The infected total shoulder arthroplasty is not a frequent finding at the present time, the necessity of treating this complication may become more urgent with the continually increasing number of arthroplasty procedures performed. From 1992 till the beginning of 2005, eleven patients were treated for infected total shoulder arthroplasty. An acute infection occurred in one patient (9 %), subacute in three (27 %) and late in seven patients (64 %). The average period between the primary operation and infection manifestation was 19.3 months. The group of 181 patients operated on for shoulder replacement between 1992 and 2005 was evaluated, and a deep infection of total shoulder arthroplasty was found in 11 patients (2.2 %). An antibiotic therapy alone was sufficient to eradicate the infeciton in only 20 % of the infected patients, but these showed good Constant scores (average, 42 points). Revision surgery, debridement and irrigation drainage had a low success rate (33 %) and good Constant scores (average, 45 points) in the cured patients. A two-stage exchange was 100 % successful but had a poor outcome, with an average Constant score of 26 points. However, a two-stage exchange involving a spacer had both 100 % success rate and a good outcome with an average Constant score of 49 points. On statistical evaluation using the unpaired t-test, there was a significant difference in the Constant scores (T 4.35 p=0.005) between the patients undergoing exchange arthroplasty with (n=40) and without (n=4) the spacer. Poor function scores after resection arthroplasty are not surprising, because a sharp residual proximal humerus is likely to irritate soft tissues and, in addition, it is not possible to reconstruct a rotator cuff to match it. Comparing the results of one-stage with two-stage reimplantation is a complex issue. Attention should be paid to a relationship between the methods routinely used to treat an infected total shoulder arthroplasty and those preferred by the given hospital for treatment of other joints. If the therapy is well established in that hospital and gives good long-term results, it is optimal to use it also for the treatment of infected total shoulder arthroplasty. The method of treating infected total shoulder arthroplasty is not different from other big joint therapies. The use of a spacer will allow us to remodel soft tissues satisfactorily even after extensive debridement. The functional results of treatment involving a spacer are significantly better.
History of surgical wounds drainage is long-lasting. In our research we focused on the debated issue of safety and effectiveness of drainage. In the period 2006–2008 we were examined 198 samples of patients after arthroplasty, or one-stage exchange for aseptic loosening and and 202 patients with infected artrhoplasty. For all patients was performed a prospective study of drain contamination using PCR methods. Research has confirmed that the Redon drainage is a safe method that provides a clear benefit for the pacient. Based on the results of this study is recommended to keep drains 2 days after surgery. Negative factor for the colonization of the drain are higher postoperative blood loss. Continuous irrigation drainage can be clearly classified into standard operating procedures in the treatment of infectious diseases in the orthopedic. The use of irrigation drainage brings benefit over risk. Prolonged irrigation drainage did not remove the contamination from the drains. Handling with irrigation drainage systems and dressing exchange did not a risk factor of contamination. For infected knee joint is recommended to leave irrigation drainage about 100–112 hours, follow sucktional drainage and further 12 to 24 hours to remove the drains. An important finding is the frequent presence of pathogenic fungi in the DNA material from arthroplasty area.
In their presented work authors summarize the results of using Philos plate in ultimate indications. These are – dislocated proximal humeral fractures with abruption of the head in anatomical neck, where head fragment is so much thin and eventually osteoporotic, that fixation of any osteosynthetic component would be technically impossible. These cases include even situations where head fragment is then splitted into two major fragments.
