Resection of the proximal femur raises several challenges to the orthopedic oncology surgeon. Among these is the re-establishment of the abductor mechanism that might impacts on hip function. Extent of tumor resection and surgeons’ preferences dictate the reconstruction method of the abductors. While some surgeons advocate the necessity of greater trochanter (GT) preservation whenever possible, others attempt direct soft tissues reattachment to the prosthesis. Sparse data in the literature evaluated the outcomes of greater trochanter fixation to the proximal femur megaprosthesis. This is a retrospective monocentric study. All patients who received a proximal femoral replacement after tumor resection between 2005 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of three months were included. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those with preserved GT reattached to the megaprosthesis and (2) those with direct or indirect (tenodesis to fascia lata) abductor muscles reattachment. Both groups were compared for surgical outcomes (dislocation and revision rates) and functional outcomes (Trendelenburg gait, use of walking-assistive device and abductor muscle strength). Additionally patients in group 1 were subdivided into patients who received GT reinsertion using a grip and cables and those who got direct GT reinsertion using suture materials and studied for GT displacement at three, six and 12 months. Time to cable rupture was recorded and analyzed through a survival analysis. Fifty-six patients were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 45 months (3-180). There were 23 patients with reinserted GT (group 1) and 33 patients with soft tissue repair (group 2). Revision rate was comparable between both groups(p=0.23); however, there were more dislocations in group 2 (0/23 vs 6/33; p=0.037). Functional outcomes were comparable, with 78% of patients in group 1 (18/23) and 73% of patients in group 2 (24/33) that displayed a Trendelenburg gait (p=0.76). In group 1, 70% (16/23) used walking aids compared to 79% of group 2 (27/33) (p=0.34). Mean abductor strength reached 2.7 in group 1 compared to 2.3 in group 2 (p=0.06). In group 1, 16 of the 23 patients had GT reinsertion with grip and cables. Median survival of cables for these 16 patients reached 13 months in our series. GT displacement reached a mean of two mm, three mm, and 11 mm respectively at three, six and 12 months of follow-up in patients with grip and cables compared to 12 mm, 24 mm and 26 mm respectively at the same follow-up intervals in patients with GT stand-alone suture reinsertion(p<0.05). Although GT preservation and reinsertion did not improve functional outcomes after proximal femur resection and reconstruction with a megaprosthesis, it was significantly associated with lower dislocation rate despite frequent cable failure and secondary GT migration. No cable or grip revision or removal was recorded. Significantly less displacement was observed in patients for whom GT reattachment used plate and cables rather than sutures only. Therefore we suggest that GT should be preserved and reattached whenever possible and that GT reinsertion benefits from strong materials such as grip and cables

Primary tuberculous bursitis was a relatively frequent manifestation of the disease before the antituberculosis drug era. Nowadays, it is considered a rare condition; it accounts for 1–2% of all musculoskeletal tuberculosis. The diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous bursitis may be delayed because the paucity of symptoms, its indolent clinical course and a low clinical suspicion. A 50-year-old patient with tuberculous trochanteric bursitis is reported. A 50-year-old woman was referred to our department to investigate a persistent pain in her left hip with 6 months duration. She was afebrile. The examination revealed a diffuse swelling from the buttock through the thigh, notable over the trochanter, but no sign of acute inflammation such as heat and redness. Her past medical and family histories revealed no previous tuberculosis. Plain films of the left hip showed a partial destruction of the margin of the greater trochanter, lytic foci in the underlying bone and a small focus of calcification in the adjacent soft tissues. A computed tomogram showed a soft tissue mass and demonstrated the relationship with the trochanter. We performed a needle biopsy which revealed granulomatous tissue. The patient underwent complete excision of the bursa and curettage of the surface of the trochanter. The postoperative course was uneventful. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated and definitive diagnosis of tuberculous bursitis was made. There was no evidence of concomitant tuberculosis at other musculoskeletal sites. The patient completed a treatment with rifampicin and etambutol for 6 months. There has been a complete resolution of the symptoms after 3 months and no recurrence after 4 years of follow-up. On plain radiograph the remodeling of the bone structure is clearly visible. Tuberculosis in the region of the greater trochanter is extremely rare. This rarity leads orthopedic surgeons to neglect this potential diagnosis, resulting in a delay in treatment. The pathogenesis of tuberculosis of the greater trochanteric area has not been well defined. The incidence of concomitant tuberculosis at other musculoskeletal sites, as well as the lung, is approximately 50%. Both hematogenous infection and propagation from other locations are reasonable explanations. Surgical intervention is mandatory for cure and the use of several antituberculosis agents is a standard approach

BACKGROUND. Early dislocation is a foremost complication of total hip arthroplasty through a postero-lateral approach. The extra-articular impingement of the anterior part of the great trochanter with ileum bone, with or without soft tissue interposition is a well recognized but underestimated etiopathogenetic cause reported in literature. In this retrospective study through the assessment of clinical and radiographic follow-up at a minimum of six months, the effectiveness of an antero- longitudinal osteotomy of the great trochanter for early dislocation prevention is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 209 patients (48.3% males and 51,7% females) underwent a total hip arthroplasty from June 2011 to September 2015, with surgery being performed by the same surgeon. A modified posterolateral approach was used according to the tissue-sparing criteria, in all the cases an anterior longitudinal osteotomy of the great trochanter has been performed at 90° to the antiversion angle of the implant and aligned posteriorly with the prosthesis. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow up at one, three, and six months. RESULTS. In this study, only one patient reported dislocation of THA. One patient suffered from a wound infection which was subsequently treated with antibiotics and had complete remission. All patients demonstrated a fast recovery of ROM and walking, starting from pre-op Harris Hip Score 42.24pts and obtaining a score of 81.52pts at three months, and 92.03 at six months post-op. After surgery and during the follow up period, there were no trochanteric fractures detected. DISCUSSION. The correct positioning of the implants, the head diameter, offset, soft tissues repair, absence of impingement, and patients compliance are all elements that define the prosthetic stability. Literature shows and incidence of primary total hip arthroplasty dislocation between 0.80% to 10%. The incidence of dislocation reported in a preliminary study in our Institute is 0.48%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the trochanteric osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS. The osteotomy of the great trochanter is an effective surgical technique used to decrease the anterior impingement and early dislocation incidence. It is particularly effective on patients with good compliance and correctly implanted prosthetic components

Greater trochanter fractures after total hip replacement have been reported in up to 5% of cases. The outcomes are generally poor. Treatment options include non-operative care or surgical treatment with cerclage wires or a claw plate. We present a simple tension band technique for acute fractures with a single bony fracture fragment. We have not used the technique for chronic or comminuted fractures. Technique: 2.5mm k-wires are passed through the fragment and anterior and posterior to the femoral implant. Eighteen-gauge wire is passed through a drill hole in the femur distal to the fracture and around the k-wires in a figure eight. The patient is kept 50% weightbearing with no active abduction for 4 weeks. In four cases the fracture has gone on to healing. Patients have had a negative Trendelenburg sign without peritrochanteric pain. The tension band technique is familiar to surgeons and has been reliable

Background. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), preservation of the short external rotator muscles are considered to be important because they contribute to joint stability and prevent postoperative dislocation. Recently, we reported that there are bony impressions on the greater trochanter that indicate the insertions of the short external rotator tendons. In this study, we reported a method to visualize the bony impressions using preoperative CT images, and evaluate the reliability and accuracy of this method. Methods. Thirty-three hips from 24 consecutive patients undergoing THA were enrolled. The mean age was 65.3 years. Preoperative diagnoses included hip osteoarthritis in 27 hips, rheumatoid arthritis in 4 hips, idiopathic osteonecrosis in 1 hip, femoral neck fracture in 1 hip. Preoperative CT of the hip region was obtained and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the greater trochanter was performed to visualize the bony impressions, that we called the obturator tendon attachment (OTA), indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles. Results. 3D reconstructed images of the greater trochanter were observed from medial side at 50 degrees of external hip rotation and 20 degrees of abduction (OTA view). Using OTA view, the bony impressions indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles can be identified in all hips. Conclusions. The bony impressions indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles can be visualized using preoperative 3D-CT. We considered that the findings in the present study could be helpful for surgery because the alignment of the short external rotator muscles can be estimated preoperatively and the extent of the damage to the OA during the rasping or reaming can be estimated

Background. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the importance of preserving muscle is widely recognized. It is important to preserve the short external rotator muscles because they contribute to joint stability and prevent postoperative dislocation. However, despite careful capsular release and femoral rasping, damage to the short external rotator muscles may occur. The Optymis Shot Stem preserves more bone and surrounding tissue than does a traditional primary stem. We investigated the usefulness of the stem in terms of the extent of preservation of the tendon attachment on the greater trochanter. Method. In this study, we enrolled 31 consecutive patients (39 hips; 6 males, 25 females) who underwent THA. Simultaneous bilateral THA was performed in 8 patients. The patients’ mean age was 56.1 years. Diagnoses included developmental dysplasia in 35 hips (Crowe group 1: 31 hips, group 2: 4 hips), and sequel of Perthes disease in 4 hips. All THAs were performed via the direct anterior approach without traction tables. The femoral procedure was performed with the hip hyperextended, and posterior capsular release was performed if the femoral procedure became technically difficult. We compared the following among patients: the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, rate of posterior capsular release, postoperative radiographic findings, WOMAC score before and after surgery, and any complications. Results. The mean operative time was 42.0 ± 8.9 min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 308 ± 196 g, and the mean hospital stay was 6.7 ± 1.3 days. Posterior capsular release was performed in 17 hips [44%; 10 hips (32%) in Crowe group 1, 8 hips (88%) for other diagnoses]. The total WOMAC score improved significantly from 42.4 points preoperatively to 11.2 points at 3 months preoperatively. A postoperative stem subsidence ≥3 mm was observed in 1 hip (2.6%), whereas postoperative dislocation, intra- and postoperative periprosthetic fracture, and thigh pain were not observed. Conclusions. The Optymis Short Stem could be placed without performing posterior capsular release in 68% of patients with Crowe group 1 developmental dysplasia. We therefore consider the stem as useful for preserving the tendon attachment on the greater trochanter

