Outcome of periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip replacement treated with polyaxial locking plate

Background

The number of patients with total hip replacement (THR) is likely to grow. Periprosthetic femoral fractures occur in 0.1–4.5 % of patients with THR. Treatment of periprosthetic fractures in the vicinity of well-fixed implants has focused on lateral plating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polyaxial locking plate treatment of periprosthetic fractures with THR in regard to fracture type, surgical procedure, complications, and outcome.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2013, 109 patients underwent surgical treatment for periprosthetic femur fractures with 66 fractures in the vicinity to a THR. Fifteen patients were excluded. Therefore, 51 patients with a mean age of 78.7 years were identified. There were 76.5 % females. Average BMI was 27.1 kg/m². Follow-up averaged 25 months. Total hip stems were uncemented in 63 %. Low-energy mechanism predominated. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA and Vancouver classifications with the majority (70.6 %) classified as AO/OTA type A fractures. Surgeries were performed utilizing a polyaxial locking plate. Complications were recorded concerning infection, union, fixation failure, and revision surgery.

Results

After the index procedure, 90.2 % healed. Non-union formation was diagnosed in 5.9 % with 2.0 % leading to hardware failure. All patients with non-union formation had interprosthetic fractures (χ ² = 0.016). Additionally, these fractures were classified as AO/OTA type B fractures (χ ² = 0.003).

Conclusions

Surgical management despite polyaxial locked plate fixation continues to be challenging and may still result in non-union formation. Non-union formation is increased in AO/OTA type B fractures and related to interprosthetic fractures.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

     

Treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures with the non-contact bridging plate: a new angular stable implant

Objectives

We report the application of a new fixed angle plate (NCB DF^®, Zimmer inc. USA, Warsaw, IN) in the treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures. The NCB DF^® combines conventional plating technique with polyaxial screw placement and angular stability.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A single level-1 trauma center.

Patients

From May 2003 to December 2005, a total of 24 patients with periprosthetic femur fractures were treated. The NCB DF^® femur plate was used in all cases. The average follow-up period was 12 months (3–31 months). Twelve patients had a periprosthetic fracture after total knee replacement (TKA) and 12 patients after total hip replacement (THA). The mean period from primary joint replacement to periprosthetic fracture was 8.2 years for the THA group and 7.2 years for the TKA group.

Intervention

A combined conventional/locking surgical technique was performed in all the cases.

Main outcome measures

Union, non-union, mal-union, duration of surgery, range of motion, postoperative mobility, subjective patient satisfaction and complications.

Results

The union rate was 90%, the mal-union rate 5% and the re-operation rate 15%. Postoperative mobility reached the preoperative level in all but for two patients. Three complications occurred relating to the implant or the procedure: one fatigue failure of the plate (non-union), one screw breakage, and one wound infection.

Conclusions

The NCB DF^® combines conventional plating technique with polyaxial screw placement and angular stability. This combination technique shows promising results regarding union and mal-union rates in periprosthetic fractures in elderly and osteoporotic patients.

     

Treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures after previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty

Objective

Treatment of displaced periprosthetic acetabular fractures in elderly patients. The goal is to stabilize an acetabular fracture independent of the fracture pattern, by inserting the custom-made roof-reinforcement plate and starting early postoperative full weight-bearing mobilization.

Indications

Acetabular fracture with or without previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty.

Contraindications

Non-displaced acetabular fractures.

Surgical technique

Watson-Jones approach to provide accessibility to the anterior and supraacetabular part of the iliac bone. Angle-stable positioning of the roof-reinforcement plate without any fracture reduction. Cementing a polyethylene cup into the metal plate and restoring prosthetic femoral components.

Postoperative management

Full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. In cases of two column fractures, partial weight-bearing is recommended.

