The outcome of an anatomical shoulder replacement depends on an intact rotator cuff. In 1981 Grammont designed a novel large-head reverse shoulder replacement for patients with cuff deficiency. Such has been the success of this replacement that it has led to a rapid expansion of the indications. We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the functional outcome of each indication for the reverse shoulder replacement. Secondary outcome measures of range of movement, pain scores and complication rates are also presented.

Meniscus repair is now an accepted procedure, but many questions remain, regarding the results, indications versus meniscal resection. How to assess the results of meniscal repair?. Clinical results doesn’t allow to assess the healing rate. Some failure of healing can be asymptomatic. There is thus a need for an objective assessment of the healing process: by arthroscopy (but it is invasive); by MRI but the hypersignal in the meniscus area is difficult to interpret. The best way seems to be arthro CT, even if it is a quite invasive technique. Indications: Indications mainly depend on two factors: location of the lesion stability of the knee. 1. Location of the lesion. In case of lesions in the red-red zone or red-white zone: the healing potential is good ameniscectomy would be total and would lead to secondary degenerative changes. it is thus the best indications for meniscal repair. In case of lesions in the white-white zone: the healing potential is poor the meniscectomy would be partial with usual good long term results. Indications for meniscal repair should be very selective in this occurrence. 2. Etiology. 2.1. ACL Tears Meniscectomy is the key of degenerative process after ACL rupture. ACL reconstruction is able to preserve meniscal status. We must thus preserve the menisci as much as possible: by doing a meniscal repair in case of unstable extended lesions by abstention if he meniscal is table. In all the cases, ACL should be reconstructed. Results of meniscal repair in this context are good both in terms of clinical results and healing rate. Isolated meniscal repair should be only considered in presence of 4 criteria: symptomatic meniscal lesion, no functional instability, non repairable meniscal lesion, low demanding patient. 2.2. Stable Knees. Meniscectomy remains the most frequent procedute in this condition with good functional results. But, according to the long term FU results (> 10year) (multi-centre study of the SFA 1996), the rate of asymptomatic knees is only 60% on the medial side, and 50% on the lateral side. The rate of joint line narrowing is 28% on the MM and 40% on the lateral side. The recovery after lateral meniscectomy is often long with a high rate of rearthroscopy (14%). There is a specific complication on the lateral side: rapid chondrolysis by young patients. Meniscal repair should be thus proposed as often as possible. The best indcation is a peripheral vertical lesion by a young patient. The rate of secondary meniscectomy is about 10% but the rate of complete healing is only 50 to 60% according to the literature. Prognostic factors are: time to surgery: recent lesions have a better prognosis (12 weeks ?) extension of the lesion side of the lesion: lateral lesion is better than medial one. Intrameniscal horizontal cleavage grade 2 lesion by young patients is a specific indication which gives good results and avoids a total meniscectomy. Conclusion: Meniscectomy and meniscal repair are not opposite techniques but complementaries technique. Meniscal repair should be recommended for red-red or red-white zone to preserve the meniscus and thus the cartilage, specially on ACL unstable knees, lateral side, young patients (children+++). But many questions remain: which strength do we need ? what about shear forces is there any secondary degenerative changes of the meniscal tissue with an increasing risk of iterative tear which long term results with the new devices ?

Revision of M-O-M articulation:. Indications. Loose cup either radiographically or clinically. Clinical symptoms are persistent startup pain; straightening from the bent position; inability to do single limb stance; limp. Unrelenting pain with any activity, even turning over in bed. Soft tissue mass in groin or anterior hip (more common anterior to greater trochanter than posterior. Elevated ion levels, especially cobalt. Elevated is 10µg/L but dangerous levels not defined (my definition is 40µg/L. Danger is cobalt poisoning. Also elevated ions almost always mean increased wear so local osteolysis and bone destruction is a risk with increased follow up. Cobalt poisoning: objective findings are cardiopulmonary with increasing shortness if breath; second most common is cognitive change. (Memory loss, psychomotor retardation). Subjective finding is psychological effect of a poison in their body

There is a paucity of data available for the use of Total Femoral Arthroplasty (TFA) for joint reconstruction in the non-oncological setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate TFA outcomes with minimum 5-year follow-up.

This was a retrospective database study of TFAs performed at a UK tertiary referral revision arthroplasty unit. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing TFA for non-oncological indications. We report demographics, indications for TFA, implant survivorship, clinical outcomes, and indications for re-operation.

