Current issues in joint replacement surgery

Differential Metabolites in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Many studies have attempted to utilize metabolomic approaches to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of osteoarthritis (OA), but consistent and high-level evidence is still lacking. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of differential small molecule metabolites between OA patients and healthy individuals to screen promising candidates from a large number of samples with the aim of informing future prospective studies. (2) Methods: We searched the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Wan Fang Data, VIP Date, and CNKI up to 11 August 2022, and selected relevant records based on inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. We performed qualitative synthesis by counting the frequencies of changing directions and conducted meta-analyses using the random effects model and the fixed-effects model to calculate the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 3798 records were identified and 13 studies with 495 participants were included. In the 13 studies, 132 kinds of small molecule differential metabolites were extracted, 58 increased, 57 decreased and 17 had direction conflicts. Among them, 37 metabolites appeared more than twice. The results of meta-analyses among four studies showed that three metabolites increased, and eight metabolites decreased compared to healthy controls (HC). (4) Conclusions: The main differential metabolites between OA and healthy subjects were amino acids (AAs) and their derivatives, including tryptophan, lysine, leucine, proline, phenylalanine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, citrulline, asparagine, acetylcarnitine and creatinine (muscle metabolic products), which could be potential biomarkers for predicting OA.

Evaluation of costs and outcomes associated with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins) of venous thromboembolism at orthopedic ward in Clinical Hospital Stip

Clinical trials have shown Low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) to be at least as safe and efficacious as unfractionated heparin (UFH) for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery who are at highest risk of developing VTE. The retrospective study was conducted at orthopedic department in Clinical Hospital – Stip for period of 12 months (January-December 2013), where LMWHs and UFH are accepted thromboprophylaxis options. 320 patients (144 males and 157 females, medium age 58 years and 70 years, respectively) were hospitalized for various types of major orthopedic surgical interventions. 212 (66%) patients were admitted because of hip or knee fractures, 26 (8%) had conditions after hip or knee fractures and 82 (26%) were hospitalized for removal or implanting of osteosynthetic devices. After the surgical intervention, patients were subjected to anticoagulant prophylaxis (UFH or LMWHs). Which type of prophylaxis will be used depended exclusively on the surgeon’s decision. VTE complications resulting death were observed in 8 (2.5%) out of 13 patients. Death because of PE occurred in 2 (25%) out of 8 patients, compared to 6 (75%) patients who had fatal DVT complications. The average hospital cost for patients treated with LMWHs prophylaxis as first line thromboprophylaxis option was 52831.92 MKD/patient compared to 70082.24 MKD/patient for UFH first line thromboprophylaxis option. We observed that LMWHs thromboprophylaxis, applied in recommended doses subcutaneously once a day, is potentially more effective and cost saving option compared to UFH and should be considered as pharmacological treatment of first choice for the prevention of VTE (DVT and PE) in patients recovering from major orthopedic surgery at the orthopedic department in Clinical Hospital Stip. Keywords: Thromboprophylaxis, major orthopedic surgery, LMWHs, UFH

The enhancement of chondrogenesis of ATDC5 cells in RGD-immobilized microcavitary alginate hydrogels

In our previous work, we have developed an effective microcavitary alginate hydrogel for proliferation of chondrocytes and maintenance of chondrocytic phenotype. In present work, we investigated whether microcavitary alginate hydrogel could promote the chondrogenesis of progenitor cells. Moreover, we attempted to further optimize this system by incorporating synthetic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide. ATDC5 cells were seeded into microcavitary alginate hydrogel with or without Arg-Gly-Asp immobilization. Cell Counting Kit-8 and live/dead staining were conducted to analyze cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), hematoxylin and eosin, and Toluidine blue O staining as well as Western blot assay was performed to evaluate the cartilaginous markers at transcriptional level and at protein level, respectively. The obtained data demonstrated that Arg-Gly-Asp-immobilized microcavitary alginate hydrogel was preferable to promote the cell proliferation. Also, Arg-Gly-Asp-immobilized microcavitary alginate hydrogel improved the expression of chondrocytic genes including Collagen II and Aggrecan when compared with microcavitary alginate hydrogel. The results suggested that microcavitary alginate hydrogel could promote the chondrogenesis. And Arg-Gly-Asp would be promising to ameliorate this culture system for cartilage tissue engineering.

