Aims. In order to release the contracture band completely without damaging normal tissues (such as the sciatic nerve) in the surgical treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), we tried to display the relationship between normal tissue and contracture bands by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) images, and to predesign a minimally invasive surgery based on the MRN images in advance. Methods. A total of 30 patients (60 hips) were included in this study. MRN scans of the pelvis were performed before surgery. The contracture band shape and external rotation angle (ERA) of the proximal femur were also analyzed. Then, the minimally invasive GMC releasing surgery was performed based on the images and measurements, and during the operation, incision lengths, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding, and complications were recorded; the time of the first postoperative off-bed activity was also recorded. Furthermore, the patients’ clinical functions were evaluated by means of Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Ye et al’s objective assessments, respectively. Results. The contracture bands exhibited three typical types of shape – feather-like, striped, and mixed shapes – in MR images. Guided by MRN images, we designed minimally invasive approaches directed to each hip. These approaches resulted in a shortened incision length in each hip (0.3 cm (SD 0.1)), shorter surgery duration (25.3 minutes (SD 5.8)), less intraoperative bleeding (8.0 ml (SD 3.6)), and shorter time between the end of the operation and the patient’s first off-bed activity (17.2 hours (SD 2.0)) in each patient. Meanwhile, no serious postoperative complications occurred in all patients. The mean HOS-Sports subscale of patients increased from 71.0 (SD 5.3) to 94.83 (SD 4.24) at six months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The follow-up outcomes from all patients were “good” and “excellent”, based on objective assessments. Conclusion. Preoperative MRN analysis can be used to facilitate the determination of the relationship between contracture band and normal tissues. The minimally invasive surgical design via MRN can avoid nerve damage and improve the release effect. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):776–784

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This study aimed to analyze kinematics and kinetics of the tibiofemoral joint in healthy subjects with valgus, neutral, and varus limb alignment throughout multiple gait activities using dynamic videofluoroscopy.

Aims

Patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with manual jig-based instruments has been reported to be as high as 30%. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has been increasingly used in an effort to improve patient outcomes, however there is a paucity of literature examining patient satisfaction after RA-TKA. This study aims to identify the incidence of patients who were not satisfied following RA-TKA and to determine factors associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction.

Bone regeneration and repair are crucial to ambulation and quality of life. Factors such as poor general health, serious medical comorbidities, chronic inflammation, and ageing can lead to delayed healing and nonunion of fractures, and persistent bone defects. Bioengineering strategies to heal bone often involve grafting of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with biocompatible scaffolds. While BMAC shows promise, variability in its efficacy exists due to discrepancies in MSC concentration and robustness, and immune cell composition. Understanding the mechanisms by which macrophages and lymphocytes – the main cellular components in BMAC – interact with MSCs could suggest novel strategies to enhance bone healing. Macrophages are polarized into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, and influence cell metabolism and tissue regeneration via the secretion of cytokines and other factors. T cells, especially helper T1 (Th1) and Th17, promote inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, whereas Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells have anti-inflammatory pro-reconstructive effects, thereby supporting osteogenesis. Crosstalk among macrophages, T cells, and MSCs affects the bone microenvironment and regulates the local immune response. Manipulating the proportion and interactions of these cells presents an opportunity to alter the local regenerative capacity of bone, which potentially could enhance clinical outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):462–473.

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This study intended to investigate the effect of vericiguat (VIT) on titanium rod osseointegration in aged rats with iron overload, and also explore the role of VIT in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation.

Advanced 3D imaging and CT-based navigation have emerged as valuable tools to use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), for both preoperative planning and the intraoperative execution of different philosophies of alignment. Preoperative planning using CT-based 3D imaging enables more accurate prediction of the size of components, enhancing surgical workflow and optimizing the precision of the positioning of components. Surgeons can assess alignment, osteophytes, and arthritic changes better. These scans provide improved insights into the patellofemoral joint and facilitate tibial sizing and the evaluation of implant-bone contact area in cementless TKA. Preoperative CT imaging is also required for the development of patient-specific instrumentation cutting guides, aiming to reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve the surgical technique in complex cases. Intraoperative CT-based navigation and haptic guidance facilitates precise execution of the preoperative plan, aiming for optimal positioning of the components and accurate alignment, as determined by the surgeon’s philosophy. It also helps reduce iatrogenic injury to the periarticular soft-tissue structures with subsequent reduction in the local and systemic inflammatory response, enhancing early outcomes. Despite the increased costs and radiation exposure associated with CT-based navigation, these many benefits have facilitated the adoption of imaged based robotic surgery into routine practice. Further research on ultra-low-dose CT scans and exploration of the possible translation of the use of 3D imaging into improved clinical outcomes are required to justify its broader implementation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):892–897.

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The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated classification system for assessing iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary objective was to compare macroscopic bone trauma and soft-tissues injury in conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA) using this classification system.

