The objectives of our study were to compare patient reported outcome measures between manual and robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty. Between 1st May 2021 and 31st August 2022, 539 consecutive patients who underwent 564 primary total hip arthroplasties were identified from the local registry database. Data were prospectively collected, and included patient demographics, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, surgical approach, robotic-assistance, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS pre-operatively and at twelve months. Robotic-assistance, compared against manual total hip arthroplasty, was associated with an enhanced median (interquartile range) OHS (46 [42 – 48] vs 43 [36 – 47], p-value < 0.001), EQ-5D-3L (5 [5 – 7] vs 6 [5 – 8], p-value 0.002), and EQVAS (90 [75 – 95] vs 80 [70 – 90], p-value 0.003) at twelve months after surgery. Robotic-assistance was confirmed to be an independent predictor of a greater OHS at twelve months on a multivariate linear regression analysis (p-value 0.001). Robotic assistance was superior to manual total hip arthroplasty in enhancing patient reported outcomes at twelve months after surgery

Aims. This study aimed to describe practice variation in the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for older patients with femoral neck fracture and to determine the association between patient, surgeon, and institution factors and treatment with THA. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 49,597 patients aged 60 years and older from Ontario, Canada, who underwent hemiarthroplasty or THA for femoral neck fracture between 2002 and 2017. This population-based study used routinely collected healthcare databases linked through ICES (formerly known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). Multilevel logistic regression modelling was used to quantify the association between patient, surgeon, and institution-level variables and whether patients were treated with THA. Variance partition coefficient and median odds ratios were used to estimate the variation attributable to higher-level variables and the magnitude of effect of higher-level variables, respectively. Results. Over the study period, 9.4% of patients (n = 4,638) were treated with THA. Patient factors associated with higher likelihood of treatment by THA included: younger age, male sex, and diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term care residence, use of home care services prior to hip fracture, diagnosis of dementia, higher comorbidity burden, and the most marginalized group were negatively associated with treatment by THA. Treating surgeon and institution accounted for 54.2% and 17.8% of the total variation in treatment with THA, respectively. Surgeon volume of THA procedures in the 365 days prior to surgery was the strongest higher-level predictor of treatment with THA. Specific treating surgeons and institutions still accounted for significant proportions of the variability in treatment with THA (40.3% and 19.5% of total observed variation, respectively) after controlling for available patient, surgeon, and institution-level variables. Conclusion. The strongest predictors for treatment of patients with femoral neck fracture with THA were patient age, treating surgeon, and treating institution. This practice variation highlights differential access to care for patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):180–189

Our unit historically performed total hip replacement (THR) through either posterior or anterolateral approaches. In November 2020 a group of 5 consultants transitioned to utilising the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA). Appropriate training was undertaken and cases were performed as dual consultant procedures with intraoperative radiography or robotic assistance. Outcomes were collated prospectively. These included basic demographics, intraoperative details, complication rates and Oxford Hip Scores. A total of 48 patients underwent DAA THR over 1 year. Mean age was 67 and ASA 2. Over this time period 140 posterior approach and 137 anterolateral approach THR's were performed with available data. Propensity score matching was performed on a 1:1 basis using BMI, Age, Sex and ASA as covariates to generate a matched cohort group of conventional approach THR (n=37). Length of stay was significantly reduced at 1.95 days (p<0.001) with DAA compared to Anterolateral and Posterior approach. There was no significant difference with length of surgery, blood loss, Infection, dislocation and periprosthetic fracture rate. There was no significant difference in Oxford Hip Score between any approach at 3 months or 1 year. The transition to this approach has not made a negative impact despite its associated steep learning curve, and has improved efficiency in elective surgery. From our experience we would suggest those changing to this approach receive appropriate training in a high-volume centre, and perform cases as dual consultant procedures

