Hepatitis C Is Associated With Higher Short-Term Complication Rates After Initial Aseptic and Septic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundIt is unclear if hepatitis C virus (HCV) negatively impacts outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The purpose of this study is to trend recent rTHA utilization in patients who have HCV and compare postoperative complication rates versus a matched cohort.MethodsAll patients who underwent rTHA were retrospectively identified in a national database. Patients who had HCV (n = 1,746) were matched 1:3 with a matching group (n = 5,238) for age, gender, and several comorbidities. Cochran-Armitage tests were used to analyze trends in the annual proportion of rTHA performed in patients who had HCV from 2010 to 2019. Rates of 90-day medical and prosthesis-related complications within 2 years postoperatively were compared with multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsThe annual proportion of rTHA performed in patients who had HCV significantly increased from 2010 to 2019 (P < .001). Patients who had HCV exhibited significantly higher rates of acute kidney injuries (7.6% versus 4.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.50), transfusions (20.6% versus 14.6%; OR 1.38), and re-revisions for prosthetic joint infection (10.9% versus 6.5%; OR 1.73). In subgroup analyses, rates of re-revision for prosthetic joint infection after initial aseptic rTHA (7.1% versus 3.8%; OR 1.82) and periprosthetic fracture after initial septic rTHA (4.5% versus 1.6%; OR 2.77) were significantly higher in the HCV cohort.ConclusionSimilar to primary THA, patients who have HCV exhibit significantly increased complication rates after rTHA. With growing utilization in recent years, these data suggest that this population will comprise an increasingly larger proportion of rTHA procedures performed in the coming years.     

Septic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Adequately Compensated by Work Relative Value Units

BackgroundPerforming revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) for periprosthetic joint infection is complex and may require greater time and resources than aseptic revision cases. Work relative value units (RVUs) assigned may not reflect the difference in actual work required for septic revision hip cases. The purpose of this study is to compare the work effort between aseptic and septic revision hip cohorts, and determine if physicians are appropriately compensated.MethodsData were collected through the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the years 2005 to 2018 to identify all aseptic rTHA cases and septic rTHA cases. Work RVU, operation time, RVU per minute, and dollars per minute were assessed between the aseptic and septic revision hip cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for the study.ResultsThe mean operation times for aseptic and septic rTHAs were 146.12 and 173.24 minutes, respectively (P < .001). This resulted in an RVU per minute of 0.257 for the aseptic revision hip cohort compared to 0.212 for the septic cohort (P < .001). Aseptic rTHA cases were valued higher with a dollars per minute of 9.28, whereas septic rTHA cases were 7.65 (P < .001).ConclusionAlthough rTHA for infection is more complex and requires longer mean operative time than aseptic rTHA, physicians are not appropriately reimbursed for this challenging procedure. This inadequate RVU-based reimbursement for septic rTHA may deter physicians from performing these procedures, which could lead to decreased access to care for patients in need of rTHA for infection.     

Survivorship and Risk Factors for Re-Revision after Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Aged ≤55 Years

BackgroundThere is a relative paucity of literature on the outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) in young patients. This study reports the survivorship and risk factors for re-revision in patients aged ≤55 years.MethodsWe identified 354 patients undergoing aseptic nononcologic rTHA at mean follow-up of 5 years after revision, with mean age of 48 years, body mass index of 28 kg/m², and 64% female. Thirty-five (10%) patients underwent at least 1 previous rTHA. The main indications for rTHA included wear/osteolysis (21%), adverse local tissue reaction (21%), recurrent instability (20%), acetabular loosening (16%), and femoral loosening (7%); and included acetabular component-only rTHA in 149 patients (42%), femoral component-only rTHA in 46 patients (13%), both component rTHA in 44 patients (12%), and head/liner exchanges in patients 115 (33%). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to measure survivorship free from re-revision THA, and multivariate regression was used to identify risk factors for re-revision THA.ResultsSixty-two patients (18%) underwent re-revision THA at the mean time of 2.5 years, most commonly for instability (37%), aseptic loosening (27%), and prosthetic joint infection (15%). The rTHA survivorship from all-cause re-revision and reoperation was 83% and 79% at 5 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients undergoing femoral component only (hazard ratio 4.8, P = .014) and head/liner exchange rTHA (hazard ratio 2.5, P = .022) as risk factors for re-revision THA.ConclusionAbout 1 in 5 patients aged ≤55 years undergoing rTHA required re-revision THA at 5 years, most commonly for instability. The highest risk group included patients undergoing head/liner exchanges and isolated femoral component revisions.     

