrically Biased Rehabilitation Program Early after TKA Surgery

Rehabilitation services are less-studied aspects of the management following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite long-term suboptimal physical functioning and chronic deficits in muscle function. This paper describes the preliminary findings of a six-week (12 session) eccentrically-biased rehabilitation program targeted at deficits in physical function and muscle function, initiated one month following surgery. A quasiexperimental, one group, pretest-posttest study with thirteen individuals (6 female, 7 male; mean age 57 ± 7 years) examined the effectiveness of an eccentrically-biased rehabilitation program. The program resulted in improvements in the primary physical function endpoints (SF-36 physical component summary and the six-minute walk test) with increases of 59% and 47%, respectively. Muscle function endpoints (knee extension strength and power) also increased 107% and 93%, respectively. Eccentrically-biased exercise used as an addition to rehabilitation may help amplify and accelerate physical function following TKA surgery.

Therapist effects in randomised controlled trials: what to do about them

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe and compare three statistical methods to allow for therapist effects in individually randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

In an individually randomised controlled trial where the intervention is delivered by a health professional it seems likely that the effectiveness of the intervention, independent of any treatment effect, could depend on the skill of the health professional delivering it. This leads to a potential clustering of the outcomes for the patients being treated by the same health professional.

DESIGN

Retrospective statistical analysis of outcomes from four example randomised controlled trial datasets with potential clustering by health professional.

METHODS

Three methods to allow for clustering are described: cluster level analysis; random effects models and marginal models. These models were fitted to continuous outcome data from four example randomised controlled trial datasets with potential clustering by health professional.

RESULTS

The cluster level models produced the widest confidence intervals. Little difference was found between the estimates of the regression coefficients for the treatment effect and confidence intervals between the individual patient level models for the datasets. The conclusions reached for each dataset match those published in the original papers. The intracluster correlation coefficient ranged from <0.001-0.04 for the outcomes, which shows only minor levels of clustering within the datasets.

CONCLUSIONS

The models, which use individual level data are to be preferred. Treatment coefficients from these models have different interpretations. The choice of model should depend on the scientific question being asked.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

We recommend that researchers should be aware of any potential clustering, by health professional, in their randomised controlled trial and use appropriate methods to account for this clustering in the statistical analysis of the data.

Evaluation of health outcomes in osteoarthritis patients after total knee replacement: a two-year follow-up

Objectives

To quantify the improvement in health outcomes in patients after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

This was a two-year non-randomized prospective observational study in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergone TKR. Patients were interviewed one week before, six months after, and two years after surgery using a standardized questionnaire including the SF-36, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the Knee Society Clinical Rating Scale (KSS). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to estimate the magnitudes of the changes with and without the adjustment of age, ethnicity, BMI, and years with OA.

Results

A total of 298 (at baseline), 176 (at six-months), and 111 (at two-years) eligible patients were included in the analyses. All the scores changed significantly over time, with the exception of SF-36 social functioning, vitality, and mental health. With the adjustment of covariates, the magnitude of changes in these scores was similar to those without the adjustment.

Conclusions

Both general and knee-specific physical functioning had been significantly improved after TKR, while other health domains have not been substantially improved after the surgery.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) in hip osteoarthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

To translate and adapt the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) into French and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this new version, by testing feasibility, internal consistency, construct validity, reliability and responsiveness, in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

The French version of the HOOS was developed according to published international guidelines to ensure content validity. The new version was then evaluated in two symptomatic hip OA populations, one with no indication for joint replacement (medical group), and the other waiting for total hip replacement (THR) (surgery group). The psychometric properties assessed were feasibility: percentage of responses, floor and ceiling effects; internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha; construct validity by evaluating correlations with the Lequesne's index and the visual analogic scale (VAS) for pain (Pearson's correlation coefficient); reliability: intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland et Altman representation; responsiveness by comparing the results of before and 1 month after injection of hyaluronic acid (medical group) and by comparing the pre and 3 months post THR results (surgery group) by calculating standardized response mean (SRM) and effect size (ES).

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients were recruited; 58 in the medicine group (mean age=61.8+/-9 years, range 42-81, 70% women) and 30 in the surgery group (mean age=67.5+/-9 years, range 50-81, 68% women). The percentage of item responses was excellent (99%). Neither a floor nor a ceiling effect was observed, except for a ceiling effect (17.8% of patients with worst possible score) observed prior to surgery in the sport and recreation subscale. The internal consistency was good for four of the five HOOS subscales. As expected, the strongest correlations were observed between all HOOS subscales and Lequesne's index or VAS pain, indicating good construct validity. The reliability was good, with an ICC>0.8 for all subscales. The responsiveness was good for all domains 1 month after hyaluronic acid injection (ES ranging from 0.73 to 1.86 and SRM from 0.51 to 1.04) and high for all domains 3 months after THR (ES ranging from 1.47 to 2.08 and SRM ranging from 1.97 to 3.24).

