Effective postoperative pain management in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty is an important part of the realization of enhanced recovery after surgery. Peripheral nerve block is of great significance to the control of postoperative pain, and clinicians are committed to finding a nerve block that has little impact on muscle strength and is conducive to the early recovery of motor function after total knee arthroplasty. Infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee block can selectively block the sensory branch of the posterior end of the knee joint without affecting the motor branch of the common peroneal nerve, so that the muscle strength can be minimally affected under the condition of adequate analgesia. This article reviews the proposal of infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee block, the approach and method of the block, and the advantages of combining with different nerve blocks for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the early effectiveness of one-stage total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with tibial stem extender for knee arthritis complicated with tibial stress fractures. MethodsBetween January 2014 and November 2016, 12 patients (12 knees) with knee arthritis and tibial stress fractures underwent one-stage TKA with tibial stem extender. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 71.5 years (range, 60-77 years). There were 8 cases with osteoarthritis and 4 cases with rheumatoid arthritis. The radiographic examination showed the 6 cases of intra-articular fractures and 6 of extra-articular fractures (including transverse fractures in 4 cases and short oblique fractures in 2 cases); 2 cases complicated with middle and upper fibular fractures; 12 cases of varus deformities. Preoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) clinical score was 31.5±8.4 and functional score was 33.3±9.0. The preoperative range of motion (ROM) of the knee was (65.6±9.6)°. ResultsAll incisions healed primarily and no wound infection or skin necrosis occurred. All patients were followed up 36.5 months on average (range, 6-52 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 3-7 months (mean, 4 months); the position of the prosthesis was good, and no loosening or signs of infection occurred. At last follow-up, the KSS clinical score was 90.5±8.9 and functional score was 92.1±7.8; the ROM of the knee was (115.0±9.8)°. All indexes were significantly improved than those before operation (t=40.340, P=0.000; t=32.120, P= 0.000; t=8.728, P=0.000). ConclusionOne-stage TKA with tibial stem extender for patients with knee arthritis and tibial stress fractures can restore limb alignment, facilitate fracture healing, and obtain the satisfactory early effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of lateral condyle sliding osteotomy (LCSO) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of lateral femoral bowing deformity. Methods The clinical data of 17 patients with lateral femoral bowing deformity treated by LCSO during TKA between July 2018 and July 2020 was retrospectively analysed. There were 3 males and 14 females, with an average of 63.2 years (range, 58-68 years). The etiology of lateral femoral bowing deformity included 12 cases of femoral developmental deformity and 5 cases of femoral fracture malunion. Kellgren-Lawrence classification of knee osteoarthritis was 4 cases of grade Ⅲ and 13 cases of grade Ⅳ. The preoperative hip-knee shaft was 9.5°-12.5° (mean, 10.94°). The disease duration was 3-25 years (mean, 15.1 years). The mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of the distal femur were measured before operation and at last follow-up to evaluate the correction of extra-articular deformities in the joints and the recovery of mechanical force lines of the lower extremities. The knee society score (KSS) knee score and function score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee joint range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate effectiveness. The knee varus/valgus stress test and osteotomy healing by X-ray films were performed to evaluate the joint stability and the safety of LCSO. Results All incisions of the patients healed by first intention after operation, and there was no early postoperative complication such as infection of the incision and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. All 17 patients were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 23.9 months. The osteotomy slices all achieved bony healing, and the healing time was 2-5 months, with an average of 3.1 months. After operation, the knee varus/valgus stress tests were negative, and there was no relaxation and rupture of the lateral collateral ligament, instability of the knee joint, loosening, revision and infection of the prosthesis occurred. At last follow-up, mLDFA, HKA, MAD, knee ROM, VAS score, KSS knee score and function score significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Conclusion LCSO is effective and safe in TKA with lateral femoral bowing deformity. Extra-articular deformities are corrected intra-articularly. The mechanical force line and joint balance of the lower extremities can be restored simultaneously in an operation.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the treatment of severe medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA clinical data of 69 patients (69 knees), who underwent joint replacement due to severe medial compartment OA between February 2015 and September 2018 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 38 cases were treated with UKA (UKA group) and 31 cases with TKA (TKA group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, course of disease, lesion side, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Feller score, range of motion of knee, physiological and psychological scores of short-form 12 health survey scale (SF-12) between the two groups (P>0.05). The femorotibial angle (FTA) of TKA group was bigger than that of UKA group, and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was smaller, showing significant differences (P<0.05). The operative time, incision length, blood loss, time for flexion 90°, ambulation time, hospital stay, and incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity were recorded and compared between the two groups. The VAS score, HSS score, WOMAC score, Feller score, range of motion, and physiological and psychological scores of SF-12 were used to evaluate patients’ quality of life. FTA, HKA, and prosthesis looseness were