Long-Term Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty with an Extensively Porous Coated Stem in Patients Younger than 45 Years Old

Purpose

This study analyzed the long-term results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using an extensively porous coated stem in patients younger than 45 years old.

Materials and Methods

The clinical and radiographic results of 45 hips from 38 patients who underwent cementless total hip replacement arthroplasty with an AML prosthesis were reviewed retrospectively. The average follow-up was 12 years (range, 10-15 years).

Results

The average Harris hip score at the time of final follow-up was 87.3 (range 77-94) points. Forty two hips (93.3%) showed excellent and good clinical results. Osteolysis occurred around the stem in 20 hips (44.4%) and around the cup in 26 hips (57.8%). Stress-mediated femoral resorption was observed in 33 hips (73.3%) at 10 years. There was no incidence of resorption progressing after 5 years postoperatively. There was no stem loosening. Five hips were revised for osteolysis, cup loosening and polyethylene wear.

Conclusion

The long term results of total hip arthroplasty using an extensively porous coated stem were acceptable, and there was no case involving the progression of proximal bone resorption.     

Long-term follow-up results of a second-generation cementless femoral prosthesis with a collar and straight distal fixation channels

Purpose

We evaluated the results of more than 10 years of follow-up of total hip arthroplasty using a second-generation cementless femoral prosthesis with a collar and straight distal fixation channels.

Materials and Methods

One hundred five patients (129 hips) who underwent surgery between 1991 and 1996 for primary total hip arthroplasty using cementless straight distal fluted femoral stems were followed for more than 10 years. Ninety-four hips in 80 patients were available for clinical and radiologic analysis. The mean age at the time of surgery was 47 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 14.3 years.

Results

The mean Harris hip scores had improved from 58 points to 88 points at the time of the 10-year follow-up. Activity-related thigh pain was reported in nine hips (10%). At the last follow-up, 93 stems (99%) were biologically stable and one stem (1%) was revised because of loosening. No hip had distal diaphyseal osteolysis. Proximal femoral stress-shielding was reported in 86 hips (91%). We found no significant relationship between collar-calcar contact and thigh pain, stem fixation status, or stress-shielding. The cumulative survival of the femoral stem was 99% (95% confidence interval, 98-100%) after 10 years.

Conclusion

The long-term results of total hip arthroplasty using a second-generation cementless femoral prosthesis with a collar and straight distal fixation channels were satisfactory; however, the high rate of proximal stress-shielding and the minimal effect of the collar indicate the need for some changes in the stem design.     

全髋置换是否重建偏心距对髋关节功能的影响

背景：股骨偏心距的重建对于恢复外展肌力和髋关节周围软组织张力平衡,维持关节稳定,恢复关节功能,减少置换后跛行,降低假体磨损、人工关节脱位等并发症的发生率具有重要意义。 目的：探讨全髋置换的重建偏心距对髋关节功能恢复的影响。 方法：对比分析采用组配式假体(S-ROM)行全髋置换20例20髋患者及采用普通假体(Corail)行全髋置换19例20髋患者的相关资料,通过临床(Harris评分)和X射线测量,对两组患者置换后髋关节功能和偏心距重建率进行对比研究。 结果与结论：纳入患者均无感染、骨折、脱位,无深静脉血栓及神经损伤等并发症。临床随访：在组配式假体和普通假体两组中,股骨偏心距重建组与未重建组置换前Harris评分差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05);置换后12个月及末次随访偏心距重建患者Harris评分高于未重建者(P < 0.05)。髋关节外展活动度大于未重建患者(P < 0.05)。X射线随访：组配式假体和普通假体两组中股骨偏心距重建率差异有显著性意义  (χ²=3.956,P < 0.05),39髋(98%)股骨假体位于中立位,1髋(2.5%)轻度外翻位,两组中股骨偏心距得到重建与未得到重建患者的髋臼假体外展角及前倾角差异均无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。说明组配式假体和普通假体两组中股骨偏心距得到重建患者的髋关节功能和髋关节外展活动度优于未得到重建者,组配式假体偏心距重建率高。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节;骨植入物;脊柱;骨折;内固定;数字化骨科;组织工程全文链接：     

