Optimizing bone marrow harvesting sites for enhanced mesenchymal stem cell yield and efficacy in knee osteoarthritis treatment

Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a debilitating condition with limited long-term treatment options.The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),particularly those derived from bone marrow aspirate concentrate,has garnered attention for cartilage repair in OA.While the iliac crest is the traditional site for bone marrow harvesting(BMH),associated morbidity has prompted the exploration of alternative sites such as the proximal tibia,distal femur,and proximal humerus.This paper reviews the impact of different harvesting sites on mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)yield,viability,and regenerative potential,emphasizing their relevance in knee OA treatment.The iliac crest consistently offers the highest MSC yield,but alternative sites within the surgical field of knee procedures offer comparable MSC characteristics with reduced morbidity.The integration of harvesting techniques into existing knee surgeries,such as total knee arthroplasty,provides a less invasive approach while maintaining thera-peutic efficacy.However,variability in MSC yield from these alternative sites underscores the need for further research to standardize techniques and optimize clinical outcomes.Future directions include large-scale comparative studies,advanced characterization of MSCs,and the development of personalized harvesting strategies.Ultimately,the findings suggest that optimizing the site of BMH can significantly influence the quality of MSC-based therapies for knee OA,enhancing their clinical utility and patient outcomes.

Analysis of the causes of primary revision after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A case series

BACKGROUND Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)has great advantages in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis,but its revision rate is higher than that of total knee arthroplasty.AIM To summarize and analyse the causes of revision after UKA.METHODS This is a retrospective case series study in which the reasons for the first revision after UKA are summarized.We analysed the clinical symptoms,medical histories,laboratory test results,imaging examination results and treatment processes of the patients who underwent revision and summarized the reasons for primary revision after UKA.RESULTS A total of 13 patients,including 3 males and 10 females,underwent revision surgery after UKA.The average age of the included patients was 67.62 years.The prosthesis was used for 3 d to 72 months.The main reasons for revision after UKA were improper suturing of the surgical opening(1 patient),osteophytes(2 patients),intra-articular loose bodies(2 patients),tibial prosthesis loosening(2 patients),rheumatoid arthritis(1 patient),gasket dislocation(3 patients),anterior cruciate ligament injury(1 patient),and medial collateral ligament injury with residual bone cement(1 patient).CONCLUSION The causes of primary revision after UKA were gasket dislocation,osteophytes,intra-articular loose bodies and tibial prosthesis loosening.Avoidance of these factors may greatly reduce the rate of revision after UKA,improve patient satisfaction and reduce medical burden.

Meta-analysis of factors influencing anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)is a mature procedure recommended for correcting knee osteoarthritis deformity,relieving pain,and restoring normal biomechanics.Although TKA is a successful and cost-effective procedure,patient dissatisfaction is as high as 50%.Knee pain after TKA is a significant cause of patient dissatisfaction;the most common location for residual pain is the anterior region.Between 4%and 40%of patients have anterior knee pain(AKP).AIM To investigate the effect of various TKA procedures on postoperative AKP.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane from January 2000 to September 2022.Randomized controlled trials with one intervention in the experimental group and no corresponding intervention(or other interventions)in the control group were collected.Two researchers independently read the title and abstract of the studies,preliminarily screened the articles,and read the full text in detail according to the selection criteria.Conflicts were resolved by consultation with a third researcher.And relevant data from the included studies were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software.RESULTS There were 25 randomized controlled trials;13 were comparative studies with or without patellar resurfacing.The meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups(P=0.61).Six studies were comparative studies of circumpatellar denervation vs non-denervation,divided into three subgroups for meta-analysis.The two-subgroup meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the experimental and the control groups(P=0.31,P=0.50).One subgroup meta-analysis showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups(P=0.001).Two studies compared fixed-bearing TKA and mobile-bearing TKA;the results meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups(P=0.630).Two studies compared lateral retinacular release vs non-release;the meta-analysis showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups(P=0.002);two other studies compared other factors.CONCLUSION Patellar resurfacing,mobile-bearing TKA,and fixed-bearing TKA do not reduce the incidence of AKP.Lateral retinacular release can reduce AKP;however,whether circumpatellar denervation can reduce AKP is controversial.

