Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Between Medial Pivot Prostheses and Posterior-Stabilized Prostheses in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Anatomical site of radiographic degeneration is an independent variable influencing outcome of total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine whether the site of anatomical degenerative change could be identified as an independent risk factor influencing clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 12 months postoperatively.

METHODS

We compared preoperative, postoperative and the change observed in Oxford Knee Score (OKS) amongst TKA patients categorised as primarily medial, lateral or patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFJOA). Multivariable regression analysis was conducted on 434 consecutive knees in 333 patients, adjusting for sex, age and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Adjusted estimates showed that preoperatively, patients with medial and lateral osteoarthritis (OA) had a lower mean OKS of 2.1 (p ​= ​0.049) and 2.3 (p ​= ​0.056) points respectively, while those with PFJOA had mean scores 2.7 points higher (p ​= ​0.062). There was no statistically significant difference between compartments in absolute postoperative OKS. The greatest improvement of 30.1 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.9-36.0, p ​= ​0.012) in OKS was observed for those with lateral OA, followed by 28.9 points (95% CI 16.7-35.3, p ​= ​0.049) for those with medial OA. The improvement observed postoperatively in patients with PFJOA was less than that observed for the average of the cohort at 24.5 (95% CI 11.5-29.7, p ​= ​0.088).

CONCLUSIONS

The site of compartmental involvement in knee OA is an independent factor influencing clinical outcome of TKA. With arthroplasty registry adoption of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), this study supports precise anatomical categorisation of knee OA in outcome studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective consecutive clinical study.

Efficiency assessment of follow-up methodology of patients with knee replacement to predict post-surgical functionality: a protocol for randomised control PROKnee trial

INTRODUCTION

Even when total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an extended treatment, most patients experience a suboptimal evolution after TKA. The objectives of this study are the following: (1) to determine the effectiveness of two different prosthesis stabilisation systems on the functionality in activities of daily life, and (2) to determine prognostic biomarkers of knee prosthesis function based on radiological information, quantification of cytokines, intra-articular markers and biomechanical functional evaluation to predict successful evolution.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The PROKnee trial was designed as a randomised controlled patient-blinded trial with two parallel groups that are currently ongoing. The initial recruitment will be 99 patients scheduled for their first TKA, without previous prosthesis interventions in lower limbs, who will be randomly divided into two groups that differed in the stabilisation methodology incorporated in the knee prosthesis: the MEDIAL-pivot group and the CENTRAL-pivot group. The maximum walking speed will be reported as the primary outcome, and the secondary results will be patient-reported questionnaires related to physical status, cognitive and mental state, radiological test, laboratory analysis and biomechanical instrumented functional performance, such as the 6-minute walking test, timed up-and-go test, gait, sit-to-stand, step-over, and ability to step up and down stairs. All the results will be measured 1 week before TKA and at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All procedures were approved by the Ethical Committee for Research with Medicines of the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia on 8 October 2020 (order no. 2020/181). Participants are required to provide informed consent for the study and for the surgical procedure. All the data collected will be treated confidentially since they will be blinded and encrypted. The results from the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, regardless of whether these results are negative or inconclusive.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04850300).

The Medial Pivot Design in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Medial pivot total knee arthroplasty implants are designed to function in a similar manner to that of the native knee with a relatively fixed medial center of rotation and a less conforming lateral compartment that follows an arcuate path. Medial pivot implants in total knee arthroplasty have increased in popularity with many companies offering medial pivot or retrofitted medial congruent implants, and there are variations between the various medial pivot and medial congruent implants. Existing literature on medial pivot implants have demonstrated high survivorship and patient outcomes. More studies are needed to compare newer medial pivot implants with each other and with retrofitted medial congruent implants.

Five or more gender- and size-diverse customizations of distal femur prostheses are needed to improve fit for Chinese knees

PURPOSE

Mismatch between partial imported prostheses and Chinese anatomy affects the clinical outcome of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to measure the anatomical dimensions of Chinese distal femurs to provide guidance for the design of more compatible distal femoral prostheses.

