Introduction. Posterior malleolar fractures are present in up to 44% of all ankle fractures. Those involving > 25% of the articular surface have a higher rate of posterior ankle instability which may predispose to post traumatic arthritis. The posterolateral approach to the distal tibia allows direct reduction and stabilization of the posterior malleolus and concomitant lateral malleolus fractures. An anatomical study was performed to establish the safe zone of proximal dissection to avoid injury to the peroneal vessels in this uncommon approach. Methods. 26 unpaired adult lower limbs were dissected using the posterolateral approach to the distal tibia as described by Tornetta et al. The peroneal artery was identified coursing through the intraosseous membrane on deep dissestion as the flexor hallucis longus muscle was reflected medially. The level of its bifurcation was also noted over the tibia. Perpendicular measurements were made from the tibial plafond to these variable anatomical locations. Results. The peroneal artery bifurcated at 83+/−21 mm (41–115mm) proximal to the tibial plafond and perforated through the interossoeus membrane 64+/−18 mm (47–96mm) proximal to the tibial plafond. Conclusion. The safe zone for the posterolateral approach to the distal tibia is described. Caution is advised as the bifurcation and perforating artery may be as little as 41mm from the tibial plafond. This is important during deep dissection when the belly of the flexor hallucis longus muscle is reflected medially from the medial edge of the fibula. Once the peroneal artery was mobilized a buttress plate could easily be placed beneath it

Proponents of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for hip arthroplasty (THA) claim lower postoperative pain compared to the posterolateral approach (PA); however, whether that theoretical advantage results in lower opioid consumption is unclear. We sought to investigate the relationship between the DAA and PA on total 90-day predicted opioid consumption in a large cohort. Retrospective analysis identified 2,304 DAA and 6,288 PA primary THAs in patients >18 years old from February 2019 to April 2022. Ninety-day postoperative total morphine milligram equivalent (MME); in-hospital administration, discharge prescriptions, and refills within 90 days were compared between DAA and PA cohorts. Nearest-neighbor matching was performed controlling for age, sex, BMI, ASA, and periarticular injection to evaluate opioid consumption patterns for DAA and PA. Quantile regression was employed to predict the median (50th percentile) MME prescribed by surgical approach. After matching, DAA and PA demonstrated similar median total 90-day prescribed MME (p = 0.008). After adjusting for patient and surgical factors, quantile regression predicted a similar median total 90-day prescribed MME for DAA and PA (243.5 versus 242.7; p = 0.78). While approach did not demonstrate a significant relationship for predicted 90-day MME, other factors including age, sex, BMI, length of stay, peripheral anesthesia, periarticular injection, and white or Caucasian race demonstrated a significant relationship with predicted 90-day MME (p <0.0001). While we identified several risk factors for increased in-hospital and 90-day post-operative opioid consumption, a comparison between DAA and PA did not demonstrate significantly different opioid prescribing patterns

Dual mobility cups (DMC) reduce the risk of dislocation in femoral neck fractures (FNF). Direct anterior approach (DAA), historically promoted for better stability, has been developed in recent years for better functional results. The aim of this study was to compare the early functional results of DMC in FNF by DAA versus posterolateral approach (PLA). A prospective study was conducted on a continuous series of patients who received DMC for FNF by DAA or PLA. The primary endpoint was Harris Hip Score and Parker score assessed at the first follow-up visit. Intraoperative complications were collected during hospitalization. One year clinical results and all cause revision rate were also collected. Radiographic data of cup positioning and limb length were evaluated. Fifty-two patients were included in the DAA group and 54 in the PLA group. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age was 72.8 years. There was no significant difference in HHS or Parker score at 3 and 12 months follow up (p=0.6, p= 0.75). DAA was associated with more intraoperative complications with 4 fractures and 1 femoral nerve deficit (p=0.018). There were 3 revisions in the DAA group (1 infection, 1 dislocation, 1 peri prosthetic fracture) and 1 in the PLA group (infection), which was not statistically significant (p=0.34). Cup anteversion was 6° greater and inclination 9° lesser in DAA group (p=0.028, p<0.01). Results suggest that DAA does not provide any early functional benefit in THA-DMC for FNF compared to PLA. It could lead to more intraoperative complications and a higher revision rate. DAA requires an experienced surgeon and careful patient selection

