Purpose. Femoral nerve blockade (FNB) can provide prolonged postoperative analgesia and facilitate rehabilitation following major knee surgery while minimizing opioid-related adverse effects. However, anecdotal data have implicated FNB in post-operative falls, presumably due to a block-related reduction in quadriceps strength. Age, gender and knee replacement surgery have also been previously identified as risk factors for falls in the acute postoperative orthopaedic inpatient setting. We hypothesized that the use of FNB would be an independent predictor of an inpatient fall following total knee replacement (TKR). Method. We examined a cohort of 2,197 patients who underwent TKR in a single academic institution between October 2003 and March 2010. The start date was based on the separate initiation of both a comprehensive regional anesthesia database and an orthopaedic ward Falls Surveillance Program. Patients undergoing revision TKR or unicompartmental arthroplasty were excluded. Age, simultaneous bilateral TKR, gender, body mass index (BMI), and various regional nerve blocks were considered predictors of post-operative falls in a logistic regression model. The database allowed resolution of the type (i.e. femoral, sciatic) and duration (i.e. single-bolus, indwelling continuous perineural catheter) of nerve blockade. Hospital-standard dosing and insertion techniques were employed. Results. The total number of falls was 60 (rate 2.7%), 40 of which occurred within 48 hours of surgery. When compared to patients who did not fall, those who fell were significantly older (699 years vs 6611 years; p=0.03), obese [BMI >30kg/m2] (75% vs 59%; p=0.01) and had continuous catheter FNB (97% vs 86%; p=0.02). The odds ratio of having a fall was 1.04 (1.0–1.07; p=0.008) for each one-year increase in age above the mean age of 66 years, 2.4 (1.3–4.5; p=0.005) for a BMI >30kg/m2 and 4.4 (1.04–18.2; p=0.04) for continuous catheter FNB. Gender, simultaneous bilateral TKR, any sciatic nerve block or spinal anesthetic did not predict an increased risk of acute-care post-operative falls. Conclusion. This is the first study to demonstrate an increased risk of post-operative falls in obese patients and with the use of continuous catheter FNB following TKR. Careful consideration of the use of continuous catheter FNB may be warranted in patients with additional risk factors for falls such as advanced age and obesity

The incidence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neuropraxia after anterior approach total hip arthroplasty has been reported to occur in up to 50% of patients. In the vast majority of cases there has been no functional impact it is unknown if symptoms persist or diminish over time. The aim of this study was to examine the natural history LFCN neuropraxia in a previously reported cohort of individuals after anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. One hundred and forty three consecutive patients underwent direct anterior hip approach (DAA) between September 2006 and February 2009 of which 107 had been identified with LCFN neuropraxia. These 107 patients (39 THA; 68 HR; 44 Female & 63 male; mean age 55.4 (38.4–88.8)), were provided a self-reported questionnaire for sensory deficits associated with LFCN as well as severity of symptoms on a 10 point visual analogue scale (VAS). These were done at initial assessment and latest follow-up. Sixty of the 107 patients (56%) completed their questionnaires at a mean follow-up of 5.4 years (24 THA; 36 HR). Twenty-two percent (13 of 60: 8 men & 5 women) had complete resolution of their symptoms (9 HR and 4 THR). Of the 47 patients (78%) still reporting symptoms of LFCN neuropraxia, the mean score on VAS decreased from a mean of 2.32 (SD:2.11) to 1.74 (SD:1.99). No limitation in activities was reported for 90% of patients (54 out of the 60). Of the 6 patients (10%) with limited activity they reported a mean VAS score of 4.4 (SD: 3.6 range of 0–8.4). The LFCN symptoms did not appear to be directly related to their activity limitation. While LFCN neuropraxia can be a common complication following direct anterior approach hip replacement, almost a quarter of patients will have complete resolution of symptoms and the majority will have a decrease in their symptomatology. LFCN neuropraxia following DAA hip arthroplasty does not appear to lead to any functional limitations and is associated with a low score on VAS

In patients who underwent autogenous iliac bone grafting we studied prospectively injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) in relation to the size (length, depth, width) of the graft. We also examined the neurological deficit, by questioning them about numbness and/or pain in the lateral thigh. The risk of injury was significantly higher in those in whom the depth of the graft was more than 30 mm. With regard to the length of the graft the incidence of nerve injury was 20% when the graft was 45 mm long or more, 16% when it was between 30 mm and 45 mm long, and 8% when it was less than 30 mm long. We should inform patients of the possibility of such injury, and take size into consideration when harvesting grafts from the ilium

