Olcay Guler

The aim of the study is to compare weight-based versus standard dosing of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) for blood loss and transfusion amount in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without a tourniquet. A total of 99 patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (standard): 1 g of IV TXA 30 min before skin incision, and 1 g at postoperative 30 min and 3 h. Group 2 (weight-based): 10 mg/kg IV TXA 30 min before the skin incision, and 10 mg/kg at postoperative 30 min, and 3 h. Hemoglobin levels, before, and 1, and 2 days after the operation, postoperative amount of decrease in hemoglobin levels, and amount of erythrocyte transfusion were recorded. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS) were applied in the evaluation of TKA results preoperatively, and at 1., 3., 6., and 12. months, postoperatively. In both study groups, hemoglobin levels in male patients dropped significantly more deeply than female patients. Also, in both study groups, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients with comorbid illnesses. A statistically significant difference was not detected between both groups in terms of pre-and postoperative WOMAC scores, KSS knee scores, and KSS function scores. Our study showed that standard and weight-based dosing of IV TXA treatments were similar in efficacy and safety. Both treatments reduce blood loss and the need for transfusion. Also, there was no significant difference in terms of reliability between two groups.

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical effects of microfracture (MFX) performed for Outerbridge grade 3 or 4 focal cartilage lesion during the same surgery with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to analyze the major determinants of these potential effects on the clinical outcome. The clinical and radiographic data of 119 patients were evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 32.6 ± 6 months. Isolated arthroscopic ACL reconstruction was performed in 70 patients (Group 1), whereas MFX for Outerbridge grade 3 or 4 chondral lesion during ACL surgery was performed in 49 patients (Group 2). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale were the instruments used as outcome measures to evaluate the clinical status of the patients. Routine X-ray and MRI were also performed for all patients pre-operatively as well as at the latest follow-up visit. Lineer regression analysis was performed to determine major factors predicting the poorer clinical outcome. Clinical outcomes were similar between isolated ACL reconstruction and combined procedure. On the other hand, according to lineer regression analysis, cartilage lesion size > 2 cm² and > 5 degrees of varus alignment were detected as the major determinants leading to poorer outcomes in combined ACL reconstruction and MFX. Level of evidence: III – Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background. The use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for primary osteoarthritis of the knee has remarkably increased recently. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of TKA in obese patients (>30kg/m²) operated with midvastus (MV) or medial parapatellar (MPP) approaches. Methods. This retrospective study was performed using data derived from 80 patients (70 women; 10 men) with an average age of 66.17±5.42 (range: 54 to 77). Patients were allocated into 2 groups as for the type of approach conducted during TKA: group I (n=41) underwent TKA by MV approach, while the MMP technique was used in group II (n=39). Results. Demographic, clinical, and radiological parameters included age, side of involvement, sex, BMI, diameters of thigh and calf, length of incision, duration of operation, amount of bleeding and transfusion, duration of hospitalization and follow-up, complications, and range of motion, as well as Knee Society Score (KSS) and Knee Society Function Score (KSFS). Patients with a higher BMI (35kg/m²) experienced more profound bleeding and needed more transfusion of erythrocyte suspension. The range of motion was more favorable in groups with BMI 2. The functional outcomes as reflected in KSS and KSFS were much better in patients with BMI 2. Conclusions. Our data indicated that obesity can adversely influence the clinical and radiological outcomes after TKA performed by both MV and MPP approaches. A careful analysis of patient characteristics and selection of appropriate operative procedures is critical. Further randomized, controlled trials on larger series must be designed to elucidate the relationship between obesity and therapeutic outcomes after TKA with different approaches.