Introduction. Primary robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) yields more accurate and reproducible acetabular cup placement, nonetheless, data is scarce in terms of outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to report on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) in a large group of patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA. The authors hypothesized that (1) patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted primary THA would achieve favorable and significant improvement in PROMs, (2) an accurate and reproducible acetabular cup placement with respect to the defined SafeZones would be obtained, and (3) a low rate of THA dislocation would be observed. Methods. Prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed between April 2012 to May 2017. Primary THA using Mako Robotic-Arm [Mako Surgical Corp. (Stryker), Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA] with minimum two-year follow-up for the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were included. Exclusion criteria were: bodymass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2, age < 21-year old, worker's compensation, or unwilling to participate. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and patient satisfaction were obtained. Intraoperative measurements for leg-length, global offset, acetabular inclination and version were documented. Results. 501 hips were included (57.29% females), follow-up was 43.99 ± 15.59 months. Average age was 58.70 ± 9.41 years, and the BMI was 28.41 ± 4.55 kg/m2. The group reported HHS of 90.87 ± 13.45, FJS-12 of 79.97 ± 25.87, VAS of 1.20 ± 2.06, and patient satisfaction of 8.85 ± 2.08. Intraoperative values for acetabular inclination and version were 40.0° ± 2.2 ° and 20.5° ± 2.4° respectively. Revision due to instability was 0.2%. Conclusions. Patients who received primary robotic-arm assisted THA reported excellent results at 44-month follow-up for multiple PROMs. Consistency in acetabular cup placement accuracy was achieved in regard to the Lewinnek and Callanan safe-zones

Regaining the walking ability is one of the main purposes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Improving the activities of daily living is a key of patient satisfaction after TKA. However, some patients do not gain enough improvement of ADL as they preoperatively expected, and thus are not satisfied with the surgery. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between preoperative and postoperative physical functional status and whether preoperative scoring can predict the postoperative walking ability. Consecutive 136 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were prospectively assessed. The average age (±SD) was 74±7.7 and 74% of the patients was female. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was assessed preoperatively and one year after the surgery. The time needed for 10m walking, muscle power for knee extension and flexion, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain in walking, and necessity of canes in walking were also assessed at one year after the surgery. Multivariate correlation analysis was performed for each parameter. Speaman rank correlation coefficient revealed that preoperative BBS was significantly correlated with the time needed for 10m walking (ρ=0.66, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that preoperative BBS is also correlated with the necessity for canes in walking one year after the surgery. The cut-off value of preoperative BBS for the necessity of canes in walking by ROC curve analysis was 48 points with 79% in sensitivity and 80% in specificity. The muscle powers were also weakly correlated with the walking ability at one year after the surgery, but VAS for pain was not. The study indicated that preoperative physical balance could predict the ability of walking one year after TKA regardless of the reduction of pain. It is suggested that surgery should be recommended before the physical balance function deteriorates to achieve the better walking ability after the TKA

This study used model-based radiostereometric analysis (MBRSA) to compare migration of a recently introduced cementless hip stem to an established hip stem of similar design. Novel design features of the newer hip stem included a greater thickness of hydroxyapatite coating and a blended compaction extraction femoral broach. Fifty-seven patients requiring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were enrolled at a single centre. Patients were randomized to receive either an Avenir collarless stem and Trilogy IT cup (ZimmerBiomet) or a Corail collarless stem and Pinnacle cup (DePuy Synthes) via a posterior or lateral approach. Both stems are broach-only femoral bone preparation. RSA beads (Halifax Biomedical) were inserted into the proximal femur during surgery. Patients underwent supine RSA imaging a 6 weeks (baseline), 6, 12, and 24 months following surgery. The primary study outcome was total subsidence of the hip stem from baseline to 24 months as well as progression of subsidence between 12 and 24 months. These values were compared against published migration thresholds for well-performing hip stems (0.5mm). The detection limit, or precision, of MBRSA was calculated based on duplicate examinations taken at baseline. Patient reported outcome measures were collected throughout the study and included the Oxford-12 Hip Score (OHS), EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, Hip Osteoarthritis Score (HOOS) as well as visual analogue scales (VAS) for thigh pain and satisfaction. Analysis comprised of paired and unpaired t-tests with significance set at p≤0.05. Forty-eight patients (30 males) were included for analysis; 7 patients received a non-study hip stem intra-operatively, 1 patient suffered a traumatic dislocation within three weeks of surgery, and 1 patient died within 12 months post-surgery. RSA data was obtained for 45 patients as three patients did not receive RSA beads intra-operatively. Our patient cohort had a mean age of 65.9 years (±;7.2) at the time of surgery and body mass index of 30.5 kg/m2 (±;5.2). No statistical difference in total stem migration was found between the Avenir and Corail stems at 12 months (p=0.045, 95%CI: −0.046 to 0.088) and 24 months (p=0.936, 95% CI: −0.098 to 0.090). Progression of subsidence from 12-24 months was 0.011mm and 0.034mm for the Avenir and Corail groups which were not statistically different (p=0.163, 95%CI: −0.100 to 0.008) between groups and significantly less than the 0.5mm threshold (pNo statistically significant differences existed between study groups for any pre-operative function scores (p>0.05). All patients showed significant functional improvement from pre- to post-surgery and no outcome measures were different between study groups with exception of EQ-5D-5L health visual analogue scale at 12 months which showed marginally superior (p=0.036) scores in the Avenir group. This study was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes. This study has demonstrated no statistical difference in subsidence or patient-reported outcomes between the Corail hip stem and the more recently introduced Avenir hip stem. This result is predictable as both stems are of a triple-tapered design, are coated with hydroxyapatite, and utilize a broach-only bone preparation technique. Both stem designs demonstrate migration below 0.5mm suggesting both are low-risk for aseptic loosening in the long-term

