Aims. Contemporary outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in patients with inflammatory arthritis have not been well studied. This study examined the implant survivorship, complications, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods. We identified 418 hips (350 patients) with a primary diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis who underwent primary THA with HXLPE liners from January 2000 to December 2017. Of these hips, 68% had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 286), 13% ankylosing spondylitis (n = 53), 7% juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (n = 29), 6% psoriatic arthritis (n = 24), 5% systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 23), and 1% scleroderma (n = 3). Mean age was 58 years (SD 14.8), 66.3% were female (n = 277), and mean BMI was 29 kg/m. 2. (SD 7). Uncemented femoral components were used in 77% of cases (n = 320). Uncemented acetabular components were used in all patients. Competing risk analysis was used accounting for death. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years (2 to 18). Results. The ten-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 3%, and was highest in psoriatic arthritis patients (16%). The most common indications for the 15 revisions were dislocations (n = 8) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI; n = 4, all on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)). The ten-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was 6.1%, with the most common indications being wound infections (six cases, four on DMARDs) and postoperative periprosthetic femur fractures (two cases, both uncemented femoral components). The ten-year cumulative incidence of complications not requiring reoperation was 13.1%, with the most common being intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture (15 cases, 14 uncemented femoral components; p = 0.13). Radiological evidence of early femoral component subsidence was observed in six cases (all uncemented). Only one femoral component ultimately developed aseptic loosening. Harris Hip Scores substantially improved (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Contemporary primary THAs with HXLPE in patients with inflammatory arthritis had excellent survivorship and good functional outcomes regardless of fixation method. Dislocation, PJI, and periprosthetic fracture were the most common complications in this cohort with inflammatory arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):768–774

Aims. The purpose of this study was to validate our hypothesis that centrifugation may eliminate false-positive leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test results caused by autoimmune diseases in the diagnosis of knee infection. Methods. Between January 2016 and May 2019, 83 cases, including 33 cases of septic arthritis and 50 cases of aseptic arthritis, were enrolled in this study. To further validate our hypothesis, another 34 cases of inflammatory arthritis from the Department of Rheumatology of our institution were also included. After aspiration, one drop of synovial fluid was applied to LE strips before and after centrifugation. The results were recorded after approximately three minutes according to the different colour grades on the colour chart. The differences of LE results between each cohort were analyzed. Results. Before centrifugation, 46% (23/50) of the LE strip tests in the aseptic arthritis group were false-positives. Most of the false-positive results were due to inflammatory arthritis; after centrifugation, 78.3% (18/23) of the tests yielded negative results. Similar results were observed in cases from the Department of Rheumatology. The sensitivity of the centrifuged LE strip test was 0.818 (0.639 to 0.924), which is still an acceptable level compared with the uncentrifuged results, which yielded a sensitivity of 0.909 (0.745 to 0.976). However, the specificity was increased from 0.540 (0.395 to 0.679) to 0.900 (0.774 to 0.963) after centrifugation. Conclusion. Although inflammatory arthritis can yield a false-positive LE strip test result in the diagnosis of knee infection, centrifugation may eliminate these false-positive results. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(5):236–241

We report a consecutive series of 16 revision total knee arthroplasties using the Total Condylar III system in 14 patients with inflammatory arthritis which were performed between 1994 and 2000. There were 11 women and three men with a mean age of 59 years (36 to 78). The patients were followed up for 74 months (44 to 122). The mean pre-operative Knee Society score of 37 points (0 to 77) improved to 88 (61 to 100) at follow-up (t-test, p < 0.001) indicating very good overall results. The mean range of flexion improved from 62° (0° to 120°) to 98° (0° to 145°) (t-test, p < 0.05) allowing the patients to stand from a sitting position. The mean Knee Society pain score improved from 22 (10 to 45) to 44 (20 to 50) (t-test, p < 0.05). No knee had definite loosening, although five showed asymptomatic radiolucent lines. Complications were seen in three cases, comprising patellar pain, patellar fracture and infection. These results suggest that the Total Condylar III system can be used successfully in revision total knee arthroplasty in inflammatory arthritis

