Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine combination in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis:A long-term observational study in Russia

BACKGROUND Oral treatment of glucosamine(GA) combined with chondroitin sulfate(CS) was reportedly effective for pain relief and function improvement in osteoarthritis patients with moderate to severe knee pain in clinical trials. While the effectiveness of GA and CS on both clinical and radiological findings has been demonstrated, only a few high-quality trials exist. Therefore, controversy regarding their effectiveness in real-world clinical practice remains.AIM To investigate the impact of GA + CS on clinical outcomes of patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis in routine clinical practice.METHODS A multicenter prospective observational cohort study included 1102 patients of both genders with knee or hip osteoarthritis(Kellgren & Lawrence grades Ⅰ-Ⅲ) in 51 clinical centers in the Russian Federation from November 20, 2017, to March 20,2020, who had started to receive oral capsules of glucosamine hydrochloride 500 mg and CS 400mg according to the approved patient information leaflet starting from 3 capsules daily for 3 wk,followed by a reduced dosage of 2 capsules daily before study inclusion(minimal recommended treatment duration is 3-6 mo). Changes in subscale scores [Pain, Symptoms, Function, and Quality of Life(QOL)] of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(KOOS)/Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(HOOS) questionnaires during the observational period(up to 54-64wk with a total of 4 visits). Patients’ treatment satisfaction, data on the combined oral use of glucosamine hydrochloride and CS, concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), and adverse events(AEs) were also evaluated.RESULTS A total of 1102 patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis were included in the study. The mean patient age was 60.4 years, most patients were women(87.8%), and their average body mass index was 29.49 kg/m2. All subscale scores(Pain, Symptoms, Function, and QOL) of the KOOS and HOOS demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, the mean score increases from baseline to the end of Week 64 were 22.87, 20.78,16.60, and 24.87 on Pain, Symptoms, Physical Function(KOOS-PS), and QOL subscales(P < 0.001for all), respectively. In patients with hip osteoarthritis, the mean score increases were 22.81, 19.93,18.77, and 22.71 on Pain, Symptoms, Physical Function(HOOS-PS), and QOL subscales(P < 0.001for all), respectively. The number of patients using any NSAIDs decreased from 43.1% to 13.5%(P < 0.001) at the end of the observation period. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 2.8% of the patients and mainly included gastrointestinal disorders [25 AEs in 24(2.2%) patients]. Most patients(78.1%) were satisfied with the treatment.CONCLUSION Long-term oral GA + CS was associated with decreased pain, reduced concomitant NSAID therapy, improved joint function and QOL in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis in routine clinical practice.

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.

Impact of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND Most populations worldwide,who are used to squatting and sitting cross-legged for their activities of daily living,largely comprise the lower socioeconomic strata,thus making them candidates for exclusion for total knee arthroplasty.Proximal/high tibial osteotomy(HTO)is a preferred strategy for clinically symptomatic osteoarthritis(OA)with genu varum due to painful medial compartment OA which is not amenable to conservative measures.AIM To evaluate the outcomes of medial open-wedge HTO along with autologous bone grafting and buttress plate for the treatment of genu varum due to OA of the knee in a rural population of central India.METHODS A total of 65 knees in 56 patients with a mean age of 58.22±5.63 years with genu varum due to intractable painful knee OA were treated with medial open-wedge HTO along with autologous bone grafting and buttress plate osteosynthesis from June 2015 to May 2018.The mean preoperative radiological angle of genu varum was 13.4°.Clinical outcomes were assessed by the range of movement,knee scores,pain scores,and functional scores.Radiographic studies were performed preoperatively and at regular intervals during the follow-up period.RESULTS All patients reported pain relief immediately after the osteotomy and during the long-term analysis covering between one to three years.The genu varum angle was overcorrected to approximately four degrees in all patients.There was a loss of reduction by approximately three degrees in all patients at around six weeks postoperatively.Preoperative knee movements were restored in all patients.No major perioperative complications were noted during surgery and postoperative follow-up and the clinical scores were significantly improved during the final analysis which revealed good pain relief.CONCLUSION Medial open-wedge HTO is a reliable,safe,practical,physiological,and feasible treatment for populations who are used to increased activity in their occupation and lifestyle and is associated with excellent short-term and long-term results for OA in genu varum knees.