Presentation supported by grants MSMT CR 57/226010NPV, GA CR 106/04/1118 and FT–TA3/131
There has been only one limited report dating from 1941 using dissection which has described the tibiofemoral joint between 120° and 160° of flexion despite the relevance of this arc to total knee replacement. We now provide a full description having examined one living and eight cadaver knees using MRI, dissection and previously published cryosections in one knee. In the range of flexion from 120° to 160° the flexion facet centre of the medial femoral condyle moves back 5 mm and rises up on to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. At 160° the posterior horn is compressed in a synovial recess between the femoral cortex and the tibia. This limits flexion. The lateral femoral condyle also rolls back with the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus moving with the condyle. Both move down over the posterior tibia at 160° of flexion. Neither the events between 120° and 160° nor the anatomy at 160° could result from a continuation of the kinematics up to 120°. Therefore hyperflexion is a separate arc. The anatomical and functional features of this arc suggest that it would be difficult to design an implant for total knee replacement giving physiological movement from 0° to 160°.
Migration of the acetabular component may give rise to oval-shaped bone defects in the acetabulum. The oblong implant is designed to fill these defects and achieve a stable cementless anchorage with no significant bone loss. We prospectively reviewed 133 oblong long oblique revision components at a mean follow-up of 9.74 years (0.6 to 14). All had been used in revisions for defects of type IIB to IIIB according to Paprosky. Aseptic loosening was the reason for revision in 11 cases (8.3%) and deep infection in seven (5.3%). The probability of implant survival over a 12-year follow-up estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method gave a survival rate of 0.85% respectively 0.90% when deep infection was excluded as the endpoint. Our study supports the use of these components in defects from IIB to IIIA. The main precondition for success is direct contact of more than half of the surface of the implant with the host acetabular bone.
The results of proximal humeral replacement following trauma are substantially worse than for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The stable reattachment of the lesser and greater tuberosity fragments to the rotator cuff and the restoration of shoulder biomechanics are difficult. In 1992 we developed a prosthesis designed to improve fixation of the tuberosity fragments in comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus. The implant enables fixation of the fragments to the shaft of the prosthesis and the diaphyseal fragment using screws, washers and a special toothed plate. Between 1992 and 2003 we used this technique in 50 of 76 patients referred to our institution for shoulder reconstruction after trauma. In the remaining 26, reconstruction with a prosthesis and nonabsorbable sutures was performed, as the tuberosity fragments were too small and too severely damaged to allow the use of screws and the toothed plate. The Constant score two years post-operatively was a mean of 12 points better in the acute trauma group and 11 points better in the late post-traumatic group than in the classical suture group. We recommend this technique in patients where the tuberosity fragments are large enough to allow fixation with screws, washers and a toothed plate.
We assessed the long-term results of 58 Souter-Strathclyde total elbow replacements in 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean length of follow-up was 9.5 years (0.7 to 16.7). The mean pre-operative Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 30 (15 to 80) and at final follow-up was 82 (60 to 95). A total of 13 elbows (22.4%) were revised, ten (17.2%) for aseptic loosening, one (1.7%) for instability, one (1.7%) for secondary loosening after fracture, and one elbow (1.7%) was removed because of deep infection. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 70% and 53% at ten and 16 years, respectively. Failure of the ulnar component was found to be the main problem in relation to the loosening. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve had no influence on ulnar nerve paresthaesiae in these patients.
The weak points and complications of the classic spacers are eliminated by the construction of an articulated spacer. We did have very good results with the application of a classic spacer and considered the negative properties of the articulated spacer as a foreign matter in the wound. Gradually, the excellent literary results, standardization of the procedure, faster rehabilitation and a significant growth of comfort for the patient convinced us of the fact, that we chose the right way. Therefore we prepared and verified the new implant. In its construction we used the experience from the creation of classic spacers as well as the principle of a drained spacer allowing a drainage of the cavity of the femur. The implant is constructed as a module to be enwrapped by as large amount of the bone cement with an antibiotics as possible. The cup is flat with a diameter of 42 mm, with grooves allowing adhesion of as large a quantity of cement as possible with the articular area for the head of a diameter of 28 mm. For a better stability of the implant, it is constructed as antiluxation one. The implant stem consists of three parts so that a high modularity is secured upon low costs. The body of the stem has a single length and it is furnished in the axis with a drain enabling the use of a flush lavage. For a better modularity, it is possible to fit on the stem body three different lengths of the neck. In 2002 and 2004, the articulated spacer was used to treat 26 patients with a deep infection of a hip joint prosthesis. The treatment of the infection has been successful in all cases. The period of leaving the drained articulated spacer was 12,8 weeks. The result of the Harris hip score when after implantation it reaches on average 94.7 points. The contribution of this method is also supported by an even more average growth of the Harris hip score as opposed to the condition prior to operation, which was 37,5 points. The patients did not feel any pain in between the operations. The only restriction of the quality of life was brought by a recommended necessity of walking with crutches. The technique combines the advantages of a two-stage procedure with flexibility of the reimplanting term and the economic and social profits for the patient.