INTRODUCTION. Lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is an alternative treatment to avoid fusion related adverse events, specifically adjacent segment disease. New generation of elastomeric non-articulating devices have been developed to more effectively replicate the shock absorption and flexural stiffness of native disc. This study reports 5 years clinical and radiographic outcomes, range of motion and position of the center of rotation after a viscoelastic TDR. Material and methods. This prospective observational cohort study included 61 consecutive patients with monosegmental TDR. We selected patients with intermediate functional activity according to Baecke score. Hybrid constructs had been excluded. Only cases with complete clinical and radiological follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months were included. Mean age at the time of surgery was 42.8 +7.7 years-old (27–60) and mean BMI was 24.2 kg/m² +3.4 (18–33). TDR level was L5-S1 in 39 cases and L4-L5 in 22 cases. The clinical evaluation was based on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, Short Form-36 (SF36) including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) and General Health Questionnaire GHQ28. The radiological outcomes were range of motion and position of the center of rotation at the index and the adjacent levels and the adjacent disc height changes. Results. There was a significant improvement in VAS (3.3±2.5 versus 6.6±1.7, p<0.001), in ODI (20±17.9 versus 51.2±14.6, p<0.001), GHQ28 (52.6±15.5 versus 64.2±15.6, p<0.001), SF 36 PCS (58.8±4.8 versus 32.4±3.4, p<0.001) and SF 36 MCS(60.7±6 versus 42.3±3.4, p<0.001). Additional surgeries were performed in 5 cases. 3 additional procedures were initially planified in the surgical program: one adjacent L3-L5 ligamentoplasty above a L5S1 TDR and two L5S1 TDR cases had additional laminectomies. Fusion at the index level was secondary performed in 2 L4L5 TDR cases but the secondary posterior fusion did not bring improvement. In the 56 remaining patients none experienced facet joint pain. One patient with sacroiliac pain needed local injections. Radiological outcomes were studied on 56 cases (exclusion of 5 cases with additional surgeries). The mean location centers of the index level and adjacent discs were comparable to those previously published in asymptomatic patients. According to the definition of Ziegler, all of our cases remained grade 0 for disc height (within 25% of normal). Discussion. The silent block design of LP-ESP provides an interesting specificity. It could be the key factor that makes the difference regarding facets problems and instability reported with other implants experimentally or clinically. Unfortunately no other comparative TDR series are available yet in the literature. Conclusion. This series reports significant improvement in mid-term follow up after TDR which is consistent with previously published studies but with a lower rate of revision surgery and no adjacent level disease pathologies. The radiographic assessment of the patients demonstrated the quality of functional reconstruction of the lumbar spine after LP ESP viscoelastic disc replacement

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate postoperative improvement and high satisfaction rates after a surgical approach that includes arthroscopic labral repair only, in patients with borderline dysplasia, without instability. Methods. Between September 2009 and December 2011, patients less than 50 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders, with a lateral center-edge (CE) angle between 20 and 25, were included in this study. Patients with Tönnis grade 2 or greater, hip joint space narrowing, severe hip dysplasia (CE〈20), hip joint instability and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were obtained in all patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Results. A total of 36 patients met the criteria to be included in the study. Of these, 32 (88.8%) patients were available for follow-up. There was a significant improvement in mHHS from 67.19±7.66 to 82.69±6.95 (P<0.001), and WOMAC score from 58.90±5.77 to 77.90±6.38 (P<0.001). There was a significant improvement in VAS scores from 5.8 to 2.9 (P<0.001). There was a significant improvement in range of motion, flexion from 108.44±7.77 to 115.31±6.08 (P<0.001) and external rotation from 29.06±5.74 to 33.13±4.88 (P<0.001). Conclusions. The current study demonstrates favorable results in borderline dysplasia hip without instability at minimum 3-year follow-up for an arthroscopic approach that includes labral repair. Labrum is the main key-stone structure, which should be preserved in borderline dysplasia hip for functional and pain improvement. Also the prognosis of treatment is probably forecasted more by the nature of stability and the intra-articular pathology rather than simply the presence or absence of radiographic finding of borderline dysplasia

