The mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is recommended to be performed with the leg in the hanging leg (HL) position, and the thigh placed in a stirrup. This comparative cadaveric study assesses implant positioning and intraoperative kinematics of OUKA implanted either in the HL position or in the supine leg (SL) position. A total of 16 fresh-frozen knees in eight human cadavers, without macroscopic anatomical defects, were selected. The knees from each cadaver were randomized to have the OUKA implanted in the HL or SL position.Aims
Methods
To evaluate the influence of discharge timing on 30-day complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We identified patients aged 18 years or older who underwent TKA between 2005 and 2016 from the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We propensity score-matched length-of-stay (LOS) groups using all relevant covariables. We used multivariable regression to determine if the rate of complications and re-admissions differed depending on LOS.Aims
Patients and Methods
Abnormal femoral torsion (FT) is increasingly recognized as an additional cause for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). It is unknown if in-toeing of the foot is a specific diagnostic sign for increased FT in patients with symptomatic FAI. The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of in-toeing to detect increased FT; 2) if foot progression angle (FPA) and tibial torsion (TT) are different among patients with abnormal FT; and 3) if FPA correlates with FT. A retrospective, institutional review board (IRB)-approved, controlled study of 85 symptomatic patients (148 hips) with FAI or hip dysplasia was performed in the gait laboratory. All patients had a measurement of FT (pelvic CT scan), TT (CT scan), and FPA (optical motion capture system). We allocated all patients to three groups with decreased FT (< 10°, 37 hips), increased FT (> 25°, 61 hips), and normal FT (10° to 25°, 50 hips). Cluster analysis was performed.Aims
Patients and Methods
Graft infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may lead to septic arthritis requiring multiple irrigation and debridement procedures, staged revision operations, and prolonged courses of antibiotics. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies reporting on how gentamicin pre-soaking of hamstring grafts influences infection rates following ACLR. We set out to examine this in our study accordingly. This retrospective study included 2,000 patients (1,156 males and 844 females) who underwent primary ACLR with hamstring autografts between 2007 to 2017. This included 1,063 patients who received pre-soaked saline hamstring grafts for ACLR followed by 937 patients who received pre-soaked gentamicin hamstring grafts for ACLR. All operative procedures were completed by a single surgeon using a standardized surgical technique. Medical notes were reviewed and data relating to the following outcomes recorded: postoperative infection, clinical progress, causative organisms, management received, and outcomes.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the synovial alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the work-up prior to revision of total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). Inclusion criteria for this prospective cohort study were acute or chronic symptoms of the index joint without specific exclusion criteria. Synovial fluid aspirates of 202 patients were analyzed and semiquantitative laboratory alpha-defensin ELISA was performed. Final diagnosis of PJI was established by examination of samples obtained during revision surgery.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of operating time on 30-day complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA). We identified patients aged 18 years and older who underwent THA between 2006 and 2016 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We identified 131 361 patients, with a mean age of 65 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent. A total of 278 consecutive total ankle arthroplasties (251 patients), performed by four surgeons over a six-year period in Wrightington Hospital (Wigan, United Kingdom) were prospectively reviewed. There were 143 men and 108 women with a mean age of 64 years (41 to 86). The data were recorded on each follow-up visit. Any complications either during initial hospital stay or subsequently reported on follow-ups were recorded, investigated, monitored, and treated as warranted. Literature search included the studies reporting the outcomes and complications of TAA implants.Aims
Patients and Methods
The routine use of dual-mobility (DM) acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty (THA) may not be cost-effective, but an increasing number of patients undergoing THA have a coexisting spinal disorder, which increases the risk of postoperative instability, and these patients may benefit from DM articulations. This study seeks to examine the cost-effectiveness of DM components as an alternative to standard articulations in these patients. A decision analysis model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using DM components in patients who would be at high risk for dislocation within one year of THA. Direct and indirect costs of dislocation, incremental costs of using DM components, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) values, and the probabilities of dislocation were derived from published data. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was established with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis was used to examine the impact of variation.Aims
Patients and Methods
Instability remains a challenging problem in both primary and
revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Dual mobility components
confer increased stability, but there are concerns about the unique
complications associated with these designs, as well as the long-term
survivorship. We performed a systematic review of all English language articles
dealing with dual mobility THAs published between 2007 and 2016
in the MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases. A total of 54 articles
met inclusion criteria for the final analysis of primary and revision
dual mobility THAs and dual mobility THAs used in the treatment
of fractures of the femoral neck. We analysed the survivorship and
rates of aseptic loosening and of intraprosthetic and extra-articular
dislocation.Aims
Materials and Methods