You'll know when you're ready: a qualitative study exploring how patients decide when the time is right for joint replacement surgery

Background

While some studies have identified patient readiness as a key component in their decision whether to have total joint replacement surgery (TJR), none have examined how patients determine their readiness for surgery. The study purpose was to explore the concept of patient readiness and describe the factors patients consider when assessing their readiness for TJR.

Methods

Nine focus groups (4 pre-surgery, 5 post-surgery) were held in four Canadian cities. Participants had been either referred to or seen by an orthopaedic surgeon for TJR or had undergone TJR. The method of analysis was qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

There were 65 participants, 66% female and 34% male, 80% urban, with an average age of 65 years (SD 10). Readiness reflected both the surgeon’s advice that the patient was clinically ready for surgery and the patient’s feeling that they were both mentally and physically ready for surgery. Mental readiness was described as an internal state or feeling of being ready or prepared while physical readiness was described as being physically fit and in good shape for surgery. Factors associated with readiness included: 1) pain: its severity, the ability to cope with it, and how it affected their quality of life; 2) mental preparation; 3) physical preparation; 4) the optimal timing of surgery, including age, anticipated rate of deterioration, prosthesis lifespan and the length of the waiting list.

Conclusions

Patient readiness should be assessed prior to TJR. By assessing patient readiness, health professionals can elucidate and deal with concerns and fears, understand and calibrate expectations, assess coping strategies, and use this information to help determine optimal timing, both before and after the surgical consultation.

Rural vs. urban utilization of total joint arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between patient demographics and hospital demographics on utilization of total joint arthroplasty in rural and urban populations from the National Inpatient Sample database. Any patient that was discharged after a primary total hip or primary total knee arthroplasty was included in this study. Results showed that rural patients living in a Northeastern hospital region compared to West, less than 65 years of age, females, Blacks and Hispanics were less likely to undergo total joint arthroplasty compared to their urban counterparts. Rural patient were more likely to undergo total joint arthroplasty compared to their urban counterparts if they were in the Midwest and had Medicare as their primary payer provider.

Variations in surgeons' recovery expectations for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty: a survey of the AAHKS membership

Recovery expectations (RE) after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA-TKA) influence outcomes. We surveyed AAHKS members to determine variation in surgeon RE. Four vignettes depicting patients with high and low expectations after THA and TKA were distributed with a validated RE survey. Responses were analyzed for clinically significant differences between surgeons and within surgeons. Of 1049 surgeons surveyed, 358 (34%) responded. There was a clinically significant difference in 85% (high-THA), 46% (low-THA), 74% (high-TKA), and 57% (low-TKA) of pairs. Disagreement was significantly greater in high expectation vignettes. Individual surgeons distinguished between high and low expectation patients in 76% (THA) and 72% (TKA) of cases. There was no association between surgeon RE and practice demographics. Wide variations in RE were observed, especially among high expectation patients.

Examining sex and gender disparities in total joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is remarkably successful for treating osteoarthritis: most patients see substantial gains in function. However, there are considerable geographic, racial, and gender variations in the utilization of these procedures. The reasons for these differences are complex.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We examined sex and gender disparities in TJA.

METHODS

Through Medline/PubMed searches, we identified 632 articles and from these selected 61 for our review. WHERE ARE WE NOW?: A number of factors might explain sex and gender disparities in TJA: underrepresentation in clinical trials, differences in willingness to undergo surgery, pain responses to underlying disease and treatment, patient-physician relationships, treatment preferences, provider-level factors such as physician-patient communication style, and system-level factors such as access to specialist care. Since women have a higher prevalence of arthritis and degenerative joint diseases and overall demand for these procedures will continue to grow, the need to understand why there is a gap in utilization based on gender is imperative. WHERE DO WE NEED TO GO?: Understanding what exactly is meant by "disparity" is essential because it is possible anatomic factors may have different impacts on utilization from cultural factors. Ideally, information about these factors should be integrated into the decision-making process so that patients and providers can make the most informed choice about whether or not to undergo the procedure. HOW DO WE GET THERE?: To better understand all of the potential reasons for how anatomic and cultural factors related to sex and gender might impact decision-making and overall utilization of TJA, more research focusing on these factors must be designed and carried out.

Does pre-operative psychological distress affect patient satisfaction after primary total hip arthroplasty?

Background

There are concerns that pre-operative psychological distress might be associated with reduced patient satisfaction after total hip replacement (THR).

