Visible fluid motion on manipulation as the new threshold for intraoperatively determined knee arthroplasty component loosening: A Delphi study

PURPOSE: There is a lack of a clear, uniform definition for intraoperatively assessed component loosening of a knee arthroplasty component, complicating the interpretation and interchangeability of results of diagnostic studies using an intraoperative observation as the reference test. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus among specialised knee revision surgeons regarding the definition of intraoperatively determined loosening of total or unicondylar knee arthroplasty components.

METHODS: Utilising the Delphi consensus method, an international panel of highly specialised knee revision surgeons was invited to participate in a three-round process. The initiation of the first round involved the exploration of possible criteria for intraoperatively determined loosening with open questions. The second round focused on rating these criteria importance on a five-point Likert scale. For the third round, criteria that reached consensus were summarised in consecutive definitions for intraoperatively determined loosening and proposed to the panel. Consensus was established when over 70% of participants agreed with a definition for intraoperatively determined loosening.

RESULTS: The 34 responding panel members described in total 60 different criteria in the first round of which 34 criteria received consensus in the second round. Summarising these criteria resulted in four different definitions as minimal requirements for intraoperatively determined loosening. Eighty-eight percent of the panel members agreed on defining a component as loose if there is visible fluid motion at the interface observed during specific movements or when gently applying direct force.

CONCLUSION: This study successfully established a consensus using a Delphi method among knee revision surgeons on the definition of intraoperatively determined component loosening. By agreeing on the visibility of fluid motion as new definition, this study provides a standardised reference for future diagnostic research. This definition will enhance the interpretability and interchangeability of future diagnostic studies evaluating knee arthroplasty component loosening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.