Introduction:. A surgical hip dislocation provides circumferential access to the femoral head and is essential in the treatment pediatric and adult hip disease. Iatrogenic injury to the femoral head blood supply during a surgical may result in the osteonecrosis of the femoral head. In order to reduce vessel injury and incidence of AVN, the Greater Trochanteric Osteotomy (GTO) was developed and popularized by Ganz. The downside of this approach is the increased morbidity associated with the GTO including non-union in 8% and painful hardware requiring removal in 20% of patients. (reference) Recent studies performed at our institution have mapped the extra-osseous course of the medial femoral circumflex artery and provide surgical guidelines for a vessel preserving posterolateral approach. In this cadaveric model using Gadolinium enhanced MRI, we investigate whether standardized alterations in the postero-lateral surgical approach may reliably preserve femoral head vascularity during a posterior surgical hip dislocation. Methods:. In 8 cadaveric specimens the senior author (ES) performed a surgical hip dislocation through the posterolateral approach with surgical modifications designed to protect the superior and inferior retinacular arteries. In every specimen the same surgical alterations were made using a ruler: the Quadratus Femoris myotomy occurred 2.5 cm off its trochanteric insertion, the piriformis tenotomy occurred at its insertion and extended obliquely leaving a 2 cm cuff of conjoin tendon (inferior gemellus), and the Obturator Externus (OE) was myotomized 2 cm off its trochanteric insertion. (Figure 1) For the capsulotomy, the incision started on the posterior femoral neck directly beneath the cut obturator externus tendon and extending posteriorly to the acetabulum. Superior and inferior extensions of the capsulotomy ran parallel to the acetabular rim creating a T-shaped capsulotomy. After the surgical dislocation was complete, the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) was cannulated and Gadolinium-enhanced MRI performed in order to assess intra-osseous femoral head perfusion and compared to the gadolinium femoral head perfusion of the contra-lateral hip as a non-operative control. Gross-dissection after polyurethane latex injection in the cannulated MFCA was performed to validate MRI findings and to assess for vessel integrity after the surgical dislocation. Results:. In 8 cadaveric specimens MRI quantification of femoral head perfusion was 94.3% and femoral head-neck junction perfusion was 93.5% compared to the non-operative control. (Figure 2) Gross dissection after latex injection into the MFCA demonstrated intact superior and inferior retinacular arteries in all 8 specimens. (Figure 3). Discussion and Conclusions:. In this study, perfusion to the femoral head and head-neck junction is preserved following posterior surgical dislocation through the postero-lateral approach. These preliminary findings suggest that specific surgical modifications can protect and reliably maintain vascularity to the femoral head after surgical hip dislocation. This approach may benefit hip resurfacing and potentially decease risk of femoral neck fracture secondary to osteonecrosis. In addition this may allow a vascular preserving surgical hip dislocation to be performed without the need for a GTO

Introduction. Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures account for 7 % of all proximal tibial fractures. Their fixation often requires posterolateral buttress plating. Approaches for the posterolateral corner are not extensile beyond the perforation of the anterior tibial artery through the interosseous membrane. This study aims to provide accurate data about the inferior limit of dissection by providing measurements of the anterior tibial artery from the lateral joint line as it pierces the interosseous membrane. Materials and Methods. Forty unpaired adult lower limbs cadavers were used. The posterolateral approach to the proximal tibia was performed as described by Frosch et al. Perpendicular measurements were made from the posterior limit of the articular surface of the lateral tibial plateau and fibula head to the perforation of the anterior tibial artery through the interosseous membrane. Results. The anterior tibial artery coursed through the interosseous membrane at 46.3 +/− 9.0 mm (range 27–62 mm) distal to the lateral tibial plateau and 35.7 +/− 9.0 mm (range 17–50 mm) distal to the fibula head. There was no significant difference between right or left sided knees. Discussion. This cadaveric study demonstrates the safe zone (min 27 mm, mean 45mm) up to which distal exposure can be performed for fracture manipulation and safe application of a buttress plate for displaced posterorlateral tibial plateau fractures. Evidence demonstrates quality of reduction correlates with clinical outcome and the surgeon can expect to be able to use a small fragment buttress plate of up to 45mm as this is the mean