Purpose. Incidence of malrotation of femoral fractures after intramedullary nailing is as high as 28%. Prevention of malrotation is superior to late derotation osteotomy. The lesser trochanter (LT) profile has been in use for some time as a radiographic landmark of femoral rotation. One of the authors has previously described a linear regression model that describes the relationship of the LT to rotation. This paper aims to validate the use of this equation in predicting femoral rotation. Method. A survey was created and circulated online. Twenty images of cadaveric femurs of known rotation were chosen randomly from a large series. Thirty individuals with varying degrees of orthopaedic experience were invited to participate. Participants were asked to take measurements of the LT in a standardized fashion. Inter-observer variation for predicted rotation and the precision of predicted rotation was calculated. Results were grouped into those with the LT readily visible and those with the LT hidden by the femoral shaft. Results. A pilot study found the standard deviation for films with the LT hidden was 10.8 degrees, and only 6.0 degrees for films with the LT visible. The mean difference between the predicted and actual rotation was equally high in both groups (18.3 and 17.3 degrees respectively). Conclusion. Preliminary results found that the LT must be clearly visible to predict femoral rotation. This suggests that the surgeon should place the femur in a neutral or externally rotated position. In a favourable position most predictions were within a 6.0 degree spread, which would be sufficient to prevent a fifteen degree malrotation. Predicted rotation was however not precise enough to prevent a fifteen degree malrotation, regardless of LT visibility. The precision of predicted rotation may be improved by using a non-linear model. Such a model has recently been designed by a group of engineers at the University of Manitoba. The r squared value of the non-linear model was 0.88, in comparison to 0.78 for the linear equation. Precision may be further improved by using the contra-lateral LT for comparison

Introduction. Snapping hip syndrome is a common condition affecting 10% of the population. It is due to the advance of the iliotibial band (ITB) over the greater trochanter during lower limb movements and often associated with hip overuse, such as in athletic activities. Management is commonly conservative with physiotherapy or can be surgical to release the ITB. Here we carry out a systematic review into published surgical management and present a case report on an overlooked cause of paediatric snapping hip syndrome. Materials & Methods. A systematic review looking at published surgical management of snapping hip was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for “((Snapping hip OR Iliotibial band syndrome OR ITB syndrome) AND (Management OR treatment))”. Adult and paediatric published studies were included as few results were found on paediatric snapping hip alone. Results. 1548 studies were screened by 2 independent reviewers. 8 studies were included with a total of 134 cases, with an age range of 14–71 years. Surgical management ranged from arthroscopic, open or ultrasound guided release of the ITB, as well as gluteal muscle releases. Common outcome measures showed statistically significant improvement pre- and post-operatively in visual analogue pain score (VAPS) and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). VAPS improved from an average of 6.77 to 0.3 (t-test p value <0.0001) and the HHS improved from an average of 62.6 to 89.4 (t-test p value <0.0001). Conclusions. Although good surgical outcomes have been reported, no study has reported on the effect of rotational profile of the lower limbs and snapping hip syndrome. We present the case of a 13-year-old female with snapping hip syndrome and trochanteric pain. Ultrasound confirmed external snapping hip with normal soft tissue morphology and radiographs confirmed no structural abnormalities. Following extensive physiotherapy and little improvement, she presented again aged 17 with concurrent anterior knee pain, patella mal-tracking and an asymmetrical out-toeing gait. CT rotational profile showed 2° of femoral neck retroversion and excessive external tibial torsion of 52°. Consequently, during her gait cycle, in order to correct her increased foot progression angle, the hip has to internally rotate approximately 35–40°, putting the greater trochanter in an anterolateral position in stance phase. This causes the ITB to snap over her abnormally positioned greater trochanter. Therefore, to correct rotational limb alignment, a proximal tibial de-rotation osteotomy was performed with 25° internal rotation correction. Post-operatively the patient recovered well, HHS score improved from 52.5 to 93.75 and her snapping hip has resolved. This study highlights the importance of relevant assessment and investigation of lower limb rotational profile when exploring causes of external snapping hip, especially where ultrasound and radiographs show no significant pathology