采用锥形沟槽式股骨组配柄假体行股骨侧翻修

背景：组配式股骨柄翻修假体在理论上被认为能够克服骨水泥固定型股骨柄假体或生物学固定型非组配式股骨柄假体存在的各类缺点,一些文献也初步证实这类假体能取得更为满意的疗效。 目的：回顾性分析采用锥形沟槽式股骨组配柄假体行全髋股骨侧翻修的效果。 方法：2000-05/2005-08苏州大学附属第一医院收治全髋股骨侧翻修患者19例(21髋)。翻修前诊断均为股骨柄假体合并臼杯假体的无菌性松动。股骨侧骨缺损按Paprosky标准,诊断为Ⅱ型缺损者4髋,Ⅲa型缺损者14髋,Ⅲb缺损者3髋。全部患者的股骨侧翻修均采用利马锥形沟槽式股骨组配柄假体,股骨柄假体为钛合金制造。对翻修效果进行随访观察。 结果与结论：所有假体均获初始稳定,未发生感染、脱位等并发症。随访5~10年,末次随访Harris评分维持在(92.2±3.5)分。X射线片显示翻修柄获广泛骨长入达骨性稳定者20髋(95%),纤维性稳定者1髋(5%)。所有患者的近段骨缺损植骨区均显示广泛性骨修复。翻修柄在正、侧位X射线片上的髓内充填率分别达80%和70%以上者18髋(86%),< 80%和70%者3髋(14%),全组假体平均下沉2.4 mm。至今未见因假体松动或其他原因需行再翻修治疗患者。提示采用锥形沟槽式股骨组配柄假体行全髋股骨侧翻修,必须注重手动扩髓等方法预防骨折,合理的髓内充填和近段组件调整以预防假体下沉和脱位,以及锥形连接处近段的植骨重建等技术关键,才能取得更为满意的效果。     

Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Major Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgery: Analysis of a Nationwide Claim Registry

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the nationwide incidence and risk factors for symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after major lower limb orthopedic surgeries.

Materials and Methods

The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was used to retrospectively identify International Classification of Disease-10 codes for DVT and operation codes representing hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, and hip fracture surgeries. The age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of DVT, rates of major lower limb orthopedic surgeries, and the postoperative incidence of DVT according to the surgical procedure were assessed.

Results

The age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of DVT was 70.67 per 100000 persons/year. Compared to patients aged <49 years, the relative risk of DVT was five times higher in patients aged 50-69 and 10 times higher in patients aged >70 years (p<0.001). Females showed a greater relative risk for DVT than males (1.08; p<0.001). The incidence of postoperative DVT, according to the type of surgery, was significantly greater for knee replacement arthroplasty than for other forms of surgery (p<0.002). The relative risk of postoperative DVT was higher in females in knee replacement arthroplasty (1.47) and hip fracture surgery (2.25) groups, although relatively lower in those who underwent hip replacement arthroplasty (0.97).

Conclusion

Among major lower limb surgeries, advanced age, female gender, and undergoing a knee replacement arthroplasty were found to be risk factors for developing postoperative DVT. These findings further emphasize the need for orthopedic surgeons to consider the development of DVT after surgery in high-risk patients.     

全髋关节置换治疗CroweⅣ型成人髋关节发育性不良

背景：人工全髋关节置换为治疗髋关节发育性不良晚期患者的最佳选择,然而髋关节发育性不良的患者特别是CroweⅣ型因其髋关节解剖结构的显著异常,增加了手术难度且手术方法颇有争议。 目的：探讨人工全髋关节置换治疗CroweⅣ型成人髋关节发育性不良的疗效及髋臼重建与股骨侧处理的方法。 方法：纳入12例(14髋)CroweⅣ型成人髋关节发育不良患者进行人工全髋关节置换,Harris评分术前平均(35.0±6.8)分,髋臼侧采用小臼杯结合髋臼加深技术安置臼杯假体,股骨侧行转子下短缩截骨放置股骨假体,采用Harris评分评价置换后髋关节功能。 结果与结论：所有患者随访1-7年,平均4.6年,2例2髋发生置换过程中股骨大转子不全骨折,予钢丝固定。1例置换后出现坐骨神经刺激症状,1个月后恢复正常,无感染、假体松动及有明显临床表现的深静脉血栓形成等并发症。股骨侧截骨处均骨性愈合。置换后末次随访Harris评分平均为(84.0±7.0)分,置换后肢体延长4-6 cm,平均5 cm,短缩的肢体得到满意纠正。说明采用小臼杯、髋臼内陷技术、股骨短缩截骨对CroweⅣ型成人髋关节发育性不良患者行全髋关节置换能重建关节功能,恢复下肢长度,长期疗效有待于进一步观察。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节;骨植入物;脊柱;骨折;内固定;数字化骨科;组织工程全文链接：     