METHODS

A total of 406 healthy distal femurs were reconstructed and measured. Consistency of these measurements and differences in sides, gender, and populations were examined. Parameter correlations were analyzed, and pairs with strong correlations underwent linear regression analysis. The design of distal femoral prostheses was referenced from the results of K-means and hierarchical clustering analysis.

RESULTS

Ten parameters were measured, including the trans-epicondylar axis, width of the distal femur (ML), anteroposterior diameter of the distal femur (AP), etc. The intra-class correlation coefficient ranged from 0.795 to 0.999 for intra-observer consistency, and from 0.796 to 0.998 for inter-observer consistency. Males exhibited significantly larger parameters than females, except for the posterior condylar angle (all P values < 0.05). Compared to other populations, substantial differences were observed for most parameters, such as ML, AP, width of lateral femoral condyle, etc. (all P values < 0.05). Clustering analysis suggested that distal femoral prostheses should include at least five sizes to adequately accommodate the sampled population. ML sizes for males were 68, 70, 83, 73, and 89 mm, and for females 64, 65, 71, 67, and 77 mm. AP sizes for males were 56, 60, 60, 64, and 64 mm, and for females 48, 52, 54, 57, and 58 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese distal femur morphology, as analyzed using 3D techniques, varies significantly between genders and when compared with international data. For improved patient fit, the creation of five or more distal femur prostheses, diversified by gender and size and informed by the associated morphological parameters, is recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Early- to Mid-Term Review of a Prospective, Multi-Center, International, Outcomes Study of an Anatomically Designed Implant with Posterior-Stabilized Bearing in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background and Objectives: National joint registries report higher total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision rates in posterior-stabilized (PS) systems compared to non-posterior-stabilized designs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the implant survivorship and clinical outcomes of an anatomic implant with a PS bearing. Materials and Methods: An early- to mid-term follow-up of a prospective, multi-center, non-controlled outcomes study of patients who received primary TKA between November 2014 and June 2017 was performed. A total of 800 cases using PS bearings that were implanted in 664 patients were monitored post-operatively for their implant survivorship and adverse events for up to five years. The Knee Society Knee and Function scores, patient satisfaction, the five-dimensional European Quality of Life questionnaire, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at six weeks, six months, one year, two years, three years, and five years. Results: The mean follow-up period was 3.7 ± 1.3 years, and the three-year implant survival rate was 99.3% (95% CI: 98.4%, 99.7%) with five revisions during the five-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction was 96.1% at six weeks and increased to 99.3% at one year. All patient-reported outcome measures significantly (p < 0.0001) increased up to the one-year follow-up and then remained stable up to the five-year follow-up. Conclusions: This study supports the excellent survivorship and patient-reported outcomes of the Persona® Knee system using cemented, fixed bearing, posterior-stabilized components with minimal complications at early- to mid-term follow-up in an international Asian population. Ongoing observations are being performed to investigate the mid- to long-term survivorship and clinical outcomes associated with this knee system.

Are 20% of Patients Actually Dissatisfied Following Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is among the most performed orthopaedic surgeries in the United States with at least 1,000,000 cases performed per year. Dissatisfaction following TKA has often been reported as 20% or more, with a multitude of causes including sociodemographic, preoperative, and postoperative factors. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the rate and causes of dissatisfaction following TKA.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed searching databases from 2010 to 2022. Only primary TKA cases were included and all cases of unicompartmental arthroplasty and revisions were excluded. After abstracts were reviewed, 35 articles were selected for a full-length review, which was ultimately reduced to 21 articles for final inclusion.

RESULTS

The average rate of patient dissatisfaction was 10%. Excluding complications, the average rate of dissatisfaction was 7.3%. The most common sociodemographic factors for dissatisfaction were age < 65 years, lower income, and non-White patients. Preoperative factors included lower Kellgren-Lawrence scores, depression/anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Postoperatively, most dissatisfaction was due to complications, unmet expectations, persistent pain, and stiffness.

CONCLUSION

Based on our review, the average rate of patient dissatisfaction following TKA is 10%. Improved counseling for known risk factors may have reduced dissatisfaction rates by increasing preoperative patient optimization. Many studies in recent years have demonstrated the issue of poor patient coping skills, such as pain catastrophizing and anxiety/depression as a common cause of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, dissatisfaction following TKA still continues to affect a high portion of patients but less than historical reports of 20%.

