Aims. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to significantly reduce transfusion rates in primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs), but high-quality evidence is limited in the revision setting. The purpose of the current study was to compare the rate of blood transfusions and symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in a large cohort of revision THAs treated with or without intravenous (IV) TXA. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective review of 3264 revision THAs (2645 patients) between 2005 and 2014, of which 1142 procedures received IV TXA (1 g at incision and 1 g at closure). The mean age in the revision group with TXA was 65 years (28 to 95), with 579 female patients (51%). The mean age in the revision group treated without TXA was 67 years (21 to 98), with 1160 female patients (55%). Outcomes analyzed included rates of transfusion and symptomatic VTEs between procedures undertaken with and without TXA. These comparisons were performed for the overall cohort, as well as within cases subcategorized for aseptic or septic aetiologies. A propensity score was developed to minimize bias between groups and utilized age at revision THA, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative anticoagulation, and year of surgery. Results. Tranexamic acid significantly and substantially reduced the rate of blood transfusions after revision THA overall from 54% to 26% (p < 0.001; adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 1.9), with a significant reduction in both aseptic (49% to 18%; p < 0.001) and septic (73% to 53%; p = 0.04) revisions. The rate of VTE was minimal overall, with three events (0.3%) in the TXA group and four events (0.2%) in the non-TXA group. There were no significant differences in VTE rates based on TXA use or aetiology of revision. Conclusion. Intravenous TXA significantly reduced transfusion rates during all-cause revision THAs, including a subgroup analysis of both aseptic and septic cohorts. Adjusted risk using propensity modelling showed no statistical difference in rates of VTEs between either group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;100-B(6 Supple B):104–109

Aims. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. There remains a lack of prospective evidence for the use of TXA in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to determine if intravenous (IV) TXA is effective in reducing calculated blood loss and transfusions after PAO. Methods. This was a single-centre prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of 81 patients aged 12 to 45 years undergoing elective PAO by a single surgeon. The intervention group (n = 40) received two doses of IV TXA of a maximum 1 g in each dose; the control group (n = 41) received two doses of 50 ml 0.9% saline IV. The primary outcome was perioperative calculated blood loss. Secondary outcomes included allogenic transfusions and six-week postoperative complications. Results. There were no differences in demographics or intraoperative variables between study groups. The TXA group demonstrated lower mean calculated blood loss (1,265 ml, (SD 321) vs 1,515 ml, (SD 394); p = 0.002) and lower frequency of allogenic transfusion (10%/n = 4 vs 37%/n = 15; p = 0.008). Regression analyses associated TXA use with significant reductions in calculated blood loss (p < 0.001) and transfusion (p = 0.007) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin, cell-saver volume, intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure, and operating time. No patients suffered venous thromboembolic complications. Conclusion. In this trial, IV TXA decreased postoperative calculated blood loss by 293 ml and reduced the frequency of allogenic transfusions by 73% (37% vs 10%) following PAO. TXA may be safe and effective for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing PAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1151–1157

Tranexamic acid (TXA), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, reduces blood loss after total knee arthroplasty. However, its effect on minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not clear. We performed a prospective, randomised double-blind study to evaluate the effect of two intravenous injections of TXA on blood loss in patients undergoing minimally invasive THA. In total, 60 patients (35 women and 25 men with a mean age of 58.1 years; 17 to 84) who underwent unilateral minimally invasive uncemented THA were randomly divided into the study group (30 patients, 20 women and ten men with a mean age of 56.5 years; 17 to 79) that received two intravenous injections 1 g of TXA pre- and post-operatively (TXA group), and a placebo group (30 patients, 15 women and 15 men with a mean age of 59.5 years; 23 to 84). We compared the peri-operative blood loss of the two groups. Actual blood loss was calculated from the maximum reduction in the level of haemoglobin. All patients were followed clinically for the presence of venous thromboembolism. The TXA group had a lower mean intra-operative blood loss of 441 ml (150 to 800) versus 615 ml (50 to 1580) in the placebo (p = 0.044), lower mean post-operative blood loss (285 ml (120 to 570) versus 392 ml (126 to 660) (p = 0.002), lower mean total blood loss (1070 ml (688 to 1478) versus 1337 ml (495 to 2238) (p = 0.004) and lower requirement for transfusion (p = 0.021). No patients in either group had symptoms of venous thromboembolism or wound complications. . This prospective, randomised controlled study showed that a regimen of two intravenous injections of 1 g TXA is effective for blood conservation after minimally invasive THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:905–10

