As Total Hip Replacement (THR) rates increase healthcare providers have sought to reduce costs, while at the same time improving patient safety and satisfaction. Up to 50% of patients may be appropriate for Day Case THR, and in appropriately selected patients’ studies show no increase in complication rate while affording a significant cost saving and maintaining a high rate of patient satisfaction. Despite the potential benefits, levels of adoption of Day Case THR vary. A common cause for this is the perception that doing so would require the adoption of new surgical techniques, implants, or theatre equipment. We report on a Day-Case THR pathway in centres with an established and well-functioning Enhanced Recovery pathway, utilising the posterior approach and standard implants and positioning. We prospectively collected the data on consecutive THRs performed by a single surgeon between June 2018 and July 2021. A standardised anaesthetic regimen using short acting spinal was used. Surgical data included approach, implants, operative time, and estimated blood loss. Outcome data included time of discharge from hospital, post operative complications, readmissions, and unscheduled health service attendance. Data was gathered on 120 consecutive DCTHRs in 114 patients. 93% of patients were successfully discharged on the day of surgery. Four patients required re-admission: one infection treated with DAIR, one dislocation, one wound ooze admitted for a day of monitoring, one gastric ulcer. One patient had a short ED attendance for hypertension. Our incidence of infection, dislocation and wound problems were similar to those seen in inpatient THR. Out data show that the widely used posterior approach using standard positioning and implants can be used effectively in a Day Case THR pathway, with no increase in failure of same-day discharge or re-admission to hospital.
Recently, several smartphone applications (apps) have been developed and validated for ankle ROM measurement tools like the universal goniometer. This is the first innovative study introduces a new smartphone application to measure ankle joint ROM as a remote solution. This study aimed to assess the correlation between smartphone ROM and universal goniometer measurements, and also report the evaluation of the DijiA app by users. The study included 22 healthy university students (14F/8M; 20.68±1.72 years) admitted to Yeditepe University. Fourty four feet was measured by both the universal goniometer (UG) and DijiA app. The datas were analyzed through using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The DijiA app was evaluated by usability testing with representative users. Pearson correlation coefficient test showed moderate correlation between the DijiA and UG for dorsiflexion (DF) and plantar flexion (PF) measurements (Pearson correlation coefficient: r=0.323, for DF; r=0.435 for PF 95% confidence interval). The application usability was found as high with 76.5 average score and users liked it. The DijiA app may be a more convenient and easy way to measure ankle DF and PF-ROM than UG. It can be used to evaluate ROM in clinical practice or home using as a personal smartphone.
Dislocation post THA confers a higher risk of re-dislocation (Kotwal et al, 2009). The dual mobility (DM) cup design (1974) was aimed at improving the stability by increasing the femoral head to neck ratio (Cuthbert et al., 2019) combining the ideas of low friction arthroplasty with increased jump distance associated with a big head arthroplasty. Understand the dislocation rates, rates of aseptic loosening, infection rate and revision rates between the 2 types of constructs to provide current and up-to date evidence.Abstract
Introduction
Aims
A global panel of orthopaedic knee surgery specialists participated in a Delphi process. A list of factors to be included in a KD classification system was formulated by 91 orthopaedic surgeons, which was subsequently prioritised by 27 experts from 6 countries. The items were analysed to find factors that had at least 70% consensus for inclusion in a classification system.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Intra-articular distal humerus OTA type C fractures are challenging to treat. When osteosynthesis is not feasible one can choose to do a primary arthroplasty of elbow or manage non-operatively. The indications for treatment of this fracture pattern are evolving. We present our outcomes and complications when this cohort of patients was managed with either open reduction internal fixator (ORIF), elbow arthroplasty or non-operatively.Abstract
Introduction
Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate surgeons’ reported change of treatment preference in response to the results and conclusion from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and to study patterns of change between subspecialties and nationalities. Two questionnaires were developed through the Delphi process for this cross-sectional survey of surgical preference. The first questionnaire was sent out before the publication of a RCT and the second questionnaire was sent out after publication. The RCT investigated repair or non-repair of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle during volar locked plating of distal radial fractures (DRFs). Overall, 380 orthopaedic surgeons were invited to participate in the first questionnaire, of whom 115 replied. One hundred surgeons were invited to participate in the second questionnaire. The primary outcome was the proportion of surgeons for whom a treatment change was warranted, who then reported a change of treatment preference following the RCT. Secondary outcomes included the reasons for repair or non-repair, reasons for and against following the RCT results, and difference of preferred treatment of the PQ muscle between surgeons of different nationalities, qualifications, years of training, and number of procedures performed per year. Of the 100 surgeons invited for the second questionnaire, 74 replied. For the primary outcome, 6 of 32 surgeons (19%), who usually repaired the PQ muscle and therefore a change of treatment preference was warranted, reported a change of treatment preference based on the RCT publication. Of the secondary outcomes, restoring anatomy was the most common response for repairing the PQ muscle. The majority of the orthopaedic surgeons, where a change of treatment preference was warranted based on the results and conclusion of a RCT, did not report willingness to change their treatment preference.