Short cementless femoral stems are increasingly popular as they allow for less dissection for insertion. Use of such stems with the anterior approach (AA) may be associated with considerable per-operative fracture risk. This study's primary aim was to evaluate whether patient-specific femoral- and pelvic- morphology and surgical technique, influence per-operative fracture risk. In doing so, we aimed to describe important anatomical thresholds alerting surgeons. This is a single-center, multi-surgeon retrospective, case-control matched study. Of 1145 primary THAs with a short, cementless stem inserted via the AA, 39 periprosthetic fractures (3.4%) were identified. These were matched for factors known to increase fracture risk (age, gender, BMI, side, Dorr classification, stem offset and indication for surgery) with 78 THAs that did not sustain a fracture. Radiographic analysis was performed using validated software to measure femoral- (canal flare index [CFI], morphological cortical index [MCI], calcar-calcar ratio [CCR]) and pelvic- (Ilium-ischial ratio [IIR], ilium overhang, and ASIS to greater trochanter distance) morphologies and surgical technique (% canal fill). Multivariate and Receiver-Operator Curve (ROC) analysis was performed to identify predictors of fracture. Femoral factors that differed included CFI (3.7±0.6 vs 2.9±0.4, p3.17 and II ratio>3 (OR:29.2 95%CI: 9.5–89.9, p<0.001). Patient-specific anatomical parameters are important predictors of fracture-risk. When considering the use of short stems via the AA, careful radiographic analysis would help identify those at risk in order to consider alternative stem options

Introduction. The anatomic abnormalities are observed in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and it is challenging to perform the total hip arthroplasty (THA) for some DDH patients. If acetabular cup was placed at the original acetabular position in patients with high hip dislocation, it may be difficult to perform reduction of hip prosthesis because of soft tissue contracture. The procedures resolving this problem were to use femoral shortening osteotomy, or to place the acetabular cup at a higher cup position than the original hip center. Femoral shortening osteotomy has some concerns about its complicated procedure, time consuming, and risk of non-union. Conversely, implantation of the acetabular cup at the higher cup position may eliminate these shortcomings and this procedure is considered to be preferred if possible. However, the criteria of cases without femoral shortening osteotomy are not clear. In this study, we retrospectively analysed the clinical outcomes of patients performed THAs for high hip dislocation, and clarified the adaptation of THA with or without femoral shortening osteotomy. Methods. We included a total of 65 hip joints from 57 patients who underwent primary THA using Modulus stem for high hip dislocation from November 2007 to December 2015 at our institution. The mean follow up period was 5.2 years (2 – 10 years). The mean age at surgery was 65.4 years (Table 1). Thirty seven hips were classified as Crowe III, and twenty eight hips as Crowe IV based on Crowe classification. We classified patients into two groups based on the use of femoral osteotomy. Then, we compared the surgical time, blood loss, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score as clinical outcomes, preoperative position of the greater trochanter, the cup position, and complications between two groups. The position of the greater trochanter was measured the height of the tip of greater trochanter from the inter teardrop line. The cup center position was assessed by measuring the distance between the cup center and ipsilateral tear drop. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for deciding the cut-off value for the height of the greater trochanter. The cut-off value presented the maximum sensitivity and specificity was determined. Results and Discussion. Fifty three THAs were operated without femoral shortening osteotomy, and twelve THAs were performed with femoral shortening osteotomy. The surgical time was significantly longer in the osteotomy group than the non-osteotomy group. The mean height of the tip of the greater trochanter were 53.2±11.4mm in the non-osteotomy group and 92.2±19.7 mm in the osteotomy group (Table 2). The cut-off value of the height of greater trochanter evaluated from the ROC curve analysis was 69.5mm (Fig.1). There were no significant differences in clinical score between two groups. More ratio of revisions and fractures were observed in the osteotomy group with significant differences. Conclusion. There were significant differences in postoperative complications in osteotomy group compare to non-osteotomy group. In cases with a greater trochanter tip height of 69.5 mm or less, it may be considered to avoid femoral shortening osteotomy

The prevalence of gluteal tendinopathy (GT) associated with osteoarthritis of the hip is difficult to determine as it is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as trochanteric bursitis. Its relationship to total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GT at the time of hip arthroplasty and examine the relationship between GT and patient reported outcomes (PROMS) before and after THA. Patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis between August 2017 and August 2020 were recruited. Tendinopathy was assessed and graded at time of surgery. PROMS included the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), HOOS JR, EQ-5D, and were collected preoperatively and at one year after THA. Satisfaction with surgery was also assessed at 1 year. 797 patients met eligibility criteria and were graded as Grade 1: normal tendons (n =496, 62%), Grade 2: gluteal tendinopathy but no tear (n=222, 28%), Grade 3: partial/full thickness tears or bare trochanter (n=79, 10%). Patients with abnormal gluteal tendons were older (p=0.001), had a higher mean BMI (p=0.01), and were predominately female (p=0.001). Patients with higher grade tendinopathy had statistically significant inferior PROMS at one year, OHS score (44.1 v 42.9 v 41.3, p 0.001) HOOS JR (89.3 V 86.3 V 85.6 p 0.005). Increasing gluteal tendon grade was associated with a greater incidence of problems with mobility (p=0.001), usual activities (p=0.001) and pain (p=0.021) on EQ5D. There was a 3 times relative risk of overall dissatisfaction with THA in the presence of gluteal tears. This study demonstrated that gluteal tendinopathy was commonly observed and associated with inferior 1-year PROMS in patients undergoing THA for OA. Increasing degree of tendinopathy was a negative prognostic factor for worse functional outcomes and patient satisfaction