The posterolateral approach to ankle joint is well suited for ORIF of posterior malleolar fractures. There are no major neurovascular structures endangering this approach other than the sural nerve. The sural nerve is often used as an autologous peripheral nerve graft and provides sensation to the lateral aspect of the foot. Hence every attempt must be made to protect the sural nerve. The aim of this paper is to measure the precise distance of the sural nerve from surrounding soft tissue structures. This is a retrospective image review study including patients with MRI of their ankle from January 09 - Nov 2010. We indentified 78 MRI scans out of which 64 were deemed eligible for assessment. All measurements were made from Axial T1 slices. Measurements were made from the lateral aspect of the TA to the central of the sural nerve, central of sural nerve to the posterior aspect of the peronei muscles and central of the sural nerve to the posterior aspect of fibula. Data were collected on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the descriptive statistics calculated. The key findings of the paper is the safety window for the sural nerve from the lateral border of TA is 7mm, 1.3cm and 2cm at 3 cm above ankle joint, at the ankle joint and at the distal tip of fibula respectively. Similarly the safety window for the nerve from the posterior aspect of fibula is 2cm, 1.6cm, 1.6cm at 3cm above ankle, at the ankle joint and the distal tip of fibula respectively. Our study demonstrates the close relationship of the nerve in relation to tendoachilles, peronei and fibula in terms of exact measurements. The safety margins established in this study should enable the surgeon in preventing endangerment of the sural nerve encountered in this approach

Background. It is unclear whether the approach of hemiarthroplasty influence the outcomes in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the direct lateral approach (DL approach) and posterolateral approach (PL approach) for hemiarthroplasty. Methods. This study included patients presenting to our hospital with displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden stage 3 or 4) from August 2010 to August 2011. 59 patients agreed the prospective study. They were randomized between the hemiarthroplasty using DL approach or PL approach. We evaluated and compared the operative time, perioperative blood loss, peri- and post-operative complications, and 5-year survival rates. Results. Thirty-two patients underwent the hemiarthroplasty using DL approach and 27 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty using PL approach. The mean operative time was 91 min in DL group and 77 min in PL group. A significant difference was observed for the mean operative times(p<0.005). The bleeding during surgery was 194 g in DL group and 180 g in PL group. The postoperative blood loss was 268 g in DL group and 264 g in PL group, no significant difference was observed postoperatively. Perioperative and postoperative complications were observed in 8 patients of DL group and 5 patients of the PL group. In DL group, perioperative complications included fracture in 1 patient, whereas postoperative complications included deep vein thrombosis in 7 patients. In PL group, postoperative complications included deep vein thrombosis in 3 patients, deep infection in 1 patient and subluxation of the outerhead in 1 patient. Two patients of DL group and 3patients of PL group suffered second hip fractures within the follow-up period, and 1 patient of PL group suffered periprosthetic fracture and treated conservatively. We identified 28 patients as dead in the follow-up period. The 5-year survival rate of DL group was 51.3% and that of PL group was 44.2%; there were not significantly different between the groups (log-rank test, p = 0.324). Conclusion. The mean operative time was significantly longer in DL groups, but peri- and post-operative complications and the surbival rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Surgical approach might not affect the outcomes of hemiarthroplasty in patients with femoral neck fractures

Von langenbach first described the posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty in 1874. In recent years advances in operative techniques and instrumentation have allowed surgeon to perform total hip arthroplasty through incision much smaller. The primary goal of any joint replacement is to create a biomechanically arthroplasty with excellent prosthesis position and durable interfaces.

Many american authors propose a definition of minimally invasive hip replacement when the skin incision is between 7–10 cm.

For us, to be mini-invasive means saving non only the skin but saving capsule, muscle and tendons too.

We used a mini-posterolateral approach with a mean length of 7 cm. After incision of the gluteus maximus fascia and fascia lata, the gluteus maximus muscle is blunty split. The short external rotator tendons are located; we proceed to saving the piriformis and quadratus femoris tendons. The gemelli and obturator internus tendons are detached with electrocautery. A capsulotomy is performed. The capsule and obturator tendon are tagged with heavy bone-suture for reattachment. The difficulties of the operation can be reduced if instruments developed for the technique are used.

50 cases of minimal incision posterolateral total hip arthroplasties are performed. More rapid rehabilitation and more prompt return to activities of daily living are also some advantage.

Longer follow-up is required to determine the long-term outcome but, our results encouraged to performed a mini-approach for total hip arthroplasty in patients selection.

Purpose: The interest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total hip arthroplasty has not waned in anyway (THA). Different surgical approaches have been used to do MIS-THA. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of the THA using the minimally invasive postero-lateral approach (MIS-PL) and minimally invasive antero-lateral approach (MIS-AL).