To investigate changes in quadriceps and hamstrings muscle groups during sustained isokinetic knee flexion and extension. 125 paediatric participants (45 males and 80 females, mean age 14.2 years) were divided into two groups: participants with a confirmed ACL tear (ACLi, n = 64), and puberty- and activity-level matched control participants with no prior history of knee injuries (CON, n = 61). Participants completed a series of 44 repetitions of isokinetic knee flexion and extension at 90 deg/ sec using a Biodex dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems Inc, Shirley, New York). Surface EMG sensors (Delsys Incorporated, Natick, MA) simultaneously recorded the quadriceps and hamstring activations. Muscle function was assessed as the change in quadriceps activation and extension torque were calculated using the percent difference between the mean of the first five trials, and the mean of the last five trials. ACLi participants had significantly higher percent change in quadriceps activation for both healthy and injured legs, in comparison to CON dominant leg. As such, the healthy leg of the ACLi participants is activating significantly more than their health matched controls, while also demonstrating reduced muscular endurance (less torque in later repetitions). Therefore, we conclude that the non-injured limb of the ACLi participant is not performing as a healthy limb. Since return to activity clearance following ACLi implies return to sport against age- and activity matched opponents, clearing young athletes based on the non-injured contralateral limb may put them at greater risk of reinjury.
This study was proposed to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin clot augmentation in meniscal tear using inside-out meniscal repair. A total of 35 patients with meniscus tears were operated on with inside-out meniscus repair and fibrin clot augmentation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with clinical criteria, Lysholm knee scoring system, and MRI. Out of the total 35 cases, 5 cases were lost to follow up. Clinical improvement was observed in 29 out of 30 patients (96.6%). The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 67.63 ± 6.55 points preoperatively to 92.0 ± 2.9 points postoperatively (P < 0.05) in 2 years follow-up. Follow-up MRI in all patients revealed complete healing except in 1 case where the patient presented with recurrence of symptoms such as pain and locking which resolved with partial meniscectomy. Paraesthesia in the anterior part of the knee was observed in 2 cases. (6.6%). We conclude that fibrin clot augmentation is a good cost-effective modality of treatment for repairable meniscus tears to preserve the meniscus and decrease the point contact pressure on the condyles which may prevent the early occurrence of osteoarthritis.
