Introduction. Patient self-reported outcome scales have recently been used to evaluate total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. Many follow-up studies have been conducted on patients undergoing TKA; however, they have mostly reported outcomes after unilateral TKA. We believe that a longitudinal study after bilateral TKA will be more useful in evaluating the quality of life (QOL) of such patients. Objectives. The objective of this study was to longitudinally evaluate QOL using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). Objective outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) for more than 5 years after bilateral TKA. Furthermore, QOL and objective outcomes were compared between younger (age ≤ 80 years at the final follow-up point) and older (age > 80 years) age groups. Methods. In total, 109 patients underwent two-staged bilateral TKAs for varus knee osteoarthritis at our clinic between October 2006 and March 2013. Of these patients, 78 were evaluated preoperatively (Pre) and at 1, 3 and 5 years or more (average, 6.7 years; range, 5–10 years) after bilateral TKAs using JKOM, KSS and TUG. The average patient age at the time of the first and the contralateral TKAs was 73.3 (range, 61–85) years and 74.0 (range, 62–85) years, respectively. The average patient age at the final follow-up point among younger (36 patients) and older (42 patients) age groups was 75.8 (range, 67–80) years and 84.7 (range: 81–92) years, respectively. The outcomes at each evaluation point were compared using Steel–Dwass test. A comparison of the JKOM scores and objective outcomes between the younger and older age groups was performed using Mann–Whitney U-test. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results. A significant improvement in the JKOM score was observed between ‘Pre’ and ‘1 year after bilateral TKA’; the improvement was maintained until the final follow-up point. All four subscales in JKOM showed the same improvement as JKOM itself. Furthermore, significant improvements in the total KSS, knee and function scores were observed between ‘Pre’ and ‘1 year after bilateral TKA’; the improvement was maintained until the final follow-up point. A significant improvement in the TUG scores was observed between ‘Pre’ and ‘1 year after bilateral TKA’; although the improvement was maintained for 3 years, there was a small but significant deterioration at the final follow-up point. Although the average age difference between the two groups was 8.9 years, no significant differences were found in the JKOM and objective outcome scores between the younger and older age groups. Conclusions. This is the first longitudinal mid-term follow-up study to evaluate QOL after bilateral TKAs. The JKOM and objective outcome scores reached a plateau 1 year after bilateral TKA, and the improvement was maintained for an average of 6.7 years; however, TUG scores showed a small deterioration at the final follow-up point. The improvement in the JKOM and objective outcome scores maintained by the older age group was equivalent to that by the younger one

In older patients (>75 years of age), with an intact rotator cuff, requiring a total shoulder replacement (TSR) there is, at present, uncertainty whether an anatomic TSR (aTSR) or a reverse TSR (rTSR) is best for the patient. This comparison study of same age patients aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of older patients (≥75 years) who received either an aTSR or a rTSA.

Consecutive patients with a minimum age of 75 years who received an aTSR (n=44) or rTSR (n=51) were prospectively studied. Pre- and postoperative clinical evaluations included the ASES score, Constant score, SPADI score, DASH score, range of motion (ROM) and pain and patient satisfaction for a follow-up of 2 years. Radiological assessment identified glenoid and humeral component osteolysis, including notching with a rTSR.

Postoperative improvement for ROM and all clinical assessment scores for both groups was found. There were significantly better patient reported outcome scores (PROMs) in the aTSR group compared with the rTSR patients (p<0.001). Both groups had only minor osteolysis on radiographs. No revisions were required in either group. The main complications were scapular stress fractures for the rTSR patients and acromioclavicular joint pain for both groups.

