Cost-effectiveness of total joint arthroplasty in osteoarthritis

Porous Tantalum Acetabular Cups in Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Has Been the Experience So Far?-A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

The global population, especially in the Western world, is constantly aging and the need for total hip arthroplasties has rocketed, hence there has been a notable increase in revision total hip arthroplasty cases. As time has passed, a considerable developments in science and medicine have been attained which have also resulted in the evolution of both surgical techniques and implants. Continuous improvements have allowed large bore bearings to be utilized which provide an increased range of motion, with ameliorated stability and a very low rate of wear. The trend for almost the last two decades has been the employment of porous tantalum acetabular cups. Several studies exist comparing them with other conventional methods for total hip arthroplasties, exhibiting promising short and midterm results.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and a Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used to identify published studies in a comprehensive search up to February 2023, and these studies were reviewed by the authors of the article. Specific rigorous pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies met our inclusion criteria and were involved in the systematic review. Sixteen studies examined postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes of using a tantalum cup in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty, whilst four biomechanical studies proved the superiority of tantalum acetabular components. Five articles provided a thorough comparison between tantalum and titanium acetabular cups, while the other studies analyzed long-terms results and complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Porous tantalum acetabular cups appear to be a valuable option in revision total hip arthroplasty, providing clinical improvement, radiological stability, and promising long-term outcomes. However, ongoing research, longer follow-up periods, and careful consideration of patient factors are essential to further validate and refine the use of tantalum in various clinical scenarios.

Sex-based Differences in Patient Perspectives and Experiences With Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Sex disparities in presentation of osteoarthritis and utilization of joint replacement surgery (JRS) have been demonstrated. The role of patients' unique perspectives on JRS on their treatment decisions is poorly understood.

METHODS

JRS candidates who were offered JRS but declined surgical treatment completed this survey. Survey questions included demographic information, patient experiences and current opinions around JRS, patient experiences with providers, goals and concerns, and barriers to JRS.

RESULTS

More women experience barriers to undergoing JRS compared with men (53% versus 16%; P = 0.014). While both men and women indicated pain relief as their primary goal for treatment, women were significantly more likely to prioritize regaining the ability to complete daily tasks and responsibilities when compared with men (P = 0.007). Both men and women indicated that low symptom severity and nonsurgical treatment options were the reasons for not undergoing JRS (P = 0.455). Compared with men, women trended toward feeling that they were not sufficiently educated about JRS (P = 0.051).

CONCLUSION

Women have unique perspectives and goals for JRS that may pose sex-specific barriers to care. A better understanding of how patients' gendered experiences affect their decision making is necessary to improve treatment of osteoarthritis and decrease disparities in care.

Factors associated with physical activity following total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients' physical activity (PA) levels at 6 months are lower than those of healthy subjects. Few studies have investigated the factors associated with PA at 6 months after TKA by objectively measuring preoperative and postoperative PA intensity using an accelerometer and knee function using a goniometer and dynamometer. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with PA levels at 6 months after TKA based on objective data.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients (mean [SD] age 74.5 [6.4] years) with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were scheduled for TKA at the Nagoya Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Clinic from July 2018 to July 2019 were enrolled in this longitudinal study. All patients underwent evaluations of knee function, including range-of-motion and knee-extension muscle strength; knee pain; performance in the timed up-and-go test; and accelerometer-measured PA both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Factors associated with PA at 6 months after TKA were assessed using a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

A higher average daily step count at 6 months after TKA was significantly associated with greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side (β = 0.155, p = 0.028) as well as a higher preoperative average daily step count (β = 0.834, p < 0.001). Furthermore, average daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA postoperatively was significantly associated only with time spent in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA preoperatively (β = 0.723, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that a higher preoperative daily step count and greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side may be associated with a higher daily step count at 6 months after TKA. Factors associated with PA differed by the PA intensity level. Rehabilitation and interventions for psychosocial factors before TKA beginning when mild knee OA first occurs are expected to lead to increased PA in TKA patients.

Effect of diabetes mellitus on physical activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be comorbid with diabetes mellitus (DM), and physical activity is a recommended lifestyle strategy for both diseases. The present study investigated the physical activity differences by intensity between knee OA patients with or without DM, and evaluated if physical activity was associated with the presence of DM in knee OA patients.

METHODS

A total of 183 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 6.4 years) with moderate-to-severe knee OA underwent evaluation of knee function (i.e., knee flexion/extension range-of-motion, knee-extension muscle strength, and knee pain), the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and physical activity measurement using an accelerometer. Physical activity by intensity was compared between knee OA patients with and without DM. The association between physical activity, including knee function and the TUG test time, and DM was assessed.

RESULTS

The 2 groups (with or without DM) did not differ significantly in knee OA severity or age. Compared to knee OA patients without DM, knee OA patients with DM had a significantly lower average daily step count (p < 0.001), and significantly shorter times spent performing light-intensity physical activity (LPA; p < 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA; p = 0.006). After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, we found that a lower average daily step count and shorter LPA time significantly correlated with DM (β = -0.200, p = 0.006; β = -0.216, p = 0.004, respectively) and a longer TUG test time (β = -0.196, p = 0.014; β = -0.208, p = 0.011, respectively). A shorter MVPA time significantly correlated with lower contralateral knee-extension muscle strength (β = 0.187, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Knee OA patients with DM had significantly lower physical activity levels than those without DM. Furthermore, the presence of DM correlated with a lower step count and a shorter LPA time in knee OA patients.

Understanding Health Economics in Joint Replacement Surgery

The number of arthroplasty procedures has been rising at a significant rate, contributing to a notable portion of the nation's health care spending. This growth has contributed to an increase in the number of health care economic studies in the field of adult reconstruction surgery. Although these articles are filled with important information, they can be difficult to understand without a background in business or economics. The goal of this review is to define the common terminology used in health care economic studies, assess their value and benefit in the context of total joint arthroplasty, and highlight shortcomings in the current literature. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(4):e174-e182.].

The Effect of Patient Age and Surgical Appropriateness and Their Influence on Surgeon Recommendations for Primary TKA: A Cross-Sectional Study of 2,037 Patients

BACKGROUND

Rising total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates in younger patients raises concern about appropriateness. We asked: are younger individuals who seek consultation for TKA less likely to be appropriate for and, controlling for appropriateness, more likely to be recommended for surgery?

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was nested within a prospective cohort study of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients referred for TKA from 2014 to 2016 to centralized arthroplasty centers in Alberta, Canada. Pre-consultation, questionnaires assessed patients' TKA appropriateness (need, based on knee symptoms and prior treatment; readiness/willingness to undergo TKA; health status; and expectations) and contextual factors (for example, employment). Post-consultation, surgeons confirmed study eligibility and reported their TKA recommendation. Using generalized estimating equations to control for clustering by surgeon, we assessed relationships between patient age (<50, 50 to 59, ≥60 years) and TKA appropriateness and receipt of a surgeon TKA recommendation.

RESULTS

Of 2,037 participants, 3.3% and 22.7% were <50 and 50 to 59 years of age, respectively, 58.7% were female, and 35.5% were employed. Compared with older participants, younger participants reported significantly worse knee symptoms, higher use of OA therapies, higher TKA readiness, and similar willingness, but had higher body mass index and were more likely to smoke and to consider the ability to participate in vigorous activities, for example, sports, as very important TKA outcomes. TKA was offered to 1,500 individuals (73.6% overall; 52.2%, 71.0%, and 75.4% of those <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, respectively). In multivariate analyses, the odds of receiving a TKA recommendation were higher with greater TKA need and willingness, in nonsmokers, and in those who indicated that improved ability to go upstairs and to straighten the leg were very important TKA outcomes. Controlling for TKA appropriateness, patient age was not associated with surgeons' TKA recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger individuals with knee OA referred for TKA had similar or greater TKA need, readiness, and willingness than older individuals. Incorporation of TKA appropriateness criteria into TKA decision-making may facilitate consideration of TKA benefits and risks in a growing population of young, obese individuals with knee OA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Younger people seeking TKA for knee OA had significant OA pain and disability despite recommended OA therapies, suggesting appropriateness for surgical consideration. However, they were significantly more likely to have morbid obesity, to smoke, and to consider return to vigorous activities, like sport, as important TKA outcomes. Whether the short- and longer-term risks of TKA are outweighed by the benefits is unclear and warrants additional research.