Larger Medial Contact Area and More Anterior Contact Position in Medial-Pivot than Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty during In-Vivo Lunge Activity

This study aimed to compare the in-vivo kinematics and articular contact status between medial-pivot total knee arthroplasty (MP-TKA) and posterior stabilized (PS) TKA during weight-bearing single-leg lunge. 16 MP-TKA and 12 PS-TKA patients performed bilateral single-leg lunges under dual fluoroscopy surveillance to determine the in-vivo six degrees-of-freedom knee kinematics. The closest point between the surface models of the femoral condyle and the polyethylene insert was used to determine the contact position and area. The nonparametric statistics analysis was performed to test the symmetry of the kinematics between MP-TKA and PS-TKA. PS-TKA demonstrated a significantly greater range of AP translation than MP-TKA during high flexion (p = 0.0002). Both groups showed a significantly greater range of lateral compartment posterior translation with medial pivot rotation. The contact points of PS-TKA were located significantly more posterior than MP-TKA in both medial (10°–100°) and lateral (5°–40°, 55°–100°) compartments (p < 0.0500). MP-TKA had a significantly larger contact area in the medial compartment than in the lateral compartment. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in PS-TKA. The present study revealed no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the MP and PS groups. The PS-TKA demonstrated significantly more posterior translations than MP-TKA at high flexion. The contact points are located more posteriorly in PS-TKA compared with MP-TKA. A larger contact area and medial pivot pattern during high flexion in MP-TKA indicated that MP-TKA provides enhanced medial pivot rotation.

Custom total knee arthroplasty combined with personalised alignment grants 94% patient satisfaction at minimum follow-up of 2 years

PURPOSE

The purpose was to report detailed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction rates for computed tomography (CT)-based custom TKA at minimum follow-up of 2 years. The hypothesis was that custom TKA combined with 'personalised alignment' would yield equivalent or better PROMs compared to values reported in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on off-the-shelf (OTS) TKA.

METHODS

Of an initial cohort of 150 custom TKAs, four died (unrelated to surgery), one required a revision, and five refused participation, leaving 140 patients for analysis. Patients completed pre- and post-operative PROMs (Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC)) as well as overall level of satisfaction. Proportions that attained a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for OKS and FJS. Clinical findings were compared to the average scores reported for PROMs in recent systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses on OTS TKA. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the clinical findings as means, standard deviations (SD) and ranges, or numbers and percentages.

RESULTS

At mean follow-up 33.5 ± 4.5 months, 94% (135/143) were either satisfied or very satisfied. Proportions that achieved PASS were 89% for OKS (120/135), and 85% for FJS (118/139). Median OKS, WOMAC and KOOS Symptoms and Pain scores were all within the 4th quartile of medians reported in systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

At a minimum follow-up of two years following custom TKA combined with 'personalised alignment', 94% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied, and the PASS criteria were achieved in 89% for OKS and 85% for FJS, all of which compare favourably to published outcomes of OTS TKA. Direct comparisons to the literature may not be appropriate, however, considering the heterogeneity of patient demographics and alignment techniques. Randomised controlled trials with sufficient statistical power are needed to corroborate these findings and generalise them to unselected TKA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective cohort study.

Medial pivot-based total knee arthroplasty achieves better clinical outcomes than posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Stability in the sagittal plane, particularly regarding anterior cruciate ligament compensation, and postoperative functionality and satisfaction remain issues in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, this prospective study compared the clinical outcomes between medial-pivot-based and posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty based on anterior translation and clinical scores.

METHODS

To assess outcomes of total knee arthroplasty for varus osteoarthritis, the anterior translation distance of the tibia relative to the femur was measured at 30 and 60° of flexion using a KS measure Arthrometer at 6 months postoperatively. The 2011 Knee Society Score, Forgotten Joint Score, visual analogue scale for pain, and range of motion were assessed at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The correlations among each score, anterior translation distance, range of motion, and visual analogue scale score for pain were investigated.

