Aims. The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the functional outcome of two different surgical approaches to the hip in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with a hemiarthroplasty. Patients and Methods. A total of 150 patients who were treated between February 2014 and July 2017 were included. Patients were allocated to undergo hemiarthroplasty using either an anterolateral or a direct lateral approach, and were followed for 12 months. The mean age of the patients was 81 years (69 to 90), and 109 were women (73%). Functional outcome measures, assessed by a physiotherapist blinded to allocation, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected postoperatively at three and 12 months. Results. A total of 11 patients in the direct lateral group had a positive Trendelenburg test at one year compared with one patient in the anterolateral group (11/55 (20%) vs 1/55 (1.8%), relative risk (RR) 11.1; p = 0.004). Patients with a positive Trendelenburg test reported significantly worse Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) compared with patients with a negative Trendelenburg test. Further outcome measures showed few statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. The direct lateral approach in patients with a femoral neck fracture appears to be associated with more positive Trendelenburg tests than the anterolateral approach, indicating a poor clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:793–799

Trendelenburg's test of function of the hip joint was first reported before radiology was available. At least four methods of performing it have since been described in the literature. We examined 50 normal subjects and 103 people with disorders affecting either the spine or the hip, in order to determine the different responses that occurred when they were asked to stand on one leg. This has enabled us to define a standard method of performing the Trendelenburg test, and to interpret the test as a method of assessing hip abductor function. The major pitfalls that result in misinterpretation, or false-positive responses, are pain, lack of cooperation from the patient, and impingement between the rib cage and the iliac crest. False-negative responses result from the patient using muscles above and below the pelvis, and from leaning beyond the hip on the standing side

Background. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common problem affecting 10–25% of the population. Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections and surgery have all been described in the management of GTPS, all with limited, temporal success. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been proposed as a potential management option for this difficult presentation. Method. We ran a prospective, 2 arm, single blinded, randomised control trial comparing focused shockwave therapy to an ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue pain score. Secondary outcome measures included the Harris hip score and Trendelenburg test for function; the SF-36 for quality of life (QoL); and a Likert scale question for a subjective assessment of symptom improvement. Results. 104 patients (10 males and 94 females), of mean age 61.5 years were recruited. 53 were randomised to receive ESWT and 51 to receive an image guided injection. 11 patients were lost to follow up. Baseline scores were equal between the groups. At 3 months, pain, function and QoL scores had improved in both groups. The Trendelenburg test was significantly improved in the ESWT group with 80% patients being negative compared to 80% positive at baseline (p<0.001). At 12 months, the improvement in Trendelenburg test was maintained in the ESWT group, but the injection group had reverted to baseline. Across all outcomes, the ESWT group had significantly improved scores compared to the injection group; VAS 3.71 versus 5.50 (p=0.007, 95% confidence interval 0.63 to 3.08), HHS 69.7 vs 57.5 (p=0.002, 95% confidence interval −20.0to −4.6) and SF-36 52.4 vs 47.7 (p=0.048, 95% confidence interval −9.31 to −0.04). Conclusions. We have shown focused ESWT is an effective treatment for patients with GTPS. We hope to advocate ESWT as an effective non-invasive treatment modality for this challenging patient population

