Prosthetic joint infection continues to remain a diagnostic challenge for unhappy primary arthroplasty of hip and knees. There is increasing dependence upon alpha-defensin test to make key decisions like whether to revise or not & to decide between one-stage versus two-stage. This study aims to assess diagnostic accuracy of alpha-defensin test in determining prosthetic hip & knee infection and to provide guidance for appropriate use of this novel but expensive investigation. Retrospective review of all alpha-defensin investigated patients in an orthopaedic institute between February 2015 & March 2017 was performed. Clinical and radiological outcomes including re-infections, re-operations were analysed and alpha-defensin outcomes were compared with that of other available investigations.Aim
Methods
Post-operative swelling and wound ooze following primary Total Knee Replacement (TKR) can lead to complications such as wound infection, and delays in achieving adequate range of motion. The aim of the study is to examine the effectiveness of using an additional layer of a self-adherent elastic wrap (CobanTM) in reducing post-operative swelling and wound ooze after Primary TKR. Seventeen pairs of patients who had had a primary TKR were studied in a prospective, age and gender-matched cohort study. Half of the patients had wool and crepe dressing (Group A) and the other half with an additional layer of CobanTM dressing (Group B), applied to the wound. Limb circumference was measured at three levels (below knee, knee and above knee) preoperatively and 3 consecutive days post-operatively. The area of wound ooze was measured using AutoCAD software. Group B showed a significant reduction difference in the mean of post-operative limb circumference at above knee level (3.2 vs 4.9 cm. Within the relative small size of this study, there appeared a significant reduction in post-operative limb swelling and wound ooze when using CobanTM in TKR. It is promising preliminary results, however the study groups must be extended.
Limited literature exists providing comprehensive assessment of complications following opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). We performed a retrospective study of local patients who underwent OWHTO for isolated medial compartment knee osteoarthritis from 1997–2013. One hundred and fifteen patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up = 8.4years. Mean age = 47 (range 32–62). Mean BMI = 29.1 (range 20.3–40.2). Implants used included Tomofix (72%), Puddu plate (21%) and Orthofix (7%) (no significant differences in age/ sex/ BMI). Wedge defects were filled with autologous graft (30%), Chronos (35%) or left empty (35%). Five year survival rate (conversion to arthroplasty) = 80%. Overall complication rate = 31%. 25% of patients suffered 36 complications including minor wound infections (9.6%), major wound infections (3.5%), metalwork irritation necessitating plate removal (7%), non-union requiring revision (4.3%), vascular injury (1.7%), compartment syndrome (0.9%), and other minor complications (4%). No thromboembolic complications were observed. A higher BMI (mean 34.2) was apparent in those patients suffering complications than those not (mean 26.9). No significant differences existed in complication rates relative to implant type, type of bone graft used or patient age at surgery. Complications following OWHTO appear higher than previously reported in the literature; serious complications appear rare.
