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Aims: Approximately 10% to 20% of knee arthroplasty patients are not satisfied with the result, while a clear indication for revision surgery might not be present. Therapeutic options for these patients, who often lack adequate quadriceps strength, are limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a novel rehabilitation protocol that combines low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR)., Methods: Between May 2022 and March 2024, we enrolled 45 dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients who lacked any clear indication for revision to this prospective cohort study. All patients were at least six months post-surgery and had undergone conventional physiotherapy previously. The patients participated in a supervised LL-RT combined with BFR in 18 sessions. Primary assessments included the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); Knee Society Score: satisfaction (KSSs); the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L); and the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Functionality was assessed using the six-minute walk Test (6MWT) and the 30-second chair stand test (30CST). Follow-up timepoints were at baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months after the start., Results: Six weeks of BFR with LL-RT improved all the PROMs except the sports subscale of the KOOS compared to baseline. Highest improvements after six weeks were found for quality of life (QoL) (mean 28.2 (SD 17.2) vs 19 (SD 14.7); p = 0.002), activities of daily living (mean 54.7 (SD 18.7) vs 42.9 (SD 17.3); p < 0.001), and KSSs (mean 17.1 (SD 8.8) vs 12.8 (SD 6.7); p < 0.001). PROMs improvements continued to be present at three-month and six-month follow-up compared to baseline. However, no significant differences were observed in the paired comparisons of the six-week, three-month, and six-month follow-up. The same trends are observed for the 6MWT and 30CST., Conclusion: The reported regime demonstrates improved QoL and function of dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients. In light of this, the pathway described may provide a valuable and safe treatment option for dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients for whom therapeutic options are limited., Competing Interests: J. Victor reports a grant from Research Foundation Flanders (no. T001620N), related to this study., (© 2024 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Introduction: This study aimed to rank definitions for measuring poor response one year after TKA, after assessing the face validity and feasibility of existing or newly proposed definitions., Materials and Methods: An international, three-round, online modified Delphi study was conducted with sixty-nine panelists from twenty-three countries. Definitions were derived from a literature review or were newly proposed by an expert group. Panelists rated the face validity and feasibility of definitions, and could propose additional new definitions in round 1. Panelists reconsidered their rating of existing definitions, and rated newly suggested definitions (round 2). Definitions with a median score for face validity < 6.5 were removed from the list, and panelists distributed 100 points among the remaining definitions for ranking (round 3)., Results: Fifty-one panelists completed all three rounds (response rate 74%), and the prioritized list of definitions in round 3 comprised seventeen definitions. The single-item definition of (dis)satisfaction with the outcome of TKA obtained the highest scores for face validity and feasibility (7.5, and 8.5 respectively), and the definition "No improvement in pain OR daily knee functioning compared to pre-operative status" was the highest prioritized. In general, definitions reflecting change from the perception of patients were higher ranked than definitions requiring both preoperative and postoperative assessment of validated questionnaires., Conclusions: This study identified seventeen potential definitions of poor response to TKA, offering valuable options for integration into quality assessment investigations. Remarkably, all identified definitions were patient-centered and none were clinician-centered. Single-item questions, capturing change from the patient's viewpoint, appear to be the most practicable format to assess response., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: A successful outcome according to the knee specialist is not a guarantee for treatment success as perceived by patients. In this study, we aimed to explore outcome expectations and experiences of patients with OA before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery and knee specialists that might contribute to the negative appraisal of its effect, and differences in views between patients and knee specialists., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held in Belgium and the Netherlands. Twenty-five patients (2 without indications for TKA, 11 on the waiting list for TKA and 12 postoperative TKA) and 15 knee specialists (9 orthopaedic surgeons, 1 physician assistant, 1 nurse practitioner and 4 physiotherapists) were interviewed. Conversations were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis following the grounded theory approach. Separate analyses were conducted for patients and knee specialists., Results: Patients were focused on the arduous process of getting used to the prosthesis, lingering pain, awareness of the artificial knee and limitations they experience during valued and daily activities, whereas knee specialists put emphasis on surgical failure, unexplained pain, limited walking ability and impairments that limit the physical functioning of patients., Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of potential adverse consequences from the perspective of both patients and knee specialists. Improving patients' awareness and expectations of adaptation to the knee prosthesis needs to be considered., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.)