We report a case of sciatic nerve palsy following total hip replacement which has lead to a novel hypothesis to account for this complication.
MRI studies of the knee were performed at intervals between full extension and 120° of flexion in six cadavers and also non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing in five volunteers. At each interval sagittal images were obtained through both compartments on which the position of the femoral condyle, identified by the centre of its posterior circular surface which is termed the flexion facet centre (FFC), and the point of closest approximation between the femoral and tibial subchondral plates, the contact point (CP), were identified relative to the posterior tibial cortex. The movements of the CP and FFC were essentially the same in the three groups but in all three the medial differed from the lateral compartment and the movement of the FFC differed from that of the CP. Medially from 30° to 120° the FFC and CP coincided and did not move anteroposteriorly. From 30° to 0° the anteroposterior position of the FFC remained unchanged but the CP moved forwards by about 15 mm. Laterally, the FFC and the CP moved backwards together by about 15 mm from 20° to 120°. From 20° to full extension both the FFC and CP moved forwards, but the latter moved more than the former. The differences between the movements of the FFC and the CP could be explained by the sagittal shapes of the bones, especially anteriorly. The term ‘roll-back’ can be applied to solid bodies, e.g. the condyles, but not to areas. The lateral femoral condyle does roll-back with flexion but the medial does not, i.e. the femur rotates externally around a medial centre. By contrast, both the medial and lateral contact points move back, roughly in parallel, from 0° to 120° but they cannot ‘roll’. Femoral roll-back with flexion, usually imagined as backward rolling of both condyles, does not occur.
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was imaged by MRI throughout flexion in neutral tibial rotation in six cadaver knees, which were also dissected, and in 20 unloaded and 13 loaded living (squatting) knees. The appearance of the ligament was the same in all three groups. In extension the ligament is curved concave-forwards. It is straight, fully out-to-length and approaching vertical from 60° to 120°, and curves convex-forwards over the roof of the intercondylar notch in full flexion. Throughout flexion the length of the ligament does not change, but the separations of its attachments do. We conclude that the PCL is not loaded in the unloaded cadaver knee and therefore, since its appearance in all three groups is the same, that it is also unloaded in the living knee during flexion. The posterior fibres may be an exception in hyperextension, probably being loaded either because of posterior femoral lift-off or because of the forward curvature of the PCL. These conclusions relate only to everyday life: none may be drawn with regard to more strenuous activities such as sport or in trauma.