Aims. Surgery is often delayed in patients who sustain a hip fracture and are treated with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), in order to await appropriate surgical expertise. There are established links between delay and poorer outcomes in all patients with a hip fracture, but there is little information about the impact of delay in the less frail patients who undergo THA. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of delayed surgery on outcomes in these patients. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit between May 2016 and December 2020. Only patients undergoing THA were included, with categorization according to surgical treatment within 36 hours of admission (≤ 36 hours = ‘acute group’ vs > 36 hours = ‘delayed’ group). Those with delays due to being “medically unfit” were excluded. The primary outcome measure was 30-day survival. Costs were estimated in relation to the differences in the lengths of stay. Results. A total of 1,375 patients underwent THA, with 397 (28.9%) having surgery delayed by > 36 hours. There were no significant differences in the age, sex, residence prior to admission, and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation for those with, and those without, delayed surgery. Both groups had statistically similar 30-day (99.7% vs 99.3%; p = 0.526) and 60-day (99.2% vs 99.0%; p = 0.876) survival. There was, however, a significantly longer length of stay for the delayed group (acute: 7.0 vs delayed: 8.9 days; p < 0.001; overall: 8.7 vs 10.2 days; p = 0.002). Delayed surgery did not significantly affect the rates of 30-day readmission (p = 0.085) or discharge destination (p = 0.884). The results were similar following adjustment for potential confounding factors. The estimated additional cost due to delayed surgery was £1,178 per patient. Conclusion. Delayed surgery does not appear to be associated with increased mortality in patients with an intracapsular hip fracture who undergo THA, compared with those who are treated with a hemiarthroplasty or internal fixation. Those with delayed surgery, however, have a longer length of stay, with financial consequences. Clinicians must balance ethical considerations, the local provision of orthopaedic services, and optimization of outcomes when determining the need to delay surgery in a patient with a hip fracture awaiting THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1201–1205

NICE Guidelines suggest patients should be offered a Total Hip Replacement (THR) rather than Hemiarthroplasty for a displaced intracapsular hip fracture. We investigated outcomes of patients aged 40–65 who received a THR or Hemiarthroplasty following a traumatic intracapsular hip fracture and had either high-risk (Group 1) or low-risk (Group 2) alcohol consumption (>14 or <14 units/week respectively). This was a retrospective study (April 2008 – December 2018) evaluating patients who underwent THR or Hemiarthroplasty in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Atraumatic injuries, acetabular fractures, patients with previous procedures on the affected side and those lost to follow up were excluded. Analysis of length of admission, dislocation risk, periprosthetic fractures, infection risk, and mortality was conducted between both cohorts. Survival time post-operatively of Group 1 patients with a THR (61.9 months) and Hemiarthroplasty (42.3 months) were comparable to Group 2 patients with a THR (59 months) and Hemiarthroplasty(42.4 months). Group 1 patients with THR had increased risk of dislocation (12.9%; p=0.04) compared to those that received Hemiarthroplasty (2.5%). Group 1 Hemiarthroplasty patients had increased wound infection risk (11.6%) compared to Group 2 (3.7%). In conclusion, we found that amongst our population the life expectancy of a post-operative patient was short irrespective of whether they had high or low-risk alcohol consumption. A hip fracture may represent increased frailty in our study population. The Group 1 THR cohort presented a higher risk of hip dislocation and periprosthetic fracture. With this in mind, Hemiarthroplasty is a more cost-effective and shorter operation which produces similar results

According to the Scottish Arthroplasty Project the mean inpatient LoS following a Total Hip Replacement (THR) has fallen from 10.3 days in 2001 to only 3.9 days. This reduction in patient LoS has lead units in the UK to follow the example of centres around the world in offering THR as a day case procedure. In this study we examine data gathered from the first 18 months of day case THR within a district general hospital elective orthopaedics unit. Data was collected prospectively from all patients undergoing THR within our district general hospital elective orthopaedic unit. Patients were selected to day case THR group via consultant review at outpatient clinic and anaesthetic assessment at pre-assessment clinics. Between August 2018 and February 2020 (18 months) 40 patients successfully underwent day case THR. None of the patients discharged home where readmitted within the next 30 days. The average age of successful day case THRs was 60 years old. The at 6 months post-op mean OHS was 45.1 and at 1 year post-op the mean score was 47.2. The average improvement in OHS was 21.1 at 6 months and 26.9 at 1 year post-op. All of the patients successfully discharged as day cases where satisfied with their care and all but one would recommend it to their friends and family. We have shown that day case THR is not only possible within an NHS district general hospital but gives exceptional patient outcomes with excellent patient satisfaction

Aims. Monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) or neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are useful for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but their diagnostic values are unclear for screening fixation-related infection (FRI) in patients for whom conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) is planned after failed internal fixation for femoral neck fracture. Methods. We retrospectively included 340 patients who underwent conversion THA after internal fixation for femoral neck fracture from January 2008 to September 2020. Those patients constituted two groups: noninfected patients and patients diagnosed with FRI according to the 2013 International Consensus Meeting Criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine maximum sensitivity and specificity of these two preoperative ratios. The diagnostic performance of the two ratios combined with preoperative CRP or ESR was also evaluated. Results. The numbers of patients with and without FRI were 19 (5.6%) and 321 (94.4%), respectively. Areas under the ROC curve for diagnosing FRI were 0.763 for MLR, 0.686 for NLR, 0.905 for CRP, and 0.769 for ESR. Based on the Youden index, the optimal predictive cutoffs were 0.25 for MLR and 2.38 for NLR. Sensitivity and specificity were 78.9% and 71.0% for MLR, and 78.9% and 56.4% for NLR, respectively. The combination of CRP with MLR showed a sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 94.6%, while the corresponding values for the combination of CRP with NLR were 89.5% and 91.5%, respectively. Conclusion. The presence of preoperative FRI among patients undergoing conversion THA after internal fixation for femoral neck fracture should be determined. The combination of preoperative CRP with NLR is sensitive tool for screening FRI in those patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1534–1540

Aims. Displaced, comminuted acetabular fractures in the elderly are increasingly common, but there is no consensus on whether they should be treated non-surgically, surgically with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or with acute total hip arthroplasty (THA). A combination of ORIF and acute THA, an approach called ’combined hip procedure’ (CHP), has been advocated and our aim was to compare the outcome after CHP or ORIF alone. Patients and Methods. A total of 27 patients with similar acetabular fractures (severe acetabular impaction with or without concomitant femoral head injury) with a mean age of 72.2 years (50 to 89) were prospectively followed for a minimum of two years. In all, 14 were treated with ORIF alone and 13 were treated with a CHP. Hip joint and patient survival were estimated. Operating times, blood loss, radiological outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed. Results. No patient in the CHP group required further hip surgery, giving THA a survival rate of 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 100 to 100) after three years, compared with 28.6% hip joint survival in the ORIF group (95% CI 12.5 to 65.4; p = 0.001). No dislocations or deep infections occurred in the CHP group. No patient died within the first year after index surgery, but patient survival was lower in the CHP group after three years. There were no relevant differences in patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion. The CHP confers a considerably reduced need of further surgery when compared with ORIF alone in elderly patients with complex acetabular fractures. These findings encourage both further use of, and larger prospective studies on, the CHP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:478–483

The optimal approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial. We present the results of the Direct Superior Approach (DSA), an improved variation of the posterior approach with high levels of stability, patient-reported functional outcomes, and satisfaction. This is a single-surgeon prospective series. All patients undergoing THA between 2010 and 2015 via the DSA were included. Complication data was collected by interrogation of the Scottish Arthroplasty Project national joint registry. Pre and one-year post-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Euroqol-5D (EQ-5D), and patient satisfaction questionnaires were collected. 659 patients received a THA via the DSA during the study period. Average age was 61.8 years (range 16.4–93.3). Analysis of registry data revealed no cases of dislocation, 5 cases of venous thromboembolism (0.75%), and 5 cases of deep infection (0.75%). 586 patients (88.9%) underwent their surgery in the National Health Service, and post-operative outcomes were available for 337 of these patients (57.5% follow-up) at one year. Average improvement in OHS and EQ-5D was 20 (range −14 – 48) and 0.39 (−0.697–1.2) respectively. 311 patients (92.3%) were satisfied. This description of the DSA is accessible to all surgeons, confers excellent stability with no dislocations, and is associated with excellent post-operative functional outcomes and patient satisfaction

