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Maryam A Hakim,1,2 Frances L Garden,2,3 Matthew D Jennings,4 Claudia C Dobler1,2,3,5 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, 2South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, 3Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 4Department of Physiotherapy, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 5Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA Background and objective: Patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a high 30-day hospital readmission rate, which has a large impact on the health care system and patients’ quality of life. The use of a prediction model to quantify a patient’s risk of readmission may assist in directing interventions to patients who will benefit most. The objective of this study was to calculate the rate of 30-day readmissions and evaluate the accuracy of the LACE index (length of stay, acuity of admission, co-morbidities, and emergency department visits within the last 6 months) for 30-day readmissions in a general hospital population of COPD patients.Methods: All patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of COPD to Liverpool Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, between 2006 and 2016 were included in the study. A LACE index score was calculated for each patient and assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves.Results: During the study period, 2,662 patients had 5,979 hospitalizations for COPD. Four percent of patients died in hospital and 25% were readmitted within 30 days; 56% of all 30-day readmissions were again due to COPD. The most common reasons for readmission, following COPD, were heart failure, pneumonia, and chest pain. The LACE index had moderate discriminative ability to predict 30-day readmission (C-statistic =0.63).Conclusion: The 30-day hospital readmission rate was 25% following hospitalization for COPD in an Australian tertiary hospital and as such comparable to international published rates. The LACE index only had moderate discriminative ability to predict 30-day readmission in patients hospitalized for COPD. Keywords: predictor model, risk prediction, unwarranted variation

Background: As state, regional, and national registries have rapidly expanded, the goal of this study is to assess the frequency of registry abstracts accepted for both podium and poster presentations at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons between 2012 and 2022. Methods: Final programs and poster e-collections were examined over the past 11 years. Two reviewers evaluated each abstract to determine if they utilized large datasets and the location of each registry. Studies were excluded if they used institutional registries. Reviewers also identified the most frequently utilized registries to determine how their use has fluctuated over this time frame. Results: A total of 3354 abstracts were reviewed and included. Of those, 577 abstracts utilized data obtained from orthopaedic registries (17.2%): 450 of which were poster presentations (16.5% of total poster acceptances), and 127 were podium presentations (20.5% of accepted podiums). The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was the most frequent dataset utilized, with 118 (20.5%) abstracts. Of note, NSQIP’s use peaked between 2018 and 2020 and has since slowly trended downward. On the other hand, use of both American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) and PearlDiver registry have drastically increased since 2019, with only 6 abstracts chosen in 2019 and 28 abstracts in 2022 (10 AJRR [3 podiums] and 18 PearlDiver [6 podiums]). The proportion of registry data has increased, with the registry abstracts peaking in 2022 as 24% of posters and 37% of podium utilized data from large registry data sets (P < .001). Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in the number of studies utilizing registry data for both podium and poster presentations at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons annual meeting. While NSQIP was the most utilized, its use has steadily declined while AJRR and PearlDiver use have increased over the past 3 years. Individuals should understand the strengths and weaknesses of each registry before making conclusions on study results. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Background: Complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that necessitate revision cause considerable psychological distress and symptoms of depression, which are linked to poorer postoperative outcomes, increased complications, and increased healthcare utilization. We aimed to identify the prevalence of mental health disorders and symptoms preoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing aseptic revision TKA and to stratify these patients based on their mechanism of failure. Methods: All patients undergoing aseptic revision TKA from 2008 to 2019 with a minimum 1-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. Patients (n = 394) were grouped based on 7 failure modes previously described. Patients were considered to have depressive symptoms if their Veterans RAND-12 mental component score was below 42. Preoperative and postoperative Veterans RAND-12 mental component scores at the latest follow-up were evaluated. Results: Overall comparative prevalence of preoperative to postoperative depressive symptoms was 23.4%-18.8%. By mode of failure are as follows: arthrofibrosis (25.8%-16.7%), aseptic loosening (25.3%-18.9%), extensor mechanism disruption (25%-50%), failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (8.6%-14.3%), instability (25.7%-17.1%), osteolysis or polyethylene wear (23.1%-23.1%), and patellar failure (11.8%-23.5%). There was no difference in depressive symptoms among failure modes preoperatively (P = .376) or at the latest postoperative follow-up (P = .175). Conclusions: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in revision TKA patients appears to be independent of failure mode. Surgeon awareness and screening for depressive symptoms in this patient population preoperatively with referral for potential treatment may improve early postoperative outcomes.