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate postoperative improvement and high satisfaction rates after a surgical approach that includes arthroscopic labral repair only, in patients with borderline dysplasia, without instability. Methods. Between September 2009 and December 2011, patients less than 50 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders, with a lateral center-edge (CE) angle between 20 and 25, were included in this study. Patients with Tönnis grade 2 or greater, hip joint space narrowing, severe hip dysplasia, hip joint instability and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were obtained in all patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Results. A total of 36 patients met the criteria to be included in the study. Of these, 32 (88.8%) patients were available for follow-up. There was a significant improvement in mHHS from 67.19 ± 7.66 to 82.69 ± 6.95 (P<0.05), WOMAC score from 58.90 ± 5.77 to 77.90 ± 6.38 (P<0.05), and VAS scores from 5.8 ± 0.88 to 2.9 ± 0.62 (P<0.05). There was a also improvement in range of motion, flexion from 108.44 ± 7.77 to 115.31 ± 6.08 (P<0.05) and external rotation from 29.06 ± 5.74 to 33.13 ± 4.88 (P<0.05). Conclusions. The current study demonstrates favorable results in borderline dysplasia hip without instability at minimum 3-year follow-up for an arthroscopic approach that includes labral repair. Labrum is the main key-stone structure, which should be preserved in borderline dysplasia hip for functional and pain improvement

Hemi shoulder arthroplasty is a rather successful procedure although revision surgery due to secondary glenoid erosion is reported in more than 25%. The downside of common shoulder arthroplasty is that in a deltopectoral approach the subscapularis tendon needs to be detached for exposure of the humeral head. Refixation of subscapularis tendon is associated with a retear rate of 4%, furthermore with progressing fatty muscle infiltration and loss of function. In case of revision surgery a second subscapularis tendon detachment is even more associated with worse function. Thus, arthroscopic humeral head resurfacing is an expedient alternative for minimal invasive humeral head arthroplasty without compromising subscapularis function. The purpose of this study was to report first clinical and subjective results after arthroscopic-assisted resurfacing of the humeral head. For this prospective case series, 24 patients (7 females, 17 males; mean age 59 years, range 42–73 years) undergoing arthroscopic-assisted partial shoulder resurfacing with the partial eclipse prosthesis were included in the study. Clinical conditions and subjective assessments were evaluated before surgery and annually thereafter using the Constant score (CS), active range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale (ASES). Radiological outcomes and major complications were monitored. The mean CS for all patients improved significantly from 51 points preoperatively to 83 points 12 months after surgery (p=0.005). Trends towards increasing ROMs were detected. Subjective scores significantly improved from baseline to the 1-year follow-up (VAS: from 6.4 to 2.5, p=0.010; ASES: from 47 to 76, p=0.026). The majority of patients (88%) stated that they would undergo the procedure again. Revisions were indicated in 17% due to progression of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic-assisted partial humeral head resurfacing as a minimal invasive procedure with the advantages of bone stock preservation and intact subscapularis tendon allowed immediate postoperative active mobilization and provided significant improvements in subjective outcome. In case of revision surgery a primary situation was encountered with postoperative results comparable to primary arthroplasty