The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the manufacturing characteristics of polyethylene acetabular liners on the survival of cementless and hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prospective cohort study using linked National Joint Registry (NJR) and manufacturer data. The primary endpoint was revision for aseptic loosening. Cox proportional hazard regression was the primary analytical approach. Manufacturing variables included resin type, crosslinking radiation dose, terminal sterilization method, terminal sterilization radiation dose, stabilization treatment, total radiation dose, packaging, and face asymmetry. Total radiation dose was further divided into G1 (no radiation), G2 (> 0 Mrad to < 5 Mrad), G3 (≥ 5 Mrad to < 10 Mrad), and G4 (≥ 10 Mrad).Aims
Methods
Malalignment of the tibial component could influence the long-term survival of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The object of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of varus and valgus malalignment on the tibial component under stance-phase gait cycle loading conditions. Validated finite element models for varus and valgus malalignment by 3° and 5° were developed to evaluate the effect of malalignment on the tibial component in TKA. Maximum contact stress and contact area on a polyethylene insert, maximum contact stress on patellar button and the collateral ligament force were investigated.Objectives
Methods
The use of trabecular metal (TM) shells supported by augments has provided good mid-term results after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a bony defect of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term implant survivorship and radiological and clinical outcomes after acetabular revision using this technique. Between 2006 and 2010, 60 patients (62 hips) underwent acetabular revision using a combination of a TM shell and augment. A total of 51 patients (53 hips) had complete follow-up at a minimum of seven years and were included in the study. Of these patients, 15 were men (29.4%) and 36 were women (70.6%). Their mean age at the time of revision THA was 64.6 years (28 to 85). Three patients (5.2%) had a Paprosky IIA defect, 13 (24.5%) had a type IIB defect, six (11.3%) had a type IIC defect, 22 (41.5%) had a type IIIA defect, and nine (17%) had a type IIIB defect. Five patients (9.4%) also had pelvic discontinuity.Aims
Patients and Methods
Studies on the migration of an implant may be the only way of monitoring the early performance of metal-on-metal prostheses. The Ein Bild Roentgen Analyse - femoral component analysis (EBRA-FCA) method was adapted to measure migration of the femoral component in a metal-on-metal surface arthroplasty of the hip using standard antero-posterior radiographs. In order to determine the accuracy and precision of this method a prosthesis was implanted into cadaver bones. Eleven series of radiographs were used to perform a zero-migration study. After adjustment of the femoral component to simulate migration of 3 mm the radiographs were repeated. All were measured independently by three different observers. The accuracy of the method was found to be ± 1.6 mm for the x-direction and ± 2 mm for the y-direction (95% percentile). The method was validated using 28 hips with a minimum follow-up of 3.5 years after arthroplasty. Seventeen were sound, but 11 had failed because of loosening of the femoral component. The normal (control) group had a different pattern of migration compared with that of the loose group. At 29.2 months, the control group showed a mean migration of 1.62 mm and 1.05 mm compared with 4.39 mm and 4.05 mm in the failed group, for the centre of the head and the tip of the stem, respectively (p = 0.001). In the failed group, the mean time to migration greater than 2 mm was earlier than the onset of clinical symptoms or radiological evidence of failure, 19.1 EBRA-FCA is a reliable and valid tool for measuring migration of the femoral component after surface arthroplasty and can be used to predict early failure of the implant. It may be of value in determining the long-term performance of surface arthroplasty.
Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated. This is a cross-sectional, observational assessment of 88 consecutive metal-on-XLPE HRAs performed in 84 patients between 2015 and 2018 in three centres (three surgeons, including the designer surgeon). Mean follow-up is 1.6 years (0.7 to 3.9). Mean age at operation was 56 years (Objectives
Methods
Advances in polyethylene (PE) in total hip arthroplasty
have led to interest and increased use of highly crosslinked PE
(HXLPE) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Biomechanical data suggest
improved wear characteristics for HXLPE inserts over conventional
PE in TKA. Short-term results from registry data and few clinical
trials are promising. Our aim is to present a review of the history
of HXLPEs, the use of HXLPE inserts in TKA, concerns regarding potential mechanical
complications, and a thorough review of the available biomechanical
and clinical data. Cite this article:
The number of arthroplasties being performed
increases each year. Patients undergoing an arthroplasty are at
risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and appropriate prophylaxis
has been recommended. However, the optimal protocol and the best
agent to minimise VTE under these circumstances are not known. Although
many agents may be used, there is a difference in their efficacy
and the risk of bleeding. Thus, the selection of a particular agent relies
on the balance between the desire to minimise VTE and the attempt
to reduce the risk of bleeding, with its undesirable, and occasionally
fatal, consequences. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is an agent for VTE prophylaxis
following arthroplasty. Many studies have shown its efficacy in
minimising VTE under these circumstances. It is inexpensive and
well-tolerated, and its use does not require routine blood tests.
It is also a ‘milder’ agent and unlikely to result in haematoma
formation, which may increase both the risk of infection and the
need for further surgery. Aspirin is also unlikely to result in persistent
wound drainage, which has been shown to be associated with the use
of agents such as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and other
more aggressive agents. The main objective of this review was to summarise the current
evidence relating to the efficacy of aspirin as a VTE prophylaxis
following arthroplasty, and to address some of the common questions
about its use. There is convincing evidence that, taking all factors into account,
aspirin is an effective, inexpensive, and safe form of VTE following
arthroplasty in patients without a major risk factor for VTE, such
as previous VTE. Cite this article: