The Journal of arthroplasty
-
Prior studies comparing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the elderly are limited by heterogeneity in arthritic disease patterns and patient selection. We report the results of UKA and TKA in patients 75 years and older with isolated medial compartmental arthritis, with special emphasis on immediate postoperative recovery, complications, reoperation rates, and implant survivorship at midterm follow-up. ⋯ Due to its less invasive nature, patients older than 75 undergoing UKA demonstrated faster initial recovery when compared to TKA, while maintaining comparable complications and midterm survivorship. UKA should be offered as an option in the elderly patient who fits the selection criteria for UKA.
-
Changes in spinal alignment and pelvic tilt alter acetabular orientation in predictable ways, which may have implications on stability of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients with sagittal spinal deformity represent a subset of patients who may be at particularly high risk of THA instability because of postural compensation for abnormal spinal alignment. ⋯ In this cohort, patients with THA and concomitant spinal deformity have a particularly high rate of THA instability despite having an acetabular cup position traditionally thought of as within acceptable alignment. This dislocation risk may be driven by the degree of spinal deformity and by spinopelvic compensation. Surgeons should anticipate potential instability after hip arthroplasty and adjust their surgical plan accordingly.
-
In recent years, bundled payment reimbursement models have been used to address the unsustainable rising cost of healthcare. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services initiatives, such as Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Program, have already demonstrated their ability to create financial and performance accountability in the public sector. ⋯ Bundled payment strategies provide incentives for physicians and healthcare professionals to eliminate unnecessary services and reduce costs. This article discusses our experience at a private institution with transitioning to a bundled payment program, while identifying the challenges and strategies associated with a successful implementation.
-
Patellofemoral chondromalacia (PFCM) has historically been considered a contraindication for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), but there is limited data assessing PFCM's impact on the results of fixed-bearing UKA. Our objective was to assess the impact of medial patellar and/or medial trochlear PFCM on overall and patellofemoral-specific 2-year outcomes after fixed-bearing medial UKA. ⋯ Functional outcomes of fixed-bearing medial UKA are not adversely impacted by the presence of PFCM involving the medial patellar facet and/or medial or central trochlea. Further follow-up is needed to determine longer-term implications of fixed-bearing medial UKA in patients with PFCM.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Does Patient Perception Differ Following Adductor Canal Block and Femoral Nerve Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Simultaneous Bilateral Randomized Study.
Femoral nerve block (FNB) has been used as part of the multimodal analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but leads to weakness in the quadriceps muscles. Recently, adductor canal block (ACB) was reported to provide effective pain relief while sparing the strength of the quadriceps. This simultaneous bilateral randomized study investigated whether patients perceived differences between ACB and the FNB after same-day bilateral TKA. ⋯ This simultaneous bilateral randomized study demonstrates that patients did not perceive differences in pain level, but experienced substantial differences in quadriceps strength recovery between knees during the first 48 h (Identifier: NCT02513082).