We divided 309 patients with an inflammatory arthritis who had undergone primary elbow replacement using the Souter-Strathclyde implant into two groups according to their age. The mean follow-up in the older group (mean age 64 years) was 7.3 years while in the younger patients (mean age 42 years) it was 12 years. Survivorship for three different failure end-points (revision, revision because of aseptic loosening of the humeral component, and gross loosening of the humeral implant), was compared in both groups. Our findings showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of loosening when young rheumatoid patients were compared with an older age group

The management of radial head fractures complicated by ligamentous disruption remains a matter of controversy. The use of a silicone radial head implant to provide temporary stability is thought to help to protect the ligaments during healing. The reported complications of long-term implantation of a silicone replacement include fracture, dislocation, synovitis, lymphadenitis and subchondral resorption. We now report one case in which an inflammatory process resulted in generalised cartilage degeneration. This has not previously been noted.

Aims. Insufficient treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients requires novel treatment strategies to halt disease progression. The potential benefit of combination of cytokine-inhibitors in RA is still unclear and needs further investigation. To explore the impact of combined deficiency of two major cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, in this study double deficient mice for IL-1αβ and IL-6 were investigated in different tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-driven inflammatory bone disorders, namely peripheral arthritis and sacroiliitis, as well as systemic bone loss. Methods. Disease course, histopathological features of arthritis, and micro-CT (µCT) bone analysis of local and systemic bone loss were assessed in 15-week-old IL1-/-IL6-/-hTNFtg in comparison to IL1-/-hTNFtg, IL6-/-hTNFtg, and hTNFtg mice. µCT bone analysis of single deficient and wild-type mice was also performed. Results. Combined deficiency of IL-1/IL-6 markedly ameliorated TNF-mediated arthritis and bilateral sacroiliitis, but without additive benefits compared to single IL-1 deficiency. This finding confirms the important role of IL-1 and the marginal role of IL-6 in TNF-driven pathways of local joint damage, but questions the efficacy of potential combinatorial therapies of IL-1 and IL-6 in treatment of RA. In contrast, combined deficiency of IL-1/IL-6 led to an additive protective effect on TNF-driven systemic bone loss compared to single IL-1 and IL-6 deficiency. This finding clearly indicates a common contribution of both IL-1 and IL-6 in TNF-driven systemic bone loss, and points to a discrepancy of cytokine dependency in local and systemic TNF-driven mechanisms of inflammatory arthritis. Conclusion. Combinatorial treatments in RA might provide different benefits to inflammatory local arthritis and systemic comorbidities. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):484–493

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that involves T and B cells and their reciprocal immune interactions with proinflammatory cytokines. T cells, an essential part of the immune system, play an important role in RA. T helper 1 (Th1) cells induce interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-2, which are proinflammatory cytokines, leading to cartilage destruction and bone erosion. Th2 cells primarily secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which exert anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects in inflammatory arthritis models. IL-22 secreted by Th17 cells promotes the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts through induction of the chemokine C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). T follicular helper (Tfh) cells produce IL-21, which is key for B cell stimulation by the C-X-C chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) and coexpression with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and/or inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS). PD-1 inhibits T cell proliferation and cytokine production. In addition, there are many immunomodulatory agents that promote or inhibit the immunomodulatory role of T helper cells in RA to alleviate disease progression. These findings help to elucidate the aetiology and treatment of RA and point us toward the next steps. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):426–438

Aims

The aims of this study were to identify and evaluate the current literature examining the prognostic factors which are associated with failure of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA).