Methods

We investigated this in a multi-centre prospective study between January 1999 and January 2002. We dichotomised the patients into the mentally distressed (MHS ≤ 56) and the not mentally distressed (MHS > 56) groups based on their pre-operative Mental Health Score (MHS) of SF36.

Results

448 patients (340 not distressed and 108 distressed) completed the patient satisfaction survey. Patient satisfaction rate at five year was 96.66% (415/448). There was no difference in patient satisfaction or willingness to have the surgery between the two groups. None of pre-operative variables predicted five year patient satisfaction in logistic regression.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction after surgery may not be adversely affected by pre-operative psychological distress.

Review article: thromboprophylaxis after total hip replacement

The risk of secondary haematologic complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism increases significantly when a transient period of hypercoagulability is induced after total hip replacement (THR). A number of drug-based anticoagulant approaches are available to modulate this risk, but the optimal length of therapy for such approaches remains unclear. The literature was reviewed for evidence-based support of the routine use of an extended course (>14 days) of thromboprophylaxis after THR. Electronic databases and real-time online literature searches were performed, using the PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, CINAHL and GoogleScholar, and the Cochrane and British Medical Journal Clinical Evidence libraries. Author-defined key word searches were performed. Only articles in the English language, for which full text could be retrieved, were reviewed. There is robust evidence to support an extended course (>14 days) of thromboprophylaxis after THR. Such recommendations have been translated into the guidelines of key professional bodies, including those of the American College of Chest Physicians. Meta-review suggests a clear benefit of such regimens and supports wider adoption, even when weighed against a small increase in adverse events.

Key factors in determining surgical timing of total knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritic patients: age, radiographic severity, and symptomatic severity

Background

Patient age, radiographic severity of osteoarthritis (OA), and severity of symptoms are typically considered as the three key factors in selecting the osteoarthritic patients for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between the three selection criteria and the postoperative outcomes including patient satisfaction. We also attempted to determine whether the patients not fully satisfying the criteria are different from the typical candidates in postoperative outcomes.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and eighty-three uncomplicated TKAs with 1-year follow-up data were included in this study. We evaluated three preoperative factors including age, radiographic severity of OA, and WOMAC pain and function scores as proxies of preoperative level of symptoms. Evaluation of the postoperative outcomes included WOMAC pain and function scores and the level of patient satisfaction. Regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between the preoperative factors and the postoperative outcomes. Comparative analyses of the postoperative outcomes were made between the typical candidates with all selection criteria and the groups of patients who did not meet one of the selection criteria.

Results

Increasing age was associated with worse postoperative functional outcomes. Worse preoperative WOMAC pain and function scores were associated with worse postoperative WOMAC pain and function scores, and had a statistical tendency toward higher patient dissatisfaction. Compared to the typical candidates, the groups of patients who did not meet one of the selection criteria did not have worse postoperative outcomes. On the contrary, the group of younger age and the group with less severe preoperative symptoms were more likely to have better postoperative outcomes. The radiographic severity of OA had no significant associations with any of postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

This study indicates that, when considering TKA as a treatment option, orthopedic surgeons need to comprehend the selection criteria in an overall view to offer the best timing for optimal postoperative outcomes.

Current evidence for osteoarthritis treatments

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of chronic disability among older people. The burden of the disease is expected to rise with an aging population and the increasing prevalence of obesity. Despite this, there is as yet no cure for OA. However, in recent years, a number of potential therapeutic advances have been made, in part due to improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. This review provides the current evidence for symptomatic management of OA including nonpharmacological, pharmacological and surgical approaches. The current state of evidence for disease-modifying therapy in OA is also reviewed.

Shape, loading, and motion in the bioengineering design, fabrication, and testing of personalized synovial joints

With continued development and improvement of tissue engineering therapies for small articular lesions, increased attention is being focused on the challenge of engineering partial or whole synovial joints. Joint-scale constructs could have applications in the treatment of large areas of articular damage or in biological arthroplasty of severely degenerate joints. This review considers the roles of shape, loading and motion in synovial joint mechanobiology and their incorporation into the design, fabrication, and testing of engineered partial or whole joints. Incidence of degeneration, degree of impairment, and efficacy of current treatments are critical factors in choosing a target for joint bioengineering. The form and function of native joints may guide the design of engineered joint-scale constructs with respect to size, shape, and maturity. Fabrication challenges for joint-scale engineering include controlling chemo-mechano-biological microenvironments to promote the development and growth of multiple tissues with integrated interfaces or lubricated surfaces into anatomical shapes, and developing joint-scale bioreactors which nurture and stimulate the tissue with loading and motion. Finally, evaluation of load-bearing and tribological properties can range from tissue to joint scale and can focus on biological structure at present or after adaptation.

