The Journal of arthroplasty
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Our study aimed at developing clinical thresholds (cut-off scores) for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index, EQ-5D and Knee Society Score for discriminating between patients with and without treatment success following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We performed a retrospective analysis of 1055 patients 2 months after TKA and 765 patients 1 year after TKA. We considered treatment successful if the patient reported high levels of satisfaction and pain relief, functional increase, and a willingness to undergo the same procedure again. Based on this criterion we identified cut-off scores that will facilitate interpretation of the WOMAC, the EQ-5D and the KSS in TKA patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Topical Application of Tranexamic Acid Plus Diluted Epinephrine Reduces Postoperative Hidden Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty.
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) plus diluted epinephrine (DEP) and its effect on perioperative hidden blood loss and transfusion requirement in primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). We randomized 107 patients undergoing THA into two groups: 53 received intra-articular TXA 3 g plus 1:200,000 DEP 0.25 mg; 54 received topical TXA 3 g alone. Results showed that combined administration significantly reduced total blood loss (P=0.009), hidden blood loss (P=0.001) and transfusion rate (1.9 vs. 9.3%) compared with TXA alone, without increasing the risks of thromboembolic and hemodynamic complications. Topical TXA plus DEP in THA can decrease postoperative hidden blood loss and avoid homologous transfusion without substantial complications.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of Melatonin on Sleep and Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty Under Regional Anesthesia With Sedation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.
This pilot study explores sleep disruption after total knee arthroplasty and the impact of melatonin on sleep and postoperative pain. Sleep time was decreased on the last preoperative night and first two postoperative nights. ⋯ Melatonin appeared to have no effect on subjective sleep quality or daytime sleepiness, pain at rest or pain with standardized activity. In conclusion, sleep quality is impaired after total knee arthroplasty and exogenous melatonin does not appear to improve postoperative sleep or pain to a significant degree.
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Comparative Study
Better Axial Stiffness of a Bicortical Screw Construct Compared to a Cable Construct for Comminuted Vancouver B1 Proximal Femoral Fractures.
The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the Locking attachment plate (LAP) construct in comparison to a Cable plate construct, for the fixation of periprosthetic femoral fractures after cemented total hip arthroplasty. Each construct incorporated a locking compression plate with bi-cortical locking screws for distal fixation. ⋯ The LAP construct was significantly stiffer than the cable construct under axial load with a bone gap (P=0.01). The LAP construct offers better axial stiffness compared to the cable construct in the fixation of comminuted Vancouver B1 proximal femoral fractures.
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There is general agreement that femoral nerve blocks (FNB) provide adequate immediate postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although the effect of this technique on hospital readmission and other complications has not been quantified in a large sample. The Medicare 5% sample was used to identify TKA patients who were grouped according to postoperative FNB administration: FNB via injection; FNB via pain pump; and no FNB. ⋯ Both FNB groups were associated with a lower risk of readmission (30, 90 and 365 days, P<0.001). Future clinical studies may help elucidate whether the lower hospital readmissions may be associated with more effective pain control with the use of FNB.