Complete or nearly complete disruption of the attachment of the gluteus is seen in 10–20% of cases at the time of THA. Special attention is needed to identify the lesion at the time of surgery because the avulsion often is visible only after a thickened hypertrophic trochanteric bursa is removed. From 1/1/09 to 12/31/13, 525 primary hip replacements were performed by a single surgeon. After all total hip components were implanted, the greater trochanteric bursa was removed, and the gluteus medius and minimus attachments to the greater trochanter were visualised and palpated. Ninety-five hips (95 patients) were found to have damage to the muscle attachments to bone. Fifty-four hips had mild damage consisting of splits in the tendon, but no frank avulsion of abductor tendon from their bone attachments. None of these cases had severe atrophy of the abductor muscles, but all had partial fatty infiltration. All hips with this mild lesion had repair of the tendons with #5 Ticron sutures to repair the tendon bundles together, and drill holes through bone to anchor the repair to the greater trochanter. Forty-one hips had severe damage with complete or nearly complete avulsion of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles from their attachments to the greater trochanter. Thirty-five of these hips had partial fatty infiltration of the abductor muscles, but all responded to electrical stimulation. The surface of the greater trochanter was denuded of soft tissue with a rongeur, the muscles were repaired with five-seven #5 Ticron mattress sutures passed through drill holes in the greater trochanter, and a gluteus maximus flap was transferred to the posterior third of the greater trochanter and sutured under the vastus lateralis. Six hips had complete detachment of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, severe atrophy of the muscles, and poor response of the muscles to electrical stimulation. The gluteus medius and minimus muscles were sutured to the greater trochanter, and gluteus maximus flap was transferred as in the group with functioning gluteus medius and minimus muscles. Postoperatively, patients were instructed to protect the hip for 8 weeks, then abductor exercises were started. The normal hips all had negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative with mild lateral hip pain reported by 11 patients at 2 years, and 12 patients at 5 years. In the group of 54 with mild abductor tendon damage that were treated with simple repair, positive Trendelenburg test was found in 5 hips at 2 years and in 8 hips at 5 years. Lateral hip pain was reported in 7 hips at 2 years, and in 22 at 5 years. In the group of 35 hips with severe avulsion but good muscle tissue, who underwent repair with gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had good abduction against gravity and negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative, and none had lateral hip pain. Of the 6 hips with complete avulsion and poor muscle who underwent abductor muscle repair and gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had weak abduction against gravity, mildly positive Trendelenburg sign, and mild lateral hip pain at 2 and 5 years postoperative. Abductor avulsion is uncommon but not rare, and is detected during THA only by direct examination of the tendon and removal of the trochanteric bursa. Simple repair of mild abductor tendon damage did not prevent progressive abductor weakness in some hips; and the increase in number of patients with lateral hip pain from 2 to 5 years suggests progressive deterioration. Augmentation of the repair with a gluteus maximus flap appears to provide a stable reconstruction of the abductor muscles, and seemed to restore abductor function in the hips with functioning muscles

Abstract. Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy (ETO) improves surgical exposure and aids femoral stem and bone cement removal in Revision Total Hip Replacement (RTHR) surgery. The aim of this study was to identify healing rates and complications of ETO in RTHR. Methods. From 2012 to 2019 we identified patients who underwent ETO for RTHR. Data collected demographics, BMI, diabetes, anticoagulants, indication for ETO, surgical approach, length of ETO and complications. Descriptive analysis of patient demographics, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess ETO complications. Results. There were 63 patients with an average age of 69 years. Indications for ETO were aseptic loosening (30), infection (15), periprosthetic fracture (9), recurrent dislocation (5), broken implant (4). There were 44 cemented and 19 uncemented femoral stem that underwent ETO. Average time from index surgery was 12 years (less than a year to 38 years). All procedures were through posterolateral approach and all ETO were stabilised with cables. Average length of ETO was 12.5cm. BMI varied from 18 to 37. There were 5 diabetics and 16 on anticoagulants. All but one ETO went on to unite. Other complications included infection, dislocations, lateral thigh pain and significant limp. Discussion. Fixation of ETO can be with either wires or cables or plate with cables/screws. Advantages of cables are no irritation over greater trochanter, no disruption of gluteus medius/vastus lateralis continuity, reproducible tension in cables and use of torque limiter minimises loss of tension in cables