Results

Of 7 patients with periprosthetic acetabular fracture, 5 were available for follow-up at 3, 6, 6, 15, and 24 months postoperatively. No complications were recognized and all fractures showed bony consolidation. Early postoperative mobilization was started within the first 10 days. All patients except one reached their preinjury mobility level. This individual and novel implant is custom made for displaced acetabular and periprosthetic fractures in patients with osteopenic bone. It provides a hopeful benefit due to early full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery.

Limitations

In case of largely destroyed supraacetabular bone or two-column fractures according to Letournel additional synthesis via an anterior approach might be necessary. In these cases partial weight bearing is recommended.

     

Osteosynthese und Pfannenwechsel bei periprothetischer Azetabulumfraktur über einen Kocher-Langenbeck-Zugang

Objective

Reconstruction/stable fixation of the acetabular columns to create an adequate periacetabular requirement for the implantation of a revision cup.

Indications

Displaced/nondisplaced fractures with involvement of the posterior column. Resulting instability of the cup in an adequate bone stock situation.

Contraindications

Periprosthetic acetabulum fractures with inadequate bone stock. Extended periacetabular defects with loss of anchorage options. Isolated periprosthetic fractures of the anterior column. Septic loosening.

Surgical technique

Dorsal approach. Dislocation of hip. Mechanical testing of inlaying acetabular cup. With unstable cup situation explantation of the cup, fracture fixation of acetabulum with dorsal double plate osteosynthesis along the posterior column. Cup revision. Hip joint reposition.

Postoperative management

Early mobilization; partial weight bearing for 12 weeks. Thrombosis prophylaxis. Clinical and radiological follow-ups.

Results

Periprosthetic acetabular fracture in 17 patients with 9 fractures after primary total hip replacement (THR), 8 after revision THR. Fractures: 12 due to trauma, 5 spontaneously; 7 anterior column fractures, 5 transverse fractures, 4 posterior column fractures, 1 two column fracture after hemiendoprosthesis. 5 type 1 fractures and 12 type 2 fractures. Operatively treated cases (10/17) received 3 reinforcement ring, 2 pedestal cup, 1 standard revision cup, cup-1 cage construct, 1 ventral plate osteosynthesis, 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis, and 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis plus cup revision (10-month Harris Hip Score 78 points). Radiological follow-up for 10 patients: consolidation of fractures without dislocation and a fixed acetabular cup. No revision surgeries during follow-up; 2 hip dislocations, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy.

     

High union rates of locking compression plating with cortical strut allograft for type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures

Purpose

Unified classification system (UCS) type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures are associated with many complications, and management decisions continue to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by locking compression plating with strut allograft augmentation.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with an anterior cortical strut allograft. There was one man and 16 women with an average age of 74 years (range, 57–92 years). All had a cementless hip arthroplasty, and eight of the arthroplasties were revisions.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 28 months (range, 12–74 months). All 17 fractures healed successfully at a mean of 20 weeks (range, 12–30 weeks). The mean post-operative Harris hip score was 86 points (range, 77–95 points). No mechanical complications such as failure of plate or screws and malalignment were noted. According to the graft-remodeling classification of Emerson et al., a partial bridging was observed in nine and a complete bridging in eight. Two patients required a removal of the plate due to irritation of the iliotibial band. No femoral stem loosening or deep infection was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with anterior cortical strut allograft provides adequate mechanical stability of fracture fixation and enhances the fracture healing.

     

Revision knee arthroplasty using a distal femoral replacement prosthesis for periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients

Purpose

Distal femoral periprosthetic fractures above a total knee replacement in elderly patients are technically challenging to treat. Bone quality is often poor, the fractures comminuted, and post-operative mobilisation is difficult. This study assesses the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of revision knee distal femoral replacement (DFR) in these fractures.

Methods

We identified 14 patients over 70 years of age (70–94) who underwent DFR for periprosthetic fractures above a knee replacement. All the 14 fractures were classified as Su type III. Clinical and radiological records were retrospectively reviewed. The mean of clinical follow-up was 27 months (8–46). Functional outcome was assessed using Oxford Knee Score and EQ-5D (UK English Version) score at a mean time of 35 months (20–65). The Knee Society patient category score was also evaluated.

