Aims

Around the world, the emergence of robotic technology has improved surgical precision and accuracy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This territory-wide study compares the results of various robotic TKA (R-TKA) systems with those of conventional TKA (C-TKA) and computer-navigated TKA (N-TKA).

Aims

Dislocation is a major concern following total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA). Both dual-mobility components and standard acetabular components with large femoral heads are used to reduce the risk of dislocation. We investigated whether dual-mobility components are superior to standard components in reducing the two-year dislocation and revision risk in a propensity-matched sample from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register (DHR).

Aims

Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are often the preferred forms of treatment for patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head when conservative treatment fails. Little has been reported about the survival of HA and TSA for this indication. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in revision rates between HA and TSA in these patients, to determine whether one of these implants has a superior survival and may be a better choice in the treatment of this condition.

Aims. The Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) have been validated primarily among general surgical procedures. To date, the validity of these measures has not been assessed in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty between April 2013 and December 2019. Complications within 90 days of surgery were graded using the CD classification and converted to CCI. Validity was established by assessing the association between both measures and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation, length of stay, and costs. Results. Among 2,884 patients, 414 (14.4%) had an in-hospital complication and 643 (22.3%) had a complication within 90 days. Each increase in CD grade was associated with USD$1,895.48 (95% CI 1,734.77 to 2,056.18) of additional costs, an additional 1.24 days’ length of stay (95% CI 1.15 to 1.33), and 43% (95% CI 26 to 62%) greater odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. Each ten-unit increase in CCI score was associated with USD$1,698.55 (95% CI 1,561.8 to 1,835.3) higher costs, an additional 1.09 days’ length of stay (95% CI 1.02 to 1.17), and 33% (95% CI 19% to 49%) greater odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusion. Both the CD classification and CCI appear valid and applicable to patients undergoing total joint replacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):81–88

Background. The rise in the adoption of outpatient arthroplasty has been attributed to its cost-effectiveness, although safety concerns persist. In this meta-analysis, we compare inpatient and outpatient joint arthroplasty with a primary focus on readmission and complication rates, using exclusively high-quality prospective data. Cost-effectiveness was used as a secondary outcome measure. Methods. A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to October 2023. A predefined strategy was used to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. Twelve studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. These were critically appraised using RoB analysis and MINORS criteria. Overall readmission rate, readmission rate for THA, readmission rate for TKA, complication rate and cost-analysis were selected as outcomes of interest. Forest plots were extracted using RevMan 5.3.5 software. Results. The twelve studies included 2470 patients, of which 1052 were outpatients and 1418 inpatient subjects undergoing arthroplasty. Forest plot analysis showed no significant difference in safety outcomes (readmission and complication rates). However, there were significantly lower costs in the outpatient group compared to the inpatient group. The results of the analysis were; overall readmission rate (Odds ratio 0.66; P= 0.29; I. 2. =18%), readmission rate in THA (odds ratio 0.62; P=0.10; I. 2. =51%), readmission rate in TKA (odds ratio 0.67; P=0.56; I. 2. =0%), overall complication rate (odds ratio 0.77; P=0.12; I. 2. =38%) and cost analysis (RR −2.88; P<0.00001; I. 2. = 93%). Conclusions. This meta-analysis demonstrates that outpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a safe option, when compared to inpatient surgery. However, it is clear that further prospective studies and long-term randomized clinical data are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding

The December 2024 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Skeletal muscle composition, power, and mitochondrial energetics in older men and women with knee osteoarthritis; Machine-learning models to predict osteonecrosis in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing internal fixation; Aetiology of patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty in the era of robotic-assisted technology; Efficacy and safety of commonly used thromboprophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty; The COVID-19 effect continues; Nickel allergy in knee arthroplasty: does self-reported sensitivity affect outcomes?; Tranexamic acid use and joint infection risk in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Aim. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a common reason for revisions in patients that underwent total arthroplasty of the hip (THA) or knee (TKA). Extensive antibiotic treatment follows while a clear understanding of target site concentrations is lacking. The aim is to investigate the target site concentrations, like bone and synovial tissue concentrations, which consequently may lead to an optimisation of the dosing regiments of cefuroxime of PJI patients suffering from pain and immobility. Dosing optimisation may lead to a reduced risk of (re-)infection and adverse effects like renal-insufficiency and therefore lower health-care costs. Method. Patients (n=26) with PJI of hip or knee undergoing a one- or two-stage revision treated with cefuroxime were included as part of the ASTERICS study. During implant removal two samples were collected 15-30 and 60-120 minutes after IV infusion of plasma, bone tissue and synovial tissue and one synovial fluid sample. Samples were analysed using a UltraPerformance Convergence Chromotography – quadruple mass spectrometry system (UPC. 2. -MS/MS). Bone tissue and synovial tissue were pulverized before analysis acquiring for bone tissue a homogenate of cortical and cancellous bone. Using nonlinear mixed effect modelling (NONMEM) a base model was developed to analyse the bone to plasma ratio of cefuroxime in osteomyelitis patients. Results. Mean bone concentrations (mg/L) of cefuroxime at 30-60 min after IV administration in the knee and hip are 21.29 (SD:11.86) and 19.06 (SD: 11.79) respectively and 8.23 (SD:4.90) and 9.67 (SD:9.75) respectively at 90-120 min after IV administration. The penetration of cefuroxime described by the bone:plasma ratio into knee and hip affected by osteomyelitis is 0.3 and 0.4 respectively within 1 hour and 0.1 for both joints within 2 hours. The results mentioned here were collected during knee operations without blood void conditions. Concentration data was used to develop a base pharmacokinetic model using NONMEM and was best described by a two-compartment model. Conclusions. Cefuroxime penetrates osteomyelitis affected bone tissue within the hour proving the usefulness of cefuroxime as prophylaxis of orthopaedic surgery and as treatment option for PJI. However, PK modelling and further simulations need to prove whether repeated cefuroxime dosing in this population is required to reach minimal inhibitory concentrations in target tissue

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication after total joint arthroplasty. To prevent PJI, strict infection prevention measures are followed in combination with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP). To date, scientific reports concerning the optimal duration of SAP in revision arthroplasty are scarce. The aim of this multicenter open-label, randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands, is to investigate the superiority of 5 days (extended) versus a single dose of cefazolin to prevent PJI within the first year after revision arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Method. Included patients with an assumed aseptic hip or knee revision procedure received a single dose of 2 or 3 gram cefazolin preoperatively. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive extended prophylaxis of cefazolin during 5 days postoperatively versus no prophylaxis after wound closure. Patients were excluded if evidence of PJI at revision. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PJI within one year after revision arthroplasty. PJI was defined according to the 2018 Philadelphia consensus criteria. With a sample size of 746 patients, an alpha of 5% and a power of 80%, superiority of the extended regimen would be shown if the lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the absolute between-group difference of the percentage of PJI is below −4%. Results. In total 751 patients were included for analysis: 379 in the single dose cefazolin group and 372 in the extended group. Within one year, PJI occurred in 2.6% (10/379) in the single dose group and 2.4% (9/372) in the extended group (risk difference, −0.2 percentage points; 95% CI, −2.5 to 2.0%), thus superiority was not shown. Adverse drug events were seen in 20 cases with extended and 7 cases with a single dose prophylaxis. Conclusions. Extended prophylaxis is not significantly superior to a single dose of cefazolin to prevent PJI within the first year after revision arthroplasty of the hip or knee. This is the first randomized controlled trail in which the duration of SAP in the selected group of patients undergoing revision arthroplasty was studied. Extending SAP after closure of the wound could increase the selection or induction of antimicrobial resistance, has an increased risk for adverse drug events, and is therefore not in line with the primary goal of antimicrobial stewardship, comprising optimizing clinical outcomes and ensuring cost-effective therapy while minimizing unintended consequences of antimicrobial use