A total of 39 TFAs were performed in 38 patients between 2015–2018 (median age 68 years, IQR 17, range 46–86), with 5.3 years’ (IQR 1.2, 4.1–18.8) follow-up; 3 patients had died. The most common indication (30/39, 77%) for TFA was periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or fracture-related infection (FRI); and 23/39 (59%) had a prior periprosthetic fracture (PPF). TFA was performed with dual-mobility or constrained cups in 31/39 (79%) patients. Within the cohort, 12 TFAs (31%) required subsequent revision surgery: infection (7 TFAs, 18%) and instability (5 TFAs, 13%) were the most common indications. 90% of patients were ambulatory post-TFA; 2 patients required disarticulation due to recurrent PJI. While 31/39 (79%) were infection free at last follow-up, the remainder required long-term suppressive antibiotics.

This is the largest series of TFA for non-oncological indications. Though TFA has inherent risks of instability and infection, most patients are ambulant after surgery. Patients should be counselled on the risk of life-long antibiotics, or disarticulation when TFA fails.

Infections represent a devastating complication in orthopedic and traumatological surgery, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. An early intervention is essential, and it includes a radical surgical approach supported by targeted intravenous antimicrobial therapy. The availability of parenteral antibiotics at the site of infection is usually poor, so it is crucial to maximize local antibiotic concentration using local carriers. Our work aims to describe the uses of one of these systems, Stimulan®, for the management and prevention of infections at our Institution.

Analysing the reported uses of Stimulan®, we identified two major groups: bone substitute and carrier material for local antibiotic therapy. The first group includes its application as a filler of dead spaces within bone or soft tissues resulting from traumatic events or previous surgery. The second group comprehends the use of Stimulan® for the treatment of osteomyelitis, post-traumatic septic events, periprosthetic joint infections, arthroplasty revision surgery, prevention in open fractures, surgery of the diabetic foot, oncological surgery and for all those patients susceptible to a high risk of infection.

We used Stimulan® in several complex clinical situations: in PJIs, in DAPRI procedure and both during the first and the second stage of a 2-stage revision surgery; furthermore, we started to exploit this antibiotic carrier also in prophylaxis of surgical site infections, as it happens in open fractures, and when a surgical site remediation is required, like in osteomyelitis following ORIF. Stimulan® is an extremely versatile and polyhedric material, available in the form of beads or paste, and can be mixed to a very broad range of antibiotics to better adapt to different bacteria and their antibiograms, and to surgeon's needs. These properties make it a very useful adjuvant for the management of complex cases of infection, and for their prevention, as well.

Introduction: Revision Hip Surgery presents an increasing Orthopaedic Burden. Indications for revision include recurrent hip dislocation, infection, peri-prosthetic fracture, failure of implants, including aseptic loosening, osteolysis, wear or mechanical failure of components. Within the region of Northern Ireland, we have investigated the indications for revision hip procedures, carried out from April 2006 to March 2007. We wanted to establish if the indications of revision surgery are comparable to other national registers. Methods: An audit of all hospitals, which carry out hip revision surgery, was carried out, to identify patients who have undergone revision total hip surgery. The indications for revision procedures were identified, from hospital databases, patient records and examination of pre-operative X-rays. Revision procedures included replacement of one or both components, application of Posterior Lip Augmentation Devices and cable plating or component revision for peri-prosthetic fractures. Results: 180 patients, who had undergone revision, were identified in six hospitals. 56 were female and 124 were male. Revisions were performed for a peri-prosthetic fracture in 38 (21%), infection in 12 (7%), recurrent dislocation in 23(13%) and failure of implants in 105 (58%). In 2 patients (1%) revision was performed after the development of avascular necrosis following resurfacing hip replacement. Discussion: The largest body of information on revision hip surgery is the Swedish registry. Their incidence for revision hip surgery is 7%. Their indications were: aseptic loosening 71%, Infection 7.5%, Fracture as 5.6% and dislocation as 4.8%. Our data indicate a greater prevalence of revision for recurrent dislocation and peri-prosthetic fractures than the Swedish data. Further work should aim to identify any remediable surgical factors which account for these differences