Little is known about the impact of cartilage defects on knee joint biomechanics. This investigation aimed to determine the gait characteristics of patients with symptomatic articular cartilage lesions of the knee. Gait analyses were performed at the Regional North-West Joint Preservation Centre. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, then 16 retroreflective markers representing the Plug-in-Gait biomechanical model were placed on pre-defined anatomical landmarks. Participants walked for two minutes at a self-selected speed on a treadmill on a level surface, then for 2 minutes downhill. A 15-camera motion-capture system recorded the data. Knee kinematics were exported into Matlab to calculate the average kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters per patient across 20 gait cycles. Depending on the normality of the data, paired t-tests or Wilcoxon ranked tests were performed to compare both knees (α = 0.05).Abstract
Objectives
Methods
There is a need to develop approaches to reduce chronic pain after total knee replacement. There is an established link between disturbed sleep and pain. We tested the feasibility of a trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a pre-operative sleep assessment and complex intervention package for improving long-term pain after TKR. REST was a feasibility multi-centre randomised controlled trial with embedded qualitative study and health economics. Participants completed baseline measures and were randomised to usual care or the intervention, a tailored sleep assessment and behavioural intervention package delivered by an extended scope practitioner three months pre-operatively with a follow-up call up at four-weeks. Patient reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, one-week pre-surgery, and 3-months post-surgery.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Children undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis were admitted to the paediatric intensive care (PIC) until about 6 years ago, at which time we created a new unit, a hospital floor-based spinal high-dependency unit-plus (SHDU-plus), in response to frequent bed-shortage cancellations. This study compares postoperative management on PIC with HDU-plus for these non-hospital floor suitable children with syndromic and neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing PSF. Retrospective review of 100 consecutive children with syndromic and neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing PSF between June 2016 and January 2022. Inclusion criteria were: 1) diagnosis of syndromic or neuromuscular scoliosis, 2) underwent PSF, 3) not suitable for immediate postoperative hospital floor-based care. Exclusion criteria were children with significant cardio-respiratory co-morbidity requiring PIC postoperatively. 55 patients were managed postoperatively on PIC and 45 on SHDU-plus. No significant difference between groups was found with respect to age, weight, ASA grade, preoperative Cobb angles, operative duration, number of levels fused and estimated blood loss. 4 patients in the PIC group and 1 in the SHDU-plus group were readmitted back to PIC or HDU following step-down to the hospital floor. Average length of stay was 2 days on PIC and 1 day on SHDU-plus. Average total length of hospital stay was 16.5 days in the PIC group and 10.5 days in the HDU-plus group. 19 (35%) patients developed complications in the PIC group, compared to 18 (40%) in SHDU-plus. Mean specialist unit charge per day was less on SHDU-plus compared with PIC. There were no bed-shortage cancellations in the SHDU-plus group, compared to 11 in the PIC group. For children with neuromuscular or syndromic scoliosis undergoing PSF and deemed not suitable for post-operative care on the hospital floor, creation of a SHDU-plus was associated with fewer readmissions back to PIC or HDU, shorter hospital stays, an equivalent complication rate, significant cost-saving and fewer cancellations. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III.
Transfemoral osseointegration (TFOI) for amputees has substantial literature proving superior quality of life and mobility versus a socketed prosthesis. Some amputees have hip arthritis that would be relieved by a total hip replacement (THR). No other group has reported performing a THR in association with TFOI (THR+TFOI). We report the outcomes of eight patients who had THR+TFOI, followed for an average 5.2 years. Our osseointegration registry was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients who had TFOI and also had THR, performed at least two years prior. Six patients had TFOI then THR, one simultaneous, one THR then TFOI. All constructs were in continuity from hip to prosthetic limb. Outcomes were: complications prompting surgical intervention, and changes in subjective hip pain, K-level, daily prosthesis wear hours, Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (QTFA), and Short Form 36 (SF36). All patients had clinical follow-up, but one patient did not have complete mobility and quality of life survey data at both time periods.Introduction
Materials & Methods
