Total hip arthroplasty in ankylosing spondylitis: outcome in 340 patients

OBJECTIVE: The longterm outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains unclear. Concern has been expressed regarding joint survival, given that recipients are young and active. We present outcome data on 340 THA after a mean followup of 14 years. METHODS: The 6.7% of patients (n = 309: 237 contactable) who had undergone THA were identified from our database of 4569 subjects. Responses were received from 166 subjects (112 men, 54 women, M:F = 2:1) who were assessed for employment status and outcome [i.e., pain, mobility, satisfaction, disease activity (BASDAI), function (BASFI), and global well being (BAS-G)]. A non-THA AS control group was matched for age, sex, and disease duration. RESULTS: The mean age at AS disease onset for THA recipients was 19.5 yrs compared to 24.4 yrs for the total database (p < 0.05). The mean age at the first THA was 40.0 yrs. Of the 340 THA, 276 were primary (bilateral in 66%) and 64 were revisions. The mean followup for THA was 14.0 yrs (range 1-52). Overall, for the 340 THA, the patients considered outcome to be very good in 85%. In relation to the matched control group, THA patients were comparable for BASDAI, but had poorer function (p < 0.05) and lower global well being (p < 0.05). Of the 80 men under 60 years of age, 39 (49%) were employed compared to 49 (68%) of the control group (p < 0.01). Survival of original THA and revisions after 10, 15, and 20 yrs was 90%, 78%, 64%, respectively (originals), and 73%, 55%, 55%, respectively (revisions). CONCLUSION: The longterm outcome of THA in AS is outstanding. THA recipients have a younger age at onset than nonrecipients. The longterm survival characteristics of THA in young patients with AS is excellent.     

Total hip arthroplasty in the young arthritic patient

Background : Hip disease is a major cause of immobility and pain in children and young adults with inflammatory arthritides. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has previously been avoided in young patients because of the concern about durability of the prosthesis and the need for multiple revisions. There are now, however, growing reports of the success of such procedures in improving mobility and relieving pain in the young patient with severe hip disease. In this study we aimed to determine the clinical and radiological results in patients with inflammatory arthritides who had undergone THA before the age of 35 years.
Methods : Twenty-one patients who had undergone a total of 38 hip arthroplasties were identified. Patients' hips were scored both pre-operatively and at follow-up using the scoring system of the Hospital for Special Surgery, which allots a score for pain, walking, motion and muscle power, and function. Complications were noted and follow-up X-rays were compared to postoperative films to assess radiological loosening.
Results : The mean age at operation was 24 years, and the mean follow-up was 8.6 years. The results in terms of pain relief, mobility, movement and functional capacity were good. Revision was required in 13 hips (34%). This was mostly due to the failure of resurfacing prostheses. Radiological loosening was evident in a further six hips, five of which were asymptomatic.
Conclusions : THA can dramatically improve the quality of life of the young patient with arthritis. The main concern is the likely need for multiple revisions, with progressive loss of bone stock.     

Elective primary total hip arthroplasty in octogenarians

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has resulted in decreased pain and increased function in people with end-stage hip arthritis for several decades. In elderly people, THA has been used most often following femoral neck fracture. However, with life spans increasing and people remaining healthy and active well into their eighties, arthroplasty surgeons are now performing primary THA as an elective procedure in octogenarians. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of elective total hip arthroplasty in patients aged 80 years or older with end-stage hip arthritis. METHODS: Forty patients (46 THAs), aged 80 or older at the time of surgery, were identified for this study. Clinical assessment included amount of hip pain, limp, and use of assistive devices for ambulation at most recent follow-up. Radiographic assessment included implant stability, heterotopic bone formation, and osteolysis. Medical and hip-related complications, reoperations, and revisions were recorded from medical records. RESULTS: Eleven patients (27.5%) suffered a medical complication and six patients (15%) had a hip-related complication, all of which were treated and were not life threatening. Clinically, 80% were pain free and 70% walked without assistance at an average 4-year follow-up. Radiographically, all implants were stable without osteolysis. No components had been revised; however, four patients had undergone a reoperation, three for recurrent dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Elective total hip arthroplasty is a safe and effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip in the elderly patient. However, the procedure is not without risk. Complications, often related to preexisting comorbidities, do occur, but mortality rates are low.     