Background: Metal allergy testing may influence clinical decision-making for patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Limited data were found to examine the consistency of available testing modalities. This study compares different metal allergy test results and clinical outcomes after primary and revision TKAs in patients with and without metal hypersensitivity. Methods: Primary (n = 28) and revision (n = 20) TKA patients receiving hypoallergenic implants for metal allergies diagnosed by skin patch testing (SPT), lymphocyte proliferation testing (LPT), or lymphocyte transformation testing (LTT) were retrospectively reviewed. The agreement between tests was assessed by percentage and kappa statistic within patients who used multiple testing modalities. Postoperative clinical outcomes of these patients were compared to those of patients without metal hypersensitivity matched by age (±5 years), body mass index (±5), gender, and follow-up duration (±2 years). Results: SPT and LPT showed weak agreement for nickel and minimal agreement for cobalt. SPT and LTT showed minimal agreement for nickel; weak agreement for titanium, bone cement, vanadium, and zirconium; but strong agreement for chromium and cobalt. LPT and LTT agreement was weak. Compared to matched controls, metal hypersensitivity patients undergoing primary TKAs with hypoallergenic implants experienced less improvement in Knee Society Scores, Veterans RAND 12 physical component scores, and range of motion. Patients undergoing revision TKAs for multiple indications including metal hypersensitivity had worse clinical outcomes with significantly worse improvements in Knee Society functional scores compared to matched controls. Conclusions: Metal allergy tests produce conflicting results. Hypersensitivity patients may experience inferior clinical outcomes even with hypoallergenic implants. Clinician awareness may influence the choice of testing and improve preoperative counseling of this patient population.

Background: Legalization of cannabis, along with concern over prescription opiate use, has garnered interest in cannabis for adjuvant pain control. This study examines the relationship between cannabis and opioid consumption after total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty. Methods: Patients undergoing primary THA or TKA with minimum 6-month follow-up who self-reported cannabis use were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 210 patients (128 TKAs and 82 THAs) were matched by age; gender; type of arthroplasty; Charlson Comorbidity Index; and use of nicotine, antidepressants, or benzodiazepines to patients who did not self-report cannabis use. Patients receiving an opioid prescription after 90 days postoperatively were classified as persistent opioid users (POUs). Duration of opioid use (DOU) was calculated for non-POU patients as the time between surgery and their last opioid prescription. Differences in inpatient morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), outpatient MMEs, POU, and DOU were analyzed. Results: Cannabis users required equivalent inpatient and outpatient MMEs. There was no difference in DOU. There was a significant difference in POU between cannabis users and matched controls (1.4% [n = 3] vs 9.5% [n = 20], P < .001, respectively). Grouping patients by TKA or THA, there remained a difference in POU for TKA (1.5% [n = 2] vs 10.9% [n = 14], P = .002) and THA (1.2% [n = 1] vs 7.3% [n = 6], P = .04). There was no difference in inpatient or outpatient MMEs or DOU for THA and TKA patients. Conclusions: There is a reduced rate of POU in patients who self-report perioperative cannabis use. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of cannabis as an adjunct to perioperative pain control.

Background: Patellofemoral crepitus is an unfavorable complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a posterior-stabilized (PS) implant. The purpose of this study was to study patellar crepitus recurrence and reoperation rates following arthroscopic debridement in patients with a PS-TKA. Methods: Our institution database was used to identify patients with a PS-TKA who underwent arthroscopic debridement for patellofemoral crepitus at our institution. Patients must have had a resurfaced patella and minimum 2 years clinical follow-up from the arthroscopic debridement to be included in the study. Recurrence of patellar crepitus, subsequent operations, and any adverse events were documented. Results: We identified 35 patients who met inclusion criteria with an average follow-up of 8.0 years (range 2.1 to 18.4 years) from their arthroscopic debridement. Nineteen patients (54.3%) had history of a nonarthroplasty knee surgery prior to their TKA. The mean time interval between TKA and arthroscopic debridement for patellar crepitus was 1.6 years (range 0.2 to 5.0 years). Overall, 16 patients (45.7%) developed recurrent crepitus (8 asymptomatic and 8 symptomatic). Six of the symptomatic patients (17.1% of the entire cohort) underwent a repeat surgery for recurrent patellofemoral crepitus. Of theses 6 patients, 3 developed recurrent crepitus but only 1 patient had a third surgical procedure. No postoperative complications were noted following any surgical procedure. The mean knee range of motion following arthroscopic debridement did not change (126.9° preoperatively vs 127.0° postoperatively). Conclusions: Patients experienced high rates of recurrent patellofemoral crepitus following arthroscopic debridement. One-sixth of the patient cohort required a second surgical intervention for recurrent crepitus.