RESULTS

The medial-pivot and posterior-stabilised groups comprised 70 and 51 patients, respectively. The medial-pivot group exhibited a significantly shorter anterior translation distance at 60° flexion than the posterior-stabilised group. Furthermore, the medial-pivot group achieved significantly better outcomes regarding the visual analogue scale for pain, 2011 Knee Society Score, and Forgotten Joint Score than the posterior-stabilised group. A significant negative correlation was observed between the anterior translation distance and the function score of the 2011 Knee Society Score, whereas a significant positive correlation was found between the anterior translation distance and flexion angle, and between the extension angle and score of the Forgotten Joint Score or 2011 Knee Society Score. Significant negative correlations were also found between the pain visual analogue scale and both the 2011 Knee Society Score and Forgotten Joint Score.

CONCLUSION

In total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, the medial-pivot group displayed a shorter anterior translation distance than the posterior-stabilised group at 6 months postoperatively. The visual analogue scale score for pain was also significantly lower in the medial-pivot group than that in the posterior-stabilised group at both 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Because a correlation was observed between the anterior translation distance and the function score, medial-pivot-based total knee arthroplasty was considered to significantly improve postoperative function compared to posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty.

Different Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain and Risk Factors in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis at Stages of Outpatient, Awaiting and after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective

Neuropathic pain (NP) plays an important role in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the prevalence of NP at different treatment stages including outpatient, awaiting and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been compared. The understanding of this issue and identify risk factors can help physicians develop individualized strategies to manage the pain of KOA. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of NP at different treatment stages of KOA.

Methods

Patients diagnosed as KOA between August 2016 and August 2020 were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and divided into three groups according to treatment stage, including outpatient stage, awaiting TKA stage (pre‐TKA) and after TKA stage (post‐TKA). A numeric rating scale (NRS) and PainDETECT questionnaire were used to evaluate nociceptive pain and NP. Patient demographics, radiological assessments using Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) grade, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were analyzed. Data analysis and statistics were processed using SPSS 20.0 and examined by ANOVA with/without Bonferroni correction or Kruskal–Wallis test. A chi‐square test was used to determine cross‐table data and calculate the odds ratio (OR) value.

Results

Of the 921 patients, the prevalence of possible and likely NP was 17.5% (56/320) and 2.5% (8/320) in the pre‐TKA group compared with 3.4% (8/233) and 0.4% (1/233) in the outpatient group and 1.4% (5/368) and 0.5% (2/368) in the post‐TKA group, respectively. In the pre‐TKA group, higher NRS (NRS >3; OR = 10.65, 95% CI: 3.25–34.92, P < 0.001) and WOMAC pain score (score > 10; OR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.38–10.01, P < 0.001) conferred an increased risk of unclear pain. Age, gender, BMI and K‐L grade showed no significant differences among the unlikely, possible and likely NP groups.

Conclusion

Prevalence of NP is different at stages of out‐patient, awaiting and after TKA in patients with KOA. Patients awaiting TKA have the highest prevalence of NP compared with patients in outpatient and post‐TKA groups. In the patients waiting for TKA, higher NRS (NRS >3) and WOMAC pain scores (score > 10) are risk factors of NP.

Medial pivot prosthesis has a better functional score and lower complication rate than posterior-stabilized prosthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

We aimed to compare the postoperative clinical efficacy and safety of medial pivot (MP) prosthesis and posterior-stabilized (PS) prosthesis in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

All studies involving MP and PS prosthesis in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched since the establishment of the database. The included outcomes were knee range of motion (ROM), functional score, radiographic results, complication rate, and revision rate. Studies were independently evaluated by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for case–control studies and the assessment tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for randomized controlled trials. I² was used to test the heterogeneity, and fixed- or random-effects models were selected for meta-analysis according to the heterogeneity results.

Results

A total of 19 studies, consisting of 3592 patients and 3783 knees (MP: 1811 knees, PS: 1972 knees), were included in the meta-analysis. The WOMAC (MD = − 1.11, 95% CI − 1.98 to − 0.23; P = 0.01) and HSS (MD = − 4.32, 95% CI − 8.30 to − 0.34; P = 0.03) in the MP group were significantly lower compared with the PS group, and the complication rate (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.87; P = 0.01) was also lower compared with the PS group. There was no significant difference in ROM, radiographic results, and revision rate between the two groups (P > 0.5).