Patients and Methods: Fifty randomly assigned patients with MIS-PL and 32 patients with MIS-AL were included in the study. There were no significant differences in age, sex, diagnosis, JOA score or body mass index in each group. The operation time, length of incision, blood loss, implant position, muscle recovery and complication were observed.

Results: Total blood loss and pain was significantly less in patients undergoing THA via MIS postero-lateral approach. In addition, the MIS-PL had improved recovery of muscle strength (hip flexion and abduction) which was statistically significant. Median cup inclination was 42.3 degrees (MIS-AL) and 41.7 degrees (MIS-PL). Median cup anteversion was 18.3 degrees (MIS-AL) and 15.9 degrees (MIS-PL), respectively. Roentgenographic evaluation of femoral component positioning showed no significant difference. Other postoperative data (length of hospital stay, operation time, complication) were comparable.

Conclusion: The MIS antero-lateral approach have often been selected to decrease the risk of dislocation, but this approach needs to release the one third of the gluteus medius from the greater trochanter. MIS postero-lateral approach caused less pain and improve recovery time, postero-lateral approach is more suitable for minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty.

Open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures is traditionally performed through an anterior, anterolateral or an anteromedial approach and more recently a posteromedial approach. These approaches allow satisfactory access to the majority of fracture patterns with the exception of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. To improve access to posterolateral tibial plateau fractures, we developed a posterolateral transfibular neck approach that exposes the tibial plateau between the posterior margin of the iliotibial band and the PCL. The approach can be combined with a posteromedial and/or an anteromedial approach to the tibial plateau. Since April 2007, we have used this approach to treat nine posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. All cases were followed up prospectively. Fracture reduction was assessed on radiographs, CT scans and arthroscopicaly. Maintenance of fracture reduction was assessed with radiostereometric analysis. Clinical outcomes were measured using Lysholm and KOOS scores. Anatomic or near anatomic reduction was achieved in all cases. All fractures healed uneventfully and no loss of osteotomy or tibial plateau fracture reduction was identified on postoperative plain X-rays. In the cases monitored with radiostereometric analysis, the fracture fragments displaced less than 2 mm during the course of healing. All osteotomies healed either at the same rate or quicker than the tibial plateau fractures. There were no signs and no symptoms of lateral or posterolateral instability of the knee during or after the healing of the osteotomy. There were no complications related to the surgical approach, including the fibular head osteotomy. All wounds healed uneventfully and there were no symptoms related to the CPN. The patient reported outcomes recorded for this group at six months, using the Lysholm score (mean 71, median 77, range 42–95), compared favourably to the entire cohort of 33 patients treated operatively at our institution for a tibial plateau fracture and followed up prospectively during the same time period (mean 64, median 74, range 20–100). The posterolateral transfibular approach for lateral tibial plateau fractures is an approach that should be considered for a certain specific pattern of fractures of the lateral tibial plateau. Our preliminary results demonstrated no complications through the learning curve of the development of this technique

Dual mobility is a French concept that appeared in the 1970s and was initially intended to reduce dislocation rates. In recent years, this concept has evolved with new HA titanium spray coatings, new external macrostructures, and better-quality polyethylene. This has allowed to extend the indications to younger and therefore active populations. The objective of our work is to analyze at least 10 years a homogeneous and continuous series of 170 primary total hip replacements associating a latest generation Novae Sunfit. ®. dual mobility cup with a straight femoral stem. Only primary arthroplasties for osteoarthritis or necrosis were included. Total hip arthroplasty was always performed through a posterolateral approach. All patients had regular clinical and radiological follow-up. The average follow-up in our series was 11.5 years. The average age of the population is 71 years. At the last follow-up, there were 17 deaths, 6 losses to follow up and 9 adverse events, including 1 cup change for psoas impingement and 1 dislocation. The low rate of dislocation at 11 years confirms the high stability of the dual mobility, which should be recommended for primary procedure for patients at high risk of postoperative instability. The lack of intraprosthetic dislocation due to wear at 11 years of follow-up highlights the good quality of the latest generation of polyethylene, and the need to combine high-polished surfaces and a refined femoral neck with a dual mobility cup. Finally, the lack of aseptic loosening confirms the quality of the secondary fixation of these implants and justifies their wider use in all patients

