Introduction

In total hip arthroplasty, correct sizing is critical for fixation and longevity of cementless components. Previously, three-dimensional CT templating has been shown to be more accurate than using 2D radiographs. The accuracy of the Optimized Positioning System (OPS^TM) planning software has not been reported. The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy of the OPS planning software in predicting the implanted acetabular cup and femoral stem size when used with the direct anterior approach.

Introduction

Active robotics for total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) uses a CAD-CAM approach to plan the correct size and placement of implants and to surgically achieve planned limb alignment. The TSolution One Total Knee Application (THINK Surgical Inc., Fremont, CA) is an open-implant platform, CT-based active robotic surgical system. A multi-center, prospective, non-randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted TKA using the TSolution One Total Knee Application. This report details the findings from the IDE.

Introduction

Active robotics for total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) uses a CAD-CAM approach to plan the correct size and placement of implants and to surgically achieve planned limb alignment. The TSolution One Total Knee Application (THINK Surgical Inc., Fremont, CA) is an open-implant platform, CT-based active robotic surgical system. A multi-center, prospective, non-randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted TKA using the TSolution One Total Knee Application. This report details the findings from the IDE.

Introduction

A variety of patient reported outcome (PRO) surveys have been established and validated to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) has been validated as one method to evaluate the effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty patients and facilitates the assessment of factors that alter patient outcomes in hip arthroplasty. This retrospective study assesses the effect of psychological post-operative expectations on HOOS in total hip arthroplasty patients. In this pilot study, patient data was collected for 499 patients using the AAOS established Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS) [1] and HOOS surveys.

Introduction

Appropriate femoral stem anteversion is an important factor in maintaining stability and maximizing the performance of the bearing after total hip replacement (THR). The anteversion of the native femoral neck has been shown to have a significant effect on the final anteversion of the stem, particularly with a uncemented femoral component. The aim of this study was to quantify the variation in native femoral neck anteversion in a population of patients requiring total hip replacement.

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare pre-operative acetabular cup parameters using this novel dynamic imaging sequence to the Lewinnek safe zone

Background

Recent studies indicate the benefits of total hip arthroplasty (THA) by using femoral neck-preserving short-stem implants (March et al 1999). These benefits rely on the preservation of native hip structure and improved physiological loading.

However, further investigation is needed to compare the outcome of these implants versus the conventional neck-sacrificing stems particularly assessed by patient-reported outcomes (PROs). In this study, we have investigated the differences in PROs between a neck-sacrificing stem design and neck-preserving short stem design (MiniHip, Corin Inc.). We hypothesized higher PROs outcome in patients who received treatment by using neck-preserving implants.

Objectives

Successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is predicated on accurate bony resection, mechanical alignment and component positioning. An active robotic TKA system is designed to achieve reliable and accurate bony resection based upon a preoperatively developed surgical plan. Surgical resections are executed intra-operatively according to this pre-operative plan. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of final implant positioning and alignment using this active robotic device, as well as its early clinical outcomes.

Background

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has long been the standard treatment for cases in which non-surgical alternatives have failed to improve pain and function in hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Outcomes from THA have improved over time with better surgical techniques and improved implant designs. While conventional neck-sacrificing implants have been associated with favorable outcomes, there is evidence to suggest biomechanical advantages of newer, femoral neck-preserving short-stem implants, including the Corin MiniHip. However, there is a still a gap of knowledge regarding the potential benefits of the MiniHip stem over conventional neck-sacrificing stems in regards to patient-reported outcomes (PROs). In this study, we investigated the differences between a neck-sacrificing stem design and neck-preserving short-stem design (MiniHip, Corin Inc.) arthroplasty concerning PROs, and considering the known features of the short stem design, we hypothesized that MiniHip THA would be associated with improved PROs in comparison to a neck-sacrificing implant system. We further sought to investigate gender effects related to MiniHip or conventional stem surgery.

