The COVID-19 pandemic led to a swift adoption of telehealth in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze patient and surgeon satisfaction with a rapid expansion of telehealth use during COVID-19 pandemic within the division of adult reconstructive surgery at a major urban academic hospital. 334 hip and knee arthroplasty patients who completed a telemedicine visit from March 30th, 2020 through April 30th, 2020 were sent a 14-question survey. Eight adult reconstructive surgeons who used telemedicine were sent a separate 14-question survey at the end of the study period. Factors influencing patient satisfaction were determined using univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression modeling.Introduction
Methods
Cementless femoral fixation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to rise worldwide, accompanied by the increasing abandonment of cemented femoral fixation. Cementless fixation is known to contribute to higher rates of post-operative complications and reoperations. New data is available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding total costs of care from the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) and Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) initiatives. How does femoral fixation affect (1) 90-day costs; (2) readmission rates; (3) re-operation rates; (4) length of stay (LOS); and (5) discharge disposition for Medicare patients undergoing elective or non-elective THA?Background
Questions/purposes
Manually instrumented knee arthroplasty is associated with variability in implant and limb alignment and ligament balance. When malalignment, patellar maltracking, soft tissue impingement or ligament instability result, this can lead to decreased patient satisfaction and early failure. Robotic technology was introduced to improve surgical planning and execution. Haptic robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leverages three-dimensional planning, optical navigation, dynamic intraoperative assessment of soft tissue laxity, and guided bone preparation utilizing a power saw constrained within haptic boundaries by the robotic arm. This technology became clinically available for TKA in 2016. We report our early experience with adoption of this technique. A retrospective chart review compared data from the first 120 robotic-arm assisted TKAs performed December 2016 through July 2018 to the last 120 manually instrumented TKAs performed May 2015 to January 2017, prior to introduction of the robotic technique. Level of articular constraint selected, surgical time, complications, hemoglobin drop, length of stay and discharge disposition were collected from the hospital record. Knee Society Scores (KSS) and range of motion (were derived from office records of visits preoperatively and at 2-weeks, 7-weeks and 3-month post-op. Manipulations under anesthesia and any reoperations were recorded.Background
Methods
Component impingement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can cause implant damage or dislocation. Dual mobility (DM) implants are thought to reduce dislocation risk, but impingement on metal acetabular bearings may cause femoral component notching. We studied the prevalence of (and risk factors for) femoral notching with DM across two institutions. We identified 37 patients with minimum 1-year radiographic follow-up after primary (19), revision (16), or conversion (2) THA with 3 distinct DM devices between 2012 and 2017. Indications for DM included osteonecrosis, femoral neck fracture, concomitant spinal or neurologic pathology, revision or conversion surgery, and history of prosthetic hip dislocation. Most recent radiographs were reviewed and assessed for notching. Acetabular anteversion and abduction were calculated as per Widmer (2004). Records were reviewed for dislocations and reoperations.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Cementless acetabular fixation in total hip replacement (THA) is reliable and has been the fixation method of choice in the United States for decades. While revision for failure of osseointegration or early loosening is relatively rare, recurrent dislocation remains a leading cause of early revision. Novel acetabular implants and those offered by smaller companies often lack constrained or dual mobility liners, which may result in revision of well-fixed, well-positioned cups in cases of recurrent dislocation. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of THA with three different acetabular cups with differing fixation surfaces. One hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated cup (Trident, Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) offered dual mobility or constrained liner options. The other cups were a novel highly porous cup (Restoris PST, Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA), and a Calcium Phosphate (CaP)-coated cup (Trinity, Corin, Cirincester, UK), neither of which offered dual mobility or constrained options at the time of investigation. Endpoints of interest were: clinical and radiographic outcomes including evidence of osseointegration, overall reoperations, reoperations for acetabular fixation failure, and reoperations to address dislocation in which a well-positioned shell was revised due to the lack of dual mobility or constrained options. A retrospective review of 370 acetabular cups implanted in 328 patients for THA by a single surgeon between February 2013 and June 2016 was performed. There were 100 Trident cups (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA), 105 Restoris PST Acetabular Cups (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA), and 165 Trinity Acetabular Cups (Corin, Cirincester, UK). Patient records were reviewed for post-operative complications, clinical outcomes scores and radiographic signs of acetabular osseointegration at minimum 1-year follow-up.Introduction