The use of spinal anesthesia with adjuvant intra-thecal opioids has been commonly used in total knee arthroplasty without documented clinical benefit. It has been associated with a potential increase in side effects, including nausea, vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention and oxygen usage. This double-blinded RCT investigated whether the addition of epimorph to spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty resulted in superior pain control and decreased narcotic consumption without also causing an increase in postoperative complication rates. We performed a prospective double-blind trial in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients were randomised to receive either spinal anesthesia alone or spinal anesthesia with epimorph (150 ug). All patients received infiltration of a local anesthetic cocktail intraoperatively. Both the study patients and staff measuring outcomes were blinded to the experimental treatment received during data collection. Postoperatively, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain was recorded at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48hrs and a final value at 1 week. Narcotic use, Foley insertion, oxygen requirements, nausea, vomiting and pruritus were recorded during the course of hospitalisation. Forty-one patients were randomised into each of the spinal with epimorph and spinal alone treatment arms. The groups showed no significant differences in BMI, age, and gender distribution. In the first 12 hours postoperatively there was no difference in VAS for pain between the two groups, however there were significantly lower pain scores in the spinal alone patients at 18 hours (p=0.002), 24 hours (p=0.04) and 48 hours (p = 0.03) compared to the spinal with epimorph group. Narcotic usage was greater in the spinal group during the first 6 hours postoperatively, but beyond this time point narcotic usage was similar between the two groups. Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in rate of complications with spinal epimorph including nausea (p=0.037) and pruritus (p=0.024). The incidence of urinary retention was greater in the spinal epimorph group, however this did not reach statistical significance. This study demonstrates no clinical benefit with the addition of intra-thecal opioids to spinal anesthetic in primary TKA. In addition to a failing to reduce VAS pain scores and overall narcotic consumption, increased complication rates were seen. For these reasons, this study does not support the use of epimorph in addition to spinal anesthesia for pain control in TKA

Background. Ankle arthroplasty is increasingly used to reduce pain and improve or maintain joint mobility in end-stage ankle arthritis. Both treatments show similar results with regard to functional outcome scores and sport related activities. However, the rates of complications and reoperations were higher after ankle replacement. Particularly for the first implant designs, with more promising results for newer designs. One of these newer designs is the Mobility Total Ankle System. Short term results in recent literature describe an improvement of functional outcomes; however complication rates vary widely, ranging from 9 to 37% and the 4-year survival rates ranging between 84 and 98 percent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic short term results of the Mobility prosthesis. Methods. Between March 2008 and September 2013, 67 primary total ankle arthroplasties with the Mobility prosthesis were performed, in 64 patients, by one experienced foot and ankle surgeon. Complications, reoperations, failures and the survival rate were retrospectively examined. Patient reported outcomes were assessed with the use of the FFI score and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Prosthesis alignment was measured on the first weightbearing radiographs of the ankle according to the procedure described by Rippstein et al.1 (Fig. 1). Results. The mean follow-up period was 40 months (range 12–78 months). There were two intraoperative and 13 postoperative complications, requiring seven reoperations. The reason for reoperation was painful impingement of the medial and/or lateral gutter (n=4), a deep infection (n=1), subsidence of the talus component (n=1) and a cyst located in the tibiofibular joint (n=1). Failure occurred in three of the 67 cases, with one early deep infection with a loose tibia component, one case of aseptic loosening and one case of chronic ankle pain without an assignable cause. A two-stage revision, ankle arthrodesis and amputation of the lower leg was performed, respectively. The mean cumulative survival after 61.4 months was 95% (CI 84–98) (Fig. 2). There was a significant decrease in the median FFI pain and disability score. The pain subscore decreased from 56.4 to 22.2 points and the disability score from 61.1 to 33.3 points. The mean VAS pain was 26.5 for the ankle region. The tibial components were placed in a mean of 1.5° varus relative to the mechanical axis of the tibia in the frontal plane. Malalignment (>5°) was observed in four cases with a mean of 6.0° varus. In the sagittal plane, a mean posterior slope of 1.6° relative to the mechanical axis of the tibia was measured, with one case of 7.5° of anterior slope. The talar component was centred too far posteriorly in five cases, which was considered as malalignment. Conclusion. Despite few intraoperative complications and satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome, the incidence of postoperative complications, reoperations and failure indicate the importance of further development and research in the field of ankle arthroplasty. To view tables/figures, please contact authors directly

The aim of the study was to assess the medium term outcome for complex proximal humeral fractures treated with the long proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate fixation. All patients who had long PHILOS plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal or diaphyseal extension over a three year period at our institution were included in the study. Patients had their case notes and radiographs reviewed. Patients were also contacted to assess functional outcome using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, DASH, Oxford shoulder score (OSS) and Stanmore Percentage of Normal Shoulder Assessment (SPONSA). Out of an initial cohort of 34 patients, 1 died, 2 patients had unrelated illnesses resulting in them being unable to complete the assessment and 6 were lost to follow-up, leaving 25 patients (74%) for review. All patients had proximal humeral fractures with metaphyseal or diaphyseal extension requiring long plate osteosynthesis. One patient had the procedure for non union following initial treatment with an intra medullary nail and the rest were acute injuries. The patients were followed up after a mean of 27 months (range 11–60). The length of plate used varied from 5 to 12 holes for the shaft region. There was 1 wound infection. 3 patients had non unions which required bone grafting and revision internal fixation. At final follow-up, mean pain was 3.6 (95% Confidence Interval 2.5–4.8) with only 4 patients having residual pain greater than 5 on the VAS scale. Mean DASH score was 41.2 (95% CI 32.0–50.4), mean OSS was 29.1 (95% CI 24.3–33.9) and mean SPONSA was 63.9% (95% CI 50.8–77.2). The long PHILOS plate appears to represent a good treatment option for complex proximal humerus fractures with favourable medium term results and few complications