The Use of Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy in 2-Stage Reconstruction of the Hip for Infection

BackgroundThe effect of extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) with immediate cerclage wire fixation on the scene of chronic periprosthetic joint infection on infection eradication and the osteotomy healing remains unclear.MethodsOne hundred seventeen patients who underwent two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty for chronic periprosthetic joint infection were enrolled in the study. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Of these, 48 patients had underwent ETO and immediate cerclage wire fixation during the first-stage surgery, while 69 did not undergo ETO or any other osteotomy. In addition, 18 patients had underwent ETO in the second-stage reimplantation surgery. Repeated debridement, curative rate of infection, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. Meanwhile, osteotomy healing between the first and second osteotomy were also compared.ResultsThe repeated debridement rate and curative rate of infection were 2.1% and 95.8% in the ETO group, compared with 13.0% and 82.6% in the non-ETO group; there were significant difference between the 2 groups in these parameters (P = .037 and .030, respectively). Meanwhile, osteotomy healing rate was 93.8% in first-stage surgery with infection scene and 100% in second-stage surgery without infection; no significant difference was detected in osteotomy healing rate and time to healing (P = .278 and .803, respectively). The rate of complication was similar in both groups.ConclusionsETO combined with immediate cerclage wire fixation does not appear to reduce the rate of infection eradication. There was no harmful effect on complication rate and osteotomy healing.     

Subsidence of monoblock and modular titanium fluted tapered stems in revision hip arthroplasty: A retrospective multicentre comparison study

BackgroundTapered, fluted, titanium (TFT) stems have shown good clinical outcomes in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA), however concerns exist regarding early subsidence. This study compares subsidence between a modern monoblock 3-degree and a modular 2-degree TFT stem in rTHA.MethodsA retrospective, international multicentre comparative study was conducted including 64 rTHA in 63 patients. A monoblock TFT stem was used in 37 cases and a modular TFT stem was used in 27 cases. Patient demographics, Paprosky femoral bone loss classification, bicortical contact and stem subsidence were recorded at minimum four week follow up.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in overall subsidence (p = 0.318) or the rate of subsidence >10 mm between stems. Mean subsidence was 2.13 mm in the monoblock group and 3.15 mm in the modular group. Two stems subsided >10 mm: one in each group. There was no difference in bicortical contact between groups (p = 0.98). No re-revisions were performed.ConclusionsWe found no difference in subsidence between the two stems. Surgeons may consider the use of monoblock stems in rTHA as they have comparably low rates of subsidence and eliminate the small but potentially catastrophic risk of implant fracture at modular junctions associated with modular stems.     

The Impact of Exchanging Cerclage Fixation after Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection

BackgroundAn extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is a powerful tool for femoral component revision. There is limited evidence that directly supports its use in the setting of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Cerclage fixation raises the theoretical concern for persistent infection.MethodsOur institutional database included 76 ETOs for revision hip arthroplasty between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2019. The cohort was divided based on indication for femoral component revision: PJI versus aseptic revision. The PJI group was subdivided based on second-stage exchange versus retention of initial cerclage fixation. Operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, and rate of repeat revision surgery were evaluated.ResultsForty-nine patients (64%) underwent revision for PJI and 27 patients (36%) underwent aseptic revision. There was no significant difference in operative times (P = .082), postoperative complications (P = .258), or rate of repeat revision surgery (P = .322) between groups. Of the 49 patients in the PJI group, 40 (82%) retained cerclage fixation while 9 (18%) had cerclage exchange. Cerclage exchange did not significantly impact operative time (P = .758), blood loss (P = .498), rate of repeat revision surgery (P = .302), or postoperative complications (P = .253) including infection (P = .639).ConclusionAn ETO remains a powerful tool for femoral component removal, even in the presence of a PJI. A multi-institutional investigation would be required to validate observed trends toward better infection control with cerclage exchange. Cerclage exchange did not appear to increase operative time, blood loss, or postoperative complication rates.     

Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) fixation for femoral stem revision in periprosthetic fractures: Dall–Miles plate versus cables

Background

Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is a well-established surgical technique used for femoral stem retrieval in revision hip arthroplasty procedures. Fixation of ETO is commonly achieved through wire, cable or cable–plate fixation. No evidence exists to date to suggest which method is superior when used in an acute traumatic setting.

Methods

Thirty cases of acute periprosthetic fracture requiring femoral stem revision with an ETO were identified over a 10-year period. Each case had a loose femoral prosthesis which was revised using an ETO approach. Nineteen of these were fixed using cables only, and 11 were fixed using a cable–plate construct. Radiographic outcomes measured included greater trochanter migration, osteolysis, union, time to union and overall success using the Beals and Tower classification. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score.

Results

Twenty-three Vancouver B/C-type fractures were identified. The remaining seven consisted of other fracture types with a loose femoral stem requiring revision through ETO. Mean follow-up was 32 months in the cable group and 12 months in the cable–plate group. The cable–plate construct performed better than cables alone. Mean migration rates were 1.7 mm lower in the cable–plate group (p < 0.05). Beals and Tower classification of radiographic outcomes was significantly better in the cable–plate group (p < 0.01). Modified Harris Hip Scores were better in this group also (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

When utilising an ETO approach for femoral stem revision in acute periprosthetic fractures, superior clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved if fixation involves a cable–plate system instead of cables only.

     

Dual Mobility Cups in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Efficient Strategy to Decrease Dislocation Risk

BackgroundRevision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is a challenging surgery with a higher rate of complications than primary arthroplasty, particularly instability and aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study is to compare dual mobility cup (DMC) and standard mobility cup (SMC) in all rTHAs performed at our institution over a decade with a 1 year minimum follow-up.MethodsTwo hundred ninety-five rTHAs (acetabular only and bipolar revisions) between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. These were divided into those with a DMC (184 revisions) or SMC (111 revisions). Dislocation and complications requiring re-revision were reported.ResultsThe rTHA mean age was 69 years ± 13.9 (19-92) and the mean follow-up was 2.3 years. Dislocation risk was statistically lower (P = .01) with a DMC (3.8%; 7/184) than with an SMC (13.5%; 15/111). DMC required re-rTHA in 24/184 (13%) for any reason compared to SMC in 19/111 (17.1%) (P = .34). There was no significant difference in early aseptic loosening (P = .28) between the 2 groups. For young patients (≤55 years), results were similar with a lower dislocation rate in the DMC group (P = .24) and no increased risk of early aseptic loosening (P = .49).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that for all rTHA indications DMC compared to SMC has a significantly decreased risk of postoperative dislocation without risk of early aseptic loosening at medium term follow-up. The use of DMC in rTHA is an important consideration particularly with the predicted increased incidence of both primary and revision THA globally.     

Outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty using a vascularised anterior femoral window

Purpose

Extraction of the distal femoral cement mantle and restrictor during revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is challenging and can compromise host bone stock. The aim of this study is to report outcomes of our femoral windowing technique for cement removal.

Methods

We report on a cohort of 36 patients with an average age of 68.7 years who underwent 40 cemented rTHA between 2011 and 2017 using a vascularised anterior femoral window. Clinical and radiological outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (range, 3.8–10).

Results

Latest mean WOMAC score was 25.4 and all windows achieved radiographic union by a mean of 7.9 weeks. Femoral component survivorship was 100% and 38 out of 40 rTHAs showed no evidence of radiological loosening.

Conclusion

The vascularised anterior window to remove the distal femoral cement mantle under direct vision is safe and reproducible with excellent clinical and radiographic results.