Methods
The direct anterior approach (DAA) and the posterior approach (PA) are 2 common total hip arthroplasty (THA) exposures. This prospective study quantitatively compared changes in periarticular muscle volume after DAA and PA THA. Nineteen patients undergoing THA were recruited from the practices of 3 fellowship-trained hip surgeons. Each surgeon performed a single approach, DAA or PA. Enrolled patients underwent a preoperative MRI of the affected hip and two subsequent postoperative MRIs, averaging 9.6 and 24.3 weeks after surgery. Clinical evaluations were done by Harris Hip Score at each follow-up interval.Introduction
Materials
Two-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI may make use of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ACS), as successful long- term prevention of reinfection have been reported using this technique.[i] However, there is little data on systemic complications of high-dose antibiotic spacers. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is of clinical significance, as the drugs most commonly utilized, vancomycin and aminoglycosides, can be nephrotoxic. We intended to determine the incidence of AKI in patients that underwent staged revision arthroplasty with an ACS, as well as to identify potential predisposing risk factors for the disease. Local databases of six different orthopaedic surgeons were retrospectively reviewed for insertion of either a static or articulating antibiotic cement spacer by from 2007–2017. Dose of antibiotic powder implanted, as well as IV antibiotic used, was collected from operative records. Demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative and postoperative creatinine and hemoglobin values were recorded from the EHR. AKI was defined by a more than 50% rise in serum creatinine from preoperative baseline to at least 1.4 mg/dL, as described by Menge et al.[ii] Variables were analyzed for the primary outcome of AKI within the same hospital stay as insertion of the ACS. Categorical variables were analyzed with Chi-Square test, and continuous variables with univariate logistic regression.INTRO
METHODS
This study aims to identify recent trends in discharge disposition following bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as well as factors that predispose patients to enter inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) or skilled nursing facilities (SNF) versus home-rehabilitation (HR). The goal was to identify risk factors that predispose prolonged hospital stays and identify changes in management over time that may be responsible for decreased length of stay (LOS) and a HR program. A retrospective cohort study design was used to collect and analyze clinical and demographic data for 404 consecutive bilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures. Patients who underwent elective primary bilateral total knee arthroplasty from 2011 to 2016 were identified from hospital records at a single institution. Clinical and demographic data including sex, age, and disposition were analyzedBACKGROUND
METHODS
The incidence of periprosthetic fractures is increasing as the population ages. Wound complications and surgical site infections following surgery to treat periprosthetic fractures are a major source of patient morbidity and health care burden. This study evaluates the efficacy of closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPT) in decreasing wound complications and surgical site infections (SSIs) after periprosthetic fracture surgery about the hip and knee. An IRB-approved retrospective quality improvement analysis of sixty-five consecutive periprosthetic fracture surgeries performed by four surgeons at a single institution in a fifteen-year period was performed. ciNPT was selectively used on patients in the last 20 months of the study period. Rates of wound complications, surgical site infections, and reoperation were compared with those of a sterile antimicrobial dressing (AMD).Introduction
Methods
Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reported to occur due to component malpositioning and/or oversizing, improper femoral component (FC) flexion and tibial component (TC) slope, tight extension gap, inaccurate joint line placement, deficient posterior osteophyte resection, heterotopic ossification (HO), poor patellofemoral joint reconstruction, poor posterior condylar offset restoration, and/or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) under-resection or retraction. However, the importance of these potential factors for stiffness are not well documented in the medical literature. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate specific radiographic parameters in patients who had stiffness after primary TKA. An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients that were revised due to stiffness after TKA. We defined stiffness as 15º or more of flexion contraction, less than 75º of flexion or a range of motion (ROM) of 90º with the chief complaint of limited ROM and pain. Patients with history of previous revisions and/or ORIF, infection, or isolated polyethylene exchange were excluded. Patients with a minimum of 1 year radiographic follow-up were included. Radiographic measurements were performed as described by the Knee Society TKA Roentgenographic Evaluation System (KSRES). Two blinded observers performed all measurements. Descriptive data is reported as mean (range). Inter-observer correlations were reported using Intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC).Introduction
Material and Methods
A stiff total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an uncommon but disabling problem because it causes pain and limited function. Revision surgery has been reported as a satisfactory treatment option for stiffness with modest benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of revision surgery for the treatment of stiffness after TKA. We defined stiffness as 15 degrees or more of flexion contracture or less than 75º of flexion or a range of motion of 90º or less presenting with a chief complain of limited range of motion and pain. We evaluated the results of forty-two revisions performed by one of four orthopedic surgeons due to stiffness after TKA. Patients with history of infection or isolated polyethylene insert exchange were excluded.Introduction
Methods
Prosthetic replacement remains the treatment of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly population, with recent literature demonstrating significant functional benefits of total hip arthroplasty (THA) over hemiarthroplasty. Yet the fracture population also has historically high rates of early postoperative instability when treated with THA. The direct anterior approach (DAA) may offer the potential to decrease the risk of postoperative instability in this high-risk population by maintaining posterior anatomic structures. The addition of intraoperative fluoroscopy can improve precision in component placement and overcome limitations on preoperative planning due to poor preoperative radiographs performed in the emergency setting. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic outcomes of 113 consecutive patients with displaced femoral neck fractures treated by two surgeons over a five-year period. All underwent surgery via the DAA using fluoroscopic guidance, and were allowed immediate postoperative weight bearing without any hip precautions or restrictions. Charts were reviewed for relevant complications, while radiographs were reviewed for component positioning, sizing, and leg length discrepancy. Mean follow-up was 8.9 months.Introduction
Methods
Symptomatic instability following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a leading cause of early failure. Despite numerous reports on instability, standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for these patients continue to remain unclear. Most reports recommend component revision as the preferred treatment, because of poor outcomes and high failure rates associated with isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange (ITPIE). However, modern implant systems and standardized protocols may potentially change this teaching. We performed an IRB-approved, retrospective review of 90 consecutive patients with minimum 2 years follow-up who underwent revision TKA for instability by one of four arthroplasty surgeons at a single institution. Mean age was 62.0 years (range, 41 to 83 years), and 73% of patients were women. Charts were reviewed for relevant preoperative clinical and physical exam findings, as well as pertinent intraoperative findings. Radiographs were analyzed for femoral and tibial component positioning. Pre- and post-operative Knee Society Scores (KSS) were calculated.Introduction
Methods
Posterior referencing (PR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore posterior condylar offset. When a symmetric femoral implant is externally rotated (ER) to the posterior condylar axis, it is impossible to anatomically restore the offset of both condyles. PR jigs variously reference medially, laterally, or centrally. The distal femoral cutting jigs typically reference off the more distal medial condyle, causing distal and posterior resection discrepancies. We used sawbones to elucidate differences between commonly used PR cutting jigs with regards to posterior offset restoration. Using 32 identical sawbones, we performed distal and posterior femoral resections using cutting guides from 8 widely available TKA systems. 6 systems used a central-referencing strategy, 1 system used a lateral-referencing strategy, and 1 system used a medial-referencing strategy with implants of asymmetric thickness. Distal femoral valgus resection was set at 5 degrees for all specimens. Rotation was set at 3 degrees for 2 sawbones and 5 degrees for 2 sawbones with each system. We measured the thickness of all bone resections, and compared those values to known implant thickness.Background
