Outcomes of Lower Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients With Skeletal Dysplasia: A Systematic Review

Background

Patients with genetic skeletal dysplasias often require lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA) due to early joint degeneration; however, little data exists regarding the outcomes of TJA in this population. Our purpose was to review the literature to determine the complication rates, revision rates, implant survivorship, and patient-reported outcomes of total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in those with genetic skeletal dysplasias.

Methods

A systematic literature review of online databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) was conducted. Studies that reported the outcomes of THA or total knee arthroplasty in patients with genetically confirmed skeletal dysplasias were included. Case reports and studies that defined dysplasia based on height alone were excluded. Fourteen studies met the criteria for data extraction and analysis.

Results

Our review yielded a sample of 596 skeletal dysplasia patients with a median follow-up of 6.01 years (1.7-15.9). Mean age was 54.04 years, and mean body mass index was 29.1 kg/m². Cementless fixation was utilized in 65.7% of THAs, while all knees were cemented. Hip implant survivorship was 79% at 10 years and 56% at 20 years. Knee implant survivorship was 92% at 10 years and 46% at 20 years. Hip and knee revisions were 15.3% and 13.5%, respectively. The most common indication was aseptic loosening and polyethylene wear. Patient-reported outcomes improved across all domains.

Conclusions

The literature regarding lower extremity TJA in those with genetic skeletal dysplasias demonstrates appropriate 10-year implant survivorship and improvement in patient-reported outcomes across all survey domains.