Aims. Intravenous dexamethasone has been shown to reduce immediate postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA), though the effects are short-lived. We aimed to assess whether two equivalent perioperative split doses were more effective than a single preoperative dose. Methods. A total of 165 patients were randomly assigned into three groups: two perioperative saline injections (Group A, placebo), a single preoperative dose of 20 mg dexamethasone and a postoperative saline injection (Group B), and two perioperative doses of 10 mg dexamethasone (Group C). Patients, surgeons, and staff collecting outcome data were blinded to allocation. The primary outcome was postoperative pain level reported on a ten-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at rest and during activity. The use of analgesic and antiemetic rescue, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, range of motion (ROM), length of stay (LOS), patient satisfaction, and the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in the three months postoperatively, were also compared. Results. The pain scores at rest were significantly lower in Groups B and C than in Group A on postoperative days 1 and 2. The dynamic pain scores and CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly lower for Groups B and C compared to Group A on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Patients in Groups B and C had a lower incidence of PONV, reduced use of analgesic and antiemetic rescue, improved ROM, shorter LOS, and reported higher satisfaction than in Group A. Patients in Group C had significantly lower dynamic pain scores and IL-6 and CRP levels on postoperative days 2 and 3, and higher ROM and satisfaction on postoperative day 3 than in Group B. No SSI or GIB occurred in any group. Conclusion. Perioperative dexamethasone provides short-term advantages in reducing pain, PONV, and inflammation, and increasing range of motion in the early postoperative period after THA. A split-dose regimen was superior to a single high dose in reducing pain and inflammation, and increasing ROM, with better patient satisfaction. Level of evidence: I. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1497–1504

Aims. A typical pattern of blood loss associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 200 ml intraoperatively and 1.3 l in the first 48 postoperative hours. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is most commonly given as a single preoperative dose only and is often withheld from patients with a history of thromboembolic disease as they are perceived to be “high-risk” with respect to postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The TRanexamic ACid for 24 hours trial (TRAC-24) aimed to identify if an additional 24-hour postoperative TXA regime could further reduce blood loss beyond a once-only dose at the time of surgery, without excluding these high-risk patients. Methods. TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving patients undergoing primary unilateral elective THA. The primary outcome measure was the indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. The patients were randomized into three groups. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional oral regime for 24 hours postoperatively, group 2 only received the intraoperative dose, and group 3 did not receive any TXA. Results. A total of 534 patients were randomized, with 233 in group 1, 235 in group 2, and 66 in group 3; 92 patients (17.2%) were considered high-risk. The mean IBL did not differ significantly between the two intervention groups (848.4 ml (SD 463.8) for group 1, and 843.7 ml (SD 478.7) for group 2; mean difference -4.7 ml (95% confidence interval -82.9 to 92.3); p = 0.916). No differences in mortality or incidence of VTE were observed between any group. Conclusion. The addition of oral TXA for 24 hours postoperatively does not reduce blood loss beyond that achieved with a single 1 g IV perioperative dose alone. There may be a clinically relevant difference in patients with a normal BMI, which warrants further investigation. Critically, there were no safety issues in patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1197–1205

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of multiple boluses of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) on the hidden blood loss (HBL) and inflammatory response following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 150 patients were allocated randomly to receive a single bolus of 20 mg/kg IV TXA before the incision (group A), a single bolus followed by a second bolus of 1 g IV-TXA three hours later (group B) or a single bolus followed by two boluses of 1 g IV-TXA three and six hours later (group C). All patients were treated using a standard peri-operative enhanced recovery protocol. Primary outcomes were HBL and the level of haemoglobin (Hb) as well as the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers of inflammation. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay in hospital and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Results. The mean HBL was significantly lower in group C (402.13 ml standard deviation (. sd). 225.97) than group A (679.28 ml. sd. 277.16, p < 0.001) or B (560.62 ml . sd. 295.22, p = 0.010). The decrease in the level of Hb between the pre-operative baseline and the level on the third post-operative day was 30.82 g/L (. sd. 6.31 g/L) in group A, 27.16 g/L (. sd. 6.83) in group B and 21.98 g/L (. sd. 3.72) in group C. This decrease differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.01). The mean level of CRP was significantly lower in group C than in the other two groups on the second (p ≤ 0.034) and third post-operative days (p ≤ 0.014). The levels of IL-6 were significantly lower in group C than group A on the first three post-operative days (p = 0.023). The mean length of stay was significantly lower in group C than group A (p = 0.023). No VTE or other adverse events occurred. Conclusion. Multiple boluses of IV-TXA can effectively reduce HBL following primary THA. A regime of three boluses leads to a smaller decrease in the level of Hb, less post-operative inflammation and a shorter length of stay in hospital than a single bolus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1442–9