The April 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Lunocapitate versus four-corner fusion in scapholunate or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse: a randomized controlled trial; Postoperative scaphoid alignment, smoking, and avascular necrosis determine outcomes; Grip strength signals broader health concerns in females with distal radius fractures; Clearing the smoke: how smoking status influences recovery from open carpal tunnel release surgery; Age matters: assessing the likelihood of corrective surgery after distal radius fractures; Is pronator quadratus muscle repair required after anterior plate fixation for distal radius fractures?; Efficacy of total wrist arthroplasty: a comparative analysis of inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis outcomes; A comprehensive review of the one-bone forearm as a salvage technique.

Aims. The lack of disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) is linked to a shortage of suitable biomarkers. This study combines multi-molecule synovial fluid analysis with machine learning to produce an accurate diagnostic biomarker model for end-stage knee OA (esOA). Methods. Synovial fluid (SF) from patients with esOA, non-OA knee injury, and inflammatory knee arthritis were analyzed for 35 potential markers using immunoassays. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to derive a biomarker model for cohort classification. The ability of the biomarker model to diagnose esOA was validated by identical wide-spectrum SF analysis of a test cohort of ten patients with esOA. Results. PLS-DA produced a streamlined biomarker model with excellent sensitivity (95%), specificity (98.4%), and reliability (97.4%). The eight-biomarker model produced a fingerprint for esOA comprising type IIA procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PIIANP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated excellent discriminatory accuracy: area under the curve (AUC) being 0.970 for esOA, 0.957 for knee injury, and 1 for inflammatory arthritis. All ten validation test patients were classified correctly as esOA (accuracy 100%; reliability 100%) by the biomarker model. Conclusion. SF analysis coupled with machine learning produced a partially validated biomarker model with cohort-specific fingerprints that accurately and reliably discriminated esOA from knee injury and inflammatory arthritis with almost 100% efficacy. The presented findings and approach represent a new biomarker concept and potential diagnostic tool to stage disease in therapy trials and monitor the efficacy of such interventions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(9):623–632

Aims. Total wrist arthrodesis (TWA) produces a spectrum of outcomes. We investigated this by reviewing 77 consecutive TWA performed for inflammatory and post-traumatic arthropathies, wrist instability and as a salvage procedure. . Patients and Methods. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a specifically designed pre-contoured dorsally applied non-locking wrist arthrodesis plate at a single centre. . Results. Median post-operative Buck-Gramcko Lohman (BGL), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation scores at six years (interquartile range (IQR) 3 to 11) were 9 (IQR = 6 to 10), 19 (IQR = 7 to 45) and 13 (IQR = 1 to 31) respectively. Polyarticular inflammatory arthritis and female gender were associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes, although the effect of gender was partly explained by higher rates of inflammatory disease among women. Return to work was negatively influenced by workers’ compensation and non-inflammatory wrist pathology. There was no difference in complication rates for inflammatory and non-inflammatory indications. . Take home message: Polyarticular inflammatory arthritis is a risk factor for adverse patient-reported outcomes in TWA. Furthermore, when compared with patients without inflammatory arthritis, dorsally applied pre-contoured plates can be used for wrist arthrodesis in patients with inflammatory arthritis without an increased risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:647–53

Aims. Acromial fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have a wide range of incidences in reported case series. This study evaluates their incidence following RSA by systematically reviewing the current literature. Materials and Methods. A systematic review using the search terms “reverse shoulder”, “reverse total shoulder”, or “inverted shoulder” was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2018. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Studies were included if they reported on RSA outcomes and the incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures. The rate of these fractures was evaluated for primary RSA, revision RSA, RSA indications, and RSA implant design. Results. The review included 90 articles out of 686 identified after exclusions. The incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures was 2.8% (253/9048 RSAs). The fracture rate was similar for primary and revision RSA (2.8% vs 2.1%; p = 0.4). Acromial fractures were most common after RSA for inflammatory arthritis (10.9%) and massive rotator cuff tears (3.8%). The incidence was lowest in RSA for post-traumatic arthritis (2.1%) and acute proximal humerus fractures (0%). Lateralized glenosphere design had a significantly higher rate of acromial fractures compared with medial glenosphere designs. Conclusion. Based on current English literature, acromial and/or scapular spine fractures occur at a rate of 2.8% after RSA. The incidence is slightly more common after primary compared with revision arthroplasty. Also, higher rates of acromial fractures are reported in RSA performed for inflammatory arthritis and in the lateralized glenoid design. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:627–634

