The Journal of arthroplasty
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Total knee arthroplasty offers substantial improvements for patients as measured by functional status and quality of life; however, 8% to 34% of patients experience chronic postsurgical pain following surgery (CPSP). In addition to disruption in daily activities of life caused by the pain itself, CPSP has been associated with an overall reduction in quality of life following surgery. ⋯ Potentially modifiable risks include perioperative pain, physical function, psychological state, surgical factors, and possibly genomics. Understanding risks and the magnitude of their effect on outcomes such as CPSP is desirable because interventions designed to affect these factors may be able to dramatically improve outcomes.
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Opioid use and abuse has become a national crisis in the United States. Many opioid abusers become addicted through an initial course of legal, physician-prescribed medications. Consequently, there has been increased pressure on medical care providers to be better stewards of these medications. ⋯ Second, we will review how these factors motivated the development of alternative pain management strategies and a multimodal approach. Third, we will look at perioperative interventions that can reduce postoperative opioid consumption, including wound injections and peripheral nerve blocks, which have shown superb clinical results. Finally, we will recommend an evidence-based program that avoids parenteral narcotics and facilitates rapid discharge home without readmissions for pain-related complaints.
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A notable minority of patients experience persistent postsurgical pain and some of these patients consequently have prolonged exposure to opioids. Risk factors for prolonged opioid use after surgery include preoperative opioid use, anxiety, substance abuse, and alcohol abuse. The window to intervene and potentially prevent persistent opioid use after surgery is short and may best be accomplished by both surgeon and anesthesiologist working together. ⋯ Regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques also reduce opioid consumption. Although many patients will recover without difficulty, the small minority who do not should receive customized care which may involve multiple office visits or consultation of a pain specialist. Enhanced recovery pathways are useful in optimizing outcomes after surgery.
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The proximal femur represents the most common site of metastatic bone disease in the appendicular skeleton, and associated pathologic pertrochanteric femur fractures contribute to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Controversy exists as to whether these injuries are best managed with intramedullary nailing (IMN) or with arthroplasty. ⋯ Level III.
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The argument on the clinical effects between gap balancing (GB) and measured resection (MR) in total knee arthroplasty remains to be resolved. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate which technique in total knee arthroplasty has better clinical effect. ⋯ We conclude that both techniques can result in equivalent results when done properly, and each surgeon must understand the strengths and weaknesses of each technique.