Purpose: In revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) ligament instability and bone defects might require more constraint implants such as a condylar constrained knee (CCK) or rotating hinged knee (RHK). When both implants are suitable, the choice remains controversial. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the survivorship and clinical outcome between CCK and RHK in revision TKA., Methods: Systematic literature research was performed. Studies analysing the clinical outcome and/or survivorship of CCK and/or RHK in revision TKA were included. Clinical outcomes included the Knee Society Score, both clinical (KSCS) and functional (KSFS), range of motion (ROM) and reoperations. Survival was defined as the time free from removal or revision of the femoral and/or tibial component., Results: A total of 40 articles analysing 4.555 knees were included. Survival did not differ between RHK and CCK implants (p = 0.6058), with, respectively, 91.6% and 89.8% survival after 5 years. Postoperative KSCS and KSFS were, respectively, 79.2 (SD 10.7) and 61.1 (SD 21.8) for the CCK group. Similar scores were noted for the RHK group with a KSCS of 80.2 (SD 14.1) and KSFS of 58.5 (SD 17.3). Postoperative ROM was similar for CCK (105.3°, SD 17.1°) and RHK patients (104.1°, SD 16.9°)., Conclusion: This meta-analysis revealed that both survivorship and clinical outcome are similar for CCK and RHK patients for whom both designs are technically suitable and indicated., Level of Evidence: IV., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy (ESSKA).)

Rehabilitation for total knee replacement (TKA) often involves in-person therapy sessions, which can be time consuming and costly. Digital rehabilitation has the potential to address these limitations, but most of these systems offer standardized protocols without considering the patient's pain, participation, and speed of recovery. Furthermore, most digital systems lack human support in case of need. The aim of this study was to investigate the engagement, safety, and clinical effectiveness of a personalized and adaptative app-based human-supported digital monitoring and rehabilitation program. In this prospective multi-center longitudinal cohort study, 127 patients were included. Undesired events were managed through a smart alert system. Doctors were triggered when there was a suspicion of problems. The drop-out rate, complications and readmissions, PROMS, and satisfaction were collected through the app. There was only 2% readmission. Doctor actions through the platform potentially avoided 57 consultations (85% of alerts). The adherence to the program was 77%, and 89% of the patients would recommend the use of the program. Personalized human-backed-up digital solutions can help to improve the rehabilitation journey of patients after TKA, lower healthcare-related costs by lowering the complication and readmission rate, and improve patient reported outcomes.

The number of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries has increased over the years and it is expected that its number will keep rising. Most frequent reasons for revision are known to be aseptic loosening, infection, instability, periprosthetic frac- ture, arthrofibrosis and component malposition. The influence of the indication for revision on the outcome scores is not fully understood. Therefore, this work will evaluate and review the existing literature regarding outcome scores after revision TKA surgery. We conducted a sensitive and comprehensive search for published and unpublished studies relevant to the review question. We restricted our search to English studies published between January 2008 and December 2018. Our systematic review was done according to PRISMA guidelines. We withheld 19 studies (1419 knees) for inclusion. Of these, 9 papers reported outcome scores after TKA revision for aseptic loosening, 10 reported on revision for instability, 10 reported on stiffness or arthrofibrosis and 4 papers reported on component malposition. Although we found some papers suggesting that there is no difference in postoperative outcome scores depending on the aetiology of revision surgery, the majority of the included studies suggest differently. This review suggests there is a tendency for relative higher outcome scores after revision for aseptic loosening. Revision for malrotation might give comparable postoperative outcome scores and satisfaction ratios. Revision for instability tends to give lower postoperative outcome scores than aseptic loosening, although certain subgroups of instability show comparable results. Lowest postoperative scores might be found after revision for stiffness and arthrofibrosis.