CONCLUSION

The French version of HOOS demonstrated good psychometric properties and appears to be useful for the evaluation of patient-relevant outcome whatever the severity of hip OA. This study provides a basis for the use of this French version of the HOOS in future clinical trials.

The impact of pre-operative obesity on weight change and outcome in total knee replacement

We carried out a prospective, continuous study on 529 patients who underwent primary total knee replacement between January 2006 and December 2007 at a major teaching hospital. The aim was to investigate weight change and the functional and clinical outcome in non-obese and obese groups at 12 months post-operatively. The patients were grouped according to their pre-operative body mass index (BMI) as follows: non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2), obese (BMI 3 30 to 39 kg/m2) and morbidly obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2). The clinical outcome data were available for all patients and functional outcome data for 521 (98.5%). Overall, 318 (60.1%) of the patients were obese or morbidly obese.

At 12 months, a clinically significant weight loss of ≥ 5% had occurred in 40 (12.6%) of the obese patients, but 107 (21%) gained weight. The change in the International Knee Society score was less in obese and morbidly obese compared with non-obese patients (p = 0.016). Adverse events occurred in 30 (14.2%) of the non-obese, 59 (22.6%) of the obese and 20 (35.1%) of the morbidly obese patients (p = 0.001).

Satisfaction with care after total hip or knee replacement predicts self-perceived health status after surgery

BACKGROUND

Inpatient satisfaction with care is a standard indicator of the quality of care delivered during hospitalization. Total hip and knee replacement (THR/TKR) for osteoarthritis (OA) are among the most successful orthopaedic interventions having a positive impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim was to evaluate the effect of satisfaction shortly after hospital discharge on 1-month, 6-month and 1-year Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) scores for OA patients after THR and TKR, controlling for patient characteristics, clinical presentation and preoperative SF-36 scores.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study recruited 231 patients with OA scheduled to receive THR or TKR. Satisfaction was assessed by the Patients Judgment of Hospital Quality (PJHQ) questionnaire and HRQoL by the SF-36 questionnaire. Linear models for repeated measures assessed the relation between satisfaction (scores were dichotomized) and postoperative SF-36 scores.

RESULTS

Of 231 participants, 189 were followed up 12 months after discharge (mean age 69 SD = 8; 42.6% male). The mean length of hospital stay was 13.5 (SD = 4) days. After adjustment for preoperative SF-36 scores, sociodemographic and clinical patient characteristics, satisfied patients (PJHQ score > 70) had higher SF-36 scores 1 year after surgery than did less-satisfied patients. Admission, medical care, and nursing and daily care scores mainly predicted bodily pain, mental health, social functioning, vitality and general health scores of the SF-36.

CONCLUSION

Besides being a quality-of-care indicator, immediate postoperative patient satisfaction with care may bring a new insight into clinical practice, as a predictor of self-perceived health status after surgery.

Psychometric properties of the French translation of the reduced KOOS and HOOS (KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the French KOOS physical function (KOOS-PS) and HOOS physical function (HOOS-PS), specifically its feasibility, reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness.

METHODS

Consecutive outpatients consulting for primary knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) in a rheumatology department were included. During the initial assessment, patients were asked to complete the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) or Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) questionnaire and the OsteoArthritis Knee and Hip Quality Of Life questionnaire (OAKHQOL). The patients were given a second KOOS or HOOS questionnaire to complete and return by mail 2 weeks later. Feasibility was assessed by calculating the percentage of missing items and the floor and ceiling effects. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent and divergent construct validity was determined by comparing the results of the KOOS-PS or HOOS-PS and OAKHQOL questionnaires using Spearman's rank test. Responsiveness was evaluated using data obtained in other hip or knee OA patients prior to and 1 month after intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection, using standardized response mean (SRM) and effect-size (ES).

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients with knee OA and 50 hip OA patients were included. The KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS scores were obtained for all patients as there were no missing items. Neither a floor nor a ceiling effect was observed. The ICC of KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS was 0.861 (0.763-0.921) and 0.859 (0.725-0.929), respectively. A strong or moderate correlation was observed, as expected, between KOOS-PS, HOOS-PS, and the OAKHQOL physical activities, pain, and mental health domains. A weak correlation was observed, as expected, between KOOS-PS, HOOS-PS, and the other OAKHQOL domains, except for a moderate correlation between the KOOS-PS and social functioning. The responsiveness was demonstrated with SRM and ES of 0.80 and 0.51 (KOOS-PS), 1.10 and 0.62 (HOOS-PS), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The French versions of KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS are reliable, valid, and responsive questionnaires for capturing functional disability in people with knee and hip OA.