Introduction: Lesser toe problems and metatarsalgia are common complaints in patients presenting with foot problems. Associated toe deformities include mallet toes, hammer toes, claw toes. The patient may complain of pain over the proximal interphalangeal joint from shoe ware, diffuse or localized pain under the metatarsal heads, or swelling and irritation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Most patients can be treated with shoe ware modification, NSAID medication, tapping of toes, orthotics, or steroid injections. Surgical treatment includes flexor to extensor transfers, PIP excision arthroplasty, plantar condylectomy and metatarsal osteotomy. Indications and Complications: The osteotomy is performed when there instability of the MTP joint, reduction of MTP joint subluxation or dislocation, relatively long ray with transfer metatarsalgia. Complications include avascular necrosis, joint stiffness, transfer metatarsalgia to subsequent toes, and plantar flexion of the metatarsal. Surgical Technique: The Weil osteotomy is performed through a dorsal incision, performing a dorsal capsulotomy of the MTP joint and plantar flexing the proximal phalanx to expose the metatarsal head. The osteotomy is started in dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head and is made along the shaft keeping parallel to the floor. Key points are to make a long osteotomy cut to allow broad surface area for healing, avoid lowering the head by performing the cut parallel to the floor. The head will naturally displace proximally, most authors recommending 5–10mm of shortening. Fixation: The osteotomy is fixed using a twist off screw. Factors that influence fixation include angle of screw insertion, size of the screw and the number of screws. Fixation in relatively porotic bone is improved when using two screws

Indications for UKA for isolated osteoarthritis of the knee remain controversial. 229 UKA that were performed at our institution were evaluated for which factors was associated with a poor outcome. BMI > 35 was correlated with lower KSS scores than patients with BMI < 35. In contrast to prior reports, patients younger than 60 years old had higher scores than patients 60 years and older at 2 years. Women had an unacceptably high short-term revision rate for any reason of 6.5%. Popularity for UKA has increased, and a more in depth investigation of predictors of poor outcomes demonstrates that younger patients appear to have better results. Obese patients continue to improve up to 2 years after surgery and should not be precluded from undergoing UKA

Indications for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) include pain and disability. Correction of instability is essential to post operative outcome as instability is often a component of pre-operative functional disability, particularly in patients with valgus deformity. Soft tissue balancing is essential to the success of TKA. Anecdotally, patients with valgus deformity seemed to complain more of instability than pain. The aim of this study was to identify the role and significance of instability and determine whether patients with instability benefit more from TKA as it is useful to determine which patient characteristics will predict success in TKA. Five hundred and two patients aged 45–90 years underwent 522 Kinemax TKAs, performed by seven surgeons in five centres between October 1999 and December 2002. Soft tissue releases were recorded and objective soft tissue balance recorded using a ‘balancer’ device. Independent observers assessed patients using 3 outcome measures including the American Knee Society Score (AKSS) for a minimum of 12 months. Pre-operative alignment was divided into 6 groups according to the degree of varus or valgus deformity (mild, moderate, severe varus or valgus). Specific components of the AKSS including pain scores, knee scores and medio-lateral stability scores were specifically analyzed. There is a significant difference in the improvement of the knee scores between the severely valgus knees and all varus knees (ANOVA p=0.000). Significant differences were found between pre-operative pain scores, knee scores and medio-lateral stability between severely varus and severely valgus knees (ANOVA p=0.029, p=0.000 & p=0.000 respectively). Knees with severe valgus deformities have significantly worse pre operative scores and show greater improvement with equivocal post-operative outcome, when compared to those with severe varus deformity. We believe that this significant improvement is due to the fact that both key issues in the severely deformed valgus knee, namely pain and instability, have been addressed

Revision knee arthroplasty is a complex procedure with the number and cost of knee revision procedures performed per year expected to rise. Few studies have examined adverse events following revision arthroplasty.

The objective of this study was to determine rates of serious adverse events in patients undergoing revision knee arthroplasty with consideration of the indication for revision (urgent versus elective indications) and to compare these with primary arthroplasty and re-revision arthroplasty.

Patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty were identified in the UK Hospital Episode Statistics. Subsequent revision and re-revision arthroplasty procedures in the same patients and same knee were identified. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality and a logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with 90-day mortality and secondary adverse outcomes including infection (undergoing surgery), pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke. Urgent indications for revision arthroplasty were defined as infection or fracture, and all other indications were included in the elective indications cohort.

939,021 primary knee arthroplasty cases were included of which 40,854 underwent subsequent revision arthroplasty, and 9,100 underwent re-revision arthroplasty. Revision surgery for elective indications was associated with a 90-day rate of mortality of 0.44% (135/30,826; 95% CI 0.37-0.52) which was comparable to primary knee arthroplasty (0.46%; 4,292/939,021; 95% CI 0.44-0.47). Revision arthroplasty for infection, however, was associated with a much higher mortality of 2.04% (184/9037; 95% CI 1.75-2.35; odds ratio [OR] 3.54; 95% CI 2.81-4.46), as was revision for periprosthetic fracture at 5.25% (52/991; 95% CI 3.94-6.82; OR 6.23; 95% CI 4.39-8.85). Higher rates of pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke were also observed in the infection and fracture cohort.