Results

The median post-operative knee flexion was 100° (range 90°–135°). Nine patients (64%) returned to their pre-fracture level of mobility or better. The median post-operative Oxford Knee Score was 27 (range 4–40). The median EQ-5D was 11 (range 6–12). Cognitive impairment negatively impacted the functional outcome in four patients. One patient died early post-operatively, and two patients had complications.

Conclusions

DFR led to satisfactory outcome in our patients with a relatively low complication rate. In our experience, revision knee distal femoral replacement is an appropriate method to treat elderly patients who sustained periprosthetic Su et al. type III distal femoral fractures in association with poor bone stock, caused by osteoporosis and/or comminution.

     

Superiority of the sonication method against conventional periprosthetic tissue cultures for diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections

Introduction

Diagnosis of periprosthetic infections is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional periprosthetic tissue culture and culture of sonication fluid of the explanted prostheses.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 114 patients undergoing revision hip or knee arthroplasty because of loosening of the prostheses, at our institution, between July 2012 and July 2016. Patients’ medical history and demographic characteristics were recorded. The explanted hardware was separated in sterile containers and sonicated under sterile conditions. At least five samples of periprosthetic tissue were sent for culture and histological examination. We compared the culture of samples obtained by sonication of explanted hip and knee prostheses with conventional culture of periprosthetic tissue for the microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection.

Results

Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines were used for the definition of prosthetic joint infection. Sixty-one patients had periprosthetic infection and 53 aseptic loosening (73 hip prostheses and 41 knee prostheses). The sensitivity of sonication fluid culture was 77.04%, and the sensitivity of conventional tissue cultures was 55.73% (p value = 0.012). The specificities of the two methods were 98.11 and 94.34%, respectively. The sensitivity of the histopathological examination of the periprosthetic tissue was 72.10%. There were 17 patients with PJI where the isolated pathogen was detected in SFC but not in PTC, while in five cases the pathogen was detected only in PTC. There were nine patients where no bacteria were detected by any microbiological method and the diagnosis was based on clinical and histological findings, according to the guidelines.

Conclusions

The sonication method represents a reliable test for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections with a greater sensitivity and specificity than the conventional periprosthetic tissue cultures.

     

Outcome of osteosynthesis for periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study

Introduction

Incidence of periprosthetic fractures around knee is going to rise in near future due to dramatic increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our study is a retrospective case series describing the outcome of osteosynthesis for periprosthetic fractures after TKA.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the outcome of osteosynthesis for periprosthetic fractures with stable implants in 43 patients having 45 fractures operated between 2010 and 2015.

Results

Out of 43 patients, the majority were female (M-15, F-28) with mean age of 65.95 years, majority had left knee involved (L-24, R-19), with fractures involving femur, tibia and patella, respectively, in 29, 11 and 5 patients. Fracture pattern was Rorabeck type 2 in 29, Felix type 2 in 6, type 3 in 5, Goldberg type 2 in 3, type 3a in 2, Unified classification system type A in 2, B1 in 35, C in 4, E in 2 cases. Anterior femoral cortex notching was found in 13 patients with femoral fractures. According to Tayside classification, 12 patients had type 1 and one had type 2 notching. Different implants were used according to the need of the fractures. After TKA, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery score was 84.2, which reduced to mean 76 at 9 months following osteosynthesis. Three patients had nonunion, one had delayed union and one had implant failure.

Conclusions

Osteosynthesis for periprosthetic fractures around knee with locked compression plate gives promising results. Fractures involving patella are associated with inferior functional outcome. Understanding the fracture pattern and bone stock available for fixation with correct choice of implant and correct surgical technique gives promising outcome in periprosthetic fractures around knee.

     

Hip hemiarthroplasty for femur neck fractures: minimally invasive direct anterior approach versus postero-lateral approach

Background

The minimally invasive direct anterior approach (MDAA) has been reported to be useful in total hip arthroplasty. The benefits of this approach may be useful for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. Aim of this study is to compare MDAA and postero-lateral approach (PLA) in patients treated with hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.