Low back pain with no identified underlying cause is categorised as primary musculoskeletal pain by the International Association for the Study of Pain. In April 2021, the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) published updated guidance for the management of primary chronic pain conditions in England. As part of the De-STRESS pain study, we explored the perspectives of GPs on the updated guideline and impact upon clinical practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 GPs in England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques. GPs agreed with the recommendations restricting pharmacological options for pain management and reflected that they now had an expert reference to back-up their decision-making and could use the guidance in potentially difficult conversations with patients. Frustration was expressed by GPs about the lack of alternative options to medication, as the non-pharmacological recommendations were difficult to implement, had lengthy waiting lists, or were unavailable in their locality.Background and study purpose
Methods and results
Acetabular retroversion (ARV) is a cause of femoroacetabular impingement leading to hip pain and reduced range of motion. We aimed to describe the radiological criteria used for diagnosing ARV in the literature and report on the outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and hip arthroscopy (HA) in its management. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted on the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, COCHRANE database in December 2022. English-language studies reporting outcomes of PAO, or open or arthroscopic interventions for ARV were included. From an initial 4203 studies, 21 non-randomised studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies evaluated HA for ARV, with average follow-up ranging from 1 to 5 years, for a cumulative number of 996 patients. Only 3/11 studies identified ARV using AP standardized pelvic radiographs. The most frequent signs describing ARV identified were: Ischial Spine Sign (98% of patients), Posterior Wall Sign (PWS, 94%) and Crossover Sign (COS, 64%); with mean Acetabular Retroversion Index (ARI) ranging from 33% to 35%. 39% of HA patients had all three radiographic signs. Clinically significant outcomes were reached by 33–78% of patients. Eight studies evaluated PAO for ARV, with a follow-up ranging from 2 to 10 years, for a cumulative number of 379 patients. Five of the eight studies identified ARV using standardized radiographs. ISS, COS and PWS were positive in 54%, 97% and 81% of patients, respectively with 52% of PAO patients having all three radiographic signs. Mean ARI ranged from 36–41%. Clinically significant results were reported in 71%–78% of patients. The diagnostic criteria for ARV is poorly defined in the literature, and the quality of evidence is low. Studies on HA are more likely to have used lenient diagnostic criteria. It remains difficult to recommend which cases maybe more suitable for treatment by HA rather than PAO.
The number of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) is increasing due to ageing population and increasing numbers of arthroplasty procedures and treatment is costly. Aim of the study was to analyze the direct healthcare costs of PJI in Europe for total hip arthroplasties (THA) and total knee arthroplasties (TKA). A systematic review in PubMed with search of direct costs of PJI in European countries was performed. Thereby the term Aim
Method
Primary malignant bone tumours are a scarce entity with limited population-based data from developing countries. The aim of the study is to investigate the frequency and anatomical distribution of primary malignant bone tumours in a local South African population. This will be an epidemiological retrospective study. Data will be used of patients that were diagnosed with primary malignant bone tumours over a period of nine years spanning from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022. This data will be received from private and government laboratories. Data to be considered are type of primary malignant bone tumours diagnosed, incidence of primary malignant bone tumours over a period of nine years and the most common anatomical sites of primary malignant bone tumours. The rationale behind our study is to assess the frequency of different primary malignant bone tumours in another geographic area of South Africa and to compare these findings to local and international literature. With a projected increase in diagnosis of primary malignant bone tumours in developing countries it is important to have more available data about primary malignant bone tumours from these areas to have a better understanding of these conditions and to understand the impact of the burden they impose on healthcare systems so that management of these conditions can also be improved. Preliminary results show that 23.83% of primary malignant bone tumours occurred in the age group 0–24 years of age, 49.22% in the 25–59 age group and 26.95% in the 60+ age group. The most common tumour that occurred was chondrosarcoma (49.21%) followed by osteosarcoma (41.80%) then Ewing's sarcoma (4,69%) and lastly chordoma (4.30%). From the 256 samples that met the inclusion criteria the five most common anatomical sites were distal femur (63), proximal tibia (41), proximal humerus (38), pelvis (34) and proximal femur (20).