     

Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty After Acetabular Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in the Elderly—Acute vs Delayed Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundOptimum management for the elderly acetabular fracture remains undefined. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in this population does not allow early weight-bearing and has an increased risk of failure. This study aimed to define outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the setting of an acetabular fracture and compared delayed THA after acetabular ORIF (ORIF delayed THA) and acute fixation and THA (ORIF acute THA).MethodsAll acetabular fractures in patients older than 60 years who underwent ORIF between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed (n = 85). Of those, 14 underwent ORIF only initially and required subsequent THA (ORIF delayed THA). Twelve underwent an acute THA at the time of the ORIF (ORIF acute THA). The ORIF acute THA group was older (81 ± 7 vs 76 ± 8; P < .01) but had no other demographic- or injury-related differences compared with the ORIF delayed THA group. Outcome measures included operative time, length of stay, complications, radiographic assessments (component orientation, leg-length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification), and functional outcomes using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS).ResultsOperative time (P = .1) and length of stay (P = .5) for the initial surgical procedure (ORIF only or ORIF THA) were not different between groups. Four patients had a complication and required further surgeries; no difference was seen between groups. Radiographic assessments were similar between groups. The ORIF acute THA group had a significantly better OHS (40.1 ± 3.9) than the ORIF delayed THA group (33.6 ± 8.5) (P = .03).ConclusionIn elderly acetabulum fractures, ORIF acute THA compared favorably (a better OHS, single operation/hospital visit, equivalent complications) with ORIF delayed THA. We would thus recommend that in patients with risk factors for failure requiring delayed THA (eg, dome or roof impaction) that ORIF acute THA be strongly considered.     

Can Arthroplasty Stem Influence Outcome: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Stem Length in Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe primary aim was to assess whether a short (125 millimeter (mm)) stem offered an equivalent hip-specific function compared to the standard (150 mm) stem when used for cemented total hip arthroplasty. Secondary aims were to evaluate health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, stem height and alignment, as well as radiographic loosenings and complications between the two stems.MethodsA prospective twin-center double-blind randomized control trial was conducted. During a 15-month period, 220 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to either a standard (n = 110) or a short (n = 110) stem. There were no significant (P ≥ .065) differences in preoperative variables between the groups. Functional outcomes and radiographic assessment were undertaken at a mean of 1 and 2 years.ResultsThere were no differences (P = .428) in hip-specific function according to the mean Oxford hip scores at 1 year (primary endpoint) or at 2 years (P = .622) between the groups. The short stem group had greater varus angulation (0.9 degrees, P = .003) when compared to the standard group and were more likely (odds ratio 2.42, P = .002) to have varus stem alignment beyond one standard deviation from the mean. There were no significant (P ≥ .083) differences in the forgotten joint scores, EuroQol-5-Dimension, EuroQol-visual analogue scale, short form 12, patient satisfaction, complications, stem height, or radiolucent zones at 1 or 2 years between the groups.ConclusionThe cemented short stem used in this study had equivalent hip-specific function, health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction when compared to the standard stem at mean 2 years post operation. However, the short stem was associated with a greater rate of varus malalignment, which may influence future implant survival.     

Impact of Indication for Revision THA on Resource Utilization

BackgroundDemographic variables play an important role in outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Surgical and in-patient variables as well as outcomes vary between indications for rTHA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the indication for the rTHA on costs and postoperative outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort analysis investigated all patients who underwent unilateral, aseptic rTHA at an academic orthopaedic specialty hospital who had at least 1-year postoperative follow-up. In total, 654 patients were evaluated and categorized based on their indication for aseptic rTHA. Demographics, direct and total procedure costs, surgical factors, postoperative outcomes, and re-revision rates were collected and compared between indications.ResultsYounger patients had the greatest leg length discrepancy (LLD) and older patients had the highest incidence of periprosthetic fracture (PPF) (P = .001). The greatest proportion of full revisions were found for LLD (16.7%) and head/polyethylene liner-only revisions for metallosis/adverse tissue reaction (100%). Operative time was significantly longest for LLD revisions and shortest for metallosis/adverse tissue reaction revisions (P < .001). Length of stay was longest for periprosthetic fracture and shortest for LLD and stiffness/heterotopic ossification (P < .001). Re-revision rate was greatest for implant failure and lowest for LLD. Total cost was highest for PPF (148.9%) and lowest for polyethylene liner wear (87.7%).ConclusionsPatients undergoing rTHA for indications such as PPF and aseptic loosening were associated with longer operative times, length of stay and higher total and direct costs. Therefore, they may need increased perioperative attention with respect to resource utilization, risk stratification, surgical planning, and cost-reducing measures.Level III EvidenceRetrospective Cohort Study.     

