Current concepts in total knee arthroplasty: Patient specific instrumentation

Patient specific instrumentation(PSI) in total knee arthroplasty(TKA) promises faster operation time(by using less instruments and individual cutting jigs), less blood loss, faster rehabilitation, better implant sizing and accuracy, superior overall outcome, and at the end- less costs. However, as evident for every new development, its superiority remains to be provenover the conventional systems. Whilst dissatisfaction is reported to be eminent in up to 30% of patients having undergone conventional TKA, it is unclear, whether PSI can address to these patients as a suitable option in the future. The author believes that the current evidence does not support superiority of PSI in TKA over conventional systems. However, future long-term level I and II studies might aid to show its cost-effectiveness stating same results, accuracy, and overall outcome with less operation time.

Cost-effectiveness of patient specific vs conventional instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Over the past years,patient specific instrumentation(PSI)for total knee arthroplasty(TKA)has been implemented and routinely used.No clear answer has been given on its associated cost and cost-effectiveness when compared to conventional instrumentation(CI)for TKA.AIM To compare the cost and cost-effectiveness of PSI TKA compared to CI TKA.METHODS A literature search was performed in healthcare,economical healthcare,and medical databases(MEDLINE,EMBASE,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,EconLit).It was conducted in April 2021 and again in January 2022.Relevant literature included randomised controlled trials,retrospective studies,prospective studies,observational studies,and case control studies.All studies were assessed on methodological quality.Relevant outcomes included incremental cost-effectiveness ratio,quality-adjusted life years,total costs,imaging costs,production costs,sterilization associated costs,surgery duration costs and readmission rate costs.All eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias.Meta-analysis was performed for outcomes with sufficient data.RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included into the systematic review.Two were included in the metaanalysis.3994 PSI TKAs and 13267 CI TKAs were included in the sample size.The methodological quality of the included studies,based on Consensus on Health Economic Criteria-scores and risk of bias,ranged from average to good.PSI TKA costs less than CI TKA when considering mean operating room time and its associated costs and tray sterilization per patient case.PSI TKA costs more compared to CI TKA when considering imaging and production costs.Considering total costs per patient case,PSI TKA is more expensive in comparison to CI TKA.Meta-analysis comparing total costs for PSI TKA,and CI TKA showed a significant higher cost for PSI TKA.CONCLUSION Cost for PSI and CI TKA can differ when considering distinct aspects of their implementation.Total costs per patient case are increased for PSI TKA when compared to CI TKA.

Computerised tomography vs magnetic resonance imaging for modeling of patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty

AIM: To summarise and compare currently available evidence regarding accuracy of pre-operative imaging, which is one of the key choices for surgeons contemplating patient-specific instrumentation(PSI) surgery.METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE medical literature databases were searched, from January 1990 to December 2013, to identify relevant studies. The data from several clinical studies was assimilated to allow appreciation and comparison of the accuracy of each modality. The overall accuracy of each modality was calculated as proportion of outliers > 3% in the coronal plane of both computerised tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). RESULTS: Seven clinical studies matched our inclusion criteria for comparison and were included in our study for statistical analysis. Three of these reported series using MRI and four with CT. Overall percentage of outliers > 3% in patients with CT-based PSI systems was 12.5% vs 16.9% for MRI-based systems. These results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although many studies have been undertaken to determine the ideal pre-operative imaging modality, conclusions remain speculative in the absence of long term data. Ultimately, information regarding accuracy of CT and MRI will be the main determining factor. Increased accuracy of pre-operative imaging could result in longer-term savings, and reduced accumulated dose of radiation by eliminating the need for post-operative imaging and revision surgery.