Bilateral synchronous total hip arthroplasty for end-stage arthropathy in hemophilia A patients: A retrospective study

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been an effective tool of advanced hemophiliac hip arthritis. There are only limited data of bilateral synchronous THA for end-stage arthropathy in hemophilia A patients.The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze clinical outcome and complication rate of bilateral THA for hemophilia A patients with end-stage arthropathy of hip and review the operative strategy.From August 2012 to July 2016, 48 hips of 24 patients with hemophilia A patients underwent THA by a single experienced chief orthopedic surgeon. Clinical and radiological evaluations were included of operation time, blood loss, the quantity of blood transfusion, clotting factor consumption, duration of hospitalization, modified Harris hip score, complication rate, and radiographic assessment.All the 24 patients successfully completed the operation, followed up for 5 to 8 years, and the mean time was 6.5 years. The average operation time was 140 minutes (range, 120–180 minutes). The average total blood loss was 225 mL (range, 150–400 mL). The mean red blood cell transfusion amount was 2.4 U (range, 0–6 U). the mean hospitalization time was 24 days (range, 16–46 days). The mean amount of clotting factor VIII used in the perioperative period for management of hemophilia A was 30,600 U (range, 18,000–52,000 U). Average modified Harris hip score increased from 46.6 (range 28–70) points preoperatively to 90.2 (range 75–98) points at final follow-up, complications were few.With excellent operative techniques and hematological management, bilateral synchronous THA for end-stage arthropathy in hemophilia A patients can provide satisfactory outcomes.     

Early-stage hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A Chinese study based on magnetic resonance imaging

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and identify potential factors of the early-stage hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of 655 consecutive patients was performed. Patients with hip pain or limited hip function but lacking definitive evidence of hip involvement on radiography underwent hip MRI. Based on the results of the imaging tests, the patients were classified into three categories: (1) no hip involvement; (2) early-stage hip involvement according to MRI but not radiography; (3) advanced-stage hip involvement according to a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index-hip score ≥2.

Results: One hundred and sixty-eight patients had early-stage hip involvement and 103 patients had advanced-stage hip involvement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age at onset, worse BASMI score, and more active inflammation in the sacroiliac joints were associated with the occurrence of early-stage hip involvement.

Conclusion: Negative plain radiography results cannot be used to rule out hip involvement. MRI was superior to radiography for the detection of early-stage hip involvement. Susceptible AS patients with symptoms or risk factors for hip involvement should undergo hip MRI to test for lesions in the early stage.     

Ankylosing spondylitis and the shoulder: commonly involved but infrequently disabling

OBJECTIVE: To undertake 2 independent studies of shoulder involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and assess the frequency of shoulder pain, stiffness, and loss of movement and function. To evaluate and correlate shoulder symptoms, function, range of movement, and radiology. METHODS: A cross sectional design was used in both studies. In Study A, a self-administered questionnaire was sent to members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society of the UK and patients attending the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases. In Study B, a clinical assessment of 88 patients with AS was undertaken that included a radiological assessment of 26 consecutive patients. RESULTS: In Study A, 15.2% and 13.8% of subjects had severe/very severe shoulder pain or stiffness, respectively. In Study B the corresponding findings were 9.6% and 17.6%. Patient reported disability associated with shoulder involvement was uncommon. Study A revealed that patients with severe/very severe shoulder pain were more likely to have significant hip and knee involvement. Significant shoulder involvement appears to be as common as involvement of the hip joint. In Study B radiological changes were common, being present in 31% of patients, but were often minor. There was a significant correlation between the sum of the stiffness, abduction, and flexion scores for both shoulders and the total radiological score (r = 0.87; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that shoulder symptoms and loss of shoulder mobility are common in patients with AS, and correlate with higher pain scores and influence of AS on their lives as assessed by the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale, but are rarely disabling. Involvement of the shoulder joint in AS correlates with involvement of other peripheral joints as well as the extent of radiographic change on shoulder radiographs.     

Economic considerations of the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with both significant direct and indirect costs, which vary by country, and have generally increased dramatically since the introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. The cost-effectiveness of biologic agents is controversial, although cost-effectiveness studies need to consider the potential impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor treatments on work ability. Alternatives to reduce costs associated with biologics have been examined, including on-demand dosing and lower dose alternatives. Other treatment measures, such as total hip arthroplasty and physical therapy, are also effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with AS, although the optimal type or combination of physical therapy treatment modalities, the optimal frequency and duration of treatment and whether therapy is equally effective in stable disease and uncontrolled AS need to be determined. No studies have examined differences in patient outcomes based on subspecialty care. Establishing an evidence base for these questions would help inform policy decisions to design the most cost-effective measures to treat AS.     