Aims. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following distal femur tumour resection has been widely advocated. In this paper, we present the design of an uncemented endoprosthesis system featuring a short, curved stem, with the goal of enhancing long-term survivorship and functional outcomes. Methods. This study involved patients who underwent implantation of an uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with a short and curved stem between 2014 and 2019. Functional outcomes were assessed using the 1993 version of the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS-93) score. Additionally, we quantified five types of complications and assessed osseointegration radiologically. The survivorship of the endoprosthesis was evaluated according to two endpoints. A total of 134 patients with a median age of 26 years (IQR 16 to 41) were included in our study. The median follow-up time was 61 months (IQR 56 to 76), and the median functional MSTS-93 was 83% (IQR 73 to 91) postoperatively. Results. Overall, 21 patients (16%) encountered complications, and the rate of aseptic loosening was 7% (9/134). The survival rate up to 8.5 years was 93% for aseptic loosening as the endpoint, and 88% for any reason as the endpoint, retrospectively. Conclusion. The use of an uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with a short, curved stem demonstrated a low incidence of aseptic loosening and achieved long-term survivorship of up to nine years. Meanwhile, aseptic loosening typically occurs in the early stage postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):1000–1007

Aims

Bacterial infection activates neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in bacterial biofilms of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in NET activation and release (NETosis) and haemostasis markers in the plasma of patients with PJI, to evaluate whether such plasma induces the activation of neutrophils, to ascertain whether increased NETosis is also mediated by reduced DNaseI activity, to explore novel therapeutic interventions for NETosis in PJI in vitro, and to evaluate the potential diagnostic use of these markers.

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Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for congenital hip dysplasia (CDH) presents a challenge. In high-grade CDH, key surgical targets include cup placement in the anatomical position and leg length equality. Lengthening of more than 4 cm is associated with sciatic nerve injury, therefore shortening osteotomies are necessary. We present our experience of different shortening osteotomies including advantages and disadvantages of each technique. 89 hips, in 61 pts (28 bilateral cases), for high CDH were performed by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2022. 67 patients were female and 22 were male. Age ranged from 38 to 68 yrs. In all patients 5–8cm of leg length discrepancy (LLD) was present, requiring shortening femoral osteotomy. 12 patients underwent sequential proximal femoral resection with trochanteric osteotomy, 46 subtrochanteric, 6 midshaft, and 25 distal femoral osteotomies with simultaneous valgus correction were performed. All acetabular prostheses were placed in the true anatomical position. We used uncemented high porosity cups. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. All osteotomies healed uneventfully except 3 non-unions of the greater trochanter in the proximal femur resection group. No femoral shaft fractures in proximally based osteotomies. No significant LLD compared to the unaffected or reconstructed side. 2 patients suffered 3 and 5 degrees malrotation of the femur in the oblique sub-trochanteric group. 3 patients suffered transient sciatic nerve palsies. Shortening femoral osteotomies in the treatment of DDH are necessary to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve. In our series, we found transverse subtrochanteric osteotomies to be the most technically efficient, versatile and predictable in their clinical outcome, due to the ability to correct rotation and preserve the metaphyseal bone integrity, allowing for better initial stem stability. Distal femoral osteotomies allowed for controllable correction of valgus knee deformity

When treating periprosthetic femur fractures (PPFFs) around total hip arthroplasty (THA)], determining implant fixation status preoperatively is important, since this guides treatment regarding ORIF versus revision. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of preoperative implant fixation status determination utilizing plain films and CT scans.

Twenty-four patients who underwent surgery for Vancouver B type PPFF were included in the study. Two joint surgeons and two traumatologists reviewed plain films alone and made a judgment on fixation status. They then reviewed CT scans and fixation status was reassessed. Concordance and discordance were recorded. Interobserver reliability was assessed using Kendall's W and intraobserver reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa. Ultimately, the “correct” response was determined by intraoperative findings, as we routinely test the component intraoperatively.

Fifteen implants were found to be well-fixed (63%) and 9 were loose. Plain radiographs alone predicted correct fixation status in 53% of cases. When adding the CT data, the correct prediction only improved to 55%. Interestingly, concordance between plain radiographs and CT was noted in 82%. In concordant cases, the fixation status was found to be correct in 55% of cases. Of the 18% of cases with discordance, plain films were correct in 43% of cases, and the CT was correct in 57%. Interobserver reliability demonstrated poor agreement on plain films and moderate agreement on CT. Intraobserver reliability demonstrated moderate agreement on both plain films and CT.

The ability to determine fixation status for proximal PPFFs around uncemented femoral components remains challenging. The addition of routine CT scanning did not significantly improve accuracy. We recommend careful intraoperative testing of femoral component fixation with surgical dislocation if necessary, and the surgeon should be prepared to revise or fix the fracture based on those findings.

Executing an extended retinacular flap containing the blood supply for the femoral head, reduction osteotomy (FHO) can be performed, increasing the potential of correction of complex hip morphologies. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety of the procedure and report the clinical and radiographic results in skeletally mature patients with a minimum follow up of two years.

Twelve symptomatic patients (12 hips) with a mean age of 17 years underwent FHO using surgical hip dislocation and an extended soft tissue flap. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging producing radial cuts (MRI) were obtained before surgery and radiographs after surgery to evaluate articular congruency, cartilage damage and morphologic parameters. Clinical functional evaluation was done using the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS).