Experiences in total knee arthtroplasty after distal femoral varus osteotomy

Introduction: There is only little information available about total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO). The aim of our study was to show our experiences and mid-term results of TKA after a previous DFVO. Material and method: In a retrospective study we identified 36 consecutive patients who had undergone TKA after a previous distal femoral varus osteotomy. The average duration of follow-up after the TKA was 8.2 years (min: 5.0, max: 9.2). X-rays were taken in 2 planes before TKA, 1 week after TKA and at latest follow-up. Tibiofemoral alignment was measured on weightbearing long-leg anteroposterior radiographs. Ra- diolucent lines at latest follow-up were documented. Functional evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively (at the time of latest follow-up). Results: The mean Knee Society knee score in- creased from 42 points before the arthroplasty to 91.3 points after the arthroplasty. The mean Knee Society function score increased from 27.4 points preoperatively to 93.2 points postoperatively. The mean overall Knee Society score increased from 91.3 points preoperatively to 163.4 points postoperatively. The mean radiographic alignment was 4.5? of valgus (10? of varus to 19? of valgus) before TKA and 3.1? of valgus (range, 3? of varus to 6? of valgus) at the time of latest follow-up. Postoperative complications included one deep vein thrombosis with non-lethal pulmonary embolism, one wound infection requiring revision and one septic loosening. Discussion: It is possible to perform TKA following DFVO with good mid-term results. In comparison to the literature there is no higher risk of complications in TKA following DFVO in comparison to primary TKA.

初次全膝关节置换术加速康复:倒刺线缝合关节囊的应用

为评价在加速康复理念下初次全膝关节置换术中应用倒刺线缝合关节囊较可吸收线的优势,回顾性分析2018年7月至2019年7月邯郸市中心医院骨五科行初次全膝关节置换术的85例患者,其中倒刺线组41例、可吸收线组44例,比较两组在切口缝合时间、切口并发症、术后关节功能方面的差异。结果表明:倒刺线组关节囊缝合时间、总缝合时间与可吸收线组相比显著缩短,差异有统计学意义(P=0.003、P=0.035);倒刺线组皮下缝合时间、皮肤缝合时间与可吸收线组相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.100、P=0.740);倒刺线组切口皮下血肿率低于可吸收线组,倒刺线组切口并发症发生率低于可吸收线组,差异无统计学意义(P=1.0);倒刺线组术后膝关节活动度与可吸收线组相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.961);术后3月和末次随访两组KSS(Knee Society score)(膝关节协会评分)临床评分及功能评分均较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组组间及组内比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。倒刺线缝合关节囊手术时间短,切口并发症少,术后关节功能良好,有利于加速康复,推荐使用。

Evaluation of the Early Functional Outcome Following Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears are among the common knee pathologies which affect activities of daily living if not managed properly. Arthroscopic knee surgery is an evolving procedure in our environment and patient satisfaction with this procedure needs to be evaluated. This was a prospective study carried out between June 2017 and May 2018 with the aim to determine the effectiveness of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy in the management of meniscal tears in our environment. The Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) Knee Score was used to assess patient satisfaction with this procedure. A total of thirty-one patients were recruited into the study consisting of eighteen males and thirteen females with an average age of thirteen years (17 - 48 years) who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Preoperative and postoperative knee scores at 6 weeks and 12 weeks were compared using the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool. At the end of the study period, data collated were analyzed using the specified tools. In terms of clinical outcomes, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy showed statistically significant improvement of symptoms as evidenced by a mean knee score of 75.6 (SD 9.3) at 6 weeks, 87.7 (SD 4.7) at 12 weeks compared with a preoperative knee score of 46.7. Medial meniscal tears were more common than lateral meniscal tears in all age groups and both sexes recruited into the study. The most common type of meniscal tear seen was the longitudinal type of tear while complex tear is the least type of tear seen. The surgery (arthroscopic partial meniscectomy) is an evolving area of sports medicine that requires sub-specialization, however solves the problem of increased mobility following open surgery. This study will tend to add to existing knowledge as patients who are mostly sports inclined can return to play very early with better outcome scores as regards pain and function.