Risk factors for poor hip flexion after total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis a multivariate analysis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to evaluate the effects of patient, prosthesis design, and surgical technique-related risk factors on postoperative functional results. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of THA performed in 167 hips for 100 patients with AS. The average follow-up period was 54.8 months (range, 32–129 months). The hip passive-flexion arc averaged only 0 ° (0–40.0 °) before surgery, compared with 100.0 ° (85.0–110.0 °) at the most recent follow-up examination (P?C-reactive protein, use of a 32-mm femoral head, and postoperative heterotopic ossification. In patients with AS with severe pain, limited motion and posture, as well as deformity, the overall outcomes after THA were found to be favorable with an encouraging midterm prosthetic survivorship, a low complication rate and a high level of patients’ satisfaction. It seemed these patients were particularly predisposed to relative poor range of motion of the involved hips after THA which was closely related to patients’ satisfaction. The surgeons should pay careful attention to all possible risk factors perioperatively and develop a comprehensive treatment regimen.     

Clinical outcome of salmon calcitonin nasal spray treatment in postmenopausal women after total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: The increasing rate of hip fractures is giving rise to a number of socio-economic problems for the aging community. In addition to being unable to resume their previous living habits, many patients fail to achieve full functional recovery after the fractures. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful operation for the majority of patients with all forms of hip fractures, being performed increasingly often throughout the world. Revision rates for THA range up to 20% per year. Aseptic loosening is the reason for 75% of the revisions. An additional problem post-THA is the rate of heterotopic soft tissue calcification after THA, resulting in severely impaired function, pain, and a reduced range of hip movement. SUBJECTS: In an open study, 37 women who had undergone cementless THA after accidental hip fractures were treated twice daily with 200 IU of salmon calcitonin nasal spray for 12 months. Simultaneously the patients received one bag of 1,000 mg calcium plus 880 IU vitamin D daily throughout the treatment period of 1 year. A parallel group of 38 women with a similar clinical status in terms of hip fractures and cementless THA were treated with only one bag of 1,000 mg calcium plus 880 IU vitamin D daily through the treatment period. RESULTS: The results of this 12-month clinical trial show that 200 IU of salmon calcitonin nasal spray per day significantly improves the clinical outcome of postmenopausal elderly women following THA. Treatment with a salmon calcitonin nasal spray significantly reduces bone turnover, loss of bone density, and pain. The functional status of the patients was improved and the risk of falling reduced by rehabilitation during the observation period of 12 months. Additionally, calcitonin promoted the repair of hip fractures and was associated with a significantly lesser rate of refractures as well as periprosthetic ossifications. CONCLUSION: The increasing revision rate for THA during the first year and the patient's problem of resuming their previous living habits are the main foci of our study. Calcitonin nasal spray seems to cause few side effects. The additive treatment appears to improve the clinical outcome of THA in elderly postmenopausal women.     

Topical capsaicin for pain in osteoarthritis: A literature review

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide. The predominant symptom, pain, is usually treated with acetaminophen or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although they are associated with a significant risk of side effects. Topical capsaicin may represent an effective and safe alternative.The aim of this review is to examine the evidence for the efficacy and safety profile of topical capsaicin in the management of pain caused by osteoarthritis. Databases were searched for articles published between 2004 and 2016, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, using the search terms “capsaicin” and “osteoarthritis”. When compared to placebo, it was found that topical capsaicin has a good safety profile and efficacy in reducing osteoarthritis pain of the hand, knee, hip or shoulder. However, the studies have significant limitations, the most important the difficulty of blinding. It is attributed to this review the strength of recommendation B.     

