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Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) has been proven to improve accuracy of component positioning and reducing alignment target outliers. However, the clinical benefit of robotics is often debated. Recent studies have shown reduced pain and faster recovery in the immediate post-operative period and may be associated with improved PROMs and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess PROMs and satisfaction in a unique patient population undergoing bilateral staged TKA to compare manual (MTKA) and RATKA in the same patient.55 patients underwent bilateral staged TKA, performed by a single surgeon at a single institute. Patients who underwent TKA for the first knee with manual technique and RATKA for the second side, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Primary outcome assessed was the Oxford Knee Score and secondary outcomes included the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), patient satisfaction, mean duration for independent ambulation after TKA, and patient perspectives on recovery evaluated with a questionnaire.Both RATKA and MTKA were associated with comparable PROMs. Though RATKA was associated with improved joint perception (Mean FJS after MTKA surgery was 70.3 (SD = 10.66) and significantly lower than the mean FJS after RATKA (73, SD = 10.95, p-value0.01), but the difference was not clinically relevant. A higher proportion of patients were more likely to be very satisfied or satisfied after RATKA. A significant proportion of patients felt the knee operated with RATKA was less painful and felt more natural compared to MTKA at final follow-up (p 0.01). Majority of patients would undergo RATKA again and recommend robotic-TKA to others.Robotic-assisted surgery was associated with improved patient satisfaction, faster independent ambulation compared to manual techniques. PROMs however, were comparable without clinically significant differences. Patients preferred robotic-assisted surgery, with a significantly higher proportion perceiving knee operated by RATKA felt more natural.

Introduction: The use of modular implants for revision TKA are ever increasing in number due to their definitive advantage over their monoblock counterparts by providing the surgeon with the versatility needed to achieve equal gaps and manage bone defects. This superiority comes at the cost of certain unique complications attributable to its modular design such as loosening and fractures at the areas of component coupling that are prone to fatigue failure with suboptimal fixation. Case Report: We present a case of modular femoral component failure in a 59-year man of Asian decent after revision TKA secondary to disengagement and migration of the extension stem locking bolt of a Total Condylar-III prosthesis. Patient presented with pain, effusion, and instability 2.5 years after stage-2 revision TKA. Radiographs revealed migration of the femur-stem locking bolt into the joint cavity. The femoral component and stem were loose. The locking bolt was extracted, and he underwent re-revision surgery with revised femoral components. Conclusion: Stem-condylar junction of modern modular TKA implants are prone to early loosening and failure. This diagnosis should be anticipated on serial follow-up radiographs and in patients who complain of sudden onset of instability following revision surgery.

Optimal flexion-extension gap balancing is an important factor in outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. Knees with varus deformities are commonly associated with a greater degree of lateral laxity both in extension and flexion. Residual lateral laxity could be encountered by surgeons during component trialling after robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA), necessitating additional medial soft tissue release for a thicker insert. This study describes a new technique of gap assessment during RATKA and we propose a functional alignment based balancing strategy to avoid residual lateral laxity.This surgical technique was prospectively employed in 105 patients undergoing primary MAKO® (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan) RATKA for osteoarthritis of the knee with varus deformity, between January 2021 and July 2021. Patients included had an initial lateral extension laxity of more than 24mm. Surgical data points collected consisted of characterization of the laxity profile of the knee using the medial and lateral extension and flexion initial gap captures, final gap captures after dynamic balancing with a functional alignment strategy, and residual lateral extension gap laxity in millimeters at the end of implantation.The mean initial lateral extension gap was 25.76mm (standard deviation [SD]=1.47) and the mean lateral flexion gap was 24.4mm (SD=1.94). Balance was achieved in all the patients with a 9 or 11mm insert, with a mean residual lateral laxity of 0.51mm (SD=0.73, range 0-2mm). The majority of patients (n=66, 62.85%) had zero lateral laxity at the end of final implantation while 24 patients (22.8%) had 1mm of residual lateral laxity.Residual lateral joint laxity can be avoided consistently and predictably in RATKA cases with initial gap capture of up to 30mm in lateral extension and flexion with this new technique of gap capture and employing various steps of balancing strategy described.

Robotic technology in total knee arthroplasty has been proven to improve accuracy of component positioning, achieve alignment targets, and balance the knee objectively. However, the utility of robotics in correction of severe varus deformities of the knee has not been investigated in detail. The aim of this paper was to establish the utility and describe the technique of robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) in achieving pre-balance in severe varus deformities of the knee.Among the existing Mako (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan) RA-TKA workflows, pre-resection workflow is limited to knees which can be pre-balanced by component positioning according to functional alignment. Mid-resection workflow (distal femur/tibia first) is reserved for complex cases, whereby the extension gap is balanced first. In our experience, both workflows could not achieve pre-balance in severe varus deformities, necessitating the need to develop a novel technique. The ability of the robot to execute precise bone cuts allows for a provisional postero-medial femoral bone cut in flexion, giving access to remove large inaccessible posterior osteophytes and the tight posterior capsule, thus balancing the knee in extension. The flexion gap is subsequently matched to the extension gap by alterations in axial component positioning.This novel "enhanced mid-resection workflow" technique establishes the utility of the RA-TKA in balancing severe varus deformities of the knee. We also propose an algorithm which simplifies and helps surgeons choose between the three workflows to pre-balance knees irrespective of the severity of the varus deformity.

Complex primary and revision THR requires comprehensive understanding of abnormal bony anatomy. Evaluation and classification of acetabular bone defects is essential to manage them appropriately. It is difficult to appreciate complex defects using conventional 2-Dimensional radiological modalities. 3D printed models can provide both visual and tactile reproduction of the bony anatomy, with potential for better pre-operative planning and making these complex surgeries more precise and accurate.Anatomical 3D models of pelvis and femur were made based on CT scans of 27 patients undergoing complex primary THR/Revision THR by FDM (Fusion Deposition Modeling) technology using Flash Forge-Dreamer 3D printer with ABS (plastic) material. Models were used for pre-operative planning and simulation of surgery. Aims of the study were to study the accuracy of 3D models in predicting the implant sizes, accuracy in evaluation of acetabular bone defects and validating the utility of 3 D models through surgeon feedback.The acetabular cup size and placement was accurate in 25 (92.6%) patients. Preoperative acetabular bone defect was accurately estimated in all the patients. There were no neurovascular complications at early and 1-year follow-up in this case series. Model realism and reliability survey response from five surgeons was graded, with average overall usefulness of 3D models of 4.86/5, average model realism was 4.9/5, average usefulness for planning was 4.74/5 and usefulness for teaching was 5/5.3D models are accurate and help in assessing acetabular bone deficiencies reliably in complex and revision THR. Anatomical models help in surgical planning and simulation, enabling surgeons in predicting the correct implant sizes and importantly placement of acetabular cup and for management of bone defects. The safe trajectory of acetabular screws can be simulated and determined, thereby avoiding penetration into pelvis and neuro-vascular injuries.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the patient-reported functional outcomes and patient satisfaction after medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) versus Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), performed for anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) of the knee in patients from an Indian population, at a minimum 3-year follow-up. Methods: This is a prospective matched cohort study (1:2 ratio). One hundred and one UKA cases were matched to 206 TKA cases by propensity score matching for age, body mass index (BMI), gender distribution, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The primary outcome (Oxford knee score, OKS) was assessed at a 3-year follow-up, along with secondary outcomes (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] Score, Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Anterior Knee Pain (Kujala) score, patient satisfaction, and revision rate at the final follow-up). Results: The UKA group was superior to the TKA group in patient-reported functional outcomes based on the OKS (p = 0.004). Using the FJS score, UKA was more likely to be a forgotten joint compared to TKA (p p p = 0.023). Conclusion: For AMOA, UKA was associated with improved patient satisfaction compared to TKA. Although patient-reported outcome measures were statistically in favour of UKA over TKA, the differences were not clinically significant. Multicenter and randomized studies comparing the two procedures are warranted. Evidence: Level-II Therapeutic

PURPOSE: To report outcomes of Debridement, Antibiotic therapy and Implant Retention (DAIR) for periprosthetic knee joint infections (PJI) in the Indian population and to study factors influencing outcomes. METHODS: This was a Retrospective study of 80 cases of acute PJI after total knee arthroplasty who were treated by DAIR, within 2 weeks of onset of infection. A standardised institutional management protocol was applied to all cases. Patients were followed up for a minimum 1 year. Outcomes of DAIR were classified as successful or unsuccessful based on resolution or persistence of infection, and subsequent requirement of revision surgery. Influence of factors, like comorbidities, culture status and microbiological characteristics of causative organism, on outcomes was assessed. RESULTS: Overall 55 patients (68.75%) had successful eradication of infection after DAIR. 27 (33.7%) patients were culture negative and 53 (66.2%) patients grew organisms on culture. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes (p = 0.082) between culture-positive cases (69.8% success rate) and (66.7% success rate) in culture negative cases. Furthermore, no difference in outcomes was observed in culture-positive patients between those who grew Gram-positive organisms versus Gram-negative organisms (p = 0.398) Similarly, patient comorbidities did not significantly alter the outcomes after DAIR (p = 0.732). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that early DAIR within 2 weeks of onset of infection using a standard protocol during surgery and postoperatively can result in good outcomes. Patient comorbidities, culture status (positive versus negative), Gram staining characteristics of organisms and the identity of pathogenic bacteria did not influence outcomes of DAIR for acute PJI.