Postural balance during quiet standing in patients with total hip arthroplasty with large diameter femoral head and surface replacement arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To compare postural balance between patients who have had either a large diameter head total hip arthroplasty or surface replacement arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Outpatient biomechanical laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Two groups of 14 patients with surface replacement or large diameter head total hip arthroplasties recruited from a larger randomized study and 14 control subjects.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postural balance during quiet standing in dual and one-leg stance (operated leg), hip abductor muscle strength, clinical outcomes, and radiographic analyses were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, patients in both groups showed smaller center of pressure displacement amplitude in the medial-lateral direction in dual stance. Patients with large diameter head total hip arthroplasty showed lower hip abductor muscle strength compared to control subjects. There was statistical difference between the 2 patient groups in biomechanical reconstruction of the hip. Despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the ability to complete the one-leg stance task between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The muscular strength in the operated limb could be mainly responsible for the lower center of pressure displacement amplitude compared to control subjects. However, the ability to complete the one-leg stance demonstrates that patients do not fear to load the hip prosthesis when needed. The large diameter femoral head may be a major mechanical factor contributing to these results.

Does concomitant low back pain affect revision total knee arthroplasty outcomes?

The number of revision total knee arthroplasties (rev-TKA) is increasing every year. These cases are technically difficult and add considerable burden on the healthcare system. Many patients have concomitant low back pain that may interfere with functional outcome. We asked whether having low back pain at baseline would influence amount and rate of improvement on standardized outcomes measures after rev-TKA. We retrospectively reviewed 308 patients from prospectively collected data in a multicenter study. A minimum 24-month followup was available for 221 patients (71.8%). Patients with low back pain at baseline had worse scores on most instruments than their counterparts at baseline, 12 months postsurgery, and 24 months postsurgery. The data suggest concomitant back pain in patients undergoing rev-TKA affects their outcomes as measured by standardized instruments. Orthopaedic surgeons should counsel their patients with back pain regarding the possibility of slower or less complete recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Multi-language translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the OARSI/OMERACT measure of intermittent and constant osteoarthritis pain (ICOAP)

AIM

To conduct a multi-language translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Intermittent and Constant OsteoArthritis Pain (ICOAP) questionnaire for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

The questionnaires were translated and cross-culturally adapted in parallel, using a common protocol, into the following languages: Czech, Dutch, French (France), German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish (Castillan), North and Central American Spanish, Swedish. The process was conducted following five steps: (1)--independent translation into the target language by two or three persons; (2)--consensus meeting to obtain a single preliminary translated version; (3)--backward translation by an independent bilingual native English speaker, blinded to the English original version; (4)--final version produced by a multidisciplinary consensus committee; (5)--pre-testing of the final version with 10-20 target-language-native hip and knee OA patients.

RESULTS

The process could be followed and completed in all countries. Only slight differences were identified in the structure of the sentences between the original and the translated versions. A large majority of the patients felt that the questionnaire was easy to understand and complete. Only a few minor criticisms were expressed. Moreover, a majority of patients found the concepts of constant pain and pain that comes and goes to be of a great pertinence and were very happy with the distinction.

CONCLUSION

The ICOAP questionnaire is now available for multi-center international studies.

Correlations between knee society function scores and functional force measures

Subjective evaluations often are used after knee arthroplasty to quantify function; however, these scores may be influenced by pain and/or function of the nonoperated limb. Multiple influences increase variability of these scores, which in turn may result in a greater change in score required to be considered clinically important. We determined the relationships among the Knee Society pain and function scores, range of motion (ROM), and functional force measures of the surgically treated and nonoperated limbs. Before and 3 months after total or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, 36 patients answered questions necessary to calculate the Knee Society pain and function scores. A dual-force platform was used to record the lift-up force of each limb during a stepping task. Function scores were correlated to pain scores, lift-up force of the nonoperated limb, and ROM before surgery. After surgery, function scores correlated with pain scores but not with objective functional measures or ROM. As patient-reported function scores and functional force measures of the surgically treated limb seem to provide distinctly different information, both measures may need to be collected after knee arthroplasty to fully understand a patient's functional recovery.