National guidelines encourage the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat intracapsular neck of femur fractures. There have been no population based studies appraising the surgical outcomes for this indication across an entire population. This study aims to calculate the complication rates for THA when performed for a fractured neck of femur and compare them to THA performed for primary osteoarthritis in the same population. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project identified all THAs performed in Scotland for neck of femur fracture and osteoarthritis between 1st of January 2009 and 31st December 2014. Dislocation, periprosthetic infection and revision rates at 1 year were calculated. The rate of dislocation, periprosthetic infection and revision at 1 year were all significantly increased among the fracture neck of femur cohort. In total 44046 THAs were performed, 38316 for OA and 2715 for a neck of femur fracture. 2.1% of patients (n=57) who underwent a THA for a neck of femur fracture suffered a dislocation in the 1st year postoperatively, compared to 0.9% (n=337) when the THA was performed for osteoarthritis. Relative Risk of dislocation: 2.4 (95% C.I. 1.8077–3.1252, p value <0.0001). Relative Risk of infection: 1.5 (95% C.I. 1.0496–2.0200, p value 0.0245) Relative Risk of revision: 1.5 (95% C.I. 1.0308–2.1268, p value 0.0336). This is the first time a dislocation rate for THA performed for a neck of femur fracture has been calculated for an entire population. As the number of THAs for neck of femur fracture increases this dislocation rate will have clinical implications

Aims. To evaluate the outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a fracture of the acetabulum, with evaluation of risk factors and comparison with a patient group with no history of fracture. . Patients and Methods. Between 1992 and 2016, 49 patients (33 male) with mean age of 57 years (25 to 87) underwent cemented THA at a mean of 6.5 years (0.1 to 25) following acetabular fracture. A total of 38 had undergone surgical fixation and 11 had been treated non-operatively; 13 patients died at a mean of 10.2 years after THA (0.6 to 19). Patients were assessed pre-operatively, at one year and at final follow-up (mean 9.1 years, 0.5 to 23) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Implant survivorship was assessed. An age and gender-matched cohort of THAs performed for non-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) or avascular necrosis (AVN) (n = 98) were used to compare complications and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results. The mean time from fracture to THA was significantly shorter for patients with AVN (2.2 years) or protrusio (2.2 years) than those with post-traumatic OA (9.4 years) or infection (8.0 years) (p = 0.03). Nine contained and four uncontained defects were managed with autograft (n = 11), bulk allograft (n = 1), or trabecular metal augment (n = 1). Initial fracture management (open reduction and internal fixation or non-operative), timing of THA (> /< one year), and age (> /< 55 years) had no significant effect on OHS or ten-year survival. Six THAs were revised at mean of 12 years (5 to 23) with ten-year all-cause survival of 92% (95% confidence interval 80.8 to 100). THA complication rates (all complications, heterotopic ossification, leg length discrepancy > 10 mm) were significantly higher following acetabular fracture compared with atraumatic OA/AVN and OHSs were inferior: one-year OHS (35.7 versus 40.2, p = 0.026); and final follow-up OHS (33.6 versus 40.9, p = 0.008). . Conclusion . Cemented THA is a reasonable option for the sequelae of acetabular fracture. Higher complication rates and poorer PROMs, compared with patients undergoing THA for atraumatic causes, reflects the complex nature of these cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1399–1408

There is currently no information regarding long-term outcomes following total hip replacement (THR) for hip fracture in patients selected in accordance with national guidelines. We define the long-term outcomes and compare these to short-term outcomes in the same previously reported cohort. We prospectively identified patients who underwent THR for a displaced hip fracture over a 3-year period from 2007–2010. These patients were followed up at 10 years using the Oxford hip score(OHS), the Short-form 12(SF-12) questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. These outcomes were compared to the short-term outcomes previously assessed at 2 years. We identified 128 patients. Mean follow up was 10.4 years. 60 patients(48%) died by the time of review and 5 patients(4%) developed dementia and were unable to respond. 3 patients were untraceable. This left a study group of 60 patients with a mean age of 81.2. Patients reported excellent outcomes at 10 year follow up and, when compared with short-term outcomes, there was no statistically significant change in levels of satisfaction, OHS, or SF-12. The rates of dislocation(2%), deep infection(2%) and revision(3%) were comparable to those in the literature for elective THR. Mortality in the hip fracture group at 10 years is lower than that of elective registry data. Long-term outcomes for THR after hip fracture in selected patients are excellent and the early proven benefits are sustained. Our data validates the selection process of national guidelines and confirms low complication rates. THR is a safe and highly effective treatment for fit elderly patients with displaced hip fractures