Purpose. Recently many authors have questioned the role of tourniquets in primary knee arthroplasty (TKA). Meanwhile, whether the use of an intra-articular wound drainage is an advance over the lack of a drain in TKA is controversial in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of drainage or not in TKA without a tourniquet. Methods. Eighty participants who underwent primary unilateral TKA were prospectively enrolled and were randomized to one of two techniques during surgery without a tourniquet: drainage (Group A) or non-drainage (Group B). Blood loss was monitored perioperatively. The operating time, allogeneic blood transfusion rate, thigh pain, knee pain, limb swelling, clinical outcome as measured by the hospital for special surgery (HSS) score, the ability to straight-leg raise, visual analog scale (VAS) in pain, length of stay and knee active range of motion (ROM) were also recorded. The digital radiographs taken at 6 months postoperatively were assessed for cement mantle thickness and radiolucency using the Knee Society radiographic zones. Results. The mean Haemoglobin levels on day one and three postoperative were significantly higher in Group B (112.1±10.6 mg/dL, 99.5±9.6 mg/dL) than in Group A (106.1±12.4 mg/dL, 92.7±13.1 mg/dL) (P=0.026, P=0.011). Blood or blood product transfusion was necessary for thirteen patients in Group A (33.3%) whereas five patients of Group B (13.1%) were in need of blood products, the difference was significant (P=0.036). The total blood loss in Group A was significant more than Group B (597.7 ± 331.6ml vs. 496.1 ± 260.8ml, P=0.012). Among the patients in Group B, haemarthrosis developed in 3 knees (7.9%, P=0.23). Calf circumference measurements of both groups showed a significant difference at postoperative day one (3.2% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.012) as well as day two (4.9% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.07). A superficial wound infection was detected within 3 months after surgery in 3 knees (7.6%) in Group A, whereas no superficial wound infection was observed in Group B, the difference between groups did not reached statistical significance (P=0.248). The difference in VAS score of knee active pain between groups on postoperative day three, five and three weeks were statistically significant (P=0.012, P=0.003, P=0.008). There were no differences in terms of surgical time, thigh/knee rest pain scores, discharge/post-op three weeks HSS score, range of motion, ambulation time, straight-leg raising rate, knee/ thigh circumference, length of stay, cement mantle thickness, or the presence of radiolucency. Conclusions. Drainage does not exhibit substantial advantages in promoting post-operative rehabilitation after uncomplicated TKA, compared with non-drainage. On the other hand, it might increase blood loss and wound complication. Therefore, we believe that it is safe and beneficial for our patients to routinely perform uncomplicated TKA without a postoperative drain if the procedure is done without a tourniquet. On condition that prolonged operation time, multiple extra bone cutting, operative outside joint capsule, we still recommend placing a drainage tube

Rotator cuff disease encompasses a spectrum from partial to full thickness tears. Despite being 2–3 times more common than full–thickness tears, effective non-operative treatment for partial thickness tears has remained elusive. Platelet enriched plasma (PRP) has been proposed to enhance rotator cuff healing by enhancing the natural healing cascade. However, its utility in rotator cuff disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the patient reported outcomes between PRP and corticosteroid injection in patients with symptomatic partial thickness tears. This double blind randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with symptomatic, partial thickness rotator cuff tears or rotator cuff tendinopathy proven on ultrasound or MRI. Patients were randomized to either corticosteroid or PRP ultrasound-guided injection of the affected shoulder. Patients completed patient reported outcomes at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores. Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and failure of non-operative management as determined by consent for surgery or progression to operative intervention. Ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the study with equal demographics between the two groups. Taking into account pre-injection scores, patients with PRP injections demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores compared to patients receiving corticosteroid injections at 12 weeks (p=0.045) but not at 6 weeks (p=0.704). There was no difference in other outcome measures or progression of the two groups to surgical intervention. The use of PRP in the management of partial thickness rotator cuff tears demonstrates significant improvement of pain scores at 12 week follow up compared to corticosteroid injections. However, this did not affect the rate of progression to surgical intervention. Continued study is required to determine the utility of PRP in this patient population