There is no consensus regarding the optimum frequency of ultrasound for monitoring the response to Pavlik harness (PH) treatment in developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). The purpose of our study was to determine if a limited-frequency hip ultrasound (USS) assessment in children undergoing PH treatment for DDH had an adverse effect on treatment outcomes when compared to traditional comprehensive ultrasound monitoring. This study was a single-center non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Children aged less than six months of age with dislocated, dislocatable and stable dysplastic hips undergoing a standardized treatment program with a PH were randomized, once stability had been achieved, to our current standard USS monitoring protocol (every clinic visit) or to a limited-frequency ultrasound protocol (USS only until hip stability and then end of treatment). Groups were compared based on alpha angle at the end of treatment, acetabular indices (AI) and IHDI grade on follow up radiographs at one-year post harness and complication rates. The premise was that if there were no differences in these outcomes, either protocol could be deemed safe and effective. One hundred patients were recruited to the study; after exclusions, 42 patients completed the standard protocol (SP) and 36 completed the limited protocol (LP). There was no significant difference between the mean age between both groups at follow up x-ray (SP: 17.8 months; LP: 16.6 months; p=0.26). There was no difference between the groups in mean alpha angle at the end of treatment (SP: 69°; LP: 68.1°: p=0.25). There was no significant difference in the mean right AI at follow up (SP: 23.1°; LP: 22.0°; p=0.26), nor on the left (SP:23.3°; LP 22.8°; p=0.59). All hips in both groups were IHDI grade 1 at follow up. The only complication was one femoral nerve palsy in the SP group. In addition, the LP group underwent a 60% reduction in USS use once stable. We found that once dysplastic or dislocated hips were reduced and stable on USS, a limited- frequency ultrasound protocol was not associated with an inferior complication or radiographic outcome profile compared to a standardized PH treatment pathway. Our study supports reducing the frequency of ultrasound assessment during PH treatment of hip dysplasia. Minimizing the need for expensive, time-consuming and in-person health care interventions is critical to reducing health care costs, improving patient experience and assists the move to remote care. Removing the need for USS assessment at every PH check will expand care to centers where USS is not routinely available and will facilitate the establishment of virtual care clinics where clinical examination may be performed remotely

Anterior surgical approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have increased popularity due to expected faster recovery and less pain. However, the direct anterior approach (Heuter approach which has been popularised by Matta) has been associated with a higher rate of early revisions than other approaches due to femoral component loosening and fractures. It is also noted to have a long learning curve and other unique complications like anterior femoral cutaneous and femoral nerve injuries. Most surgeons performing this approach will require the use of an expensive special operating table. An alternative to the direct anterior approach is the anterior-based muscle-sparing approach. It is also known as the modified Watson-Jones approach, anterolateral muscle-sparing approach, minimally invasive anterolateral approach and the Röttinger approach. With this technique, the hip joint is approached through the muscle interval between the tensor fascia lata and the gluteal muscles, as opposed to the direct anterior approach which is between the sartorius and rectus femoris and the tensor fascia lata. This approach places the femoral nerve at less risk for injury. I perform this technique in the lateral decubitus position, but it can also be performed in the supine position. An inexpensive home-made laminated L-shaped board is clamped on end of table allowing the ipsilateral leg to extend, adduct, and externally rotate during the femoral preparation. This approach for THA has been reported to produce excellent results. One study reports a complication rate of 0.6% femoral fracture rate and 0.4% revision rate for femoral stem loosening. In a prospective randomised trial looking at the learning curve with new approach, the anterior-based muscle-sparing anterior approach had lower complications than a direct anterior approach. The complications and mean operative time with this approach are reported to be no different than a direct lateral approach. Since this surgical approach is not through an internervous interval, a concern is that this may result in a permanent functional defect as result of injury to the superior gluteal nerve. At a median follow-up of 9.3 months, a MRI study showed 42% of patients with this approach had fat replacement of the tensor fascia lata, which is thought to be irreversible. The clinical significance remains unclear, and inconsequential in my experience. A comparison MRI study showed that there was more damage and atrophy to the gluteus medius muscle with a direct lateral approach at 3 and 12 months. My anecdotal experience is that there is faster recovery and less early pain with this approach. A study of the first 57 patients I performed showed significantly less pain and faster recovery in the first six weeks in patients performed with the anterior-based muscle-sparing approach when compared to a matched cohort of THA patients performed with a direct lateral approach. From 2004 to 2017, I have performed 1308 total hip replacements with the anterior-based muscle sparing approach. Alternatively, I will use the direct lateral approach for patients with stiff hips with significant flexion and/or external rotation contractures where I anticipate difficulty with femoral exposure, osteoporotic femurs due to increased risk of intraoperative trochanteric fractures, previously operated hips with scarring or retained hardware, and Crowe III-IV dysplastic hips when there may be a need for a femoral shortening or derotational osteotomy. Complications have been very infrequent. This approach is a viable alternative to the direct anterior approach for patients desiring a fast recovery. The anterior-based muscle-sparing approach is the approach that I currently use for all outpatient total hip surgeries

