The Journal of arthroplasty
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After the first year in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, hospitals must repay Medicare for spending above a target price. Hospitals are incentivized to reduce spending in a 90-day episode and generate internal cost savings through, for example, the use of lower-cost implants. ⋯ The CJR model holds great promise. However, it incentivizes hospitals to choose lower-cost implants and adopt newer technology more slowly, which could potentially increase revision rates and offset benefits of the program. Policy makers should monitor revision rates and consider changes to the CJR model to ensure beneficiary access to valuable technology.
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The traditional goal of the gap-balancing method in total knee arthroplasty is to create equal and symmetric knee laxity throughout the arc of flexion. The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the laxity in the native and the replaced knee throughout the range of flexion in gap-balancing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and (2) quantify the precision in achieving a targeted gap profile throughout flexion using a robotic-assisted technique with active ligament tensioning. ⋯ Aiming for equal gaps at 0° and 90° of flexion produced equal gaps in extension and flexion with larger gaps in midflexion. Consistent soft-tissue balance to a planned gap profile could be achieved by using controlled ligament tensioning in robotic-assisted TKA.
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The importance of medial compartment stability is recognized in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To manage the medial extension-flexion gap, the posterior reference position can be changed from conventional posterior center to posterior medial in measured resection techniques. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative soft tissue balance and rotational kinematics between the posterior medial and posterior center reference groups. ⋯ The posterior reference position affects intraoperative kinematics and soft tissue balance in navigated PS TKA. Posterior medial reference PS TKA decreases the excessive tibial external rotation during midflexion and increases the flexion stability compared with conventional posterior center reference PS TKA.