Complete or nearly complete disruption of the attachment of the gluteus is seen in 10–20% of cases at the time of THA. Special attention is needed to identify the lesion at the time of surgery because the avulsion often is visible only after a thickened hypertrophic trochanteric bursa is removed. From 1/1/09 to 12/31/13, 525 primary hip replacements were performed by a single surgeon. After all total hip components were implanted, the greater trochanteric bursa was removed, and the gluteus medius and minimus attachments to the greater trochanter were visualised and palpated. Ninety-five hips (95 patients) were found to have damage to the muscle attachments to bone. Fifty-four hips had mild damage consisting of splits in the tendon, but no frank avulsion of abductor tendon from their bone attachments. None of these cases had severe atrophy of the abductor muscles, but all had partial fatty infiltration. All hips with this mild lesion had repair of the tendons with #5 Ticron sutures to repair the tendon bundles together, and drill holes through bone to anchor the repair to the greater trochanter. Forty-one hips had severe damage with complete or nearly complete avulsion of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles from their attachments to the greater trochanter. Thirty-five of these hips had partial fatty infiltration of the abductor muscles, but all responded to electrical stimulation. The surface of the greater trochanter was denuded of soft tissue with a rongeur, the muscles were repaired with five-seven #5 Ticron mattress sutures passed through drill holes in the greater trochanter, and a gluteus maximus flap was transferred to the posterior third of the greater trochanter and sutured under the vastus lateralis. Six hips had complete detachment of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, severe atrophy of the muscles, and poor response of the muscles to electrical stimulation. The gluteus medius and minimus muscles were sutured to the greater trochanter, and gluteus maximus flap was transferred as in the group with functioning gluteus medius and minimus muscles. Postoperatively, patients were instructed to protect the hip for 8 weeks, then abductor exercises were started. The normal hips all had negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative with mild lateral hip pain reported by 11 patients at 2 years, and 12 patients at 5 years. In the group of 54 with mild abductor tendon damage that were treated with simple repair, positive Trendelenburg test was found in 5 hips at 2 years and in 8 hips at 5 years. Lateral hip pain was reported in 7 hips at 2 years, and in 22 at 5 years. In the group of 35 hips with severe avulsion but good muscle tissue, who underwent repair with gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had good abduction against gravity and negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative, and none had lateral hip pain. Of the 6 hips with complete avulsion and poor muscle who underwent abductor muscle repair and gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had weak abduction against gravity, mildly positive Trendelenburg sign, and mild lateral hip pain at 2 and 5 years postoperative. Abductor avulsion is uncommon but not rare, and is detected during THA only by direct examination of the tendon and removal of the trochanteric bursa. Simple repair of mild abductor tendon damage did not prevent progressive abductor weakness in some hips; and the increase in number of patients with lateral hip pain from 2 to 5 years suggests progressive deterioration. Augmentation of the repair with a gluteus maximus flap appears to provide a stable reconstruction of the abductor muscles, and seemed to restore abductor function in the hips with functioning muscles

Introduction. Complete or nearly complete disruption of the gluteus attachment is seen in 10–20% of cases at the time of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Special attention is needed to identify the lesion at the time of surgery because the avulsion often is visible only after a thickened hypertrophic trochanteric bursa is removed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a technique designed to restore abductor function by transferring the gluteus maximus to compensate for the deficient medius and minimus muscles. Methods. From Jan 1 2009 to Dec 31 2013, 525 primary THAs were performed by the author. After the components were implanted, the greater trochanteric bursa was removed, and the gluteus medius and minimus attachments to the greater trochanter were visualized and palpated. Ninety-five hips (95 patients) were found to have damaged muscle attachments to bone. Fifty-four hips had mild damage consisting of splits in the tendon, but no frank avulsion of abductor tendon from the bone attachment. None had severe atrophy of the abductor muscles, but all had partial fatty infiltration. All hips with this mild lesion had repair of the tendons with #5 Ticron sutures to repair the tendon bundles together, anchored to the greater trochanter. Forty-one hips had severe damage with complete or nearly complete avulsion of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles from their attachments to the greater trochanter. Thirty-five of these hips had partial fatty infiltration of the abductor muscles, but all responded to electrical stimulation. The surface of the greater trochanter was denuded of soft tissue with a rongeur, the muscles were repaired with five-seven #5 Ticron mattress sutures passed through drill holes in the greater trochanter, and a gluteus maximus flap was transferred to the posterior third of the greater trochanter and sutured under the vastus lateralis. Six hips had complete detachment of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, severe atrophy of the muscles, and poor response of the muscles to electrical stimulation. The gluteus medius and minimus muscles were sutured to the greater trochanter, and the gluteus maximus flap was transferred. Postoperatively, patients were instructed to protect the hip for 8 weeks, then abductor exercises were started. Results. The normal hips all had negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative with mild lateral hip pain reported by 11 patients at 2 years, and 12 patients at 5 years. In the 54 with mild abductor tendon damage treated with simple repair, positive Trendelenburg test was found in 5 hips at 2 years and in 8 hips at 5 years. Lateral hip pain was reported in 7 hips at 2 years, and in 22 at 5 years. In the 35 hips with severe avulsion but good muscle tissue, who had repair with gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had good abduction against gravity and negative Trendelenburg tests at 2 and 5 years postoperative, and none had lateral hip pain. Of the 6 hips with complete avulsion and poor muscle who underwent abductor muscle repair and gluteus maximus flap transfer, all had weak abduction against gravity, mildly positive Trendelenburg sign, and mild lateral hip pain at 2 and 5 years postoperative. Conclusions. Abductor avulsion is uncommon but not rare, and is detected during THA only by direct examination of the tendon and removal of the trochanteric bursa. Simple repair of mild abductor tendon damage did not prevent progressive abductor weakness in some hips; and the increase in number of patients with lateral hip pain from 2 to 5 years suggests progressive deterioration. Augmentation of the repair with a gluteus maximus flap appears to provide stable reconstruction of the abductor muscles, and seemed to restore function in the hips with functioning muscles