Introduction. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common occurrence following total joint arthroplasty, and can result in patient discomfort, delayed discharge, and decreased patient satisfaction. Carbohydrate loading as part of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol has gained popularity, and has been shown to minimize postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, and lead to accelerated recovery and better overall outcome following abdominal surgery. This study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative carbohydrate-rich drinks on PONV following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Patients undergoing primary TKA at one institution were enrolled randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 received preoperative carbohydrate-rich drink, Group 2 received placebo water drink of similar appearance and taste, and Group 3 did not receive a drink (control). All healthcare personnel and patients (group 1 and 2) were blinded to group allocation. We compared rate of postoperative nausea, vomiting, length of stay (LOS), and opiate consumption (morphine equivalents, meq). We also reviewed visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and serum glucose at 0–4 hours, 4–12 hours, and 12–24 hours postoperatively. Results. 229 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized. 79 patients were later excluded due to reasons precluding appropriate participation. 150 patients were included for final analysis, with 50 patients in Group 1, 48 patients in Group 2, and 52 patients in Group 3. The demographics and comorbid conditions known to increase risk of nausea and vomiting were similar between the groups. Rate of vomiting was not statistically significant across groups; group 1 (6%, 3/50), group 2 (13%, 6/48), group 3 (8%, 4/52), p=0.51. Rate of requiring antiemetic medication in group 1 (30%, 15/50) did not differ significantly from group 2 (27%, 13/48) and group 3 (40%, 21/52), p=0.32. Average LOS was not different in group 1 (32 hours) compared to group 2 (32.5 hours) and group 3 (32 hours), p=0.79. Average postoperative opiate consumption for group 1 (57.0 meq) was not statistically different from group 2 (61.3) or group 3 (61.0), p=0.91. Pain VAS scores and serum glucose measurements did not differ between groups for all three time periods (p>0.05). There was no difference in reported adverse events between groups. Conclusion. There appears to be no significant difference in PONV, antiemetic requirements, LOS, pain VAS scores, serum glucose measurements, and opiate consumption in patients receiving preoperative carbohydrate-rich drink prior to primary TKA. Preoperative carbohydrate-rich drinks are safe, however, their utility in the setting of arthroplasty does not yet demonstrate clinical benefit. Continued investigation is required. Summary. This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of preoperative carbohydrate-rich drinks on postoperative nausea and vomiting following primary total knee arthroplasty. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Background. Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with the use of third generation implants has demonstrated favorable clinical results and improved survival. However, few studies have compared the different types of implants. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective evaluation of patient outcomes and complications by comparing TAA procedures performed with HINTEGRA versus MOBILITY systems. Methods. Fifty-two consecutively enrolled patients (28 men and 24 women; mean age 64.8 years) underwent TAA using HINTEGRA (21 ankles) or MOBILITY (33 ankles) between September 2004 and July 2012. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were determined at each follow-up visit. The radiographs were reviewed to assess component positioning, radiolucency, heterotopic ossification and other factors. Results. The mean follow-up period was 28.3 months in the HINTEGRA group and 32.5 months in the MOBILITY group. VAS decreased from 8.3 to 2.0 for the HINTEGRA group and from 7.9 to 2.7 for the MOBILITY group. The AOFAS score increased from 43.8 to 87.3 for the HINTEGRA group and from 46.6 to 83.7 for the MOBILITY group. Intra- and postoperative malleolar fractures were not noted in the HINTEGRA group, whereas 5 ankles (15.2%) in the MOBILITY group sustained this injury (P=.144). Ankle impingement syndrome was noted in 8 ankles (38.1%) in the HINTEGRA group and 3 (9.1%) in the MOBILITY group (P=.015). However, no significant differences in postoperative osteolysis and neuralgia were noted between the groups. Conclusions. HINTEGRA and MOBILITY implants both exhibited favorable clinical outcome without significant differences. However, in terms of complications, ankle impingement syndrome was significantly more common in the HINTEGRA group, while intraoperative malleolar fracture was observed in only the MOBILITY group

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a well established treatment that provides reproducible results in the treatment of shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency in the older patient population. However, the results of arthroplasty in younger, more active patients are currently unclear and not as predictable. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mid-term results of RTSA for patients aged younger than 60 years. A retrospective review of twenty-six patients (twenty six RTSAs) with a mean age of 58.3 years was performed. Minimum follow-up of 5 years was available at a mean follow-up of 73.3 months postoperatively (range, 60–84 months). The preoperative conditions compelling RTSA were as follows: failed rotator cuff repair (17), fracture sequelae (5), failed arthroplasty (1), and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) (3). We assessed range-of-motion and strength, visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores. Radiographs were also evaluated for component loosening and scapular notching. All patients were analyzed radiologically and clinically using patient-reported outcome measures. Active forward elevation improved from 56° to 134° and average active external rotation improved from 10.0° to 19.6°. Scores measured with a visual analog pain scale, the Constant score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scale all improved significantly. The Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain improved from 7.5 to 3.0 and the ASES score improved from 31.4 to 72.4, respectively. The normalized postoperative mean Constant score was 88.03. No radiograph showed loosening of the implant at follow-up. Complications included one traumatic subscapularis rupture at six weeks, and one case of periprosthetic fracture. The remaining twenty-four patients were satisfied with the outcome at the time of the latest follow-up and had returned to their desired activity. RTSA in younger patients provided significant subjective improvement in self-assessed shoulder comfort and substantial gain in overall function. Implant loosening and glenoid wear did not appear to be concerns in the mid-term despite the high activity levels of younger patients. Longer-term studies are required to determine whether similar results are maintained over time