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) with prior multiple failed surgery for reinfection represent a huge challenge for surgeons because of poor vascular supply and biofilm formation. This study aims to determine the results of single-stage revision using intra-articular antibiotic infusion in treating this condition. Methods. A retrospective analysis included 78 PJI patients (29 hips; 49 knees) who had undergone multiple prior surgical interventions. Our cohort was treated with single-stage revision using a supplementary intra-articular antibiotic infusion. Of these 78 patients, 59 had undergone more than two prior failed debridement and implant retentions, 12 patients had a failed arthroplasty resection, three hips had previously undergone failed two-stage revision, and four had a failed one-stage revision before their single-stage revision. Previous failure was defined as infection recurrence requiring surgical intervention. Besides intravenous pathogen-sensitive agents, an intra-articular infusion of vancomycin, imipenem, or voriconazole was performed postoperatively. The antibiotic solution was soaked into the joint for 24 hours for a mean of 16 days (12 to 21), then extracted before next injection. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results. A total of 68 patients (87.1%) were free of infection at a mean follow-up time of 85 months (24 to 133). The seven-year infection-free survival was 87.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79.4 to 95.8). No significant difference in infection-free survival was observed between hip and knee PJIs (91.5% (95% CI 79.9 to 100) vs 84.7% (95% CI 73.1 to 96.3); p = 0.648). The mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 76.1 points (63.2 to 92.4) and Hospital for Special Surgery score was 78. 2 (63.2 to 92.4) at the most recent assessment. Polymicrobial and fungal infections accounted for 14.1% (11/78) and 9.0% (7/78) of all cases, respectively. Conclusion. Single-stage revision with intra-articular antibiotic infusion can provide high antibiotic concentration in synovial fluid, thereby overcoming reduced vascular supply and biofilm formation. This supplementary route of administration may be a viable option in treating PJI after multiple failed prior surgeries for reinfection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):867–874

Aims. We studied the safety and efficacy of multimodal thromboprophylaxis in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) within the first 120 postoperative days, and the mortality during the first year. Multimodal prophylaxis includes discontinuation of procoagulant medications, VTE risk stratification, regional anaesthesia, an intravenous bolus of unfractionated heparin prior to femoral preparation, rapid mobilization, the use of pneumatic compression devices, and chemoprophylaxis tailored to the patient’s risk of VTE. Methods. Between 2004 to 2018, 257 patients with a proven history of VTE underwent 277 primary elective THA procedures by two surgeons at a single institution. The patients had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (186, 67%), pulmonary embolism (PE) (43, 15.5%), or both (48, 17.5%). Chemoprophylaxis included aspirin (38 patients), anticoagulation (215 patients), or a combination of aspirin and anticoagulation (24 patients). A total of 50 patients (18%) had a vena cava filter in situ at the time of surgery. Patients were followed for 120 days to record complications, and for one year to record mortality. Results. Postoperative VTE was diagnosed in seven patients (2.5%): DVT in five, and PE with and without DVT in one patient each. After hospitalization, three patients required readmiss-ion for evacuation of a haematoma, one for wound drainage, and one for monitoring of an elevated international normalized ratio (INR). Seven patients died (2.5%). One patient died five months postoperatively of a PE during open thrombectomy. She had discontinued anticoagulation. One patient died of a haemorrhagic stroke while receiving Coumadin. PE or bleeding was not suspected in the remaining five fatalities. Conclusion. Multimodal prophylaxis is safe and effective in patients with a history of VTE. Postoperative anticoagulation should be prudent as very few patients developed VTE (2.5%) or died of suspected or confirmed PE. Mortality during the first year was mostly unrelated to either VTE or bleeding. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):71–77

Aims. Cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with risks of bleeding and thromboembolism. Anticoagulants are effective as venous thromboprophylaxis, but with an increased risk of bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent, but the mode and timing of its administration remain controversial. This study aimed to determine whether two intravenous (IV) TXA regimens (a three-hour two-dose (short-TXA) and 11-hour four-dose (long-TXA)) were more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative real blood loss (RBL, between baseline and day 3 postoperatively) in patients undergoing THA who receive rivaroxaban as thromboprophylaxis. The secondary aim was to assess the non-inferiority of the reduction of blood loss of the short protocol versus the long protocol. Patients and Methods. A multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken involving 229 patients undergoing primary cementless THA using a posterior approach, whose extended rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis started on the day of surgery. There were 98 male and 131 female patients, with a mean age of 65.5 years (32 to 91). The primary outcome, perioperative RBL, was evaluated at 72 hours postoperatively. The efficacy of short- and long-TXA protocols in the reduction of perioperative RBL was compared with a placebo group. Results. TXA significantly reduced perioperative blood loss compared with placebo (p < 0.001); the mean differences were 525.3 ml (short-TXA vs placebo) and 550.1 ml (long-TXA vs placebo). No venous or arterial thromboembolic complications were reported. The upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval, when comparing short and long protocols, was below the pre-specified margin of non-inferiority (p = 0.027). Conclusion. In patients undergoing primary cementless THA, using a posterior approach, who are treated with rivaroxaban for thromboembolic prophylaxis, short- and long-TXA IV protocols are significantly more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative RBL, without any thromboembolic complications. Non-inferiority of a short- versus a long-TXA protocol in reducing perioperative RBL was supported in a secondary analysis