Comparison of short-term SF-36 results between total joint arthroplasty and cervical spine decompression and fusion or arthroplasty

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort comparison of results of meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare improvement in SF-36 after cervical spine surgery to total hip and joint arthroplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Health-related quality of life outcome instruments allow comparison of different diseases and change with various treatments. Total hip and knee arthroplasty are accepted procedures with excellent outcomes. It is unknown if treatment of cervical spine disease approaches those results.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of SF-36 outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty was performed and compared to results after cervical discectomy and arthroplasty or fusion. Pooled means and SD were calculated and compared among treatment groups using analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies reporting results in patients having total hip and knee arthroplasty and 2 randomized controlled studies of cervical disc arthroplasty were identified. The baseline physical function was worse in the joint arthroplasty patients and the mental health scores were worse in the cervical spine patients. The mean improvements in PCS for disc, fusion, total hip, and total knee arthroplasty were 14.2, 12.5, 12.2, and 9.6, respectively. The improvement in the physical component score (SF-36) was significantly greater in the cervical arthroplasty compared to the other 3 groups. Cervical fusion improvement was similar to total hip arthroplasty and both were greater than total knee arthroplasty. MCS domain improvement was significantly better in the cervical spine groups.

CONCLUSION

The SF-36 results were surprising and showed equal or greater short-term improvement in cervical spine patient's pain and function than that observed after joint arthroplasty, although all groups had substantial improvement. Greater MCS improvement was likely caused by a ceiling effect as joint arthroplasty on average had normal scores at baseline.

Outcome measures for orthopaedic interventions on the hip

Orthopaedic outcome measures are used to evaluate the effect of operative interventions. They are used for audit and research. Knowledge of these measures is becoming increasingly important with league tables comparing surgeons and hospitals being made accessible to the profession and the general public. Several types of tool are available to describe outcome after hip surgery such as generic quality-of-life questionnaires, disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaires, hip-specific outcome measures and general short-term clinical measures. We provide an overview of the outcome measures commonly used to evaluate hip interventions.

Habitual physical activity behavior of patients after primary total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite recognized health benefits of physical activity, little is known about the habitual physical activity behavior of patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to analyze this behavior and the fulfillment of guidelines for health-enhancing physical activity of these patients compared with a normative population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The participants were 273 patients who had undergone a primary THA (minimum of 1 year postoperatively). Comparisons were made between this group and 273 age- and sex-matched individuals from a normative population. Comparisons also were made between participants with THA under 65 years of age and those 65 years of age and older and among participants with THA in different Charnley classes. Level of physical activity was assessed with the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH).

RESULTS

No significant differences in total amount of physical activity or time spent in different categories of physical activity were found between the THA group and the normative group. Participants with THA spent significantly more minutes in activities of moderate intensity compared with the normative group. Participants with THA who were under 65 years of age were significantly more active than older participants with THA. Charnley class had significant effects on time spent at work, time spent in moderate-intensity activities, and total amount of activity, with the least activity performed by participants in Charnley class C. The guidelines were met by 51.2% of the participants with THA and 48.8% of the normative population. Female participants met the guidelines less frequently than male participants in both the combined groups (odds ratio=0.50, 95% confidence interval=0.35-0.72, P<.001) and the THA group (odds ratio=0.48, 95% confidence interval=0.28-0.80, P=.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results suggest that patients after THA are at least as physically active as a normative population. Nevertheless, a large percentage of these patients do not meet the guidelines; therefore, they need to be stimulated to become more physically active.

Knee arthroplasty: disabilities in comparison to the general population and to hip arthroplasty using a French national longitudinal survey

Background

Knee arthroplasty is increasing exponentially due to the aging of the population and to the broadening of indications. We aimed to compare physical disability and its evolution over two years in people with knee arthroplasty to that in the general population. A secondary objective was to compare the level of disabilities of people with knee to people with hip arthroplasty.

Methodology/Principal Findings

16,945 people representative of the French population were selected in 1999 from the French census and interviewed about their level of disability. This sample included 815 people with lower limb arthroplasty. In 2001, 608 of them were re-interviewed, among whom 134 had knee arthroplasty. Among the other participants re-interviewed, we identified 68 who had undergone knee arthroplasty and 145 hip arthroplasty within the last two years (recent arthroplasty). People with knee arthroplasty reported significantly greater difficulties than the general population with bending forward (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7, 12.6), walking more than 500 meters (OR = 6.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 24.7) and carrying 5 kg kilograms for 10 meters (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 16.4). However, the two years evolution in disability was similar to that in the general population for most activities. The level of mobility was similar between people with recent knee arthroplasty and those with recent hip arthroplasty. Nevertheless, people with recent knee arthroplasty reported a lower level of disability than the other group for washing and bending forward (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6 and OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9, respectively).