Return to work after lumbar disc herniation surgery: an occupational cohort study

Background and purpose - Lumbar disc herniation is a common surgically treated condition in the working-age population. We assessed health-related risk factors for return to work (RTW) after excision of lumbar disc herniation. Previous studies on the subject have had partly contradictory findings.Patients and methods - RTW of 389 (n = 111 male, n = 278 female; mean age 46 years, SD 8.9) employees who underwent excision of lumbar disc herniation was assessed based on the Finnish Public Sector Study (FPS). Baseline information on occupation, preceding health, and health-risk behaviors was derived from linkage to national health registers and FPS surveys before the operation. The likelihood of RTW was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard univariable and multivariable modelling.Results - 95% of the patients had returned to work at 12 months after surgery, after on average 78 days of sickness absence. Faster RTW in the univariable Cox model was associated with a small number of sick leave days (< 30 days) before operation (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6); high occupational position (HR 1.6, CI 1.2-2.1); and age under 40 years (HR 1.5, CI 1.1-1.9). RTW was not associated with sex or the health-related risk factors obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, poor self-rated health, psychological distress, comorbid conditions, or purchases of pain or antidepressant medications in either the univariable or multivariable model.Interpretation - Almost all employees returned to work after excision of lumbar disc herniation. Older age, manual job, and prolonged sick leave before the excision of lumbar disc herniation were risk factors for delayed return to work after the surgery.

Robotic-arm assisted versus manual total hip arthroplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis of radiographic accuracy

BACKGROUND

We systematically reviewed the radiological outcomes of studies comparing robotic-assisted (RA-THA) and manual total hip arthroplasty (mTHA).

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried from 1994-2021 for articles comparing radiographic outcomes between RA-THA and mTHA cohorts. A meta-analysis was conducted whenever sufficient data was present for common outcomes.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 20 articles reporting on 4140 patients (RA-THA: n = 1228; mTHA: n = 2912). No differences were demonstrated for acetabular inclination or anteversion. However, RA-THA demonstrated higher rates of cup orientation within the Lewinnek and Callanan safe zones, improved femoral stem alignment, and lower global offset difference (GOD) and limb length discrepancy (all p-values <0.05). Superior femoral canal fill and combined offset were seen among RA-THA patients.

CONCLUSION

Our review found that the use of RA-THA yields superior radiographic outcomes compared to mTHA counterparts. This information can inform healthcare systems considering investing in and implementing these technologies.

Comparing early and mid-term outcomes between robotic-arm assisted and manual total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

The projected increase in utilization rates of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has created an emphasis on novel technologies that can aid providers in maintaining historically positive outcomes. Widespread utilization of robotic assisted THA (RA-THA) is contingent upon achieving favorable outcomes compared to its traditional manual counterpart (mTHA). Therefore, the purpose of our systematic review was to compare RA-THA and mTHA in terms of the following: (1) functional outcomes and (2) complication rates. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for articles published October 1994 and May 2021 comparing functional outcomes and complication rates between RA-THA and mTHA cohorts. When three or more studies evaluated certain PROMs and complications, a pooled analysis utilizing Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) models was conducted utilizing data from final follow-up. Our final analysis included 18 studies which reported on a total of 2811 patients [RA-THA: n = 1194 (42.48%); mTHA: n = 1617 (57.52%)]. No significant differences were demonstrated for a majority of pooled analyses and when segregating by robotic system. Only WOMAC scores were significantly lower among RA-THA patients (p = 0.0006). For outcomes without sufficient data for a pooled analysis, there were no significant differences reported among included studies. The growing utilization of RA-THA motivates comparisons to its manual counterpart. Collectively, we found comparable functional outcomes and complication profiles between RA-THA and mTHA cohorts. More randomized controlled trials of higher quality and larger sample sizes are necessary to further strengthen these findings.

Influence of sex and gender on the management of late-stage knee osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

The exact nature of sex and gender differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) among patient candidates for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear and requires better elucidation to guide clinical practice. The purpose of this investigation was to survey physician practices and perceptions about the influence of sex and gender on knee OA presentation, care, and outcomes after TKA.

METHODS

The survey questions were elaborated by a multidisciplinary scientific board composed of 1 pain specialist, 4 orthopedic specialists, 2 physiatrists, and 1 expert in gender medicine. The survey included 5 demographic questions and 20 topic questions. Eligible physician respondents were those who treat patients during all phases of care (pain specialists, orthopedic specialists, and physiatrists). All survey responses were anonymized and handled via remote dispersed geographic participation.

RESULTS

Fifty-six physicians (71% male) accepted the invitation to complete the survey. In general, healthcare professionals expressed that women presented worse symptomology, higher pain intensity, and lower pain tolerance and necessitated a different pharmacological approach compared to men. Pain and orthopedic specialists were more likely to indicate sex and gender differences in knee OA than physiatrists. Physicians expressed that the absence of sex and gender-specific instruments and indications is an important limitation on available studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals perceive multiple sex and gender-related differences in patients with knee OA, especially in the pre- and perioperative phases of TKA. Sex and gender bias sensitivity training for physicians can potentially improve the objectivity of care for knee OA among TKA candidates.

Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Shorter Length of Stay but Increased Mortality Compared With Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with high patient satisfaction. However, controversy remains regarding the safety and efficacy of conducting simultaneous bilateral (simBTKA) versus staged bilateral TKA (staBTKA). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence for simBTKA versus staBTKA and compare clinical outcomes including mortality, complications and length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A search was performed of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane central databases between January 2000 and March 2020. Search terms included "simultaneous," "staged," and "bilateral TKA." Inclusion criteria comprised studies comparing outcomes of simBTKA versus staBTKA. Quality of included studies was assessed and meta-analyses of pooled data was conducted.

RESULTS

29 articles published between 2001 and 2020 were included in qualitative synthesis from 927 potentially relevant titles, comprising 257,284 patients. 104,207 patients underwent simBTKA and 153,632 patients underwent staBTKA. simBTKA was associated with significantly increased 90-day mortality rate (P < .00001, OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.79-2.81), increased incidence of pulmonary embolism (P < .00001, OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.51-1.89), venous thrombosis (P < .00001, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.23-1.43), and neurological complications (P = .002, OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.13-1.77). Incidence of superficial and deep infection was significantly increased with staBTKA (P = .02, P < .00001 respectively). Revision rate within one year was equivocal. Mean LOS was 2.1 days shorter for simBTKA.

CONCLUSION

SimBTKA was associated with decreased incidence of infection and LOS but increased incidence of 90-day mortality, venous thromboembolism and neurological complications. Revision rates were equivocal. Patients should be selected and counseled based on the risks respective to each strategy.

Understanding the apprehension and concern haunting patients before a total knee arthroplasty

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to understand the fear and apprehension factors that play on patient’s mind before total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 500 consecutive patients (375 females and 125 males) who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty the next day. The patients were asked to list the most important fear in their mind regarding the operation in descending order of importance. They were given a questionnaire form which contained several capture points, including age, gender, educational background, occupation, and provision of help at home. Preoperative pain was measured by using the visual analog score, and its influence on the patients’ fear and apprehension factors was also measured.