Osteoarthritis of the knee causes chronic knee pain, loss of function and disability in the ageing population. When no treatment is applied, a guaranteed onset of symptoms and/or structural damage can be observed in the diseased knee. This work reviewed the different published guidelines, proposing combinations of weight reduction, physical therapy and rehabilitation, self-management education programs and pharmacological treatment. Randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and guidelines were identified using the databases PubMed and Web of Science. Specific journals and reference lists were investigated. Sixty high quality articles were included concerning the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Weight loss when BMI > 28kg/m 2 ; aerobic, proprioception and strengthening training; NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aceclofenac), IA corticosteroid and IA hyaluronic acid has the highest evidence. To achieve the greatest positive clinical and structural outcome, a combined conservative therapy is recommended.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to stop our normal activities and consider how we can safely return to caring for our patients. There are many common practices (such as an increased use of personal protective equipment) which we are all familiar with that can be easily incorporated into our daily routines. Other actions, such as cleaning more surfaces with solutions such as dilute povidone iodine or changing the air filtration systems used within operating room theaters, may require more extensive efforts on our behalf. In this article, we have attempted to highlight some of the changes that arthroplasty surgeons may need to instigate when we are able to resume elective joint arthroplasty procedures in an effort to disrupt the chain of pathogen transfer., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

It has been reported that balance impairments and asymmetrical movement patterns occur in patients after total kne arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if force- and weight-bearing asymmetry correlate with patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). Twenty patients were prospectively analysed up to 6 months after TKA. Quadriceps- and hamstring force were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Vertical ground reaction forces during sit-to-stand, stair descending and squatting were assessed by force plates. Patients were asked to complete the KOOS, OKS and 2011 KSS. The symmetry-ratios during sit-to-stand, squat and stair-descent improved significantly. Preopera-tive quadriceps-force was positively correlated with KOOS-Symptoms (r=0.583, p=0.037). The pre-operative load-symmetry ratio during STS was negatively correlated with improvement in KOOS Pain (r=-0.675, p=0.011) and Symptoms (r=-0.674, p=0.008). In deep flexion, preoperative bodyweight ratio was positively correlated with postoperative OKS (r=0.601, p=0.039), KSS-Satisfaction (r=0.675, p=0.011) and improvement in KSS-Satisfaction (r=0.684, p=0.029). Weight bearing and force asymmetry do exist before TKA and take up to at least 6-months to fully recover. The more symmetry in muscle-force and weight-bearing is found preoperatively, the better the PROMs will be at 6 months after surgery.

Background: Kinematic patterns after TKA can vary considerably from those of the native knee. It is unknown, however, if there is a relationship between a given kinematic pattern and patient satisfaction after TKA., Questions/purposes: Is there an association between kinematic patterns as measured by AP translation during open kinetic chain flexion-extension and closed kinetic chain exercises (rising from a chair and squatting) and a custom aggregate of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that targeted symptoms, pain, activities of daily living (ADL), sports, quality of life (QOL), and patient satisfaction after TKA?, Methods: Thirty patients who underwent TKA between 2014 and 2016 were tested at a minimum follow-up of 6 months. As three different implants were used, per implant the first 10 patients who presented themselves at the follow-up consultations and were able to bend the knee at least 90°, were recruited. Tibiofemoral kinematics during an open kinetic chain flexion-extension and closed kinetic chain exercises-rising from a chair and squatting-were analyzed using fluoroscopy. A two-step cluster analysis was performed, resulting in two clusters of patients who answered the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the satisfaction subscore of the Knee Society Score questionnaires. Cluster 1 (CL1) consisted of patients with better (good-to-excellent) patient-reported