Conclusions/Significance

People with knee arthroplasty reported a higher risk of disability than the general population for common activities of daily living but a similar evolution. There was no relevant difference between recent knee and hip arthroplasties for mobility.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in knee osteoarthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

To adapt the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) into French and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this new version.

METHODS

The French version of the KOOS was developed according to cross-cultural guidelines by using the "translation-back translation" method to ensure content validity. KOOS data were then obtained in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). The translated questionnaire was evaluated in two knee OA population groups, one with no indication for joint replacement (medicine), and the other waiting for joint replacement (surgery). The psychometric properties evaluated were feasibility: percentage of responses, floor and ceiling effects; construct validity: internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, correlations with osteoarthritis knee and hip quality of life domains using Spearman's rank test, and known group comparison between medicine and surgery groups; reliability: intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland and Altman representation; responsiveness using data obtained prior to and 3 months after surgery: standardized response mean (SRM), and effect size.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included in the medicine group (68% women, mean age=70+/-10 years) and 30 in the surgery group (73% women, mean age=71+/-10 years). The percentage of responses was excellent. Neither a floor nor a ceiling effect was observed, except for the sport and recreation subscale (20.6% of patients with the worst possible score in the medicine group, 40 and 0% in the surgery group prior to and after surgery, respectively). Results for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.76 to 0.93), and convergent and divergent construct validity were satisfactory. The patients waiting for knee surgery presented with significantly lower scores in all KOOS domains. The reproducibility of measurements of all KOOS subscales was good to excellent, with ICC ranging from 0.755 to 0.914. The responsiveness was high, with SRM ranging from 0.89 to 1.93, and effect size from 1.31 to 2.8.

CONCLUSION

The French version of KOOS is a valid, reliable, and responsive instrument to capture specific aspects of functional disability affecting quality of life of knee OA patients.

Range of motion correlates with patient perception of TKA outcome

Despite the clinical success of total knee arthroplasty, little information can be found in the literature about the relationship between certain postoperative physical findings and the outcome. Specifically, is the range of motion related to patient perception of outcome? We performed a cohort prospective study on 48 patients assessed by patient-oriented evaluations (Short Form 36 Health Survey and Oxford Knee Questionnaire) and objective evaluations after total knee arthroplasty. Thirty-four patients were women and 14 were men. The mean age at followup was 71 years (range, 64-80 years) and the minimum followup was 20 months (mean, 28.5 months; range, 20-30 months). We found a positive correlation between range of motion and patient-oriented evaluations in some domains of the Short Form 36 and in the Oxford knee score.

Gait in the early days after total knee and hip arthroplasty: a comparison

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether gait after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is different from gait after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in the early days following surgical intervention.

METHOD

The gait was studied in water, thus exploiting its buoyancy force. Twenty consecutive patients underwent TKA and twenty consecutive patients underwent THA. The mean age was 70.2 years (SD 6.9). Twenty age-matched volunteers were the control group.

RESULTS

At the beginning TKA and THA patients had the same speed and the same step length. At day 15 there was a speed difference in favour of THA patients (t = - 2.245, df 38, p = 0.031). Likewise, the step length was longer in THA patients (t = -2.293 df 38, p = 0.027). In contrast to TKA patients, THA patients were unbalanced, having a longer stance phase on the non-operated leg and a longer swing on the contralateral one.

CONCLUSIONS

Gait strategies were completely different after TKA and THA interventions. TKA patients were balanced over their feet and they appeared more cautious and more concerned about gait quality than moving quickly. By contrast, THA patients were unbalanced, having a longer stance phase on the non-operated leg and a longer swing on the contralateral one. However, their speed gain was higher.

Complications and patient satisfaction after periacetabular pelvic osteotomy

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well established method to treat hip dysplasia in the adult. There is, however, a lack of information on the subjective outcome of patients with complications after PAO. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the influence of complications on the patients' post-operative wellbeing and function: 60 PAOs on 50 patients were investigated retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 7.4 years. The patients' self-reported assessment of health and function was evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questionnaires at last follow-up. Forty healthy persons served as a control group. Of the 60 interventions 13 had no complications. Minor complications occurred in 25 (41%) and in 22 (37%) at least one major complication occurred. SF-36 summary measure was 76.4 for PAO patients and 90.3 for the control group. Mean WOMAC score was 25.1. Patients with major complications had a similar subjective outcome as patients with minor or without complications, but persistent dysaesthesia due to lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysfunction led to a worse subjective function. Lesions of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve have much greater influence on patients' self-assessed functional outcome after PAO than previously reported and greater attention has to be given to this supposedly minor complication.