Background The COVID-19 outbreak reached pandemic proportions in March 2020, and the government of India declared a nationwide lockdown on 24th March, 2020. All vehicular movement, construction work, industries, national highways, etc. remained closed during lockdown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of lockdown on the case load and epidemiology of orthopaedic trauma cases in the state of Telangana. Methods This study was a multi-centre, retrospective observational study. Data were collected from 8 teaching hospitals, 8 corporate hospitals, 1 dedicated industrial trauma, and hand injury center and 56 consultants with individual practice. Data were collected in two groups, pre-lockdown period (23rd Feb to 24th March) and lockdown period (25th march to 25th April). Patient demographics, type of injury, and cause of injury were collected. This was done using an online survey form and retrieval of case data from health records. Results There was a significant decrease in total trauma numbers during lockdown by 1266 cases (pre-lockdown n = 2020 and lockdown n = 754), amounting to a decrease by 62.7% (p

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a concern after elbow trauma and is associated with significant limitation of movement. Although complete restoration of elbow movement is seldom possible even by surgical resection, it improves functional range of movement and quality of life. Surgical excision of HO requires meticulous preoperative planning to minimize complications such as inadequate resection, and neurovascular complications. Life size models printed with three-dimensional (3D) printing technology help in understanding the complex HO mass and its relation to neurovascular structures, thereby helping in better preoperative planning. AIM: The aim is to study the usefulness of 3D-printed patient-specific models in resection of heterotrophic ossification around elbow MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3D models are printed using computed tomography scans by FDM technology. Surgical approaches were planned based on the dimensions and extent of the HO mass in the 3D model. Resection was performed as planned and the sterilized 3D model was also used during surgery as anatomical reference. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. They were evaluated for improvement in elbow range of motion and complications. RESULTS: Six patients underwent surgical excision of HO of the elbow, with preoperative planning using 3D-printed models. A functional range of movement was achieved in all patients. There were neurovascular complications in this case series. CONCLUSION: 3D-printed models are accurate and provide a replica of the patient-specific abnormal heterotopic ossification. 3D models provide excellent anatomical reference in planning excision by providing good orientation of the mass, dimensions, extent, and relation to neurovascular structures.

We present a rare case of a previously healthy 16-year-old boy who sustained simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures after a single first-time seizure episode. He was diagnosed to have severe vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Symptomatic hypocalcemia was the cause of seizures. Both fractures were treated surgically and united at 3 months. Bilateral femoral neck fractures after seizures are very rare, especially in children. Severe vitamin D deficiency may cause seizures and also weakening of bone, predisposing to fractures without significant trauma. We recommend that paediatric cases of femoral neck fractures after seizures should be investigated for underlying metabolic disease.

Glomus tumours are benign neoplastic lesions of glomus body, a thermoregulatory apparatus of cutaneous microvasculature. These tumours can arise at any location of the body but most commonly seen in subungual region of fingers. Bilateral solitary glomus tumour of hand is a rare entity. We report a case of 54-year-old female who presented with complaints of pain in the right thumb since three years and left thumb pain since 20 years. Clinical examination revealed acute tenderness of both the thumbs. Love’s pin test and Hildreth’s test were positive. MRI revealed characteristic features of glomus tumour. Excision of both the lesions was done and proceeds forwarded to histopathology which confirmed diagnosis. Patient was symptom free immediately following surgery. No nail deformities were noticed and there was no recurrence of symptoms in one year follow up. Glomus tumours of the hand are a rare entity and often missed.

The relatively low sensitivity of fluorescence detection schemes, which are mainly limited by the isotropic nature of fluorophore emission, can be overcome by utilizing surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE). In this study, we demonstrate directional emission from fluorophores on flexible Ag-C60 SPCE sensor platforms for point-of-care sensing, in healthcare and forensic sensing scenarios, with at least 10 times higher sensitivity than traditional fluorescence sensing schemes. Adopting the highly sensitive Ag-C60 SPCE platform based on glass and novel low-cost flexible substrates, we report the unambiguous detection of acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacteria at densities as low as 20 Mtb mm(-2); from non-acid-fast bacteria (e.g., E. coli and S. aureus), and the specific on-site detection of acid-fast sperm cells in human semen samples. In combination with the directional emission and high-sensitivity of SPCE platforms, we also demonstrate the utility of smartphones that can replace expensive and cumbersome detectors to enable rapid hand-held detection of analytes in resource-limited settings; a much needed critical advance to biosensors, for developing countries.