International, consensus-based, indications and treatment options for knee arthroplasty in acute fractures around the knee

Abstract

Background

In the landscape of knee-related health issues there has been a notable shift in treatment protocols. Nowadays, there is a growing trend toward primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the event of periarticular knee fractures. A review of the literature on TKA in acute knee fractures has been done in order to provide scientific evidence to the four statements submitted for voting to the members of the European Knee Society (EKS).

Materials and Methods

A literature review has been performed around four topics of TKA in acute knee fractures, specifically: 1) The indications for TKA in acute knee fractures are undoubtful and clear; 2) Pre-existing osteoarthritis is not mandatory for the indication of TKA in acute fractures, while age, co-morbidities and type of fracture are; 3) A series of established criteria with scores to give indication for TKA (approved algorithm) is needed; and 4) This (complex) surgery must be performed in referral centers with all technical options and specific peri-operative management and post-operative care.

Results

The panel of experts therefore believes that the indications cannot be considered undoubtful and clear. According to the literature up to the time of the consensus vote, there was no objective method for deciding on the treatment to offer the patient (Agree: 34.1%, Disagree: 61%, Abstain: 4.9%). It emerges that there are no mandatory conditions for the treatment of acute knee fractures with TKA (Agree: 32.3%, Disagree: 51.6%, Abstain: 16.1%). However, there are several characteristics to consider for a multifactorial evaluation rather than being limited to a single condition. While the consensus has highlighted a need for a scoring system to guide surgical decisions in periarticular knee fractures (Agree: 88.24%, Disagree: 8.82%, Abstain: 2.94%), research in the literature has confirmed that, to date, no validated algorithm exists. After the vote, a score was proposed, which requires validation. Although the panel of experts does not deem it necessary for this surgery to be reserved for reference centers (Agree: 32.35%, Disagree: 50%, Abstain: 17.65%), literature suggests that it is crucial that before undertaking knee arthroplasty in the setting of an acute fracture around the knee, the orthopedic surgeon is confident with all the necessary skills for a complex intervention that requires advanced knowledge and practical competence in osteosynthesis and revision TKA.

Conclusion

This discussion on the questions voted by the panel of experts has allowed for an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest, assessing indications, contraindications, types of possible treatment, and the critical aspects to consider when treating an acute fracture around the knee with a prosthesis. It is important to consider that the choice must be carefully weighed, evaluating the risks and benefits, with an increasingly need for a scoring system for selecting the most appropriate treatment.