Femoral nerve block is a reliable and effective method of providing anaesthesia and analgesia in the peri-operative period but there remains a small but serious risk of neurological complication. We aimed to determine incidence and outcome of neurological complications following femoral nerve block in patients who had major knee surgery. During the period January 2003 to August 2008, medical records of all patients undergoing knee surgery by Dr Myles Coolican and Dr David Parker, who had been administered femoral block for peri-operative analgesia, were evaluated. Patients with a neurological complication were invited take part in the study. A detailed physical examination including sensory responses, motor response and reflexes in both limbs was performed by an independent orthopaedic surgeon. Subjective outcome and pain specific questionnaires as well as clinical measurements were also collected. Out of 1393 patients administered with femoral nerve block anaesthesia during this period, 28 subjects (M:F= 5:23) were identified on the basis of persistent symptoms (more than three months) of femoral nerve dysfunction. All the patients had sensory dysfunction in the autonomous zone of femoral nerve sensory distribution. The incidence of neurological complications was 2.01%. One patient was deceased of unrelated causes and five patients declined to participate in the study. 14 patients out of the 22 have been examined so far. Nine cases had a one shot nerve block and five had continuous peripheral nerve block catheter. Areas of hypoesthesia/anaesthesia involving femoral nerve distribution occurred in 7 subjects and hyperaesthesia/paresthesia occurred in four. One subject had a combination of hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia in different areas of the femoral nerve distribution. Three subjects had bilateral symptoms following bilateral simultaneous nerve blocks. Dysesthesias in the affected dermatomes were found in seven cases and paresthesias were found in eight cases. Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) score of ï. 3. 4 was found in all the patients (average value: 5.55). The average scores for tingling, pins and needles and burning sensation (in a scale from 0 to 10) are 3.8, 3.1 and 2.9 respectively. The incidence of persistent neurological complication after femoral nerve block in our series is much higher compared to the reported incidence in the contemporary literature (Auroy Y. et al. Major complications of regional anesthesia in France: Anesthesiology 2002; 97:1274 80). The symptoms significantly influence the quality of life in the affected cases and question the value of the femoral nerve block in knee surgery

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well-established procedure in the management of symptomatic hip dysplasia. The associated Smith-Petersen exposure offers excellent visualization of the acetabulum and control of acetabular osteotomy and mobilization. The traditional exposure of the true pelvis involves osteotomy of the iliac wing in order to mobilize the sartorial and inguinal ligament insertion. However, full osteotomy of the iliac spine may necessitate screw fixation if a relatively large segment of bone is included. A known complication with screw fixation of the iliac wing osteotomy involves failure of fixation and screw back out. Moreover, the screw may be irritative to the patient even in the setting of adequate fixation. A larger osteotomy may also injure the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it travels near the anterior superior spine. To minimize the risk of these potential complications, a wafer osteotomy may be used to develop a sleeve of tissue involving the sartorial insertion. Markings may be made so that the curvilinear incision is centered about the anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS). The sartorial sleeve also mobilizes the entirety of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve medially as it runs and branches to varying degrees in a fatty tissue layer in the tensor-sartorius interval directly beneath the subcutaneous layer, thereby affording protection throughout the procedure. When the ASIS is first osteotomized as a several millimeter-thick mobile fragment and reflected, the sartorius attachment to the mobile fragment of the wafer osteotomy may be preserved. Furthermore, the wafer osteotomy may be re-fixed to the stable pelvis during closure with simple heavy suture fixation alone, avoiding screw insertion or associated removal. Because only a wafer or bone is taken during the spine osteotomy, more bone is available at the ASIS for fixation of the mobile fragment after repositioning. In this technical note, we describe the wafer osteotomy technique in further detail. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Chronic postoperative pain (CPP) can occur in elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery patients. Multimodal pain management has been reported to reduce postoperative pain and opioid use, which may prevent the development of CPP. However, few studies have examined the impact of multimodal pain management strategies on CPP following complex elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to 1) evaluate current pain management strategies and 2) determine current definitions, incidence, and prevalence of CPP after elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library) were manually and electronically searched for English language studies published between 1990 and July 2017. For the first aim, we included comparative studies of adults undergoing elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery that investigated pre-, peri- or postoperative pain management. For the second aim, we included observational studies examining CPP definition, incidence, and prevalence. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full texts. Conflicts were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Reviewers also independently assessed the quality of studies meeting inclusion criteria using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. For the first aim, 1159 studies were identified by the primary search, and seven high quality randomized controlled trials were included. Ankle arthroplasty or fusion and calcaneal osteotomy were the most common procedures performed. The heterogeneity of study interventions, though all regional anesthesia techniques, precluded meta-analysis. Most investigated continuous popliteal, sciatic and/or femoral nerve blockade. Participants were typically followed up to 48 hours postoperatively to examine postoperative pain levels and morphine consumption in hospital. Interventions effective at reducing postoperative pain and/or morphine consumption included inserting popliteal catheters using ultrasound instead of nerve stimulation guidance, perineural dexamethasone, and adding continuous femoral blockade to continuous popliteal blockade. Using more than one analgesic was generally more effective than using a single agent. Only two studies examined longer term pain management. One found no difference in pain levels and opioid consumption at two weeks with perineural or systemic dexamethasone use. The other found that pain with activity was significantly reduced at six months postoperatively with the addition of a femoral catheter infusion to a popliteal catheter infusion. For the second aim, only two studies of the 747 identified were selected. One prospective observational study defined CPP as moderate-to-severe pain at one year after foot and ankle surgery, and reported 21% and 43% of patients as meeting their definition at rest and with activity, respectively. The other study was a systematic review that reported 23–60% of patients experienced residual pain after total ankle arthroplasty. There is no standardized definition of CPP in this population, and incidence and prevalence are rarely reported and vary largely based on definition. Although regional anesthesia may be effective at reducing in-hospital pain and opioid consumption, evidence is very limited regarding longer-term pain management and associated outcomes following elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery

The approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA) should allow adequate visualization and access so as to implant in optimal position whilst minimizing muscle injury, maintaining or restoring normal soft tissue anatomy and biomechanics and encouraging a rapid recovery with minimal complications. The direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA was first performed in Paris, by Robert Judet in 1947. This procedure has since been performed consistently by a small group of surgeons and has recently gained great popularity. Access to the hip can be safely performed with one or two assistants. The advantages of the anterior approach for hip arthroplasty are several. First, the hip is an anterior joint, closer to the skin anterior than posterior. Second, the approach follows the anatomic interval between the zones of innervation of the superior and inferior gluteal nerves lateral and the femoral nerve medial. Third, the approach exposes the hip without detachment of muscle from the bone. Care must be taken to avoid cutting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which runs over the fascia of the sartorius. The mini-incision variation of this exposure was developed by Joel Matta in 1996. He rethought his approach to hip arthroplasty and by abandoning the posterior approach and adopting the anterior approach his goals were: lower risk of dislocation, enhanced recovery, and increased accuracy of hip prosthesis placement and leg length equality. This approach preserves posterior structures that are important for preventing dislocation while preserving important muscle attachments to the greater trochanter. The lack of disturbance of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius insertions facilitates gait recovery and rehabilitation while the posterior rotators and capsule provides active and passive stability and accounts for immediate stability of the hip and a low risk of dislocation. Using the anterior approach, patients are allowed to mobilise their hip freely. The gluteus maximus and tensor fascia latae muscles insert on the iliotibial band which joins them and form a ´hip deltoid´. Lack of disturbance of these abductors and pelvic stabilisers is another benefit of the anterior approach and accelerates gait recovery. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is at risk when the fascia is incised between the tensor fascia latae and the sartorius muscle. Damaging it may lead to a diminished sensation on the lateral aspect of the thigh and formation of a neuroma. A disadvantage of the approach is the fact that a special operating table with traction is required. Potential complications include intra-operative femoral and ankle fractures. These can be avoided through careful manipulation of the limb. If a femoral fracture occurs, the incision can be extended distally along the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, and splitting the interval between the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis. In obese or muscular patients, where visibility is in doubt, an increase of the incision length will give the surgeon the required view. The choice of approach used to perform a primary THA remains controversial. The primary goal of a hip replacement is pain relief, functional recovery and implant longevity performed with a safe and reproducible approach without complications. The anterior approach is promising in terms of hospital stay and functional recovery. Although recent studies suggest that component placement in minimally invasive surgery is safe and reliable, no long-term results have been published. Further follow-up and development is necessary to compare the results with the posterior approach. The proposed benefits of with the DAA are not supported by the current available literature. The issues regarding the difficult learning curve, rate of complications, operative time, requirement for trauma tables and image intensifier should be taken into account by surgeons starting with the DAA in THA