This study of older patients (>75 years) demonstrated that an aTSR for a judiciously selected patient with good rotator cuff muscles can lead to a better clinical outcome and less early complications than a rTSR.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk of progressive hip displacement. While the cause of hip displacement remains unclear, spasticity and muscle imbalance around the hip are felt to be a major factor. There is strong evidence demonstrating that a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) reduces spasticity. However, the impact of this decreased spasticity on hip displacement is unknown. Past studies, which are small and lack long-term follow-up, do not provide a clear indication of the effect of SDR on hip displacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of SDR on hip displacement in children with CP a minimum of five years post-SDR. A retrospective chart review was completed. Participants were selected from a consecutive series of children who had an SDR before January 1, 2013 at one tertiary care facility to ensure a minimum five year follow-up. Pre-operative and minimum five year post-SDR AP pelvis radiographs were required for inclusion. Hip displacement was evaluated using change in MP between radiographs completed pre-SDR and minimum five years post-SDR, or until orthopaedic hip surgery. In total, 77 participants (45 males, 32 females) at GMFCS levels of I (1), II (11), III (22), IV (35) and V (8) were included in the review. Mean age at time of SDR was 5 years (2.8– 11.6yrs). Pre-SDR mean MP of the 154 hips was 29% (0–100%). Post-SDR, 67 (43.5%) hips in 35 children had soft tissue, reconstructive, or salvage hip procedures at an average of 4.9 years (0.5–13.8yrs) post-SDR and an average MP of 46% (11–100%). In addition, seven hips (5%) had a MP ≥ 40% (40–100%) at most recent radiographic review that averaged 11 years (5.6–18.6yrs). Overall, the total number of subjects with hip displacement measuring MP >40% or who had a surgical hip intervention, by GMFCS level, was: 0 (0%) at level I, 0 (0%) at level II, 20 (45%) at level III, 22 (59%) at level IV, and 5 (81%) at level V. The incidence of hip displacement in children with CP post-SDR did not substantially differ from the overall incidence reported in the literature when evaluated by GMFCS level. This study is the largest long-term follow-up study investigating the effect of hip displacement post-SDR. Results suggest that SDR does not impact hip displacement in CP, however, further prospective study will be required to strengthen the evidence in this regard

Background and aim. A significant reduction in wear using Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene (PE) versus Sulene polyethylene (sterilized with nitrogen) at 5 and 10 years have been reported previously. We ask if the improvement observed at the earlier follow-up continues at 15 years. Methods. Between 1999 and 2001, 90 hips underwent surgery using the same cementless cup and stem: 45 received Allofit cups with a Sulene-PE liner and 45 Allofit cups with a Durasul-PE liner, both associated with an Alloclassic stem (28 mm metallic femoral head). 66 hips of this prospective comparative study were available over a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Linear femoral head penetration was estimated digitally at 6 weeks, at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter, using the Dorr method, given the nonspherical cup shape. All radiographs were evaluated by the same author, who was not involved in surgery. Results. 2 hips in the Sulene group showed proximal femoral osteolysis, one of these was revised for stem loosening at 12 years. There was no loosening of any other prosthetic component. Femoral head penetration in the one year postoperative radiographs was 0.23 mm (range, 0.08–0.23) for the Sulene group and 0.10 mm (0.04–0.11) for the Durasul group (p<0.001). The mean yearly linear femoral head penetration was 68.8 % lower for the Durasul group: 0.020+0.018 mm for the Durasul and 0.062+0.051 mm/year for the Sulene group (p<0.001). Mean linear femoral head penetration at 15 years was 64.5 % less in the Durasul group (0.394+0.27 mm) than in the Sulene group (1.108+0.78 mm)(p=0.001). Conclusions. There is a significant reduction in yearly linear femoral head penetration with the Durasul-PE. Confirmation that this reduction will result in less osteolysis requires continued follow-up studies

Objective. Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) is a novel technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) which potentially permits more accurate alignment of the components; however, there is no consensus in literature regarding the accuracy and reliability of PSI as many studies have shown controversial and inconsistent results of various PSI systems. A 24-month follow-up study was carried out to compare perioperative clinical outcomes, radiological limb alignment and component positioning, as well as functional outcomes following TKA between PSI and conventional instrumentation (CI). Methods. During September 2011 and August 2012, 90 consecutive patients were scheduled to undergo unilateral TKA with either PSI or CI. TruMatch® Personalised Solutions was used in this study, and a senior surgeon performed all operations. Patients were clinically assessed before, 6-month and 24-month after surgery. Results. There were 42 patients who underwent TKA with PSI and 48 patients with CI, with no preoperative demographic and clinical difference. There was significant improvement in maximal extension for both groups at both of the two follow-ups, compared to baseline. While the CI group maintained similar maximal flexion angle, PSI group had significant decrease in maximal flexion angle, at both follow-ups. Overall, there was no significant improvement in the range of motion for both groups over the 24-month period after surgery. At 6 and 24 months postoperatively, there were similarly significant improvements in the mean scores of Oxford Knee Score, Knee Society Score, and Physical Component Sscore of the SF-36 Health Survey for both groups. At 24 months postoperatively, no significant differences were detected between PSI and CI groups in all clinical and functional outcomes. Radiographic results showed that the lower limb mechanical alignment and coronal component positioning were satisfactory and similar between the two groups. There were no differences in operating time, haemoglobin loss, transfusion rate and length of hospitalisation between PSI and CI, perioperatively. Conclusion. In conclusion, CT-based PSI showed comparable clinical and functional outcomes at 24 months after TKA compared with CI. There were no significant differences between the two types of instruments in achieving alignment restoration, component positioning, and perioperative clinical outcomes in terms of operating time and blood loss