Materials and methods

Between 2013 and 2014, 109 patients underwent bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: 88 female and 21 male with a mean age of 88 years old. PLA was performed in 54 cases and MDAA in 55 cases.

Results

The mean surgery time was significantly lower in MDAA group (P = 0.001). The hemoglobin loss was significantly lower in MDAA group (P = 0.02). The mean postoperative pain was significantly lower in the MDAA group (P = 0.001). The mean hospitalization period was 2 days lower in the MDAA group but with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.09). Hip dislocation was higher in PLA cases (7.4 %) than in MDAA cases (1.8 %). Periprosthetic fracture occurred only in one case of PLA. Great trochanter fracture occurred in 1 MDAA cases, while no cases were observed in the PLA group.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive direct anterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly people with femoral neck fracture provided significant benefit in the early postoperative period when compared to the postero-lateral approach in terms of surgery time, hemoglobin loss, postoperative pain, time of recovery and dislocation rate.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, level IV (case series).

     

A protocol for staged arthroplasty to salvage infected nonunion of hip fractures

Background

Nonunion of hip fractures is not uncommon. Total hip arthroplasty is used to salvage cases of non union or secondary arthritis in these fractures. However, this option may not be available or may be difficult to achieve when infection has superseded the site of nonunion. The objective of this prospective study was to assess if a staged protocol of treatment yields good results in these difficult cases.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven consecutive patients who had deep hip infection with failed treatment of hip fractures (intracapsular in 16 cases and extracapsular in 11) were treated between June 2007 and September 2011. Twenty-six completed the planned two-stage hip arthroplasty and one case was lost after the first stage. The average age of the patients was 48.9 years (range 26–74 years) with an average follow up period of 44 months (30–72 months). Analysis was done using the paired t test where P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Infection was controlled in all cases that completed the treatment protocol with no recurrence in all cases at the latest follow up. The Harris hip score of the patients improved significantly from 29 preoperatively to 85 at the latest follow up (P < 0.0001). Two patients had hip dislocation with displacement of the trochanteric fragment while three other patients had fibrous union of the trochanter.

Conclusions

Staged Arthroplasty procedure to salvage infected non-union of hip fractures is successful in eradicating infection and regaining hip function. Level of evidence IV.

     

No difference in flexion power despite iliopsoas fatty degeneration in healed hip fractures with large lesser trochanter displacement

Objective

To evaluate iliopsoas atrophy and loss of function after displaced lesser trochanter fracture of the hip.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

District hospital.

Patients

Twenty consecutive patients with pertrochanteric fracture and displacement of the lesser trochanter of?>?20 mm.

Intervention

Fracture fixation with either an intramedullary nail or a plate.

Outcome measurements

Clinical scores (Harris hip, WOMAC), hip flexion strength measurements, and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Results

Compared with the contralateral non-operated side, the affected side showed no difference in hip flexion force in the supine upright neutral position and at 30° of flexion (205.4 N vs 221.7 N and 178.9 N vs. 192.1 N at 0° and 30° flexion, respectively). However, the affected side showed a significantly greater degree of fatty infiltration compared with the contralateral side (global fatty degeneration index 1.085 vs 0.784), predominantly within the psoas and iliacus muscles.

Conclusion

Severe displacement of the lesser trochanter (>?20 mm) in pertrochanteric fractures did not reduce hip flexion strength compared with the contralateral side. Displacement of the lesser trochanter in such cases can lead to fatty infiltration of the iliopsoas muscle unit. The amount of displacement of the lesser trochanter did not affect the degree of fatty infiltration.

Level of evidence

II.

     

Impact of hip fracture on hospital care costs: a population-based study

Summary

Using a large cohort of hip fracture patients, we estimated hospital costs to be £14,163 and £2139 in the first and second year following fracture, respectively. Second hip and non-hip fractures were major cost drivers. There is a strong economic incentive to identify cost-effective approaches for hip fracture prevention.