Topographic Patterns of Cartilage Lesions in Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: Treatments for articular cartilage lesions could benefit from characterization of lesion patterns and their progression to end-stage osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to identify, quantitatively, topographic patterns of cartilage lesions in the human knee. DESIGN: Photographs were taken of 127 unilateral distal femora (from 109 cadavers and 18 arthroplasty remnants) with full-thickness cartilage lesions. Using digital image analysis, the lesions were localized and normalized lesion size was determined for the patellofemoral groove (PFG) and the lateral and medial femoral condyles (LFC, MFC). Samples were classified into patterns using cluster analysis of the lesion size at each compartment. For each pattern, maps showing the extent and frequency of lesions were created. RESULTS: Four main patterns (a-d) were identified (each p<0.001), with the lesion size varying from small (a) to large in distinct regions (b-d). Pattern b had a predominant lesion (23% area) in the MFC, and smaller (<3%) lesions elsewhere. Pattern c had predominant lesions in the LFC (19%) and MFC (10%). Pattern d had a predominant lesion in the PFG (15%) and smaller lesions in the MFC (6%) and LFC (2%). The sub-patterns of a (a1, a2, a3) had relatively small lesions, with similarity between a2 and b, and a3 and d. CONCLUSION: The present methods facilitated quantitative identification of distinct topographic patterns of full-thickness cartilage lesions, based on lesion size and location. These results have implications for stratifying OA patients using precise quantitative methods and, with additional longitudinal data, targeting cartilage treatments.

Outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in English- versus non-English-speaking patients

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in English- versus non-English-speaking patients.

METHODS

193 women and 85 men (mean age, 72 years) underwent 117 left and 161 right primary TKAs. 237 and 41 patients were English and non-English speaking, respectively. Interpretation was provided. Pre- and post-operative functional outcomes were measured using the International Knee Society (IKS) score.

RESULTS

Most non-English-speaking patients were female (38 vs 3 of 41, p<0.001). The mean body mass index of non-English-speaking patients was significantly higher (34 vs 31 kg/m[2], p=0.003). 14 foreign languages were spoken among the 41 non-English-speaking patients, of which Greek and Italian were the most common. Non-English-speaking patients had significantly worse IKS scores both preoperatively and at the 12-month follow-up. The proportions of poor postoperative IKS scores were significantly higher in non-English-speaking patients (58% vs 27%, p<0.001), in whom pain was also significantly worse (p=0.017). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, being non-English speaking was the only predictor of poor functional outcome at the 12-month follow-up (odds ratio=2.77, confidence interval=1.25-6.14, p=0.012).

CONCLUSION

The non-English-speaking background of a patient is a predictor of less favourable functional outcome after TKA.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in osteoarthritic patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in osteoarthritic patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The Specialized Outpatient Rehabilitation Service's (SORS) Pre-surgical Arthroplasty Service located at the Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

SORS outpatients (N=364), from the period of March 2006 to March 2007.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of osteoporosis was determined by review of a self-reported survey, and defined by (1) self-reported diagnosis of osteoporosis, (2) history of fragility fracture (defined by a bone fracture occurring as a result of a fall from standing height or less after the age of 50), or (3) current treatment for osteoporosis using bisphosphonates.

RESULTS

Of the study cohort, 26% were classified as having osteoporosis, according to our criteria. Of the patients with self-reported osteoporosis or a history of fragility fractures, only 37% and 17% reported current treatment with bisphosphonates, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis is common in the osteoarthritic arthroplasty population, with a prevalence at least equal to that in the general population. Due to the self-reported nature of the study, the prevalence of osteoporosis in this population is likely significantly higher. Results from this study indicate need for further research, specifically in formal assessment for osteoporosis in patients undergoing a joint replacement.

Patients' perspectives on total knee replacement

OBJECTIVE

Because patients' perspectives on total knee replacement (TKR) surgery have rarely been the topic of research, this study sought to describe their pre- and postoperative experiences.