Aim. to compare the medium term clinical and functional results of total hip arthroplasty after intertrochanteric osteotomy and primary total hip replacement. Material and methods. We compared 2 groups of patients: Group I-93 patients with total hip arthroplasty after intertrochanteric osteotomy and Group II-93 patients with primary total hip arthroplasty. The patients in the control group (Group II) were randomly chosen from the cases operated by the same surgical team using the same kind of implant like those in Group I. The osteotomies were of different types: medial displacement (27), varisation(19), valgisation (18), flexion(25), rotational (4). The demographic parameters were similar in the 2 groups. Technical intraoperative challenges were noted. The Harris Score was determined at 12 months and 3 years after surgery. Clinical and radiological check-ups were performed each year. The duration of each surgical procedure was recorded. Complications were noted during the entire follow-up. The mean follow-up was 77 months. Results. The average time interval between osteotomy and total hip replacement was 76 months. The average Harris Score (HHS) at 1 year after surgery was 88 in Group I and 93 in Group II. At 3 years, the average values of HHS were 85 in the first group and 92 in the second. After an average follow-up of 6 years, 6 patients in group I (6,45%) required revision arthroplasty, while in the second group this procedure was not necessary. The indication of revision was loosening of the femoral component in 4 cases and of both components in 2 cases. The duration of a total hip arthroplasty after an ostheotomy was almost two times longer than a primary total hip replacement. In most cases, the surgical procedure implicated removal of a blade plate or others fixation devices, reaming of the femur, osteotomies of the greater trochanter, reverse osteotomies of the intertrochanteric region and the use of special design (thin or curved) femoral stems. In group I, intraoperative complications included fractures of the femoral diaphysis, fractures of the greater trochanter, false passage for the femoral component and malposition of the femoral stem. Postoperative complications consist in dislocations, early loosening, heterotopical ossifications, wound sepsis, etc. Conclusions. Total hip arthroplasties after intertrochanteric osteotomies have clinical results a little bit inferior of those of primary total hip replacements, but the difference is not significative. The survival rate of prosthesis implanted after intertrochanteric osteotomies at 6 years is significantly inferior. Both the intraoperative and postoperative complications rates are far superior of those of the primary arthroplasties

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of the perioperative erythropoietin administration, as an alternative to homologous banked blood transfusions, in total hip arthroplasty. Material and Methods. In a prospective randomized, controlled study, 101 patients who underwent unilateral total hip replacement, during the period 2004–2009, were evaluated. In all these patients, the same surgical team applied the same surgical technique (hybrid THA) and they followed the same rehabilitation program. In 50 patients (group A or study group) we administered 40,000 units of erythropoietin subcutaneously one day before the operation followed by 40,000 units (sc) every 3 days in a total scheme of 4 doses. All these patients received intraoperatively one unit of homologous blood transfusion (1 unit/patient) and additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. A control group of 51 patients (group B) received intraoperatively one or two units of homologous blood transfusion (1.35 units/patient), according to the volume of blood collected in the suction device and to the anaesthesiologists estimation, and also additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion was determined by the haemoglobin value (< 9mg/dl) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulse etc.). The values of haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelets were recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th, and 15th day postoperatively. Results. 15 patients of group A required postoperatively 15 units of homologous blood (total amount for group A 65 banked blood units 1.3 units/patient). 20 patients of group B required additional 26 banked blood units postoperatively (totally 95 banked blood units, or 1.86 units/patient). In the group A (study group), the total homologous blood requirements were reduced by 30%, the postoperative blood requirements were reduced by 42% and the number of patients that required additional blood transfusion was reduced by 25%. There was no significant difference in the postoperative haematocrit and haemoglobin values between the two groups. Conclusions. The perioperative use of erythropoietin reduces effectively the total demands of homologous banked blood transfusion in total hip arthroplasty