Results

In this study, 58% of patients (50 males, 40%; 240 females, 64%) were fearful of the pain that they would experience after surgery and during the postoperative physiotherapy. The female patients showed more fear of pain than their male counterparts (P < 0.05). 18% of the patients (40 males, 32%; 50 females, 13%) listed whether they will be able to walk and perform activities of daily living after surgery as the most important fear. The male patients had more fear of returning to normal walking (P < 0.05). 20% of the patients (30 males, 24%; 70 females, 19%) were fearful about getting adequate home help after discharge from hospital (P > 0.05). 4% of patients were concerned about withstanding such a major operation. There was no difference between male and female patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of the patients experience apprehension of pain in the perioperative period of TKA. Preoperative counseling benefits pain management by alleviating the patient’s concerns about the fear of postoperative pain and apprehension of returning to normal walking.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42836-021-00069-5.

Study of Patients with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Procedure with Coexisting Lumbar Spondylosis Symptoms

Study Design

This is a prospective cohort study involving patients who were followed for 2 years after total knee replacement (TKR) to determine changes in lumbar spine and knee symptoms.

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to determine the percentage of patients undergoing bilateral TKR who present with coexisting lumbar spine problems and determine if TKR relieves lumbar spine symptoms.

Overview of Literature

No studies quantify the percentage of TKR patients who experience relief of lumbar spine symptoms after TKR surgery.

Methods

The study included 200 patients (164 females, 36 males) undergoing primary TKR. Follow-up was performed at 4 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Lumbar spine and knee symptom improvements were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Oxford Knee Score, respectively.

Results

All 200 patients undergoing bilateral TKR presented with radiographic lumbar spine degenerative pathology; 60% (n=120) of the patients presented with moderate to severe clinical symptoms of lumbar spondylosis, including 54% (n=108) with degenerative lumbar spondylosis and lumbar canal stenosis and 6% (n=12) with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Of the 120 patients who presented with lumbar spine problems, 90% (n=108) reported improvement in their symptoms; the ODI score improved from 42.5%±4.1% preoperative score to 15.6%±2.3% postoperative score (p-value<0.001). Of the 12 patients with no improvement, 10 patients underwent percutaneous procedures for their lumbar spine pathology with good results, one patient underwent surgery, and one declined any intervention.

Conclusions

A significant number of patients (60%) undergoing bilateral TKR also present with symptomatic lumbar spine problems. Patients with mild to moderate lumbar spine degenerative symptoms and no associated severe radiating pain on activity are more likely to experience relief of their symptoms post-TKR.

Centralizing the Cemented Exeter Femoral Stem Using the Direct Lateral Approach: Surgical Tips and Radiological Evaluation

Varus malalignment in total hip arthroplasty has been associated with poor long-term outcomes and complications including abnormal load distribution, endosteal osteolysis, frank loosening, and periprosthetic fractures. Postoperative radiographic assessment was performed on 224 patients from our case series who underwent cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasty using the direct lateral approach alone. No patient had a true varus-aligned stem (ie, ≤−5° on the coronal assessment). We describe our surgical technique, with 4 easily reproducible technical tips to achieve positional consistency of the femoral stem: commencing stem insertion from the piriform fossa entry point, using a femoral stem distal centralizer, aiming the tip of the component to the center of the patella, and placing the thumb between the calcar and inferior neck of the femoral component to prevent the stem from tipping into varus.

Factors associated with switching between low and super utilization in the surgical population: A study in medicare expenditure

BACKGROUND

Considered the top 5% of healthcare utilizers, "super-utilizers" are estimated to consume as much as 40-55% of all healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with switching between low- and super-utilization.

METHODS

Low and super-utilizers who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), colectomy, total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or lung resection between 2013 and 2015 were identified from 100% Medicare Inpatient Standard Analytic Files.

RESULTS

Among 1,049,160 patients, 788,488 (75.1%) and 21,700 (2.1%) patients were low- or super-utilizers prior to surgery, respectively. Among patients who were super-utilizers before surgery, 23% remained super-utilizers post-operatively, yet 26.8% patients became low-utilizers after surgery. Factors associated with moving from low-to super-utilization in the pre-versus post-operative setting included AAA repair, higher Charlson, and pulmonary failure. In contrast, pre-operative super-utilizers who became low-utilizers in the post-operative setting were less likely to be African American or have undergone CABG.

CONCLUSION

While 3% of pre-operative low-utilizers became super-utilizers likely due to complications, nearly one quarter of all pre-operative super-utilizers became low-utilizers following surgery suggesting success of the surgery to resolve underlying conditions associated with preoperative super-utilization.

Should advanced age be a contraindication to total hip arthroplasty in femoral neck fracture patients? A matched-control, retrospective study

Introduction

Due to demographic changes, the annual incidence of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in patients reaching the 9th and 10th decade of life is increasing. Although active and cognitively intact elderly patients could benefit from total hip arthroplasty (THA) in case of a FNF, there is no clear consensus on whether THA should be performed in this particular subgroup of patients with very advanced age. The purpose of this study was to report the complication rate, mortality, clinical outcomes and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in patients treated with total THA for FNF, while having exceeded the mean life expectancy at the time of surgery, compared to a younger control group.

Materials and Methods

Patients treated with THA through a direct anterior approach (DAA) for FNF and exceeding the average life expectancy in Switzerland (age ≥ 83 y, n = 45) were matched for gender, body mass index (BMI) and ASA score with patients under the age of 83 (age = 65-83, n = 45). Perioperative complications, clinical and radiologic outcomes, as well as mortality were compared between groups.

Results

Total complication rate did not differ significantly with 22.2% in the older group compared to 17.8% in the control group. The 30-day and 1-year mortality was slightly but not significantly higher in the older group (2.2% and 8.9% vs. 2.2% and 2.2%). The average QALY gained was 3.4 years and 4.1 years for the older group and their younger counterparts, respectively.

Conclusion

THA through the DAA for FNF in cognitively intact and active patients might be a credible and safe option even after reaching mean life expectancy with excellent functional outcomes and similar surgery-related complications compared to patients younger than 83 years. Our results imply that an advanced age should not be considered a contraindication for THA in case of a FNF.

Are patient-related pre-operative factors influencing return to work after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in working-age patients. The total number of working-age patients undergoing total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) is continuously increasing. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors related to general health, health risk behaviors and socioeconomic status influencing the rate of return to work after a TKA.

METHODS

Overall there were 151,901 patients included in the Finnish Public Sector (FPS) study. The response rate varied between 65 and 73% during the study period. We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine patient-related predictive factors that may influence the rate of return to work after TKA in a cohort of patients (n = 452; n = 362 female; mean age 56.4 years). Predictive factors were measured on average 3.6 years before the operation.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 87% returned to work within one year after TKA at a mean of 116 calendar days. In multivariate analysis, patients at sick-leave ≤30 days during the last year before surgery were 2.2 times (95% confidence interval 1.72-2.92) more likely to return to work compared with those with >30 days of sick-leave. Compared with patients in manual work, those in higher or lower level non-manual work showed a 2.6-fold (1.95-3.52) and 1.5-fold (1.15-1.92) increased probability of returning to work. Age, sex, health risk behaviors, obesity, physical comorbidities, common mental disorders, and other studied health-related factors were not associated with the rate of return to work.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-manual job, good self-rated general health and preoperative sick leave ≤30 days are associated with a higher rate of return to work.

Different clinical outcomes on the second side after staged total knee replacement. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcomes of the contralateral side in staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) are relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to answer: 1) Does the second-operated knee in a staged BTKA result in inferior clinical and functional outcomes? 2) Is the duration of time between the first- and the second-operated knee defined in a consistent fashion in the literature? 3) Does the time interval between TKAs influence clinical outcomes?