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

Genetic skeletal disorders constitute a rare and heterogeneous bone diseases often leading to poor quality of life. Several surgical options are available. The surgeon must deal with specific features (bone deformity, previous procedures, abnormal bone quality, stiffness or instability, muscle weakness). The questions concern the feasibility of the procedures and the surgical strategy. 55 patients (26 W, 29 M) were reviewed between 2016 and 2022. The mean age of the patients was 35 years (17–71). The diagnosis included 9 hereditary multiple exostoses, 8 osteogenesis imperfecta, 6 multiple epiphyseal dysplasia congenita, 6 achondroplasia, 4 osteopetrosis, 3 pycnodysostosis, 3 hypophosphatemic rickets, 3 fibrous dysplasia, 2 mucopolysaccharidosis, and 10 miscellaneous. 25 patients were referred for hip problems (40 hips). 4 patients (7 hips) requiring a THA have not been operated (4 planned). 4 patients (6 hips) had a proximal femoral fixation (2 osteotomies, 4 fracture fixations). 17 patients (27 hips) sustained a THA (25 primary, 2 revisions). All of them were operated by one operator, using a posterolateral approach and standard implants (including 7 dysplastic and 2 short stems). No customized implant has been used. As regard the 27 THAs, the mean follow up was 4.2 years (1–12). The early complications included 2 femoral cracks and 1 femur fracture. There were 2 revisions (1 cup loosening at 2 years, 1 stem loosening at 4 years). No infection nor dislocation occurred. All the patients were satisfied with their treatment and regain some autonomy. 3 THA were considered as unfeasible. Constitutional bone diseases need a multidisciplinary program of care. The indication for surgery is based on a mutual trust patient/surgeon, a careful evaluation of benefits/risks, and an accurate imaging to anticipate the difficulties. The expected results are a better function and quality of life, and a stability over time

Aim. A septic revision of an artificial joint is routinely split up in a so-called dirty phase and a clean phase. The measures taken to initiate the start of the clean phase vary significantly between musculoskeletal infection centers. We performed simulations of one-step exchanges of infected THAs and sought to 1) determine the effect of different clean phase protocols on the sterile field, and 2) determine whether or not it is possible to re-implant the new prosthesis completely clean. Method. Nine fresh frozen cadaveric hips were used and primary THA was undertaken via a direct anterior approach. Before implantation of the components varying amounts of fluorescent powder (GloGerm) were deposited, simulating bacterial infection. Second, a one-step exchange was performed via a posterolateral approach. After implant removal, debridement, and lavage, randomization determined which clean phase protocol was followed, i.e. no, some or full additional measures. Finally, the new prosthesis was re-implanted (fig. 1). In order to determine the effect of different clean phase protocols on contamination of the sterile field standardized UV light-enhanced photographs were obtained of 1) the gloves, 2) the instrument table, 3) the drapes, and 4) the wound and these were ranked on cleanliness by a blind panel of hip surgeons. In order to determine whether or not it is possible to re-implant the prosthesis completely clean, the implant was taken out again at the end of the one-step exchange and inspected for contamination under UV light. Results. The gloves, the instrument table, the drapes (fig. 2) and the wound were significantly cleaner after a clean phase using full additional measures compared to partial or no additional measures (p < 0.000). Partial measures were able to reduce some of the contamination of the gloves and the wound, but had no effect on the drapes and the instrument table. All re-implanted implants were contaminated with some amount of fluorescent powder at the end of the one-step exchange. Conclusions. We advise to incorporate a clean phase with full additional measures into the surgical treatment of prosthetic joint infections, as the effect of partial measures seems to be a poor compromise. The results of this study have now been published: Vles G, Bossen J, Kloos J, Debeer P, Ghijselings S. On the value and limitations of incorporating a “clean phase” into the surgical treatment of prosthetic joint infections - an illustrative cadaveric study using fluorescent powder. J Exp Orthop. 2022 Mar 21;9(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s40634-022-00467-x

