Sequentially Irradiated and Annealed Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty at 10-Year Follow-up.

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has become the preferred bearing surface in total hip arthroplasty. However, its acceptance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been as robust because of concerns pertaining to wear and its impact on implant failure. Therefore, this multicenter study was purposed to evaluate the 10-year (1) radiographic outcomes; (2) complications; and (3) implant survivorship in patients with TKA receiving a sequentially irradiated and annealed HXLPE.

Sequentially Irradiated and Annealed Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene: Linear Vector and Volumetric Wear in Total Hip Arthroplasty at 10 Years.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the long-term performance of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE). Therefore, this study evaluated 10-year 1) functional, 2) radiographic, and 3) surgical outcomes in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with sequentially irradiated and annealed HXLPE.

Methods: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted on patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty and received HXLPE polymer (n = 151).

Mid-Term Follow Up of Newer-Generation Morphometric Wedge Stems for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).

Introduction: Proximally coated, morphometric wedge femoral stems illustrated excellent survivorship and clinical outcomes at a minimum five-year postoperative follow up.

Materials And Methods: We completed a retrospective review of 186 THA patients from three high-volume surgeons to assess clinical- and patient-reported outcomes five years after implantation with a cementless, proximally coated morphometric wedge femoral stem. We reviewed Gruen zones on early postoperative and mid-term radiographs for signs of osteolysis, loosening, and wear.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia Rates in Technology-Assisted versus Conventional-Instrumentation Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction: Various technological advancements, specifically robotic assistance, have been implemented for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures to attempt to improve patient outcomes and decrease complication rates. Manipulations under anesthesia have been considered a surrogate for knee stiffness, an undesired postoperative outcome that can potentially be avoided. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the impact that these new technologies have on manipulations under anesthesia (MUA) rates following TKA.

New Technology for Total Knee Arthroplasty Provides Excellent Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Minimum Two-Year Analysis.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty has been demonstrated to help increase various patient-reported, clinical, and surgical outcome metrics (PROMs). However, the current literature is limited regarding PROMs data for longer follow-up periods beyond one year. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to 1) report multicenter patient-reported outcomes with multiple metrics, as well as 2) postoperative surgeon-specific outcomes at a minimum two-year follow-up.

Linear Wear Rates of a Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Hip Liner.

Introduction: To help limit wear, newer polyethylene liners, such as the highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners, have been developed. These newer liners undergo an alternating irradiation process, resulting in a stronger, longer-lasting liner. The purpose of this study was to analyze the wear rates of patients who underwent THA and received a newer generation HXLPE acetabular insert.

A Comparative Effectiveness Study for Non-Operative Treatment Methods for Knee Osteoarthritis.

A number of non-operative treatment options are commonly prescribed for patients presenting with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee, where surgery is not yet recommended. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness of these treatment options to best inform both patients and providers. This study examined the comparative effectiveness of a home exercise program versus bracing or a combination of the two (brace-only, exercise-only, and brace and exercise cohorts) on the following: 1) objective functional measures (quadriceps muscle strength, Self-Paced Walk Test [SPWT], and Timed "Up & Go" [TUG] Test); 2) subjective functional measures (Lower Extremity Function Scale [LEFS] and Health Survey [VR-12] outcomes); 3) pain using Visual Analog Scale [VAS-10]; 4) patient metrics (patient treatment preference, perceptions, and compliance); and 5) progression to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over a 12-week period.

Outcomes of Second-Generation Tapered Wedge Femoral Stem.

Introduction: Newer generation cementless femoral stems have been designed to emulate more precisely the anatomy of the native femur. However, few studies have evaluated these designs. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who received a second-generation, tapered wedge stem by analyzing (1) all-cause and aseptic implant survivorships; (2) clinical and patient-reported outcomes; (3) radiographic outcomes; and (4) incidence of complications.

Minimum 5-year follow-up for primary THA using a tapered, proximally coated cementless stem.

The purpose of this study was to assess the survivorship of a proximally coated, cementless femoral stem used for total hip arthroplasty at a minimum 5-year follow-up by assessing clinical outcomes and implant survival. A total of 936 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in 854 patients by 3 high-volume surgeons between 2001 and 2007. Patients included 385 men and 469 women with a mean age of 56 years (range, 20-88 years) and a mean follow-up of 7 years (range, 5-11 years).

A Comparison Study of Two Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Designs: A Preliminary Report.

Cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasties have had high success rates. The purpose of this study was to compare a newer cruciate-retaining design to a previously used implant to determine if there were any changes in clinical or functional outcome. A total of 461 patients (553 knees) were identified who had total knee arthroplasty with this newer design.