Traditional risk factors for post-operative neuropathy include learning curve of surgical approach, DDH, and significant leg lengthening (>1 inch). Despite these risk factors, the most common scenario of a neuropathy is in a routine THA, by an experienced surgeon, for osteoarthritis, with no leg lengthening. Post-operative hematoma can lead to nerve compression, albeit rarely. The usual clinical presentation is of an acute event, with a previously intact nerve, sometime within the first days of surgery. Once diagnosed, immediate surgical decompression should be performed. Sciatic neuropathy is the most common, regardless of surgical approach, but the posterior approach poses the highest risk. Routine gluteus maximus tendon release may help to reduce the risk. When seen in the PACU, our approach is to immediately perform CT imaging to evaluate nerve integrity or to check on acetabular screw position. If no underlying cause is identified, the patient will be managed conservatively with foot orthotics and monitored for recovery. Femoral nerve palsy (FNP) can result in significant initial disability. Fortunately most patients recover function (although it can take over 18 months). In the early post-operative period it is often diagnosed after a patient complains of the leg giving away while attempting to walk. A knee brace will assist the patient with mobilization while the nerve recovers. The highest incidence of FNP is described for the direct lateral approach. Superior gluteal nerve (SGN) palsy is related to the direct lateral approach and may be avoided if the gluteus medius split is made within the safe zone (<5 centimeters from the tip of the greater trochanter). While early post-operative limp is common after the direct lateral approach, the true reported incidence of SGN palsy is low. Few studies showed that the persistent positive Trendelenburg test and limp is not exclusively related to the SGN damage and therefore the clinical effect of the SGN damage remains controversial. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can be affected during the direct anterior hip approach. One study suggests the presence of peri-incisional numbness in over 80% of patients. This is akin to numbness seen lateral to the incision after TKA. The incidence of meralgia paresthetica is extremely low (<1%)

Surgeon-performed periarticular injection and anesthesiologist-performed femoral nerve or adductor canal block with local anesthetic have been used in multimodal pain management for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Anesthesiologist-performed adductor canal blocks are costly, time consuming, and may be unreliable. We investigated the feasibility of a surgeon-performed saphenous nerve (“adductor-canal”) block from within the knee joint. A retrospective analysis of 94 thigh-knee MRI studies was performed to determine the relationship between the width of the distal femur at the epicondylar axis and the proximal location of the saphenous nerve after its exit from the adductor canal and separation from the superficial femoral artery. After obtaining these data, TKA resections and trial component implantation were performed, using a medial parapatellar approach, in 11 fresh cadaveric lower extremity specimens. Using a blunt tip 1.5cm needle, we injected 10 ml each of two different colored solutions at two different intra-articular medial injection locations, and after 30 minutes, dissected the femoral and saphenous nerve and femoral artery from the hip to the knee to determine the location of the injections. Based upon the MRI analysis, the saphenous nerve was located (and had exited the adductor canal) at a mean of 1.5 times the epicondylar width in females, and mean 1.3 times the epicondylar width in males, proximal to the medial epicondyle. After placement of TKA trial components and injection, the proximal injection site solution bathed the saphenous nerve in 8 of 11 specimens. The proximal blunt needle and solution was adjacent, but did not puncture, the femoral artery and vein in only one specimen. This study suggests that a surgeon-performed injection of the saphenous nerve from within the knee is a feasible procedure. This technique may be a useful alternative to ultrasound guided block. A trial comparing surgeon and anesthesiologist-performed nerve block should be considered to determine the clinical efficacy of this procedure. Our anecdotal use of this intra-articular injection over the past year has been favorable. Newer, extended release anesthetic agents should be investigated with this technique

The use of ultrasound-guided wire localisation of lesions is not well described in the orthopaedic literature. We describe a case of an impalpable schwannoma of the femoral nerve and another of sacroiliitis with an associated pelvic abscess. In both, surgical localisation was difficult. Peri-operative ultrasound-guided wire localisation was used to guide surgery and minimise tissue damage, thereby optimising the results and recovery of the patient

Several design principles were considered paramount when the surgical technique of performing total hip arthroplasty through an incision in the superior capsule without dislocation of the hip joint was developed. These design principles include: Preservation of the abductors; Preservation of the posterior capsule and short external rotators; Preparation of the femur in situ without dislocation of the hip; In-line access to the femoral shaft axis; Ability to perform a trial reduction; Independence from intraoperative imaging; Independence from a traction table; Applicable to at least 99% of THA procedures. Personal experience with more than 1950 THA using the superior capsulotomy technique over a 12-year period has demonstrated several observations: Dislocation rate of 0.15% (3 in 1950); Acute deep infection rate of 0% (0 in 1950); Universal applicability: used in 99.7% of primary THA; Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy incidence: 0/1950; Femoral nerve palsy incidence: 0/1950; Transient peroneal palsy incidence: 2/1950; Length of stay (since 2010): 1.55 days; Discharge to home: 98%; 90-day cost (2/13 to 2/14) compared to other exposures in CMS patients in the same institution: $24,200 vs $30,100; Readmission costs (CMS 2/13 to 2/14) at 90 days: $0. Conclusion: Performing total hip arthroplasty without dislocation and with preservation of the abductors, posterior capsule and short external rotations has proven to have a low dislocation rate, a low infection rate, and wide applicability. CMS 12-month expenditure data documenting ZERO dollars spent on readmission for any reason within 90 days of surgery demonstrates the potential for simultaneously improving incomes and reducing cost, with particular benefit within the CMS BPCI and private bundled payment programs