METHODS

Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic search of the literature using different databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Five of the seven included studies reported significantly inferior postoperative clinical outcomes for the second-operated knee compared with the first-operated knee. There was no difference in the overall major complication rate between first- and second-operated TKA (2.4% and 1.2% respectively). Based on the literature reviewed, there is no consensus on the optimal time interval between the stages. Most studies, which investigated the impact of different intervals on the outcomes of the second-operated knee, concluded that the differences in outcomes with different intervals were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature suggests that the second-operated knee, in patients undergoing staged BTKAs, might have inferior clinical outcomes when compared with the first-operated knee.

Return to work after primary total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide cohort study

Background and purpose - While the number of working-age patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing, the effect of the surgery on patients' return to work (RTW) is not thoroughly studied. We aimed to identify risk factors of RTW after THA among factors related to demographic variables, general health, health risk behaviors, and socioeconomic status. Patients and methods - We studied 408 employees from the Finnish Public Sector (FPS) cohort (mean age 54 years, 73% women) who underwent THA. Information on demographic and socioeconomic variables, preceding health, and health-risk behaviors was derived from linkage to national health registers and FPS surveys before the operation. The likelihood of return to work was examined using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Results - 94% of the patients returned to work after THA on average after 3 months (10 days to 1 year) of sickness absence. The observed risk factors of successful return to work were: having < 30 sick leave days during the last year (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4-2.3); higher occupational position (HR 2.2; CI 1.6-2.9); and BMI < 30 (HR 1.4; CI 1.1-1.7). Age, sex, preceding health status, and health-risk behaviors were not correlated with RTW after the surgery. Interpretation - Most employees return to work after total hip arthroplasty. Obese manual workers with prolonged sick leave before the total hip replacement were at increased risk of not returning to work after the surgery.

Factors associated with the orthopaedic surgeon's decision to recommend total joint replacement in hip and knee osteoarthritis: an international cross-sectional study of 1905 patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with orthopaedic surgeons' decision to recommend total joint replacement (TJR) in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study in eleven countries. For consecutive outpatients with definite hip or knee OA consulting an orthopaedic surgeon, the surgeon's indication of TJR was collected, as well as patients' characteristics including comorbidities and social situation, OA symptom duration, pain, stiffness and function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), joint-specific quality of life, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) joint space narrowing (JSN) radiographic grade (0-4), and surgeons' characteristics. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with the indication of TJR, adjusted by country.

RESULTS

In total, 1905 patients were included: mean age was 66.5 (standard deviation [SD], 10.8) years, 1082 (58.0%) were women, mean OA symptom duration was 5.0 (SD 7.0) years. TJR was recommended in 561/1127 (49.8%) knee OA and 542/778 (69.7%) hip OA patients. In multivariable analysis on 516 patients with complete data, the variables associated with TJR indication were radiographic grade (Odds Ratio, OR for one grade increase, for knee and hip OA, respectively: 2.90, 95% confidence interval [1.69-4.97] and 3.30 [2.17-5.03]) and WOMAC total score (OR for 10 points increase: 1.65 [1.32-2.06] and 1.38 [1.15-1.66], respectively). After excluding radiographic grade from the analyses, on 1265 patients, greater WOMAC total score was the main predictor for knee and hip OA; older age was also significant for knee OA.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic severity and patient-reported pain and function play a major role in surgeons' recommendation for TJR.

Multimodal Clinical Pathway With Adductor Canal Block Decreases Hospital Length of Stay, Improves Pain Control, and Reduces Opioid Consumption in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Review

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty volume is increasing significantly in the United States. Reducing hospital length of stay may represent the best method for accommodating expanding volume and reducing costs. We hypothesized that tailoring a clinical pathway to facilitate early ambulation would decrease costs and resource utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a sequential before-and-after study of total knee arthroplasty patients after a phased implementation of a clinical pathway that includes multimodal oral analgesic protocols, adductor canal nerve block, and standardized day of surgery ambulation protocols. Primary outcomes measured were hospital length of stay, total opioid consumption, total antiemetic use, and perioperative pain scores.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-five patients were divided into 3 sequential cohorts. Cohort 1 received spinal anesthesia, femoral nerve block, and was not placed into postop day 0 ambulation therapy. Cohort 2 received spinal anesthesia, adductor canal block, and postop day 0 ambulation therapy. Cohort 3 received spinal anesthesia, adductor canal block, postop day 0 ambulation therapy, and standardized oral multimodal analgesic protocol. Cohort 3 had significantly reduced hospital length of stay. Cohorts 2 and 3 had significantly less opioid consumption. Cohort 3 had significantly less total ondansetron consumption compared with cohort 1. Cohort 3 had significantly reduced average pain scores compared with cohort 1.

CONCLUSION

The data demonstrate that tailored clinical pathways designed to facilitate early ambulation can reduce hospital length of stay, reduce opioid consumption, reduce antiemetic use, and improve pain control. The results establish that refined clinical pathways can assist in improving care while increasing value to patients, providers, and systems.

Impact of comorbid conditions on outcomes of hip and knee replacement surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically perform a meta-analysis of the association between different comorbid conditions on safety (short-term outcomes) and effectiveness (long-term outcomes) in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Medline, Embase and CINAHL Plus were searched up to May 2017. We included all studies that reported data to allow the calculation of a pooled OR for the impact of 11 comorbid conditions on 10 outcomes (including surgical complications, readmissions, mortality, function, health-related quality of life, pain and revision surgery). The quality of included studies was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Continuous outcomes were converted to ORs using the Hasselblad and Hedges approach. Results were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the adjusted OR for the impact of each 11 comorbid condition on each of the 10 outcomes compared with patients without the comorbid condition. Where the adjusted OR was not available the secondary outcome was the crude OR.

RESULTS

70 studies were included with 16 (23%) reporting on at least 100 000 patients and 9 (13%) were of high quality. We found that comorbidities increased the short-term risk of hospital readmissions (8 of 11 conditions) and mortality (8 of 11 conditions). The impact on surgical complications was inconsistent across comorbid conditions. In the long term, comorbid conditions increased the risk of revision surgery (6 of 11 conditions) and long-term mortality (7 of 11 conditions). The long-term impact on function, quality of life and pain varied across comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows that comorbidities predominantly have an impact on the safety of hip and knee replacement surgery but little impact on its effectiveness. There is a need for high-quality studies also considering the severity of comorbid conditions.

Intraoperative femoral head dislodgement during total hip arthroplasty: a report of four cases

Dislodgment of trial femoral heads and migration into the pelvis during total hip arthroplasty is a rarely reported complication with limited published cases. There are three primary mechanisms of femoral head separation: dislodgement during reduction attempt, disassociation from anterior dislocation while assessing anterior stability, and during dislocation after implant trialing. If the trial femoral migrates beyond the pelvic brim, it is safer to finish the total hip arthroplasty and address the retained object after repositioning or in a planned second procedure with a general surgeon. We recommend operative retrieval since long-term complications from retention or clinical results are lacking.

Relationship Between Knee Pain and Patient Preferences for Joint Replacement: Health Care Access Matters

OBJECTIVE

To determine if severity of osteoarthritis-related knee pain is associated with a willingness to undergo total knee replacement (TKR) and whether this association is confounded or modified by components of socioeconomic status and health care coverage.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 3,530 Osteoarthritis Initiative study participants. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of knee pain severity (where 0 = none, 1-3 = mild, 4-7 = moderate, and 8-10 = severe) on willingness to undergo TKR. Stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate whether socioeconomic status and health care coverage modify the effect of knee pain severity on willingness.

RESULTS

Participants with severe knee pain, compared to participants without pain, were less willing to undergo TKR (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.57-0.93). This association was attenuated when adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, depression, health insurance coverage, prescription medicine coverage, health care source, education, income, employment, race, and marital status (adjusted OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.68-1.24). The odds of willingness to undergo TKR were significantly lower in those with the highest level of pain, compared to those without pain, among participants without health insurance (adjusted OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.56), but not among those with health insurance (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.73-1.38), when adjusted for demographic, clinical, health care access, and socioeconomic factors (P = 0.015). However, <5% of participants were without health insurance.

