Aims

This study aimed to assess the carbon footprint associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a UK hospital setting, considering various components within the operating theatre. The primary objective was to identify actionable areas for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable orthopaedic practices.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative mortality and morbidity in older patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, between those who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and those who underwent hemiarthroplasty.

Aims. We investigated the efficacy and safety profile of commonly used venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and OrthoSearch was performed. Prophylaxis agents investigated were aspirin (< 325 mg and ≥ 325 mg daily), enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, unfractionated heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the risk of VTE, whereas the primary safety outcomes of interest were the risk of major bleeding events (MBE) and wound complications (WC). VTE was defined as the confirmed diagnosis of any deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect evidence was performed. Cluster rank analysis using the surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was applied to compare each intervention group, weighing safety and efficacy outcomes. Results. Of 86 studies eligible studies, cluster rank analysis showed that aspirin < 325 mg daily (SUCRA-VTE 89.3%; SUCRA-MBE 75.3%; SUCRA-WC 71.1%), enoxaparin (SUCRA-VTE 55.7%; SUCRA-MBE 49.8%; SUCRA-WC 45.2%), and dabigatran (SUCRA-VTE 44.9%; SUCRA-MBE 52.0%; SUCRA-WC 41.9%) have an overall satisfactory efficacy and safety profile. Conclusion. We recommend the use of either aspirin < 325 mg daily, enoxaparin, or dabigatran for VTE prophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):924–934

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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.

Aims

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving multiple cytokine pathways, leading to articular cartilage degeneration. Intra-articular therapies using pharmaceutical or autologous anti-inflammatory factors offer potential non-surgical treatment options. Autologous protein solution (APS) is one such product that uses the patient’s blood to produce a concentrate of cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the effect of a specific APS intra-articular injection (nSTRIDE) on patient-reported outcome measures compared to saline in moderate knee OA.

Aims. 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. Methods. This study included 30 CO THAs versus 30 RO THAs performed by a single surgeon. Intraoperative photographs of the osseous acetabulum and periacetabular soft-tissues were obtained prior to implantation of the acetabular component, which were used to develop the proposed classification system. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities of the proposed classification system were assessed. Results. The BOne trauma and Soft-Tissue Injury classification system in total Hip arthroplasty (BOSTI Hip) grades osseous acetabular trauma and periarticular muscle damage during THA. The classification system has an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.93) for interobserver agreement and 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) for intraobserver agreement. RO THA was associated with improved BOSTI Hip scores (p = 0.002) and more pristine osseous surfaces in the anterior superior (p = 0.001) and posterior superior (p < 0.001) acetabular quadrants compared with CO THA. There were no differences between the groups in relation to injury to the gluteus medius (p = 0.084), obturator internus (p = 0.241), piriformis (p = 0.081), superior gamellus (p = 0.116), inferior gamellus (p = 0.132), quadratus femoris (p = 0.208), and vastus lateralis (p = 0.135), but overall combined muscle injury was reduced in RO THA compared with CO THA (p = 0.023). Discussion. The proposed BOSTI Hip classification provides a reproducible grading system for stratifying iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during THA. RO THA was associated with improved BOSTI Hip scores, more pristine osseous acetabular surfaces, and reduced combined periarticular muscle injury compared with CO THA. Further research is required to understand if these intraoperative findings translate to differences in clinical outcomes between the treatment groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):898–906

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.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prior sleeve gastrectomy in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty, and 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Methods. This is a retrospective, single-centre analysis. Patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty with a prior sleeve gastrectomy were eligible for inclusion (n = 80 patients). A morbidly obese control group was established from the same institutional registry using a 1:2 match, for cases:controls with arthroplasty based on propensity score using age, sex, pre-sleeve gastrectomy BMI, Current Procedural Terminology code to identify anatomical location, and presurgical haemoglobin A1C. Outcomes included 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations of underlying preoperative demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes. Results. Complications within 90 days of surgery were increased in the sleeve gastrectomy group relative to the obese control group after controlling for underlying preoperative demographic characteristics (odds ratio (OR) 4.00 (95% CI 1.14 to 13.9); p = 0.030). Postoperative revisions were similar in the sleeve gastrectomy group relative to the obese control group after controlling for underlying preoperative demographic characteristics (OR 17.8 (95% CI 0.64 to 494.3); p = 0.090). Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression decreased by a greater amount from pre- to postoperative in the obese controls relative to the sleeve gastrectomy group (OR 4.04 (95% CI 0.06 to 8.02); p = 0.047). PROMIS pain interference and physical function change from pre- to postoperative was not associated with sleeve gastrectomy status. Conclusion. We found a higher rate of complications at 90 days in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy prior to primary hip or knee arthroplasty relative to a matched, obese control population. Prosthetic revision rates were similar between the two groups, while improvements in PROMIS depression scores were larger in the obese cohort. This study suggests that sleeve gastrectomy to achieve preoperative weight loss prior to arthroplasty surgery may not mitigate early complication risks in obese patient populations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):935–941

