Bilateral distal femoral fracture after total knee arthroplasty

ABSTRACT The number of total knee arthroplasties has increased exponentially and their indications have been expanded. This procedure presents challenging complications for orthopedic surgeons that are potentially catastrophic for patients. Here, a rare case of simultaneous bilateral periprosthetic fracture of the knee is reported, with discussion of the causal factors, possible management and prophylaxis

Evaluation of serum levels of C-reactive protein after total knee arthroplasty

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the first three weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and define the factors related to its variation. METHODS: We evaluated the CRP values in 103 patients undergoing primary TKA. Serum CRP was measured on the day before surgery, and on the third and twenty-first days after the procedure. RESULTS: PCR showed sudden increase on the third day after surgery, reaching the mean value of 111.9 mg/L, median 75.9 mg/L. Only one-third of the patients returned to normal levels in the third week. In the immediate postoperative period, CRP was not correlated with body mass index (BMI), age, gender, blood transfusion, or complications. CONCLUSION: Serum CRP remains high in the third week after TKA in most patients, and this change is primarily related to surgical trauma

Evaluation of multiple doses of tranexamic acid on blood loss in total knee arthroplasty

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of multiple doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) in blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Seven patients of both genders over 50 years old undergoingTKA, who received 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) TXA 30 minutes before the surgical incision and another 3 doses thereafter were included in this report. Blood loss analysis included blood loss at the drain, hemoglobin loss, and estimated blood loss. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: There was a significant hemoglobin drop after 48 hours, compared to preoperative. Mean blood loss assessed by drain was 20.0 ± 25.17 mL after 24 h. Estimated blood loss was higher after 48 hours compared to 24 hours. No complications were reported in this sample, and no patient received transfusions. Conclusion: The use of TXA in multiple doses did not prevent the drop in postoperative hemoglobin levels and did not correlate with increased complications

Insatisfação e complicações pós-cirúrgicas caracterizam erro médico?

Nota-se atualmente um crescente número de processos judiciais a médicos, com base em uma suposta quebra de contrato ao direito do consumidor, onde se exige do profissional médico resultados, enquanto este, pelo código de ética médica e bom senso, tem obrigação de meios. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir os resultados, satisfação e complicações de três das principais cirurgias ortopédicas à nível do joelho (área de atuação dos autores) com o fim de estabelecer diferenças entre erro e insucesso, próprio do ato médico. Concluímos que a imperfeição faz parte da natureza humana e que, por diversos motivos, as cirurgias ortopédicas complicam, falham e pacientes ficam insatisfeitos, independente do grau de recursos que o profissional disponha, o que não caracteriza erro médico.There is currently a growing number of lawsuits against physicians, based on an alleged breach of contract to consumer law, where results are required from the medical professional, while the latter, according to the code of medical ethics and common sense, has an obligation of means. The aim of this study was to discuss the results, satisfaction and complications of three of the main orthopedic surgeries at the level of the knee (the authors' field of work) in order to establish differences between error and failure, which are characteristic of the medical act. We conclude that imperfection is part of human nature and that, for various reasons, orthopedic surgeries complicate, fail and patients are dissatisfied, regardless of the degree of resources available to the professional, which does not characterize medical error

LATE EVALUATION OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING MANIPULATION OF THE KNEE AFTER TOTAL ARTHROPLASTY

<div><p>ABSTRACT Objective: We compared gains in range of motion in patients who underwent manipulation within 12 weeks of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and after this period. We also evaluated maintenance of the arc obtained from knee manipulation in late follow-up, along with factors associated with poorer outcomes. Method: The study was divided into two groups according to the time after TKA; the surgeries took place between January 2008 and December 2014. Results: When comparing the range of motion between early and late manipulations, the group that underwent manipulation within 12 weeks of the TKA exhibited better outcomes, but these were not statistically significant. We observed that 14.3% of cases retained the same range attained at the time of manipulation. In late evaluation after manipulation, 47.7% of the sample had a range of less than 90 degrees. The significant risk factors for recurrence of knee stiffness in the long term are poor range of motion before TKA and before manipulation, female sex, and secondary arthritis. Conclusion: Women previously diagnosed with secondary osteoarthritis and poor range of motion before TKA or manipulation are at higher risk for late stiffness. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.</p></div