Neglected congenital bilateral knee dislocation treated by quadricepsplasty with semitendinosus and sartorius transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital knee dislocation(CKD)is a rare condition,which accounts for 1%of congenital hip dislocations.It can present as an isolated condition or coexist with other genetic disorders.Treatment options include serial casting,percutaneous quadriceps recession,and V-Y quadricepsplasty(VYQ).The pathogenesis and hereditary patterns of CKD are not fully understood,with most cases being familial.CKD is usually managed immediately after birth.However,in this report,the patient was neglected for 2 years.CASE SUMMARY A 2-year-old girl with bilateral CKD after birth presented to our hospital after failed serial casting;the patient had seizures and limited access to healthcare because of her family’s low socioeconomic status.Her birth was noted for a breech presentation accompanied by oligohydramnios.The delivery took a long time,requiring immediate medical interventions.As an infant,she had chronic diseases,including a small patent ductus arteriole,multicystic dysplastic kidney disease,and epilepsy.She was found to have a bilateral knee dislocation of approximately-90°on hyperextension.A multidisciplinary team was involved,and medical care was optimized.She underwent VYQ plus semitendinosus and sartorius transfer.After four postoperative follow-ups,her knees were regaining mobility,and she could walk for 2-3 steps without assistance.CONCLUSION This report highlights the importance of early intervention and recommends extensive studies of the management in similar cases.

Insights into complications after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Zhao's study,offers a comprehensive analysis of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)revision indications.The study provides a detailed,case-by-case analysis of the factors leading to knee revision surgery in 13 patients.Not only elucidates the complexities of UKA revisions but also underscores the importance of continuous improvement in surgical techniques and the adoption of innovative technologies.

Traumatic Neglected Antero-Medial Knee Dislocation: Case Report

Introduction: Neglected knee dislocation is an unusual injury, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. The circumstances of onset are generally an unnoticed knee dislocation in a polytrauma context or a delay in consultation after the initial trauma. Presentation of case: We report the case of a 48-year-old female patient who sustained a knee injury during a domestic accident. Initial treatment was traditional and was followed for 3 years. She then consulted hospital, where a neglected knee dislocation was identified and treated with femorotibial arthrodesis. Discussion and conclusion: The treatment options of neglected knee dislocation include open reduction and fixation, arthrodesis and total knee arthroplasty. That the choice depends on the old unreduced of dislocation.

Arthroscopic synovectomy for synovial hyperplasia in chronic knee gouty arthritis:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic synovitis due to chronic knee gouty arthritis(KGA)resulting in synovial hyperplasia has not been documented in the current literature,and thus the optimal management for this condition remains unclear.This case report discusses a 34-year-old man with a history of chronic KGA who presented with recurrent knee effusion resulting from synovial hyperplasia.CASE SUMMARY A 34-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic with a 5-year recurrent knee effusion and a history of chronic KGA.Symptoms persisted despite serial aspiration and urate-lowering medication(febuxostat 80 mg once daily)for 2 months.Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed due to the recalcitrant symptoms.Intraoperatively,tophi deposition and excessive thickening of the synovial membrane were observed.Synovial biopsy and partial synovectomy were performed,revealing chronic synovitis with synovial hyperplasia that was consistent with chronic KGA.At follow-up after 6 months,the patient reported no further episode of knee effusion.CONCLUSION Arthroscopic synovectomy for synovial hyperplasia in chronic KGA sufficiently eradicates the symptoms of recurrent knee effusion.

Mid-term Outcomes of Primary Constrained Condylar Knee Arthroplasty for Severe Knee Deformity