Background: Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains challenging. Tramadol is a weak opioid with potentially lower side effects and risk for dependency than stronger opioids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of tramadol after TKA in opioid-naïve patients compared with stronger opioids. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary TKA was performed. In September 2018, opioid-naïve patients were prescribed tramadol instead of oxycodone. Patients receiving tramadol (low-opioid group) were matched to patients discharged with oxycodone before this transition (high-opioid group). We compared morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption and outcomes up to 3 months postoperatively. Results: Two-hundred and five patients underwent TKA, with 126 receiving tramadol. Fourteen patients were converted to stronger opioid (11.2% conversion rate). Seventy patients from the low-opioid group were matched to 70 patients in the high-opioid group. Average daily inpatient MME consumption was higher in the high-opioid group (40.0 ± 27.4 vs 16.3 ± 10.9, P = .000). Outpatient prescribed MME was significantly higher in the high-opioid group (135.5 ± 71.5 vs 75.3 ± 51.3, P = .000) along with a higher number of refills (0.53 ± 1.1 vs 0.886 ± 0.94, P = .041). Knee range of motion was not statistically different at any timepoint postoperatively. There was higher adverse event rate in the low-opioid group (8.6% vs 5.7%) but not statically significant. Conclusions: Low opioid regimen following TKA showed lower MME consumption than high opioid regimen with no effect on outcomes up to 3 months. Use of low opioid regimen should be considered for TKA surgery.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication after total joint arthroplasty. Patients undergoing revision for PJI may experience psychological distress and symptoms of depression, both of which are linked to poor postoperative outcomes. We, therefore, aim to identify the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in patients before treatment for PJI and their link to functional outcomes. Methods: Patients undergoing either debridement with implant retention (DAIR) or 2-stage exchange for PJI with minimum 1-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The 2-stage (n = 37) and single-stage (n = 39) patients that met inclusion criteria were matched based off age (±5 years), gender, and body mass index (±5) to patients undergoing aseptic revisions. Outcomes evaluated included a preoperative diagnosis of clinical depression and preoperative and postoperative Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey mental component score and physical component score. Results: Compared to matched controls, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly greater in patients undergoing 2-stage exchange preoperatively (40.5% vs 10.8%, P < .01) but not postoperatively (21.6% vs 10.8%, P = .20). Patients undergoing DAIR with either preoperative depressive symptoms (31.3 vs 40.9, P = .05) or a preoperative diagnosis of depression (27.7 vs 43.1, P < .01) had significantly lower physical component scores postoperatively. Conclusions: Patients undergoing 2-stage exchange for PJI have a four times higher prevalence of preoperative depressive symptoms than patients undergoing aseptic revision. Patients undergoing DAIR with depression or preoperative depressive symptoms have lower functional scores postoperatively. Orthopedic surgeon screening of PJI patients with referral for treatment of depression may help improve outcomes postoperatively.

Little is known about patients with bone cement hypersenstivity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We present 7 patients implanted with 8 TKAs with clinical failure and a cement hypersensitivity diagnosis. All demonstrated hypersensitivity to bone cement via skin patch and/or lymphocyte transformation testing. All 7 patients also showed hypersensitivity to metal, most commonly nickel. Patients underwent custom cementless TKA revision. Prerevision and postrevision outcome measures, radiographs, intraoperative findings, and postrevision complications are reported. Functional scores improved after revision except Veterans RAND-12 mental component scores, which declined. Four patients continue to exhibit symptoms postoperatively, while one patient has had 3 additional surgical procedures. Patients presenting with bone cement hypersensitivity after TKA are particularly challenging. Evidence-based guidelines are lacking, and revision surgery may not relieve the presenting symptoms.

