Dislocation is a major complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Aetiology is multi-factorial, but increasing femoral head size may result in lower dislocation rates. The latest England and Wales National Joint Registry (NJR) annual report has highlighted a statistically significant increase in the use of femoral heads of size 36mm+ from 5% in 2005 to 26% in 2009, together with an increase in the use of the posterior approach. The aim of this study was to determine whether national dislocation rates have fallen over the same period. Hospital episode statistics (HES) data for England was analysed so as to determine trends in national rates of 3-, 6-, 12- and 18-month dislocation rates following primary THA performed between 2005 and 2009 (247,546 THAs). 18-month revision rates were also examined.Background
Methods
Rivaroxaban has been recommended for routine use as a thromboprophylactic agent in patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty. Trials supporting its use have not fully evaluated the risks of wound complications related to rivaroxaban. A retrospective cohort analysis of 1558 consecutive patients who underwent total hip or knee replacements within the same hospital during a 19 month period (2009–2010) was performed. The first 489 patients (Group 1) were given tinzaparin postoperatively as per NICE guidance. The following 559 patients (Group 2) were given rivaroxaban. Concerns regarding wound complications prompted a change back to tinzaparin for the next 510 patients (Group 3.) Other than the thromboprophylactic agent used there were no other differences in the pre and postoperative treatments of all these patients.Introduction
Method
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Effectiveness recommends both low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and Rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis following lower limb arthroplasty. Despite evidence in the literature that suggests Rivaroxaban reduces VTE events, there are emerging concerns from the orthopaedic community regarding an increase in wound complications following its use. Through the orthopaedic clinical directors forum, Trusts replacing LMWH with Rivaroxaban for lower limb arthroplasty thromboprophylaxis during 2009 were identified. Prospectively collected Hospital episode statistics (HES) data was then analysed for these units so as to determine rates of 90-day symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), major bleed (cerebrovascular accident or gastrointestinal haemorrhage), all-cause mortality, and 30-day wound infection and readmission rates before and after the change to Rivaroxaban. 2752 patients prescribed Rivaroxaban following TKR or THR were compared to 10358 patients prescribed LMWH. Data was analysed using odds ratios (OR).Background
Methods
In 2011 20% of intracapsular fractured neck of femurs were treated with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the English NHS. National guidelines recommend cemented implants, based on evidence of less pain, better mobility and lower costs. We aimed to compare complications following cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty using the national hospital episode statistics (HES) database in England. Dislocation, revision, return to theatre and medical complications were extracted for all patients with NOF fracture who underwent either cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty between January 2005 and December 2008. To make a ‘like for like’ comparison all 30424 patients with an uncemented impant were matched to 30424 cemented implants (from a total of 42838) in terms of age, sex and Charlson co-morbidity score.Background
Methods