Conclusions

The existing literature provided evidence to support better clinical effect and lower complication rate of MP prosthesis compared to PS prosthesis. These results provide a reference for clinicians when choosing a suitable prosthesis.

Medial Pivot Versus Posterior-Stabilized Prosthesis Design in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies of clinical outcomes that compare the Medial Pivot design (MP) with the Posterior-Stabilized design (PS) were controversial. The meta-analysis was performed to summarize existing evidence, aiming to determine whether MP was superior to PS prosthesis.

METHODS

Search strategies followed the recommendations of the Cochrane collaboration. Electronic searches such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were systematically searched for publications concerning medical pivot and posterior stabilized prosthesis from the inception date to April 2021. Authors also manually checked and retrieved a reference list of included publications for potential studies, which the electronic searches had not found. Two investigators independently searched, screened, and reviewed the full text of the article. Disagreements generated throughout the process were resolved by consensus, and if divergences remain, they were arbitrated by a third author. Subsequently, patients were divided into the MP and PS groups.

RESULTS

This study included 18 articles, comprising a total of 2614 patients with a similar baseline. The results showed the PS group had a higher risk of the patellar clunk or crepitus. However, the theoretical advantages of MP prosthesis could not translate to the difference in knee function, clinical complications, revision rate and satisfaction. Similarly, the shape and mechanism of prostheses could not affect the implant position and postoperative alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

The MP prosthesis can reduce the patellar clunk or crepitus rate. However, choices between the MP and PS prosthesis would not affect knee function, clinical complications, revision rate, patient satisfaction, implant position, and postoperative alignment.

Comparison of the clinical and patient-reported outcomes between medial stabilized and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is effective in relieving pain and improving function in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Both medial stabilized total knee arthroplasty (MS-TKA) and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA) can achieve satisfactory clinical results, but comparisons between MS-TKA and PS-TKA have yielded contradictory conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the differences in clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) between MS-TKA and PS-TKA.

METHODS

In December 2020, systematic searches of the following databases were undertaken: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov. Studies with PROMs comparing MS-TKA to PS-TKA were included. Meta-analysis was conducted for range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Society Functional Score (KFS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS).

RESULTS

There were 17 studies included in this review, 13 studies used for quantitative analysis, and 4 studies used for qualitative synthesis. Meta-analysis concluded that the WOMAC mean difference (MD) for MS-TKA was 1.55 higher than for PS-TKA (MD = -1.55; 95 %CI = -2.45 to -0.64, P = 0.0008); however, this difference was less than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) value of 15. Assessment using the OKS determined that the MD for PS-TKA was 0.58 higher than for MS-TKA (MD = 0.58; 95 %CI = 0.25 to 0.91, P = 0.0006); again, this MD was less than the MCID value of 5. There were no significant differences between MS-TKA and PS-TKA when assessed by ROM (P = 0.23), KSS (P = 0.13), KFS (P = 0.61), or FJS (P = 0.22).

CONCLUSION

Derived from numerous sources, utilizing a multitude of validated functional and patient-reported outcome assessment tools, there was no clinically evident advantage of MS-TKA compared to PS-TKA.

REGISTRATION

The registration number on PROSPERO is CRD42021228555.

Comparison of Biomechanical Gait Parameters and Patient-Reported Outcome in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty With the Use of Fixed-Bearing Medial Pivot and Multi-radius Design Implants—Retrospective Matched-Cohort Study

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered to be highly successful in treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis. There are multiple implant designs available on the market, and it is difficult to point which one is the best. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes and gait pattern after TKA with the use of fixed-bearing medial pivot (K-Mod) vs multi-radius design (NexGen) implants and to compare them to norms for healthy patients with no osteoarthritis or arthroplasty procedure in anamnesis.

Methods

A group of 30 patients who received the medial pivot (MP) TKA and 33 patients who received the posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA between May and August of 2018 were included. All surgeries were performed in the level III academic hospital by a single surgeon. Every patient was asked to fulfill the The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Standard X-ray, biomechanical gait analysis using a motion capture system, and statistical analysis were performed at 2 years postoperatively.