CONCLUSION

Among participants without health insurance, severe knee pain was paradoxically associated with less willingness to undergo TKR. Policies that improve access to quality health care may affect patient preferences and increase utilization of TKR surgery among vulnerable populations.

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.

[Incidence of hip and knee prosthetic infections in a specialized center of Mexico City]

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee prosthetic replacements have proven to be the most appropriate treatment in the joints that do not benefit from medical or arthroscopic interventions; however, infections are the most feared complication. It is recommended that the incidence of infection should not exceed 2%.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was an observational, prospective, longitudinal and observational study conducted in patients fitted with a prosthetic joint from August 2011 to July 2012. Patients were followed up pre and post-surgery for one year to identify a prosthetic infection, diagnosed using international parameters. We calculated the incidence of prosthetic infection, as well as the incidence density.

RESULTS

A total of 339 patients (179 hip and 160 knee) were included. Variations in the time of pre-operative antibiotics' administration were observed. Six prosthetic infections were identified with an incidence rate of 1.79/339 arthroplasties, 2.2/179 hip procedures, and 1.25/160 knee arthroplasties. An incidence density of 0.02/year for hip arthroplasties and 0.11/year for knee procedures was identified. There were 4 infections of hip and 2 of knee. Five infections were acute and one chronic. The isolated microorganisms were E. faecalis, S. epidermidis (2), S. mitis, S. aureus and P. stomatis.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of prosthetic joint infection in the first year of follow-up at our centre is within the recommended parameters. Surgical techniques and organizational practices influence the results.

Prospective quality of life assessment after hip and knee arthroplasty: short- and mid-term follow-up results

Background

Hip and knee arthroplasty aims to restore the joint function and to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with articular damage. It is important to quantify the HRQoL improvement and when this is achieved. The Oxford knee score and the Oxford hip score were developed to evaluate patients after knee and hip arthroplasty. We sought to evaluate HRQoL changes in the short and mid term following either primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Prospective cohort study during a 20-month period (August 2013 to March 2015) in a tertiary referral hospital. Primary arthroplasties secondary to osteoarthritis and any-cause revisions were included (328, 160 knees, and 88 hips). They were divided into 4 groups: (1) primary knee replacement, (2) primary hip replacement, (3) revision knee replacement, and (4) revision hip replacement. Oxford knee and hip scores were obtained prior the surgery and compared with the short- and mid-term follow-up scores.

Results

Follow-up in the short term and mid term was: 75.6% and 67.4%, respectively. Improvement was found in both short-term and mid-term follow-up for each group and for the overall group in HRQoL as measured by the Oxford knee and hip scores (P < .001). The greatest improvement was seen in the short term with an increase of 21 points for primary knee arthroplasty; 24 points for primary hip arthroplasty; 22 points for revision knee arthroplasty; and 23 points for revision hip arthroplasty.

Conclusions

Improvement in HRQoL in patients following primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty is crucial and can be achieved early after the surgery.

Gender Disparities in Osteoarthritis-Related Health Care Utilization Before Total Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

Women older than 50 years have higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and experience greater functional disability than men. No studies have examined large populations to identify knee OA-related health care utilization differences. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate gender differences in the utilization of OA-related health care resources in the 12 months preceding total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefit databases were reviewed from 2005 to 2012. Subjects were included if they underwent TKA, had associated diagnosis of lower leg OA, and were continuously in the database for 12 months preceding TKA. Patient-specific OA-related health care utilization was identified. Multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for age, region, and Charlson Comorbidity Index was performed to isolate the influence of gender.

RESULTS

A total of 244,059 patients with a mean age of 64.8 years consisting of 61.2% women were included. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted odds ratios showed that when compared to men, women were 30%, 20%, 31%, 18%, 19%, 29%, and 39%, more likely to receive a narcotic analgesic, nonnarcotic analgesics, corticosteroid injection, hyaluronic acid injection, knee magnetic resonance imaging, a physical therapy evaluation, and occupational therapy evaluation in the 12 months preceding TKA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Women have a significantly higher utilization of knee OA-related health care in the 12 months preceding TKA. Although the precise cause for this discrepancy in care cannot be determined from this study, it highlights a potential bias in management of advanced knee OA and directions for further investigation.

Improving patients’ experience and outcome of total joint replacement: the RESTORE programme

Background

Total hip replacements (THRs) and total knee replacements (TKRs) are common elective procedures. In the REsearch STudies into the ORthopaedic Experience (RESTORE) programme, we explored the care and experiences of patients with osteoarthritis after being listed for THR and TKR up to the time when an optimal outcome should be expected.

Objective

To undertake a programme of research studies to work towards improving patient outcomes after THR and TKR.

Methods

We used methodologies appropriate to research questions: systematic reviews, qualitative studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), feasibility studies, cohort studies and a survey. Research was supported by patient and public involvement.

Results

Systematic review of longitudinal studies showed that moderate to severe long-term pain affects about 7–23% of patients after THR and 10–34% after TKR. In our cohort study, 10% of patients with hip replacement and 30% with knee replacement showed no clinically or statistically significant functional improvement. In our review of pain assessment few research studies used measures to capture the incidence, character and impact of long-term pain. Qualitative studies highlighted the importance of support by health and social professionals for patients at different stages of the joint replacement pathway. Our review of longitudinal studies suggested that patients with poorer psychological health, physical function or pain before surgery had poorer long-term outcomes and may benefit from pre-surgical interventions. However, uptake of a pre-operative pain management intervention was low. Although evidence relating to patient outcomes was limited, comorbidities are common and may lead to an increased risk of adverse events, suggesting the possible value of optimising pre-operative management. The evidence base on clinical effectiveness of pre-surgical interventions, occupational therapy and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation relied on small RCTs but suggested short-term benefit. Our feasibility studies showed that definitive trials of occupational therapy before surgery and post-discharge group-based physiotherapy exercise are feasible and acceptable to patients. Randomised trial results and systematic review suggest that patients with THR should receive local anaesthetic infiltration for the management of long-term pain, but in patients receiving TKR it may not provide additional benefit to femoral nerve block. From a NHS and Personal Social Services perspective, local anaesthetic infiltration was a cost-effective treatment in primary THR. In qualitative interviews, patients and health-care professionals recognised the importance of participating in the RCTs. To support future interventions and their evaluation, we conducted a study comparing outcome measures and analysed the RCTs as cohort studies. Analyses highlighted the importance of different methods in treating and assessing hip and knee osteoarthritis. There was an inverse association between radiographic severity of osteoarthritis and pain and function in patients waiting for TKR but no association in THR. Different pain characteristics predicted long-term pain in THR and TKR. Outcomes after joint replacement should be assessed with a patient-reported outcome and a functional test.

Conclusions

The RESTORE programme provides important information to guide the development of interventions to improve long-term outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis receiving THR and TKR. Issues relating to their evaluation and the assessment of patient outcomes are highlighted. Potential interventions at key times in the patient pathway were identified and deserve further study, ultimately in the context of a complex intervention.

Study registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN52305381.

Funding

This project was funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 4, No. 12. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Preoperative Determinants of Patient-reported Pain and Physical Function Levels Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

A sound knowledge of the determinants of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes could help in patient selection, preparation and education. We aimed to assess the current status of the literature evaluating preoperative determinants of early and medium term patient-reported pain and disability following TKA.

