Total knee arthroplasty in Italy: reflections from the last fifteen years and projections for the next thirty

Gait improvements in the early post-surgery rehabilitation phase in subjects receiving a total knee or hip arthroplasty: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) is fundamental for reducing pain and recovering strength, range of motion, and walking ability. Gait analysis (GA) is rarely included in the rehabilitation path. This study assesses how inpatient rehabilitation influences clinical outcomes and gait analysis (GA) parameters in TKA and THA patients, comparing these with age- and speed-matched healthy subjects (HS).

METHODS

A prospective observational study included 80 subjects (50 TKA, 30 THA) and 20 aged-matched HS. Assessments occurred at admission and discharge post inpatient rehabilitation, using clinical outcome scales (e.g., Modified Barthel Index, Knee Society Score), GA spatiotemporal parameters, and gait summary measures (e.g., Gait Profile Score, Gait Deviation Index). Statistical analyses determined the significance of improvements.

RESULTS

Post-rehabilitation, significant improvements were observed in clinical outcomes and some key spatio-temporal gait parameters (p ≤ 0.01). However, gait summary measures showed no changes. Interestingly, gait summary measures did not correlate with clinical outcome scales. Moreover, TKA and THA patients showed no differences compared with slow-walking HS.

CONCLUSION

Inpatient rehabilitation significantly enhanced clinical outcomes and spatio-temporal parameters. Additionally, no differences were observed between spatiotemporal and gait summary measures of slow-walking HS and patients at discharge, indicating that rehabilitation restored gait quality. However, gait speed remains impaired, in both TKA and THA populations. Future research should explore personalized rehabilitation protocols to address these limitations and improve gait outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04803578.

Incidence rate of total knee arthroplasties in eleven European countries: Do they reach a plateau?

BACKGROUND

From several decades, the evolutions of the Incidence Rate (IR) of Primary Knee Arthroplasties are continuously increasing worldwide and have been widely studied in several countries. Some recent works have highlighted the fact that the IR is following a sigmoid curve composed of an exponential growth followed by a linear phase and finished by a plateau. Our objective is to assess the IR evolution of eleven European countries, representing thus a large proportion of this continent, regarding this sigmoid.

METHODS

IRs of primary knee arthroplasties for Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2019 were retrieved from the EUROSTAT database. Several regression models were fitted to each country's IRs: Poisson, linear, asymptotic, logistic, and Gompertz regression. For each country and each model, the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) and R2 were calculated and used to estimate their position with respect to this sigmoid curve.

RESULTS

The best regression models for knee arthroplasties varied following countries. Logistic and Gompertz regressions had the lowest RMSE and R2 values for Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the UK. Hungary, Italy, and Poland favored the Poisson regression model. Finland and Spain presented difficulties in determining the optimal model (linear or Poisson), while France faced challenges in choosing between logistic, Gompertz, and linear regression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the growth dynamics of IR differ across European countries. Some countries seem to have already reached a plateau and will therefore experience slight growth in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused gender-specific declines in knee surgery rates in Sweden from 2020 to 2021

Purpose

Changes in knee surgery incidence are important factors for stakeholders and healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to examine trends and patterns in knee surgeries in Sweden from 2010 to 2022. The study focuses on gender-specific and overall rates of knee surgeries.

Methods

The analysis is based on a data set sourced from national healthcare records. The data was stratified based on surgical rates and categorized by gender, year and the specific knee arthroplasty technique used. We tracked year-to-year changes in surgical rates to identify overarching patterns. We used Poisson regression to predict future trends. Comparisons were made between various surgical subcategories, such as those with and without cement in knee arthroplasty surgeries.

Results

In 2010, the rate of knee surgeries per 100,000 person-years was 518.7 for males and 448.0 for females. These rates exhibited fluctuations over time, reaching their lowest point in 2020, attributed to the pandemic's disruption of elective procedures, with 386.4 surgeries per 100,000 males and 386.3 surgeries per 100,000 females. A resurgence was observed in 2022. The rates of primary knee arthroplasty increased, with a male rate of 106.2 and a female rate of 150.7 surgeries per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010, rising to 126.8 for males and 166.2 for females in 2022.

Conclusion

This comprehensive nationwide open-source data analysis of knee surgeries in Sweden shows that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted knee surgery rates in Sweden, causing a notable decline in 2020, followed by a resurgence in 2022. Furthermore, while men had higher surgery rates than women, they experienced a larger decline in the incidence of knee surgeries compared to women. Understanding these trends is crucial for stakeholders and healthcare providers to improve resource allocation, address gender disparities, and maintain the resilience of surgical services in the face of disruptions.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Knee arthroplasty: an international systemic review of epidemiological trends

BACKGROUND

In response to various socio-economic factors and technological advancements, knee arthroplasty procedures have steadily increased. To date, epidemiological analyses have been conducted on a single-country basis. The aims of this article are: (1) to identify arthroplasty databases by country, (2) to verify the international comparability of coding, (3) to study retrospective epidemiological trends, and (4) to analyze projections by country. The hypothesis is that countries will follow similar trends, though with varying time lags.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review from 2005 to 2023 was conducted following PRISMA recommendations on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane, using the keywords: "Knee + Arthroplasty + Trends + Replacement + Epidemiology." Only articles featuring national analyses, based on references recognized by healthcare systems, were included.

RESULTS

Forty-eight articles, representing 16 countries, were selected. Europe was the most represented (47% of occurrences), followed by the USA (22%), Asia (20%), Oceania (8%), and Chile (2%). The data came from national databases or representative extrapolated samples. Extraction methods used precise national codes or specific definitions. Growth rates in volume and incidence were positive but varied between countries, with distinct dynamics and different phases of growth. Females had higher volumes and incidence rates (sex ratio 2/3), but growth was faster in males. Future forecasts, based on regression models (Poisson, linear, or logistic), predicted an increase in volumes of between +30% by 2030 and +805% by 2050.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of census systems revealed growth in knee arthroplasties in all countries, but with varying intensities depending on the period. These multifactorial disparities appeared to follow a similar pattern, staggered over time based on the countries' economic development.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; epidemiological review.

A Review of Current Approaches to Pain Management in Knee Osteoarthritis with a Focus on Italian Clinical Landscape

The global cases of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are projected to increase by 74.9% by 2050. Currently, over half of patients remain dissatisfied with their pain relief. This review addresses unmet needs for moderate-to-severe KOA pain; it offers evidence and insights for improved management. Italian experts from the fields of rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, primary care, and pain therapy have identified several key issues. They emphasized the need for standardized care protocols to address inconsistencies in patient management across different specialties. Early diagnosis is crucial, as cartilage responds better to early protective and structural therapies. Faster access to physiatrist evaluation and reimbursement for physical, rehabilitative, and pharmacological treatments, including intra-articular (IA) therapy, could reduce access disparities. Concerns surround the adverse effects of oral pharmacological treatments, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Patient satisfaction with corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid-based IA therapies reduces over time and there is no consensus on the optimal IA therapy protocol. Surgery should be reserved for severe symptoms and radiographic KOA evidence, as chronic pain post-surgery poses significant societal and economic burdens. The experts advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, promoting interaction and collaboration between specialists and general practitioners, to enhance KOA care and treatment consistency in Italy.

The projected increase of vertebral osteomyelitis in Germany implies a demanding challenge for future healthcare management of aging populations

PURPOSE

Since an increase in the occurrence of native vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is expected and reliable projections are missing, it is urgent to provide a reliable forecast model and make it a part of future health care considerations.

METHODS

Comprehensive nationwide data provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany were used to forecast total numbers and incidence rates (IR) of VO as a function of age and gender until 2040. Projections were done using autoregressive integrated moving average model on historical data from 2005 to 2019 in relation to official population projections from 2020 to 2040.

RESULTS

The IR of VO is expected to increase from 12.4 in 2019 to 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants [95% CI 20.9-22.1] in 2040. The highest increase is predicted in patients over 75 years of age for both men and women leading to a steep increase in absolute numbers, which is fourfold higher compared to patients younger than 75 years. While the IR per age group will not increase any further after 2035, the subsequent increase is due to a higher number of individuals aged 75 years or older.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that increasing IR of VO will seriously challenge healthcare systems, particularly due to demographic change and increasing proportions of populations turning 75 years and older. With respect to globally fast aging populations, future health care policies need to address this burden by anticipating limitations in financial and human resources and developing high-level evidence-based guidelines for prevention and interdisciplinary treatment.

Constraint degree in revision total knee replacement: a registry study on 1432 patients

PURPOSE

Total knee replacement (TKR) failure represents a hard challenge for knee surgeons. TKR failure can be managed in revision with different constraint, related with soft and bone knee damages. The choice of the right constraint for every failure cause represents a not summarized entity. The purpose of this study is identifying distribution of different constraints in revision TKR (rTKR) for failure cause and the overall survival.

METHODS

A registry study based on the Emilia Romagna Register of the Orthopaedic Prosthetic Implants (called RIPO) was performed with a selection of 1432 implants, in the period between 2000 and 2019. Selection implants including primary surgery constraint, failure cause and constraint revision for every patient, and divided for constraint degrees used during procedures (Cruciate Retaining-CR, Posterior Stabilized-PS, Condylar Constrained Knee-CCK, Hinged).

RESULTS

The most common cause of primary TKR failure was aseptic loosening (51,45%), followed by septic loosening (29,12%). Each type of failure was managed with different constraint, the most used was CCK in the most of failure causes, such as to manage aseptic and septic loosening in CR and PS failure. Overall survival of TKA revisions has been calculated at 5 and 10 years for each constraint, with a range of 75.1-90.0% at 5 years and 75.1-87.5% at 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Constraint degree in rTKR is typically higher than primary, CCK is the most used constraint in revision surgery with an overall survival of 87.5% at 10 years.

Barbed sutures and skin adhesives improve wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

This study aimed to formulate evidence-based recommendations for optimising wound management in hip and knee arthroplasty by exploring alternative methods such as barbed sutures and skin adhesives.

METHODS

A Delphi panel, comprising seven orthopaedic surgeons, one musculoskeletal infectious disease specialist, and one health economics expert, was convened to evaluate the use of barbed sutures and skin adhesives for wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty. Two systematic reviews informed the development of questionnaires, with panelists ranking their agreement on statements using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved if ≥75% agreement. Unresolved statements were revisited in a second round.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 11 statements, providing evidence-based recommendations. The expert panel advocates for a multilayer watertight technique using barbed sutures to prevent surgical site infections (SSI), reduce complications, shorten surgical times, optimise resources and improve cosmetic appearance. For skin closure, the panel recommends topical adhesives to decrease wound dehiscence, enhance cosmetic appearance, promote patient compliance, prevent SSIs, and optimise resources.

CONCLUSION

The Delphi consensus by Italian total joint arthroplasty experts underscores the pivotal role of barbed sutures and skin adhesives in optimising outcomes. While guiding clinical decision-making, these recommendations are not prescriptive and should be adapted to local practices. The study encourages further research to enhance current evidence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

The reimbursement system can influence the treatment choice and favor joint replacement versus other less invasive solutions in patients affected by osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess how physicians perceive the role of the reimbursement system and its potential influence in affecting their treatment choice in the management of patients affected by osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A survey was administered to 283 members of SIAGASCOT (Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper Limb, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies), a National scientific orthopaedic society. The survey presented multiple choice questions on the access allowed by the current Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system to all necessary options to treat patients affected by OA and on the influence toward prosthetic solutions versus other less invasive options.

RESULTS

Almost 70% of the participants consider that the current DRG system does not allow access to all necessary options to best treat patients affected by OA. More than half of the participants thought that the current DRG system favors the choice of prosthetic solutions (55%) and that it can contribute to the increase in prosthetic implantation at the expense of less invasive solutions (54%). The sub-analyses based on different age groups, professional roles, and places of work allowed to evaluate the response in each specific category, confirming the findings for all investigated aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey documented that the majority of physicians consider that the reimbursement system can influence the treatment choice when managing OA patients. The current DRG system was perceived as unbalanced in favor of the choice of the prosthetic solution, which could contribute to the increase in prosthetic implantation at the expense of other less invasive options for OA management.

Psychological predictors of acute postoperative pain after total knee and hip arthroplasty: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Identifying patients at high risk of acute postoperative pain after total knee or hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) will facilitate individualized pain management and research on the efficacy of treatment options. Numerous studies have reported that psychological patient factors may influence acute postoperative pain, but most reviews have focused on chronic pain and functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate which psychological metrics are associated with acute postoperative pain after TKA and THA.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 2022. Full-text articles reporting associations of preoperative psychological factors with acute pain within 48 h of TKA or THA surgery were identified. Quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies containing 16 unique study populations were included. TKA was the most common procedure, and anxiety and depression were the most evaluated psychological metrics. Several different anesthetic techniques and analgesic regimens were used. The studies were generally rated as having a low to moderate risk of bias. Catastrophizing was associated with acute pain in six studies (of nine), mainly after TKA. In contrast, three studies (of 13) and two studies (of 13) found anxiety and depression, respectively, to be associated with acute postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain catastrophizing seemed to be the most consistent psychological predictor of acute postoperative pain after TKA. The results for other psychological factors and THA were inconsistent. However, the interpretation of results was limited by considerable methodological heterogeneity.

Effects of tele-prehabilitation on clinical and muscular recovery in patients awaiting knee replacement: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) impose a significant socioeconomic burden in developed and developing countries. Prehabilitation (rehabilitation in the weeks immediately before surgery) may be crucial to prepare patients for surgery improving outcomes and reducing assistance costs. Moreover, considering the progress of telemedicine, candidates for TKA could potentially benefit from a tele-prehabilitation programme. We aim to evaluate the effects of a home-based tele-prehabilitation program for patients waiting for total knee replacement.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Forty-eight male patients, aged 65-80, on a waiting list for TKA will be recruited and randomly assigned to the tele-prehabilitation intervention or control groups. Both groups will undergo the same 6-week exercise program (five sessions/week) and the same educational session (one per week). The tele-prehabilitation group will perform asynchronous sessions using a tablet, two accelerometers and a balance board (Khymeia, Padova, Italy), while the control group will use a booklet. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Questionnaire, at the end of the prehabilitation, will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported outcomes, performance tests and change in expressions of blood and muscle biomarkers. Ten healthy subjects, aged 18-30, will be also recruited for muscle and blood samples collection. They will not undergo any intervention and their data will be used as benchmarks for the intervention and control groups' analyses.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This randomised controlled trial will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan, Italy. No. 50/INT/2022). The research results will be published in peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05668312.

Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty: A bibliometric analysis

The robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty has gained increasing attention in the research field. To date, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been carried out on this topic. The present study aimed to introduce the research status and hotspots and explore the field of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty from a bibliometric perspective. The Web of Science Core Collection database was utilized to retrieve articles and reviews on robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty published between 1993 and 2023. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, Pajek, and a bibliometric online analysis platform (http://bibliometric.com/) were employed to analyze the regions, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, aiming to predict the latest trends in research related to robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty. This study encompasses 697 records. The annual publication count pertaining to robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty demonstrates consistent growth. The United States leads with the highest number of studies (298), trailed by the United Kingdom (110) and France (49). The Hospital for Special Surgery emerges as the most prolific institution, while Professor Mont, Michael A holds significant author influence. The Journal of Arthroplasty reigns supreme in this field, boasting the highest publication and citation figures. Funding sources predominantly include Stryker (34), Smith Nephew (19), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (17). Noteworthy research themes within robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty encompass patient satisfaction, kinematic alignment, and clinical benefits. The landscape of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty research is thriving. Anticipated trajectories of research will be geared toward refining the precision of robotic technology and enhancing clinical outcomes within the realm of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty.

Telerehabilitation Is a Valid Option for Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Pilot Study Based on Our Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Total knee arthroplasty is an effective operation. Post-surgery rehabilitation, based on early and intensive progressive exercise programs, plays a substantial role and telerehabilitation can be an effective safe option. This retrospective study aimed to compare traditional in-presence rehabilitation and telerehabilitation for total knee arthroplasty, based on our experience during the Italian COVID-19 lockdown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 164 patients (94 females and 70 males) enrolled in 2020 within 2 weeks after total knee replacement to perform post-operative outpatient rehabilitation. The clinical results of 82 patients (mean age 66.8 ± 10.2 years) performing telerehabilitation with those obtained from a similar cohort of 82 patients (mean age 65.4 ± 11.8 years) performing traditional in-presence outpatient rehabilitation were compared. Clinical outcomes were examined by comparing the gait speed (Time Up and Go-TUG test), the range of motion, the pain intensity (VAS), the functional status (Oxford Knee Score-OKS and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-KOOS) and the overall satisfaction (Self-administered patient satisfaction scale) 12 weeks after the beginning of the physiotherapeutic protocol.

RESULTS

Telerehabilitation was non-inferior to traditional in-presence rehabilitation in all of the investigated areas and no statistical difference in terms of effectiveness was detected at 12 weeks, as confirmed by the respective patient-reported outcome scores such as TUG test (reduced from 20 ± 2 s to 12 ± 1.5 s for the telerehab cohort and from 18 ± 1.5 s to 13.1 ± 2 s for the in-presence rehabilitation one), pain VAS, OKS (improved from 22 ± 1.3 to 36 ± 2.7 for the telerehab cohort and from 23 ± 2.1 to 35.1 ± 4.2 for the in-presence group), KOOS (improved from 46.2 ± 10.2 to 67.4 ± 3.8 for the telerehabilitation cohort and from 48.4 ± 8.4 to 68.3 ± 6.6 for the other group), and the Self-administered patient satisfaction scale (more than two-thirds of patients globally satisfied with the results of their surgery in both groups).

CONCLUSION

The telerehabilitation program was effective after total knee replacement and yielded clinical outcomes that were not inferior to conventional outpatient protocols.

Total knee arthroplasty in France: Male-driven rise in procedures in 2009-2019 and projections for 2050

BACKGROUND

The number of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) procedures has been rising steadily for several decades in Europe and the USA. The increase varies in pace across countries, with a gradual climb in northern and central Europe, a slowing in the USA, and an exponential surge in the UK. In France, a 32.2% rise in the number of TKA and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedures was documented between 2012 and 2018. However, no study has focussed specifically on changes in both TKA procedures and the features of TKA patients. The objective of this study was to use the French national healthcare database to evaluate (1) increases in TKA procedures according to sex and age, (2) whether TKA is being performed at increasingly younger ages, (3) whether the comorbidity profile at TKA is changing, and (4) whether the TKA incidence rate will stabilise in the future, with a projection for 2050.

HYPOTHESIS

In France, the number of TKA procedures is rising in both males and females but the pace of the increases differs between sexes.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study used data collected in France in 2009-2019, separately for different age groups and for males and females, in the French national healthcare database (Système national des données de santé, SNDS) that collects information on all surgical procedures performed nationwide. Based on information about the TKA procedures, we determined (1) the TKA incidence rates with their time trends and (2) indirectly, the comorbidity profiles of the patients at TKA. Linear, Poisson, and logistic models were built to predict incidence rates in 2030, 2040, and 2050.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2019, the TKA incidence rate showed a steeper increase in males than in females (from 71.2 to 122.9 [+73%] vs. 124.2 to 181.0 [+46%], respectively). Although this increase was replicated in all age groups, it was sharper in patients younger than 65 years, in both males and females (from 20.9 to 37.9 [+82%] and 33.6 to 51.3 [+53%], respectively). During the study period, the number and proportion of patients increased in the group with mild comorbidities (from 40 093 to 67 430 TKAs, i.e., from 53.1% to 65.7% of all TKAs) but not in the other comorbidity groups. All projection models were validated. Nonetheless, the most likely scenario, provided by the logistic model, is a 33% rise by 2050 in both males and females (i.e., to 151 575 TKA procedures) with a plateau starting around 2030.

CONCLUSION

Although the increase in TKA procedures is more marked in males than in females, the trends are similar in both sexes, with a sharper rise in the group younger than 65 years and a shift toward patients with milder comorbidities. In the longer term, incidence rate trends follow logistic dynamics, with a plateau starting around 2030. To meet the increasing demand, a corresponding development in relevant healthcare resources must be planned.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, descriptive epidemiological study.

Projections From Surgical Use Models in Germany Suggest a Rising Number of Spinal Fusions in Patients 75 Years and Older Will Challenge Healthcare Systems Worldwide

BACKGROUND

Spinal fusion is a well-established procedure in the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases. Previous research shows that the use of this operative treatment has been growing in recent decades in industrialized countries and has become one of the most cost-intensive surgical procedures. It seems that in some countries such as Germany-with its large, industrialized, European population-this increase is mainly driven by demographic changes with low fertility rates, increasing life expectancy, and an aging population. Based on current projections, however, Germany faces a population trend that many other countries are likely to follow within a few decades. An increasingly shrinking and aging working population may eventually put the healthcare system under enormous pressure, with greater demands for spinal fusions and associated higher costs. Thus, we aimed to provide reliable projections regarding the future demand for posterior spinal fusion procedures including age- and gender-related trends up to 2060, which will be necessary for future resource planning and possible improvements in actual treatment strategies.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) How is the use of posterior spinal fusions in Germany expected to change from 2019 through 2060, if currents trends continue? (2) How is the use of posterior spinal fusions in Germany expected to change depending on patients' age and gender during this time period?

METHODS

Comprehensive nationwide data provided by the Federal Statistical Office, the official institution for documenting all data on operations and procedures performed in Germany, were used to quantify posterior spinal fusion rates as a function of calendar year, age, and gender. Because there is a lack of evidence regarding future trends in the use of posterior spinal fusions, an autoregressive integrated moving average model on historical procedure rates from 2005 to 2019 in relation to official population projections from 2020 to 2060 was chosen to forecast future absolute numbers and incidence rates of this procedure in Germany. Long-term forecasting is more prone to unexpected disruptions than forecasting over short-term periods; however, longer spans facilitate estimates of how trends may challenge future healthcare systems if those trends continue, and thus are useful for research and planning.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of posterior spinal fusion was projected to increase by approximately 83% (95% CI 28% to 139%) to 102% per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 71% to 133%) in 2060, with a 1.3-fold higher rate of women undergoing surgery in terms of absolute numbers. The highest increase identified by the model occurred in patients 75 years and older with 38,974 (95% CI 27,294 to 50,653) posterior spinal fusions in 2060, compared with 14,657 in 2019. This trend applied for both women and men, with a 246% (95% CI 138% to 355%) increase in the total number of posterior spinal fusions for women 75 years and older and a 296% (95% CI 222% to 370%) increase for men 75 years and older. At the same time, posterior spinal fusions in all age groups younger than 55 years were projected to follow a constant or even negative trend up to 2060.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that increasing use of posterior spinal fusion, particularly in patients 75 years and older, will challenge healthcare systems worldwide if current trends persist. This study may serve as a model for many other industrialized countries facing similar demographic and procedure-specific developments in the future. This emphasizes the need to focus on frailty research as well as appropriate financial and human resource management. Effective perioperative medical management, multidisciplinary treatment, and interinstitutional protocols are warranted, especially in older patients as we attempt to manage these trends in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, economic and decision analysis.

Acute Prosthetic Joint Infections with Poor Outcome Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Strains Producing the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) producing the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) affects the outcome of Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI). Patients with acute and chronic PJI sustained by SA were prospectively enrolled at the orthopedic unit of "Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena", from January 2019 to October 2021. PJI diagnosis was reached according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Consensus Meeting on PJI of Philadelphia. Synovial fluid obtained via joint aspirations was collected in order to isolate SA. The detection of PVL was performed via real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The outcome assessment was performed using the criteria of the Delphi-based International Multidisciplinary Consensus. Twelve cases of PJI caused by SA were included. Nine (75%) cases were acute PJI treated using debridement, antibiotic and implant retention (DAIR); the remaining three (25%) were chronic PJI treated using two-stage (n = 2) and one-stage revision (n = 1), respectively. The SA strains that tested positive for PVL genes were 5/12 (41.6%,). Treatment failure was documented in three cases of acute PJI treated using DAIR, all supported by SA-PVL strains (p < 0.045). The remaining two cases were chronic PJI treated with a revision arthroplasty (one and two stage, respectively), with a 100% eradication rate in a medium follow-up of 24 months. Although a small case series, our study showed a 100% failure rate in acute PJI, probably caused by SA PVL-producing strains treated conservatively (p < 0.04). In this setting, toxin research should guide radical surgical treatment and targeted antibiotic therapy.

Gender related results in total knee arthroplasty: a 15-year evaluation of the Italian population

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to estimate separately in women and men the number of Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures performed in Italy from 2001 to 2016, exploring specific gender-related characteristics and trends.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (NHDR) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health in the years between 2001 and 2016. The information included in this archive are the patient's sex, age, the year when the surgical procedure was performed and the length of the hospitalization.

RESULTS

Between the years 2001 and 2016, a total of 848,863 TKAs have been performed in Italy. TKAs in women passed from 20,719 in 2001 to 49,320 in 2016 showing an increase of 138%, while TKAs in men passed from 6631 in 2001 to 23,601 in 2016 showing an increase of 256%. From the age of 50 onwards, there was a prevalence of procedures in women, from 63.2% in the 50-54 group to 85.7% in the 100 + group. Conversely, under the age of 50, there was a higher percentage of surgeries performed in males, 57.1% on a total of 16,434 TKA surgeries carried out in this age group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that TKA is growing and heavily affecting the female population (70.6% of all TKAs) between 2001 and 2016. However, under 50 years old there was a higher percentage of surgeries performed in males (57.1%). The average number of days of hospitalization in females was higher than in males.

Painful total knee arthroplasty: Infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve selective denervation. A case series

INTRODUCTION

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable and widespread solution for knee osteoarthritis treatment, but about 20% of the patients complains of persisting pain. Neuroma formation in the IPBSN (infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve) is an undervalued cause of persistent anterior pain after TKA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the selective neuroma denervation on patients satisfaction and pain improvement.

MATHERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2014 and 2020, we evaluated 13 patients suffering from persistent anterior knee pain and numbness after TKA who underwent a surgical neurectomy of the IPBSN. After clinical assessment and diagnosis confirmation, we carried out the surgery. Short Form 12 Health (SF12), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) have been collected before and after the procedure. After the surgical treatment, the symptom's resolution and patients' satisfaction were attested by the achievement of the Minimal ClinicallyImportantDifference(MCID) of the self-administered patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

RESULTS

Our results showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) of patients pain perception (mean NRS improvement -4.2, SD 2.5) and overall satisfaction (with a mean increase in OKS of 14.5 points SD 9.4, and in SF12 of 6.5 points SD 4.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Hence, our study suggests that selective neuroma denervation may be an effective solution to improve the quality of life of patients who develop this complication after TKA.

Predictive Factors of Surgical Site Infection in Prosthetic Joint Surgery: A Prospective Study on 760 Arthroplasties

Purpose

The success of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has led to consistent growth in the use of arthroplasty in progressively younger patients. However, more than 10 percent of patients require revision surgery due to implant failure caused by aseptic or septic inflammation. Among the latter, surgical site infection (SSI) represents one of the worst complications of TJA, potentially resulting in the removal of the prosthesis. The aim of our study was to identify potential risk factors for SSIs in a population of patients undergoing TJA.

Methods

TJA were prospectively recruited at Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena from February 2019 to April 2020. Age, sex, major comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, length of surgery, type of surgical suture, total hospital length of stay, and clinical laboratory data were collected. The study population was then divided into two groups: Group A, normal postoperative course, and Group B, patients who developed SSI at follow-up (17-25 days).

Results

25/760 (3.3%) patients developed SSIs at follow-up. Clinical and demographic parameters were not different between the two groups. Total leucocyte and neutrophil values at discharge resulted to be significatively higher in Group B compared to Group A (p = 0.025 and p = 0.016, respectively). Values of 7860/μL for total leucocyte and 5185/μL for neutrophil count at discharge significantly predicted the future development of SSI (AUC 0.623 and AUC 0.641, respectively; p < 0.05) independently from confounding factors (total leukocytes: O.R. = 3, 69 [95% C.I. 1,63-8,32]; neutrophils: O.R. = 3, 98 [95% C.I. 1,76-8,97]). Deep SSIs has been diagnosed significantly before superficial SSIs (p = 0,008), with a median advance of 9 days.

Conclusion

Total leukocytes and neutrophils at discharge seem useful to identify a population at risk for the development of septic inflammation at the surgical site following TJA. Further studies with larger populations are needed to develop a predictive SSIs risk score that should include those variables.

A human bone infection organ model for biomaterial research

The aim of this work was to establish an organ model for staphylococcal infection of human bone samples and to investigate the influence and efficacy of a microporous β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic (β-TCP, RMS Foundation) loaded with hydrogels (alginate, alginate-di-aldehyde (ADA)-gelatin) and clindamycin on infected human bone tissue over a period of 28 days. For this purpose, human tibia plateaus, collected during total knee replacement surgery, were used as a source of bone material. Samples were infected with S. aureus ATCC29213 and treated with differently loaded β-TCP composites (alginate +/- clindamycin, ADA-gelatin +/- clindamycin, unloaded). The loading of the composites was carried out by means of a flow chamber. The infection was observed for 28 days, quantifying bacteria in the medium and the osseus material on day 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. All samples were histologically processed for bone vitality evaluation. Bone infection could be consistently performed within the organ model. In addition, a strong reduction in bacterial counts was recorded in the groups treated with ADA-gelatin + clindamycin and alginate + clindamycin, while the bacterial count in the control groups remained constant. No significant differences between groups could be observed in the number of lacunae filled with osteocytes suggesting no differences in bone vitality among groups. In an ex-vivo human bone infection model, over a period of 28 days bacterial growth could be reduced by treatment with ADA-Gel + CLI and ALG + CLI -releasing β-TCP composites. This could be relevant for its clinical use. Further work will be necessary to improve the loading of β-TCP and the bone infection organ model itself. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The common treatment of bone infections is debridement and systemic administration of antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotic-containing carriers are already used, but these must be removed again. Our work is intended to show another treatment option. The scaffold we have developed, made of a calcium phosphate ceramic and a hydrogel as the active substance carrier, can, in addition to releasing the active substance, also assume a load-bearing function of the bone and is biodegradable. In addition, the model we developed can also be used for the analysis and treatment of bone infections other than those of the musculoskeletal system. More importantly, it can also serve as a substitute for previously used animal experiments.

Influence of frailty and its interaction with comorbidity on outcomes among total joint replacement

BACKGROUND

Patients with frailty get more and more attention in clinical practice. Yet, no large-scale studies have explored the impact of frailty on the perioperative acute medical and surgical complications following TJA. what is more, comorbid diseases may lead, at least additively, to the development of frailty. There also no studies to find the possible interaction between comorbidity and frailty on the postoperative complications after TJA.

METHODS

Discharge data of 2,029,843 patients who underwent TJA from 2005 to 2014 from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, which was analyzed using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Frailty was defined based on frailty-defining diagnosis clusters from frailty-defining diagnosis indicator of Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups.

RESULTS

Among patients who underwent total joint replacement surgeries, 50,385 (2.5%) were identified as frail. Frailty is highly associated with old age, especially for those over the age of 80, meanwhile females and black races have a high Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of ≥ 3, together with emergency/urgent admission and teaching hospital. While comorbidity is associated with greater odds of acute medical complications, and frailty has a better predictive effect on in-hospital deaths, acute surgical complications. Furthermore, frailty did not show an enhancement in the predictive power of the Charlson comorbidity score for postoperative complications or in-hospital deaths but postoperative LOS and hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSION

Frailty can be used to independently predicted postoperative surgical and medical complications, which also has a synergistic interaction with comorbidity for patients who are preparing to undergo TJA.

A Retrospective Analysis of 1,595 Cases: Comparing the Characteristics of Total Knee Arthroplasty between Tibetans Living in the Plateau and Han of the Sichuan Basin

Background

Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment for end-stage knee arthritis. Studies' date have shown that the demand for knee replacements continues to increase worldwide. Although racial disparities have been previously reported in the utilization of total knee arthroplasty in western countries, however, there are few similar studies in China.

Objectives

Retrospective analysis of medical records identified the characteristics of Tibetan patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty living in plateau and their differences with Hans living in Sichuan Basin.

Methods

The patients with unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty in Sichuan Orthopedic Hospital from 2015 to 2020 were enrolled. Analyze and compare the demographic characteristics (age, body mass index, and occupation) and pathogenesis characteristics (disease duration, exacerbation period, treatment methods, etc.) of the plateau Tibetans and the Hans of the Sichuan Basin.

Results

1595 eligible patients were reviewed, including 541 Tibetan patients and 1054 Han patients, The average age of Tibetan patients was lower than that of Han patients (P < 0.001); the average BMI index of Tibetan patients was higher than that of Han patients (P < 0.001). And obese people account for more; the occupational distribution of Tibetan patients is more concentrated, mainly farmers. Tibetan patients have a longer course of disease than Han patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The social background and geographical environment of the Tibetan population are different from those of the Han. Tibetans living on plateaus have an earlier illness, a longer course of illness, a more obvious trend of younger, age and fewer opportunities for regular treatment during the illness.

Comparisons of the Efficacy and Safety of Total Knee Arthroplasty by Different Surgical Approaches: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) considering seven different surgical approaches. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science) were searched for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TKA with different surgical approaches. STATA 14.0 was used to construct network maps and publication bias graphs and conduct inconsistency tests, network meta-analyses, and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) calculations. A total of 51 RCTs involving 4061 patients and 4179 knees from 18 countries were included. Among the seven surgical approaches, the midvastus approach (MV) was the top choice to reduce tourniquet use time, the subvastus approach (SV) had the shortest operation time, the mini-midvastus approach (Mini-SV) was associated with the least amount of time to achieve straight leg raise (SLR) after surgery, the mini-medial parapatellar approach (Mini-MP) reduced postoperative pain effects, and the medial parapatellar approach (MP) was the best approach to improve range of motion (ROM). Excluding the quadriceps-sparing approach (QS), which was not compared, the use of the mini-midvastus (Mini-MV) may shorten the hospital stay. There were no significant differences in blood loss, postoperative complications, American Knee Society Score (AKSS) objective, or AKSS functional between the seven surgical approaches (P > 0.05).

Clinical radiographic outcomes and survivorship of medial pivot design total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty is a reliable procedure able to reduce pain and disability in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. However, a considerable percentage of patients still experiences unsatisfactory results. Medial pivot total knee arthroplasty has been introduced in the clinical practice to overcome problems related with classic design implants and better mimic native knee kinematics. The aim of this study was to analyze survivorship and clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial pivot implants.

METHODS

A systematic research was conducted in eight different databases. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Data on objective and patients-reported outcomes, radiographic alignment, and survivorship were collected and analyzed. Revision rate was expressed as revision per 100 components years.

RESULT

A total of 3377 procedures were included. Mean follow-up was 85.7 months (range, 12-182). The revision per 100 components years was 0.19, which corresponds to a revision rate of 1.9% after 10 years. Mean post-operative range of motion was 117.3 ± 0.4°. Mean clinical and functional Knee Society Score were, respectively, 85.9 ± 1.1 and 84.7 ± 3.5 at final follow-up. Post-operative femorotibial alignment was 177.1 ± 0.5°. Alfa and beta angles were 95.7 ± 0.1° and 89.2 ± 0.1°, respectively. Gamma and delta angles were 2.3 ± 0.6° and 86.7 ± 0.4°.

CONCLUSION

Medial pivoting implants provided excellent survivorship and low revision rate, as well as good-to-excellent results in term of objective and patient-reported clinical outcomes, and reliable correction of radiographic parameters. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to clarify the role of medial pivoting implants.

Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: an Italian qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in Italy.

DESIGN

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

Urban and suburban areas in northern Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 11 people with OA were enrolled through a purposeful sampling and completed the study.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

The experience of Italian people with OA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Four themes were brought to the forefront from the analysis of the interviews. (1) Being Stressed for the Limited Social Interactions and for the Family Members at High Risk of Infection, as the interviewees were frustrated because they could not see their loved ones or felt a sense of apprehension for their relatives. (2) Recurring Strategies to Cope with the Pandemic such as an active acceptance towards the situation. (3) Being Limited in the Possibility of Undergoing OA Complementary Treatments and Other Routine Medical Visits. (4) Being Unaware of the Importance of Physical Activity as First-Line Interventions which was an attitude already present before the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions impacted the quality of life and the care of individuals with hip and knee OA. The social sphere seemed to be the most hindered. However, the interviewees developed a good level of acceptance to deal with the pandemic. When it came to their care, they faced a delay of routine medical visits not related to OA and of other complementary treatments (eg, physical therapies) to manage OA. Finally, a controversial result that emerged from these interviews was that first-line interventions for OA (ie, therapeutic exercise) was not sought by the interviewees, regardless of the restrictions dictated by the pandemic. Policy-making strategies are thus necessary to support the awareness of the importance of such interventions.

Recent trends in revision knee arthroplasty in Germany

We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) How did numbers of revision knee arthroplasty procedures develop in Germany over the last decade compared to primary TKA? (2) How high was the percentage of septic interventions in knee prosthesis revisions? (3) Which treatment strategy was chosen for surgical treatment of knee PJI? Revision arthroplasty rates as a function of age, gender, infection and type of prosthesis were quantified based on Operation and Procedure Classification System codes using revision knee arthroplasty data from 2008 to 2018, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis). In 2018, a total number 23,812 revision knee arthroplasties were performed in Germany, yielding an overall increase of 20.76% between 2008 and 2018. In comparison, primary TKA procedures increased by 23.8% from 152,551 performed procedures in 2008 to 188,866 procedures in 2018. Hence, 12.6% of knee arthroplasties required a revision in 2018. Septic interventions increased by 51.7% for all revisions. A trend towards higher numbers in younger patients was observed. Compared to 2008, 17.41% less DAIR procedures were performed, whereby single-stage and two- or multi-stage change increased by 38.76% and 42.76% in 2018, respectively. The increasing number of revision knee arthroplasty in Germany, especially in younger patients and due to infection, underlines the need for future efforts to improve treatment strategies to delay primary arthroplasty and avoid periprosthetic joint infection.

A retrospective analysis of trends in primary knee arthroplasty in Germany from 2008 to 2018

Unicompartimental and total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful and most performed operations worldwide. In the last years the number of primary knee arthroplasty increased constantly. The aim of this study is to analyze the rising numbers of primary knee arthroplasty and to see how it is used in Germany. In this retrospective study data, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany from 2008 to 2018 was analyzed, using operation codes from the German procedure classification system and characteristics like age, sex and type of the prosthesis. We found a slight increase of unicompartimental and total knee arthroplasty over the investigated 10 years from 150.504 in 2008 up to 168.479 procedures in 2018, with a maximum of 169.334 in 2017. Most patients were female and over 65 years old. Interestingly, there was an obvious decrease of regular TKA in the year 2013, with a relevant impact on the total number of procedures. In the following years the number rised again reaching the former level in 2015 and is still increasing. The highest increase was found in partial knee arthroplasty, with a constant rise every year, starting with 7988 in 2008 up to 21.072 in 2018. In contrast, we found a relevant reduction of constrained prosthesis in primary TKA, whereas the number of semi-constrained prosthesis in primary TKA is again rising after a decrease in 2015. We found that the number of bicondylar TKA and especially UKA increased from 2008 to 2018. Regarding an aging population, we can expect a rising number for Primary knee arthroplasty and in consequence a rising number of revision arthroplasty in the future. This will be a challenging cost factor for the healthcare system in Germany.

Knee arthrodesis as last resort for persistent knee joint infections : Comparison of extramedullary and intramedullary treatment

Background

Knee joint arthrodesis is an established treatment for periprosthetic infections (PPI) providing stability and pain relief. In this study the outcome after arthrodesis of the knee joint for persistent infections was compared and evaluated depending on the surgical procedure (intramedullary vs. extramedullary).

Material and methods

In a retrospective case analysis, all patients who underwent knee joint arthrodesis between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 were identified and divided into two groups: IMA and EMA. All patients were examined clinically and radiologically and the patient files were evaluated. In addition, the FIM score, the LEFS, the WHOQOL-BREF and NRS were evaluated.

Results

The median LEFS score for the IMA group was 26 points and in the EMA group 2 points (p = 0.03). The IMA patients showed a median pain scale at rest of 0 and during exercise of 2. The EMA group recorded a pain scale of 3 at rest and 5 during exercise (p = 0.28 at rest; p = 0.43 during exercise). In the IMA group the median postsurgical leg length difference was −2.0 cm and −2.5 cm in the EMA group (p = 0.31). At the end of the follow-up examinations, the FIM score of patients in the IMA group was 74.5 points and 22 points in the EMA group (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

The study showed that no arthrodesis procedure is obviously superior with respect to the postoperative outcome. The IMA combines advantages especially in the early phase after surgery in terms of function as well as patient comfort and is therefore currently the procedure of choice. The attending physician should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the various procedures in order to be able to make an individual decision and thus maximize the chance of treatment success.

The projected volume of primary and revision total knee arthroplasty will place an immense burden on future health care systems over the next 30 years

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates have increased substantially in the recent decades worldwide, with Germany being one of the leading countries in the prevalence of TKA. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of treatment changes during the last decade and to project the expected burden of primary and revision TKA (rTKA) for the next 30 years.

METHODS

Comprehensive nationwide data from Germany was used to quantify primary and revision TKA rates as a function of age and gender. Projections were performed with use of a Poisson regression models and a combination of exponential smoothing and autoregressive integrated moving average models on historical procedure rates in relation to official population projections from 2020 to 2050.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of primary TKAs is projected to increase by around 43% to 299 per 100,000 inhabitants [95% CI 231-368], leading to a projected total number of 225,957 primary TKAs in 2050 (95% CI 178,804-276,442). This increase has been related to a growing number of TKA performed in male patients, with the highest increase modelled in patients between 50 and 65 years of age. At the same time, the annual total number of revision procedures is forecast to increase even more rapidly by almost 90%, accounting for 47,313 (95% CI 15,741-78,885; IR = 62.7 per 100,000, 95% CI 20.8-104.5) procedures by 2050. Those numbers are primarily associated with a rising number of rTKAs secondary to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

CONCLUSIONS

Using this country- specific forecast approach, a rising number of primary TKA and an even more rapidly growing number of rTKA, especially for PJI, has been projected until 2050, which will inevitably provide a huge challenge for the future health care system. As many other industrialized nations will face similar demographic and procedure-specific developments, these forecasts should be alarming for many health care systems worldwide and emphasize the tremendous need for an appropriate financial and human resource management in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study, economic and decision analysis.

Impact of continuous passive motion on rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is an ongoing controversy in respect of the usage of continuous passive motion (CPM) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We analysed the impact of CPM on the early rehabilitation after TKA and the clinical outcome over the time.

METHODS

Forty patients were prospectively randomized to postoperative protocols following TKA. Half of them (n = 20) received the standard manual therapy alone and the others (n = 20) were treated additionally with CPM. Identical implants were used in all patients. Passive range of movement (PROM) was noted. Patient satisfaction and knee function was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as well as the Knee Society Score (KSS) at time of discharge and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The patients in the solitary manual therapy group (MT) showed preoperatively a 7.2° greater PROM (p = .03) with 5.4° higher flexion (p = .05). Analogously, the KSS presented with 42.7 points a higher score result compared to the CPM group with 35.9 points (p = .03). Although the preoperative ability with 105.2° for flexion and 97.2° for the PROM were in favour of the group without CPM (99.8° resp. 90.0°), at time of discharge the patients with CPM reached with 111.0° a significant higher flexion and with 109.0° a higher PROM (MT group: 107.0° resp. 103.5°) (p = .04/.02). At 2 years follow-up both scores (WOMAC/KSS) and function (extension, flexion and PROM) were balanced (p > .05). Patella resurfacing showed no impact on the clinical results at discharge or at time of last follow-up (p > .05).

DISCUSSION

Although the addition of CPM did significantly improve knee flexion in the early postoperative stage, the difference might not represent a clinical relevance. Further, there were no notable effects on long-term clinical and functional results following TKA, so the routine application of CPM in the above stated setting might be ceased.

Platelet-rich plasma injections delay the need for knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study and survival analysis

PURPOSE

The biological action of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could slow down the osteoarthritis progression, resulting in a delay of joint replacement. This work aims to evaluate the ability of PRP to postpone and even avoid knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) analyzing, on the one hand, the time of delay and on the other hand the percentage of patients without undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis and a survival analysis were conducted. KOA patients who underwent knee replacement between 2014 and 2019 and previously received PRP infiltrations were included in the retrospective analysis. Regarding survival analysis, KOA patients who received PRP treatment during 2014 and with follow-up until 2019 were included. The dates of PRP treatment and TKA, KOA severity, age of the patients, number of PRP cycles, and administration route were analyzed.

RESULTS

This work included 1084 patients of which 667 met the inclusion criteria. 74.1% of the patients in the retrospective study achieved a delay in the TKA of more than 1.5 years, with a median delay of 5.3 years. The survival analysis showed that 85.7% of the patients did not undergo TKA during the five year follow-up. The severity degree, age, PRP cycles, and administration route had a statistically significant influence on the efficacy of PRP in delaying surgery.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the application of PRP in KOA patients is a treatment that could delay TKA, although further studies are needed to understand and improve this therapy.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Italian language Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) as an outcome measure for total knee arthroplasty in an Italian population

Background

With ever-increasing numbers of patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and as TKA is performed in increasingly younger patients, patient demands and expectations have also increased. With improved patient outcomes, new PROMs with heightened discriminatory power in well-performing patients are needed. The present study aimed to translate and validate the Italian version of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) as a tool for evaluating pre-operative through longitudinal post-operative outcomes in an Italian population.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with unilateral osteoarthritis, undergoing TKA surgery between May 2015 and December 2017 were recruited to participate in the study. The FJS-12 and WOMAC were collected pre-operatively and at six and 12 months post-operatively. According to the COSMIN checklist, reliability, internal consistency, validity, responsiveness, effect size, and ceiling effects and floor effects were evaluated.

Results

One hundred twenty patients completed the study, 66 of which participated in the evaluation of test-retest reliability. Good test-retest reliability was found (ICC = 0.90). The FJS-12 also showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.81). Construct validity with the WOMAC, as a measure of the Pearson correlation coefficient, was moderate (r = 0.45 pre-operatively; r = 0.46 at 6 months and r = 0.42 at 12 months post-operatively). From six to 12 months, the change was slightly greater for the WOMAC than for the FJS-12 patients (effect size d = 0.94; d = 0.75, respectively). At 12-months follow-up, the ceiling effects reflecting the maximum score were 12% for the FJS-12 and 6% for the WOMAC; however, scores within 10% of the maximum score were comprised 30% of the FJS-12 scores and 59% for the WOMAC.

Conclusion

The Italian FJS-12 demonstrated strong measurement properties in terms of reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in TKA patients. Furthermore, a more detailed look at ceiling effects shows a superior discriminatory capacity when compared to the WOMAC at 12-months follow-up, particularly in better-performing patients.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT03805490. Registered 18 January 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Evolution and projection of knee arthroplasties from 2003 to 2030 in the state of São Paulo

OBJECTIVE

Analyze data regarding total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carried out by the Public Health System (SUS) in the state of São Paulo from 2003 to 2010 and determine the projections expected for 2030.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study (observational). We analyzed 10,952 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (PTKA) and revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) in the state of São Paulo between 2003 and 2010. The collection of data based on ICD-10 and HAA (Hospital Admission Authorization) were provided by the Tabnet and Sigtap software (Management System for the Table of Procedures, Medications, and OPM by SUS). The following variables were analyzed: gender, number of PTKAs and RTKAs, and their projections. The information collected formed a database developed in Excel® for Windows, and the statistical analysis was performed by the Stata® 11 SE and Minitab 16 software.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the prevalence of TKA between genders (p<0.0001); most of the patients were females (7,891; 72%). The projection for 2030 when compared with the first year of the series, 2003, indicates a growth of 428% for PTKA and 1,380% for RTKA, with a greater increase percentage of RTKA in males than in females (1,558% and 1,318%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The proportions of the RTKA projection are much greater than those of PTKA by 2030, with a greater percentage of increase of RTKA in males than in females.