Lunar phase does not influence perioperative complications in total hip arthroplasty

Introduction

Lunar calendars, publishing recommendations for daily life, are gaining more and more attention in Germany, where 10.5% of the population believe in lunar effects on disease. A widespread and often heard belief is that a full moon has the most negative effects on surgical outcome. The present study evaluates the effects of lunar phase on perioperative complications in total hip arthroplasty.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study with 305 patients being provided with a primary hip arthroplasty. To identify possible influences of the lunar phase on perioperative complications we investigated data such as operation length, blood loss and course of C-reactive protein that were collected during the patients’ stay in the hospital and allocated them to moon illumination.

Results

There were no significant differences in all collected data concerning the lunar phase (p > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, there were fewer operations during the full moon phase.

Conclusions

Therefore there is no evidence that lunar phase has an effect on perioperative complications in total hip arthroplasty. Fewer, though not significantly fewer, operations were performed during the full moon phase. Although this was not a prospective randomized trial, the statistical magnitude of the results does not support any recommendations for scheduling patients for total hip arthroplasty at any particular day of the lunar phase.     

组配式髋表面置换股骨头假体植入后股骨近段应力变化的有限元分析

目的研究组配式髋表面置换股骨头假体植入后,股骨近段及假体周围骨质区应力分布的变化。方法建立正常股骨近段、传统表面髋置换假体(本实验选用Wright假体)、组配式表面髋假体三维有限元模型,关节加载后分析假体植入前后股骨近段应力分布变化,并对股骨近端假体周围区域骨质应力分布进行分区量化研究。结果传统假体沿着杆体周围骨质上有多处的应力集中区域,在股骨颈的下方(4、10区)应力明显增加,股骨头上方假体杯下缘(1、7区)应力遮挡;组配式假体螺钉周围骨质上虽有应力集中,但是数值相对较小,股骨颈下方(4、10区)应力分布接近正常股骨。结论与传统表面髋假体置换相比,组配式假体在股骨颈下方区域有较好的应力分布,接近正常股骨,降低了股骨颈骨折的危险。     

The Effect of Obturator Nerve Block on Hip Lateralization in Low Functioning Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Purpose

Hip adductor spasticity has a great impact on developing hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Obturator nerve (ON) block is less invasive intervention rather than soft tissue surgery for reduction of hip adductor spasticity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ON block on hip lateralization in low functioning children with spastic CP.

Materials and Methods

The study was performed by retrospective investigation of the clinical and radiographic follow-up data of low functioning children [gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level III to V] with spastic cerebral palsy whose hip was subluxated. Migration percentage (MP) was measured on hip radiographs and its annual change was calculated. In intervention group, ON block was done with 50% ethyl alcohol under the guidance of electrical stimulation.

Results

The data of 49 legs of 25 children for intervention group and the data of 41 legs of 23 children for nonintervention group were collected. In intervention group, the MP were significantly reduced at 1st follow-up and the MPs at 2nd and last follow-up did not show significant differences from initial MP. Whereas in nonintervention group, the MPs at 1st, 2nd and last follow-up were all significantly increased compared to initial MPs.

Conclusion

ON block with ethyl alcohol is useful as an early effective procedure against progressive hip displacement in these children with spastic CP.     

Effects of preoperative physiotherapy in hip osteoarthritis patients awaiting total hip replacement

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) claimed osteoarthritis as a civilization-related disease. The effectiveness of preoperative physiotherapy among patients suffering hip osteoarthritis (OA) at the end of their conservative treatment is rarely described in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and musculoskeletal health status of patients who received preoperative physiotherapy before total hip replacement (THR) surgery within a year prior to admission for a scheduled THR and those who did not.

Material and methods

Forty-five patients, admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Locomotor System for elective total hip replacement surgery, were recruited for this study. The assessment consisted of a detailed interview using various questionnaires: the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), as well as physical examination. Patients were assigned to groups based on their attendance of preoperative physiotherapy within a year prior to surgery.