Augmented Reality- vs Accelerometer-Based Portable Navigation System to Improve the Accuracy of Acetabular Cup Placement During Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Lateral Decubitus Position

BackgroundThere have been no studies regarding the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-based portable navigation systems compared with accelerometer-based portable navigation systems in total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsWe retrospectively compared THAs performed using an AR-based portable navigation system (n = 45) and those performed using an accelerometer-based portable navigation system (n = 42). All THAs were performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. The primary outcome was the absolute difference between cup placement angles displayed on the navigation screen and those measured on postoperative X-ray.ResultsThe mean absolute differences were significantly smaller in the AR-based portable navigation system group than the accelerometer-based portable navigation system group in radiographic inclination (2.5° ± 1.7° vs 4.6° ± 3.1°; 95% confidence interval 1.1°-3.2°, P < .0001). Similarly, the mean absolute differences were significantly better in the AR-based portable navigation system group in radiographic anteversion (2.1° ± 1.8° vs 6.4° ± 4.2°; 95% confidence interval 3.0°-5.7°, P < .0001). Neither hip dislocation, surgical site infection, nor other complications associated with use of the navigation system occurred in either group.ConclusionThe AR-based portable navigation system may provide more precise acetabular cup placement compared with the accelerometer-based portable navigation system in THA.     

Is a Total Hip Arthroplasty Stem in Varus a Risk Factor of Long-Term Mechanical Complication?

BackgroundThe impact of implanting cementless femoral stems in varus alignment on long-term mechanical complications remains poorly defined in the literature. The aim of our study was to compare survivorship and functional and radiographic outcomes of stems in varus alignment to those in neutral alignment with and average follow-up of 10 years.MethodsThis single-center, multisurgeon, retrospective case-control study compared a group of 105 total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients who had varus stem alignment (Varus Stem) to a matching group of 105 THA patients who had neutral stem alignment, operated on between January 2007 and December 2012. The primary outcome measure was implant survival. Secondary outcomes included functional (Harris Hip Score, Postel Merle d'Aubigné Score, thigh pain, dislocation and hip range of motion) and radiographic outcomes (radiolucency, osseointegration, heterotopic ossification, subsidence, and stress shielding).ResultsThere was no significant difference in implant survival between the 2 groups with 95.7% (±2.46) in the Varus Stem group versus 97.7% (±1.64) in the Neutral Stem group (P = .41) after an average follow-up of 10 years. There was no significant difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes between groups.ConclusionCementless femoral stems in varus alignment were not the cause of mechanical complications with an average follow-up of 10 years. The comparison between groups in terms of implant survival, functional, and radiographic outcomes does not show any significant differences. Positioning a femoral stem in varus alignment may be an alternative for surgeons wishing to restore preoperative offset and to ensure satisfactory hip stability.     

Outcomes and Risk Factors of Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy in Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BackgroundAlthough extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is an effective technique for femoral stem removal and for the concomitant management of proximal femoral deformities, complications including persistent pain, trochanteric nonunion, and painful hardware can occur.MethodsThe US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried for publications utilizing the following keywords: “extended” AND “trochanteric” AND “osteotomy.”ResultsNineteen articles were included in the present study with 1478 ETOs. The mean overall union rate of the ETO was 93.1% (1377 of 1478 cases), while the overall rate of radiographic femoral stem subsidence >5 mm was 7.1% (25 of 350 cases). ETO union rates and femoral stem subsidence rates were similar between patients with periprosthetic fractures treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision and ETO and patients treated with THA revision and ETO for reasons other than fractures. There was limited evidence that prior femoral cementation and older age might negatively influence ETO union rates.ConclusionThere was moderate quality evidence to show that the use of ETO in aseptic patients undergoing single-stage revision THA is safe and effective, with a 7% rate of ETO nonunion and subsidence >5 mm in 7%. ETO can be safely used in cases with periprosthetic fractures in which stem fixation is jeopardized and a reimplantation is required. A well-conducted ETO should be preferred in selective THA revision cases to prevent intraoperative femoral fractures which are associated with deteriorated clinical outcomes. The use of trochanteric plate with cables should be considered as the first choice for ETO fixation.     