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication of total joint arthroplasty that typically requires revision surgery for treatment. Systemic antibiotics are usually held prior to surgery to improve yield of intraoperative cultures. However, recent studies suggest that preoperative aspirations have a high concordance with intraoperative cultures, which may allow surgeons to initiate antibiotic treatment earlier. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Pre-surgical systemic antibiotic therapy on the bacterial burden within the periprosthetic space and systemic immune reaction. Method. PJI was induced with MSSA (Xen36) S. aureus in the right knee of 16-week old, female, C57BL6 mice using a previously validated murine model. Mice were randomized to three groups (n=8, each): control; Vanc, receiving systemic vancomycin (110mg/kg, SQ, twice daily); or VancRif receiving vancomycin same as in Vanc group, plus rifampin (12mg/kg dose, IV, once daily). Following 2 weeks of treatment, mice were euthanized and periprosthetic bone, soft tissue and the implant were harvested. Bacterial burden, colony forming units (CFUs), was quantified in soft tissue, tibial bone, and on the implant. Specifically, tissues were homogenized and serially plated for CFUs, while the implant was sonicated and then plated for CFUs. The host immune response was analysed through weighing inguinal and iliac lymph nodes and through measuring serum amyloid A (SAA). Non-parametric pairwise group comparisons of the three outcome measures were performed using a Mann-Whitney U test. Results. VancRif, the combined treatment significantly reduced bacterial burden in the periprosthetic soft tissue, bone, and implant compared to control (p<0.001) and Vanc alone (p<0.001). While not significant, Vanc alone did reduce bacterial load as compared to control. The ipsilateral weight of the iliac lymph nodes was significantly reduced in Vanc and VancRif mice compared to controls (p<0.001), was well as in VancRif versus Vanc alone (p<0.001). Interestingly, SAA levels did not significantly differ among all groups. During tissue harvesting, minimal purulence was observed in antibiotic treatment groups, unlike controls. Conclusions. Treating active PJI with vancomycin alone decreases periprosthetic bacterial loads and reduces the local immunological response. This effect is significantly enhanced with the combined rifampin use. These findings could suggest that when culture positive PJI is diagnosed, pre-surgical treatment with antibiotics may decrease immunosuppression and soft tissue infiltration, leading to a better chance of infection cure with subsequent surgical debridement. Histological investigations and repeat experiments involving subsequent surgical treatment are underway. Acknowledgements. Funding comes from internal institutional grants

Aim. Evaluate if Neutrophil Extracellular Traps related biomarkers (citrullinated histone H3 [H3Cit], cellfree DNA [cfDNA], and myeloperoxidase) are increased in synovial fluid of patients with PJI and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of NET formation biomarkers for PJI. Method. Patients who underwent hip or knee revision total joint arthroplasty were categorised into two groups according to the Second International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection (2018) criteria. Sixteen patients were classified as infected and 16 as non-infected. cf-DNA, myeloperoxidase and H3Cit were measured in synovial fluid collected during surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated. Results. Patients with PJI presented significantly higher levels of synovial fluid cf-DNA (105.5 ng/ml ± 58.3 vs 1.9 ± 1.2, p>0.0001), myeloperoxidase (1575 pg/ml ± 826 vs 50.16 ± 100, p<0.0001) and citrullinated histone H3 (1.688 ± 1.214 vs 13.88 ± 24.4, p < 0.0001). In the ROC curve analyses, the area under the curve for cf-DNA, myeloperoxidase and H3cit were 1 [0.89 – 1], 0.98 [0.86 – 1], and 0.94 [0.8 – 0.99], respectively. The sensitivity for detecting PJI using synovial fluid was 100% for cf-DNA, 93,7% for myeloperoxidase, and 87,5% for H3cit. The sensitivity for cf-DNA and myeloperoxidase was 100%, and 87,5 % for H3cit. Conclusions. Our results show that neutrophils within periprosthetic microenvironment release NETs as part of the bactericidal arsenal to fight infection. These results allow a better understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur in this microenvironment, enabling the design of more assertive strategies for the identification of new biomarkers and for a better use of the available ones. Furthermore, novel studies are needed to define whether and how NET-related biomarkers can be useful for the diagnosis of PJI