Patient-specific instruments as a standard procedure in total knee arthroplasty: Logistics and postoperative radiological results in 70 patients

Serous Purpose: There is limited information in the literature surrounding the use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) by a large number of surgeons. This prospective observational study was therefore designed to evaluate the logistics of using PSI for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a multi-surgeon environment, as well as its accuracy in positioning components. Methods: Of 73 patients enrolled in this study, 3 were excluded after the surgeon decided intraoperatively to switch to conventional instrumentation. Results: Mean operative time was 77.6 minutes. The component size had to be changed in 19 patients and bone cuts corrected in 12. In 65 of the 70 cases (92.9%), mechanical alignment was within the optimal range from 3° varus to 3° valgus, with the remaining 5 cases considered outliers (7.1%). Mean overall mechanical alignment was 0.3° varus (standard deviation, ±2°). There was a distinct variance with regard to the position of the tibial component in the sagittal plane. Conclusions: PSI can be effectively incorporated in larger, multisurgeon practices. Although high accuracy was observed for overall mechanical alignment and component positioning in the frontal and sagittal planes, further attention must be paid to the tibial slope. We highly recommend the use of the extramedullary alignment rod to the proper position of the tibial block, as well as double-checking the slope before performing bone cuts.

Patient specific guides for total knee arthroplasty are ready for primetime

AIM: To present the radiological results of total knee arthroplasty(TKA) with use of patient specific matched guides(PSG) from different manufacturer in patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis of the knee joint.METHODS: This study describes the results of 57 knees operated with 4 different PSG systems and a group operated with conventional instrumentation(n = 60) by a single surgeon. The PSG systems were compared with each other and subdivided into cut- and pin PSG. The biomechanical axis [hip-knee-ankle angle(HKA)], varus/valgus of the femur [frontal femoral component(FFC)] and tibia(frontal tibial component) component, flexion/extension of the femur [flexion/extension of the femur component(LFC)] and posterior slope of the tibia [lateral tibial component(LTC)] component were evaluated on long-leg standing and lateral X-rays. A percentage of > 3° deviation was seen as an outlier. RESULTS: The inter class correlation coefficient(ICC) revealed that radiographic measurements between both assessors were reliable(ICC > 0.8). Fisher exact test was used to test differences of proportions. The percentage of outliers of the HKA-axis was comparable between both the PSG and conventional groups(12.28% vs 18.33%, P < 0.424) and the cut- and pin PSG groups(14.3% vs 10.3%, P < 1.00). The percentage of outliers of the FFC(0% vs 18.33%, P < 0.000), LFC(15.78% vs 58.33%, P < 0.000) and LTC(15.78% vs 41.67%, P < 0.033) were significant different in favour of the PSGgroup. There were no significant differences regarding the outliers between the individual PSG systems and the PSG group subdivided into cut- and pin PSG.CONCLUSION: PSG for TKA show significant less outliers compared to the conventional technique. These single surgeon results suggest that PSG are ready for primetime.

Computerized tomography based “patient specific blocks” improve postoperative mechanical alignment in primary total knee arthroplasty

AIM: To compare the postoperative mechanical alignment achieved after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) using computer tomography(CT) based patient specific blocks(PSB) to conventional instruments(CI).METHODS: Total 80 knees were included in the study, with 40 knees in both the groups operated using PSB and CI. All the knees were performed by a single surgeon using the same cruciate sacrificing implants. In our study we used CT based PSB to compare with CI. Postoperative mechanical femoro-tibial angle(MFT angle) was measured on long leg x-rays using picture archiving and communication system(PACS). We compared mechanical alignment achieved using PSB and CI in TKA using statistical analysis.RESULTS: The PSB group(group 1) included 17 females and seven males while in CI group(group 2) there were 15 females and eight males. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 60.5 years and in group 2 it was 60.2 years. The mean postoperative MFT angle measured on long-leg radiographs in group 1 was 178.23°(SD = 2.67°, range: 171.9° to 182.5°) while in group 2, the mean MFT angle was 175.73°(SD = 3.62°, range: 166.0° to 179.8°). There was significant improvement in postoperative mechanical alignment(P value = 0.001), in PSB group compared to CI. Number of outliers were also found to be less in group operated with PSB(7 Knee) compared to those operated with CI(17 Knee).CONCLUSION: PSB improve mechanical alignment after total knee arthroplasty, compared to CI. This may lead to lower rates of revision in the PSB based TKA as compared to the conventional instrumentation.