Aim. Decubitus ulcers are found in approximately 4.7% of hospitalized patients, with a higher prevalence (up to 30%) among those with spinal cord injuries. These ulcers are often associated with hip septic arthritis and/or osteomyelitis involving the femur. Girdlestone resection arthroplasty is a surgical technique used to remove affected proximal femur and acetabular tissues, resulting in a substantial defect. The vastus lateralis flap has been employed as an effective option for managing this dead space. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this procedure in a consecutive series of patients. Method. A retrospective single-center study was conducted from October 2012 to December 2022, involving 7 patients with spinal cord injuries affected by chronic severe septic hip arthritis and/or femoral head septic necrosis as a consequence of decubitus ulcers over trochanter area. All patients underwent treatment using a multidisciplinary approach by the same surgical team (orthopedic and plastic surgeons) along with infectious disease specialists. The treatment consisted of a one-stage procedure combining Girdlestone resection arthroplasty with unilateral vastus lateralis flap reconstruction, alongside targeted antibiotic therapy. Complications and postoperative outcomes were assessed and recorded. The mean follow-up period was 8 years (range 2-12). Results. Of the 7 patients, 5 were male and 2 were female, with a mean age of 50.3 years at the time of surgery. Minor wound dehiscence occurred in 28.6% of the flap sites, and 2 patients required additional revisional procedures—one for hematoma and the other for bleeding. There were no instances of flap failure, and complete wound healing was achieved in an average of 32 days (range 20-41), with the ability to load over the hip area. No cases of infection recurrence or relapse were observed. Conclusions. An aggressive surgical approach is strongly recommended for managing chronic hip septic arthritis or proximal femur osteomyelitis in patients with spinal cord injuries. A single-stage procedure combining Girdlestone resection arthroplasty with immediate vastus lateralis muscle flap reconstruction proves to be an effective strategy for dead space management and localized antibiotic delivery through the vastus muscle, giving reliable soft tissue coverage around the proximal femur to avoid the recurrence of pressure ulcers. The implementation of a standardized multidisciplinary protocol contributes significantly to the success of reconstruction efforts

The direct lateral (or anterolateral) approaches to the hip for revision THA involve detachment of the anterior aspect of the gluteus medius from the trochanter along with a contiguous sleeve of the vastus lateralis. Anterior retraction of this flap of gluteus medius and vastus lateralis and simultaneous posterior retraction of the femur creates an interval for division of gluteus minimus and deeper capsular tissues and exposure of the joint. To enhance reattachment of this flap of the anterior portion of the gluteus medius and vastus lateralis back to the trochanter, an oblique wafer of bone can be elevated along with the muscle off of the anterolateral portion of the trochanter. This bony wafer prevents suture pull out when large nonabsorbable sutures are used around or through the fragment and passed into the bone of the trochanteric bed for reattachment during closure. To prevent excessive splitting proximally into the gluteus medius muscle (and resulting damage to the superior gluteal nerve), it is often helpful to extend the muscle split further distally down into the vastus lateralis. This combined with careful elevation of the gluteal muscles off of the ilium (instead of splitting them) helps provide excellent and safe exposure of the entire rim of the acetabulum and access to the supracetabular region for bone grafting, acetabular augment placement and even fixation of the flanges of a cage. A simple method for posterior column plating via the anterolateral approach involves contouring of the distal end of the plate around the base of the ischium at the inferior edge of the socket. When an extended osteotomy of the femur is needed to correct deformity, remove a well-fixed implant or cement, the “extensile” variation of this same surgical approach involves a Wagner style (lateral to medial) osteotomy of the greater trochanter and proximal femur. The anterior portion of the femur after it is osteotomised is elevated as a separate segment while maintaining the soft tissue attachments to the bone as much as possible to aid osteotomy healing. After implant or cement removal, this approach gives excellent direct access to the distal femur for placement of a long stem revision femoral component without bone-implant conflict proximally because of the bow of the femur. The anterolateral approach (and extensile variants detailed above) can be used routinely and safely in the full range of revision THA procedures, or it can be employed selectively, if desired, in cases at increased risk for dislocation