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication that develops after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) whose incidence is expected to increase over the years. Traditionally, surgical treatment of PJI has been based on algorithms, where early infections are preferably treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), while late infections with two-stage revision surgery. Two-stage revision is considered the “gold standard” for treatment of chronic PJI. In this observational retrospective study, we investigated the potential role of inflammatory blood markers (neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII)], systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI)) as prognostic factors in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI. Method. A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted, collecting clinical data and laboratory parameters from patients submitted to prosthetic explantation for chronic PJI. Laboratory parameters (PCR, NLR, MLR, PLR, SIRI, SII and AISI) were evaluated at the explantation time, at 4, 6, 8 weeks after surgery and at reimplantation time. Correlation between laboratory parameters and surgery success was evaluated, defined as infection absence/resolution at the last follow up. Results. 57 patients with PJI were evaluated (62% males; average age 70 years, SD 12.14). Fifty-three patients with chronic PJI were included. Nineteen patients completed the two-stage revision process. Among them, none showed signs of re-infection or persistence of infection at the last available follow up. The other twenty-three patients did not replant due to persistent infection: among them, some (the most) underwent spacer retention; others were submitted to Girdlestone technique or chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy. Of the patients who concluded the two-stage revision, the ones with high SIRI values (mean 3.08 SD 1.7, p-value 0.04) and MLR values (mean 0.4 SD 0.2, p-value 0.02) at the explantation time were associated with a higher probability of infection resolution. Moreover, higher variation of SIRI and PCR, also defined respectively delta-SIRI (mean −2.3 SD 1.8, p-value 0.03) and delta-PCR (mean −46 SD 35.7, p-value 0.03), were associated with favorable outcomes. Conclusions. The results of our study suggest that, in patients with PJI undergoing two-stage, SIRI and MLR values and delta-SIRI and delta-PCR values could be predictive of favorable outcome. The evaluation of these laboratory indices, especially their determination at 4 weeks after removal, could therefore help to determine which patients could be successfully replanted and to identify the best time to replant

Aim. Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is recommended for acute postoperative and late acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). There are two recommend scores to predict its outcome, KLIC and CRIME 80 scores respectively. They have not been widely adopted for decision making. We aim to evaluate them in predicting DAIR failure in our cohort. Method. All patients submitted to DAIR after total hip or knee PJI, between 2010 and 2021, with a minimum one-year follow-up, were retrospectively evaluated. We excluded tumoral total joint replacements. KLIC score was applied to acute PJIs and CRIME 80 to late acute (LA) PJI. LA PJI was defined as the development of acute symptoms occurring ≥ 3 months after implantation. Repeat DAIR was performed as needed. Failure was defined as the need for implant removal, amputation, infection related death and suppressive antibiotic therapy. Results. We included 102 patients. The overall failure rate was 35.5% (36/102). There was no significant difference for the rate of failure in patients that had one DAIR and those who repeated DAIR - 32.5% (26/80) vs. 45.5% (10/22) (p=0.26). There were no significant correlations between KLIC or CRIME 80 scores and failure rates (p=0.54 and p=0.93 respectively, figure 1). Focusing specifically on the cohort who underwent repeat DAIR (n=22), KLIC and CRIME-80 score were also not associated with failure (p= 0.44 and p=0.50 respectively, figure 1). No host, pathogen or antibiotic treatment related factors were found to predict failure. Conclusions. In our cohort KLIC- and CRIME-80 scores failed to be predictive of DAIR failure, even in the cohort that needed repeat DAIR. We were unable to find any independent failure risk factors. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Aims

The mechanism by which synovial fluid (SF) kills bacteria has not yet been elucidated, and a better understanding is needed. We sought to analyze the antimicrobial properties of exogenous copper in human SF against Staphylococcus aureus.