Surgeons Experience More Physiologic Stress and Strain During Revision Than Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundRevision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) procedures are more complex than primary TKA and THA, but their physiologic burden to the surgeon has not been quantified. While rTKA and rTHA have longer operative times, it is unknown whether differences exist in stress and strain compared to primary TKA and primary THA. The study was conducted to elicit whether differences exist in surgeon physiological response while performing rTKA and rTKA compared to primary TKA and primary THA.MethodsWe evaluated a prospective cohort study of 70 consecutive cases (23 primary TKAs, 12 primary THAs, 16 rTKAs, and 19 rTHAs). Two high-volume fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons wore a smart vest that recorded cardiorespiratory data while performing primary THA, primary TKA, rTHA, and rTKA. Heart rate (beats/minute), stress index (correlates with sympathetic activation), respiratory rate (respirations/minute), minute ventilation (L/min), and energy expenditure (Calories) were collected for every case, along with patient body mass index (kilograms/meter²) and working operative time (minutes). T-tests were used to assess for differences between the two groups.ResultsCompared to primary TKA, performing rTKAs had a significantly higher surgeon stress index (17 versus 15; P = .035), heart rate (104 versus 99; P = .007), energy expenditure per case (409 versus 297; P = .002), and a significantly lower heart rate variability (11 versus 12; P = .006). Compared to primary THA, performing rTHA had a significantly higher energy expenditure per case (431 versus 307; P = .007) and trended towards having a higher surgeon stress index (16 versus 14; P = .272) and a lower heart rate variability (11 versus 12; P = .185), although it did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionSurgeons experience higher physiological stress and strain when performing rTKA and rTHA compared to primary TKA and primary THA. This study provides objective data on what many surgeons feel and should promote further research on the specific stress and strain felt by surgeons who perform revision arthroplasty procedures.     

Impact of COVID-19 Protocols on Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Our institution intensified hygiene standards during the COVID-19 pandemic; hospital staff exercised greater hand hygiene, glove use, and mask compliance. We examined the effect of these factors on SSI rates for primary THA (pTHA) and revision THA (rTHA).MethodsA retrospective review was performed identifying THA from January 2019 to June 2021 at a single institution. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared before (January 2019 to February 2020) and during (May 2020 to June 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic and during the first (May 2020 to November 2020) and second (December 2020 to June 2021) periods of the pandemic. Cohorts were compared using the Chi-squared test and independent samples t-test.ResultsA total of 2,682 pTHA (prepandemic: 1,549 [57.8%]; pandemic: 1,133 [42.2%]) and 402 rTHA (prepandemic: 216 [53.7%]; Pandemic: 186 [46.2%]) were included. For primary and revision cases, superficial and deep SSI rates were similar before and during COVID-19. During COVID-19, the incidence of all (?0.43%, P = .029) and deep (?0.36%, P = .049) SSIs decreased between the first and second periods for rTHA. pTHA patients had longer operative times (P < .001) and shorter length of stay (P = .006) during COVID-19. Revision cases had longer operative times (P = .004) and length of stay (P = .046). Both pTHA and rTHA were discharged to skilled nursing facilities less frequently during COVID-19.ConclusionDuring COVID-19, operative times were longer in both pTHA and rTHA and patients were less likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Although intensified hygienic standards may lower SSI rates, infection rates did not significantly differ after our hospital implemented personal protective guidelines and a mask mandate.     