Purpose: Kotz osteotomy (polygonal pelvic osteotomy) is performed for hip dysplasia especially with deficient acetabular coverage . One of the important problems of this osteotomy is Trendelenburg limping due to detachment of abductor muscles from their origin at the iliac bone during the surgical approach. In order to solve this problem, the surgical approach of Kotz osteotomy was modified and iliac osteotomy was made from the medial side of iliac bone instead of lateral side without detaching the abductor muscles and two skin incision were used instead of three skin incisions. We present the results of nine hips in seven patients who were operated using this modified surgical approach. Materials and Methods: In this study, CE angle, VCE angle, Sharp angle, Harris hip score, trendelenburg test, and abductor muscle strength (at first and third postoperative monts) of nine hips of seven patients (6 female, 1 male and mean age 19.2 year) who underwent the modified surgical approach were evaluated. Results: Preoperative average CE angle, VCE angle, Sharp angle and Harris hip score were −0.22°(−9 to 13°), 8.22°(−13 to 20°), 53.11°(44 to 58°), and 63.55(51 to 71), respectively. Trendelenburg test was positive in 7 of 9 hips. The mean follow-up time is 6.5 months (3 to 17 months). Postoperatively, average CE angle, VCE angle, Sharp angle and Harris hip score were measured 33.66°(12 to 54°), 36.00°(18 to 51°), 34.33°(26 to 54°), and 91.66(74 to 100), respectively and there was statistically significant difference (p< 0.05). Trendelenburg’s test was negative in 8 of 9 hips postoperatively. The abductor muscles strength was measured clinically and was determined 3.4/5 at first and 4.2/5 at third postoperative month. Union was achieved at all osteotomy sites . In the postoperative period, in one hip, positive Trendelenburg test was continued because of inadequate coverage and superior migration of the femoral head. Conclusions: This modified Kotz osteotomy achieves adequate acetabular coverage as the original technique and furthermore it provides recovery of abductor muscle strength in the early postoperative period and decreases the rate of Trendelenburg limping

We studied prospectively 81 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery using the Hardinge (1982) approach. The abductor muscles of the hip in these patients were assessed electrophysiologically and clinically by the modified Trendelenburg test. Power was measured using a force plate. We performed assessment at two weeks, and at three and nine months after operation. At two weeks we found that 19 patients (23%) showed evidence of damage to the superior gluteal nerve. By three months, five of these had recovered. The nine patients with complete denervation at three months showed no signs of recovery when reassessed at nine months. Persistent damage to the nerve was associated with a positive Trendelenburg test

