90° Spinning of Polyethylene Inserts in Mobile Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

<b>Background</b> The objective of this article is to describe for the first time a case of 90^° spin out of a mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) polyethylene insert. In this report, we present a 57-year-old gentleman with a medial compartment UKA for osteoarthritis in 2017 who developed dislodgement and 90^° rotation subsequent to traumatic injury when he was involved in a bus crash and impacted the anterolateral knee sustaining a valgus type injury 1 week postoperatively. Following the injury, he reported medial knee pain and a sensation of something moving within the joint. He was initially managed conservatively and progressed to full weight bearing; however, he experienced intermittent symptoms of catching and blocking of the joint, as well as medial knee swelling, that inhibited his ability to perform activities involving walking, kneeling, or pivoting. Imaging taken in 2018 show a 90° rotation of the polyethylene insert. These images showed the longitudinal metallic marker on the insert facing in an anteroposterior direction as opposed to the normal medial-lateral orientation. Failing conservative management, he presented to our clinic in 2019 and proceeded for revision of his UKA. Intraoperatively, his insert was reviewed and seen to easily spin on axis. The liner was therefore removed and upsized from a size 5 medium to a size 7 medium insert which provided excellent stability and stopped any further spinning. He has done tremendously well since the operation and reports full range of motion and no concerns. In patients with a history of pain, swelling, or locking following a UKA, it would be prudent to consider insert spinning, as well as the more common dislocation, through confirming the orientation of the metallic insert marker. Revision surgery to correct the spinning defect has proven effective with good resolution of symptoms and return to full range of motion.

An ACS-NSQIP Analysis of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Trends from 2013 to 2018

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) volume has increased with advances in implant design, perioperative protocols, and patient selection. This study analyzed national trends of UKA from 2013 to 2018 and the relationship between patient demographics and postoperative outcomes. Data on UKA (CPT 27446) from 2013 to 2018 was collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Variables collected included patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, functional status, NSQIP morbidity probability, operative time, length of stay, 30-day reoperation, and readmission rates. There was an increase in outpatient UKAs performed (920 in 2013; 11,080 in 2018) (p < 0.0001). Analysis of variance from 2013 to 2018 revealed significant decrease in patient body mass index (BMI) (32.5 in 2013; 31.5 in 2018) (p < 0.01) and NSQIP morbidity probability (0.014 in 2013; 0.011 in 2018) (p < 0.0001). Operative time increased (79.1 minutes in 2013; 84.4 minutes in 2018) (p < 0.01), but length of stay decreased (0.9 days in 2013; 0.5 days in 2018) (p < 0.0001). The number of all-cause and related readmissions decreased significantly (p < 0.045; p < 0.01). Age, male gender, BMI >40 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were significant predictors for 30-day readmission. BMI >40 was a significant predictor for discharge destination. UKA has seen a rise in incidence from 2013 to 2018 with an increasing number of outpatient UKAs. Operative times and 30-day readmissions have both decreased in this time. BMI > 40 is predictive for discharge destination after UKA, while age, male gender, BMI >40, and COPD are independent risk factors for 30-day readmission.

Late Failure of a Polyethylene Unicompartmental Knee Insert -Retrieval Analysis Protocol and Results

This study reports the investigation of a degraded polyethylene insert retrieved after the catastrophic failure of a mobile bearing knee implant, occurred after a traumatic event and leading to a late revision. Understanding wear mechanisms of polyethylene components is important to improve the implants for joint replacement. This model of unicompartmental arthroplasty, due to its mobile, congruent insert and design, has the potential to attain low rates of wear, leading to an improved survival of the prosthesis over fixed-bearing knee implants. During the surgical technique, however, it is critical to avoid any source of impingement or incongruent articulation, as this are associated with increased rates of polyethylene wear and may contribute to the early necessity for revision surgery. The investigated insert presented a macroscopic fragmentation, surface and bulk defects and debris. Characterization of the retrieved polyethylene implant fragments was performed by macroscopic examination, by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Due to a systematic retrieval analysis according to current standards, we can question that, in our case, third body wear is rarely pure bone or pure cement debris related but a combination of the two mentioned. The combination enhanced contribution of polyethylene debris in severe wear initiation and progression. Complete examination of the explants exhibiting breakage or severe wear may help in understanding pathogenic ways of failure in unicompartmental knee.