This study aimed to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasy（TKA） with use of Nex Gen#174; Legacy#174; Constrained Condylar Knee（CCK） prosthesis for severe knee deformity. Clinical data of 46 patients（48 knees in total, aged 61 years on average） with severe knee deformity who underwent TKA with Nex Gen#174; Legacy#174; CCK prosthesis between December 2007 and February 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 34 knees with severe valgus with incompetent medial collateral ligament, 11 knees with severe flexion contracture with inability to achieve knee balancing in flexion and extension by posterior soft tissue release, 2 knees with Charcot arthritis with severe varus and bone loss, and 1 with traumatic osteoarthritis with severe varus and ligamentous instability. The mean duration of follow-up was 71 months（range 40–90 months）. The New Knee Society scoring（NKSS） system and the Hospital for Special Surgery（HSS） score were used to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes. Visual Analogue Scale（VAS） was used for pain measurement and Knee Society criteria for evaluation of radiological images. The results showed that, in the total 48 knees, 1 case of loosening due to short-stem tibial component at 3 months post-operatively underwent revision. The 6-year prosthesis survival rate in this cohort was 97.9%. There was no component infection occurring within 6 years. Significant post-operative improvements were found in NKSS and HSS scores. Patient satisfaction was significantly increased. Pain score was decreased significantly. Total functional score was improved from 31.46±11.43 to 86.42±8.87, range of motion（ROM） from 42.42°±23.57° to 95.31°±23.45° and the flexion contracture from 5.31°±7.87° to 0.92°±1.80°. Preoperative radiographic study showed excessive valgus（≥7°） in 37 knees, and varus deformity in 3 knees. Post-operative femorotibial alignment was valgus 3.88°±1.76° in 48 knees. Antero/posterior（A/P） view of X-ray films showed 4 radiolucent lines（RLL） in 48 tibial components. It was concluded that TKA with CCK is effective for the treatment of the severe unstable knee that cannot be balanced by soft tissue.

Rehabilitation care for pain in elderly knee replacement patients

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)is recognized as the most effective surgical intervention for relieving pain and improving joint mobility and deformity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and other synovial diseases.The application of accelerated postoperative rehabilitation(enhanced recovery after surgery)has demonstrated its efficacy in improving patient outcomes,and early postoperative joint function exercise has become a key prognostic factor in knee replacement.The unexpected appearance of limb pain and swelling hindered the patient’s tendency for early mobilization,leading in prolonged hospitalization,delayed functional recovery and negative psychological responses.A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 116 patients who under-went TKA at our hospital between July 2019 and July 2021.The patients were divided into two groups:A control group(n=58)receiving programmatic nur-sing,and an observed group(n=58)receiving programmed nursing combined with a collaborative nursing model.A pain management team consisting of attending physicians,head nurses,and responsible nurses was established.Outcome measures included visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,activities of daily living(ADL)scale scores,and functional scores.The ADL scores of patients in both groups exhibited a continuous increase.However,there was no statistically significant difference in the ADL scores between the two groups at 48 h and the 7th d post-surgery(P>0.05).Upon reexamination at the 3rd mo,the observation group demonstrated higher ADL scores compared to the control group(67.48±14.69 vs 59.40±16.06,P<0.05).The VAS scores of both groups significantly decreased,with no significant difference observed between the groups at each time point(P>0.05).The functional status of patients in both groups exhibited a gradual increase prior to intervention and at the 1st,2nd,and 3rd month following discharge(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in knee joint function scores between the two groups at the 1st month after discharge(47.52 vs 45.81,P>0.05).However,the knee joint function scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the 2nd(59.38 vs 53.19,P<0.05)and 3rd month(71.92 vs 64.34,P<0.05)following discharge.CONCLUSION The utilization of programmed pain nursing in conjunction with collaborative nursing for out-of-hospital care of TKA patients has demonstrated favorable outcomes,encompassing pain reduction,enhanced prognosis,and improved nursing quality for patients.

Assessment of the effectiveness of weight-adjusted antibiotic administration,for reduced duration,in surgical prophylaxis of primary hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Prophylactic antibiotics have significantly led to a reduction in the risk of postoperative surgical site infections(SSI)in orthopaedic surgery.The aim of using antibiotics for this purpose is to achieve serum and tissue drug levels that exceed,for the duration of the operation,the minimum inhibitory concentration of the likely organisms that are encountered.Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the rate of SSIs in lower limb arthroplasty from between 4%and 8%to between 1%and 3%.Controversy,however,still surrounds the optimal frequency and dosing of antibiotic administration.AIM To evaluate the impact of introduction of a weight-adjusted antibiotic prophylaxis regime,combined with a reduction in the duration of administration of post-operative antibiotics on SSI incidence during the 2 years following primary elective total hip and knee arthroplasty METHODS Following ethical approval,patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty(THA)/total knee arthroplasty(TKA)with the old regime(OR)of a preoperative dose[cefazolin 2 g intravenously(IV)],and two subsequent doses(2 h and 8 h),were compared to those after a change to a new regime(NR)of a weight-adjusted preoperative dose(cefazolin 2 g IV for patients<120 kg;cefazolin 3g IV for patients>120 kg)and a post-operative dose at 2 h.The primary outcome in both groups was SSI rates during the 2 years post-operatively.RESULTS A total of n=1273 operations(THA n=534,TKA n=739)were performed in n=1264 patients.There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of deep(OR 0.74%(5/675)vs NR 0.50%(3/598);fishers exact test P=0.72),nor superficial SSIs(OR 2.07%(14/675)vs NR 1.50%(9/598);chi-squared test P=0.44)at 2 years postoperatively.With propensity score weighting and an interrupted time series analysis,there was also no difference in SSI rates between both groups[RR 0.88(95%CI 0.61 to 1.30)P=0.46].CONCLUSION A weight-adjusted regime,with a reduction in number of post-operative doses had no adverse impact on SSI incidence in this population.