Aims

The duration of systemic antibiotic treatment following first-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is contentious. Our philosophy is to perform an aggressive debridement, and to use a high local concentration of targeted antibiotics in cement beads and systemic prophylactic antibiotics alone. The aim of this study was to assess the success of this philosophy in the management of PJI of the hip using our two-stage protocol.

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty in the elderly may occur but has been subject to limited investigation. This study analyzed infection characteristics, surgical outcomes, and perioperative complications of octogenarians undergoing treatment for PJI in a single university-based institution.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the implant accuracy of custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Custom-made implants offer an option to achieve a reconstruction in cases with severe acetabular bone loss. By analyzing implant deviation in CT and radiograph imaging and correlating early clinical complications, we aimed to optimize the usage of custom-made implants.

We report the short-term follow-up, functional outcome and incidence of early and late infection after total hip replacement (THR) in a group of HIV-positive patients who do not suffer from haemophilia or have a history of intravenous drug use. A total of 29 patients underwent 43 THRs, with a mean follow-up of three years and six months (five months to eight years and two months). There were ten women and 19 men, with a mean age of 47 years and seven months (21 years to 59 years and five months). No early (< 6 weeks) or late (> 6 weeks) complications occurred following their THR. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score (HHS) was 27 (6 to 56) and the mean post-operative HHS was 86 (73 to 91), giving a mean improvement of 59 points (p = < 0.05, Student’s t-test). No revision procedures had been undertaken in any of the patients, and none had any symptoms consistent with aseptic loosening. This study demonstrates that it is safe to perform THR in HIV-positive patients, with good short-term functional outcomes and no apparent increase in the risk of early infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:462–6

Aims

BoneMaster is a thin electrochemically applied hydroxyapatite (HA) coating for orthopaedic implants that is quickly resorbed during osseointegration. Early stabilization is a surrogacy marker of good survival of femoral stems. The hypothesis of this study was that a BoneMaster coating yields a fast early and lasting fixation of stems.

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This study aimed to use intraoperative free electromyography to examine how the placement of a retractor at different positions along the anterior acetabular wall may affect the femoral nerve during total hip arthroplasty (THA) when undertaken using the direct anterior approach (THA-DAA).

Aims

Septic arthritis of the hip often leads to irreversible osteoarthritis (OA) and the requirement for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to report the mid-term risk of any infection, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), aseptic revision, and reoperation in patients with a past history of septic arthritis who underwent THA, compared with a control group of patients who underwent THA for OA.

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One-stage revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has several advantages; however, resection of the proximal femur might be necessary to achieve higher success rates. We investigated the risk factors for resection and re-revisions, and assessed complications and subsequent re-revisions.

Aims

One-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is gaining popularity. The outcome for a repeat one-stage revision THA after a failed one-stage exchange for infection remains unknown. The aim of this study was to report the infection-free and all-cause revision-free survival of repeat one-stage exchange, and to investigate the association between the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) staging system and further infection-related failure.

Aims

The proportion of arthroplasties performed in the ambulatory setting has increased considerably. However, there are concerns whether same-day discharge may increase the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to compare 90-day outcomes between inpatient arthroplasties and outpatient arthroplasties performed at an ambulatory surgery centre (ASC), and determine whether there is a learning curve associated with performing athroplasties in an ASC.

Neurogenic myositis ossificans is a disabling condition affecting the large joints of patients with severe post-traumatic impairment of the central nervous system. It can result in ankylosis of the joint and vascular or neural compression. Surgery may be hazardous with potential haemorrhage, neurovascular injury, iatrogenic fracture and osteochondral injury. We undertook pre-operative volumetric CT assessment of 45 ankylosed hips with neurogenic myositis ossificans which required surgery. Helical CT with intravenous contrast, combined with two- and three-dimensional surface reconstructions, was the only pre-operative imaging procedure. This gave good differentiation of the heterotopic bone from the adjacent vessels. We established that early surgery, within 24 months of injury, was neither complicated by peri-operative fracture nor by the early recurrence of neurogenic myositis ossificans. Surgical delay was associated with a loss of joint space and a greater degree of bone demineralisation. Enhanced volumetric CT is an excellent method for the pre-operative assessment of neurogenic myositis ossificans and correlates well with the operative findings