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

Electromyographic and clinical studies were performed on patients undergoing total hip replacement by the modified direct lateral (29 hips), the direct lateral (29 hips) and the posterior approaches (21 hips). Assessments were made three months after operation. The Trendelenburg test was positive (Grade II) in eight cases operated upon by the direct lateral route, but in only one of each of the other two groups. Denervation occurred in only five of the 28 hips with abductor weakness without statistical difference between the groups. In the modified direct lateral group, radiological evidence of union of the trochanteric sliver was associated with significantly better abductor function than in those with malunion or non-union

Aims

Conventional patient-reported surveys, used for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. Objective functional evaluation, such as gait analysis, to delineate a patient’s functional capacity and customize surgical interventions, may address these shortcomings. This systematic review endeavours to investigate the application of objective functional assessments in appraising individuals undergoing THA.

Introduction. A deficient abductor mechanism leads to significant morbidity and few studies have been published describing methods for reconstruction or repair. This study reports the reconstruction of hip abductor deficiency using human allograft. Methods. All patients were identified as having deficient abductor mechanisms following total hip arthroplasty through radiographic assessment, MRI, clinical examination and intra-operative exploration. All patients underwent hip abductor reconstruction using a variety of human allografts including proximal humeral, tensor fascia lata, quadriceps and patellar tendon. The type of allograft reconstruction used was customized to each patient, all being attached to proximal femur, allograft bone adjacent to host bone, with cerclage wires. If a mid-substance muscle rupture was identified an allograft tendon to host tendon reconstruction was performed. Results. Allograft reconstruction was performed in 15 patients over 18 months. One patient had an abductor deficiency after a primary total hip. All patients had an abductor lurch gait and positive Trendelenburg test preoperatively. Manual muscle strength testing showed significant weakness with a mean MRC grade of 3+/5. Peri-trochanteric pain was cited as a significant complaint in > 80 % of patients. Proximal humeral allografts, with rotator cuff, were used in 8 patients, 5 had tensor fascia lata and the remainder had patella with attached tendon allograft. The majority of patients had a reduction in pain and 8/15 (53%) increased their abductor strength by almost a full grade. A reduced lurch was observed in 10 (66%) patients and one patient re-dislocated after a failed revision for instability. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of allograft reconstruction for a deficient abductor mechanism following hip arthroplasty. A viable solution is demonstrated, with promising early results for a difficult problem, utilizing a straightforward technique with low morbidity

Aims

Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs.

Introduction: The anterior and anterolateral approach to the hip traditionally are well described exposures in primary hip arthroplasty with fewer dislocations than the posterior approach. A very debilitating complication associated with the anterolateral approach however is the persistent limp and positive Trendelenburg sign. We discuss our results with respect to abductor function and morphological integrity seen on MRI when using an approach in which we preserve the majority of gluteus medius. Methods: We carried out a prospective study of thirty-nine consecutive total hip replacements performed through a gluteus medius sparing anterolateral approach. The same hip surgeon performed all these between April and October 2004. Gait analysis and Trendelenburg tests were evaluated during clinical follow-up at six weeks and three months. Coronal STIR and T1 weighted MRI sequences of the abductors were performed between four and six weeks and the findings were agreed by the consensus of two radiologists. Results: At three-month follow-up all thirty-nine patients tested Trendelenburg negative. Post-operative radiographs showed satisfactory femoral and acetabular component position. MRI findings showed the gluteus medius tendon to be intact with no shortening on T1. Artefacts were found to be less marked in the higher field strength magnet but more apparent in the STIR weighted sequences. Discussion: We have tried to incorporate the advantages of reduced dislocation rate of the anterolateral approach, whilst avoiding violation of the abductors. The clinical result and radiographic findings we have presented suggest that the described exposure is an effective and safe method of approaching the hip, with minimal disruption of the abductor mechanism. In addition to maintaining the reduced dislocation rate associated with the standard anterolateral approach. Intact abductor function allows for rapid rehabilitation