Aims

Implant waste during total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents a significant cost to the USA healthcare system. While studies have explored methods to improve THA cost-effectiveness, the literature comparing the proportions of implant waste by intraoperative technology used during THA is limited. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine whether the use of enabling technologies during THA results in a smaller proportion of wasted implants compared to navigation-guided and conventional manual THA; 2) determine the proportion of wasted implants by implant type; and 3) examine the effects of surgeon experience on rates of implant waste by technology used.

Aims. 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. Methods. Between 2014 and 2023, 79 patients with a mean follow-up of 33 months (SD 22; 9 to 103) were included. Functional outcome was measured using the Harris Hip Score and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). PPR revisions were defined as an endpoint, and subgroups were analyzed to determine risk factors. Results. Implantation was possible in all cases with a 2D centre of rotation deviation of 10 mm (SD 5.8; 1 to 29). PPR revision was necessary in eight (10%) patients. HHS increased significantly from 33 to 72 postoperatively, with a mean increase of 39 points (p < 0.001). Postoperative EQ-5D score was 0.7 (SD 0.3; -0.3 to 1). Risk factor analysis showed significant revision rates for septic indications (p ≤ 0.001) as well as femoral defect size (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Since large acetabular defects are being treated surgically more often, custom-made PPR should be integrated as an option in treatment algorithms. Monoflange PPR, with primary iliac fixation, offers a viable treatment option for Paprosky III defects with promising functional results, while requiring less soft-tissue exposure and allowing immediate full weightbearing. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):688–696

There is still no clear consensus regarding which cup position might provide better functional performance for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of acetabular mirroring reconstruction for DDH in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study reviewed 96 patients (96 hips) with unilateral Crowe type-II/III DDH undergoing either visualized navigation-assisted mirroring reconstruction with augment according to the rotation center and biomechanical structure of the contralateral normal hips (Mirroring group, 51 hips) or high hip center reconstruction (HHC group, 45 hips) in THA from 2020 to 2023. The functional and radiographic results were analyzed between the groups during a mean follow-up period of 27.5 and 28.9 months (a minimum follow-up of 12 months). The Harris hip score at the last follow-up significantly improved in both groups, while it was significantly higher in the mirroring group (P<0.001). In the HHC group, the rotation center height and greater trochanter height were significantly increased in the affected hip (P<0.001; P<0.001) and the abductor lever arm was significantly decreased in the affected hip compared to that in the contralateral normal hip (P<0.001), whereas in the mirroring group no significant statistical differences were observed between two sides. The limping occurred in 7 patients (13.7%) in the mirroring group and 14 patients (31.1%) in the HHC group (P=0.040). A multiple logistic regression demonstrated mirroring reconstruction could reduce the incidence of postoperative limping (P=0.020). Both mirroring and HHC reconstruction could improve the functional performance of THA, whereas mirroring reconstruction could offer superior biomechanical results and gait improvement as compared with HHC reconstruction, meeting the higher requirements of functional recovery

Spasticity used to be considered a contraindication for total hip replacement (THR) procedures. Due to the development of implants as well as surgical skills, THR became an option for the treatment of painful dislocation of the hip joint in patients with spastic plegia. The aim of this study was an evaluation of mid-term results of THR in spastic CP adolescent patients with painful hips with hip joint subluxation or dislocation. In 2014–2022, 18 pts (19 hips) with CP aged 16 to 20 years underwent THR in our department. The mean follow-up was 4 years (range: 1 – 9 years). Results were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Scale, VAS scale in accordance with the Ashworth scale, types of implants used (dual mobility cup and not dual mobility cup), and radiological assessment (Crowe scale). Complications have been thoroughly analyzed. In 10 pts there has been an improvement in the GMFSC scale average from 1 to 2 points observed after the surgery. All pts have improved in the VAS scale average of 8 points (from 10 to 7). According to the Crowe scale repositioning of preoperative dislocation to primary acetabulum was achieved in all cases. Complications occurred in 4 cases: dislocations of 2 THR with dual mobility cup and 2 THR with non-dual mobility cup requiring revision surgery with good final result. No statistical significance was noted according to the type of cup (Mann-Whitney U Test). The most important risk factor for complications is severe spasticity. We believe, that CP pts with painful hips should be treated using THR. We didn't observe any significant differences between the types of implants. These findings may serve as a basis for the prediction of outcomes of THR treatment in this specific group of pts. Level of evidence: Case-control or retrospective comparative study-Level III

