Slight femoral under-correction versus neutral alignment in total knee arthroplasty with preoperative varus knees: a comparative study

Background This study aimed to compare the short-term clinical results of slight femoral under-correction with neutral alignment in patients with preoperative varus knees who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Methods The medical records and imaging data were retrospectively collected from patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2019. All patients had varus knees preoperatively. Upon 1:1 propensity score matching, 256 patients (256 knees) were chosen and divided into a neutral alignment group (n=128) and an under-correction group (n=128). The patients in the neutral group were treated with the neutral alignment. In the under-correction group, the femoral mechanical axis had a 2° under-correction. The operative time, tourniquet time and the length of hospital stay in the two groups were recorded. The postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle, frontal femoral component angle and frontal tibial component angle were measured. Patient-reported outcome measures were also compared. Results The operative time, tourniquet time and the length of hospital stay in the under-correction group were significantly shorter than the neutral alignment group (P<0.05). At the 2-year follow-up, the under-correction group had a larger varus alignment (P<0.05) and a larger frontal femoral component angle (P<0.05), and the frontal tibial component angles of the two groups were comparable. Compared with the neutral alignment group, the slight femoral under-correction group had significantly better patient-reported outcome measures scores (P<0.05). Conclusion For varus knees treated with total knee arthroplasty, alignment with a slight femoral under-correction has advantages over the neutral alignment in terms of the shorter operative time and better short-term clinical results. Level of evidence III

Prehospital Tourniquet Use Should be a Trauma Team Activation Criterion.

Purpose Prehospital tourniquet application is not a standard trauma team activation (TTA) criterion recommended by the ACS COT. Tourniquet use has seen a resurgence recently with associated risks and benefits of more liberal usage. Our institution added tourniquet application as TTA criterion in January 2019. This study aimed to evaluate the effect this would have on patient care and overtriage. Methods A prospective analysis was conducted for all TTA associated with tourniquets placed during 2019. An overtriage analysis was conducted utilizing a modified Cribari method as described in Resources for the Optimal Care of the Injured Patient, comparing patients that met standard TTA criteria (TTA-S), to those who met criteria due to tourniquet placement (TTA-T). Results During the study, there were 46 TTA with tourniquets. Mean prehospital tourniquet time was 80 minutes. Median ISS was 10, 8 (17%) had an ISS >15. Urgent operative intervention was needed in 74%, with 23% and 21% requiring orthopedic and vascular procedures, respectively. Tourniquets were correctly placed in 80% and clinically appropriate in 57%. Of these subjects, 25 (54%) were TTA-S and 21 TTA-T. Overtriage analysis was performed. Overtriage for TTA-T was 33.3%. Overtriage among TTA-S was 4%. Conclusion Patients with prehospital tourniquets are frequently severely injured. The immediate presence of a trauma surgeon can have significant impacts in these cases. This is particularly important in a rural environment with long tourniquet times. Prehospital tourniquet application as a TTA criteria does not result in excessive overtriage.

Range of Motion Comparison Following Total Knee Arthroplasty with and without Patella Resurfacing

Background: Despite significant evaluation, no consensus has been reach for best clinical practice for resurfacing the patella during total knee arthroplasty. Further complicating the ability to reach a conclusion is the inclusion of several different implant types used in previous research. Questions/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare post-TKA outcomes between two cruciate retaining implants with or without patella resurfacing. Methods: This retrospective review included 289 patients (380 knees) with a minimum six-month follow-up. All patients received a CR implant, with either a symmetric or an asymmetric tibial baseplate. Post-TKA knee flexion was categorized as <120° and ≥120° and knee extension classified as 0° or >0° and required knee manipulations were noted. Descriptive, nonparametric statistics were performed and a multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine risk of poor range of motion and manipulations. Results: Age was significantly lower in the resurfaced group (p=0.001) and the resurfaced group had longer tourniquet time (p=0.003). The symmetric-resurfaced group had ≥120° of flexion and full extension in 72% and 98.7% of patients, respectively. Compared to symmetric-resurfaced, all other groups had a significantly greater risk of not reaching 120° of knee flexion (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the risk of requiring a MUA between groups (p>0.06). Conclusions: The effect of resurfacing the patella on post-TKA outcomes may be influenced by tibial implant design. Compared to all other combinations, a symmetric tibial baseplate and resurfaced patella resulted in the highest percentage of patients reaching ≥120°, with a low incidence of manipulations.