Aims. This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes. Methods. Patients were recruited from 11 specialist centres between June 2016 and November 2019. Demographic, radiological, and functional outcome data (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Manchester Oxford Questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimension five-level score) were collected preoperatively, at six months, one year, and two years. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system was used to stratify deformity. Early and late complications and reoperations were recorded as adverse events. Radiographs were assessed for lucencies, cysts, and/or subsidence. Results. In all, 500 patients reached six-month follow-up, 420 reached one-year follow-up, and 188 reached two-year follow-up. The mean age was 67.8 years (23.9 to 88.5). A total of 38 patients (7.5%) presented with inflammatory arthritis. A total of 101 (20.0%) of implantations used patient-specific instrumentation; 167 patients (33.1%) underwent an additional procedure at the time of surgery. A total of seven patients died of unrelated causes, two withdrew, and one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months (6 to 36). There was a significant improvement from baseline across all functional outcome scores at six months, one, and two years. There was no significant difference in outcomes with the use of patient-specific instrumentation, type of arthritis, or COFAS type. Five (1.0%) implants were revised. The overall complication rate was 8.8%. The non-revision reoperation rate was 1.4%. The 30-day readmission rate was 1.2% and the one-year mortality 0.74%. Conclusion. The early experience and complications reported in this study support the current use of the INFINITY TAA as a safe and effective implant in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1270–1276

We used survival analysis to evaluate 113 consecutive semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) in 95 patients at a maximum follow-up of 99 months. Our criteria for failure were mechanical malfunction, revision for any reason, and deep infection. The primary diagnosis was inflammatory arthritis in 86 elbows, post-traumatic arthritis in 6, supracondylar nonunion or fracture in 12, osteoarthritis in 2 and other causes in 3. Seven failures were due to deep infection, and five of these had a primary diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. Eight failures were revised or had revision recommended for aseptic loosening, and six of these were in patients with post-traumatic arthritis or supracondylar nonunion. The cumulative survival for TEAs performed for post-traumatic arthritis, fractures or supracondylar nonunion was 73% at three years and 53% at five years, significantly worse than the cumulative three- and five-year survivals of 92% and 90%, respectively, for patients with inflammatory arthritis. TEA with a semiconstrained prosthesis appears to have a satisfactory survival in selected patients with arthritic disorders. The incidence of deep infection was reduced by improvements in surgical technique and postoperative management, and the routine use of antibiotic-impregnated cement. The incidence of aseptic loosening was low, except in patients with supracondylar nonunion or post-traumatic arthritis

Between 1986 and 1994, 13 patients with mobile painful arthritic elbows were treated by distraction interposition arthroplasty using fascia lata. The mean period of follow-up was 63 months. An elbow distractor/fixator was applied for three to four weeks to separate the articular surfaces and to protect the fascial graft. Nine of the 13 patients (69%) had satisfactory relief from pain; eight (62%) had an excellent or good result by the objective criteria of the Mayo Elbow Performance score. Four have required revision to total elbow arthroplasty at a mean of 30 months with good results to date. Instability of the elbow, both before and after surgery, was found to be associated with unsatisfactory results. The rate of success when the procedure was performed for inflammatory arthritis was similar to that for post-traumatic arthritis, about 67%. Eight complications occurred in six patients, all in the group with post-traumatic arthritis. Two of these required further surgical procedures such as transposition of the ulnar nerve or repair of hernia of the fascia lata. Although less reliable than prosthetic replacement, distraction interposition arthroplasty is a useful option in the treatment of young, high-demand patients with arthritis of the elbow. It is rarely indicated in the presence of generalised inflammatory arthritis, but may be of value in those patients in whom the disease is limited primarily to the elbow