No single test has demonstrated absolute accuracy in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Leukocyte esterase (LE) is a synovial marker that has proven utility in the diagnosis of PJI. The purpose of this prospective study was to (1) identify the optimal cutoff for the use of LE in the diagnosis of PJI and (2) determine whether performance of the LE strip test varied by infecting organism. This prospective study enrolled 1,015 patients undergoing hip or knee revision arthroplasty at a single institution from 2009 to September 2021. PJI was defined using a modified version of 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria that excluded LE when calculating the ICM score. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the utility of the LE strip test in the diagnosis of PJI. 973 patients were included in the analyses. 246 (25.4%) were classified as ICM-positive and 727 (74.6%) were classified as ICM-negative. An LE cutoff of “1+” (AUC 0.819, sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 90.6%) had superior accuracy to an LE cutoff of “2+” (AUC 0.713, sensitivity 43.9%, specificity 98.8%) in the overall diagnosis of PJI (p<0.001). When stratifying by organism type, an LE cutoff of “1+” had the best diagnostic utility for PJI caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (AUC 0.888, sensitivity 87.0%, n=23) followed by Streptococcus spp. (AUC 0.882, sensitivity 85.7%, n=28), coagulase negative Staphylococci (AUC 0.836, sensitivity 76.6%, n=47), methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (AUC 0.806, sensitivity 70.6%, n=34), culture negative (AUC 0.793, sensitivity 67.9%, n=56), and gram negative rods (AUC 0.763, sensitivity 61.9%, n=21). To our knowledge, this is the largest study evaluating the utility of the LE strip test in the diagnosis of PJI. Based on our findings, it appears that a “1+” cutoff has higher diagnostic utility than a cutoff of “2+”

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), cementless cup without screw holes has the putative benefits of maximizing host bone contact and reducing osteolysis by eliminating channels to backside wear particles. However, supplemental trans-acetabular screws cannot be used. 74 hips in 60 patients receiving same model of cementless cup without screw holes (Depuy Duraloc 100 HA cup) from 6/1999 to 3/2003 were prospectively followed up. All patients were allowed to have immediate full weight bearing. Age at THA was 53 ± 13 (range 24–74) years. Osteonecrosis was the leading hip disease (45% of hips). Survivorship was assessed using revision of the cup as the end point. Radiological parameters, including lateral opening angle, vertical and horizontal migration distances of the cups were measured. Paired t-test was used to compare between the measurements in early postoperative period and at final follow up. 51 hips were assessed at minimum 20 years follow-up. The mean follow-up was 22.6 (range 21 – 25) years. All the cups were well fixed. There were two cup revisions. Conventional polyethylene (PE) was used in both hips; osteolysis occurred 17 and 18 years later. Both cups were well fixed but were revised, one due to cup mal-positioning, one due to need in upsizing the articulation. 14 other hips were revised but these cups were well fixed and not revised; 9 loosened stems (most were cemented Elite plus stems), 5 PE wear and osteolysis (all were conventional PE). At 20 years, the survivorship of cups was 96.1%. Changes in lateral opening angle, vertical and horizontal migration distances were 0.44±1.59°, 0.01±1.52mm and -0.32±1.47mm respectively, without statistical significance. This study provided evidence of excellent long-term survivorship of cementless cup without screw holes. Immediate postoperative weight-bearing also did not lead to cup migration in the long-term

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

We previously reported the five to ten-year results of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of the BHR at long-term follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed 250 patients from the original cohort of 324 BHRs performed from 2006 to 2013 who met contemporary BHR indications. Of these, 4 patients died and 4 withdrew. From the 242 patients, 224 patients (93%) were available for analysis. Modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were collected and compared to a matched total hip arthroplasty (THA) cohort. Mean follow-up was 14 years. Survivorship free of aseptic revision was 97.4% and survivorship free of any revision was 96.0% at 15 years. Revisions included 3 periprosthetic joint infections, 2 for elevated metal ions and symptomatic pseudotumor, 2 for aseptic femoral loosening, and 1 for unexplained pain. The mean mHHS was 93 in BHR patients at final follow-up, similar to the THA cohort (p=0.44). The UCLA score was significantly higher for BHR patients (p=0.02), however there were equal proportions of patients who remained highly active (UCLA 9 or 10) in both groups, 60.5% and 52.2% (p=0.45) for BHR and THA respectively. Metal ion levels at long term follow-up were low (mean serum cobalt 1.8±1.5 ppb and mean serum chromium 2.2±2.0 ppb). BHR demonstrated excellent survivorship in males less than 60 years of age at time of surgery. Clinical outcomes and activity levels were similar to THA patients. Failures related to the metal-on-metal bearing were rare and metal levels were low at long-term follow-up. Level of evidence: III. Keywords: survivorship; hip arthroplasty; activity; metal-on-metal. Surface Replacement Arthroplasty demonstrates low revision rates and similar activity level compared to total hip arthroplasty at long-term follow-up

