The Journal of arthroplasty
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Patients respond similarly to paper and electronic versions of the WOMAC and SF-12 following total joint arthroplasty.
The purpose of this study was to determine agreement between responses on electronic and paper versions of the WOMAC and SF-12(v2) questionnaires following total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Patients completed both electronic and paper questionnaires with a one week interval in-between. ⋯ The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were high, indicating excellent agreement (WOMAC ICC = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98), SF-12 (PCS) ICC = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.97; SF-12 (MCS) ICC = 0.92, 95%CI 0.86-0.95). Online data collection may be substituted for the traditional paper method with no significant effect on the criterion validity of the questionnaires.
-
Due to the well-documented problems surrounding metal-on-metal bearings, the use of hip resurfacing has declined. Since the potential benefits of hip resurfacing remain desirable, it may be beneficial to investigate the long-term outcome of hip resurfacings using metal-on-polyethylene in the 1980's. ⋯ While acetabular loosening was absent, a high incidence of femoral failures (femoral loosening = 18.1%, osteolytic neck fracture = 21%) occurred despite using the same ingrowth surface for both components. Ongoing developments using the lessons learned from these previous generation components and utilizing modern low wear materials, e.g., cross-linked polyethylene, may lead to improved implants for future hip resurfacings.
-
Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) at metal/metal modular junctions in which at least one of the components is fabricated from cobalt-chromium alloy, has reemerged as a potential clinically significant complication in total hip arthroplasty. The clinical manifestation of MACC may include the development of an adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR), similar to what has been described in association with metal-on-metal bearing total hip and resurfacing arthroplasty. The clinical presentation of MACC-associated ALTRs may include pain and possibly late recurrent dislocations. Abnormal metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance images and elevated serum metal levels (cobalt elevations out of proportion to chromium elevations) can be helpful in the diagnosis of these MACC-associated ALTRs.
-
Previous studies have demonstrated no significant difference in overall functional outcomes of patients discharged to a sub acute setting versus home with health services after total joint arthroplasty. These findings coupled with pressure to reduce health care costs and the implementation of a prospective payment system under Medicare have supported the use of home rehabilitation services and the trend towards earlier discharge after hospitalization. ⋯ Our study demonstrated patients discharged home with health services had a significantly lower 30 day readmission rate compared to those discharged to inpatient rehab facilities. Patients discharged to rehab facilities have a higher incidence of comorbidity and this association could be responsible for their higher rate of readmission.
-
Total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is associated with extensive postoperative blood loss. Despite various studies proving the efficacy of Tranexamic Acid (TEA) with single or multiple boluses of different sizes with or without subsequent infusions, no consensus has been reached on the dose of tranexamic acid to be administered or the duration of treatment. ⋯ They were found to be significant with high power concluding a decrease in total blood loss in patients who were administered Tranexamic Acid (TEA) during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). A dose regimen of 15 mg/kg every 8 h for 24 h would seem appropriate as longer administration of TEA was not accompanied by further reduction in blood loss.