Purpose. Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty (THA) sometimes causes significant patient dissatisfaction. In consideration of the leg length after THA, leg length discrepancy is often measured using anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiography. However, some cases have discrepancies in femoral and tibial lengths, and we believe that in some cases, true leg length differences should be taken into consideration in total leg length measurement. We report the lengths of the lower limb, femur, and tibia measured using the preoperative standing AP full-leg radiographs of the patients who underwent THA. Materials and methods. From August 2013 to February 2017, 282 patients underwent standing AP full-leg radiography before THA. Of the patients, 33 were male and 249 were female. The mean age of the patients was 65.7±9.4 years. We measured the distances between the center of the tibial plafond and lesser trochanter apex (A-L), between the femoral intercondylar notch and lesser trochanter (K-L), and between the centers of the tibial plafond and intercondylar spine of the tibia (A-K) on standing AP full-leg radiographs before THA operation. We examined the differences in leg length and the causes of these discrepancies after guiding the difference between them. Results. The mean A-L was 674±44 mm on the right and 677±43 mm on the left. The mean difference between the left and the right was 6.2±7 mm. The differences of ≥5 and ≥10 mm between the left and right were confirmed in 131 (46%) and 39 cases (14%), respectively. The mean K-L was 343±23 mm on the right and 343±23 mm on the left, with a mean difference of 4.4±4 mm. The lateral differences of ≥5 and ≥10 mm were confirmed in 88 (31%) and 22 (8%), respectively. The mean A-K was 325±22 mm on the right and 327±22 mm on the left, with a mean difference of 4±4.5 mm. The differences of ≥5 and ≥10 mm between the left and right were confirmed in 24 (9%) and 67 cases (%), respectively. Discussion. Considering the total length of the lower limbs beyond the little trochanter and the leg length after THA, we confirmed that 46% of the leg length differences of ≥5 mm were admitted to 14%. Thus, THA appeared effective. Perthes head, Crowe classifications 3 and 4, history of childhood paralysis, and so on may be factors for leg length differences beyond the lesser trochanter. Conclusion. We think that it would be preferable to prepare a preoperative plan to measure leg length after THA by measuring the total length of the lower extremity before surgery and determining the difference between the left and right sides

Background:. In anterior approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA), the femoral part of the procedure requires the release of the capsule from the greater trochanter. However, it is unknown whether any other tendons of the short external rotator muscles are also damaged during capsular release procedures. The aim of this cadaveric study was to identify the bony landmarks on the greater trochanter, which indicate the individual short external rotator muscle insertions. Methods:. Forty-four hip regions from 28 embalmed cadavers were dissected. At first, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images were obtained to identify bony impressions on the greater trochanter. Then, the soft tissues around the greater trochanter were removed and their insertions were identified to assess correlation with micro-CT images. Results:. Using micro-CT, three clear impressions were identified on the greater trochanter of cadavers: 1) a shallow groove on the tip of the greater trochanter; 2) a deep, wide depression and groove in the anterior part of the trochanteric fossa; and 3) a deep fovea in the posterior part of the trochanteric fossa (figure B). After removal of the soft tissues around the greater trochanter, the first impression was identified as the insertion of the piriformis and the groove running along its tendon, the second impression as the insertion of the obturator internus, the gemelli and the groove running along their tendons, and the third as the impression of the insertion of the obturator externus (figure C). Figure legends A: Photographs of the anteromedial aspect of a right proximal femur showing the muscular and tendinous structures around the greater trochanter. B: Micro CT image of the same specimen after the femoral head was removed, showing the three-dimensional conformation of the greater trochanter. The shallow groove on the tip of the greater trochanter (yellow area) was identified as the insertion of the piriformis and the course of its tendon (asterisk). The deep, wide groove on the medial aspect of the greater trochanter (pink area) was identified as the insertion of the obturator internus and the course of its tendon (star). The deep depression on the medial aspect of the greater trochanter, just posterior to the insertion of the obturator internus (blue area) was identified as the insertion of the obturator externus. C: Photograph of the same specimen, after chemical removal of the soft tissue, showing tendon insertions and the course of the short external rotator muscles. The groove adjacent to the insertion of the piriformis (asterisk) indicates the course of its tendon. The groove adjacent to the insertion of the obturator internus (dagger) indicates the course of its tendon. Fh = femoral head, Pi = piriformis, Oi = obturator internus, Oe = obturator externus, Ant = anterior, and Sup = superior. Conclusions:. Bony landmarks indicating the attachment site and the course of the short external rotator muscles were identified on the greater trochanter

Objective. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the femoral component influences leg length inequality and gait, and is associated with poor muscle strength and other unsatisfactory long-term results. We have therefore used intraoperative radiographs to acquire accurate measurements of femoral component size and position. At the last meeting of this society, we reported that accurate positioning was successfully achieved in 68 cases (87.2%) as a consequence of taking intraoperative radiographs. However, we have little understanding as regards to the accuracy of X-ray measurements. We accordingly undertook an examination of the accuracy of such measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between leg length discrepancy (LLD) measured using X-ray and computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods. The study group comprised 48 primary THAs performed between October 2010 and April 2012. Using 2D template software (JMM Corporation), we measured LLD using pre-operative anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the pelvis. On the basis of both teardrop lines, we measured LLD of the lesser trochanter top (Fig. 1), lesser trochanter direct top (Fig. 2), and trochanteric top (Fig. 3). Furthermore, using Aquarius NET software, we measured LLD using AP and lateral scout views of the pelvis and bilateral femurs. This data was defined as the true LLD. The difference between the X-ray data (lesser trochanter top, lesser trochanter direct top, and trochanteric top) and the CT data was defined as accuracy. Additionally, we measured the size of the lesser trochanter and examined the association. Results. The mean LLD was 11.4, 12.1, and 9.6 mm on the lesser trochanter top, the lesser trochanter direct top, and the trochanteric top of radiographs, respectively, and 11.6 mm on CT scans. Precision was within 5 mm of the true LLD in 42 cases (87.5%) for the lesser trochanter top, 36 cases (75.0 %) for the lesser trochanter direct top, and 27 cases (63.0%) for the trochanteric top. We observed no association between the size of the lesser trochanter and the measurement accuracy. Conclusions. When using X-ray measurements, the lesser trochanter top is the most useful site for LLD measurement

