Diagnosis of periprosthetic shoulder infections (PSI) is difficult as they are mostly caused by low-virulent bacteria and patients do not show typical infection signs, such as elevated blood markers, wound leakage, or red and swollen skin. Ultrasound-guided biopsies for culture may therefore be an alternative for mini-open biopsies as less costly and invasive method. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value and reliability of ultrasound-guided biopsies for cultures alone and in combination polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and/or synovial markers for preoperative diagnosis of PSI in patients undergoing revision shoulder surgery. A prospective explorative diagnostic cohort study was performed including patients undergoing revision shoulder replacement surgery. A shoulder puncture was taken preoperatively before incision to collect synovial fluid for interleukin-6 (IL-6), calprotectin, WBC, polymorphonuclear cells determination. Prior to revision surgery, six ultrasound-guided synovial tissue biopsies were collected for culture and two additional for PCR analysis. Six routine care tissue biopsies were taken during revision surgery and served as reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV; primary outcome measure), and accuracy were calculated for ultrasound-guided biopsies, and synovial markers, and combinations of these.Aim
Method
Both from experimental studies and the large arthroplasty registries there is evidence that bacteria are more often involved in implant loosening then is currently reported. To further elucidate this potential problem, the current study investigated the hypothesis that many total hip arthroplasty revisions, classified as aseptic, are in fact low-grade infections missed with routine diagnostics. In 7 Dutch hospitals, 176 patients with the preoperative diagnosis of aseptic loosening of their total hip arthroplasty were enrolled. From each patient, the preoperative history was obtained. During surgery, between 14 and 20 tissue samples were obtained for routine culture, pathology analysis and broad range 16S rRNA PCR with reverse line blot hybridization (PCR-RLB). Samples were taken from the (neo-) capsule and acetabular and femoral interface tissue. Cultures were performed locally according to similar protocols. One specialized pathologist, blinded for all other results, analyzed all pathology samples. The PCR-RLB analysis was performed centrally, using a technique previously validated for orthopedic use. Patients were classified as not infected, suspect for infection or infected, according to strict, predefined criteria. Each patient had a follow-up visit after 1 year.Background
Methods
Because of the long life expectancy of young total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients and the limited durability of prosthetic implants in young patients, surgeon's always must take into account that the primary THA will be revised in the future. Therefore, not only the survival of the primary total hip in young patients is important, but we would also like to accentuate the revisability of a primary THA in this specific and high demanding patient population. Based on our philosophy, we always use cemented hip in young patients, if needed with acetabular bone impaction grafting. 343 consecutive cemented THA in 270 patients under the age of 50 years were evaluated, all implanted between 1988 and 2006. We also assessed the results of the revised THA (n=53) within the same population. Clinical, radiographical and survival of primary and revision THA were evaluated.Background
Methods
Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a ten-year survival rate of 87% (95%C.I. 73.1–100%) with end point acetabular revision for any reason and 95% (95%C.I. 86.2–100%) with end point acetabular revision because of aseptic loosening. The mean preoperative HHS was 55 points and improved to 72 points postoperative.