outcome measures scores (high-PROMs cluster); Cluster 2 (CL2) consisted of patients with poorer scores (low-PROMs cluster). Tibiofemoral kinematics were compared between patients in these clusters by performing a Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction., Results: Concerning open kinetic chain flexion-extension, there was no difference in kinematic patterns between the patients in the high-PROMs cluster and those in the low-PROMs cluster, with the numbers available. However, during the closed-chain kinetic exercises, medially, initial anterior translation (femur relative to tibia) was found in patients in Cluster 1 during early flexion, but in those in Cluster 2, translation was steeper and ran more anteriorly (CL1 -1.5 ± 7.3%; CL2 -8.5 ± 4.4%); mean difference 7.0% [95% CI 0.1 to 13.8]; p = 0.046). In midflexion, the femur did not translate anterior nor posterior in relation to the tibia, resulting in a stable medial compartment in Cluster 1, whereas Cluster 2 had already started translating posteriorly (CL1 -0.7 ± 3.5%; CL2 3.4 ± 3.6%; mean difference -4.1% [95% CI -7.0 to -1.2]; p = 0.008). There was no difference, with the numbers available, between the two clusters with respect to posterior translation in deep flexion. Laterally, there was small initial anterior translation in early flexion, followed by posterior translation in midflexion that continued in deep flexion. Patients in Cluster 1 demonstrated more pronounced posterior translation in deep flexion laterally than patients in Cluster 2 did (CL1 8.3 ± 5.2%; CL2 3.5 ± 4.5%); mean difference 4.9% [95% CI 0.6 to 9.1]; p = 0.026)., Conclusions: This study of total knee kinematics suggests that during closed kinetic chain movements, patients with poor PROM scores after TKA experience more anterior translation on the medial side followed by a medial mid-flexion instability and less posterior translation on the lateral side in deep flexion than patients with good PROM scores. The relationship of kinematic variations with patient-reported outcomes including satisfaction must be further elaborated and translated into TKA design and position. Reproduction of optimal kinematic patterns during TKA could be instrumental in improving patient satisfaction after total knee replacement. Future expansion of the study group is needed to confirm these findings.Level of Evidence Level II, therapeutic study.

Purposes: The focus in the evaluation of total knee arthroplasty has shifted from objective measures of implant position and knee function, to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The relation between these two measures was investigated and the possibility of prediction of the patient satisfaction level was evaluated by defining thresholds for improvement of (1) range of motion (ROM), (2) 6-min walk test (6MWT), (3) sit-to-stand test (STS) and (4) quadriceps force after TKA?, Methods: Fifty-seven patients were prospectively tested at preoperative and 6 months postoperative intervals. The ROM, 6MWT, STS-test and quadriceps force were evaluated. Two clusters were created based on the postoperative KOOS, OKS and the satisfaction subscore of the new KSS, cluster 1 consisted of patients with good to excellent PROMs, cluster 2 of patients with poorer PROMs. Patients in each cluster were more similar to each other than to those in the other cluster. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curve analysis was used to identify thresholds for the functional outcomes that established cluster allocation. Multiple logistic regression was used to define a model to predict cluster allocation., Results: Patients with high postoperative PROMs (cluster 1 allocation) showed higher postoperative functional outcomes (p < 0.05). Thresholds for the improvement of ROM (≥ 5°, OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.23-31.84), 6MWT (≥ 50 m, OR 8.2, 95% CI 1.61-42.18) STS (≥ 1.05 s, OR 3, 95% CI 0.56-16.07) and normalized Q4 force (≥ 1.5 N/BMI, OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.49-12.89) were found to be predictors of cluster allocation. A model to predict the cluster allocation contained gender, ROM improvement and 6MWT improvement (sensitivity 91.1%, specificity 75%)., Conclusions: Thresholds for improvement of functional parameters can predict the patient satisfaction cluster. Patients, who are male, improve on the 6-min walk test with 50 m or more and have an increased range of motion of 5° or more, compared to the preoperative situation, are 6-8 times more likely of being satisfied after TKA. These tests are easy to use in clinical practice and can predict the level of patient satisfaction after TKA., Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic study.