Introduction: To ascertain the optimal functional abductor moment arm of the hip for THA, we focused on the Trendelenburg sign. We investigate the various conditions associated with abductor moment arm to achieve a negative Trendelenburg sign postoperatively. Methods: We reviewed 30 patients (34 uncemented primary THAs; mean age, 56 years) at a minimum of two years postoperatively. The tilting angle of the pelvis while performing the Trendelenburg test (Trendelenburg angle) was measured using a magnetic sensor system. On the hip radiographs, the %FO was calculated by dividing the femoral offset, by the distance between the centers of the bilateral femoral heads, and by multiplying by 100. Results: The Trendelenburg angle averaged −4.3 degrees (−9 to −2.0) in all cases with a positive Trendelenburg sign, whereas it averaged +1.4 degrees (−2.0 to +12.0) when the Trendelenburg sign was negative. The %FO having a positive Trendelenburg sign (16.9 %; 10.0 to 22.5) were significantly shorter than those having a negative Trendelenburg sign (19.4 %; 13.5 to 24.7). The Trendelenburg angle correlated positively with %FO. Of the cases with a %FO value of more than 20%, about eighty percent of the cases had a negative Trendelenburg sign. Discussion: The optimum abductor moment-arm, when the Trendelenburg sign is negative, has not been described. This study indicates that a %FO of 20 % may be one of the factors taken into account when determining the suitable size and position for acetabular and femoral neck components

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of standardization on the reliability of the physical examination of the hip by rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: Six subjects with mild to severe hip osteoarthritis (OA) were examined by 6 examiners (4 rheumatologists, 2 orthopedic surgeons) experienced in the assessment of hip OA using a 6x6 Latin square design. Subjects were examined, followed by a standardization meeting and, a day later, by post-standardization examinations. 33 hip examination maneuvers were evaluated, including range of motion, pain, tenderness, muscle strength, leg length and gait. The order of examinations was randomized for each examiner. For dichotomous signs, agreement was calculated as the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). Ordinal and continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA, using the proportion of variance due to rheumatologists to calculate a reliability coefficient (Rc). Results: Subjects’ mean age was 61 years (range 49–65), mean BMI was 24 (range 21–30), mean WOMAC pain on walking was 52 mm (range 21–81mm). 23/33 (70%) hip examinations were reliable after standardization. Two new items resulted from the standardization meeting. Pre-/post-standardization reliability for select hip examinations using PABAK were as follows: Gait 0.06/0.52; pain on internal rotation 0.60/0.52; pain on external rotation 0.24/0.72; pain on flexion 0.46/0.82; Patrick test for hip pain 0.78/0.80; Thomas test 0.60/0.88; Trendelenburg test 0.36/0.06. Pre-/post-standardization reliability for select hip examinations using Rc were as follows: hip flexion strength 0.83/0.95; hip abduction strength 0.90/0.86; hip adduction strength 0.87/0.86; ROM internal rotation (supine) 0.87/0.94; ROM external rotation (supine) 0.87/0.80. Conclusions: Moderate to very good agreement was present for many hip examinations prior to standardization. Improved reliability was achieved after standardization for many but not all hip assessments. This will be important for improved outcome studies of early hip OA

Aims

Instability is a common indication for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, even after the initial revision, some patients continue to have recurrent dislocation. The aim of this study was to assess the risk for recurrent dislocation after revision THA for instability.

Aims

The gluteus minimus (GMin) and gluteus medius (GMed) have unique structural and functional segments that may be affected to varying degrees, by end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and normal ageing. We used data from patients with end-stage OA and matched healthy controls to 1) quantify the atrophy of the GMin and GMed in the two groups and 2) describe the distinct patterns of the fatty infiltration in the different segments of the GMin and GMed in the two groups.

Aims

The aims of this study were to assess the exposure and preservation of the abductor mechanism during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the posterior approach, and to evaluate gluteus maximus transfer to restore abductor function of chronically avulsed gluteus medius and minimus.