Different bearing surfaces, including alumina-on-alumina have been used to avoid osteolysis.

We ask if the use of modern ceramics matched with metal-backed sockets improves clinical results avoiding aseptic loosening, osteolysis and late dislocations.

We prospectively analysed 315 Cerafit cups in two different generations: First generation implanted between 1999 and 2005 (124 cups) and second generation (191 cups) all implanted with a 5-year minimum follow-up, and associated with a Multicone-HAP stem using alumina-on-alumina bearings. Patients' mean age was 48.7+13.6 years.

There were three dislocations within the first postoperative month and one early recurrent dislocation requiring reoperation using a double mobility cup. There were four intraoperative fractures, two in rheumatoid juvenile arthritis cases solved with a cerclage, and one postoperative fracture solved using a femoral long-stem. No fractures were seen in the alumina components in this series. Also, there have been no infections. There were 4 patients reporting non-reproducible squeaking. Survivorship analysis for cup loosening for any cause was 93% for group 1 (11 cups) and 99.2% for group 2 (1 cup in a patient with severe developmental dysplasia). The cumulative probability of not having a revision of one or both components for any cause was 96.9% (CI 95%:9.47–99.1%), All unrevised cases showed good clinical and radiographic results at the end of follow-up. No stem loosening, osteolysis nor stress shielding were found in any case by the end of follow-up. Changes in linear femoral head penetration were not seen in any hip.

These data suggest that Cerafit alumina-on-alumina prostheses show excellent results after fiften years. Cup loosening was more frequent in the cups of first generation, but not currently. Continued follow-up will be required to determine if reduction in wear between the alumina-on alumina bearings results in less osteolysis and loosening.

Introduction

Durable bone fixation of uncemented porous-coated acetabular cups can be observed at a long-term, however, polyethylene (PE) wear and osteolysis may affect survivorship. Accurate wear measurements correlated with clinical data may offer unique research information of clinical interest about this highly debated issue.

Introduction

Highly cross-linked polyethylene has been introduced to decrease osteolysis secondary to polyethylene wear debris generation, but there are few long-term data on revision total hip arthroplasty using highly cross-linked polyethylene liners. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term radiographic and clinical outcomes of a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner in revision total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION. Computer-aided systems have been developed recently in order to improve the precision of implantation of a total knee replacement (TKR). Several authors demonstrated that the accuracy of implantation of TKR was higher with the help of a navigation system in comparison to the conventional, manual technique. Theoretically, the clinical results and the survival rates should be improved. Our team was one of the first all over the world which decided to use routinely a navigation system for TKR. Prostheses designed with a mobile bearing polyethylene component allow an increased congruence between femoral and tibial gliding surface, and should decrease the risk of long-term polyethylene wear. We designed a prosthetic system with one of the highest congruence on the current market. These prostheses might be technically more demanding than more conventional designs, and involve specific complications like bearing luxation. Navigation systems might be helpful in this was as well. In the present study, we wanted to test clinically the theoretic advantages of these three specific points of our system (navigated implantation, mobile bearing and increased congruence) with a five-year clinical and radiological follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 128 patients were operated on at our Department with this TKR system between 2000, and were contacted for a five-year clinical and radiological follow-up. The clinical and functional results were evaluated according to the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS). The subjective results were analyzed with the Oxford Knee Score. The accuracy of implantation was assessed on post-operative long leg antero-posterior and lateral X-rays. The survival rate after 5 years was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier technique. RESULTS. The mean clinical score was 87 points (maximum of 100 points). The mean pain score was 43 points (maximum of 50 points). The mean flexion angle was 118°, and 33% oft he patients were able to reach 130° of knee flexion or more. The mean functional score was 70 points (maximum of 100). The mean Oxford Score was 23 points (best score = 12 points, worst score = 60 points). An optimal correction of the coronal leg axis (less than 3° off the neutral axis) was obtained in 87% of the cases. 67% of the cases had an optimal implantation of both tibial and femoral implants on both coronal and sagittal planes. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 97.4% after 5 years. DISCUSSION. The present study confirmed the efficiency of the navigation system used on the accuracy of implantation. The clinical and functional results after 5 years were at least as good as those published after conventional implantation of uncongruent prostheses. The survival rate was comparable as well to the already accepted gold standards. We observed no complication directly related to the new prosthetic system. The mean flexion angle was better that the results we observed with the previously used fixed bearing system. The question of the polyethylene wear could not be assessed because of the too short follow-up period. An additional follow-up study is planned after 5 more years