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to estimate hospital costs of hip fracture up to 2 years post-fracture and compare costs before and after the index fracture.

Methods

A cohort of patients aged over 60 years admitted with a hip fracture in a UK region between 2003 and 2013 were identified from hospital records and followed until death or administrative censoring. All hospital records were valued using 2012/2013 unit costs, and non-parametric censoring methods were used to adjust for censoring when estimating average annual costs. A generalised linear model examined the main predictors of hospital costs.

Results

A cohort of 33,152 patients with a hip fracture was identified (mean age 83 years (SD 8.2). The mean censor-adjusted 1- and 2-year hospital costs after index hip fracture were £14,163 (95 % confidence interval (CI) £14,008 to £14,317) and £16,302 (95 % CI £16,097 to £16,515), respectively. Index admission accounted for 61 % (£8613; 95 % CI £8565 to £8661) of total 1-year hospital costs which were £10,964 higher compared to the year pre-event (p?<?0.001). The main predictors of 1-year hospital costs were second hip fracture, other non-hip fragility fractures requiring hospitalisation and hip fracture-related complications. Total UK annual hospital costs associated with incident hip fractures were estimated at £1.1 billion.

Conclusions

Hospital costs following hip fracture are high and mostly occur in the first year after the index hip fracture. Experiencing a second hip fracture after the index fracture accounted for much of the increase in costs. There is a strong economic incentive to prioritise research funds towards identifying the best approaches to prevent both index and subsequent hip fractures.

     

Cause of infection in proximal tibial endoprosthetic reconstructions

Introduction

The underlying cause of proximal tibial prosthetic failure by infection is unclear. We asked: (1) Is resection amount related to prosthetic infection? (2) What other risk factors are related with infection? (3) What are the survivorship and functional outcomes of proximal tibial endoprosthetic reconstruction?

Methods

Sixty-two patients who underwent modular proximal tibial megaprosthesis reconstruction were analyzed. Follow-up duration averaged 98 months (range 26–240 months). Associations between prognostic variables and prosthesis survival were assessed.

Results

The 10-year prosthetic survival of the 62 implants was 73.9 ± 11.7%. Prostheses were removed in 16 (25.8%) patients for infection and 3 of the 16 underwent amputation. Resection of >37% (P = 0.016) of the tibia was found to be related to infection. Application of chemotherapy (P = 0.912) and use of synthetic material to fix the patella tendon (P = 0.2) were not found to influence prosthetic survival. Functional outcomes (determined by the MSTS system) of the 52 patients that maintained a mobile joint averaged 24.2 (81%) (range 18–28).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the amount of bone resection is related with prosthetic failure by infection, however, the contribution of other risk factors should not be underestimated.

     

Surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: a retrospective study with functional and radiological outcomes from 2010 to 2016

Background

The treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures is a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon and requires a knowledge of bone fracture fixation as well as skills and experience in revision surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of periprosthetic femoral fractures surgically treated in our department from 2010 to 2016.

Materials and methods

This study involved 73 patients with a periprosthetic femoral fracture after total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty. Periprosthetic femoral fractures were classified using the Vancouver system. Functional outcomes were assessed using Harris hip score, Palmer Parker score, SF-36 score and ambulatory status. Radiological findings were classified using Beals and Tower’s criteria.

Results

The mean age of patients was 79.6 years old. Local risks factors were identified in 67% of the patients, principally osteoporosis (63.0%), followed by osteolysis (26.0%) and loosening of the stem (8.2%). According to the Vancouver classification, there were 10 type A, 49 type B and 14 type C fractures. Of the type B fractures, 26 were B1, 17 were B2 and 6 were B3. Applying Beals and Tower’s criteria, radiological results were excellent in 24 patients (32.9%), good in 35 (47.9%) and poor in 14 (19.2%). The mean Harris hip score post-operatively was 72.5.