METHOD

A search in Medline, Pubmed, Embase and CINAHL until October 2014 was undertaken. Selection criteria included: 1- participants undergoing primary unilateral TKA with a follow-up from 6 months to 2 years, 2- validated disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures assessing pain and/or function used as outcome measure and 3- identification of preoperative determinants obtained via multivariate analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Methodology checklist for prognostic studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-three prognostic explanatory studies were included. Mean total score of the methodological quality was 80.7±12.2 %. Sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants included greater socioeconomic deprivation (both studies), greater levels of depression and/or anxiety (7 out of 10 studies) and greater preoperative pain catastrophizing (all 3 studies). Significant clinical determinants included worse pre-operative knee related pain or disability (20 out of 22 studies), presence or greater levels of comorbidity (12 out of 23 studies), back pain (4 out of 5 studies) and lower general health (all 11 studies).

CONCLUSION

Several significant determinants of short to medium-term pain and functional outcomes following TKA have been summarized by studies with moderate-to-high methodological quality. No conclusions can be reached regarding the strength of the associations between significant determinants and TKA results because of heterogeneity of study methodologies and results. Further high-quality research is required.

Telerehabilitation after total knee replacement in Italy: cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of a mixed telerehabilitation-standard rehabilitation programme compared with usual care

OBJECTIVES

To assess cost-effectiveness and cost utility of telerehabilitation (TR) versus standard rehabilitation (SR) after total knee replacement (TKR).

DESIGN

Markov decision modelling of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis based on patient-level and secondary data sources employing Italian National Health Service (NHS; Ita-NHS) and Society perspectives.

SETTING

Primary care units (PCUs) in Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients discharged after TKR.

INTERVENTIONS

Mixed SR-TR service (10 face-to-face sessions and 10 telesessions) versus SR (20 face-to-face sessions)

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The incremental cost per additional knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and per QALY gained by SR-TR compared with SR. Second, we considered the probability of being cost-effective and the probability of being more effective and less expensive.

RESULTS

TR appears to be the cost-effective in the base case and in all of the considered scenarios, but is no longer more effective and less expensive if transportation costs are excluded. Comparing SR-TR with SR, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) adopting the Ita-NHS perspective for the base case was -€117/ROM gained. The cost-effectiveness probability for SR-TR was 0.98 (ceiling ratio: €50/ROM), while the joint probability of being more effective and less expensive was 0.87. Assuming that TR would increase health-related quality of life (HRQOL) utilities by 2.5%, the ICER adopting Ita-NHS perspective is -€960/QALY (cost-effectiveness probability: 1; ceiling ratio: €30 000/QALY). All the performed sensitivity analyses did not change the conclusions, but if transportation costs were excluded, the probability for SR-TR of being more clinically effective and less expensive reduced to 0.56.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis suggested SR-TR to be cost-effective, even less expensive and more effective if the PCUs provide ambulance transportations. However, the uncertainty related to TR costs, HRQOL and long-term clinical outcomes raises important topics for future research, which should be addressed to confirm our estimates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN45837371.

Gait analysis and hip extensor function early post total hip replacement

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the sagittal kinematic and kinetic gait patterns in patients in this early post-operative period, to describe them and to better understand the deficiencies in that gait pattern that may help to develop targeted rehabilitation strategies.

METHODS

This study evaluated early gait patterns in 10 patients with isolated unilateral hip osteoarthritis who were post-operative for total hip replacement. Kinetic and kinematic assessments - focusing on sagittal plane abnormalities - were performed at 2 weeks pre-operatively and 8 weeks post-operatively.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that while clinical scoring for pain and functional ability significantly improved post-operatively, as did clinical assessment of range of motion passively, this did not translate to the degree of dynamic improvement in gait. Step length and stride length did not improve significantly. Lack of hip extension in terminal stance associated with excessive anterior pelvic tilt persisted and was associated with a worsening in hip extensor power post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, post-operative rehabilitation programmes should include extensor muscle exercises to increase power and to retain the operative gain in passive range of motion, which would help to improve gait patterns.

Return to work after knee replacement: a qualitative study of patient experiences

OBJECTIVE

An increasing number of patients in the working population are undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) for end-stage osteoarthritis. The timing and success of return to work is becoming increasingly important for this group of patients with social and economic implications for patients, employers and society. There is limited understanding of the patient variables that determine the ability to return to work. Our objective was (from the patient's perspective) to gain an insight into the factors influencing return to work following knee replacement.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This qualitative study was undertaken in a secondary-care setting in a large teaching hospital in the north of England. Semistructured interviews were carried out with 10 patients regarding their experiences of returning to work following TKR.

OUTCOMES

Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a qualitative thematic approach to identify the factors influencing return to work from the patient's perspective.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified that influenced the process of return to work, from the patient's perspective. These were delays in surgical intervention, limited and often inconsistent advice from healthcare professionals regarding return to work, and finally the absence of rehabilitation to optimise patient's recovery and facilitate return to work.

CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no consistent process to optimise return to work for patients of working age after TKR. The impact of delayed surgical intervention, limited advice regarding return to work, and a lack of work-focused rehabilitation, all contribute to potential delays in successful return to work. There is a need to change the focus of healthcare provision for this cohort of patients, and provide a tailored healthcare intervention to optimise patient outcomes.

Rehabilitation of gait in patients after total hip arthroplasty: Comparison of the minimal invasive Yale 2-incision technique and the conventional lateral approach

The minimal invasive anterolateral Yale 2-incision approach for total hip arthroplasty aims minimizing damage to the muscles for faster recovery of function. Therefore the hypothesis was investigated, that during the rehabilitation process the Yale approach shows a faster return to natural gait than a conventional lateral approach. Nineteen patients had the Yale, 16 the conventional Bauer approach. Instrumented gait analysis was performed 3 days, 3 and 12 month post operatively. Velocity, cadence, step length, weight bearing, thorax lean, Trendelenburg limp, hip abduction moments, and hip muscle activation times were evaluated. Three days post-surgery a significantly greater loading of the treated limb and increased hip abduction moment were observed in the Yale group. In addition, the Yale group showed its greatest improvement in walking speed and step length between at 3 days and 3 months, whereas the conventional group showed an additional significant gain between 3 and 12 month to reach a similar walking speed as the Yale group. For all hip muscles investigated, only muscle tensor fasciae latae in the conventional group showed a significant increase in activation time between 3 days and 3 months. This study showed significantly faster return to natural gait in the Yale compared to the conventional approach, which could be biomechanically related to less impairment of abductor muscles in the Yale approach.

Patient-reported factors influencing return to work after joint replacement

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of patients in the working population are undergoing total hip and knee replacement for osteoarthritis and the timing and success of return to work (RTW) is becoming increasingly important as a measure of success for these patients. There is limited understanding of the patient variables that determine the ability to RTW.

AIMS

To explore the factors influencing RTW following hip and knee replacement from the patient's perspective.

METHODS

A cross-sectional population-based postal survey carried out with patients of working age after hip and knee replacement surgery in a UK teaching hospital. Free text comments were collected regarding the experiences of patients returning to work following hip and knee replacement. Qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken to identify the factors influencing RTW from the patient's perspective.

RESULTS

From the patients' perspective three key factors were identified that influenced RTW. Patients reported an improved physical and psychological performance at work after surgery in comparison to pre-operative functioning, although there was a lack of informed advice regarding RTW after surgery. Workplace support and adaptation of the job role enhanced the experience of RTW.

CONCLUSIONS

Return to work is influenced by a combination of patient, clinician and occupational factors. The relationship between each of these needs to be explored in greater depth through further qualitative work to gain a wider understanding of the variables influencing patients' RTW following hip and knee replacement.

Understanding the patient-reported factors determining time taken to return to work after hip and knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The key factors underscoring safe and early return to work after hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty are poorly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of patient-reported variables upon time taken to return to work after THA or TKA in a working population.

METHODS

Questionnaires asking about employment history, education, general health and experiences of returning to work after THA and TKA were administered by post and at outpatients' clinic.