Ankylosing spondylitis and symptom-modifying vs disease-modifying therapy

The main objectives of medical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are to relieve pain, stiffness and fatigue and to prevent structural damage. The Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis Working Group has proposed different domains with specific instruments to assess the efficacy of therapeutic agents classified as symptom-modifying and disease-controlling antirheumatic drugs. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are still the first-line treatment in the management of AS, and they are effective in controlling symptoms such as pain and stiffness and maintaining mobility in many patients. A recent randomized trial suggested that the progression of radiological damage occurs less on continuous use of celecoxib compared with on-demand use. If such findings were confirmed by other studies, the therapeutic value of NSAIDs in AS may extend beyond symptom control. However, for each individual patient, the expected advantages of treatment with NSAIDs should be weighted against any possible gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disadvantages. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are widely used for second-line therapy in AS, but the evidence for their efficacy is poor. The term 'DMARD' has been borrowed from rheumatoid arthritis, and none of the DMARDs have been shown to prevent or significantly decrease the rate of progression of structural damage which is required to be qualified as a disease-controlling antirheumatic drug for AS. Sulphasalazine is the most extensively studied DMARD and studies suggest some degree of clinical benefit confined to peripheral joint involvement, but no evidence of benefit in axial disease. Methotrexate, which is the gold standard DMARD in rheumatoid arthritis, does not seem to have a substantial therapeutic effect in AS on axial or peripheral joint involvement. Leflunomide appears to exert little beneficial effect, if any, even on peripheral joint involvement. There is also good evidence that local therapy with corticosteroids is effective and may be used in selected patients. Oral corticosteroids may be somewhat effective in relieving the symptoms of AS, but this has not been formally studied. Small studies have reported favourable results with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, but the effect is temporary. Pamidronate and thalidomide have been used in some preliminary trials but need further studies to assess their potential role in treating AS patients resistant or intolerant to other forms of treatment. Treatment with tumour necrosis factor blockers is not discussed in this review.     

Protocol for follow up of hip arthroplasty in the long term: effect on revision (WHISTLER study)

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is highly successful for reducing pain and improving function, providing health‐related quality of life benefit. Demand for THA is increasing with associated increase in revision hip surgery. Hip arthroplasty surveillance (long‐term follow up) can identify asymptomatically failing THA to prepare for revision surgery, reducing potential for complications or complexity of surgery. However, it is unknown whether the surveillance of THA can be shown to improve the patient outcomes or reduce costs around revision surgery. With the current need to reduce unnecessary health consultations and to show the economic advantages of any service, the purpose of this study is to consider the relative effectiveness of hip arthroplasty surveillance on revision hip arthroplasty. This is a single‐centre, observational study in which consecutive patients undergoing aseptic revision of THA over 12 months in a large orthopaedic unit will be considered for participation. Primary outcome measures will be change in each of three valid patient‐reported scores from pre‐operatively to 12 months post‐surgery. Secondary outcomes will be the costs of treatment calculated using data obtained from the participants' hospital records and a self‐report questionnaire. An exploratory approach will be used to investigate the effect of surveillance on the outcomes of interest. A linear mixed method model will be used to study the change in scores between baseline and 12 months. The economic evaluation will be a cost–utility analysis, which compares the value of alternative interventions by attaching costs to the quality‐adjusted life years produced by each intervention.     

Assessment of shoulder involvement and disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the parameters which have an important role in shoulder involvement and disability in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ninety patients with AS were divided into two groups according to the presence of shoulder involvement. Bath AS metrology index (BASMI), ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) were used. Ranges of movements of limited shoulders were measured. Mean disease duration, age, BASMI, and ASQoL were higher and hip involvement was more frequent in the shoulder-involved group. Disease duration was found to be the most significant factor in shoulder involvement. A significant relationship was found between all SPADI scores and ASQoL. The SPADI disability score was affected by flexion limitation. Patients with hip involvement and longer disease duration should be evaluated for shoulder involvement. Flexion limitation of shoulder affected shoulder disability and shoulder disability impaired quality of life.     

Ankylosing spondylitis: interaction between genes, joints, age at onset, and disease expression.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with symptom onset generally occurring in the late teens/mid-twenties. In women, a younger age at onset enhances disease susceptibility in the next generation. We examined the influence of age at symptom onset on phenotypic expression. METHODS: Patients were divided into cohorts according to age of symptom onset. The primary outcome measure was radiological progression (by Bath AS Radiology Index, BASRI). Secondary measures were disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index, BASDAI), function (Bath AS Functional Index, BASFI), numbers undergoing AS related surgery, and percentage with secondary disorders. RESULTS: Age at onset had no significant effect on radiological progression (young onset vs late onset, 8.0, 8.6, respectively) disease activity (young vs late, 4.4, 4.4), need for non-hip surgical intervention (9%, 8%, respectively), or prevalence of secondary disorders (iritis, 40%, 41%; psoriasis, 20%, 19%; inflammatory bowel disease, 7.5%, 8.9%). By contrast, there was a striking increase in prevalence of total hip replacement in those with juvenile onset (18%, 8%, respectively; p < 0.001). Regardless of age at onset, spinal progression determined radiologically was greater in those with hip arthritis compared to those without (young onset hip involvement vs non-hip involvement, 9.7 (2.4), 7.2 (3.0) (p < 0.001); late onset hip involvement vs non-hip involvement, 10.1 (2.5), 7.1 (3.0), respectively]. Function deteriorates with age (young onset vs late onset, 3.7, 4.5, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: (1) Hip disease (young or late onset) is a major prognostic marker for longterm severe disease (patients with hip disease have a spinal score increased by 2.5-3 points or 35-40% more change). (2) Hip involvement is more prevalent among patients with young age at onset. (3) Young onset patients without hip involvement do not have more severe disease. Thus, age at onset, itself, does not influence disease severity. (4) Since hip involvement and not age at onset is associated with worse outcome, patients with a young age at onset may be assumed to have an increased susceptibility load (i.e., genetic component or environmental trigger) rather than more severity genes. The lack of association between severity and age at onset implies that the determinants of susceptibility and severity are independent.     

