| dc.description.abstract | Introduction The link between low bone mineral density (BMD) leading to greater fracture risk is well established in the literature; what is not fully understood is the impact of total knee revisions (rTKR) and cone implantation on BMD. This is important due to the increasing fracture risk associated with reductions in BMD. This feasibility study investigated a new type of Stryker cone for rTKR patients, and its impact on BMD utilising different imaging technologies and providing recommendations to be implemented for a full follow up trial. Method A systematic review was conducted to investigate total knee replacement (TKR) and rTKR on BMD results to establish known reported BMD changes after surgery, and to highlight the knee regions investigated. A bovine study was then conducted in order to test the different setup imaging technologies and possible analysis of the cones. Additionally, a novel piece of 3D SHAPER hip software was utilised to investigate bone changes in the hip across three groups (TKR, rTKR, and controls) which could then be compared to the main BMD changes or used as an alternative to the other imaging options. The main study involved recruiting 37 participants all undergoing rTKR to either a cone or non cone group, with all participants undergoing a series of scans via: CT scans (only at six months), DXA and x ray at intervals of pre op, six weeks, three, six and 12 months. Additionally, all participants completed questionnaires on mental health, lower extremity functionality, and quality of life. In addition to BMD investigation, hip and knee alignment was also explored at pre and post op intervals, as well as pixel density changes, both utilising long leg x ray imaging. Results Systematic review results reported 2,431 papers, of which 27 studies were included, across all the studies BMD losses appeared greatest at 12 months. The bovine study helped develop the imaging and analysis required for the main study. The 3D SHAPER ability to be applied to hip DXA imaging showed promise; which was reflected in the control, rTKR and TKR data. The development of different imaging technologies have potential in moving forward into a full trial. Recommendations would include: utilising DXA imaging as the main modality, given its gold standard for BMD changes and its consistency when using a standardised positioning protocol and ROI placement. Long leg x- 3 ray imaging to be used to investigate alignment and pixel density changes, as this imaging is convenient as part of routine follow-up care, although the inclusion of a step wedge within all long leg images would be required to allow pixel density standardisation for investigating in-growth. Finally, the CT imaging could not determine ingrowth in this feasibility study, and therefore should not be utilised in the full study. For the main feasibility study results, 35 participants attended pre--op, 26 attended six weeks and three months, at six months 25 attended, and 22 at 12 months. Results show rTKR is associated with lower BMD in the tibial and femoral stems, and in the medial tibial condyle, and associated with increases beyond the tibial and femoral stems, in both groups. The main difference is in lateral tibial condyle where there are associated increases in BMD in the cone group, and losses reported in the non--cone group. The questionnaire results show a favourable impact for rTKR, with reductions in depression, anxiety, and increases in functionality post--surgery, with the cone group reporting greater changes, although not statistically significant between groups. Alignment analysis shows little difference between. | en_GB |
