The Journal of arthroplasty
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While clinical research on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes is prevalent in the literature, studies often have poor methodological and reporting quality. A high-quality patient-reported outcome instrument is reliable, valid, and responsive. Many studies evaluate these properties, but none have done so with a systematic and accepted method. The objectives of this study were to identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for TKA, and to critically appraise, compare, and summarize their psychometric properties using accepted methods. ⋯ Most TKA PROMs have limited evidence for their psychometric properties. Although not all the properties were studied, the Work, Osteoarthritis or joint-Replacement Questionnaire, with the highest overall ratings, could be a useful PROM for evaluating patients undergoing TKA. The methods and reporting of this literature can improve by following accepted guidelines.
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Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be burdensome. Multiple methods of pain control have been used, including adductor canal block (ACB) and multimodal periarticular analgesia (MPA). These two techniques have been studied have proven to be efficacious separately. The purpose of this study was to compare: (1) lengths of stay (LOS), (2) pain level, (3) discharge status, and (4) opioid use in TKA patients who received ACB alone vs patients who received ACB and MPA. ⋯ There was no significant difference in LOS, pain levels, discharge status, and opiate requirements between the 2 groups. ACB alone may be as effective as combined ACB and MPA in TKA patients for postoperative pain control. Larger prospective studies are needed to verify these findings and to improve generalization.
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Appropriate balancing of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) using a lateral release can help to prevent patellar instability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Contemporary total knee implant designs are characterized by enhanced trochlear geometry more similar to native knee anatomy to minimize instability and reduce utilization of a lateral release. ⋯ We found that older knee implants were associated with higher use of lateral release, with successive designs the need for lateral release to balance the PFJ decreased. Continued design improvements to match the native knee anatomy may further improve the stability of the PFJ in future designs.
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As outpatient total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) increase in popularity, concerns exist about the safety of discharging patients home the same day. The purpose of this study is to determine the complications associated with outpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and to identify high-risk patients who should be excluded from these protocols. ⋯ With the resources available in a hospital setting, outpatient TJA may be a safe option, but only in select, healthier patients. Care should be taken to extrapolate these results to an outpatient facility, where complications may be more difficult to manage.
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Treatment for femoral neck fracture among patients aged 65 years or older varies, with many surgeons preferring hemiarthroplasty (HA) over total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is evidence that THA may lead to better functional outcomes, although it also carries greater risk of mortality and dislocation rates. ⋯ We found that delayed THA provides greater health utility than early HA for older patients with femoral neck fracture, despite the increased 30-day and 1-year mortality associated with delayed surgery. Future studies should examine the cost-effectiveness of THA for femoral neck fracture.