Objectives. The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is difficult and requires a battery of tests and clinical findings. The purpose of this review is to summarize all current evidence for common and new serum biomarkers utilized in the diagnosis of PJI. Methods. We searched two literature databases, using terms that encompass all hip and knee arthroplasty procedures, as well as PJI and statistical terms reflecting diagnostic parameters. The findings are summarized as a narrative review. Results. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were the two most commonly published serum biomarkers. Most evidence did not identify other serum biomarkers that are clearly superior to ESR and CRP. Other serum biomarkers have not demonstrated superior sensitivity and have failed to replace CRP and ESR as first-line screening tests. D-dimer appears to be a promising biomarker, but more research is necessary. Factors that influence serum biomarkers include temporal trends, stage of revision, and implant-related factors (metallosis). Conclusion. Our review helped to identify factors that can influence serum biomarkers’ level changes; the recognition of such factors can help improve their diagnostic utility. As such, we cannot rely on ESR and CRP alone for the diagnosis of PJI prior to second-stage reimplantation, or in metal-on-metal or corrosion cases. The future of serum biomarkers will likely shift towards using genomics and proteomics to identify proteins transcribed via messenger RNA in response to infection and sepsis. Cite this article: A. Saleh, J. George, M. Faour, A. K. Klika, C. A. Higuera. Serum biomarkers in periprosthetic joint infections. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:85–93. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0323

Aims. Better prediction of outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is warranted. Systemic inflammation and central neuroinflammation are possibly involved in progression of osteoarthritis and pain. We explored whether inflammatory biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were associated with clinical outcome, and baseline pain or disability, 12 months after THA. Methods. A total of 50 patients from the Danish Pain Research Biobank (DANPAIN-Biobank) between January and June 2018 were included. Postoperative outcome was assessed as change in Oxford Hip Score (OHS) from baseline to 12 months after THA, pain was assessed on a numerical rating scale, and disability using the Pain Disability Index. Multiple regression models for each clinical outcome were included for biomarkers in blood and CSF, respectively, including age, sex, BMI, and Kellgren-Lawrence score. Results. Change in OHS was associated with blood concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and IL-1β (R. 2. = 0.28, p = 0.006), but not with CSF biomarkers. Baseline pain was associated with blood concentrations of lymphotoxin alpha (LTα), TNFR1, TNFR2, and IL-6R (R. 2. = 0.37, p < 0.001) and CSF concentrations of TNFR1, TNFR2, IL-6, IL-6R, and IL-1Ra (R. 2. = 0.40, p = 0.001). Baseline disability was associated with blood concentrations of TNF, LTα, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1α (R. 2. = 0.53, p < 0.001) and CSF concentrations of gp130, TNF, and IL-1β (R. 2. = 0.26, p = 0.002). Thus, preoperative systemic low-grade inflammation predicted 12-month postoperative outcome after THA, and was associated with preoperative pain and disability. Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of systemic inflammation in osteoarthritis, and presents a possible path for better patient selection for THA in the future. Preoperative central neuroinflammation was associated with preoperative pain and disability, but not change in OHS after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):741–749

Aims. Osteoporosis is common in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. It plays a substantial factor in the surgery’s outcome, and previous studies have revealed that pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis influences implant survival rate. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and treatment rates for osteoporosis prior to THA, and to explore differences in osteoporosis-related biomarkers between patients treated and untreated for osteoporosis. Methods. This single-centre retrospective study included 398 hip joints of patients who underwent THA. Using medical records, we examined preoperative bone mineral density measures of the hip and lumbar spine using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and the medications used to treat osteoporosis at the time of admission. We also assessed the following osteoporosis-related biomarkers: tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b); total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (total P1NP); intact parathyroid hormone; and homocysteine. Results. The prevalence of DXA-proven hip osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) among THA patients was 8.8% (35 of 398). The spinal osteoporosis prevalence rate was 4.5% (18 of 398), and 244 patients (61.3%; 244 of 398) had osteopenia (-2.5 < T-score ≤ -1) or osteoporosis of either the hip or spine. The rate of pharmacological osteoporosis treatment was 22.1% (88 of 398). TRACP-5b was significantly lower in the osteoporosis-treated group than in the untreated group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Osteoporosis is common in patients undergoing THA, but the diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis were insufficient. The lower TRACP-5b levels in the osteoporosis-treated group — that is, osteoclast suppression — may contribute to the reduction of the postoperative revision rate after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(12):873–880

Aims. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CSS) combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss and inflammatory responses after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to investigate the influence of different administration methods of CSS on perioperative blood loss during THA. Methods. This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 200 patients undergoing primary unilateral THA. A total of 200 patients treated with intravenous TXA were randomly assigned to group A (combined intravenous and topical CSS), group B (topical CSS), group C (intravenous CSS), or group D (placebo). Results. Mean total blood loss (TBL) in groups A (605.0 ml (SD 235.9)), B (790.9 ml (SD 280.7)), and C (844.8 ml (SD 248.1)) were lower than in group D (1,064.9 ml (SD 318.3), p < 0.001). We also found that compared with group D, biomarker level of inflammation, transfusion rate, pain score, and hip range of motion at discharge in groups A, B, and C were significantly improved. There were no differences among the four groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (IBL), intramuscular venous thrombosis (IMVT), and length of hospital stay (LOS). Conclusion. The combined application of CSS and TXA is more effective than TXA alone in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusion rates, inflammatory response, and postoperative hip pain, results in better early hip flexion following THA, and did not increase the associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Intravenous combined with topical injection of CSS was superior to intravenous or topical injection of CSS alone in reducing perioperative blood loss. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(6):354–362

Aims

This study was designed to develop a model for predicting bone mineral density (BMD) loss of the femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using artificial intelligence (AI), and to identify factors that influence the prediction. Additionally, we virtually examined the efficacy of administration of bisphosphonate for cases with severe BMD loss based on the predictive model.

Aims

Pain is the most frequent complaint associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), but the factors contributing to such pain are poorly understood. This study explored diverse demographic, clinical, radiological, psychological, and neurophysiological factors for their potential contribution to pain in patients with ONFH.

Aims

Femoroacetabular Junction Impingement (FAI) describes abnormalities in the shape of the femoral head–neck junction, or abnormalities in the orientation of the acetabulum. In the short term, FAI can give rise to pain and disability, and in the long-term it significantly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The Femoroacetabular Impingement Trial (FAIT) aims to determine whether operative or non-operative intervention is more effective at improving symptoms and preventing the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the thickness of the hip capsule in patients with surgical hip disease, either with cam-femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or non-FAI hip pathology, with that of asymptomatic control hips.