Materials/Methods
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common operation. Different operative approaches have specific benefits and compromises. Soft tissue injury occurs in total hip arthroplasty. This prospective study objectively measured muscle volume changes after direct anterior and posterior approach surgeries. Patients undergoing Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) and Posterior Approach (PA) THA were prospectively evaluated. 3 orthopaedic surgeons performed all surgeries. Muscle volumes of all major muscles around the hip were objectively measured using preoperative and 2 different postoperative follow-up MRIs. 2 independent measurers performed all radiographic volume measurements. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare mean muscle volume changes over time. Student's t-test was used to compare muscle volumes between groups at specific time intervals.Introduction
Methods
Acetabulum positioning affects dislocation rates, component impingement, bearing surface wear rates, and need for revision surgery. Novel techniques purport to improve the accuracy and precision of acetabular component position, but may come have significant learning curves. Our aim was to assess whether adopting robotic or fluoroscopic techniques improve acetabulum positioning compared to manual THA during the learning curve. Three types of THAs were compared in this retrospective cohort: 1) the first 100 fluoroscopically guided direct anterior THAs (fluoroscopic anterior, FA) done by a posterior surgeon learning the anterior approach, 2) the first 100 robotic assisted posterior THAs done by a surgeon learning robotic assisted surgery (robotic posterior, RP) and 3) the last 100 manual posterior THAs done by each surgeon (total 200 THAs) prior to adoption of novel techniques (manual posterior, MP). Component position was measured on plain radiographs. Radiographic measurements were done by two blinded observers. The percentage of hips within the surgeons' target zone (inclination 30°–50°, anteversion 10°–30°) was calculated, along with the percentage within the safe zone of Lewinnek (inclination 30°–50°; anteversion 5°–25°) and Callanan (inclination 30°–45°; anteversion 5°–25°). Relative risk and absolute risk reduction were calculated. Variances (square of the SDs) were used to describe the variability of cup position.Background
Methods
Computer-assisted navigation is an established tool in hip and knee arthroplasty. This technology was introduced with the goals of greater precision in bone preparation and implant placement, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes. Various navigation protocols exist, many of which require placement of temporary percutaneous pins in the operative field. Risks of pin placement have not been described. We conducted a retrospective review of 352 consecutive patients undergoing elective hip and knee surgery using computer-assisted navigation between January 2013 and December 2015, all with a minimum follow-up of 90 days. Navigation pins were placed using a standardized protocol into the iliac crest for hip arthroplasty or into the femoral and tibial diaphysis for knee arthroplasty. Postoperatively, all patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated. Patient records were reviewed for operative details and clinical outcomes. Outcome measures included any pin site complications including direct neurovascular damage, fracture through a pin site, and pin site infection.Introduction
Methods
Total hip arthroplasty is considered to be one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions. Acetabular component positioning has been shown to affect dislocation rates, component impingement, bearing surface wear rates, and need for revision surgery. The safe zones of acetabular component positioning have previously been described by Lewinnek et al. as 5 to 25 degrees of cup version and 30 to 50 degrees of inclination. Callanan et al. later modified the inclination to 30 to 45 degrees. Our aim was to assess whether THA via robotic assisted posterior approach (PA) improves acetabular component positioning compared to fluoroscopic guided anterior approach THA (AA).Introduction
Methods
Fixation remains a challenge in Revision TKR. Irregular and cavitary bone loss may precludeproper metaphyseal cementation and pressurization. Metaphyseal sleeves have been proposed to improve theinherent rotational stability of the implant bone interface. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of the use of metaphyseal sleeves on the quality of the cement fixation achieved. Fifty consecutive revision TKRs for AORI type 2 and 3 bone loss between January 2005 through January 2008 with average 2 years follow up were assessed retrospectively. Twelve patients were excluded for inadequate follow up. Nineteen patients with 26 cemented metaphyseal sleeves (15 tibiae and 11 femora) formed group 1 and 19 patients with 36 revision components (without metaphyseal sleeves) served as control (group 2). Patients were assessed clinically with knee society scores (KSS) and radiographically by quality of metaphyseal cement mantle and radiolucent lines(RLL). Groups were matched for pre-op bone loss and length of follow-up.Introduction
Methods