Conclusions

These kinds of fractures should be assessed individually and the optimal treatment plan should be made in accordance with the bone stock quality, stem stability, location of the fracture and patient expectations.

     

Incidence of and risk factors for femoral fractures in the gap between hip and knee implants

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the incidence of interprosthetic femoral fractures and describe risk factors for them.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2015, we selected patients who were carrying two implants (hip and knee) in the same femur. We collected demographic and clinical data and performed a radiological evaluation to analyse the gap between implants—the femoral canal area and total femoral area—in the axial plane. We defined interprosthetic fracture as that corresponding to a Vancouver type C fracture and types 1 and 2 according to the Su classification.

Results

We studied 68 patients who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and 44 patients who had total hip arthroplasty (THA); 24 patients an intramedullary nail. We found six interprosthetic fractures (8.8 %), all in patients with a non-cemented THA. There was a tendency towards statistical difference (p?=?0.08). Patients with an additional implant at the proximal femur were statistically less likely to have an interprosthetic fracture (p?=?0.04). In radiological results, we found more interprosthetic fractures in patients who had an increased femoral canal area in the axial plane just distal to the tip of the hip implant.

Conclusions

Identifying risk factors for this specific type of fracture may facilitate their prevention. Better implant stability and the presence of a gap between stems in a lower canal zone appear to hinder the occurrence of interprosthetic fractures.

     

Is immediate weight bearing safe for periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated by locked plating? A feasibility study in 52 consecutive patients

Background

Periprosthetic distal femur fractures associated with total knee replacement are increasing in incidence. We hypothesized that a standardized management protocol would result in few implant failures and a low rate of postoperative complications.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study at an urban level 1 trauma center and academic level 2 trauma center. Consecutive patients with periprosthetic distal femur fractures and stable total knee arthroplasty were included between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. Patients were managed by a standardized protocol of co-management by a hospitalist service, fracture fixation within 24 h of admission by less-invasive locked bridge plating, and immediate unrestricted postoperative weight bearing. The primary outcome measure was the rate of postoperative complications. Secondary outcome measures included time to surgery, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, time to full weight bearing, and time to radiographic fracture healing.

Results

Fifty four fractures were treated in 52 patients. There were three implant failures, one deep infection, one nonunion and two patients with symptomatic malunion. One patient had knee pain due to patellar component instability associated with valgus alignment. There were ten thromboembolic complications despite consistent anticoagulation. Two patients died within 12 months of injury. Thirty-eight patients had returned to their pre-injury ambulation status at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusion

A standardized approach of less-invasive locked plating fixation and immediate unrestricted weight bearing appears safe and feasible in the management of this vulnerable patient cohort.

Trial registration number

This is a retrospective observational study without a Trial registration number.

     

Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty of the hip in patients with a femoral neck fracture: a comparison of two modern stem design implants

Purpose

We wished to compare the outcome of two types of cemented and uncemented modern stem design implants after hemiarthroplasty, with both an Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel rating of 10A.

Methods

This retrospective study compares data obtained from two centres, with a total study population of 655 (n?=?393 cemented, n?=?262 uncemented). Patients were matched at baseline for gender, age, surgery side, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index and pre-operative haemoglobin level. Outcome measurements were prosthesis-related complications, pre- and post-operative, with reoperation rate and mortality and other complications after 1 year, surgery time, blood loss and immobility at discharge.

Results

There were no significant differences in mortality after 1 year, total other complications, immobility at the time of discharge and total prosthesis-related complications between both groups. Significantly more periprosthetic fractures and post-operative infections were seen in the uncemented group with significantly more reoperations compared to the cemented group. Significant differences were seen in cardiovascular complications, blood loss and surgery time in favour of the uncemented group.

Conclusions

In consequence of the significant higher prosthesis-related complications (e.g. infections, periprosthetic fractures and reoperations) in the uncemented group in this study, we recommend cemented hemiarthroplasty in patients with a femoral neck fracture.

Level of evidence

Level III, Case Controlled Study.

     

Anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty conversion of hip fusion

Purpose

Hip fusion conversion has shown mixed results, in particular a higher rate of failure than primary total hip replacement. Conversion is usually carried out by a lateral approach.

Methods

We reported a series of 37 hip fusion conversions performed by an anterior approach. Clinical and radiographic outcomes of this unusual approach were reported at eight years of follow up.

Results

At eight years of follow up, survivorship was 86. 6 % (IC 95 %: 62.4–95.7 %). Sixteen patients reported good relief of the pre-operative back spine or knee pain. PMA score was significantly improved. Two implant aseptic loosenings needing revision surgery were reported.

Conclusion

The anterior approach seemed to be as good as the other hip approaches for hip fusion conversion to total hip replacement.

     

Postoperative Myocardial Injury and Inflammation Is Not Blunted by a Trial of Atorvastatin in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Background

Orthopedic patients are at risk for adverse postoperative cardiovascular outcomes.

Questions/Purposes

This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of atorvastatin vs. placebo in orthopedic surgery patients was performed in order to assess: (1) the prevalence of perioperative myocardial injury; (2) the effect of atorvastatin on perioperative inflammation; and (3) the feasibility of performing a large RCT of statin therapy in orthopedic patients.

Methods

Hip fracture (hip Fx) and total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR) patients were randomized 1:1 to atorvastatin 40 mg daily vs. placebo, starting preoperatively and continuing until postoperative day (POD) 45. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured preoperatively and on POD 2. Patients were monitored for adverse events until POD 90.

Results

Five hundred fifty-six patients were screened, 22 were recruited (4 hip Fx, 11 THR, 7 TKR), and 2 withdrew. Most (80%) had detectable hs-cTnI (> 1.1 pg/mL) preoperatively. Twenty percent had a perioperative rise in hs-cTnI (≥ 10 pg/mL), which was not blunted by atorvastatin. Hs-CRP rose in 19/20 patients, and IL-6 rose in all patients. However, atorvastatin did not blunt the rise in these inflammatory biomarkers. On POD 2, IL-6 and hs-cTnI levels correlated (ρ = 0.59, p = 0.02). Recruitment was limited by the high prevalence of statin use in the screened population and a high prevalence of exclusions among hip fracture patients.

Conclusion

Perioperative myocardial injury and inflammation are common in orthopedic patients and do not appear to be reduced in those randomized to atorvastatin.

Trial Registration

NCT02197065

     

Comparative study of high tibial osteotomy using dynamic axial fixator and locked low-profile plate in medial osteoarthritis of knee

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis (MCOA) of knee and to compare between the two methods of osteotomy using either dynamic axial fixator (DAF) or locking compression plate (LCP).

Methods

A total of 20 patients with medial osteoarthritis of knee were enrolled in this prospective study who were divided into two groups of 10 each. First group comprising of two males and eight females were treated by HTO using DAF. Second group comprising of five males and five females were treated by HTO using LCP. We assessed various radiological parameters including hip knee ankle angle (HKA), tibiofemoral angle (TFA), weight-bearing line on tibia, Insall Salvati index and tibial slope. Functional outcome of knee at final follow-up was assessed by Oxford knee score (OKS) and visual analogue scale.

Results

In first group, mean HKA angle changed from 187° to 178.30° (p = 0.006), mean TFA from 182.40° to 172° (p = 0.003), average position of weight-bearing line from 11.24 to 59.54 % (p = 0.004), and mean OKS 43.3–16.9 (p = 0.004). In second group, mean HKA angle changed from 186° to 178.80° (p = 0.004), mean TFA from 180.90° to 173.60° (p = 0.004), average position of weight-bearing line from 14 to 61.3 % (p = 0.004), and mean OKS 43.2–16.5 (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

HTO is an established treatment for patients with symptomatic MCOA knee with significant improvement in the clinical and radiographic parameters. There is no significant difference between the two methods; however, external fixator has the complication of pin tract infections.

Level of evidence

II.