We report the ten-year survival of a cemented total knee replacement (TKR) in patients aged < 55 years at the time of surgery, and compare the functional outcome with that of patients aged > 55 years. The data were collected prospectively and analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival statistics, with revision for any reason, or death, as the endpoint. A total of 203 patients aged < 55 years were identified. Four had moved out of the area and were excluded, leaving a total of 221 TKRs in 199 patients for analysis (101 men and 98 women, mean age 50.6 years (28 to 55)); 171 patients had osteoarthritis and 28 had inflammatory arthritis. Four patients required revision and four died. The ten-year survival using revision as the endpoint was 98.2% (95% confidence interval 94.6 to 99.4). Based on the Oxford knee scores at five and ten years, the rate of dissatisfaction was 18% and 21%, respectively. This was no worse in the patients aged < 55 years than in patients aged > 55 years. These results demonstrate that the cemented PFC Sigma knee has an excellent survival rate in patients aged < 55 ten years post-operatively, with clinical outcomes similar to those of an older group. We conclude that TKR should not be withheld from patients on the basis of age

Short uncemented humeral stems can preserve humeral bone stock and facilitate revision surgery but may be prone to malalignment or loosening, especially when used in reverse total shoulder replacement (TSR). We undertook a retrospective review of 44 patients with a mean age of 76 years (59 to 92) who underwent primary reverse TSR with a short uncemented humeral stem. There were 29 females. The indications for joint replacement included cuff tear associated arthropathy (33), avascular necrosis (six), post-traumatic arthritis (two), and inflammatory arthritis (three). At a mean follow-up of 27 months (24 to 40), pain was rated as mild or none in 43 shoulders (97.7%). The mean active elevation improved from 54° . (sd. 20°) to 142° (. sd . 25°) and the mean active external rotation from 14° (. sd. 13°) to 45° (. sd. 9°). The outcome, as assessed by the modified Neer score, was excellent in 27 (61.3%), satisfactory in 15 (34.1%), and unsatisfactory in two shoulders (4.5%). Stems were well-positioned, without evidence of significant valgus or varus malalignment in 42 TSRs (95.5%). There was no radiological evidence of loosening of the humeral stem in any patient; 13 TSRs (29.5%) had evidence of proximal humeral remodelling and scapular notching was noted in three (6.8%). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:526–9

Aims. This study presents the long-term survivorship, risk factors for prosthesis survival, and an assessment of the long-term effects of changes in surgical technique in a large series of patients treated by metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). Patients and Methods. Between November 1996 and January 2012, 1074 patients (1321 hips) underwent HRA using the Conserve Plus Hip Resurfacing System. There were 787 men (73%) and 287 women (27%) with a mean age of 51 years (14 to 83). The underlying pathology was osteoarthritis (OA) in 1003 (75.9%), developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in 136 (10.3%), avascular necrosis in 98 (7.4%), and other conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, in 84 (6.4%). Results. The mean follow-up time was 10.5 years (1 to 20). Using revision for any reason as the endpoint, the overall survivorship at 15 years was 89.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.8 to 91.4). There was a substantial increase between the first and second generation of surgical technique (86.6% vs 90.1%; p = 0.05). Men with idiopathic OA had a 15-year survivorship of 94.5% and women, 82.2% (p = 0.001); gender was not a risk factor after stratification by component size and aetiology. Using revision for excessive wear (ion levels > 7 µg/l associated with symptoms or adverse local tissue reactions) as the endpoint, the 15-year survivorship was 98.5%. Risk factors for revision for all modes of failure were an underlying pathology of hip dysplasia, a contact patch to rim (CPR) distance of 7 mm or less, an age at surgery of 55 years or less, and a femoral component size of 46 mm or less. Specific risk factors for aseptic failure of the femoral component were early surgical technique, a cementless metaphyseal stem, and a body mass index of 24 kg/m. 2. or less. Conclusion. HRA is a viable concept; metal-on-metal bearings are well suited for this procedure when a well-designed device is properly implanted. The best results were obtained in men with OA, but survivorship was better for other underlying pathologies and for women after changes were made to the technique of implantation. Lifetime durability is a possible outcome for many patients despite a high level of activity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1424–33