Outcomes and Complications of Open vs Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Study

Background: Open subtalar arthrodesis is the standard treatment for subtalar arthritis. Posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (PASTA) has recently gained increasing popularity due to a shorter recovery time and better cosmesis. However, studies comparing outcomes and complications between these 2 techniques are limited. Methods: In total, 56 patients with subtalar joint arthritis were prospectively randomized to 2 parallel groups to receive either PASTA (n = 28 patients) or open subtalar arthrodesis (n = 28 patients). The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Primary outcome was union rate confirmed on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Secondary outcomes were union time; visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form–36 (SF-36), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores; tourniquet time; and complications. Results: Union time (9.4 vs 12.8 weeks) and recovery time (time to return to activities of daily living [8.4 vs 10.8 weeks], work [10.6 vs 12.9 weeks], and sports [24.9 vs 32.7 weeks]) were significantly shorter with PASTA than with the open technique ( P < .05 all). Both techniques led to significant improvements in all functional outcomes (FAAM, SF-36, and VAS scores; P < .01 all); however, there was no significant difference between the techniques in these outcomes ( P > .05 all). Other outcomes, including tourniquet time (55.8 vs 67.2 min), union rate (96.3% vs 100%), and complication rate, were not significantly different between the techniques. Conclusion: Both open and PASTA techniques led to significant improvements in pain and function in patients with isolated subtalar joint arthritis. Although short-term functional outcomes and complication rates were not significantly different between the techniques, the PASTA technique was better at shortening the union and recovery times. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcome for 129 Knees 80 Years and Older in Chinese Population

BackgroundSince China is aging rapidly, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability, durability, and satisfaction of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among patients over 80 years.MethodsBetween February 2009 and December 2017, 98 patients (129 knees) met the inclusion criteria and were postoperatively followed-up ≥ 3 years. TKAs included 67 unilateral TKAs and 31 bilateral TKAs. The indexes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, tourniquet time, Knee Society Score (KSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), “Forgotten Joint” Scale (FJS), crutches usage and patients’ satisfaction.ResultsKSS clinical and functional scores improved significantly from preoperative mean of 33 and 27 to latest follow-up of 87 and 51, respectively (p <0.05). The VAS decreased significantly from preoperative mean scores of 8 to latest follow-up of 0 (p <0.05). The proportion of patients without crutches at last follow-up was 52%, satisfaction rate was 94% and FJS ≥ 50 was 85%. However, ROM did not improve significantly from preoperative mean 89° to latest follow-up 93° (p >0.05). The preoperative hemoglobin and survival proportions between bilateral and unilateral TKAs were not statistically different (p >0.05).ConclusionTKA was reliable, durable, and satisfied in patients older than 80 years in Chinese population.

Predicting Surgical Factors for Unplanned Overnight Admission in Ambulatory Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee: A Prospective Cohort in 184 patients

Background: Unplanned overnight admission (UOA) is an important indicator for quality of care with ambulatory knee arthroscopic surgery (AKAS). However, few studies have explored the factors related to the UOA and how to predict UOA after AKAS. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized perioperative protocol for the AKAS with UOA and identify whether a correlation exists between the perioperative surgical factors and UOA in the patients undergoing AKAS. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, between October 2017 and March 2021, in 184 patients. All patients operated on standard AKAS protocol. The UOA was defined as overnight hospitalization of a patient undergoing AKAS. Demographic and perioperative data were recorded, and the procedure was categorized based on the surgical invasiveness based on less invasive (n = 65) and more complex surgery (n = 119). The clinical risk factors for UOA were identified and analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of UOA in the more complex group (17 cases, 14.3%) was significantly higher than in the less invasive group (3 cases, 4.6%) (p = 0.049), with the incidence of readmission as 0%. The perioperative factors significantly associated with UOA were age, more complex surgery, and tourniquet time (p < 0.10 all). However, the multivariate regression analysis revealed that tourniquet time was the only significant predictor for UOA (odds ratio = 1.045, 95% confidence interval = 1.022 to 1.067, p = 0.0001). The optimal cut-off points of tourniquet time for predicting UOA with the highest Youden index in the less invasive and more complex groups were 56 minutes and 107 minutes, respectively. Conclusion: The UOA after AKAS is more common in more complex surgery compared to less invasive surgery. Many factors—such as patient factors, surgical invasiveness, and tourniquet time—were also significantly associated with the unplanned admission. However, the results from this study showed that, under strict perioperative management protocol, tourniquet time is the only independent predictor for UOA.

Transient Tourniquet and Electro-cauterization applied for Surgery in Metacarpal Fractures Under Local Anesthesia with Epinephrine

Background : The purpose of this study is to illustrate whether the electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet enhanced efficiency of local anesthesia with epinephrine in surgery of metacarpal fractures. Methods : Forty-four consecutive cases of metacarpal fractures with estimated major operative time more than 30 minutes were enrolled. Local anesthesia with epinephrine, electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet were performed. Data regarding anesthesia effect, bleeding in the surgical field (with inflating and deflating tourniquet), time when patient felt uncomfortable with tourniquet, inspection of the surgical outcome, and some other surgical tricks were collected and evaluated. Results : All patients felt no pain for whole surgical period in the surgical field. Time when patient felt uncomfortable with tourniquet was about 16 minutes. Mean tourniquet time was about 29 minutes. There was no or less bleeding in the surgical field for whole surgical period. The anatomical structures, such as nerve, tendon and vessel can be easily distinguished and dissected. Outcome of repair and reconstruction could be examined with instructed movement. Postoperative inspection showed no symptom of inflammation. Conclusions : Local anesthesia with epinephrine, electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet for major hand surgery can save time and obtain wide-awake effect, which would satisfy both doctors and patients.