Background: Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) is a common treatment for acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The effects of concurrent bacteremia at the time of DAIR are poorly understood. This study sought to determine whether patients with bacteremia at the time of DAIR have higher reinfection rates. Material and methods: A retrospective review of a national database was performed. Patients treated with DAIR (hip or knee arthroplasty) after a diagnosis of PJI were identified. DAIR patients who also had a diagnosis of bacteremia were matched to patients without bacteremia by comorbidities and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. The primary outcome was reinfection or continued infection at 90 days and 6, 12, and 24 months after DAIR. Ninety-day Medicare charges were compared between groups. Survival probabilities were used for survival comparisons. Results: A total of 9945 patients underwent DAIR after a diagnosis of PJI. Seven hundred seven patients underwent DAIR with an associated diagnosis of bacteremia. Three hundred thirty-four DAIR patients with bacteremia were successfully matched to patients without bacteremia by age, gender, and comorbidities. DAIR survivorship was significantly worse in those with bacteremia at 90 days (51.5% vs 65.9%) and 6 (43.1% vs 60.5%), 12 (36.5% vs 56.0%), and 24 months (32.6% vs 53.3%) after DAIR. The 90-day costs of DAIR were significantly greater in PJI patients with bacteremia (mean: $14,722 standard deviation: $4086 vs mean: $8,052, standard deviation: $4,153, P < .01). Conclusions: Patients undergoing DAIR with bacteremia are at an increased risk of reinfection or continued infection. Ninety-day costs are significantly increased (over 50%) in patients with bacteremia vs those without bacteremia.

Background: In March 2020, elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) were suspended across the United States in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had previously published the results of a survey to the affected patients from 6 institutions. We now present the results of a larger distribution of this survey, through May and June 2020, to electively scheduled patients representing different regions of the United States. Methods: Fifteen centers identified through the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Research Committee participated in a survey study of THA and TKA patients. Patients scheduled for primary elective THA or TKA but canceled due to the COVID-19 elective surgery stoppage (3/2020-5/2020) were included in the study. Descriptive statistics along with subgroup analysis with Wilcoxon rank were performed. Results: In total, surveys were distributed to 2135 patients and completed by 848 patients (40%) from 15 institutions. Most patients (728/848, 86%) had their surgery postponed or canceled by the surgeon or hospital. Unknown length of surgical delay remained the highest source of anxiety among survey participants. Male patients were more likely to be willing to proceed with surgery in spite of COVID-19. There were minimal regional differences in responses. Only 61 patients (7%) stated they will continue to delay surgery for fear of contracting COVID-19 while in the hospital. Conclusion: Similar to the previous study, the most anxiety-provoking thought was the uncertainty, over if and when the canceled joint replacement surgery could be rescheduled. Patients suffering from the daily pain of hip and knee arthritis who have been scheduled for elective arthroplasty remain eager to have their operation as soon as elective surgery is allowed to resume.

Background: Laboratory studies are routinely obtained preoperatively and postoperatively for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluates the necessity of routine, perioperative laboratory tests and identifies risk factors for laboratory-associated interventions. Methods: This retrospective review evaluated 967 consecutive patients scheduled for primary, unilateral TKAs (n = 593) or THAs (n = 374) over an 18-month period at a single institution. Preoperative prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), and postoperative CBC and basic metabolic panel (BMP) were recorded along with any laboratory-associated intervention. Patient demographics and comorbidities identified risk factors for abnormal or actionable laboratory studies. Results: Preoperatively, the actionable rates for PT/INR, CMP, and CBC were 0.3%, 1.4%, and 0.5%, respectively. Vascular, renal, and immunologic diseases were risk factors for an actionable CBC. Risk factors for an actionable CMP include cardiac arrhythmia and diabetes. There were no risk factors for an actionable PT/INR. Postoperatively, only 1.5% of BMPs and 1.5% of CBCs were actionable. Congestive heart failure, renal disease vascular disease, or history of cancer (P = .030) were risk factors for an actionable CBC. There were no risk factors for an actionable BMP. Patients with an abnormal preoperative lab were 2.4 times more likely to have an actionable postoperative lab. Patients with an actionable preoperative lab were 11.3 times more likely to have an actionable postoperative lab. Conclusion: Routine preoperative and postoperative labs may not be necessary on all patients undergoing a TKA or THA. Comorbid risk factors and abnormal or actionable preoperative CMPs and CBCs can help determine the usefulness of postoperative laboratory assessments.