Background. Total knee arthroplasty is associated with early postoperative pain. Appropriate pain management is important to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and positive functional outcomes. This study compares outcomes in TKA with three techniques; local infiltration analgesia, single shot femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine. Methods. Forty-five patients undergoing elective primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with were randomized into one of three groups in a double blind proof of concept study. Study arm 1 received local infiltration analgesia ropivacaine intra-operatively, an elastomeric device of ropivacaine for 24 hours post-op. Study arm 2 received a femoral nerve block of ropivacaine with placebo local infiltration analgesia and placebo intrathecal morphine. Study arm 3 received intrathecal morphine, placebo femoral nerve block and placebo local infiltration analgesia. All patients received standardized pre-operative, intraoperative and Post-operative analgesic medication. Participants were mobilized at 4 hrs, 24hrs and 48 hrs post operation. Range of Motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity scores and two minute walk test and Timed Up and Go test were performed. Postoperative use of analgesic drugs was recorded. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed at preoperative and 6 weeks post op. Results. Assessment of the efficacy of analgesia will be conducted using VAS pain scores collected preoperatively, 0–24hrs and 24–48 hours postoperatively between the three randomized groups. Frequency of use of other analgesia and need for PCA will be compared between groups at 0–24hr and 24–48hrs post operatively. The assessment of functional outcomes will be measured between the three groups by comparing the ability to mobilize the first 4 hrs after surgery, maximal flexion and extension, two minute walk test and timed up-and-go preoperatively, on postoperative day 1 and 2 and 6 weeks. Patient reported outcome measures KSS, Oxford Knee score and KOOS will be compared for the three study arms. Conclusion. Results from the study will provide important information for the management of TKA in the hospital setting. The comparison of the three commonly used analgesic techniques and mobilization outcomes are pertinent for physiotherapy and rehabilitation management, anaesthetic specialists, nursing staff, orthopaedic surgeons and patients

Introduction. There are conflicting reports about the efficacy of injection to the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) for osteoarthritis (OA). The accuracy of joint injection without radiological control is unclear. We investigated the accuracy of blind injection and recorded their immediate and short term efficacy. Materials/Methods. We injected 25 consecutive patients between March 2010-January 2011. The CMCJ was palpated, manually distracted and a 23 gauze needle introduced blindly. Image intensifier was then used to visualize and redirect needle if necessary. Radio-opaque dye was injected to confirm intra-articular placement. We recorded patient demographics, number of attempts required for correct needle placement, pre and 10 minutes post-injection visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and Nelson Score (NS)before and six weeks after injection. NS is a validated thumb CMCJ specific patient administered questionnaire. Results. Mean age was 60 (range 46–90). M:F ratio was 23:2. CMC J OA ranged from grade 2–4.1. st. attempt was successful in 6 cases. Mean attempts required for accurate injection was 3 (range 0–4). Mean pain pre- injection VAS was 7 (range 4–10), 10 minutes following injection 0.5 (range 0–4) and at 6 weeks 5 (range 3–10). Mean pre-operative NS was 29.6 (range 14–65) and at 6 weeks 32.4 (range 14–55). The difference was not statistically significant (paired t test, p=0.24). Conclusion. Our results suggest that blind injection of thumb CMCJ may not be accurate. Accuracy can be improved by X-ray guided injection. The procedure afforded excellent immediate pain relief but was not effective over six weeks follow up