The aim of this study was to review the early outcome of the Femoro-Patella Vialla (FPV) joint replacement. A total of 48 consecutive FPVs were implanted between December 2007 and June 2011. Case-note analysis was performed to evaluate the indications, operative histology, operative findings, post-operative complications and reasons for revision. The mean age of the patients was 63.3 years (48.2 to 81.0) and the mean follow-up was 25.0 months (6.1 to 48.9). Revision was performed in seven (14.6%) at a mean of 21.7 months, and there was one re-revision. Persistent pain was observed in three further patients who remain unrevised. The reasons for revision were pain due to progressive tibiofemoral disease in five, inflammatory arthritis in one, and patellar fracture following trauma in one. No failures were related to the implant or the technique. Trochlear dysplasia was associated with a significantly lower rate of revision (5.9% vs 35.7%, p = 0.017) and a lower incidence of revision or persistent pain (11.8% vs 42.9%, p = 0.045). . Focal patellofemoral osteoarthritis secondary to trochlear dysplasia should be considered the best indication for patellofemoral replacement. Standardised radiological imaging, with MRI to exclude overt tibiofemoral disease should be part of the pre-operative assessment, especially for the non-dysplastic knee. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:793–7

We analysed the outcome of the Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement used for fracture of the distal humerus in elderly patients with no evidence of inflammatory arthritis and compared the results for early versus delayed treatment. We studied a total of 32 patients with 15 in the early treatment group and 17 in the delayed treatment group. The mean follow-up was 56.1 months (18 to 88). The percentage of excellent to good results based on the Mayo elbow performance score was not significantly different, 84% in the early group and 79% in the delayed group. Subjective satisfaction was 92% in both the groups. One patient in the early group developed chronic regional pain syndrome and another type 4 aseptic loosening. Two elbows in the early group also showed type 1 radiological loosening. Two patients in the delayed group had an infection, two an ulnar nerve palsy, one developed heterotopic ossification and one type 4 aseptic loosening. Two elbows in this group also showed type 1 radiological loosening. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis for the early and delayed treatment groups was 93% at 88 months and 76% at 84 months, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups

Aims

There are concerns regarding complications and longevity of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in young patients, and the few previous publications are mainly limited to reports on linked elbow devices. We investigated the clinical outcome of unlinked TEA for patients aged less than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to review the provision of total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) in England, including the incidence, the characteristics of the patients and the service providers, the types of implant, and the outcomes.

Aims

When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can be converted to a fusion or a revision arthroplasty. Despite the increasing numbers of TAAs being undertaken, there is little information in the literature about the management of patients undergoing fusion following a failed TAA. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of fusions following a failed TAA using a large dataset from the National Joint Registry (NJR).

Aims

This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

Aims

Revision rates for ankle arthroplasties are higher than hip or knee arthroplasties. When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can either undergo revision to another ankle replacement, revision of the TAA to ankle arthrodesis (fusion), or amputation. Currently there is a paucity of literature on the outcomes of these revisions. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the outcomes of revision TAA with respect to surgery type, functional outcomes, and reoperations.

Aims

We sought to compare functional outcomes and survival between non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers who underwent anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in a large cohort of patients.

Aims

To investigate the optimal thresholds and diagnostic efficacy of commonly used serological and synovial fluid detection indexes for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

This annotation reviews current concepts on the three most common surgical approaches used for proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: dorsal, volar, and lateral. Advantages and disadvantages of each are highlighted, and the outcomes are discussed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1329–1333.

Aims

While residual fixed flexion deformity (FFD) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been associated with worse functional outcomes, limited evidence exists regarding FFD changes. The objective of this study was to quantify FFD changes in patients with medial unicompartmental knee arthritis undergoing UKA, and investigate any correlation with clinical outcomes.

Aims

The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant.

Aims

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves a variety of tissues in the joint. Gene expression profiles in different tissues are of great importance in order to understand OA.

Aims

The aim of this study is to report the implant survival and factors associated with revision of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) using data from the Dutch national registry.

This edition of the Cochrane Corner looks at the three reviews that were published in the second half of 2023: surgical versus non-surgical interventions for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures; cryotherapy following total knee arthroplasty; and physical activity and education about physical activity for chronic musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents.

Acute bone and joint infections in children are serious, and misdiagnosis can threaten limb and life. Most young children who present acutely with pain, limping, and/or loss of function have transient synovitis, which will resolve spontaneously within a few days. A minority will have a bone or joint infection. Clinicians are faced with a diagnostic challenge: children with transient synovitis can safely be sent home, but children with bone and joint infection require urgent treatment to avoid complications. Clinicians often respond to this challenge by using a series of rudimentary decision support tools, based on clinical, haematological, and biochemical parameters, to differentiate childhood osteoarticular infection from other diagnoses. However, these tools were developed without methodological expertise in diagnostic accuracy and do not consider the importance of imaging (ultrasound scan and MRI). There is wide variation in clinical practice with regard to the indications, choice, sequence, and timing of imaging. This variation is most likely due to the lack of evidence concerning the role of imaging in acute bone and joint infection in children. We describe the first steps of a large UK multicentre study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, which seeks to integrate definitively the role of imaging into a decision support tool, developed with the assistance of individuals with expertise in the development of clinical prediction tools.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):227–229.

Socket migration and rotation in the Charnley total hip replacement were evaluated by roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis in 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 23 patients with osteoarthritis. The two groups were matched with regard to age and sex. The follow-up time was two years. In the rheumatoid patients socket migration was most prominent in the proximal direction and averaged 0.6 mm at 24 months as compared with 0.1 mm in the osteoarthritic group (p = 0.0003). Within the rheumatoid group a preoperative acetabular protrusion in five patients was associated with increased migration and rotation in all directions. The increased proximal migration in rheumatoid arthritis was consistent (p = 0.0009) even after the exclusion of the five protrusion cases. In the rheumatoid patients there was a correlation between low body-weight and proximal migration, but there was no such correlation in the osteoarthritic group. Our results suggest that socket fixation is less secure in patients with advanced inflammatory arthritis

We compared the safety and outcome of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty with those of a two-stage procedure during different admissions in a prospective, randomised controlled trial in an Asian population. Of 168 patients included in the study, 83 had a single- and 85 a two-stage procedure. Most of the patients (59.9%) suffered from inflammatory arthritis. The intra-operative complications, early systemic complications, the operating time, positioning of the components, the functional score, restoration of limb length and survival rates at 96 months were similar in the two groups. The total estimated blood loss was significantly lower in patients undergoing a one-stage procedure than in patients who had a two-stage procedure, but the transfusion requirements were significantly higher in the former group (p = 0.001). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the one-stage group, 7.25 days (. sd. 1.30; 5 to 20) compared with 10 days (. sd. 1.65; 8 to 24) in the two-stage group (p = 0.023). We believe that a one-stage procedure is safe and appropriate in our population

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the change in incidence rate of shoulder arthroplasty, indications, and surgeon volume trends associated with these procedures between January 2003 and April 2021 in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

The February 2024 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Do patients with hypoallergenic total knee arthroplasty implants for metal allergy do worse? An analysis of healthcare utilizations and patient-reported outcome measures; Defining a successful total knee arthroplasty; Incidence, microbiological studies, and factors associated with periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty; A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability; Cause for concern? Significant cement coverage in retrieved metaphyseal cones after revision total knee arthroplasty; Prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury remains high despite advances in surgical techniques; Cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in patients aged under 45 years.