Background. A lot of discussion persists whether obesity negatively influences the outcome of hip arthroplasty. Current literature does not answer this question, since manuscripts showing a worse outcome and those showing a similar outcome can both be found. We performed a meta-analysis with the primary research question whether obesity has a negative influence on short and long term outcome of total hip arthroplasty. Methods. A search of the literature was performed and studies comparing the outcome of hip arthroplasty in different weight groups were included. Methodology of the included studies was scored according to the Cochrane guidelines. Data extraction and pooling of the data was performed. For continuous data a weighted mean difference and for dichotomous variables a weighted Odds ratio was calculated. Heterogeneity was calculated using I2 statistics. Results. A total of 15 studies were available for data-extraction. Dislocation occurred more often in obese with an Odds ratio of 0.54 (95%CI: 0.38–0.75) (10 studies, n = 8634). Aseptic loosening occured more often in obese with an Odds ratio of 0.64 (95% CI 0.43–0.96)(6 studies, n = 5137). Infection occured more often in obese with an Odds Ratio of 0.3 (95%CI: 0.19–0.49) (10 studies, n = 7500). Venous thromboembolism occured more often in obese with an Odds Ratio of 0.56 (95%CI: 0.32–0.98) (7 studies, n = 3716). For septic loosening and intraoperative fractures no difference was found, probably due to low power. Subjective outcome measurements did not allow Pooling due to high heterogeneity (I2 = 68%). Conclusions. We conclude that being obese; ergo having a BMI of more than 30 certainly has a negative influence on total hip replacement

Background. The degree of postoperative pain is usually moderate to severe following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Comfort and lack of pain are important for optimal mobilization and earlier home discharge. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ropivacaine, a long- acting local anaesthetic, when infiltrated in the wound at the end of operation of THA. Methods. Seventy patients, 39 women and 31 men, ASA I-III, underwent Total Hip Arthroplasty in our clinic from January 2008 to June 2009. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group A, a solution of 100 ml Ropivacaine 2mg/ml (Naropeine 0,2%) was infiltrated in the deep tissues (capsule, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and rotators) (50 ml) while the fascia, subcutaneous tissues and skin were infiltrated with the remaining 50ml. Group B was the control group. All patients received standardized general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia and a PCA morphine using a self-administered pain pump was applied in the recovery room for 48 hours. All patients took 1gr x 3 Apotel i.v., 40mg x2 Dynastat i.v., and 4mg x2 Zofron i.v. for 48 hours postoperative. Pain scores with Visual Analogue Scale (0–10) at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, time to the first analgesic requirement and side effects were recorded. Results. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics of the patients and duration of the surgery between two groups. Morphine consumption was statistically significantly lower in group A for the first 48 hours, resulting in a lower frequency of nausea, itching and sedation. Postoperative pain levels at rest and during mobilization were statistically significantly lower in group A while median hospital stay was similar in both groups. Conclusion. Operative wound infiltration with ropivacaine reduces pain and the requirement for analgesics after hip replacement, leading to faster postoperative mobilization

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful and cost-effective treatments available for painful hip arthritis. Unfortunately, dislocation following primary THA is one of the most common complications, occurring in approximately 0.50–10percnt; cases. However, there is little literature that investigates the effects that dislocation has on the patient's overall function and satisfaction. We reviewed 229 THA patients that had sustained dislocation from a prospective database, consisting 156 single dislocations and 73 with two or more. Patient outcomes were compared with a matched control group of 196 patients without dislocation in the same follow-up period. Harris Hip Score (HHS) and patient satisfaction were recorded pre-operatively and at one, five and ten years post-operatively. Mann-Whitney test compared HHS between control and dislocation groups, Chi-Square test compared patient satisfaction and implant survival. Total HHS and functional component were significantly lower in the dislocation group at one, five and ten years (p<0.05). HHS Pain component revealed a significant difference but only at one and three years (p<0.05). Patient satisfaction only showed a significant difference at one-year review. Dislocation rates were significantly higher in females. Implant survivorship was significantly lower in the dislocation group at 15-years. Hip-function and implant survival is significantly reduced following prosthesis dislocation, however patient satisfaction and pain levels appear unaffected at long-term follow-up