Beneficial postoperative micro-rheological effects of intraoperative administration of diclophenac or ischemic preconditioning in patients with lower extremity operations –Preliminary data

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may worsen blood rheology that has been demonstrated by clinical and experimental data. It is also known that anti-inflammatory agents and preconditioning methods may reduce I/R injury. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze hemorheological alterations in elective knee operations and the effects of intraoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration and application of ischemic preconditioning. METHODS: Hemorheological variables of 17 patients with total knee replacement or anterior crucial ligament replacement were analyzed. The ischemic (tourniquet) time was 92±15 minutes. Seven patients did not receive NSAID (Control group), 5 patients got i.v. sodium-diclophenac 10 minutes before and 6 hours after reperfusion. Five patients had ischemic preconditioning (3×15 minutes). Blood samples were collected before the ischemia, 10 minutes after reperfusion, on the 1st and 2nd p.o. day. RESULTS: Whole blood viscosity didn’t show notable inter-group differences, except for a slight decrease in the preconditioning group. RBC deformability decreased, erythrocyte aggregation enhanced by the 1st and 2nd p.o. days in Control group. In NSAID and preconditioning groups the changes were moderate, aggregation values significantly lowered compared to the Control group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperatively administered diclophenac or ischemic preconditioning could moderate the deterioration in micro-rheological parameters caused by I/R in patients.

OUTCOMES IN DOUBLE TENSION BAND OSTEOSYNTHESIS IN DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURES AO TYPE C1

Introduction: Distal humeral fractures accounts for approximately 2% of all fractures and nearly onethird of humeral fractures in adults. In this regard, Double Tension Band Wiring (DTBW) technique was used for the xation of the distal humeral fractures type C1 (AO) to evaluate the early movement and complications of the patients. Methodology: This study was conducted on 38 patients of C1 (AO type)who were subjected to open reduction and internal xation using DTBW techniques, to evaluate the incidence of complications and to evaluate intraoperative parameters and postoperative functional outcomes over a period of 12 months. Results: The mean age of the participants was 43.7 years. The mean tourniquet time was 76 minutes. The mean union time was 11.4 weeks and the mean duration of the follow-ups was 13.72 months. The mean values for the lack of extension, exion, and range of motion were 12.24o, 120.9o, and 108.2o respectively. Neuropraxia was observed in 1 patient who was treated with conservative treatment. Mean MEPS score was 80.15. 17 patients had excellent scores , 12 had good scores and 9 had fair scores. None had poor scores. Hardware prominence was observed in 1 case which was treated with hardware removal after union was achieved. Hardware removal was performed 6 months after the surgery. Moreover, patients were diagnosed with no serious complications, such as the nonunion of fracture site, malunions, and deep infection. The radiological examination of the patients revealed the success of their treatment. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that DTBW is an effective technique in AO type C1 fracture xation, which allows gentle early motion. Moreover, this cost-effective technique decreased the surgery duration, tourniquet time, and damage caused by soft tissue stripping.

OPEN REDUCTION OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLE FRACTURES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: SUPINE VERSUS PRONE POSITION

Background: Operative treatment of medial epicondyle (ME) fractures can be performed in either supine or prone position. In the supine position, visualization and fixation of the fracture is difficult. However, the prone position requires extensive patient repositioning but may improve visualization. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of ORIF of ME fractures between supine and prone positions. Methods: In a retrospective review, patients <18 who underwent open reduction of an acute ME fracture from 2011-2019 were identified. Results and complications were compared between the supine and prone positions. Results: 204 patients were included, with a mean age of 11.7 years. 133(65.1%) were sports injuries, and 67(32.8%) had concomitant dislocation, with 17(8.3%) having an incarcerated fracture. 122(60%) patients were in the supine group, and 82(40%) in prone. The mean wheels in-wheels out time was 113 minutes in the supine group, and 141 minutes in the prone group (P<0.001). Mean tourniquet time was 53.1 and 55 minutes in supine and prone positions (P=0.4). C-arm usage was 27.9 and 26.9 seconds in the supine and prone groups, respectively (P=0.7). Displacement of the fracture on the first post-operative x-rays was 2.06 and 1.1 millimeters for the supine and prone groups (P<0.001). A total of 39(19%) patients had some ROM limitation at follow-up, with the majority (33 patients) having <10° loss of ROM. Five patients (2.5%) underwent 7 reoperations due to stiffness, 2 patients due to tardy ulnar nerve palsy, 2 due to non-union, and 53(26%) had a surgical hardware removal. Surgical position was not predictive of complications/reoperation. All of the nine surgeons (out of 16) who have operated at least one patient in the prone position have changed their preferred surgical position to prone. Conclusion: With the largest study population in the literature, the results of our study show that surgical stabilization of medial epicondyle fractures is safe, with minimal complications. While the prone position requires additional time in the operating room, presumably for positioning, the surgical procedure takes the same time and the prone position allows for a more accurate reduction. While the clinical significance of a 1mm difference in reduction quality is unknown, the observation that no surgeon that has tried the prone position had ever gone back to the supine position suggests that the surgical procedure is technically easier in this position.