We present the results of treatment of complicated comminutive fractures and fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus at the First Orthopedic Clinic of Prague in the last ten years. We also compare the results using two different methods of treatment: shoulder arthroplasty and non-anatomical shoulder reconstruction. Treatment of complicated fractures of the proximal humerus is difficult. The results are not always good because the moving apparatus of the shoulder is often destroyed. The common method of treatment is shoulder arthroplasty with reconstruction of the rotator cuff. In our clinic we use (especially in young patients) the so-called non-anatomical reconstruction of the shoulder that enables us to save the humeral head. This reconstruction is suitable when three-fourths of the joint surface is preserved with the technical possibility of further fixation to the distal fragment. From 1990 to 1999 we operated on 42 acute fractures not suitable for anatomical reconstruction or conservative treatment. Shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 22 patients and non-anatomical reconstruction in 20 patients. It was possible to maintain partial blood supply of the humeral head in seven patients. Evaluation of functional results was made by the method according to Constant and radiographs were also evaluated. In non-anatomical reconstruction we paid particular attention to the observation of the onset of necro-biotic rebuilding of the humeral head. In the 22 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty, we recorded results of three excellent, fourteen good, four satisfactory and one unsatisfactory. In patients who had non-anatomical shoulder reconstruction, the results were four excellent, eleven good, four satisfactory and one unsatisfactory. Out of this group there were three excellent and four good results in patients with a partially saved blood supply to the humeral head. There are signs of necro-biotic changes of the humeral head in four patients, but its presence clearly has no direct effect on the final shoulder function. There are significantly worse results from arthroplasty in trauma cases than in other diagnoses such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to our own method, non-anatomical reconstruction of the shoulder has comparable results. In addition, this procedure enables saving the humeral head. There is also the advantage of no problems that are associated with arthroplasty (infection, migration of components, etc.). We have achieved remarkably good results in non-anatomical reconstruction with partial saving of the blood supply of the humeral head. The development of necro-biotic rebuilding of the head has no direct influence on the functionality of the shoulder.
The aim of this paper is to present a new solution in treating osteoarthritis after congenital dysplasia. In the First Orthopaedic Clinic in Prague, we have obtained, by using oval-shaped cups, excellent results in the treatment of acetabular deficiency occurring in THA loosening. These positive results have also encouraged us to use the implants in THA for secondary coxarthrosis. In severe acetabular defects, an endoprothesis is very difficult to implant. A whole range of methods has been described for fixing the acetabular component. We prefer not to use cemented implants with middle-aged patients. Methods using bulk bone grafts are being scaled down. Cup implantation to the neoacetabulum is disadvantageous because forces inherent to the hip joint are considerably higher in the superior lateral position. Cotyloplasty and controlled fracture impair the medial wall with the enhanced risk of implant protrusion to the pelvis. The implementation of an oval cup eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages. During the period of 1994 to 1998, we applied the LOR cup in treating secondary coxarthrosis eight times in six women (mean age: 54 years). 83% had already been operated for congenital hip dislocation. The stage of the dysplasia was classified as Crowe II in two hip joints, Crowe III in four, and Crowe IV in two. An average of four screws were used for a 52x64 cup. Mean follow-up was 4.8 years. The mean Harris hip score at follow-up was 92 points. There were no infections, luxations, implant migrations, or screw failures. The radiograph evaluations revealed just one case of a translucent line 1 mm wide in the b,c zone. Osteointegration was perfect with the other implants. Using the oval-shaped cup does not usually require implementation of bulk bone grafts. Implant shape and the option of implementing an eccentric inlay enables preservation of the rotational centre, which is advantageous in terms of biomechanics. Implantation of the cup is easy and fast. Because of the good results, we suggest introducing the oval-shaped cup as a standard method of THA primo-implantation with patients who have acetabular dysplasia. The LOR cup was designed as a revision implant, but a disadvantage is the insufficient size scale and the 32 insert. For widespread application, it is therefore necessary to design a smaller size 28 inlay cup. We are currently developing our own acetabular component with a more suitable size scale and a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite ceramic coating.
Arthrodesis of the wrist is a standard operation which is indicated for severe rheumatoid arthritis in which destruction is too advanced for more conservative procedures, or after failure of previous surgery. We have developed an L-shaped plate designed for this purpose. It provides rigid internal fixation with the wrist in the neutral position and utilises bone grafts obtained from the distal ulna and the carpal bones. We have carried out 29 successful fusions between 1992 and 1995. In all 29 patients synovectomy and resection of the head of the ulna were performed; 11 also had reconstruction of ruptured extensor tendons. All the patients obtained bony union, pain relief and improved function.