Patient-Specific QA of Spot-Scanning Proton Beams Using Radiochromic Film

Radiochromic film for spot-scanning QA provides high spatial resolution and efficiency gains from one-shot irradiation for multiple depths. However, calibration can be a tedious procedure which may limit widespread use. Moreover, since there may be an energy dependence, which manifests as a depth dependence, this may require additional measurements for each patient. We present a one-scan protocol to simplify the procedure. A calibration using an EBT3 film, exposed by a 6-level step-wedge plan on a Proteus&reg;PLUS proton system (IBA, Belgium), was performed at depths of 18, 20, 24 cm using Plastic Water&reg;(CIRS, Norfolk, VA). The calibration doses ranged from 65 - 250 cGy (RBE) (relative biological effectiveness) for proton energies of 170 - 200 MeV. A clinical prostate + nodes plan was used for validation. The planar doses at selected depths were measured with EBT3 films and analyzed using one-scan protocol (one-scan digitization of QA film and at least one film exposed to a known dose). The gamma passing rates, dose-difference maps, and profiles of 2D planar doses measured with EBT3 film and IBA MatriXX-PT, versus the RayStation TPS calculations were analyzed and compared. The EBT3 film measurement results matched well with the TPS calculation data with an average passing rate of ~95% for 2%/2 mm and slightly lower passing rates were obtained from an ion chamber array detector. We were able to demonstrate that the use of a proton step-wedge provided clinically acceptable results and minimized variations between film-scanner orientation, inter-scan, and scanning conditions. Furthermore, for relative dosimetry (calibration is not done at the time of experiment), it could be derived from no more than two films exposed to known doses (one could be zero) for rescaling the master calibration curve at each depth. The sensitivity of the calibration to depth variations has been explored. One-scan protocol results appear to be comparable to that of the ion chamber array detector. The use of a proton step-wedge for calibration of EBT3 film potentially increases efficiency in patient-specific QA of proton beams.

Patients' specific simulations of coronary fluxes in case of three-vessel disease

In this work, we propose a model of the coronary circulation based on hydraulic/electric analogy. This model aims to provide quantitative estimations of the distribution of flows and pressures across the coro-nary network for patients with stenoses of the left main coronary artery (LMCA), left anterior de-scending artery (LAD) and left circumflex branch (LCx), and chronic occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA), undergoing off-pump coronary sur-gery. The results of the simulations are presented for 10 patients with various stenoses grades and collat-eral supply. For each patient, the four revasculariza-tion situations (no graft operating, pathological situa-tion (0G);right graft only (1G), left grafts only (2G), complete revascularization (3G)) are considered. It is shown that: 1) the complete revascularization is fully justified for these patients because neither the right graft alone, nor the left grafts alone can ensure a suf-ficient perfusion improvement for the heart;2) the capillary and collateral resistances (and the propor-tion between them) have a major impact on the flows and pressures everywhere in the network;3) in the presence of the left grafts, the flows in the native stenosed arteries become low and this could promote the development of the native disease in these branches.

Feasibility of Estimating Patient-Specific Dose Verification Results Directly from Linear Accelerator Log Files in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

The feasibility of estimating patient-specific dose verification results directly from linear accelerator (linac) log files has been investigated for prostate cancer patients who undergo volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Twenty-six patients who underwent VMAT in our facility were consecutively selected. VMAT plans were created using Monaco treatment planning system and were transferred to an Elekta linac. During the beam delivery, dynamic machine parameters such as positions of the multi-leaf collimator and the gantry were recorded in the log files;subsequently, root mean square (rms) values of control errors, speeds and accelerations of the above machine parameters were calculated for each delivery. Dose verification was performed for all the plans using a cylindrical phantom with diodes placed in a spiral array. The gamma index pass rates were evaluated under 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria with a dose threshold of 10%. Subsequently, the correlation coefficients between the gamma index pass rates and each of the above rms values were calculated. Under the 2%/2 mm criteria, significant negative correlations were found between the gamma index pass rates and the rms gantry angle errors (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) as well as the pass rates and the rms gantry accelerations (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the rms values of the other dynamic machine parameters did not significantly correlate with the gamma index pass rates. We suggest that the VMAT quality assurance (QA) results can be directly estimated from the log file thereby providing potential to simplify patient-specific prostate VMAT QA procedure.