Introduction. The rate of total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery continues to dramatically rise in the United States, with over 300,000 procedures performed in 2010. Although a relatively safe procedure, THA is not without complications. These complications include acetabular fracture, heterotopic ossification, implant failure, and nerve palsy to name a few. The rates of neurologic injury for a primary THA are reported as 0.7–3.5%. These rates increase to 7.6% for revision THA. The direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (DATHA) is gaining popularity amongst orthopedic surgeons. Many of these surgeons elect to use the Hana® table during this procedure for optimal positioning capability. Although intraoperative mobility and positioning of the hip joint during DATHA improves operative access, select positions of the limb put certain neurologic structures at risk. The most commonly reported neurologic injuries in this regard are to the sciatic and femoral nerves. To our knowledge, the use of neuromonitoring during DATHA, especially those using the Hana® table, has not been described in the literature. Methods. The patient was a 60-year-old male with long standing osteoarthritis of the right hip and prior left THA. Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) leads were placed bilaterally into the hand (ulnar nerve) as well as the popliteal fossae (posterior tibial nerve). Unilateral electromyography leads were placed into the vastus medialis obliquus, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and abductor hallucis of the operative limb (Fig. 1). Once the patient was sterilely draped, a direct anterior Smith-Peterson approach to the hip was used. Results. After the patient completed standard pre-operative protocol, neuromonitoring leads were placed as described above. There were no complications, neuromonitoring remained stable from baseline, and the patient tolerated the procedure well. Moreover, the senior author routinely uses a prophylactic cable around the calcar, particularly in patients with osteoporotic bone, as was the case with this patient. The patient's post-operative course has been without complications as well. Conclusion. There are a few studies that have examined the pressure changes around the femoral nerve during a DATHA and found that the nerve was at most danger with misplacement of a retractor near the anterior lip of the acetabulum. Furthermore, the popularity of DATHA and the Hana® table make neuromonitoring more amenable for use since the whole limb does not need to be sterilely prepped as with other approaches to the hip. The reported rates of neurologic injury during any THA along with those developed from passage of prophylactic cerclage cables and the goals of reducing surgical complications make this novel technique intriguing. It allows the surgeon yet another safe and effective tool to decrease the likelihood of neurologic injury during DATHA. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Anterior supine intermuscular total hip arthroplasty (ASI-THA) has emerged as a muscle sparing, less-invasive procedure. The anterior interval is both intermuscular and internervous, providing the advantages of little or no muscle dissection, and a true minimally invasive alternative. It is versatile, with reported use expanding beyond the primary realm to revision and resurfacing THA as well as treatment of acute fracture in elderly patients, who due to their diminished regenerative capacity may benefit more from the muscle-sparing nature of the anterior approach. The ASI approach involves the use of a standard radiolucent operative table with the table extender at the foot of the bed and the patient supine. Fluoroscopy is used in every case. A table-mounted femur elevator is utilised to facilitate femoral preparation. A retrospective review identified 824 patients undergoing 934 consecutive primary ASI-THA performed between January 2007 and December 2010. Age averaged 63.2 years (27‐92), BMI averaged 29.9 kg/m2 (16.9–59.2). Gender was 49% males and 51% females. Stem types were short in 82% and standard length in 18%. Follow-up averaged 23.1 months (1‐73). Operative time averaged 63.1 minutes (29‐143). Blood loss averaged 145.3 mL (25‐1000). Transfusion rate was 3.3% (30 of 914) in single procedures and 80% (8 of 10) in simultaneous bilateral procedures. Length of stay averaged 1.7 days (1‐12). Intraoperatively there were 3 calcar cracks and 1 canal perforation treated with cerclage cables. There were 6 wound complications requiring debridement. Four hips had significant lateral femoral cutaneous nerve parathesias not resolved at 12 months. One femoral nerve palsy occurred. At up to 73 months follow-up there have been 21 revisions (2.2%): 2 infection, 1 malpositioned cup corrected same day, 5 metal complications, 2 dislocations, 2 loose cups with one requiring concomitant stem revision secondary to inability to disarticulate trunnion, 1 femoral subsidence and 8 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Primary THA can be safely performed utilising this muscle-sparing approach. We did not see an alarmingly high rate of complications. Instead, rapid recovery and quick return to function were observed. ASI-THA appears to be safe. The recovery advantage utilising this surgical approach is irrefutable. There are complications, most notably periprosthetic femur fracture. The rate, however, appears to be low and decreases with increased experience. There is no need for a special operative or fracture table to perform the procedure. Whether the complication rate is higher with the use of these expensive devices is unknown, but our results demonstrate a 2.2% reoperation rate with the use of the ASI approach performed on a standard OR table. Continued refinement of the technical aspects of ASI-THA may lessen the complication rate