RESULTS

One hundred and two from 272 eligible patients, of whom 52 had undergone THA and 50 TKA, were recruited sequentially. In total, 83 patients were employed pre-operatively and 80 returned to work at median 12 (2-64) weeks. Those in more manual occupations (p = 0.001) without pre-operative sick leave due to their hip or knee arthritis (p = 0.016) and a higher level of qualification (p = 0.041) returned to employment significantly quicker than the rest of the cohort. THA patients report a greater improvement in terms of performance at work (63 vs 44 %, p = 0.007) and job prospects (50 vs 36 %, p = 0.046) as compared with patients after TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pre-operative sick leave, basic or no qualifications and more physically demanding occupations take longer to return to work. Operating patients before their arthritis forces them to become unemployed would improve their chances to return to work. Hip arthroplasty patients have a greater perceived benefit in terms of performance at work and job prospect. A more tailored return to work time predictions to allow a faster return to work and avoid frustration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on PDLLA + BMP-2-coated titanium alloy surfaces

RhBMP-2 is clinically applied to enhance bone healing and used in combination with titanium fixation implants. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of hMSC on native polished versus sandblasted titanium surfaces (TS) and to test their behavior on pure poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA) coated as well as PDLLA + rhBMP-2 coated TS. Furthermore, the release kinetics of PDLLA + rhBMP-2-coated TS was investigated. Human bone marrow cells were obtained from three different donors (A: male, 16 yrs; B: male, 27 yrs, C: male, 49 yrs) followed by density gradient centrifugation and flow cytometry with defined antigens. The cells were seeded on native polished and sandblasted TS, PDLLA-coated TS and PDLLA + rhBMP-2-coated TS. Osteogenic differentiation (ALP specific activity via ALP and BCA assay) and proliferation (LDH cytotoxicity assay) was examined on day 7 and 14 and release kinetics of rhBMP-2 was investigated on day 3, 7, 10, and 14. We found significant higher ALP specific activity and LDH activity on native polished compared to native sandblasted surfaces. PDLLA led to decreased ALP specific and LDH activity on both surface finishes. Additional rhBMP-2 slightly diminished this effect. RhBMP-2-release from coated TS decreased nearly exponentially with highest concentrations at the beginning of the cultivation period. The results of this in vitro study suggest that native TS stimulate hMSC significantly stronger toward osteogenic differentiation and proliferation than rhBMP-2 + PDLLA-layered TS in the first 14 days of cultivation. The PDLLA-layer seems to inhibit local hMSC differentiation and proliferation.

Factors influencing initial cup stability in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

One of the main goals in total hip replacement is to preserve the integrity of the hip kinematics, by well positioning the cup and to make sure its initial stability is congruent and attained. Achieving the latter is not trivial.

METHODS

A finite element model of the cup-bone interface simulating a realistic insertion and analysis of different scenarios of cup penetration, insertion, under-reaming and loading is investigated to determine certain measurable factors sensitivity to stress-strain outcome. The insertion force during hammering and its relation to the cup penetration during implantation is also investigated with the goal of determining the initial stability of the acetabular cup during total hip arthroplasty. The mathematical model was run in various configurations to simulate 1 and 2mm of under-reaming at various imposed insertion distances to mimic hammering and insertion of cup insertion into the pelvis. Surface contact and micromotion at the cup-bone interface were evaluated after simulated cup insertion and post-operative loading conditions.

FINDINGS

The results suggest a direct correlation between under-reaming and insertion force used to insert the acetabular cup on the micromotion and fixation at the cup-bone interface.

INTERPRETATION

While increased under-reaming and insertion force result in an increase amount of stability at the interface, approximately the same percentage of surface contact and micromotion reduction can be achieved with less insertion force. We need to exercise caution to determine the optimal configuration which achieves a good conformity without approaching the yield strength for bone.

Prediction of poor outcomes six months following total knee arthroplasty in patients awaiting surgery

Background

Identification of patients experiencing poor outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before the intervention could allow better case selection, patient preparation and, likely, improved outcomes. The objective was to develop a preliminary prediction rule (PR) to identify patients enrolled on surgical wait lists who are at the greatest risk of poor outcomes 6 months after TKA.

Methods

141 patients scheduled for TKA were recruited prospectively from the wait lists of 3 hospitals in Quebec City, Canada. Knee pain, stiffness and function were measured 6 months after TKA with the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and participants in the lowest quintile for the WOMAC total score were considered to have a poor outcome. Several variables measured at enrolment on the wait lists (baseline) were considered potential predictors: demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical factors including pain, stiffness and functional status measured with the WOMAC. The prediction rule was built with recursive partitioning.

Results

The best prediction was provided by 5 items of the baseline WOMAC. The rule had a sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI: 66.7-95.8), a specificity of 71.7% (95% CI: 62.8-79.8), a positive predictive value of 41.8% (95% CI: 29.7-55.0), a negative predictive value of 94.2% (95% CI: 87.1-97.5) and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 2.9 (95% CI: 1.8-4.7) and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.6) respectively.

Conclusions

The developed PR is a promising tool to identify patients at risk of worse outcomes 6 months after TKA as it could help improve the management of these patients. Further validation of this rule is however warranted before clinical use.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-299) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surfing for hip replacements: has the "internet tidal wave" led to better quality information

This study aimed to determine the quality of information available on the internet regarding Total Hip Replacement (THR). The unique websites identified were categorised by type and assessed using the DISCERN score, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and a novel (THR)-specific content score. The presence of the Health On the Net (HON) code, a reported quality assurance marker, was noted. Commercial websites predominate. Governmental & Non-Profit Organizations websites attained the highest DISCERN score. Sites that bore the HONcode seal obtained significantly higher DISCERN and THR content scores than those without the certification. Physicians should recommend the HONcode seal to their patients as a reliable indicator of website quality or, better yet, refer patients to sites they have personally reviewed.

Evaluating change using patient-reported outcome measures in knee replacement: the complementary nature of the EQ-5D index and VAS scores

PURPOSE

Using the UK National Health Service's Patient Reported Outcome Measures data, we examined the magnitude of changes and relationship among the EQ-5D index, EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) in patients undergoing knee replacement.

METHODS

Patients undergoing knee replacements in 2009-2011 completed the EQ-5D and OKS before and after surgery. Responsiveness was compared using the standardized response mean (SRM). Stratified analyses based on change scores in the OKS were utilized to investigate how changes in the outcome measures related to each other. Patients were grouped based on the preoperative OKS to examine the relationship of change in the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS with respect to initial health status.

RESULTS

For the overall cohort (54,486 patients), mean change scores pre/post knee replacement were 0.30 for the EQ-5D index (SD 0.33; SRM = 0.90), 3.3 for the EQ-VAS (SD 21.0; SRM = 0.16), and 14.9 for the OKS (SD 9.9; SRM = 1.50). The OKS changed uniformly with the EQ-5D index, but less concordantly with the EQ-VAS in response to knee replacement surgery. Substantial functional improvement was needed before mean EQ-VAS change scores showed improvement. Patients with worse preoperative health status had greater improvement following surgery, but the improvement in the EQ-5D index did not necessarily translate into comparable improvement in self-perceived well-being measured by the EQ-VAS.

CONCLUSIONS

On average, patients self-rated their health systematically lower using the EQ-VAS compared to the EQ-5D index and OKS following knee replacement. The EQ-VAS captured information about how patients feel about their health pre-/post-surgical intervention that contrasted with more functional measures of health. Additional qualitative research is needed to better understand these differences.

Determinants of pain, functional limitations and health-related quality of life six months after total knee arthroplasty: results from a prospective cohort study

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure. However, for some patients, the outcomes are not satisfactory. Identification of TKA determinants could help manage these patients more efficiently. The purpose of this study was to identify pre- and perioperative determinants of pain, functional limitations and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 6 months after TKA.

Methods

138 participants were recruited from 3 hospitals in Quebec City, Canada and followed up until 6 months after surgery. Data were collected through review of the subjects’ medical files and structured telephone interviews before and 6 months after TKA. Pain and functional limitations were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and HRQoL was measured with the SF-36 Health Survey. Independent variables included demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, clinical and surgical characteristics of participants as well as data on health services utilization. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the strength of the associations between the independent variables and the WOMAC and SF-36 scores.