Low-Dose Aspirin Is Safe and Effective for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Patients Undergoing Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundCurrently, there is no established universal standard of care for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE) in orthopedic patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The aim of this study is to determine whether a protocol of 81-mg aspirin (ASA) bis in die (BID) is safe and/or effective in preventing VTE in patients undergoing rTHAs vs 325-mg ASA BID.MethodsIn 2017, a large academic medical center adopted a new protocol for VTE prophylaxis in arthroplasty patients at standard risk. Initially, patients received 325-mg ASA BID but switched to 81-mg ASA BID. A retrospective review (2011-2019) was performed to identify 1361 consecutive rTHA patients and their associated 90-day postoperative complications such as VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as the primary outcome; and gastrointestinal and wound bleeding, acute periprosthetic joint infection, and mortality as the secondary outcome.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2017, 973 rTHAs were performed and 13 total VTE cases were diagnosed (1.34%). From 2017 to 2019, 388 rTHAs were performed with 3 total VTE cases identified (0.77%). Chi-squared analyses and logistic regression models showed no differences in rates or odds in postoperative PE (P = .09), DVT (P = .79), PE and DVT (P = .85), and total VTE (P = .38) using either dose. There were also no differences between bleeding complications (P = .14), infection rate (P = .46), and mortality (P = .53).ConclusionUsing a protocol of 81-mg of ASA BID is noninferior to 325-mg ASA BID and may be safe and effective in maintaining low rates of VTE in patients undergoing rTHA.     

Modern Revision Femoral Stem Designs Have No Difference in Rates of Subsidence

BackgroundBoth modular and monoblock tapered fluted titanium (TFT) stems have gained popularity over fully porous-coated cylindrical (FPCC) femoral stem designs, but limited data exist comparing subsidence rates following revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to determine differences in subsidence and clinical outcomes among 3 revision femoral stem designs.MethodsWe reviewed a consecutive series of 335 patients who underwent femoral component revision to a cementless modular TFT (n = 225), monoblock TFT (n = 63), or FPCC (n = 47) stem between 2012 and 2019. We evaluated radiographic subsidence rates, re-revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes between the 3 stems. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of stem type on the risk of subsidence >5 mm.ResultsAt an average follow-up of 39 months (range, 12 to 96 months), there were no differences in mean subsidence rates (3.5 vs 2.4 vs 2.1 mm, P = .14), HOOS Jr scores (78 vs 74 vs 64 points, P = .15), or aseptic re-revision rates (4% vs 3% vs 0%, P = .29) between modular TFT, monoblock TFT, and FPCC stems. Although modular TFT stems were more often used in patients with extensive femoral bone loss (Paprosky III and IV), there were no differences in subsidence rates >5 mm among the 3 stems (P > .05) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionModular TFT, monoblock TFT, and FPCC femoral stem designs all perform well in revision THA with no difference in clinical outcomes or subsidence rates. Surgeons should select the stem which they feel is the most clinically appropriate.     

Midterm Outcomes and Frequency of Osteolysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Cementless Modular Stem for Asian Patients

BackgroundModular stems are useful for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in anatomically difficult dysplasia. Here, we present mean 6.8-year outcomes of cementless primary THA using S-ROM-A (modified modular stem for Asian patients) femoral prosthesis in anatomically difficult cases.MethodsCharts of 373 patients (461 hips) undergoing THA (mean age, 58 years) were reviewed for clinical evaluation of modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score and Kaplan-Meier survivorship with revision for any reason as the end point. For radiographic analysis, 331 patients (412 hips) followed up for ≥5 years were included. Bearing couples were metal-on-metal (n = 145), metal-on-polyethylene (n = 120), and ceramic-on-polyethylene (n = 147). Radiography and multiplanar computed tomography were performed.ResultsNo postoperative dislocation or deep infection occurred. Mean modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score improved significantly (10.9 points preoperatively, 16.7 points at last follow-up; P < .001). Cumulative 5- and 10-year stem survival rates were 100% and 84%, respectively (95% confidence interval, 75%-93%). All stems were classified as bone ingrown fixation. Osteolysis occurred in metal-on-metal (42.8%) and metal-on-polyethylene (15.8%) groups. Mean time to osteolysis was ~3 years, with no significant difference between 3 groups (P = .264). In logistic regression, lower cup inclination angle was significantly associated with osteolysis (odds ratio, 0.914; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.99; P = .029).ConclusionS-ROM-A femoral prosthesis achieved excellent midterm fixation, and the modular system was useful in primary THA with severe deformity. Bearing couples are potentially associated with adverse reactions to metal debris. S-ROM-A with ceramic-on-polyethylene bearing couples may be an option for anatomically difficult THA.