Analysis of causes for revision in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

The study by Zhao et al identifies the factors leading to the failure of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)in their patients.These factors include substandard suturing of the wound,the presence of osteophytes and intra-articular loose bodies causing impingement,premature loosening of the tibial component,choosing unsuitable patients for the procedure,dislocation of the movable insert,and damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament.The findings suggest that employing the correct surgical techniques and indications is essential for successful outcomes in the UKA.

Design and Optimization Analysis of an Adaptive Knee Exoskeleton

To solve the problem of undesired relative motion of human-machine interaction positions caused by misalignment of the human-machine joints rotation axis of the knee exoskeleton,this study designed an adaptive knee exoskeleton based on a gear-link mechanism(GLM)by considering the human body as a component of the exoskeleton mechanism.Simultaneously,the concept of the wearable area(WA)was proposed,which transformed the operation of aligning the exoskeleton rotation axis with the human knee joint rotation axis into a"face alignment point"in the sagittal plane,reducing the difficulty of aligning the human-machine joint rotation axis.In the kinematic analysis of GLM,the phenomenon of instantaneous movement of the central axis of the human knee joint was considered.Based on the kinematic model,the WA,velocity transfer ratio,and initial position static stiffness of GLM were analyzed.The NSGA-II optimization algorithm was used to optimize the size parameters of GLM,which increased the WA by 18.4%,the average velocity transfer ratio by 4.98%,and the average initial position static stiffness by 6.01%.Finally,the ability of the exoskeleton to absorb movement displacement(MD)was verified through simulation,and the good human-machine kinematic compatibility of the exoskeleton was verified through wearable tests conducted on the initial mechanism principle prototype.

Single-center experience with Knee+^(TM) augmented reality navigation system in primary total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Computer-assisted systems obtained an increased interest in orthopaedic surgery over the last years,as they enhance precision compared to conventional hardware.The expansion of computer assistance is evolving with the employment of augmented reality.Yet,the accuracy of augmented reality navigation systems has not been determined.AIM To examine the accuracy of component alignment and restoration of the affected limb’s mechanical axis in primary total knee arthroplasty(TKA),utilizing an augmented reality navigation system and to assess whether such systems are conspicuously fruitful for an accomplished knee surgeon.METHODS From May 2021 to December 2021,30 patients,25 women and five men,under-went a primary unilateral TKA.Revision cases were excluded.A preoperative radiographic procedure was performed to evaluate the limb’s axial alignment.All patients were operated on by the same team,without a tourniquet,utilizing three distinct prostheses with the assistance of the Knee+™augmented reality navigation system in every operation.Postoperatively,the same radiographic exam protocol was executed to evaluate the implants’position,orientation and coronal plane alignment.We recorded measurements in 3 stages regarding femoral varus and flexion,tibial varus and posterior slope.Firstly,the expected values from the Augmented Reality system were documented.Then we calculated the same values after each cut and finally,the same measurements were recorded radiolo-gically after the operations.Concerning statistical analysis,Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was estimated,while Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed when needed.RESULTS A statistically significant difference was observed regarding mean expected values and radiographic mea-surements for femoral flexion measurements only(Z score=2.67,P value=0.01).Nonetheless,this difference was statistically significantly lower than 1 degree(Z score=-4.21,P value<0.01).In terms of discrepancies in the calculations of expected values and controlled measurements,a statistically significant difference between tibial varus values was detected(Z score=-2.33,P value=0.02),which was also statistically significantly lower than 1 degree(Z score=-4.99,P value<0.01).CONCLUSION The results indicate satisfactory postoperative coronal alignment without outliers across all three different implants utilized.Augmented reality navigation systems can bolster orthopaedic surgeons’accuracy in achieving precise axial alignment.However,further research is required to further evaluate their efficacy and potential.