Risk of contralateral avascular necrosis (AVN) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for non-traumatic AVN

The risk of developing bilateral disease progressing to total hip arthroplasty (THA) among patients who undergo unilateral THA for non-traumatic avascular necrosis (AVN) remains poorly understood. An analysis of the time-course to contralateral THA, as well as the effects of underlying AVN risk factors, is presented. Forty-seven consecutive patients who underwent THA for AVN were evaluated. Peri-operative and annual post-operative antero-posterior pelvis radiographs were examined for evidence of contralateral involvement. Patient age, weight, height, underlying AVN risk factor(s), date of onset of contralateral hip pain if occurred, and date of contralateral THA if performed, were recorded. Bone scan, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data were utilized when available. Twenty-one patients (46.6%) underwent contralateral THA for AVN within a median of 9 months after the initial THA (range 0–93, interquartile range 28.5 months). The median follow-up for patients without contralateral THA was 75 months (range 3–109, interquartile range 69 months). Thirty-four patients had radiographic findings of contralateral AVN at study entry; 25 were symptomatic bilaterally at entry and 7 developed contralateral symptoms within a mean time of 12 months (median 10 months, interquartile range 12 months). None of the 13 patients who were free of radiographic evidence of contralateral AVN at study entry developed evidence of AVN during the follow-up. AVN associated with glucocorticoid use was more likely to manifest as bilateral disease than either idiopathic AVN or ethanol-associated AVN (P=0.02 and P=0.03 respectively). Radiographically-evident AVN in the contralateral hip at THA is unlikely to remain asymptomatic for a prolonged period of time. Conversely, asymptomatic contralateral hips without radiographic evidence of AVN are unlikely to develop clinically significant AVN.     

Health related quality of life outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasties in a community based population

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the magnitude of change seen with pain, function, and quality of life outcomes 6 months after total hip and knee arthroplasties (THA, TKA) within a community based cohort of a regional health district. METHODS: An inception cohort of 504 patients who received primary THA (228) or TKA (276) was prospectively followed. All patients resided in the community and were assessed within one month prior to surgery and 6 months postoperatively. Health related quality of life measures were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form SF-36. Perioperative factors were extracted from medical charts. Health services utilization data were collected from regional health databases. RESULTS: Over 75% of patients reported improvement in joint-specific pain and function, regardless of the type of joint replaced. Other health dimensions such as social function, bodily pain, physical function, vitality, and general health showed significant improvement after surgery. Those psychosocial dimensions with modest changes had baseline values comparable to age and sex adjusted normal values; whereas, bodily pain and physical function, which had large changes, had values lower than the normal values. Ninety-one percent of patients receiving THA were satisfied with their surgery, whereas 77% were satisfied with their TKA. The average length of stay was 7 days and the in-hospital complication rate was 0.34 per patient. CONCLUSION: Large improvements were reported for pain and function after joint arthroplasties, while small to moderate changes were seen in other areas related to quality of life. Patients with hip arthroplasties showed greater improvement in pain and function and were more satisfied with their outcomes than patients with knee arthroplasties. Although pain and function show large improvements, bodily pain and physical function were less than the values reported in the general population.     