<i>In vitro</i>measurement of tibiofemoral kinematics after patient-specific unicompartmental knee replacement

It is suggested that unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) offers the potential to restore normal knee kinematics better than total knee replacement (TKR) because of retaining the cruciate ligaments, and better preservation of the overall geometry. It was hypothesized that patient-specific UKR would restore normal knee kinematics even better because of a customised articular shape. A comparative kinematics study was conducted on three cadaver limbs using two different test setups, a loaded ankle rig and an unloaded ankle rig. Kinematics was compared between a patient-specific UKR and a conventional fixed-bearing UKR. Both the UKRs showed similar kinematic patterns to the normal knee using both the test apparatus. The patient-specific UKR showed good results and with the other benefits it shows potential to dramatically improve clinical outcomes of knee replacement surgery.

National Verification Regulations and Calibration Specifications of Measuring Instruments of P.R.China in 2010(2010 No.131)

General Administration of Quality Supervision,Inspection and Quarantine of P.R.China has approved the following 8 national measuring verification regulations in 2010 and publicize now.

Evaluation of Patient-Specific Quality Assurance for Carbon Ion Radiotherapy Using Full Energy Scanning Method at QST Hospital

Purpose: Patient-specific QA (PSQA) measurements for carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) are critical components of processes designed to identify discrepancies between calculated and delivered doses. We report the results of PSQA conducted at the QST Hospital during the period from September 2017 to March 2018. Methods: We analyzed PSQA results for 1448 fields for 10 disease sites with various target volumes, target depths and number of energy layers. For the PSQA, all the planned beams were recalculated on a water phantom with treatment planning software. The recalculated dose distributions were compared with the measured distributions using a 2D ionization chamber array at three depths, including 95% of the area of the prescription dose. These recalculated dose distributions were evaluated using the 3%/3mm gamma index with a passing threshold of 90%. Results: The passing rates for prostate, head and neck, and bone and soft tissue were 96.8%, 99.3%, and 91.7%, respectively. Additionally, 94.7% of lung plans with low energy beams passed. Overall, the CIRT in the QST Hospital reached a high passing rate of more than 95%. Although the remaining 5% failed to pass, there was no dependence between measurement depth and disease sites in these failures. Conclusion: Using PSQA measurements, we confirmed consistency between the planned and delivered doses for CIRT using the full energy scanning method.

Implementation of Level-3 Autonomous Patient-Specific Quality Assurance with Automated Human Interactive Devices

Purpose: Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) requires manual operation of different workstations, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, developing automated solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy is a priority. The purpose of this study was to develop a general software interface with scripting on a human interactive device (HID) for improving the efficiency and accuracy of manual quality assurance (QA) procedures. Methods: As an initial application, we aimed to automate our PSQA workflow that involves Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, Elekta MOSAIQ oncology information system and PTW Verisoft application. A general platform, the AutoFrame interface with two imbedded subsystems—the AutoFlow and the PyFlow, was developed with a scripting language for automating human operations of aforementioned systems. The interface included three functional modules: GUI module, UDF script interpreter and TCP/IP communication module. All workstations in the PSQA process were connected, and most manual operations were automated by AutoFrame sequentially or in parallel. Results: More than 20 PSQA tasks were performed both manually and using the developed AutoFrame interface. On average, 175 (±12) manual operations of the PSQA procedure were eliminated and performed by the automated process. The time to complete a PSQA task was 8.23 (±0.78) minutes for the automated workflow, in comparison to 13.91 (±3.01) minutes needed for manual operations. Conclusion: We have developed the AutoFrame interface framework that successfully automated our PSQA procedure, and significantly reduced the time, human (control/clicking/typing) errors, and operators’ stress. Future work will focus on improving the system’s flexibility and stability and extending its operations to other QA procedures.