The number of hip arthroplasty procedures has steadily increased in the United States over the last decade [Wolford, et. al, 2015]. This trend will continue as this treatment is the most effective approach in relieving pain, improving mobility, reducing fall risk and improving the quality of life in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. The effectiveness of recovery can be impacted by factors such as access to postoperative physical therapy regimens. During the recovery period, it is important for therapists to be guided in their therapeutic decision making by accurate data concerning the patient's performance on a variety of measures. This project is designed to map the gait recovery curves of individuals who have undergone unilateral hip arthroplasty. To date, eight individuals (4 females, mean age 64.9, SD 11.1) have participated in the study. Five of the patients were treated by traditional press-fit Accolade II implants (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ USA) through a direct anterior approach THA and the other three has been treated by using DAA THA and using neck preserving Minihip^TM short stem implant (Corin Ltd., Cirencester, UK). Each participant walked on an instrumented treadmill as a self-selected speed for three minutes pre-surgery. Post-surgery data collections occurred at three and six weeks, and three and six months and employed the same treadmill speed as used prior to surgery. Bilateral lower limb kinematic data was collected with a 12 camera motion capture system Vicon® (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK) using reflective markers attached to the hip, knee, ankle, heel and toe. Force plates embedded in the treadmill provided kinetic data that aided in the detection of heel strike and toe off. The temporal features associated with gait, including stride, stance time and double support time were obtained for both the surgical and non-surgical limbs and were used to assess changes in performance during the recovery period. The stance and double support data were also converted to a percentage of stance values which provide additional insights into gait control strategies. Repeated measure MANOVAs were used to evaluate any potential differences in the variables either between limbs or over time. Results from the statistical testing revealed that there were no significant differences between the two limbs for either stride or stance time. This was expected since global asymmetrical gait would have led to the participants veer off of the treadmill. There was a main effect of ‘Time’ for both stride and stance times. Post hoc testing indicated that the 6-month post-surgery measures were significantly reduced when compared to the Pre-surgery and 3-week post-surgery measures. Similarly, there were no significant differences in double support times between the two legs but there was a main effect for time. Post hoc testing revealed that the 6-month post-surgery double support time was significantly less than the Pre-surgery and 3-week post-surgery measures. These significant changes clearly indicate that surgery is effective in improving gait parameters. Moreover, clinicians may want to consider assessing double support time as this measure is a particularly robust indicator of the effectiveness of unilateral hip arthroplasty.

Hip arthroplasty is commonly used as the final treatment approach for patients experiencing end-stage osteoarthritis. The number of these patients needing this treatment is expected to grow significantly by year 2030 to more than 572000 patients [Kurtz et al., 2007]. One of the important outcomes of hip arthroplasty is to improve patients' functions postoperatively. The evaluation of walking can provide a wealth of information regarding the efficiency of this treatment in improving a patient's mobility. Assessing the kinematic features of gait collected with a motion capture system combined with the aid of a motor-driven treadmill provides the advantage of enabling the evaluator to collect precise information about a large number of strides in a short period of time. Body segment kinematics (i.e. joint motion) are most often represented in the form of time series data with the abscissa (X axis) representing time and the ordinate (y axis) representing the motion of a particular joint. Although a great deal of information can be gained from the analyses of time series data, non-linear analyses tools can provide an additional and important dimension to a clinician's assessment of gait recovery. In this study eight patients (4 females, mean age 64.9, SD 11.1) have currently been assessed after unilateral hip arthroplasty. All surgeries were conducted by direct anterior approach by using two different approaches; three of the patients were treated by bone preservation technique and received Minihip short stem implant (Corin Ltd., Cirencester, UK) and five were treated by using a press fit stem implant Accolade II (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ USA). Patients performed a single three-minute trial of walking on a motor-driven treadmill at a self-selected pace. Using a 12 camera system, bilateral lower limb joint motion was collected prior to the surgery, at three and six weeks and at three and 6 months after the surgery. Depending upon the patient's preferred walking pace; between 40 and 45 strides were collected during each trial. Kinematic data obtained from force plates embedded in the treadmill were used to identify the heel strike and toe off events for each stride. After time normalizing the each of the joint angles (i.e. hip, knee, ankle) for each stride to 100 data points the data were then amplitude normalized to the initial point of the pre-surgery data. The non-linear tools of angle-angle and phase plane were used to explore relationships that are not readily apparent with linear wave form analyses. Angle-angle diagrams between a variety of joints angles both within a single limb or bilaterally enabled us to explore segmental coordination patterns and how they changed over the six months after surgery. Phase plane analyses included comparing joint motion relative to the velocity of that motion. This technique provided insights into the nature of the control of the joint. The additional information that results from the use of non-linear analyses provides an additional dimension of that can aide the clinician in understanding the recovery curve. This additional insight can be used to guide therapeutic decision making.

Introduction

A variety of patient reported outcome (PRO) surveys have been established and validated to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) has been validated as one method to evaluate the effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty patients. This PRO facilitates the assessment of factors that alter patient outcomes in hip arthroplasty. This retrospective study assesses the effect of psychological post-operative expectations on HOOS in total hip arthroplasty patients. In this pilot study, patient data was collected for 499 patients using the AAOS established Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS) [1] and HOOS surveys.

Introduction

Hip Resurfacing has been shown to be a valuable treatment for younger osteoarthritis patients related to functional outcomes. On the other hand, there is a higher risk for potential neck fractures and there is serious concern over metal-ion release and related health risks associated with the current metal-on-metal designs. Neck-preserving, short-stem implants may be a good alternative for younger patients. The current study investigated patient-reported outcomes from resurfacing and total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a neck preserving, short-stem implant (Corin MiniHip®).