Results

Higher preoperative pain, cruciate retaining implants and the number of complications were significantly associated with worse pain 6 months after TKA (p < 0.05) and explained 11% of the variance of the WOMAC pain score. Higher preoperative functional limitations, being single, separated, divorced or widowed, being unemployed or retired and the number of complications were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with worse functional limitations 6 months after TKA and explained 16% of the variance of the WOMAC function score. Lower preoperative HRQoL, contralateral knee pain, higher psychological distress and comorbidities were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with worse HRQoL 6 months after TKA and explained 23% of the variance of the SF-36 physical functioning score.

Conclusions

Several variables were found to be significantly associated with worse outcomes 6 months after TKA and may help identify patients at risk of poorer outcome. The identification of these determinants could help manage patients more efficiently and may help target patients who may benefit from extensive rehabilitation.

Simultaneous versus staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis evaluating mortality, peri-operative complications and infection rates

BACKGROUND

An important source of debate in many orthopaedic practices is the choice of performing simultaneous or staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSE

The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare simultaneous bilateral with staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty for peri-operative complication rates, infection rates and mortality outcomes.

METHODS

All relevant citations were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE databases and the unpublished literature. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality and abstracted data was conducted independently by two reviewers. Data was categorized into subgroups and pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird's random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 18 articles were identified from 873 potentially relevant titles and selected for inclusion in the primary meta-analyses. The incidence of mortality was significantly higher in the simultaneous group at 30 days (RR [relative risk] 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-8.02, p = 0.001, I (2) = 59%, n = 67,691 patients), 3 months (RR 2.45, 95% CI 2.15-2.79, p < 0.00001, I (2) = 0%, n = 66,142 patients) and 1 year (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.66-2.06, p < 0.001, I (2) = 0%, n = 65,322 patients) after surgery. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in regards to in-hospital mortality rates (R 1.18, 95% CI 0.74-1.88, p = 0.48, I (2) = 0%, n = 33,814 patients). In addition, there was no increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, cardiac complication, and pulmonary embolism or infection rates in either comparison group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the analysis suggest that simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty has a significantly higher rate of mortality at 30 days, 3 months and 1 year after surgery, but similar infection and complication rates in comparison to staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

Assessing the value of a total joint replacement

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) continues to be one of the most successful surgical interventions in medicine. Demand is growing rapidly, placing an increasingly heavy cost burden on national health systems. Despite the popularity of these surgeries, high-quality cost-effectiveness studies evaluating TJA are few in number. This article summarizes the current literature on value in arthroplasty, identifying the various factors affecting costs and outcomes, and suggesting how policy makers can influence utilization of TJA to further improve value to society.

Comparison of total hip and knee arthroplasty cohorts and short-term outcomes from a single-center joint registry

The purpose of this study was to compare short-term clinical outcomes between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patient cohorts, adjusting for confounding variables including age, sex, body mass index, operative time, length of stay, and preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 349 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria created 2 cohorts: THA, 194, and TKA, 155, for statistical analysis via multiple regression and analysis of covariance measures. Outcome measures included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey data, collected prospectively at baseline and 2 years of follow-up. The current study showed that baseline characteristics of TKA patients have more factors with negative effect on postoperative outcome than THA. However, despite controlling for the possible confounding effect of these variables, THA patients experienced a significantly better functional outcome than TKA patients.

The lifetime risk of total hip and knee arthroplasty: results from the UK general practice research database

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the lifetime risk of undergoing primary total hip (THR) or knee (TKR) replacement in the UK.

METHOD

A Population-based cohort study of 25,845 patients who had undergone a THR and 23,260 patients who had undergone a TKR between 1991 and 2006, using data from the UK General Practice Research Database.

RESULTS

The estimated mortality-adjusted lifetime risk of THR at age 50 for the year 2005 was 11.6% (95% CI: 11.1, 12.1) for women and 7.1% (95% CI: 6.7, 7.5) for men. For TKR the risks were 10.8% (95% CI: 10.3, 11.3) for women and 8.1% (95% CI: 7.6, 8.5) for men. Between 1991 and 2006, the lifetime risk of THR at age 50 rose from 4.0% (95% CI: 3.5, 4.4) to 11.1% (95% CI: 10.6, 11.6) for women and for men from 2.2% (95% CI: 1.8, 2.5) to 6.6% (95% CI: 6.2, 7.0). Over the same period, for TKR the risk for women increased from 2.9% (95% CI: 2.6, 3.3) to 10.6% (95% CI: 10.1, 11.1) and for men from 1.8% (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2) to 7.7% (95% CI: 7.3, 8.2).

CONCLUSION

The lifetime risk of undergoing THR or TKR is estimated to be substantially less than the risk of developing symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis. For the knee, the difference between these risk estimates is particularly wide. The reasons for the size of these differences are not clear, and further work is needed to quantify the extent of latent demand for these cost-effective and established interventions among the population with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Pulmonary embolism prophylaxis in more than 30,000 total knee arthroplasty patients: is there a best choice?

Prophylaxis for pulmonary embolism (PE) prevention in total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. A joint registry evaluated venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and anesthesia impact on the incidence of PE, fatal PE, and death. Patients received mechanical prophylaxis alone or chemical with or without mechanical prophylaxis. The overall PE incidence was 0.45%; fatal PE, 0.01%; and death, 0.31%. The only significant difference in any outcome was the incidence of PE between Coumadin and mechanical prophylaxis alone. Variables associated with a higher incidence of PE were age, an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or higher, and the use of general anesthesia. Based on the findings, general anesthesia can be discouraged, and only Coumadin fared better than mechanical prophylaxis alone, whereas other forms of chemical prophylaxis revealed no significant differences.

Postoperative improvement in health-related quality of life: a national comparison of surgical treatment for focal (one- to two-level) lumbar spinal stenosis compared with total joint arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The results of single-center studies have shown that surgical intervention for lumbar spinal stenosis yielded comparable health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improvement to total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Whether these results are generalizable to routine clinical practice in Canada is unknown.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this equivalence study was to compare the relative improvement in physical HRQoL after surgery for focal lumbar spinal stenosis (FLSS) compared with TJA for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) across six Canadian centers.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A Canadian multicenter ambispective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A cohort of 371 primary one- to two-level spinal decompression (n=214 with instrumented fusion) for FLSS (n=179 with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis [DLS]) was compared with a cohort of primary total hip (n=156) and knee (n=208) arthroplasty for OA.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the change in preoperative to 2-year postoperative 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (PCS) score as reflected by the number of patients reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB).

METHODS

Univariate analyses were conducted to identify baseline differences and factors that were significantly related to outcomes at 2 years. Multivariable regression modeling was used as our primary analysis to compare outcomes between groups.

RESULTS

The mean age (years) and percent females for the spine, hip, and knee groups were 63.3/58.5, 66.0/46.9, and 65.8/64.3, respectively. All three groups experienced significant improvement of baseline PCS (p<.001). Multivariate analyses, adjusting for baseline differences (age, gender, baseline Mental Component Summary score, baseline PCS), demonstrated no significant differences in PCS outcome between spinal surgery and arthroplasty (combined hip and knee cohorts) patients with an odds ratio of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-1.11; p=.17) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.58-1.09; p=.15) for achieving MCID or SCB, respectively. In subgroup analysis, spine and knee outcomes were not significantly different, with hip arthroplasty superior to both (p<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvement in physical HRQoL after surgical treatment of FLSS (including DLS) is consistently achieved nationally. Our overall results demonstrate that a comparable number of patients can expect to achieve MCID and SCB 2 years after surgical intervention for FLSS and total knee arthroplasty.