METHODS

Using a qualitative descriptive design, researchers collected data from a convenience sample of 27 patients who were about to undergo or had recently undergone TKR. Preoperative data were obtained in focus group sessions (n = 17); postoperative data were obtained in individual interviews (n = 10). All data-collection sessions were tape-recorded and transcribed, and transcripts were analyzed. The researchers isolated themes by identifying recurrent words and phrases and then sorted the data into thematic categories.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged. First, many participants delayed surgery for months to years, despite increasing pain and limitation. Second, once participants decided to proceed with surgery, they entered a period of waiting and worrying about what would happen during and after surgery. Third, both pre- and postoperative participants struggled with the need for independence, as well as with learning to accept the new knee. And fourth, patients experienced postoperative pain associated with surgery and rehabilitation, yet reported having hope that they'd regain function.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that patients need to be better educated and supported before and after TKR surgery. More research is needed to shed light on how patients' experiences influence their decisions about the surgery and its outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Microenvironments Retain Chondrocyte Phenotypes During Proliferation Culture

Although autologous chondrocyte implantation has already been in clinical use, chondrocyte dedifferentiation is problematic during proliferation culture. We attempted a three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel culture under chondrocyte proliferation with repeated passaging to prevent the chondrocytes dedifferentiation. Human auricular chondrocytes were cultured in 3D or conventional monolayer conditions, which reached a 1000-fold increase in cell numbers at passages 3 and 4, respectively. During multiplication, the chondrocytes in 3D culture showed greater suppression of collagen type I (COL1) and preservation of collagen type II (COL2) than those in monolayer. Tissue-engineered cartilage made of 3D cells also abundantly accumulated COL2 or proteoglycan and possessed favorable mechanical properties. The advantage of 3D cells may result from the similarity of microenvironments in cell-to-matrix adhesion or cell-to-cell contacts with that of native cartilage. The up-regulation of integrins and down-regulation of cadherins in the 3D cells mimicked the expression pattern of native cartilage, rather than that of monolayer cells. The silencing of integrin beta1 and Ob-cadherin expression by small interfering ribonucleic acid in the cultured chondrocytes led to the promotion of dedifferentiation and redifferentiation, respectively, indicating that the 3D collagen gel culture provided sufficient cell preparation and reduced chondrocyte dedifferentiation, which is regarded as a feasible strategy in autologous chondrocyte implantation.

Who, when, and why total joint replacement surgery? The patient's perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although total joint replacement is an effective treatment for advanced arthritis, many whom might benefit are unwilling to consider this procedure. This review highlights advances in understanding of patients' perceptions of total joint replacement.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research shows that patients' willingness to consider total joint replacement varies by sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status as a result of systematic differences in knowledge and beliefs about the procedure. Individuals with low socioeconomic status and minorities view the procedure less favorably than their wealthier, white counterparts, possibly partly explaining disparity in rates of use of the procedure among these groups. Among those undergoing total joint replacement, up to 30% experience a suboptimal outcome or are dissatisfied with results. Early work suggests that patients' expectations and self-efficacy are important potential predictors of postoperative outcome. Patient information needs regarding total joint replacement vary significantly and possibly systematically by sex and race/ethnicity. Available information materials may not address the concerns of many individuals contemplating the procedure, posing a potential barrier to surgery.

SUMMARY

Targeted culturally sensitive knowledge dissemination strategies are needed to improve the knowledge and beliefs of people with hip/knee arthritis about total joint replacement.

Die Überbrückung von posttraumatischen Knochendefekten

Bony defects as a result of injury or disease can be caused by a variety of conditions such as acute injury, fall fractures in osteoporotic patients or tumours and congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system which necessitate the resection of affected parts of the bone. This results in a multitude of defects concerning localisation and specificity as well as a number of conditions involving both hard and soft tissue structures and various situations of different patients. A reasonable classification of defects which is relevant for practical purposes includes four basic types: defects of the spine, metaphyseal defects as well as partial and complete diaphyseal defects of long bones. A variety of options exists for the treatment of these conditions. The aim of all efforts is to reinstall the integrity of affected structures long-lastingly and dependably and at the same time guarantee the normal function of joints involved. In addition to classical treatment strategies which involve the use of autogenous and allogenous corticocancellous bone grafts a great number of bone substitute materials can also be used. Further options lie in complex reconstructive methods such as the transport of whole segments or the transplantation of vascularised bone grafts. The field of new regenerative strategies including tissue engineering as well as stem cell and gene therapy holds great promise for the future. The aim of this review is to derive a ranking from the evaluation of biological and mechanical characteristics for the treatment of posttraumatic defects.