After surgery, at the latest follow-up no symptomatic avascular necrosis was observed and all osteotomies healed without complications. Femoral head size index improved from 120 ± 10% to 100 ± 10% (p<0,05). Femoral head sphericity index improved from 71 ± 10% before surgery to 91 ± 7% after surgery (p<0,05). Femoral head extrusion index improved from 37 ± 17% to 5 ± 6% (p< 0,05). Twenty five percent of patients had an intact Shenton line before surgery. After surgery this percentage was 75% (p<0,05). The NAHS score improved from a mean of 41 ± 18 to 69 ± 9 points after surgery (p< 0,05). The HOS score improve from 56 ± 24 to 83 ± 17 points after surgery (p< 0,05) and the mHHS score improved from 46 ± 15 before surgery to 76 ± 13 points after surgery (p< 0,05).

In this series, femoral head osteotomy could be considered as safe procedure with considerable potential to correct hip deformities and improve patients reported outcome measures (PROMS).

Level of evidence - Level IV, therapeutic study

Keywords - Femoral head osteotomy, Perthes disease, acetabular dysplasia, coxa plana

Securing the osteotomized greater trochanter (GT) during total hip arthroplasty (THA) for dislocated dysplastic hips (DDH) poses a significant challenge. This study evaluates the union rate and effectiveness of a 2-strand transverse wiring technique utilizing the lesser trochanter for wire anchorage and tensioning. A digastric anterior slide trochanteric osteotomy was performed in 106 patients (118 hips) undergoing THA for DDH. Following uncemented stem insertion, the GT was transferred and fixed to the lateral cortex of the proximal femur using monofilament stainless steel wires. In 72 out of 106 patients (80 hips), the GT was fixed with 2 transverse wire cerclages threaded through 2 drill holes in the base of the lesser trochanter, spaced vertically 5–10 millimeters apart. The wires were wrapped transversely over the GT and tightened, avoiding contact with its tendinous attachments. Patients were regularly monitored, and GT union was assessed clinically and radiographically. Patient ages ranged from 20 to 57 years (mean 35.5), with a follow-up period ranging from 1.5 to 12 years (mean 6.2). The mean union time was 3.3 months (range 2–7). Among all hips, two developed stable nonunion and single wire breakage, but no fragment displacement (2.5%). Two hips exhibited delayed union, eventually healing at 6 and 7 months after surgery. Reattachment of the greater trochanter utilizing a 2-strand transverse wire cerclage anchored at the base of the lesser trochanter demonstrated a high rate of union (97.5%) following THA in dislocated DDH cases

Extensive and severe bone loss of the femur may be a result of a failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with multiple revision surgeries which may be caused by factors such as infection, periprosthetic fracture or osteolysis. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of using the “Push-Through Total Femoral Prosthesis” (PTTF) for revision of a total hip replacement with extreme bone loss. Fourteen patients who had extensive bone defects of the femur due to failed THR's and were treated with PTTF between 2012 and 2020 were included in this study. Primary functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS), Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. Range of motion, complications, and ambulatory status were also recorded to assess secondary outcomes. Two of 14 patients underwent surgery with PTTF for both knee and hip arthroplasty revision. The mean time between index surgery and PTTF was 15 years (3 to 32 yrs.). Acetabular components were revised in six of 14 patients. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, hip dislocations occurred in 3 patients. All dislocated hips were in patients with retained non-constrained acetabular bearings. Patient satisfaction was high (MSTS: 67%, HHS: 61.2%, TESS 64.6%) despite a high re-operation rate and minor postoperative problems. PTTF is a unique alternative that may be considered for a failed THA revision procedure in patients with an extreme femoral bone defect. Patients are able to ambulate pain free relatively well. Routine usage of constrained liners should be considered to avoid hip dislocation which was our main problem following the procedure

Aims

Sagittal plane imbalance (SPI), or asymmetry between extension and flexion gaps, is an important issue in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare SPI between kinematic alignment (KA), mechanical alignment (MA), and functional alignment (FA) strategies.

The August 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Comparing augmented and nonaugmented locking-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly; Elevated five-year mortality following shoulder arthroplasty for fracture; Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol reduces discharge times compared with inhaled general anaesthesia in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial; The influence of obesity on outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; Humeral component version has no effect on outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial; What is a meaningful improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty by implant type, preoperative diagnosis, and sex?; The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review; Mortality and subsequent fractures of patients with olecranon fractures compared to other upper limb osteoporotic fractures.

The August 2024 Oncology Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: What factors are associated with osteoarthritis after cementation for benign aggressive bone tumour of the knee joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Recycled bone grafts treated with extracorporeal irradiation or liquid nitrogen freezing after malignant tumour resection; Intercalary resection of the tibia for primary bone tumours: are vascularized fibula autografts with or without allografts a durable reconstruction?; 3D-printed modular prostheses for the reconstruction of intercalary bone defects after joint-sparing limb salvage surgery for femoral diaphyseal tumours; Factors influencing the outcome of patients with primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the sacrum; The significance of surveillance imaging in children with Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma; Resection margin and soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities treated with limb-sparing surgery and postoperative radiotherapy.