Introduction

Total knee arthroplasty has become an established operation. Cemented fixation of the components has given satisfactory results and is accepted as the gold standard. Cement failure with aseptic loosening, however, is a possible long term complication. This is particularly important in view of the increasing number of younger patients who can benefit from this procedure. Hence the attraction of using implants fixed by direct osseointegration of bone into the implant, by passing the potential weak link of the cement.

Gel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) over the years have shown encouraging results in repairing the articular cartilage. More recently, the use of cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has represented a promising treatment option with the potential to differentiate and restore the hyaline cartilage in a more efficient way. This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcome obtained in these two groups.

Twenty-eight consecutive symptomatic patients diagnosed with full-thickness cartilage defects were assigned to two treatment groups (16 patients cultured bone marrow-derived MSC and 12 patients with gel-type ACI). The MSC group patients underwent microfracture and bone marrow aspiration in the first stage and injection of cultured MSC into the knee in the second stage. Clinical and radiological results were compared at a minimum follow up of five years

There was excellent clinical outcome noted with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both ACI and MSC group showed significant improvement of the KOOS, Lysholm and IKDC scores as compared to their preoperative values and this was maintained at 5 years follow up. The average MOCART score for all lesions was also nearly similar in the two groups. The mean T2* relaxation-times for the repair tissue and native cartilage were 27.8 and 30.6 respectively in the ACI group and 28 and 29.6 respectively in the MSC group.

Use of cultured MSC is less invasive, technically simpler and also avoids the need for a second surgery as compared to an ACI technique. With similar encouraging clinical results seen and the proven ability to restore true hyaline cartilage, cultured MSC represent a favorable treatment option in articular cartilage repair.

We report long term outcomes of the Rotaglide mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty (RTK).

Background and aim

Total hip replacement (THR) in young patients has been associated to higher revision rates than in older population. Different conditions may lead to end-stage arthritis of the hip in these patients.

We compared the clinical and radiological outcome of two different groups of young and very young patients who underwent a ceramic-on-ceramic THR.

We prospectively analyzed 83 patients who underwent ceramic-on-ceramic THA using preassembled (n = 22) or modular acetabular components (n = 61) between June 2010 and June 2012. No radiographic evidence of progressive radiolucency, osteolytic lesions, acetabular fractures, or component migration was detected in either group. Furthermore, no patient required revision surgery for instability or ceramic breakage. Table 1 shows the mean postoperative HHS, WOMAC score, and acetabular component inclination and anteversion in groups A and B. No significant differences in mean postoperative HHS (P < 0.056), WOMAC score (P < 0.258), acetabular component inclination (P < 0.827), or anteversion (P < 0.549) were observed between the two groups according to the independent sample t-test. However, the chi-square (Fisher's exact) test showed a significant difference between the two groups with respect to the gender of the patients (P < 0.001, Table 2). These findings indicate that half of the women had smaller acetabular diameters accommodating a cup size of only 48–50-mm. Thus a preassembled ceramic liner is a very good option for women with a small acetabulum, which could permit the use of a larger femoral head (36-mm) with thin-walled acetabular components. In contrast, the component-specific complications between the two groups were quite similar. One patient (group B) had transient squeaking that disappeared after a few months. One patient (group B) had a mild limp caused by abductor muscle weakness, and one patient (group B) had a superficial wound infection that was treated with local debridement and antibiotics. Early dislocation (P < 0.488) occurred in three patients (one in group A and two in group B). Two patients (one in group A and one in group B) reported postoperative falling events at their bedside. The other in group B was a female with rheumatoid arthritis, which can lead to a much higher risk of dislocation due to soft tissue laxity around the hip joint. All of these patients were treated by closed reduction without further incident. Three patients (one in group A and two in group B) had mild iliopsoas pain (P < 0.488) that was not associated with loosening; however, the pain did not limit their activities (Table 3). In conclusion, we found no significant differences in the mean postoperative radiographic or functional outcomes or complications between the two groups, showing satisfactory performance at the 2 year follow up. Only the gender of the patient was significantly different between the two goups, demonstrating that a larger number of women had smaller acetabular diameters accommodating a cup size of only 48–50-mm. Although a preassembled cup with a 36-mm ceramic liner has proven safety in the short term, future research should focus on its long-term risks.