A 58-year-old woman was admitted with symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019. She subsequently developed mixed shock, and an echocardiogram showed mid-distal left ventricular hypokinesis and apical ballooning, findings typical of stress, or takotsubo, cardiomyopathy. Over the next few days her left ventricular function improved, the further supporting the reversibility of acute stress cardiomyopathy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to cause significant morbidity in adults, with reportedly a lesser impact on children. Cardiac dysfunction has only been described in adults thus far. We describe 3 cases of previously healthy children presenting with shock and COVID-19–related cardiac inflammation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, see http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2374289517715040 . 1

Reactive angioendotheliomatosis (RAE) is a rare cutaneous vascular disorder, usually associated with systemic diseases. RAE has previously been described only in the skin, with the single exception of one case involving the intestine in a patient with Crohn’s disease, associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a second case of intestinal RAE, also associated with Crohn’s disease and bleeding, with 10-year follow up. A 48-year-old man with Crohn’s disease presented with fever and chills associated with an abscess-like lesion in the ileum. The patient underwent ileocecectomy. The specimen showed histologic features of Crohn’s disease. In addition, a florid vascular lesion was identified in the ileum, proximal to the area involved by Crohn’s enteritis. Histomorphology and immunophenotype of this vascular lesion was consistent with RAE. The lesion was intimately associated with mesenteric hematoma, suggestive of bleeding. No abscess was identified. Currently, 10 years after surgery, the patient has persistent ileal Crohn’s enteritis, but otherwise remains healthy with no evidence of vascular disorder. Although rarely reported, intestinal RAE in Crohn’s disease may be under recognized. The co-existence of Crohn’s disease in our patient and prior case report suggests that immunologic factors underlie its pathogenesis. Pathologic recognition of the lesion and awareness of the existence of intestinal RAE in hemorrhagic forms of Crohn’s disease is warranted.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection may result from pathogen to patient transmission within the environment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contamination level of selected high-touch surfaces in the operating room (OR) using a blacklight fluorescent marking system after a manual terminal clean. Methods: Prior to the manual terminal clean, 16 high-touch surfaces were marked using a blacklight fluorescent gel. The marked areas were assessed the next morning for thoroughness of cleaning. Surfaces were categorized based on the average percent of the marks removed as “clean” (>75%), “partially clean” (26%-74%), or poorly cleaned (

Background: The primary purpose of this study was to determine if cannabis use decreases narcotic consumption in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Material and methods: Forty-six patients undergoing a primary unilateral TJA, who self-reported the use of cannabis, were prospectively enrolled and completed this study between July 2015 and November 2019. This cohort was prospectively matched to patients who did not report cannabis use. Morphine equivalents (MEs) were averaged and recorded at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes and complications were recorded and reported. Results: There were no differences noted in ME during the hospitalization between the user (78.7 ± 58.5) and nonusers (70.4 ± 46.3), P = .455. ME daily average did not differ between the cohorts (user [36.8 ± 30.7] and nonuser [31.7 ± 25.6] at 1 week (P = .389) or user [22.5 ± 26.3] and nonusers [15.9 ± 18.3] at 2 weeks, P = .164, postoperatively). The total ME at 2 weeks did not differ between the user and nonuser groups (415 ± 375 vs 333 ± 275, P = .235). Pain scores at 1 week were significantly higher in patients who used cannabis (4.1 ± 1.9 vs 3.4 ± 1.6, P = .05). No differences in pain were noted during the patient’s hospitalization or at 2- (P = .071) or 6-week (P = .111) follow-up. No differences in secondary outcomes or complications were noted. Conclusion: We were unable to show a decrease in narcotic consumption in patients who use cannabis undergoing primary unilateral joint replacement. These findings do not support the routine use of cannabis to decrease or supplement narcotic use after primary TJA. Level of evidence: Level II therapeutic.

We performed a single-center retrospective study of prospectively collected data for all patients who had flow reduction surgery with FRAME FR between November 2020 and January 2021. Ten patients had arteriovenous fistula flow reduction surgery with this technique. One patient had a distal fistula, whereas nine were within the cubital fossa. In nine patients the device was applied over the postanastomotic arteriovenous fistula outflow vein and in one in the preanastomotic radial artery. Technical success was achieved in all patients with a median flow reduction from 2150 to 825 mL/min. There were no wound or device-specific complications.