Dislocation is one of the most common complications after revision THA using the posterolateral approach. Although the cause of dislocation after revision THA is multifactorial, the historically high dislocation rates have been shown to be significantly reduced by closing the posterior capsule and by the use of large diameter (36 and 40 mm) femoral heads. The relative importance of each of these strategies on the rate of dislocation remains unknown. We undertook a study to determine if increasing femoral head diameter, in addition to posterior capsule closure would influence the dislocation rate following revision THA. We retrospectively reviewed 144 patients who underwent a revision THA. We included all patients who underwent revision THA with closure of the posterior capsule and who had at least a 2-year minimum follow-up. We excluded patients undergoing a revision THA for dislocation or multistage revision for infection since these patients would likely have deficient posterior tissues. Forty-eight patients had a 28 mm femoral head, 47 had a 32 mm head and 49 patients had a 36 mm femoral head. At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, there were 3 dislocations. There were no dislocations in the 28 mm group (0%), 2 in the 32 mm group (4%) and 1 in the 36 mm group (2%). All patients were successfully treated with a closed reduction. No patients had recurrent dislocation. Head size alone was not found to significantly decrease the risk of dislocation (28mm vs 32mm p=0.12; 28mm vs 36mm p=0.27; 32mm vs 36mm p=0.40). Both large diameter heads and careful attention to surgical technique with posterior capsule closure can decrease the historically high dislocation rate after revision THA when utilizing the posterolateral approach. The additional use of a large diameter head did not have a significant impact on the already low dislocation rate. Capsular closure outweighs the effect of femoral head diameter in preventing dislocation following revision THA through a posterolateral approach

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiological results of the unilateral posterolateral approach with the bilateral transpedicular approach in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 75 patients with 113 symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated with PV were studied: 53 females and 22 males. Average age 70.5 years (41 – 91), average follow-up 24 months (12 – 50). A unilateral posterolateral approach was used in 84 vertebrae and a bilateral transpedicular approach in 29 vertebrae. The most frequently treated vertebrae were L1 (30 vertebrae), L2 (27), L3 (19) and D12 (14). A posterolateral approach was used in 63 vertebrae (80.8%) and a transpedicular bilateral approach in 15 (19.2%). X-ray and MRI at pre-op, post-op, three months, six months and annually; post-op C-T of all patients. The Visual Analogical Scale (VAS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)were used at pre-op and six month follow-up. RESULTS: There were 72 cement leakages in 54 vertebrae (47.8%). In the posterolateral approach there were 33 cement leakages (39.3%), and there were 21 vertebrae with cement leaks (72.4%) in the bilateral transpedicular approach group. This difference is statistically significant (p=0.004). The cement leakages were classified in six anatomic groups. For the whole series cement leakages were more frequent to the proximal disk with 22 cases (19.5%), 11 leaks to the distal disk (9.7%), 9 to the external-vertebral venous plexus (8%), 10 paraparavertebral leaks (8.8%), 8 spinal canal leaks (7.1%), others 4 cases (3.5%) The most frequent cement leakage in both approaches is to the proximal disk. In the posterolateral approach the pre-op and post-op VAS were 7.76 and 2.66 as well as a pre-op and post-op ODI of 72 and 32.73. In the transpedicular approach the pre-op and post-op VAS were 7.71 and 2.21, and ODI of 66.3 and 28.04 respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the clinical results between both groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes for both approaches were similar, however the incidence of cement leakages is significantly higher in the transpedicular approach. We recommend the unilateral posterolateral approach in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with PV to reduce the risk of cement leakage

Objectives: Dislocation is one of the common complications of total hip Arthroplasty. Posterolateral approach and small femoral heads have been shown to be high-risk factors for dislocation of the implanted total hip prosthesis. The use of a posterior capsulorraphy has also shown to decrease the rate of dislocation with a posterolateral approach. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early dislocation rate using size 22 mm head and a Posterolateral approach augmented with a posterior capsulorraphy. Methods: Questionnaire and case notes review of 148 patients operated at one institution by 3 different senior surgeons from Aug’03 to Jan’05. A posterior capsulorraphy was performed in all the patients. The primary outcome measure was the dislocation of the prosthetic hip within the first year of surgery. Results: 4 of the 148 patients (2.7%) had an episode of dislocation during the first year of surgery. 3 patients were treated conservatively and 1 required operative intervention in the form of PLAD. Radiographic analysis of this patient showed excessive anteversion of the socket(28. 0). . Conclusions: Studies have consistently shown an increased rate of dislocation with a Posterolateral approach and use of a size 22mm head. A recently published study by Berry et.al has shown a 12.1% dislocation rate with the use of this approach and size 22mm head. However posterior capsulorraphy was not performed in patients in this study group. Our study shows that performing a posterior capsulorraphy can reduce early dislocation rates using Posterolateral approach and size 22 mm head. The dislocation rate (2.7%) is comparable to any other approach and the use of a larger head size. These patients continue to be monitored to evaluate long term outcomes with this approach. (301 words)

