Although the study groups were not well matched with regard to age and sex, our results show that these surgical techniques have no differences in incidence of growth disturbances or graft survivorship. Younger males tend to undergo physeal-sparing reconstruction. Future research should focus on long-term outcome metrics with the physeal-sparing techniques, as there remains a paucity of studies regarding them.

Background One of the most important goals of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to achieve a functional range of motion (ROM). However, up to 20% of patients fail to do so, which can impair activities of daily living. Questions/purposes The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various (1) demographic factors;(2) comorbidities; and (3) knee-specific factors on the frequency of manipulation under anesthesia, which was used as an indicator of knee stiffness after a primary TKA. Methods We evaluated the registries of two high-volume centers and reviewed all 3182 TKAs that were performed between 2005 and 2011 to identify all patients who had undergone manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). A total of 156 knees in 133 patients underwent MUA after an index arthroplasty. These patients were compared in a one-to-four ratio with a group of patients with satisfactory ROM drawn from the same database who met prespecified criteria and who had not undergone MUA. Effects of various factors, including age, sex, body mass index, race, comorbidities, and the underlying cause of knee arthritis, were compared between these two cohorts using multivariable logistic regressions. Results After controlling for various confounding, nonwhite race was associated with an increase (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; p = 0.03), and age C 65 years (OR, 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.74; p = 0.0179) was associated with a reduction in the incidence of MUA. In comorbidities, diabetes (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.02-2.32; p = 0.03), high cholesterol levels (OR, 2.70; p = 0.03), and tobacco smoking (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.03-2.47; p = 0.03) were associated with an increase in frequency of MUA. In knee-specific factors, preoperative knee ROM of less than 100°(OR, 0.80; p \ 0.0001) and knee osteonecrosis (p = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.29-10.1; p = 0.014) were associated with increased frequency of MUA. Conclusions We identified several demographic, medical, and knee-specific factors that were associated with poor

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Substantial amounts of perioperative blood loss occur during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that may require allogeneic transfusion in more than 30% of patients. Increased blood loss leads to poor physical functioning, increases infection risks, and prolongs hospitalization, which may eventually affect the overall clinical outcomes of TKA. In addition, allogeneic blood transfusions are associated with increased risks of transfusion reactions, immunosuppression, and a variety of immunological reactions. These concerns have led surgeons and anesthesiologists to develop various strategies to conserve blood, reduce costs, and decrease complications related to blood transfusions. Multiple nonpharmacologic intraoperative blood-saving measures have been used including acute normovolemic hemodilution, hypotensive anesthesia, tourniquets, bipolar sealants, intraoperative blood salvage systems, intramedullary femoral plugs, computer-assisted surgery, and the use of patient-specific instrumentation. However, no clear protocol exists currently to help surgeons choose the appropriate method for blood preservation. The aim of this article was to review the various nonpharmacologic intraoperative blood management strategies that have been used in TKA and to analyze their effectiveness and potential complications according to current evidence.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography-based patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) may allow for reliable alignment and fewer outliers when compared with conventionally instrumented total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, some authors have suggested that frequent intraoperative surgeon-directed changes may still be required. This study evaluated the accuracy of PSI to predict component sizing and alignment during TKA. A total of 84 patients (89 knees) who underwent a TKA using a PSI system were evaluated. An MRI-based preoperative plan of every knee was provided and approved by the surgeons. This demonstrated the proposed prosthetic component alignment, as well as the femoral, tibial, and bearing insert component size and position. Intraoperative changes to these components were prospectively recorded and compared with the computerized preoperative plan. Major changes were defined as any changes in femoral or tibial resection, size, and position of the components. Minor changes were defined as any change in the size of the polyethylene bearing insert. The preoperative plan was able to correctly predict the size of the implanted tibial and femoral component in 93 and 95.5% of the cases, respectively. Thirteen major intraoperative changes were made. In one knee, the proposed femoral resection was not acceptable (because of the presence of significant amount of osteophytes) and was abandoned in favor of a manual extramedullary guide. In another patient, the proposed femoral and tibial components were upsized. In two other patients, the femoral components were downsized, in four patients, the tibial components were downsized, and in another patient, it was upsized. There were also 16 minor changes, which included 2-mm upsizing of the polyethylene liner in 13 knees and 4-mm upsizing in 3 knees. Surgical experience is necessary to recognize improper component size, incorrect surgical resection, or nonideal alignment when performing TKA using PSI. The authors believe that the design and manufacture of PSI combined with a comprehensive templating resulted in excellent intraoperative concordance of the preoperative plan at the default settings with minimal changes.