80岁以上股骨颈骨折髋关节置换术围手术期安全性和疗效观察

目的评价高龄（≥80岁）股骨颈骨折患者接受髋关节置换术围手术期的安全性和有效性。方法1997年11月至2007年11月,应用全髋关节置换术（11例）或半髋关节置换术（67例）治疗78例≥80岁股骨颈骨折患者,对其术前危险因素、围手术期并发症和术后2周临床效果等临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果本组患者平均年龄（83．7±3．59）岁,其中GardenⅢ型骨折42例、GardenⅣ型骨折36例。术前应用美国麻醉医师协会分级标准评价,80．8％为高危患者;采用统计死亡率和并发症发生率的生理学和手术严重程度评分系统预测主要并发症发生32例,术后实际发生24例,观察值与预测值之间无统计学差异（p=0．205）,全髋关节置换组与半髋关节置换组均无统计学差异;术后2周疼痛缓解满意率为96．2％,76．9％的患者独立或辅助下自行室内活动。结论在高龄股骨颈骨折患者,围手术期针对生理状况及手术操作的可改变指标进行有效的干预措施,采取髋关节置换术,可获得安全、有效的临床结果。     

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthroplasties

Objective: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often require total hip arthroplasties. We present a retrospective review of 32 total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed for patients with SLE, RA or AS from 2003 to 2008 in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Materials and Methods: A total of 323 THAs performed between January 2003 to December 2008 were traced and cases of arthroplasties performed for such patients were isolated. Pre‐ and post‐operative range of motion, Harris hip score, limb length discrepancies and complications were studied. Results: Twenty‐six patients aged 24–66 years (mean 47 years) were reviewed, with two AS patients (7.7%), 16 RA patients (61.5%), seven SLE patients (26.9%) and one patient (3.8%) with both RA and SLE. Thirty‐two THA operations were conducted with six patients requiring bilateral THAs. The average follow‐up was 3.3 years. Mean Harris hip score for 25 patients (one excluded due to patient expiry 2 month post‐surgery) improved from 41.3 to 86.53 (P < 0.05). Mean pre‐operative hip flexion improved from 61.3 degrees (0–120) to 89.7 degrees (30–120) (P < 0.05). Seventeen cases had preoperative limb length discrepancies (median 1 cm) which were all corrected. There were no implants loosening, infective arthritis, dislocations or neurovascular injuries documented. Conclusion: Our series demonstrated the excellent outcome of THA for patients with chronic autoimmune arthropathies at the time of follow‐up. Careful patient selection remains a priority as long‐term outcomes for such patients of a significantly younger population is yet to be determined.     

强直性脊柱炎髋关节病变的相关因素分析

目的 探讨强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者髋关节病变的危险因素.方法 将同期住院的102例有髋关节破坏性病变的AS患者(A组)和54例无髋关节破坏性病变的患者(B组)临床资料和治疗方法分别进行单因素和非对称多因素Logistic回归分析.结果 A组患者比B组发病年龄早[(17±8)岁与(24±7)岁]、病程短[(5±4)年与(11±5)年]、幼年发病多见(37.3%与20.4%)、首发髋关节起病较多(38.2%与25.9%),以及外周关节炎重(39.2%与20.4%),差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.05).A组患者红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、免疫球蛋白(IgG、IgM)水平,以及骶髂关节病变率显著高于B组(P均＜0.05).A组使用糖皮质激素剂量显著多于B组,使用柳氮磺吡啶和沙利度胺剂量显著少于B组(P均＜0.05).Logistic回归分析显示仅有5个髋关节病变相关因素,包括发病年龄、病程、幼年发病、首发髋关节起病以及服用柳氮磺吡啶(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).结论 发病年龄早、幼年发病、病程短以及髋关节起病的AS患者可能易于发生首发髋关节病变,而足量的柳氮磺吡啶可能是AS起病发生髋关节病变的保护因素.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus after medium to long-term follow-up of hip arthroplasty

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with hip arthroplasty after medium to long-term follow-up has not been reported. We conducted a retrospective study for SLE patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONF). Forty-seven consecutive arthroplasties were performed in 36 patients. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Harris hip score were evaluated. Two patients died before the four-year follow-up and two patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 43 hips in 32 patients with an average age at surgery of 35 years and an average follow-up of 12.0 years (range 4.0-25.0) were assessed. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed for 18 hips in 12 patients, and total hip arthroplasty (THA) was performed for 25 hips in 20 patients. The mean WOMAC scores for pain and function at the recent followup were 90.8 +/- 8.5points and 79.0 +/- 18.3 points. Patients with THA had significantly high scores in SF-36 physical functioning (P < 0.05) and bodily pain (P < 0.03) compared to those with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Although improvement could not reach the level of general population, the hip arthroplasty contributed to support HRQOL of SLE patients.