Aims

The survival of humeral hemiarthroplasties in patients with relatively intact glenoid cartilage could theoretically be extended by minimizing the associated postoperative glenoid erosion. Ceramic has gained attention as an alternative to metal as a material for hemiarthroplasties because of its superior tribological properties. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro wear performance of ceramic and metal humeral hemiarthroplasties on natural glenoids.

Aims

The efficacy of saline irrigation for treatment of implant-associated infections is limited in the presence of porous metallic implants. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotic doped bioceramic (vancomycin/tobramycin-doped polyvinyl alcohol composite (PVA-VAN/TOB-P)) after saline wash in a mouse infection model implanted with titanium cylinders.

Aims. This study aims to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome in the setting of obesity on in-hospital outcomes and resource use after total joint replacement (TJR). Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample from 2006 to the third quarter of 2015. Discharges representing patients aged 40 years and older with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m. 2. ) who underwent primary TJR were included. Patients were stratified into two groups with and without metabolic syndrome. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to balance covariates. Results. The obese cohort with metabolic syndrome was significantly older, more likely to be female, had higher rates of Medicare insurance, and more likely to be non-Hispanic Black than the obese cohort without metabolic syndrome. In the unweighted analysis, patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome were more likely to experience cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and postoperative anemia complications, had a longer length of stay, and were less likely to be discharged home compared to obese patients without metabolic syndrome. After adjusting for covariates using IPTW, patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome were more likely to experience postoperative anemia complications only and had lower rates of home discharge, but there were no significant differences in any other complication variables or length of stay. Conclusion. Given the variability of metabolic health in obesity, the development of tailored perioperative protocols and recommendations acknowledging this variability in metabolic health in obese patients would ultimately potentially benefit patients and improve outcomes of TJR. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):837–843

The October 2024 Arthroplasty Roundup. 360. looks at: Breaking the mould: female representation in arthroplasty surgery remains low, with elbow leading the way; Post COVID-19: where are we with the 'catch up' in England and Wales?; Prevalence and clinical impact of sarcopenia in patients undergoing total joint replacement: a systematic review and a meta-analysis; Total joint replacement and sleep: the state of the evidence

The October 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus; Fixed or mobile-bearing ankle arthroplasty? A meta-analysis; Bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following total ankle arthroplasty; Diabetic foot ulcer after first-ray amputation; Early motion after ankle surgery: the path to faster recovery?; Are podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons approaching zone 2 fifth metatarsal fractures in the same way?.

The October 2024 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Managing the unexpected: treatment of intraoperative medial collateral ligament injuries; Identifying subgroups of patients that may benefit from robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty: secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial; Cost-effectiveness of enoxaparin versus aspirin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee arthroplasty: an analysis from the CRISTAL cluster-randomized trial; Cartilage regeneration and long-term survival in medial knee osteoarthritis patients treated with high tibial osteotomy and osteochondral autologous transfer system; Treatment of chronic and complex meniscal tears with arthroscopic meniscus repair augmented with collagen matrix wrapping: failure rate and functional outcomes; Long-term outcomes of multiligament knee injuries in American football players.

Aims

The aims of this study were to: 1) report on a cohort of skeletally mature patients with native hip and knee septic arthritis over a 14-year period; 2) to determine the rate of joint failure in patients who had experienced an episode of hip or knee septic arthritis; and 3) to assess the outcome following septic arthritis relative to the infecting organism, whether those patients infected by Staphylococcus aureus would be more likely to have adverse outcomes than those infected by other organisms.