The two most common surgical approaches used in primary hip arthroplasty are the anterolateral and posterolateral approach. While both approaches have potential advantages and disadvantages in comparison to the other, there are no reports with sufficient power to compare their effect on post-operative function and quality of life. This prospective cohort study evaluates and compares the independent effect of surgical approach on function and quality of life among patients who have received their total hip arthroplasty through one of these techniques. Results suggest that there is no significant difference in function or quality of life among these respective cohorts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of anterolateral versus posterolateral approach on function and quality of life following primary total hip arthroplasty. There is no significant difference in outcome as a result of surgical approach. Significance: This is the first report with sufficient power to evaluate and compare outcomes of these two approaches among high volume hip surgeons. This study suggests that surgeons need not worry that the anterolateral or posterolateral approach may compromise patient function or generic quality of life more-so than the alternative approach. Univariate and regression analyses demonstrate similar outcomes on WOMAC, Oxford-12, SF-12 and satisfaction among cohorts of patients receiving the anterolateral or posterolateral approach for primary total hip arthroplasty. A prospective evaluation of function and quality of life outcomes was performed on patients receiving the anterolateral or posterolateral approach for primary hip arthroplasty. All participating surgeons were considered to be high volume arthroplasty surgeons. One hundred and sixty procedures were followed and provided complete outcomes data including WOMAC, Oxford, SF-12, and satisfaction scores. Univariate analyses demonstrated no differences among the two cohorts with regards to baseline variables. Regression analyses were performed for the outcome measures with surgical approach treated as an independent covariate while controlling for other potential confounders. The results suggest that there is no independent effect of surgical approach on patient reported outcomes. This suggests that the surgeon should continue to employ the approach which is the most familiar and most likely to result in consistent results in their clinical environment

The Synex cage is an expanding titanium implant designed for reconstruction of the anterior column in injury, post-traumatic kyphosis or tumour of the thoracolumbar spine. It is supplemented by a stabilizing implant. As it is expandable in situ it therefore can be inserted via a relatively small exposure. The design enables good purchase of the endplates and reduces the possibility of secondary displacement. Surgery for anterior reconstruction is usually performed via an anterior approach, however, there are incidences were a posterolateral approach is indicated. The Synex cage is useful in these circumstances, as being expandable, posterolateral insertion with preservation of the nerve roots is possible. The Synex cage is then supplemented with a posterior construct. The cage can be inserted via a left or right posterolateral approach. A specially designed angled screwdriver is now available to release the ratchet mechanism and if necessary collapse the cage. We present, what is, to the best of our knowledge and that of the manufacturer, the first two patients where a Synex cage has been inserted using the posterolateral approach. Conclusion: Synex cage has the advantage of being expandable and it is therefore possible to insert this via a potentially small exposure, between the nerve roots, using a posterolateral approach

The aim of the study is to investigate the biomechanical effects on the pelvis of the anterolateral and posterolateral approaches at the time of hip arthroplasty. In particular the study investigates the change in stress distribution, and the change in muscle recruitment pattern following surgery. The study uses an advanced finite element model of the pelvis, in which the role of muscles and ligaments in determining the stress distribution in the pelvis is included. The model is altered for the posterolateral approach by excision of the external rotators. Different levels of gluteal damage for the anterolateral approach are modelled by excising in turn the anterior third, half, and two-thirds of the gluteus medius and minimus. Although attempt is generally made to repair gluteal damage at the time of surgery, it is clear the muscle volume will be compromised immediately after surgery. In support of previous clinical studies indicating an increased risk of limp, and pelvic tilt following the anterolateral approach, significant differences were found in the muscle recruitment pattern following the anterolateral, compared to the posterolateral approach. During single leg stance and walking force transfer to the iliacus and pectineus was observed. Required levels of muscle force, to maintain coronal balance, following the anterolateral approach were found to be close to maximum sustainable levels. In addition significant alteration to the pelvic stress distribution was found following the anterolateral approach. The effects of increasing gluteal damage for the anterolateral approach were progressive, and became more pronounced when more than fifty percent of the gluteus medius and minimus were damaged. Increases in stresses around the acetabulum were observed for the posterolateral, compared to the anterolateral approach. Thus, based on a biomechanical evaluation, the anterolateral approach presents increased risk of limp, and pelvic tilt, in comparison to the posterolateral approach