Results

Among patients who received preoperative physiotherapy a significant improvement was found for pain, daily functioning, vitality, psychological health, social life, and (active and passive) internal rotation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients are not routinely referred to physiotherapy within a year before total hip replacement surgery. This study confirmed that pre-operative physiotherapy may have a positive influence on selected musculoskeletal system status indicators and quality of life in hip osteoarthritis patients awaiting surgery.     

The Hip and Knee Book: developing an active management booklet for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Background

The pain and disability of hip and knee osteoarthritis can be improved by exercise, but the best method of encouraging this is not known.

Aim

To develop an evidence-based booklet for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, offering information and advice on maintaining activity.

Design of study

Systematic review of reviews and guidelines, then focus groups.

Setting

Four general practices in North East Wales.

Method

Evidence-based messages were developed from a systematic review, synthesised into patient-centred messages, and then incorporated into a narrative. A draft booklet was examined by three focus groups to improve the phrasing of its messages and discuss its usefulness. The final draft was examined in a fourth focus group.

Results

Six evidence-based guidelines and 54 systematic reviews were identified. The focus groups found the draft booklet to be informative and easy to read. They reported a lack of clarity about the cause of osteoarthritis and were surprised that the pain could improve. The value of exercise and weight loss beliefs was accepted and reinforced, but there was a perceived contradiction about heavy physical work being causative, while moderate exercise was beneficial. There was a fear of dependency on analgesia and misinterpretation of the message on hyaluranon injections. The information on joint replacement empowered patients to discuss referral with their GP. The text was revised to accommodate these issues.

Conclusion

The booklet was readable, credible, and useful to end-users. A randomised controlled trial is planned, to test whether the booklet influences beliefs about osteoarthritis and exercise.     

Cervical Arthroplasty for Moderate to Severe Disc Degeneration: Clinical and Radiological Assessments after a Minimum Follow-Up of 18 Months: Pfirrmann Grade and Cervical Arthroplasty

Purpose

Clinical outcomes and radiologic results after cervical arthroplasty have been reported in many articles, yet relatively few studies after cervical arthroplasty have been conducted in severe degenerative cervical disc disease.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients who underwent cervical arthroplasty (Mobi-C®) between April 2006 and November 2011 with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to Pfirrmann classification on preoperative cervical MR images: group A (Pfirrmann disc grade III, n=38) and group B (Pfirrmann disc grades IV or V, n=22). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of neck and arm pain, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) score, and radiological results including cervical range of motion (ROM) were assessed before and after surgery.

Results

VAS and mean mODI scores decreased after surgery from 5.1 and 57.6 to 2.7 and 31.5 in group A and from 6.1 and 59.9 to 3.7 and 38.4 in group B, respectively. In both groups, VAS and mODI scores significantly improved postoperatively (p<0.001), although no significant intergroup differences were found. Also, cervical dynamic ROM was preserved or gradually improved up to 18 months after cervical arthroplasty in both groups. Global, segmental and adjacent ROM was similar for both groups during follow-up. No cases of device subsidence or extrusion were recorded.

Conclusion

Clinical and radiological results following cervical arthroplasty in patients with severe degenerative cervical disc disease were no different from those in patients with mild degenerative cervical disc disease after 18 months of follow-up.     

Discrepancy between sonographic and radiographic values after ultrasound-monitored treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to examine the accordance between the actually used sonographic and radiographic standard values after ultrasound-monitored treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty-three (119 children) ultrasound-monitored treated hips (initial staging according to Graf: type IIc–IV) which attained normal ultrasound findings (type I according to Graf) during treatment and underwent an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis at the time of starting walking (mean age 18.6 months) were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

While all hips showed normal sonographic values (Graf type I), 26 (17%) showed mild and 17 (11.1%) severe dysplasia (by measuring the acetabular index) according to the radiographic Toennis classification system, and 29 (19%) showed mild and 48 (31.4%) severe dysplasia according to the Wiberg centre-edge angle.

Conclusions

This data show that the actually used sonographic and radiographic standard values concerning DDH do not correlate appropriately. It must be put up for discussion whether the radiographic standard values might be too strict. Further criteria must be developed to better assess the prognosis of residual dysplasia.     

Treatment of AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures with a percutaneous compression plate

OBJECTIVE:

AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures have completely different fracture line directions and biomechanical characteristics compared with other types of intertrochanteric fractures. The choice of the fixation method has been a focus of dispute among orthopedic trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of these fractures treated with a percutaneous compression plate at our institute.

