Comparison of Single Knee Arthroplasty and Bilateral Knee Arthroplasty in Haemophiliacs During a Single Operation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Arthroplasty is the standard treatment for end-stage haemophilic knee arthritis; however, the choice between single knee arthroplasty (SKA) and bilateral knee arthroplasty (BKA) in a single operation remains controversial due to the risks specific to haemophiliacs.

Methods

Two independent researchers conducted searches across CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, with the last search performed on 15 October 2024. Study results include joint function, complication and various cost. Literature quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Outcomes were evaluated with fixed-effects or random-effects models, while heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed.

Results

Nine studies involving 309 haemophilia patients were included, with 166 in SKA group and 143 in BKA group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the SKA and BKA groups in range of motion (95% CI: −0.22 [−3.57, 3.13], p = 0.90), Hospital for Special Surgery score (95% CI: −2.13 [−4.89, 0.64], p = 0.13), flexion degree (95% CI: −2.38 [−7.22, 2.46], p = 0.33), cost (95% CI: −0.24 [−0.94, 0.45], p = 0.49), complication rate (95% CI: 1.31 [−0.79, 2.17], p = 0.29), hospital stay (95% CI: 0.25 [−2.06, 2.57], p = 0.83), and coagulation factor usage (p = 0.49). However, The SKA group outperformed the BKA group in terms of operative time, postoperative drainage, and transfusion volume (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that, apart from differences in operative time, transfusion volume, and blood loss, SKA and BKA show no significant differences in postoperative joint function, complication rates, or costs.