observed by X-ray films. Kaplan-Merier survival analysis was used to evaluate the survival rate of prosthesis.ResultsAll operations were successfully completed in both groups. Compared with TKA group, UKA group had shorter incision length, longer operative time, and less blood loss (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in time for flexion 90°, ambulation time, hospital stay, and the incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity between the two groups (P>0.05). The incisions in both groups healed by first intention. During follow-up, 3 patients in the UKA group and 1 patient in the TKA group developed mild anterior knee pain. Patients were followed up (30.7±9.6) months in the UKA group and (34.9±8.7) months in the TKA group, and the difference was not significant (t=–1.832, P=0.071). At last follow-up, there were significant differences in the HSS score, Feller score, WOMAC score, range of motion, VAS score, and physiological and psychological scores of SF-12 between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). The range of motion in the UKA group was bigger than that in the TKA group (Z=–2.666, P=0.008), and there was no significant difference in the other indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray films showed that the alignment of the two groups recovered well, and the FTA and HKA of the two groups were improved at 1 week after operation (P<0.05). No radiolucency was found around the prosthesis during follow-up, no prosthesis loosening and meniscal bearing dislocation occurred. The survival rates of the prostheses in the two groups were 100%.ConclusionFor severe medial compartment OA, the early survival rates of the two prostheses are similar, but UKA has less traumatic, can preserve the normal structure of the knee, and the range of motion of the knee after operation is significantly better than TKA.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the shared decision-making scheme in postoperative out-of-hospital extended care for patients with total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Methods Patients who underwent THA/TKA in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between October 2023 and April 2024 were included using convenience sampling. Patients were divided into the control group (odd-numbered dates) and the intervention group (even-numbered dates) based on the surgical dates. The intervention group was received care guided by a shared decision-making protocol, whereas the control group was followed the standard post-arthroplasty follow-up procedures. Differences between the two groups were compared in terms of decision-making capacity, decision satisfaction, and hip/knee function at the following time points: on the day of discharge, 3 weeks after discharge, 2 months after discharge, and 3 months after discharge. Results A total of 118 patients were included, with 59 cases in each group. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). In terms of decision-making, compared with the control group, the experimental group had stronger decision-making ability, lower decision-making conflict, and more satisfaction with the decision-making process (P<0.05). In terms of joint function, the experimental group showed better joint function than the control group at 3 weeks, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the pain dimension of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index between the two groups (P=0.199). Conclusions Compared with the traditional follow-up protocol, the shared decision-making protocol can enhance patient engagement in medical decision-making, reduce decisional conflict, improve satisfaction with the decision-making process, and simultaneously promote joint functional recovery and expedite the rehabilitation process.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of interrupted suture under exercise position in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsEighty-four patients with osteoarthritis who were treated with TKA between July 2015 and July 2016 were enrolled in the study. All patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 42 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, body mass index, and osteoarthritis grading between 2 groups (P>0.05). The incisions were interrupted sutured at the knee flexion position in control group and at the exercise position in observation group. Preoperative and postoperative treatments of 2 groups were same. The incision length, suture time, total tramadol usage, intraoperative blood loss, stitches removal time, hospitalization time, incidence of postoperative complication, the incision healing score (HWES), and satisfaction score of incisional self evaluation (Liktert score) were recorded and compared between 2 groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the incision pain at pre- and post-operation. The hospital for special surgery (HSS) score and range of motion (ROM) were also used to assess the knee function.ResultsThere was no significant difference in incision length, incidence of postoperative complication, HWES score, stitching time, and hospitalization time between 2 groups (P>0.05). The suture time, intraoperative blood loss, and Likter score were significantly lower in control group than those in observation group (P<0.05), but the total tramadol usage was significantly higher in control group than that in observation group (P<0.05). All patients were followed up. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 24 months (mean, 14.7 months) in control group and from 12 to 23 months (mean, 15.3 months) in observation group. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between 2 groups before operation, before going to bed at the 1st day, and after suture removal (P>0.05). The VAS score of observation group after flexion and extension exercises at the 1st day was significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in HSS score and ROM between 2 groups before operation and at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). The HSS score and ROM in observation group at discharge and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation were superior to those in control group (P<0.05).ConclusionCompared with interrupted suture at flexion knee position, the application of interrupted suture at exercise positon in TKA had the advantages of less postoperative pain and good incision healing, and can get satisfactory early joint function recovery. But significant difference in the long-term effectiveness of the two methods was not found.