Evidence suggests as little as 32percnt; of those with a displaced intracapsular hip fracture who meet the NICE eligibility criteria currently undergo a total hip replacement (THR). The reason for this discrepancy is not clear. This study therefore set out to examine the reasons behind this lack of adherence to these guidelines through the use of a questionnaire to current Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery consultants across Scotland. An invitation to take part in the survey was distributed through the Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics & Trauma (SCOT) email address list. A series of 10 questions were designed to determine the background of participants, their experience at performing hip fracture surgery (including THR) and their thoughts regarding its use in the hip fracture setting. Results were collated at the end of the study period and quantitatively analysed where possible. There were 91 responses in total. 53percnt; of individuals said they would offer those meeting the NICE criteria a THR less than 76percnt; of the time. The most commonly used alternative was a cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (51percnt;). Hip surgeons were more likely to perform or supervise THR for hip fracture than non-hip surgeons (p<0.0001). There were a wide variety of reasons why people would not offer a THR including dislocation rate, technical complexity and inadequate evidence for use. Overall this study highlights current trends and barriers in the provision of THR to hip fracture patients. This knowledge can be used to ascertain research priorities to maximise the quality of care in this setting

Cephalasporin antibiotics have been commonly used for prophylaxis against surgical site infection. To prevent Clostridium difficile, the preferential use of agents such as flucloxacillin and gentamicin has been recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the bone penetration of these antibiotics during hip and knee arthroplasty, and their efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. Bone samples were collected from 21 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 18 patients undergoing total hip replacement (THA). The concentration of both antibiotics was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography. Penetration was expressed as a percentage of venous blood concentration. The efficacy against common infecting organisms was measured using the epidemiological cut-off value for resistance (ECOFF). The bone penetration of gentamicin was higher than flucloxacillin. The concentration of both antibiotics was higher in the acetabulum than the femoral head or neck (p=0.007 flucloxacillin; p=0.021 gentamicin). Flucloxacillin concentrations were effective against S. aureus and S. epidermis in all THAs and 20 (95%) TKAs. Gentamicin concentrations were effective against S.epidermis in all bone samples. Gentamicin was effective against S. aureus in 11 (89%) femoral samples. Effective concentrations of gentamicin against S. aureus were only achieved in 4 (19%) femoral and 6 (29%) tibial samples in TKA. Flucloxacillin and gentamicin was found to effectively penetrate bone during arthroplasty. Gentamicin was effective against S. epidermidis in both THA and TKA, while it was found to be less effective against S. aureus during TKA. Bone penetration of both antibiotics was less in TKA than THA

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in active patients aged over 70 years without osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, randomised to receive either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement (THR). We studied 252 patients of whom 47 (19%) were men, with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6). They were randomly allocated to be treated with either a cemented hemiarthroplasty (137 patients) or cemented THR (115 patients). At one- and five-year follow-up no differences were observed in the modified Harris hip score, revision rate of the prosthesis, local and general complications, or mortality. The intra-operative blood loss was lower in the hemiarthroplasty group (7% > 500 ml) than in the THR group (26% > 500 ml) and the duration of surgery was longer in the THR group (28% > 1.5 hours versus 12% > 1.5 hours). There were no dislocations of any bipolar hemiarthroplasty and eight dislocations of a THR during follow-up. Because of a higher intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), an increased duration of the operation (p < 0.001) and a higher number of early and late dislocations (p = 0.002), we do not recommend THR as the treatment of choice in patients aged ≥ 70 years with a fracture of the femoral neck in the absence of advanced radiological osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip