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The aim of this meta-analysis was to to determine the influence of obesity on patient outcome and implant survivorship after primary unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). A PRISMA systematic review was conducted by searching the Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases to identify clinical studies investigating the effect of obesity on outcomes after UKA. Data were collected on aspecifically designed extraction form. Methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies score. Quantitative meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 17 studies were included; 43,845 primary UKA patients were classified by their BMI: on-obese (BMI 25 to 35 kg/m2). Pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference in Knee Society Score (KSS) pain in the obese (n.s.) and the severely obese (n.s.) group compared to the non-obese group, while the KSS function score was lower in the severely obese (P = 0.0002) compared to the obese (P = 0.06) and the non-obese group. Postoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was lower in the obese group (P = 0.01) but not in the severely obese group (P = 0.16). Postoperative Range of Motion (ROM) was comparable in the obese and non-obese group (P = 0.16). Implant survival at 10 years follow-up was significantly lower in the obese (82.5–95.3%; P

Purpose To plan for the continuance of elective hip and knee arthroplasty during a resurgence or new wave of COVID-19 infections. Method A systematic review was conducted using the terms “COVID-19” or “SARS-Cov-2” and “second wave”. No relevant citations were found to inform on recommendations the plan. Therefore, an expert panel of the European Hip Society and the European Knee Associates was formed to provide the recommendations. Results Overall, the recommendations consider three phases; review of the first wave, preparation for the next wave, and during the next wave. International and national policies will drive most of the management. The recommendations focus on the preparation phase and, in particular, the actions that the individual surgeon needs to undertake to continue with, and practice, elective arthroplasty during the next wave, as well as planning their personal and their family’s lives. The recommendations expect rigorous data collection during the next wave, so that a cycle of continuous improvement is created to take account of any future waves. Conclusions The recommendations for planning to continue elective hip and knee arthroplasty during a new phase of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic provide a framework to reduce the risk of a complete shutdown of elective surgery. This involves engaging with hospital managers and other specialities in the planning process. Individuals have responsibilities to themselves, their colleagues, and their families, beyond the actual delivery of elective arthroplasty.

Purpose The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted health care systems all over the world. Elective surgical procedures have been postponed and/or cancelled. Consensus is, therefore, required related to the factors that need to be in place before elective surgery, including hip and knee replacement surgery, which is restarted. Entirely new pathways and protocols need to be worked out. Methods A panel of experts from the European Hip Society and European Knee Association have agreed to a consensus statement on how to reintroduce elective arthroplasty surgery safely. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence and have been validated in a separate survey. Results The guidelines are based on five themes: modification and/or reorganisation of hospital wards. Restrictions on orthopaedic wards and in operation suite(s). Additional disinfection of the environment. The role of ultra-clean operation theatres. Personal protective equipment enhancement. Conclusion Apart from the following national and local guidance, protocols need to be put in place in the patient pathway for primary arthroplasty to allow for a safe return.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the health care system around the entire globe. A consensus is needed about resuming total hip and knee procedures. The European Hip Society (EHS) and the European Knee Association (EKA) formed a panel of experts that have produced a consensus statement on how the safe re-introduction of elective hip and knee arthroplasty should be undertaken. Methods A prospective online survey was done among members of EHS and EKA. The survey consisted of 27 questions. It includes basic information on demographics and details the participant’s agreement with each recommendation. The participant could choose among three options (agree, disagree, abstain). Recommendations focussed on pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative handling of patients and precautions. Results A total of 681 arthroplasty surgeons participated in the survey, with 479 fully completing the survey. The participants were from 44 countries and 6 continents. Apart from adhering to National and Local Guidelines, the recommendations concerned how to make elective arthroplasty safe for patients and staff. Conclusion The survey has shown good-to-excellent agreement of the participants with regards to the statements made in the recommendations for the safe return to elective arthroplasty following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.