By gaining insight into the Quality of Life (QoL) status and occurrence of complications, critical facets in the care for patients with Fracture-Related Infection (FRI) can be mitigated and measures can be taken to improve their outcome. Therefore, the aims of this study were to 1) determine the QoL in FRI patients in comparison to non-FRI patients and 2) describe the occurrence of complications in both FRI and non-FRI patients. An ambidirectional cohort study was conducted in a level-1 trauma centre between January 1st 2016 and November 1st 2021. All patients who underwent surgical stabilisation of a long bone fracture were eligible for inclusion. Patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16 or incomplete follow-up were excluded. QoL was assessed through the use of five-level EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires twelve months post-injury.Aim
Method
There is growing interest in the peri-operative management of patients with indications for hip and knee arthroplasty in the setting of modifiable risk factors such as morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and smoking. A recent survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) found that 95% of respondents address modifiable risk factors prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to poll Australian arthroplasty surgeons regarding their approach to patients with modifiable risk factors. The survey tool used in the AAHKS study was adapted for use in the Australian context and distributed to the membership of the Arthroplasty Society of Australia via Survey Monkey. Seventy-seven survey responses were received, representing a response rate of 64%. The majority of respondents were experienced, high volume arthroplasty surgeons. Overall, 91% of respondents restricted access to arthroplasty for patients with modifiable risk factors. Seventy-two percent of surgeons restricted access for excessive body mass index, 85% for poor diabetic control, and 46% for smoking. Most respondents made decisions based on personal experience or literature review rather than hospital or departmental pressures. Despite differences in healthcare systems, our findings were similar to those of the AAHKS survey, although their responses were more restrictive in all domains. Differences were noted in responses concerning financial considerations for potentially underprivileged populations. The survey is currently being administered by arthroplasty societies in six other countries, allowing comparison of orthopaedic practice across different healthcare systems around the world. In conclusion, over 90% of Australian arthroplasty surgeons who responded to the survey address modifiable risk factors prior to surgery.
Acetabular component positioning is commonly referenced with the pelvis in the supine position in direct anterior approach THA. Changes in pelvic tilt (PT) from the pre-operative supine to the post-operative standing positions have not been well investigated and may have relevance to optimal acetabular component targeting for reduced risk of impingement and instability. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the change in PT that occurs from pre-operative supine to post-operative standing, and whether any factors are associated with significant changes in tilt ≥13° in posterior direction. 13° in a posterior direction was chosen as that amount of posterior rotation creates an increase in functional anteversion of the acetabular component of 10°. 1097 THA patients with pre-operative supine CT and standing lateral radiographic imaging and 1 year post-operative standing lateral radiographs (interquartile range 12–13 months) were reviewed. Pre-operative supine PT was measured from CT as the angle between the anterior pelvic plane (APP) and the horizontal plane of the CT device. Standing PT was measured on standing lateral x-rays as the angle between the APP and the vertical line. Patients with ≥13° change from supine pre-op to standing post-op (corresponding to a 10° change in cup anteversion) were grouped and compared to those with a <13° change using unpaired student's t-tests. Mean pre-operative supine PT (3.8±6.0°) was significantly different from mean post-operative standing PT (−3.5±7.1°, p<0.001), ie mean change of −7.3±4.6°. 10.4% (114/1097) of patients had posterior PT changes ≥13° supine pre-op to standing post-op. A significant number of patients, ie 1 in 10, undergo a clinically significant change in PT and functional anteversion from supine pre-op to standing post-op. Surgeons should be aware of these changes when planning component placement in THA.
Elevated blood cobalt secondary to metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties has been shown to be a risk factor for developing cardiovascular complications including cardiomyopathy. Published case reports document cardiomyopathy in patients with blood cobalt levels as low as 13µg/l. Clinical studies have found conflicting evidence of cobalt-induced cardiomyopathy in patients with MoM hips. The extent of cardiovascular injury, measured by global longitudinal strain (GLS), in patients with elevated blood cobalt levels has not previously been examined. Sixteen patients with prospectively collected blood cobalt ion levels above 13µg/l were identified and matched with eight patients awaiting hip arthroplasty with no history of cobalt implants. Patients underwent echocardiogram assessment including GLS. Patients with MoM hip arthroplasties had a mean blood cobalt level of 29µg/l compared to 0.01µg/l in the control group. There was no difference or correlation in EF, left ventricular (LV) end systolic dimension, LV end diastolic dimension, fractional shortening, ventricular wall thickness or E/e’ ratio. However, GLS was significantly reduced in patients with MoM hip arthroplasties compared to those without (−15.2% v −18%, (MoM v control) p= 0.0125). Pearson correlation demonstrated that GLS is significantly correlated with blood cobalt level (r= 0.8742, p=0.0009). For the first time, this study has demonstrated reduced cardiac function in the presence of normal EF as assessed by GLS in patients with elevated cobalt above 13µg/l. As GLS is a more sensitive measure of systolic function than EF, routine echocardiogram assessment including GLS should be performed in all patients with MoM hip arthroplasties and elevated blood cobalt.