Results

A total of 28 patients from either MP cohort (93%) or PS (85%) matched-control cohort completed the whole assessment at the final follow-up. There were statistically significant differences in a few gait parameters such as shorter mean step length both in operated and healthy limb, lower mean gait velocity, and lower mean walking cadence than the norm in both MP and PS groups. As to the WOMAC score, there was statistically significant improvement in both groups comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes. Nevertheless, in the MP group, there was a significantly higher score, indicating worse outcomes, in the stiffness part of the WOMAC score than in the PS group. No significant differences were found between groups during radiological evaluation.

Conclusions

There were satisfying and promising clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes in both MP and PS groups with very little difference in relation to norm values. However, both implants failed in fully restoring gait patterns similar to the healthy limb of the same patient.

Medial stabilised total knee arthroplasty achieves comparable clinical outcomes when compared to other TKA designs: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures of medially stabilised (MS) TKA when compared to other TKA designs.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses algorithm was used. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMCARE databases were searched to June 2020. Studies with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up comparing an MS TKA design to any other TKA design were included. The statistical analysis was completed using Review Manager (RevMan), Version 5.3.

RESULTS

The 22 studies meeting the inclusion criteria included 3011 patients and 4102 TKAs. Overall Oxford Knee Scores were significantly better (p = 0.0007) for MS TKA, but there was no difference in the Forgotten Joint Scores (FJS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS)-Knee, KSS-Function, and range of motion between MS and non-MS TKA designs. Significant differences were noted for sub-group analyses; MS TKA showed significantly worse KSS-Knee (p = 0.02) and WOMAC (p = 0.03) scores when compared to Rotating Platform (RP) TKA while significantly better FJS (p = 0.002) and KSS-knee scores (p = 0.0001) when compared to cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA.

CONCLUSION

This review and meta-analysis show that MS TKA designs result in both patient and clinical outcomes that are comparable to non-MS implants. These results suggest implant design alone may not provide further improvement in patient outcome following TKA, surgeons must consider other factors, such as alignment to achieve superior outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Medial pivot versus (cam post) posterior stabilised total knee arthroplasty, systematic review and meta-analysis of 3837 knees

In the current literature, there is no consensus as to whether the medial pivot (MP) or posterior-stabilised (PS) knee provides the best result for the patient in the context of post-operative range of motion (ROM) and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The aim of this systematic review is to provide this equipoise with some clarity. We conducted this study following both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Statement (PRISMA) and the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Studies comparing the MP and PS knees from all regions and written in any language were included. Twenty- one studies were included in this meta-analysis. They were prepared and analysed using Review Manager V5.0 [Computer Program] (RevMan5). We calculated the risk ratio to measure the treatment effect, taking the heterogeneity of the studies into consideration. Random-effect models were also utilised. MP knees were found to have a significant advantage over PS knees in terms of WOMAC score at the midterm follow up, and insignificant advantages over PS knees in terms of ROM and FJS at one and two years follow- up. Additionally, the PS knees demonstrated an in significantly higher Knee Society Score (KSS) at short and midterm follow up. In terms of ROM, KSS, OKS and FJS this meta-analysis suggests a non-significant advantages for the MP knee compared with the PS prothesis in the short term. The MP implant also showed a significantly superior WOMAC score at short-term follow-up. An extended follow-up period is required to evaluate whether the MP knee is superior than the PS in the long-term.

No difference in 13-year survival after medial pivot or central pivot mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. A propensity matched comparative analysis

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to evaluate the long-term results (more than 10 years) of mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to compare the survival of medial pivot axis (MPA) and central pivot axis (CPA) TKAs. The primary hypothesis was that the 10- to 15-year survival rate of MPA TKAs will be better than CPA TKAs.

METHODS

A national, multicenter, retrospective study was performed in France. In this case-control design, 1154 TKAs were paired into the CPA group (control group: 577 cases) and MPA group (study group: 577 cases) based on a logistic regression analysis of age, gender, body mass index and severity of the coronal deformity, defining the propensity score for each case. Final survival information follow-up was obtained for 946 cases (82%).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the control and study groups for any baseline data. Twenty-two prosthetic revisions (2%) were performed for mechanical reasons during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference between the 13-year survival rates of CPA (98%) and MPA (97%) TKAs. There was no significant difference between groups in their final Oxford and Knee Society scores.