METHOD:

Seventeen patients with AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with a percutaneous compression plate at our institute from January 2010 to December 2011. The clinical data and imaging results were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS:

The medical complication of popliteal vein thrombosis occurred in one patient. Sixteen patients were followed up for 12 to 21 months. Two patients had malunion and mild pain. Fracture collapse occurred in two patients, with one having head penetration. These two patients had moderate pain. There were no occurrences of nonunion or reoperation. The mean Harris hip score obtained during the last follow-up was 84.1 (61-97). Patients with a poor quality of reduction were more likely to have pain results (p = 0.001). A trend existed toward the presence of a poor quality of reduction (p = 0.05) in patients with a collapse of fracture. Patients with poor preoperative mobility were more likely to have a lower Harris hip score (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION:

The percutaneous compression plate is an alternative device for the treatment of AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Good fracture reduction and an ideal placement position of the neck screw are important in the success of the device.     

终末期肾病患者行髋关节置换的特征

背景：终末期肾病患者由于长期的骨代谢、内分泌异常及使用激素,常易发生股骨颈骨折、股骨头缺血坏死等疾病。当需行人工关节置换时相对于常规髋关节置换具有不同的特点。 目的：观察生物型或骨水泥型假体行全髋关节置换治疗终末期肾病合并髋关节疾病的情况。 方法：回顾分析中山大学附属第三医院2006年6月至2012年3月间收治15例终末期肾病合并髋关节疾病患者行全髋关节或人工股骨头置换的临床资料,其中男4例,女11例;股骨颈骨折8例(1例为双侧股骨颈骨折),股骨头缺血坏死5例,骨关节炎2例,共16髋。关节置换的方式包括全髋关节置换9髋(生物型5髋,股骨侧为骨水泥型4髋),人工股骨头置换7髋(生物型2髋,骨水泥型5髋)。出院后门诊随访X射线观察假体周围有无透亮区出现和动态变化情况,采用Harris评分和SF-36评分评估关节功能恢复和生存质量改善情况。 结果与结论：置换后随访时间为0.5-4年,呈偏态分布,中位数时间为30个月,Harris髋关节功能评分由置换前的(53.0±5.8)分增加至末次随访的(86.0±3.8)分。SF-36评分由置换前的(65.0±2.4)分增加至末次随访的(83.0±4.9)分。出院前出现5例并发症,2例置换后透析时出现低血压休克,2例肺部感染,1例伤口延迟愈合,经对症治疗后恢复。置换后随访未见假体松动、脱位、假体感染等并发症。早中期随访结果显示,对于合并终末期肾病的髋关节疾病患者髋关节置换可以解除疼痛,改善髋关节功能,有效改善终末期肾病患者的生存质量,但部分患者由于本身终末肾病的进展可能会影响置换后的恢复效果。     

Eccentric Hip Muscle Function in Females With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Context:

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition in athletes. Recently, researchers have indicated that factors proximal to the knee, including hip muscle weakness and motor control impairment, contribute to the development of PFPS. However, no investigators have evaluated eccentric hip muscle function in people with PFPS.

Objective:

To compare the eccentric hip muscle function between females with PFPS and a female control group.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Musculoskeletal laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Two groups of females were studied: a group with PFPS (n  =  10) and a group with no history of lower extremity injury or surgery (n  =  10).

Intervention(s):

Eccentric torque of the hip musculature was evaluated on an isokinetic dynamometer.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Eccentric hip abduction, adduction, and external and internal rotation peak torque were measured and expressed as a percentage of body mass (Nm/kg × 100). We also evaluated eccentric hip adduction to abduction and internal to external rotation torque ratios. The peak torque value of 5 maximal eccentric contractions was used for calculation. Two-tailed, independent-samples t tests were used to compare torque results between groups.

Results:

Participants with PFPS exhibited much lower eccentric hip abduction (t₁₈  =  −2.917, P  =  .008) and adduction (t₁₈  =  −2.764, P  =  .009) peak torque values than did their healthy counterparts. No differences in eccentric hip external (t₁₈  =  0.45, P  =  .96) or internal (t₁₈  =  −0.742, P  =  .47) rotation peak torque values were detected between the groups. The eccentric hip adduction to abduction torque ratio was much higher in the PFPS group than in the control group (t₁₈  =  2.113, P  =  .04), but we found no difference in the eccentric hip internal to external rotation torque ratios between the 2 groups (t₁₈  =  −0.932, P  =  .36).