These findings highlight the burden of complications associated with revision knee arthroplasty. They will inform shared decision-making for patients considering revision knee arthroplasty for elective indications. Patients presenting with infection of a knee arthroplasty or a periprosthetic fracture are at very high risk of adverse events. It is important that acute hospital services and tertiary referral centres caring for these patients are appropriately supported to ensure appropriate urgency and an anticipation for increased care requirements.

Purpose: Dwyer osteotomy remains controversial as shown by the numerous series reported. Conclusions have varied and there is no real consensus. The cause of these divergent opinions is related to the variability of indications (association or not with active neurological disease) and surgical schools. Interpretation of outcome and comparisons are hindered. Material and methods: We reviewed 22 cases of Dwyer osteotomy of the calcaneum performed between 1972 and 2002. The lateral approach was used for closed osteotomy. Mean follow-up was ten years (1–30). Patients were aged 8 to 55 years. The objective and subjective rating system of Laaveg and Panseti (1980) was used. Indications were: neurological pes cavus (n=13) including five unilateral and four bilateral cases, pes equinovarus sequela of clubfoot (n=n=2), idiopathic varus of the hindfood with ankle instability (n=5), posttraumatic varus sequela of a compartment syndrome (n=2). Discussion: Dwyer osteotomy is rarely performed alone and is frequently associated with other interventions (tendon lengthening and transfer, forefoot procedure, toe procedure) making it difficult to interpret results. Our study was not designed to draw definitive conclusion but rather to compare our indications and results with earlier reports. Conclusion: Dwyer osteotomy performed with a rigorous technique appears to be an effective means for correcting constitutional varus. The site of the osteotomy and bone resection are particularly important. There are few complications. Bone healing is generally achieved. The procedure is an excellent solution for patients with associated ankle instability because it provides an easy and effective way to correct moderate varus. It is also a good solution for revision of clubfoot when aponeurotic and tendon release is also indicated. Results are insufficient for neurological pes cavus when there is residual or active tendon imbalance. It can however be a temporary solution in the young patient who will undergo arthrodesis later

The collagenase of Clostridium Histolyticum enzyme infiltration is a mini-invasive treatment method for Dupuytren's disease which has emerged in recent years as an alternative to traditional surgery (selective aponeurectomy). Although both treatments are effective in the long term, a wider use of the enzyme is spreading worldwide. Indications and protocol of administration of collagenase are strictly regulated by the Italian Drug Administration Agency (AIFA). In the present study an off-label use of this medication has been experienced, in terms of wider indications and more numerous infiltration sites in the same cord (Multipoint technique) and in additional cords affecting other digits (Multicord technique). All patients suffering from Dupuytren's disease and accessing the Hand Surgery outpatient at Rizzoli Institute were considered for the study, between february 2014 and february 2016. Inclusion criteria were Dupuytren's disease and a positive tabletop test. The collagenase injection was indicated for degrees of passive extension deficit (PED) higher than AIFA regulations (MCPJoints >50° and PIPJoints >45°). These patients were compared with the same PED subgroup of surgical patients who were treated through aponeurectomy. Since the drug is dispensed in vials of 0.90 mg, but according to the protocol only 0.58 mg are to be infiltrated, the injection of the remaining 0.32 mg that would otherwise remain unused was experienced. Therefore, in patients who had only one pathological cord in the hand, the first point of the cord to be treated was inoculated with 0.58 mg, according to standards, while two additional points were selected along the fibrosis and injected with the remaining 0, 32 mg. This group was compared with patients treated with the traditional 0.58 mg only on a single cord. In patients in whom the presence of more than a single pathological cord was found, the worse lesion was injected with the usual 0.58 mg as by legislation and the second cord was infiltrated with the 0.32 mg residue and the results obtained within the second cord were compared with those achieved with the usual dose of 0.58 mg. The endpoints considered were the perioperative variations of passive extension deficit (PED) and range of motion (ROM), both expressed as degrees. Data were statistically analyzed in order to find any possible significance in the comparison of groups. Comparing the surgical patients with those treated with collagenase, for the same degrees but higher than AIFA reference, both methods showed a reduction of contracture by at least 50% at 30 days and an improvement of ROM (p>0.05), with fewer complications in those treated enzymatically (p<0.01). Infiltrating the whole dose of collagenase (0.90 mg) through the multipoint mode, has enabled an easier handling of the cord at 24 hours post-injection, a reduction in contracture of at least 50% at 30 days allowing a dowstaging of the disease and a better and faster recovery of hand function, than the classic treatment, although these results are not statistically significant (p>0.05). For degrees of contractures within AIFA indications for collagenase, the 0.32 mg dose is sufficient to cause the lysis of a cord with similar results compared to the greater AIFA-recommended dose of 0.58, in terms of all considered endpoints, with no statistically significant difference (p >0.01). This study confirms the success of treatment with collagenase compared to surgical treatment, in terms of efficacy, safety, more rapid recovery and less invasiveness. In addition, through further clinical studies, AIFA regulations can be gradually safely and effectively extended in terms of a progressive widening of indications and modalities including:. Indication to collagenase for PED higher than 50° (MCP joints) or 45° (PIP joints). Multiple injections in the same cord with the whole content of the vial (0.90 mg). Injections in multiple cords with the whole content of the vial (0.90 mg)