The aquatic vegetation in nutrient-rich shallow lakes and ponds is structured by the interplay of multiple biotic and abiotic drivers. We tested the contribution of the macrophyte propagule bank and the delayed as well as direct impact of waterbirds on submerged aquatic vegetation in a peri-urban pond system. To clarify the functional hierarchy of predictor variables, effects of herbivorous waterfowl and propagule bank potential were ranked relative to environmental, phytoplankton, and zooplankton indicators. Two aspects of the aquatic vegetation - community composition and total pond-scale cover - were discriminated. Within vegetation communities, phytoplankton biovolume and waterfowl herbivory during summer were linked to low macrophyte abundance, whereas propagule density of angiosperms was positively associated with specific assemblages of submerged macrophytes. High algal biovolume and summer waterfowl grazing seemed to affect maximal pond-scale cover of submerged aquatic vegetation. The presence of waterfowl in cold and spring periods was unrelated to vegetation structure in the consecutive main growth season. In addition, availability of propagules in the sediment did not automatically prompt pond-wide vegetation cover (especially when overruled by high waterfowl densities), nor did it guarantee a position in the submerged macrophyte community. Nonetheless, propagule bank potential was related to the waterbody's general ecological status, since turbid ponds exhibited impoverished propagule reserves compared to ponds residing in a clear, macrophyte-dominated state. Inadequate recruitment therefore represents a plausible bottleneck for macrophyte establishment. We conclude that phytoplankton-caused turbidity and high waterfowl biomass densities greatly restrict submerged macrophyte abundance. Propagule banks also participate in structuring submerged aquatic vegetation, though a stronger role is reserved for herbivorous waterfowl.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a proven and cost-effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Despite the good to excellent long-term results, some patients remain dissatisfied. Our study aimed at establishing a predictive model to aid patient selection and decision-making in TKA., Methods: Using data from our prospective arthroplasty outcome database, 113 patients were included. Preoperatively and postoperatively, the patients completed 107 questions in 5 questionnaires: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Knee Score, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Euroqol questionnaire, and Knee Scoring System. First, outcome parameters were compared between the satisfied and dissatisfied group. Second, we developed a new prediction tool using regression analysis. Each outcome score was analyzed with simple regression. Subsequently, the predictive weight of individual questions was evaluated applying multiple linear regression. Finally, 10 questions were retained to construct a new prediction tool., Results: Overall satisfaction rate in this study was found to be 88%. We identified a significant difference between the satisfied and dissatisfied group when looking at the preoperative questionnaires. Dissatisfied patients had more preoperative symptoms (such as stiffness), less pain, and a lower quality of life. They were more likely to ruminate and had a lower preoperative Knee Scoring System satisfaction score. The developed prediction tool consists of 10 simple but robust questions. Sensitivity was 97% with a positive-predictive value of 93%., Conclusions: Based upon preoperative parameters, we were able to partially predict satisfaction and dissatisfaction after TKA. After further validation, this new prediction tool for patient satisfaction following TKA may allow surgeons and patients to evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery on an individual basis and help in patient selection., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The bone-machine interface is a vital first step for biomechanical testing. It remains challenging to restore the original alignment of the specimen with respect to the test setup. To overcome this issue, we developed a methodology based on virtual planning and 3D printing. In this paper, the methodology is outlined and a proof of concept is presented based on a series of cadaveric tests performed on our knee simulator. The tests described in this paper reached an accuracy within 3-4° and 3-4mm with respect to the virtual planning. It is however the authors' belief that the method has the potential to achieve an accuracy within one degree and one millimeter. Therefore, this approach can aid in reducing the imprecisions in biomechanical tests (e.g. knee simulator tests for evaluating knee kinematics) and improve the consistency of the bone-machine interface., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We conducted a multivariate regression analysis (including both radiographic and activity related variables) in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and structural changes related with femoroacetabular impingement. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the age at which total hip arthroplasty may have to be performed, can be predicted in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). In 121 patients with FAI-related osteoarthritis, radiographic variables describing FAI-related parameters were obtained and the patients were questioned about their activity during early adulthood by means of the validated Baecke et al questionnaire. None of the variables significantly correlated with the final outcome parameter : age at surgery. As expected, based on the low correlation ratios of the different parameters investigated, a multiple-regression model was not accurate enough to allow any prediction on the natural course of FAI. We found that it is difficult to accurately predict the age at which a patient with FAI will develop early osteoarthritis. From our findings it appears that a hip with FAI is not always prone to early end-stage osteoarthritic degeneration, not even in patients with a high level of physical activity. Hence, considering the high prevalence of FAI-related radiographic findings, we conclude that not every radiographic abnormality requires treatment.