Coronal plane stability of cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty in valgus gonarthrosis patients:A mid-term evaluation using stress radiographs

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)using implants with a high level of constraint has generally been recommended for patients with osteoarthritis(OA)who have valgus alignment.However,studies have reported favorable outcomes even with cruciate-retaining(CR)implants.AIM To evaluate the coronal plane stability of CR-TKA in patients with valgus OA at the mid-term follow-up.METHODS Patients with primary valgus OA of the knee who underwent TKA from January 2014 to January 2021 were evaluated through stress radiography using a digital stress device with 100 N of force on both the medial and lateral side.Gap openings and degrees of angulation change were determined.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for both continuous and categorical variables.Inter-rater reliability of the radiographic measurements was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha.RESULTS This study included 25 patients(28 knees)with a mean preoperative mechanical valgus axis of 11.3(3.6-27.3)degrees.The mean follow-up duration was 3.4(1.04-7.4)years.Stress radiographs showed a median varus and valgus gap opening of 1.6(IQR 0.6-3.0)mm and 1.7(IQR 1.3-2.3)mm and varus and valgus angulation changes of 2.5(IQR 1.3-4.8)degrees and 2.3(IQR 2.0-3.6)degrees,respectively.No clinical signs of instability,implant loosening,or revision due to instability were observed throughout this case series.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that using CR-TKA for patients with valgus OA of the knee promoted excellent coronal plane stability.

The Increase in Total Knee Replacement Surgery in China: A 10-Year Real-World Study

Total knee arthroplasty (TKR) is the most common and costly surgical procedure performed, and it is considered one of the most successful clinical interventions for patients suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). The incidence of TKR, including demographics, incidence rates, lengths of hospital stay, and costs, was estimated from 2010 to 2019 by analyzing data extracted from the Joint Surgery Department in our hospital, which included a total of 6770 patients. We calculated the TKR risk ratios to compare the rate of TKR between different covariables such as gender, age group, and primary diagnoses. The annual volume of TKR increased by fivefold (5.14%), with a higher incidence observed in the 60 to 69 age group constituting approximately 36% of cases. There has also been an increase in incidence among young people (<50), which now stands at 6.2%. The rate ratio (RR) per female vs. male was found to be 3.0 and the RR of OA vs. RA was 0.09. The mean average length of stay (ALOS) in the hospital decreased from 15 to just 5 days during this period. Additionally, the adjusted mean cost per patient increased significantly from ¥ 38261 ± 3630.63 to ¥ 53115.17 ± 2831.35. The majority of TKR recipients were over 60 years old with osteoarthritis being identified as the main causative agent. It is worth noting that women are more susceptible to knee arthritis and there is a concerning shift toward younger individuals being affected by this disease. Our results indicate a rise in in-hospital costs alongside a significant decline in hospital ALOS for TKR procedures. We predict an unprecedented rise in TKR incidence in the coming years due to population aging and improving economic conditions in China.

How to manage and avoid revision after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty?

The article by Zhao et al presents a retrospective case series on the reasons for initial revision after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA).Clarifying the reasons that may cause UKA revision can further reduce the rate of revision UKA,focusing on gasket dislocation,osteophytes,intra-articular loose bodies,and tibial prosthesis loosening.This article provides valuable insights,not only by detailing the revision status of 13 patients who underwent revision after initial UKA but also by providing a comprehensive analysis of the incidence of revision after initial UKA.By reviewing and analyzing the causes,they established references for the early detection of risk factors for revision in clinical practice and for formulating surgical strategies and rehabilitation programmes.This commentary emphasizes the need for a meticulous understanding and an analysis of the revision rate following initial UKA and related management strategies.The implant rates,regional variation,and benefits of uncemented Oxford UKA have been explored,particularly in terms of bone preservation,appropriate surgical techniques,and weight management to control complications and improve patient prognosis.