Anterior supine intermuscular total hip arthroplasty (ASI-THA) has emerged as a muscle sparing, less-invasive procedure. The anterior interval is both intermuscular and internervous, providing the advantages of little or no muscle dissection, and a true minimally invasive alternative. It is versatile, with reported use expanding beyond the primary realm to revision and resurfacing THA as well as treatment of acute fracture in elderly patients, who due to their diminished regenerative capacity may benefit more from the muscle-sparing nature of the anterior approach. The ASI approach involves the use of a standard radiolucent operative table with the table extender at the foot of the bed and the patient supine. Fluoroscopy is used in every case. A table-mounted femur elevator is utilised to facilitate femoral preparation. A retrospective review identified 824 patients undergoing 934 consecutive primary ASI-THA performed between January 2007 and December 2010. Age averaged 63.2 years (27–92), BMI averaged 29.9 kg/m2 (16.9–59.2). Gender was 49% males and 51% females. Stem types were short in 82% and standard length in 18%. Follow-up averaged 23.1 months (1–73). Operative time averaged 63.1 minutes (29–143). Blood loss averaged 145.3 minutes (25–1000). Transfusion rate was 3.3% (30 of 914) in single procedures and 80% (8 of 10) in simultaneous bilateral procedures. Length of stay averaged 1.7 days (1–12). Intraoperatively there were 3 calcar cracks and 1 canal perforation treated with cerclage cables. There were 6 wound complications requiring debridement. Four hips had significant lateral femoral cutaneous nerve parathesias not resolved at 12 months. One femoral nerve palsy occurred. At up to 73 months follow-up there have been 21 revisions (2.2%): 2 infection, 1 malpositioned cup corrected same day, 5 metal complications, 2 dislocations, 2 loose cups with one requiring concomitant stem revision secondary to inability to disarticulate trunnion, 1 femoral subsidence and 8 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Primary THA can be safely performed utilising this muscle-sparing approach. We did not see an alarmingly high rate of complications. Instead, rapid recovery and quick return to function were observed. ASI-THA appears to be safe. The recovery advantage utilising this surgical approach is irrefutable. There are complications, most notably periprosthetic femur fracture. The rate, however, appears to be low and decreases with increased experience. There is no need for a special operative or fracture table to perform the procedure. Whether the complication rate is higher with the use of these expensive devices is unknown, but our results demonstrate a 2.2% reoperation rate with the use of the ASI approach performed on a standard OR table. Continued refinement of the technical aspects of ASI-THA may lessen the complication rate

Traditionally, unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries have been stabilised with an external fixator or by internal fixation. Recently, a new percutaneous technique of placement of bilateral supraacetabular polyaxial screws and subcutaneous connecting bar to assemble an “internal fixator” has been described. We present the surgical technique and early clinical results of using this technique in twenty-five consecutive patients with a rotationally unstable pelvic ring injury and no diastasis of the symphysis pubis treated between April 2010 and December 2013. Additional posterior pelvic stabilisation with percutaneous iliosacral screws was used in 23 of these patients. The anterior device was routinely removed after three months. Radiological evidence of union of the anterior pelvic ring was seen in 24 of 25 patients at a minimum 6 month follow-up. Thirteen patients developed sensory deficits in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (five bilateral) and only one fully recovered. The anterior pelvic internal fixator is a reliable, safe and easy percutaneous technique for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injuries, facilitating the reduction and stabilisation of rotational displacement. However, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysfunction is common. The technique is recommended in cases with bilateral or unilateral pubic rami fractures and no diastasis of the symphysis pubis

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasties (THAs) present unique and unwarranted dangers to the patient and surgeon alike. These include a significantly increased risk of blood transfusion (up to 50% in contemporary series even with the use of tranexamic acid), longer operative times, longer length of stays, and higher mortality rates in patients with minimal risk factors (age > 75 years, rheumatoid arthritis, higher ASA class, and/or male sex). This is even in light of the fact that the vast majority of literature has a substantial selection bias in which only the healthiest, youngest, non-obese, and most motivated patients are included. Traditionally, simultaneous bilateral THAs were completed in the lateral decubitus position. This required the surgeon and surgical team to reposition the patient onto a fresh wound, as well as additional prepping and draping. To mitigate these additional limitations of simultaneous bilateral THAs, there has been a recent trend towards utilizing the direct anterior approach. However, this particular approach presents its own unique set of complications such as an increased risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture and early femoral failure, an increased risk of impaired wound healing (particularly in obese patients), potential injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with subsequent neurogenic pain, and traction-related neurologic injuries. When compounded with the risks of simultaneous bilateral THAs, the complication profile becomes prohibitive for an elective procedure with an otherwise very low morbidity

The approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA) should allow adequate visualization and access so as to implant in optimal position whilst minimizing muscle injury, maintaining or restoring normal soft tissue anatomy and biomechanics and encouraging a rapid recovery with minimal complications. Every surgeon who performs primary hip arthroplasties will expound the particular virtues of his or her particular routine surgical approach. Usually this approach will be the one to which the surgeon was most widely exposed to during residency training. There is a strong drive from patients, industry, surgeon marketing campaigns, and the media to perform THA through smaller incisions with quicker recoveries. The perceived advantage of the anterior approach is the lack of disturbance of the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint, less pain, faster recovery with the potential for earlier return to work, shorter hospital stay and improved cosmetic results. The potential disadvantages include less visibility, longer operation time, nerve injuries, femoral fractures, malposition and a long learning curve for the surgeon (and his / her patients). The anterior approach was first performed in Paris, by Robert Judet in 1947. The advantages of the anterior approach for THA are several. First, the hip is an anterior joint, closer to the skin anterior than posterior. Second, the approach follows the anatomic interval between the zones of innervation of the superior and inferior gluteal nerves lateral and the femoral nerve medial. Third, the approach exposes the hip without detachment of muscle from the bone. The mini-incision variation of this exposure was developed by Joel Matta in 1996. He rethought his approach to THA and his goals were: lower risk of dislocation, enhanced recovery, and increased accuracy of hip prosthesis placement and leg length equality. This approach preserves posterior structures that are important for preventing dislocation while preserving important muscle attachments to the greater trochanter. The lack of disturbance of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius insertions facilitates gait recovery and rehabilitation, while the posterior rotators and capsule provide active and passive stability and account for immediate stability of the hip and a low risk of dislocation. A disadvantage of the approach is the fact that a special operating table with traction is required. Potential complications include intraoperative femoral and ankle fractures. These can be avoided through careful manipulation of the limb. If a femoral fracture occurs, the incision can be extended distally by lengthening the skin incision downward along the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, and splitting the interval between the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis. The choice of approach used to perform a primary THA remains controversial. The primary goals are pain relief, functional recovery and implant longevity performed with a safe and reproducible approach without complications. The anterior approach is promising in terms of hospital stay and functional recovery. Although recent studies suggest that component placement in minimally invasive surgery is safe and reliable, no long-term results have been published. Further follow-up and development is necessary to compare the results with the posterior approach as most of the positive data is based on comparisons with the anterolateral approach. The proposed benefits of the anterior approach are not supported by the current available literature. The issues regarding the difficult learning curve, rate of complications, operative time, requirement for trauma tables and image intensifier should be taken into account by surgeons starting with the anterior approach in THA

Introduction. Fast track arthroplasty regimens require preservation of motor power to perform early rehabilitation and ensure early discharge (1). Commonly performed nerve blocks like femoral and Sciatic nerve blocks results in motor weakness thereby interfering with early rehabilitation and may also predispose to patient falls (2, 3). Hence, targeting the terminal branches of the femoral and sciatic nerves around the knee joint under ultrasound is an attractive strategy. The nerve supply of interest for knee analgesia are the terminal branches of the femoral nerve, the genicular branches of the lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh, obturator and sciatic nerves (4). Methods. We modified the performance of the adductor canal block and combined it with US guided posterior pericapsular injection and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block to provide analgesia around the knee joint. The femoral artery is first traced under the sartorius muscle until the origin of descending geniculate artery and the block is performed proximal to its origin. A needle is inserted in-plane between the Sartorius and rectus femoris above the fascia lata and 5 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine (LA) is injected to block the intermediate cutaneous nerve of thigh. The needle is then redirected to enter the fascia of Sartorius to deliver an additional 5ml of LA to cover the medial cutaneous nerve of thigh following which it is further advanced till the needle tip is seen to lie adjacent to the femoral artery under the Sartorius to perform the adductor canal block with an additional 15–20 ml of LA to cover nerve to vastus medialis, saphenous nerve and posterior division of the obturator nerve (Fig 1). The lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh is optionally blocked with 10 ml of LA near the anterior superior iliac spine between the origin of Sartorius and tensor fascia lata (Fig 2). The terminal branches of sciatic nerve to the knee joint is blocked by depositing 25 ml of local anesthetic solution between the popliteal artery and femur bone at the level of femoral epicondyles (Fig 3). Results. The initial experience of the block performed on 10 patients reveal the median (IQR) block duration is noted to be around 20 (±6.5) hours. The median (IQR) pain scores in the first 24 postoperative hours ranged from 0 (±0.5) to 3 (±2.5) at rest and 1.5 (±3.5) to 5.5 (±1) on movement. All patients were successfully mobilized on the morning of the first postoperative day. Conclusion. Motor sparing from the blocks while providing adequate analgesia can be achieved by selectively targeting the sensory innervation of the knee joint. Future comparative studies are needed to evaluate the performance of the block against other modes of analgesia for knee arthroplasty