The Journal of arthroplasty
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Comparative Study
Comparison of total hip and knee arthroplasty cohorts and short-term outcomes from a single-center joint registry.
The purpose of this study was to compare short-term clinical outcomes between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patient cohorts, adjusting for confounding variables including age, sex, body mass index, operative time, length of stay, and preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 349 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria created 2 cohorts: THA, 194, and TKA, 155, for statistical analysis via multiple regression and analysis of covariance measures. ⋯ The current study showed that baseline characteristics of TKA patients have more factors with negative effect on postoperative outcome than THA. However, despite controlling for the possible confounding effect of these variables, THA patients experienced a significantly better functional outcome than TKA patients.
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The effect of patellar replacement technique on patellofemoral complications and anterior knee pain.
Routine patella replacement with total knee arthroplasty has not been universally adopted because of associated patellofemoral complications such as anterior knee pain (AKP). In the proposed technique, the articular surface of the lateral facet of the patella is excised to the depth of the subchondral bone, and the medial facet is then cut parallel to the anterior surface. ⋯ Anterior knee pain was present in 11% of cases, and no cases were severe or disabling. There were no correlations between AKP, range of motion, patellar size and shape, and any of the radiographic parameters.
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An operative note is a vital component of a patient's medical-legal record, permitting the surgical team to safely administer perioperative care. Despite this critical function, operative note contents are neither standardized nor regulated; this is especially concerning in orthopedic surgery. ⋯ Surgeons performing primary THA must be cognizant to record detailed implant characteristics to ensure that if necessary, the revision surgeon will have all pertinent information to optimally treat the patient. Our survey of operative notes reveals the dismal nature of component documentation during primary THA; implementation of a standardized procedure-specific operative note guideline may minimize incomplete dictations and drive surgeons to include all pertinent information.
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Preoperative screening and decolonization of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA, respectively) are advocated to reduce surgical site infections. We determined the rate and duration of decolonization in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. Patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery were seen in our preoperative testing program (PAT) and had their anterior nares cultured for MRSA and MSSA. ⋯ Staphylococcus aureus decolonization with intranasal mupirocin and topical chlorhexidine was effective but not persistent in a significant proportion of patients. A small number of previously uncolonized patients became colonized. Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization protocols must be repeated before any readmission, regardless of prior colonization status.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Multimodal periarticular injection vs continuous femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, crossover, randomized clinical trial.
This study compares the efficacy of pain control using continuous femoral nerve block (FNB) and multimodal periarticular soft tissue injection. This is a randomized, crossover, clinical trial. Sixteen patients having bilateral osteoarthritis of the knee scheduled for staged total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive either FNB (0.2% ropivacaine), via indwelling catheter for 72 hours, or multimodal periarticular soft tissue injection in the first stage. ⋯ Cumulative morphine consumption as well as rest pain and motion pain in the first 72 hours was comparable between the 2 groups. The functional outcomes did not differ significantly. We conclude that multimodal periarticular soft tissue injection provides comparable analgesia to continuous FNB after total knee arthroplasty.