Purpose: We report our single-institution stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) experience on stage I renal cancer with prospectively collected toxicity and efficacy data. Methods and Materials: A total of 21 patients with solitary renal tumors, including 14 surgical candidates who refused surgery (66%), were treated with SBRT. Histologic confirmation was obtained on all patients before treatment; 2 had transitional cell carcinoma and 19 had renal cell carcinoma. The median age was 71 years (range, 58-88). Nearly all patients received 48 Gy in 3 fractions. Results: The median follow-up was 78 months (range, 5-107). At 5 years post treatment, the local tumor control rate was 100%. Tumor size decreased by a median value of 5.3% at 1 year post treatment, 15.6% at 2 years post treatment, and 15.4% at 5 years post treatment. Glomerular filtration rate had decreased by a median value of 1.5% at 1 year post treatment, 7.0% at 2 years post treatment, and 14.2% at 5 years post treatment. Three patients experienced grade 1 toxicity; no other treatment-related adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: SBRT is a promising noninvasive treatment in the management of primary renal cell carcinoma, with evolving clinical evidence demonstrating encouraging results with respect to local control and toxicity.

Failures unique to posterior cruciate-substituting total knee prostheses rarely include polyethylene post fractures but have been described. We report a case involving a fracture of the distal insert cone of a rotating-platform (RP) polyethylene liner in a primary total knee arthroplasty. This case highlights a 67-year-old male presenting with new-onset knee pain and recurrent effusions with osteolysis 11 years following placement of a posterior-stabilized, RP total knee arthroplasty. At the time of revision surgery, the polyethylene insert cone was found to be fractured just below the junction between cone and the body of the insert. Liner exchange, synovectomy, and osteolytic-defect curettage and cement packing were performed. One year following revision surgery, the patient is without pain and has returned to function without limitations. Clinicians must be aware of this possible failure with RP prostheses in the setting of pain with a stable knee, recurrent aseptic effusions, and osteolysis.

The following surgical technique describes a case of a 51-year-old man with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that required a 2-stage revision of an infected revision total knee implant. The patient had previously been implanted with a revision rotating platform, constrained condylar device which gained excellent fixation through the use of diaphyseal-engaging stems, and a well-ingrown, fully porous-coated femoral metaphyseal sleeve. To avoid intraoperative complications while removing the femoral sleeve, a novel technique for femoral sleeve extraction was used. Using this technique, the femoral sleeve was successfully removed without intraoperative fracture or substantial bone loss.

We describe a unique, utilitarian reconstructive treatment option known as tibial “spackling” for chronic, localized medial joint line pain corresponding with progressive radiographic peripheral medial tibial bone loss beneath a well-fixed revision total knee arthroplasty tibial baseplate. It is believed that this localized pain is due to chronic irritation of the medial capsule and collateral ligament from the prominent medial edge of the tibial component. In the setting of failed nonoperative treatment, our experience with utilizing bone cement to reconstruct the medial tibial bone defect and create a smooth medial tibial surface has been successful in eliminating chronic medial soft tissue irritation.

A 44-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of left knee pain and dysfunction. The patient had a complex surgical history including patellar fracture repair, subsequent patellar ligament repair, and ultimately allograft reconstruction which was complicated by septic arthritis requiring graft resection. On presentation to our clinic, she was noted to have significant degenerative disease in addition to chronic extensor mechanism deficiency. She underwent primary total knee arthroplasty with concomitant tibial tubercle osteotomy and advancement. The patient has had an excellent result postoperatively including return of full range of motion without residual extensor lag.

Objectives: Exercise, support and advice are the key treatment strategies of musculoskeletal problems. The aims of this study were to determine patients', physiotherapists', and other stakeholders' perspectives about supported home physiotherapy for the management of musculoskeletal problems and to identify the barriers and facilitators to rolling out this model of physiotherapy service delivery., Methods: This study was conducted as part of a process evaluation run alongside a large trial designed to determine whether supported home physiotherapy is as good or better than a course of in-person physiotherapy. Forty interviews were conducted with 20 trial participants, 15 physiotherapists, and 5 other stakeholders. The interviews were semi-structured and based on interview guides. Each interview was transcribed and a three-tiered coding tree was developed., Results: Six key themes were identified. Supported home physiotherapy (i) is convenient for some patients, (ii) does not always align with patients' and therapists' expectations about treatment (iii) is suitable for some but not all, (iv) can reduce personal connection and accountability, (v) has implications for physiotherapists' workloads, and (vi) has barriers and facilitators to future implementation., Conclusions: Findings suggest that patients are far more accepting of supported home physiotherapy than physiotherapists assume. This model of service delivery could be rolled out to improve access to physiotherapy and to provide a convenient and effective way of delivering physiotherapy to some patients with musculoskeletal conditions if our trial results indicate that supported home physiotherapy is as good or better than in-person physiotherapy., Clinical Trial Registry Number: ACTRN12619000065190 CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS PAPER., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)