Conclusions:

Participants with PFPS demonstrated lower eccentric hip abduction and adduction peak torque and higher eccentric adduction to abduction torque ratios when compared with control participants. Thus, clinicians should consider eccentric hip abduction strengthening exercises when developing rehabilitation programs for females with PFPS.     

GP referral of patients with osteoarthritis for consideration of total joint replacement: a longitudinal study

Background

Individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) are referred to orthopaedic surgeons if considered by their GP as potential candidates for total joint replacement (TJR). It is not clear which patients end up having this surgery.

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate symptom variation in individuals with OA newly referred by GPs to an orthopaedic surgeon for consideration for TJR, and to determine the predictors of having this procedure.

Design and setting

A longitudinal study of patients at a regional orthopaedic centre with follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months by postal questionnaire.

Method

GP referrals of patients with OA to orthopaedic surgeons were consecutively sampled. Of the 431 eligible patients, 257 (59.6%) were recruited. Validated measurement tools were used to measure pain, physical functioning, severity of OA, and health-related quality of life.

Results

Over half the participants were in constant pain, taking pain medication more than once per day. Only 67 of 134 (50%) hip and 40 of 123 (33%) knee patients had a TJR within 12 months. Those who had a replacement had been diagnosed with OAfora shorter time, reported more frequent pain, were more likely to use a walking stick, and had worse pain, stiffness, and physical functioning.

Conclusion

Many individuals considered for TJR ultimately may not have surgery, and more effective strategies of management need to be developed between primary and secondary care to achieve better outcomes and to improve quality of care.     

Risk communication methods in hip fracture prevention: a randomised trial in primary care

Background

Treatment acceptance by patients is influenced by the way treatment effects are presented. Presentation of benefits using relative risk increases treatment acceptance compared to the use of absolute risk. It is not known whether this effect is modified by prior presentation of a patient''s individualised risk estimate or how presentation of treatment harms by relative or absolute risk affects acceptance.

Aim

To compare acceptance of a hypothetical treatment to prevent hip fracture after presentation of the treatment''s benefit in relative or absolute terms in the context of a personal fracture risk estimate, and to reassess acceptance following subsequent presentation of harm in relative orabsolute terms.

Design and setting

Randomised controlled trial of patients recruited from 10 GPs'' lists in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Method

Women aged ≥50 years were invited to participate. Participants were given a personal 10-year hip fracture risk estimate and randomised to receive information on a hypothetical treatment''s benefit and harm in relative orabsolute terms.

Results

Of the 1140 women invited to participate 393 (34%) took part. Treatment acceptance was greater following presentation of benefit using absolute terms than relative terms after adjustment forage, education, previous osteoporosis diagnosis, and self-reported risk (OR 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10 to 2.73, P = 0.018). Presentation of the treatment''s harmful effect in relative terms led to a greater proportion of participants declining treatment than did presentation in absolute terms (OR 4.89, 95% CI = 2.3 to 11.0, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Presentation of treatment benefit and harm using absolute risk estimates led to greater treatment acceptance than presentation of the same information in relative terms.     

Activity Increase Despite Arthritis (A?DA): phase II randomised controlled trial of an active management booklet for hip and knee osteoarthritis in primary care

Background

The Hip & Knee Book: Helping you cope with osteoarthritis was developed to change disadvantageous beliefs and encourage physical activity in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Aim

To assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of this evidence-based booklet in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Design

Phase II feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Method

Computerised searches of patients'' record databases identified people with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, who were invited to participate in the RCT comparing the new booklet with a control booklet. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, and included: beliefs about hip and knee pain, exercise, and fear avoidance; level of physical activity; and health service use.

Results

The trial methods were feasible in terms of recruitment, randomisation, and follow-up, but most participants recruited had longstanding established symptoms. After one and 3 months, there was a small relative improvement in illness, exercise, and fear-avoidance beliefs and physical activity level in The Hip & Knee Book group (n = 59) compared with the control group (n = 60), which provides some proof of principle for using these outcomes in future trials.

Conclusion

This feasibility study provided proof of principle for testing The Hip & Knee Book in a larger definitive RCT.