Introduction

As the proximal femoral bone is generally compromised in failed total hip arthroplasty, achievement of solid fixation with a new component can be technically demanding. Clinical studies have demonstrated good medium-term results after revision total hip arthroplasty using modular fluted and tapered distal fixation stems, but, to our knowledge, long-term outcomes have been rarely reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report the minimum ten-year results of revision total hip arthroplasty using a modular fluted and tapered distal fixation stem.

Background and aim

Despite good survivorship analysis for most uncemented tapered straight stems, new proposals modifying stem design in total hip replacement (THR) are being introduced in order to facilitate femoral revision surgery.

We have evaluated the clinical and radiological results of four different designs of uncemented tapered straight stems implanted in our institution in order to assess: operative complications, clinical results, survivorship analysis for aseptic loosening and radiographic findings

INTRODUCTION

Computer-aided systems have been developed recently in order to improve the precision of implantation of a total knee replacement (TKR). Several authors demonstrated that the accuracy of implantation of an unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) was also improved.

Minimal invasive techniques have been developed to decrease the surgical trauma related to the prosthesis implantation. The benefits of minimal-incision surgery might include less surgical dissection, less blood loss and pain, an earlier return to function, a smaller scar, and subsequently lower costs. However, there might be a concern about the potential of minimal invasive techniques for a loss of accuracy. Navigation might help to compensate for these difficulties.

Mobile bearing prostheses have been developed to decrease the risk of polyethylene wear. The benefits might be a better survival and less bone loss during revisions. However, these prosthesis are technically more demanding, and involve the specific risk of bearing luxation. Again, navigation might help to compensate for these difficulties.

The main purpose of the present study was to determine long-term implant fixation of 15 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKAs) with an all-poly tibial component using Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) at a mean 10-year follow-up. The secondary purpose was to investigate whether the progressive loss of implant's fixation correlates with a reduction in Knee society score (KSS). Fifteen non-consecutive patients with primary knee osteoarthritis received a UKA with an all-poly tibial component were assessed using KSS scores pre-operatively and post-operatively and RSA on day 2 after surgery, then at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. The mean last follow-up was 10 years. An increase in maximum total point motion (MTPM) values from 6 months to 1 year post-operatively was found respect to post-operative reference. Implants’ displacement values were always 2 mm during the first 6 months, and then, two different trends were noticed in revised and non-revised implants. MTPM increase between 1 and 2 years of follow-up in non-revised UKAs was always 0.2 mm, whereas it was [0.2 mm in revised UKAs. A linear and negative correlation with statistical significance was found between MTPM and both clinical and functional KSS scores (p 0.001). Also in a long-term follow-up evaluation, RSA is an effective tool to predict functional results after an all-poly UKA providing also a relevant predictive value at 1 year follow-up, and this can be very useful for both patients and surgeons.

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major contributor to disability in seniors and affecting millions of people around the world. Its main problem and the biggest factor in the disability of patients is pain. Pain renders patient inactive and develops lower extremity muscle wasting and worsens patient status adversely. However no radical solution existed until now. Recently I discovered a very valid manipulative technique (Squeeze-hold) for OA knee. This study presents the one-year follow-up data (three cases) by this treatment.

Introduction:

Displaced and shortened clavicle shaft fractures can be treated operatively by intra- or extramedullary fixation. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of these two treatment modalities.