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not support the assumption that medialization of the pivot axis of a mobile bearing TKA improves clinical results or survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Loss of Knee Flexion and Femoral Rollback of the Medial-Pivot and Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty During Early-Stance of Walking in Chinese Patients

Background The medial-pivot (MP) prosthesis was developed to produce more physiological postoperative knee kinematics and better patient satisfaction than traditional prostheses, but outcomes are inconsistent in different studies of Caucasian patients. This study aimed to investigate the postoperative patient satisfaction and in vivo knee kinematics of the MP and posterior-stabilized (PS) prosthesis during gait activity in Chinese patients.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 12 patients was received for this study in each MP group and PS group. Patient-reported satisfaction level and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were evaluated with questionnaires. A dual fluoroscopic imaging system was used to investigate in vivo knee kinematics of MP and PS total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during treadmill walking at a speed of 0.4 m/s.

Results Comparable promising patient satisfaction and overall FJS (MP 60.7 ± 15.35 vs. PS 51.3 ± 17.62, p = 0.174) were found between the MP and PS groups. Peak flexion appeared at around 70% of gait cycle with values of 52.4 ± 7.4° for MP and 50.1 ± 3.6° for PS groups (no difference). Both groups maintained a stable position at the stance phase and began to translated anteriorly at toe-off with an amount of 4.5 ± 2.3 mm in the MP and 6.6 ± 2.7 mm in the PS (p = 0.08) group until late swing. The range of this external rotation motion was 5.9 ± 4.8 and 6.2 ± 4.1° (p = 0.79) for the MP and PS, respectively.

Conclusion A similar knee kinematics pattern characterized by a loss of early-stance knee flexion and femoral rollback during walking was observed in the MP and PS TKAs. Our study confirmed similar effectiveness of MP TKA compared to PS TKA in Chinese patients, while the change of knee kinematics of both implants during slow walking should be noted.

Isolated Partial Femoral Avulsion Fracture of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament in Adults

Objective

To investigate the manifestation, mechanisms, and treatment of isolated partial femoral avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in adults.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of three patients with isolated partial femoral avulsion fractures of the PCL who were admitted to our institution. All of these patients were admitted to our emergency department within 24 h after injury. After physical examination and radiographs were taken and reviewed, all patients were admitted and underwent surgical treatment. In a 26‐year‐old man who underwent arthroscopic surgery through the traditional medial and lateral approach before finally converting to open surgery with the posterior approach, the fragment that was finally removed was partially attached to the PCL. In the other two patients, women aged 63 and 68 years, who underwent arthroscopic surgery via the traditional medial and lateral approach, the fragments were large and attached to most fibers of the PCL. We fixed the fragments using hollow screws in arthroscopic view. In addition, in the 63‐year‐old patient, an anchor was embedded to restore the tension of the PCL. Four weeks after surgery, the patients started to wear long leg braces in full extension with the tibia blocked up by cushion. Physical examinations were conducted and radiographs were taken preoperatively and at 4 weeks and 3 months after surgery to evaluate the condition of the injury. The range of motion and the Lysholm knee scoring scale for the knee joint were compared before and after the surgery.

Results

For the three patients, the radiographs taken at 3 months postoperatively showed that the fixation of the screws did not fail, and the subchondral bone was generally normal compared to the preoperative radiographs. CT scanning at 3 months after surgery showed that the fracture healed in the original position of the avulsion site. For all patients, the affected knees presented as stable at physical examination 3 months after surgery; the Lachmann test and the anterior drawer test results were negative. In addition, the flexion–extension, internal rotation, and external rotation were approximately 0°–130°, 0°–30°, and 0°–40° in the 26‐year‐old patient, respectively. The flexion–extension, internal rotation, and external rotation were approximately 0°–100°, 0°–20°, and 0°–35° for the 63‐year‐old patient, respectively. The flexion–extension, internal rotation, and external rotation were approximately 0°–100°, 0°–15°, and 0°–20° for the 68‐year‐old patient, respectively. There was no pain or only little pain 3 months after surgery. There was no swelling or discomfort at the 3‐month follow up. The Lysholm knee scores of the 68‐year‐old, 63‐year‐old, and 26‐year‐old patient were 80, 87, and 95 at 3 months after surgery, respectively, which were obviously improved postoperatively.