ObjectiveTo summarize the application and research progress of robotic-arm in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsRelevant literature at home and abroad was extensively reviewed to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA).ResultsAccurate reconstruction of lower extremity alignment and rotation alignment, accurate osteotomy and implant prosthesis in TKA are very important to improve the effectiveness and prolong the life of the prosthesis. Traditional TKA deviations occur in key links such as osteotomy due to operator’s operation. RATKA solves the above problems to a certain extent and can assist accurate osteotomy and implant prosthesis, and protect the soft tissues around the knee joint. Patients’ satisfaction after RATKA is high, and the operator’s learning curve is shorter, which improves the efficiency of the operation. But it also has disadvantages such as prolonged operation time, increased complications and medical costs.ConclusionPreliminary clinical application studies have shown that RATKA has satisfactory effectiveness, but its definite advantages compared with traditional TKA need to be confirmed by a large number of randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up.
ObjectiveTo summarize research progress of change in bone mineral density (BMD) after knee arthroplasty and its diagnostic methods, influencing factors, and drug prevention and treatment.MethodsThe relevant literature at home and abroad was reviewed and summarized from research status of the advantages and disadvantages of BMD assessment methods, the trend of changes in BMD after knee arthroplasty and its influencing factors, and the differences in effectiveness of drugs.ResultsThe central BMD and mean BMD around the prosthesis decrease after knee arthroplasty, which is closely associated with body position, age, weight, daily activities, and the fixation methods, design, and material of prosthesis. Denosumab, bisphosphonates, and teriparatide et al. can decrease BMD loss after knee arthroplasty.ConclusionBMD after knee arthroplasty decreases, which is related to various factors, but the mechanism is unclear. At present, some inhibitors of bone resorption can decrease BMD loss after knee arthroplasty. However, its long-term efficacy remains to be further explored.
ObjectiveTo compare the cost changes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before and after the cancellation of medical consumables addition, so as to provide reference for the national medical reform policy.MethodsThe patients treated with TKA between September 2018 and February 2019 were admitted as objects of study, and 372 of them met the selection criteria and were finally included in the study. According to the time node of cancelling the medical consumables addition (December 24, 2018), all patients were allocated to pre-cancelling and post-cancelling groups (n=186). The clinical data of patients (gender, age, length of stay, disease classification), and various treatment costs (the costs of diagnosis and treatment, examination, laboratory, material, anesthesia, bed, nursing, operation, drug, and others) were collected. And the changes of various costs and proportions before and after cancelling the medical consumables addition were compared.ResultsThere was no significant difference in gender, age, and disease classification between the two groups (P>0.05); the length of stay after cancelling the medical consumables addition was significantly longer than that before cancelling (t=2.114, P=0.035). There was no significant difference in the total cost of TKA before and after cancelling the medical consumables addition (t=0.214, P=0.831). Compared with that before cancelling the medical consumables addition, the cost of material was significantly reduced, and the costs of diagnosis and treatment, anesthesia, nursing, and operation were significantly increased (P<0.05); the costs of examination, laboratory , bed, drug, and others were basically stable, and the differences were not significant (P>0.05).ConclusionThe total cost of TKA is stable, the proportion of material cost is significantly reduced, the proportion of diagnosis and treatment cost reflecting the technical content of medical staff is significantly increased, which is in line with the expectation of the national policy of cancelling the medical consumables addition.
Objective To investigate the effect of adductor canal block combined with local infiltration anesthesia on the rehabilitation of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 104 patients who met the selection criteria for the first unilateral TKA between March 2017 and August 2017 were included in the study. They were randomly divided into trial group (53 cases) and control group (51 cases). In the trial group, the adductor canal block with intraoperative local infiltration anesthesia were performed. In the control group, only intraoperative local infil-tration anesthesia was performed. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, diagnosis, effected side, and the preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, length of stay, and complications were compared between 2 groups, as well as visual analogue scale (VAS) score of incision at rest and during activity, the range of motion (ROM) of knee flexion and extension activity, limb swelling (thigh circumference), walking distance, and pain VAS score while walking. Results The operation time of the trial group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (t=–2.861, P=0.005). However, there was no significant difference in length of stay between 2 groups (t=–0.975, P=0.332). The wound effusion occurred in 1 patient of trial group and 2 of control group; hematoma occurred in 2 patients of trial group and 3 of control group; no symptom of intermuscular venous thrombosis occurred in 1 patient in each of 2 groups; ecchymosis occurred in 14 patients of trial group and 15 of control group; there was no significant difference in the incidence of related complications between 2 groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the preoperative VAS score at rest and during activity, ROM of knee flexion and extension activity, and thigh circumference between 2 groups (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in the VAS score at rest and during activity after 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours, ROM of knee flexion and extension activity after 1 and 2 days, and the walking distance on the day of discharge, pain VAS scores while walking after 1 and 2 days and on the day of discharge, and thigh circumference after 1 day between 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion For the primary TKA, the adductor canal block combined with local infiltration anesthesia can early relieve the initial pain of the incision, shorten the operation time, and promote the mobility and functional recovery of the knee joint.