Total knee arthroplasty is associated with early postoperative pain. Appropriate pain management is important to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and positive functional outcomes. This study compares outcomes in TKA with three techniques; local infiltration analgesia, single shot femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine. Methods. Forty-five patients undergoing elective primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with were randomized into one of three groups in a double blind proof of concept study. Study arm 1 received local infiltration analgesia ropivacaine intra-operatively, an elastomeric device of ropivacaine for 24 hours post-op. Study arm 2 received a femoral nerve block of ropivacaine with placebo local infiltration analgesia and placebo intrathecal morphine. Study arm 3 received intrathecal morphine, placebo femoral nerve block and placebo local infiltration analgesia. All patients received standardized pre-operative, intraoperative and Post-operative analgesic medication. Participants were mobilized at 4 hrs, 24hrs and 48 hrs post operation. Range of Motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity scores and two minute walk test and Timed Up and Go test were performed. Postoperative use of analgesic drugs was recorded. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed at preoperative and 6 weeks post op. Results. Preliminary results of 32 participants convey the positive outcomes after total knee replacement demonstrated by the improvement in Oxford Knee Score and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score. There are marked improvements in the 2-minute walk tests at the six week time-point. At day one post-operative only 5 participants were unable to walk. Patient-controlled analgesia was used on 5 occasions on day one, 2 of which continued on day two. Sedation scores were recorded in six participants on day one and 2 on day two. Nausea was reported in 5 cases on day one and 9 on day two. Urinary catheter was needed in 5 cases on day one. Importantly the study remains blinded, therefore an analysis of the three study arms is not available and is therefore currently difficult to report on the statistical significance. There will be further assessment of the efficacy of analgesia using VAS pain scores, analgesia consumption and side effects collected preoperatively, 0–24hrs and 24–48 hours postoperatively between the three randomized groups. The assessment of functional outcomes will be measured between the three groups by comparing the ability to mobilize the first 4 hrs after surgery, maximal flexion and extension, two minute walk test and timed up-and-go preoperatively, on postoperative day 1 and 2 and 6 weeks. Conclusion. Results from the study will provide important information for the management of TKA in the hospital setting. We anticipate completion of all 45 surgeries in the next 2 months. The Blinding codes with be broken thereafter and full data analysis performed. The comparison of the three commonly used analgesic techniques and mobilization outcomes will allow enhanced management of patient's post-operative pain with earlier discharge from hospital an lower complication rates

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has shown to be a general stimulation for repair and 1 year results showed promising success percentages. To determine the effectiveness of PRP compared with corticosteroid injections in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis with a two-year follow-up. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted between May 2006 and January 2008. The trial was conducted in two Dutch teaching hospitals. 100 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to a leucocyte-enriched PRP group (n=51) or in the corticosteroid group (n=49). Randomization and allocation to the trial group were carried out by a central computer system. Patients received either a corticosteroid injection or an autologous platelet concentrate injection through a peppering needling technique. The primary analysis included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Outcome (DASH) scores. The PRP group was more often successfully treated than the corticosteroid group (p<.0001). Success was defined as a reduction of 25% on VAS or DASH scores without a re-intervention after 2 years. When baseline VAS and DASH scores were compared with the scores at 2 years follow-up, both groups significantly improved across time (intention-to-treat principle). However, the DASH scores of the corticosteroid group returned back to baseline levels, while the PRP significantly improved (as-treated principle). There were no complications related to the use of PRP. Treatment of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis with PRP reduces pain and increases function significantly, exceeding the effect of corticosteroid injection even after a follow-up of two years. Future decisions for application of PRP for lateral epicondylitis should be confirmed by further follow-up from this trial and should take into account possible costs and harms as well as benefits

Background and Objective. In industrialized societies, the prevalence of radicular low back pain has exploded in recent years. Lumbar disc prolaps, protrusion, or extrusion account for less than 5% of all low back problems, but are the most common causes of nerve root pain and surgical interventions. The primary rationale for any form of surgery for disc prolaps is to relieve nerve root irritation or compression due to herniated disc material. The primary modality of surgical treatment continues to be either open or microdiscectomy, but several alternative techniques including. Nucleoplasty. It provokes ablation of the nucleus of the disk by a controlled thermal effect produced by radiofrequency. Nucleoplasty is minimally invasive treatment aimed at removing nuclear material and lowering intradiscal pressure and decompressing through coblation needle inserted percutaneously into the nucleus of intervertebral discs. This paper will show a 3 years experience with 110 cases with lumbar radicular pain secondary to a disc protrusion that underwent Nucleoplasty as their secondary therapy. Methods. Included in this series were 110 patients with significant lumbar radicular pain, resistant to interventional therapy done before hand like fluoroscopically guided spinal transforaminal epidural injections or sacral injections with steroids. These cases were done under local anaesthesia with short analgesia and stand by monitoring. Results. In the overall cohort, the average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score decreased. Conclusions. We conclude that with use of the present selection criteria, Nucleoplasty is very effective long-term treatment for lumbar radicular pain. We recommend modifying the criteria to include only those cases with lumbar radicular pain due to protrusion whose annular integrity is confirmed via MRI and by either selective nerve root blocks and to exclude cases with axial pain