Conclusion

The manifestation of isolated partial femoral avulsion fractures of the PCL in adults is often related to the injury mechanism, and surgery is essential for the treatment of these patients. Most of these fractures can be repaired by arthroscopic surgery, but some have to be treated by open surgery.

A new robotically assisted system for total knee arthroplasty: A sheep model study

BACKGROUND

We investigated the accuracy and safety of a new HURWA robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system in a sheep model.

METHODS

Ten male small-tailed Han sheep were used in this study. Sheep were imaged by computed tomography scan before and after bone resection and the cutting errors between actual bone preparation and preoperative planning of the femur and tibia in three dimensions were measured.

RESULTS

The overall accuracies after surgery compared with that from preoperative surgical planning of the left and right femurs were 1.93 ± 1.02° and 1.93 ± 1.23°, respectively. Additionally, similarly high overall accuracies for the left and right tibia of 1.26 ± 1.04 and 1.68 ± 0.92°, respectively, were obtained. The gap distances of the distal cut, anterior chamfer, anterior cut, posterior chamfer and posterior cut on the medial side were 0.47 ± 0.35 mm, 0.41 ± 0.37 mm, 0.12 ± 0.26 mm, 0.41 ± 0.44 mm and 0.12 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. No intraoperative complications, such as intraoperative fracture, massive bleeding or death, occurred.

CONCLUSION

This new HURWA robotic-assisted TKA system is an accurate and safe tool for TKA surgery based on the sheep model.

Comparison of Postoperative Effects between Medial Pivot Prosthesis and Posterior Stabilized Prosthesis

Objective

To compare the postoperative inflammation and pain response between medial pivot (MP) and posterior stabilized (PS) prostheses among total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to May 2019 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The study included patients diagnosed with stage III or IV Kellgren–Lawrence knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who had failed conservative treatment, had undergone no previous knee surgeries, had varus substantial deformities (11°–20° deviation), and had received their first unilateral TKA. A total of 109 patients who underwent PS prosthesis TKA and 98 patients who underwent MP prosthesis TKA were continuously enrolled. Inflammation biomarkers, such as leukocyte (white blood cells), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP), together with hemoglobin (Hb), the visual analog pain score (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) were compared between the two groups. The Student t‐test was applied to analyze continuous parameters, and the χ²‐test was used for categorical parameters. The linear mixed model was used for the repeated measurement data from the follow‐up visits. Multivariate backward logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the factors potentially influencing prostheses and VAS scores.

Results

All these enrolled patients were followed up at 2, 4, 7, and 30 days after TKA. There were no significant differences between the PS group and the MP group in body mass index (BMI), gender, laterality, usage of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, and drain tube extubation time (P > 0.05). Compared with the PS group, the MP group were older (67.5 years vs 65.4 years), and had a higher mid‐vastus approach rate (67.3% vs 26.6%), a shorter tourniquet duration (68.3 ± 10.2 h vs 73.9 ± 11.2 h), a larger prosthetic pad (10.8 ± 1.2 mm vs 10.4 ± 1.2 mm), and a lower drain tube diversion volume (187.6 ± 119.3 mL vs 234.0 ± 155.7 mL). In the linear mixed model, MP prostheses had less CRP and ESR elevation and less Hb decrease than PS prostheses (P for group × time < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the changing trends between MP and PS prostheses by time for VAS scores and ROM. In the multivariate logistic regression model, MP prostheses showed significant differences compared with PS prostheses in treatment approach (odds ratio [OR] = 3.371, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.953–7.127; P < 0.001), ultrasound treatment start time (OR = 2.669, 95% CI: 1.385–5.141; P = 0.003), and tourniquet duration (OR = 0.954, 95% CI: 0.925–0.984; P = 0.003). Higher VAS scores on the second day postoperatively were related to high VAS scores preoperatively, use of opioids, high drain tube diversion, long tourniquet duration, and long drain tube extubation (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

The MP prostheses showed potential advantages compared with PS prostheses in TKA in inflammatory responses.