Early micromotion of hip implants measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a predictor for late aseptic loosening. Computed Tomography Radiostereometric Analysis (CT-RSA) can be used to determine implant micro-movements using low-dose CT scans. CT-RSA enables a non-invasive measurement of implants. We evaluated the precision of CT-RSA in measuring early stem migration. Standard marker-based RSA was used as reference. We hypothesised that CT-RSA can be used as an alternative to RSA in assessing implant micromotions. We included 31 patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Distal femoral stem migration at 1 year was measured with both RSA and CT-RSA. Comparison of the two methods was performed with paired-analysis and Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was evaluated. No statistical difference was found between RSA and CTMA measurements. The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between marker-based RSA and CT-RSA. The intra- and interobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was found to be excellent (≥0.992). CT-RSA is comparable to marker-based RSA in measuring distal femoral stem migration. CTMA can be used as an alternative method to detect early implant migration

This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that an antibiotic loaded hydrogel, defensive antimicrobial coating (DAC), reduces overall complication and infection rates when used for high-risk primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA).

This was a retrospective study matched cohort study of 238 patients, treated with cementless implants with and without DAC. A sub-group analysis of patients undergoing 2nd stage revision THA for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) was also conducted. Re-infection rates within 2 years, complications necessitating surgical intervention and radiographic analysis for aseptic loosening was assessed.

The mean age was 68.3±11.5 years, with 39 (32.8%) Macpherson class A, 64 (53.8%) class B and 16 (13.4%) class C patients. 4 (3.4%) patients in the DAC group developed complications including 1 PJI and 1 delayed wound healing, while 13 (10.9%) patients in the control group developed complications including 5 PJIs and 3 delayed wound healing (p=0.032). PJI rates (p=0.136) and delayed wound healing rates (p=0.337) were not statistically significant. For 2nd stage revision THA for PJI there were 86 patients in the DAC group and 45 in the control group. 1 (1.2%) patient in the DAC group developed complications with no recurrences of infection or delayed wound healing, while 10 (22.2%) patients in the control group developed complications including 4 recurrent PJI and 1 delayed wound healing (p=0.003). Recurrent PJI rates were statistically significant (p=0.005) while delayed wound healing rates were not (p=0.165). Patients treated with DAC also had lower rates of aseptic loosening (0% vs 6.7%; p=0.015).

Antibiotic impregnated hydrogel coatings on cementless implants showed decreased complication rates after complex primary or revision THA. In 2nd stage revision THA for PJI, it was associated with reduced risk of re-infection and aseptic loosening.

There is a limited literature available describing the various diagnostic modalities and treatment options for the management of subspine impingement (SSI). We developed a study to evaluate the clinical improvement at 1 year and 5 years, with iHOT 33 and HOS hip scores. (1) Do patients with subspine compression improve with arthroscopic treatment clinically at short term follow-up (1 year)? (2) Is the improvement maintained in the mid-term (5 years)?. 43 young patients with subspine compression (prominent anterior inferior iliac spine) treated arthroscopically between January 2010 and December 2021 were included. Patients completed the iHOT33, HOS-SPORT and HOS-ADL questionnaires before surgery, 1 year and 5 years follow up. We evaluated pre and postoperative differences at one year and at 5 years. Minimum Clinically Significant Difference (MCID) and the Substantial Clinical Benefit (SCB) were used to stablish clinical improvement. Mean age was 37.38 years and 66% were males. Almost 75% and 70% of our patients exceed the MCID and the SCB respectively in all the questionnaires after 1 year-follow up. However, at 5 years-follow up, nearly 70% and 65% of the patients exceeded MCID and SCB respectively. We demonstrate that arthroscopic treatment of subspine impingement as an effective treatment for Subspine impingement. However, it is necessary larger sample size and longer follow up period to analyze the long-term results to demonstrate this treatment as the “gold standard”