Abductor deficiency after THA can result from proximal femoral bone loss, trochanteric avulsion, muscle destruction associated with infection, pseudotumor, ALTR to metal debris, or other causes. Constrained acetabular components are indicated to control instability after THA with deficient abductors. However, the added implant constraint also results in greater stresses at the modular liner-locking mechanism of the constrained component and bone-implant fixation interface, which can contribute to mechanical failure of the constrained implant or mechanical loosening. Use of large heads has been effective in reducing the rate of dislocation after primary THA. However, relatively large (36mm) heads were not found to be effective in controlling dislocation in patients with abductor deficiency. Dual mobility implants which can provide considerably larger head diameters than 36mm may offer an advantage in improving stability in patients with abductor deficiency. However the utility of these devices in controlling instability after THA with deficient abductors has not been established. Whiteside has described a transfer of the tensor muscle and anterior gluteus maximus to the greater trochanter for treatment of absent abductors after THA. Transposition of the tensor muscle requires raising an anterior soft tissue flap to the lever of the interval between the tensor muscle and sartorius, which is the same interval used in an anterior approach to the hip. The muscle is transected distally and transposed posteriorly to attach to the proximal femur. This can result in soft tissue redundancy between the posterior tensor muscle and anterior gluteus maximus. This interval is separated and the anterior gluteus maximus also attached to the proximal femur. The transposed tensor muscle provides muscle coverage over the greater trochanter, which may be beneficial in controlling lateral hip pain. In our practice, 11 patients were treated with Whiteside's tensor muscle transfer. Six patients had absent abductors, one had an avulsed greater trochanter, and four intact but weak abductors. One patient had a muscle transposition alone, one had an ORIF of the greater trochanter and muscle transposition, two had a muscle transposition and head/liner exchange, three had a muscle transposition and cup revision, two had a femoral revision and liner exchange with muscle transposition, and two had a muscle transposition with both component revision. None of the patients had constrained components. The mean pre-operative abductor strength was 2.2 (0/5 in four patients 3/5 in four patients, and 4/5 in three patients). Pre-operative lateral hip pain was none or mild in two patients, moderate in three, and severe in six patients. Mean post-operative abductor strength was 3.2 (2/5 in four patients, 3/5 in three, 4/5 in two, 5/5 in two patients). Post-operative lateral hip pain was none in five and mild in six patients. One patient sustained a dislocation four weeks after surgery which was treated with open reduction. All of the other hips have remained stable. Treatment of patients with hip instability and abductor deficiency has generally required use of a constrained acetabular component. In our experience, transfer of the tensor muscle and anterior gluteus maximus to the greater trochanter can improve abductor strength by one grade and also reduce lateral hip pain. The combination of a large head and tensor muscle transposition may be a viable alternative to use of a fully constrained component in patients with deficient abductors after THA. However, the need for implant constraint should also be individualised and based on factors such as the viability of the transposed muscle, patient compliance with post-operative activity restrictions, femoral head/neck ratio, and cup position

The first rule in properly cementing a femoral component is obtaining adequate exposure of the proximal femur. This is achieved reproducibly in anterior approach surgery with anterior and superior capsulotomy, combined with release of the conjoined tendon from the inner trochanter and piriformis tendon retraction, or flip behind the trochanter. This will be demonstrated. The steps of cementation are well established, and not specific to one approach. They involve entry to the proximal femur in a lateral and posterior position, achieving central alignment within the proximal femur with the broach, application of a cement restrictor to a point 1.5 to 2cm distal to the proposed tip of the implant, appropriate preparation of the cancellous bone to receive the cement, applying cement in a sufficiently doughy state to be able to achieve penetration into the cancellous bone, and mechanical pressurization into that cancellous bone. We routinely apply cement directly to the proximal aspect of the femoral component as the cement sticks to the metal, preventing marrow contents generated during the insertion from contacting the metal. In discussing the factors contributing to a dry surgical field, the importance of relative hypotension achieved from regional anesthesia cannot be overstated