Abstract

Aims

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of the hip and knee are associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden. We undertook a systematic review of the current literature with the aim of proposing criteria for the selection of patients for a single-stage exchange arthroplasty in the management of a PJI.

Multiple myeloma may be associated with extensive bone destruction, impending or present pathological fracture, and intractable pain. However, surgical intervention is rarely indicated since local bone crises are effectively managed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the majority of the patients. The current retrospective analysis of patients who eventually required surgical intervention emphasized indications for surgery, surgical technique, and functional and oncological outcomes. Materials and Methods: Between 1982 and 2000, the authors operated on 18 patients with multiple myeloma. There were 11 females and 7 males whose age ranged from 4 to 67 years (median, 59 years). Anatomic locations: proximal humerus – 5, proximal femur – 4, distal femur – 5, proximal tibia – 3. One patient had total femur involvement. Preoperatively, 11 patients were treated with chemotherapy and 4 received radiotherapy. Seven patients were referred with a bone lesion as their initial presentation and, therefore, did not receive pre-operative treatment. Indications for surgery: pathological fractures – 11 patients, impending pathological fractures – 5 patients, and intractable pain in 2 patients. Surgeries included 12 marginal resections with cryosurgery and 6 wide resections with endoprosthetic reconstructions. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to three patients and chemotherapy to 11. Follow-up included physical and radiological evaluation and functional evaluation according to the American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society System. Results: Fifteen patients (83%) survived more than 1 year and 12 patients (66%) survived more than 2 years after surgery. There were no postoperative deep wound infections, thromboembolic complications, or local tumor recurrences. Functional outcome was good to excellent in 14 patients (78%), moderate in 3 (16%), and poor in one patient (6%). Conclusions: Multiple myeloma rarely may require surgical intervention because of impending or present pathological fracture or intractable pain. The relatively prolonged survival of patients with multiple myeloma justifies an aggressive surgical approach. Resection of these tumors was shown to be safe, reliable, and associated with good local tumor control and functional outcome

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare implant survivorship and functional outcomes in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for acute proximal humeral fracture (PHF) with those undergoing elective RTSA in a population-based cohort study.

Abstract

The number of Americans over the age of 80 is increasing at a faster rate than that of the 65–80 population. The cohort age 85–94 years had the fastest rate of growth from 2000–2010. The number of Americans older than 95 years grew at approximately 26% during the same period. This rapid growth has been associated with an increasing incidence of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in this population. This surge in the growth rate of the elderly population has coincided with an increasing demand for primary and revision total joint arthroplasty. Surgeons need to be prepared to perform safely and appropriately these procedures in this rapidly growing segment of the population. Surgeons need to be aware of the 1) clinical outcomes that can be expected when total joint procedures are performed in this group of patients; 2) the morbidity and mortality associated with the performance of these procedures; and 3) the relative cost effectiveness of these interventions.

Clinical outcomes of TJA in this population are generally good. Pain and satisfaction scores are similar to those of younger patients. Although pre-operative pain and functional impairment scores are higher pre-operatively in elderly patients, these improve significantly following TJA. However, functional outcome scores decline noticeably after 5 years, reflecting the impact of coexistent comorbidities. The continued need for assistive devices is greater in this age group than in younger total joint patients. The risk of falls, a particular issue of concern in this age group, is reduced after total hip and knee surgery.