Introduction

The application of digital radiography in orthopaedic settings has facilitated the improvement in the retention and utilization of these images in pre and post-operative assessments [1]. In addition to the cost-effectiveness of such technology the use of digital imaging combined with advanced computer image processing software such as TraumaCadTM software system (TraumaCad, BRAINLAB, Westchester, IL, USA) can provide more accurate details about patients in total hip replacement arthroplasty (THA), a process traditionally called preoperative templating [2] by which intraoperative complications are minimized and overall surgical time is reduced[3]. In a study of 486 patients we demonstrated that patients demographic had significant effect on the outcome of the measurement and utilizing them in a predictive model had helped with improving the results [4]. In this study, we aimed to improve and optimize the proposed algorithm by utilizing more patients’ information and improving the model by using a nonlinear relationship. Our main hypothesis in this study was that the model would significantly predict the actual implant size based on the preoperative assessments.

Introduction

Preoperative templating of femoral and tibial components can assist in choosing the appropriate implant size prior to TKA. While weight bearing long limb roentograms have been shown to provide benefit to the surgeon in assessing alignment, disease state, and previous pathology or trauma, their accuracy in size prediction is continually debated due to scaling factors and rotated views. Further, they represent a static time point, accounting for boney anatomy only. A perceived benefit of robotic-assisted surgery is the ability to pre-operatively select component sizes with greater accuracy based on 3D information, however, to allow for flexibility in refining based on additional data only available at the time of surgery.

Introduction

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using conventional instrumentation has been shown to be a safe and effective way of treating end stage osteoarthritis by restoring function and alleviating pain. As robotic technology is developed to assist surgeons with intra-operative decision making such as joint balancing and component positioning, the safety of these advancements must be established. Furthermore, functional recovery and clinical outcomes should achieve comparable results to the gold standard of conventional instrumentation TKA.

Introduction

11%–19% of patients are unsatisfied with outcomes from Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This may be due to problems of alignment or soft-tissue balancing. In TKA, often a neutral mechanical axis is established followed by soft tissue releases to balance and match the flexion/extension gaps with the distal femoral and proximal tibial resections at right angles to the mechanical axis. Potential issues with establishment of soft tissue balance are due to associated structures such as bone tissue of the knee, the static (or passive) stabilizers of the joint (medial and lateral collateral ligaments, capsule, and anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments), and the dynamic (or active) stabilizers around the knee. An optimized balance among these systems is crucial to the successful outcome of a TKA. Additionally, the importance of correct femoral rotation has been well documented due to its effect on patella alignment and flexion instability, range of motion, and polyethylene wear.

There are several methods used in TKA procedures to establish femoral component rotation. The more prominent ones are a conventional method of referencing to the posterior condylar axis with a standard external rotation of 3° (PCR), anterior-posterior line or “Whiteside's line” (AP axis), transepicondylar axis (TEA) (Figure 1), and the gap balancing technique, however, it is not yet clear, which method is superior for femoral rotational component alignment.

In the current study, we sought to investigate an alternative method based on soft-tissue, dynamic knee balancing (DKB) while using an alternative analysis approach. DKB dictates femoral component rotation on the basis of ligament balance and force measures. DKB has become more prominent in TKA surgeries. While retaining ligament balance in TKA, it is possible that this technique also leads to higher precision of rotational alignment to the anatomical axis. The primary objective of this study was to compare efficiency of DKB versus other methods for rotational implant alignment based on post-surgery computed tomography (CT).

Introduction

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well established treatment option for patients with end stage osteoarthritis. Conventional TKA with manual instruments has been shown to be a cost effective and time efficient surgery. While robotic-assisted operative systems have been shown to have benefits in surgical accuracy, they have also been reported to have longer surgical times. The purpose of this work was to determine surgical time and learning curve for a novel robotic-assisted TKA platform.

Introduction

The concept of neck preserving stems, known as short femoral stems or metaphyseal stems has been utilized to improve the outcomes of standard cementless stems. The preservation of the proximal femoral bone stock results in decreasing the potential stress shielding and thigh pain. Additionally, these stems may be used in less invasive procedures and provide the option for easier revision procedures if implant failure occurs. In this study we aim to demonstrate the clinical outcome of direct anterior approach of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with short stem prosthesis.

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroplasty is an ultimate treatment for individuals with severe hip osteoarthritis. There are several available approaches when performing this type of surgery, however there is a growing interest in using the least invasive procedures. These less invasive procedures aid in healthy bone preservation which may be particularly important for younger populations undergoing hip arthoplasy (Rajakulendran & Field, 2012). Accurate and reliable measurement techniques are needed to better study and monitor the outcome of different implantation techniques during the postop recovery.