Aims

The number of revision total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) which are undertaken is increasing. Few studies have reported the survival after this procedure. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of revision ankle arthroplasties using large datasets. Secondary aims were to summarize the demographics of the patients, the indications for revision TAA, further operations, and predictors of survival.

Aims

To investigate the correlations among cytokines and regulatory T cells (T-regs) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and their changes after anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment.

The December 2022 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Fix and replace: simultaneous fracture fixation and hip arthroplasty for acetabular fractures in older patients; Is the revision rate for femoral neck fracture lower for total hip arthroplasty than for hemiarthroplasty?; Femoral periprosthetic fractures: data from the COMPOSE cohort study; Dual-mobility cups and fracture of the femur; What’s the deal with outcomes for hip and knee arthroplasty outcomes internationally?; Osteochondral lesions of the femoral head: is costal cartilage the answer?

Aims

Computer-assisted 3D preoperative planning software has the potential to improve postoperative stability in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Commonly, preoperative protocols simulate two functional positions (standing and relaxed sitting) but do not consider other common positions that may increase postoperative impingement and possible dislocation. This study investigates the feasibility of simulating commonly encountered positions, and positions with an increased risk of impingement, to lower postoperative impingement risk in a CT-based 3D model.

Periprosthetic joint infection represents a devastating complication after total elbow arthroplasty. Several measures can be implemented before, during, and after surgery to decrease infection rates, which exceed 5%. Debridement with antibiotics and implant retention has been reported to be successful in less than one-third of acute infections, but still plays a role. For elbows with well-fixed implants, staged retention seems to be equally successful as the more commonly performed two-stage reimplantation, both with a success rate of 70% to 80%. Permanent resection or even amputation are occasionally considered. Not uncommonly, a second-stage reimplantation requires complex reconstruction of the skeleton with allografts, and the extensor mechanism may also be deficient. Further developments are needed to improve our management of infection after elbow arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1321–1326.

The August 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Methotrexate shows potential in reducing pain for hand osteoarthritis with synovitis; Circumferential casting versus plaster splinting in adult distal radius fractures: the CAST study findings; Surgery shows superior long-term success for Dupuytren contracture compared to needle fasciotomy and collagenase injection; Evolving trends in surgical management of wrist arthritis: a decade-long national analysis; Mid-term outcomes of three commonly used surgical reconstructions for scapholunate instability; SLAC and SNAC: what is the evidence for treatment?; Steroids for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis?; When is it safe to return to driving after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective study.

Aims

This study evaluated the definitions developed by the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) 2021, the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2018, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 2013, for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

The December 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Subchondral bone cysts remodel after correction of varus deformity in ankle arthritis; 3D-printed modular endoprosthesis reconstruction following total calcanectomy; Percutaneous partial bone excision in the management of diabetic toe osteomyelitis; Hemiepiphysiodesis is a viable surgical option for Juvenile hallux valgus; Ankle arthroplasty vs arthrodesis: which comes out on top?; Patient-related risk factors for poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty; The Outcomes in Ankle Replacement Study.

Aims

Symptomatic spinal stenosis is a very common problem, and decompression surgery has been shown to be superior to nonoperative treatment in selected patient groups. However, performing an instrumented fusion in addition to decompression may avoid revision and improve outcomes. The aim of the SpInOuT feasibility study was to establish whether a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) that accounted for the spectrum of pathology contributing to spinal stenosis, including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch and mobile spondylolisthesis, could be conducted.

Aims

Postoperative length of stay (LOS) and discharge dispositions following arthroplasty can be used as surrogate measurements for improvements in patients’ pathways and costs. With the increasing use of robotic technology in arthroplasty, it is important to assess its impact on LOS. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with decreased LOS following robotic arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RO THA) compared with the conventional technique (CO THA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe and compare joint-specific and generic health-related quality of life outcomes of the first versus second knee in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) for osteoarthritis.