Addressing metallosis in knee arthroplasty:From diagnostic challenges to innovative treatments

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Toro et al published in the recent issue of World Journal of Orthopedics.This editorial review provides a comprehensive exploration of the landscape surrounding knee arthroplasty metallosis,focusing on key aspects ranging from the mechanisms influencing susceptibility to clinical implications and advanced treatment strategies.We elucidate the complex interplay of implant design,patient-specific variables,and wear-related processes contributing to metallosis.Furthermore,we seek to shed light on diagnostic challenges,the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach,and the imperative for vigilant implant surveillance.Uni-on-uni revision,as a targeted treatment modality,is discussed,highlighting its potential to address metallosis in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA).There is a need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding the subtle presentations of metallosis,coupled with the limitations of traditional imaging techniques.Addressing metallosis requires a collaborative,multidisciplinary approach to effectively navigate the complexities associated with this complication.Furthermore,the review emphasizes the evolving paradigm of personalized care,with uni-on-uni revision emerging as a promising surgical solution.In conclusion,the editorial outlines the dynamic nature of knee arthroplasty metallosis and its multifaceted impact on clinical practice.It calls for ongoing collaboration,education,and integration of innovative solutions to enhance diagnostic accuracy,proactive management,and overall patient outcomes in the realm of UKA.

Alignment Techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty:Where do We Stand Today?

Achieving optimal alignment in total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is a critical factor in ensuring optimal outcomes and long-term implant survival. Traditionally, mechanical alignment has been favored to achieve neutral postoperative joint alignment. However, contemporary approaches, such as kinematic alignments and hybrid techniques including adjusted mechanical, restricted kinematic, inverse kinematic, and functional alignments, are gaining attention for their ability to restore native joint kinematics and anatomical alignment, potentially leading to enhanced functional outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. The ongoing debate on optimal alignment strategies considers the following factors: long-term implant durability, functional improvement, and resolution of individual anatomical variations. Furthermore, advancements of computer-navigated and robotic-assisted surgery have augmented the precision in implant positioning and objective measurements of soft tissue balance. Despite ongoing debates on balancing implant longevity and functional outcomes, there is an increasing advocacy for personalized alignment strategies that are tailored to individual anatomical variations. This review evaluates the spectrum of various alignment techniques in TKA, including mechanical alignment, patient-specific kinematic approaches, and emerging hybrid methods. Each technique is scrutinized based on its fundamental principles, procedural techniques, inherent advantages, and potential limitations, while identifying significant clinical gaps that underscore the need for further investigation.

Gait Kinematic Analysis Facilitates Rapid Early Recovery Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective: To explore gait kinematics analysis and evaluate the surgical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as well as its guiding significance for postoperative rehabilitation. Method: Fifty patients admitted to TKA treatment for knee osteoarthritis from December 2022 to July 2023 were included, which were divided into an intervention group (gait kinematics analysis group, n = 25) and a control group (conventional rehabilitation program group, n = 25). All patients underwent HSS score and KSS score before surgery (T0), 1 month after surgery (T1), 3 months after surgery (T2), and 6 months after surgery (T3). The intervention group underwent gait kinematics analysis at 1 month after surgery (T1) and 3 months after surgery (T2). Two groups measured the hip knee ankle angle (HKA), distal femoral lateral angle (LDFA), and proximal tibial medial angle (MPTA) on knee joint radiographs before and after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in general information, preoperative imaging parameters, and functional scores between the two groups of patients. There was no significant difference in functional scores and postoperative prosthesis alignment between the two groups of patients in the first month after surgery. The intervention group showed a significant decrease in gait kinematic scores in the first month, with hip joint scores being particularly prominent (P 0.05). Conclusion: Gait kinematic analysis is helpful in evaluating the postoperative efficacy of TKA and can guide early and rapid recovery after TKA.

Mortality rate after total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of liver transplant

In this editorial I comment on the article by Ahmed et al published in a recent issue of the World J Orthop 2023;14:784-790.It is well known that patients who have undergone a liver transplant(LT)may need to have a total hip arthroplasty(THA)or total knee arthroplasty(TKA)implanted.Ahmed et al stated that the mortality rate in these patients was similar to the one of the general population.However,there are three articles previously published that found higher mortality in LT patients who experienced THA/TKA than in the general population(individuals without LT).Therefore,in this Editorial I would like to point out that there is controversy in the literature regarding whether LT patients undergoing THA/TKA have higher mortality than the general population.Therefore,future research should attempt to resolve this controversy.