The clinical significance of detection of specific CK-20 mRNA in peripheral venous blood from patients with bladder carcinoma

Objective To determine the diagnostic significance of detecting the specific epithelial keratin CK-20 mRNA in peripheral venous blood from patients with bladder carcinomas. Methods Reverse transcription coupled with two-step polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) was used to detect CK-20 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood from patients with blodder carcinomas. Results Detection of CK-20 mRNA expression was positive in 37 of 91 patients with bladder carcinoma (41 % ). Among 20 patients with distant metastasis, 17 were positive (85 % ). CK-20 mRNA was not detectable in the blood samples from 25 normal individuals. The frequency of positive CK-20 mRNA expression was signficantly higher in those with distant metastasis. Conclusion The presence of CK-20 mRNA expression in peripheral blood may be used as an early indicator of hematogenous metastasis of bladder carcinoma cells. 6 refs,1 tab.

Postoperative Mechanical Axis Alignment and Components Position after Conventional and Patient-Specific Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Accurate postoperative alignment and implant positioning are determinant factors for successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patient-specific template (PST) is a technique that uses computer technology for the planning, deigning and production of cutting guides. This study aims to compare PST to conventional technique in terms of mechanical axis alignment and component positioning. Patients and method: 109 TKA were performed for 78 patients in 2 groups. Group A included 69 conventional TKA in 55 patients and Group B included 40 patient-specific TKA in 23 patient. Postoperative long-film X-rays were done for all patients to observe the mechanical axis, anatomical axis, lateral distal femoral mechanical angle and medial proximal tibial angle. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding alignment or component positioning. Conclusion: Both techniques have shown similar results in restoring the mechanical axis and alignment after TKA. However, PST had the advantages of reduced blood loss and shorter operative time.

Computer-Assisted Surgery for Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Patient-Specific Titanium Mesh Tray and Particulate Cancellous Bone and Marrow

Craniomaxillofacial surgery is difficult due to the complexity of the regional anatomy. Computer-assisted surgery is a promising tool aiming to improve the safety and precision of such surgery. A computer-assisted surgical navigation approach for reconstruction of mandibular defects using a patient-specific titanium mesh tray and particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) harvested from bilateral anterior ilia is proposed. This case report involves a large multicystic ameloblastoma affecting the right mandible of a 31-year-old male patient. Following detailed clinical examination, radiological interpretation, and histopathological diagnosis, computer-assisted surgical simulation with a virtual 3-dimensional (3-D) model was designed using surgical planning software based on the pre-operative computed tomography data. Long-span segmental resection of the mandible was planned, and the defect was analyzed for reconstruction using a patient-specific reconstruction titanium mesh tray mediated with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. During the actual surgery, the ultrasonic bone cutting instrument in the surgeon’s hand was connected to the navigation system to touch an anatomical position on the patient. Therefore, osteotomies were performed finely and smoothly according to the navigation images of the cutting bone line by sequentially moving the instrument. Finally, a CAD/CAM-mediated titanium mesh tray condensed by PCBM was adapted to the remaining mandibular fragments. Six months postoperatively, the patient had a good mandibular configuration and facial contour. Integration of different technologies, such as software planning and 3-D surgical simulation, combined with intraoperative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques, provides safe and precise mandibular reconstruction surgery.

National Verification Regulations and Calibration Specifications of Measuring Instruments of P.R.China in 2008 2008 NO.35

General Administration of Quality Supervision,Inspection and Quarantine of P.R.China has approved the following 11 national measuring verification regulations in 2008 and publicize now.

National Verification Regulations and Calibration Specifications of Measuring Instruments of P.R.China in 2008

General Administration of Quality Supervision,Inspection and Quarantine of P.R.China hasapproved the following 24 national measuring verification regulations in 2008 and publicize now.

National Verification Regulations and Calibration Specifications of Measuring Instruments of P.R.China in 2008 2008 No.22

General Administration of Quality Supervision,Inspection and Quarantine of P.R.China has approved the following 10 national measuring verification regulations in 2008 and publicize now.