The rate of complications, including mortality, following TJA in this age group is greater than in the 65–79-year-old group. The use of hospitalists to co-manage peri-operative care is particularly important in this age group. The increased rate of complications is associated with longer lengths of stay. However, the length of stay for this age group after primary total joint replacement is decreasing significantly; reflecting the widespread streamlining of peri-operative care that is being incentivised and implemented nationwide. The use of extended care facilities is also greater in this age group.

The performance of revision TJA in this age group is particularly challenging. The rates of revision in elderly patients are anticipated to rise significantly in coming years. Although revision TJA is associated with significant pain relief and patient satisfaction, it is accompanied by mortality and complication rates that are substantially greater than those in younger age groups.

For which patients is bone-defect-reconstruction with the Masquelet-technique suitable?

Between 11/2011 and 1/2015 we treated 27 Patients (4 female/ 23 male) with bone-defects up to 150mm after septic complications with the Masquelet-technique.

Reason of the bone defects were infected-non-unions of lower extremity, chronic osteomyelitis, infected knee-arthrodesis, chronic upper-ancle-empyema and infect-defect-non-union of the humerus. On average the patients were 47,5 (18–74) years old. The mean bone-defect-size was 62,6 mm (25–150). 26 of the 27 patients came from other hospitals, where they had up to 20 (mean 4,9) operations caused by the infection. The time before transfer to our hospital was on average 177days (6–720). 25 patients receaved flaps because of soft tissue-defects (7 free flaps, 18 local flaps).

13 patients suffered a polytrauma.

In 5 cases the femur, in 3 cases a knee-arthrodesis, in 18 cases the tibia and in 1 case the humerus was affected by infection resulting in bone defects.

Indication for the Masquelet-technique was low-/incompliance in 10 cases due to higher grade of traumatic brain injury and polytrauma and difficult soft-tissue conditions, in 6 times after problems with segment-transport and in 1 case as dead space management.

Positiv microbial detection succeeded in 19 patients at the first operation although most of the patients underwent long term antibiotic therapy. Mainly we found problematic bacteria. At the time of defect reconstruction with spongious graft we found persistant bacteria in 4 cases.

The first operation aimed treating the infection with radical sequestrectomy, removal of foreign bodies and filling the defect with an antibiotic loaded cementspacer as well as external fixation. 6–8 weeks later we removed the spacer and filled the defect with autologous bonegraft. In 2 cases we needed 2 bone grafts to fill the defect. In 9 cases we removed the fixateur and stabilized the defect with an internal anglestable plate.

All patients were examined clinically and radiologically every 4–6 weeks in our outpatient-department for osteitis until full weight bearing and later every 3months

In 22 of 27 cases the infection was clinically treated successfully. 5 patients are allowed for full weight bearing (all with secondary internal plates). No patient underwent amputation.

There were 4 recurrences of infection, 9 instabilities needing internal stabilization and further bonegraft.

For patients with low-/incompliance for various reasons and for those with difficult soft tissue conditions following flaps the Masquelet technique is a valuable alternative to the normal autologious spongegraft and to the segmenttransport. Internal fixation seems necessary.

Metal-on-metal bearing surfaces were used frequently until recently because of the potential for decreased wear and the ability to use large femoral heads which can reduce instability. However, data reported in the Australian registry over the past 5 years demonstrated an increase in failure rates compared to metal-on-polyethylene bearings. In addition, adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) associated with pseudotumors and destruction of the soft tissue around the joint have led to revision of these implants. Unfortunately, at the present time there is no optimal management strategy that has been delineated for metal-on-metal implants because of a lack of evidence. The biologic response to metal-on-metal implants is usually local but may be systemic. The management of these patients is complex because patients may have pseudotumors and/or elevated metal ion levels and be asymptomatic. In addition, there are a number of intrinsic causes (loosening, infection, iliopsoas tendinitis) and extrinsic causes (spinal disease, trochanteric bursitis) that can be a source of pain.

There is no evidenced based approach to manage these patients and no single test should be used to determine treatment. A thorough clinical evaluation is essential and blood tests are necessary to rule out infection. Imaging studies including plain radiographs and a MARS MRI are needed to evaluate either the stability of the prosthesis and to assess for the presence of pseudotumors and soft tissue destruction around the implant. Patients with symptomatic hips and evidence of muscle involvement on MRI require revision. Finally, the clinician must always be aware of the potential for systemic effects which require early and aggressive intervention to limit the adverse response to the metal and the metal bearing.