Can Patients Who Have Low-Grade Hip Osteoarthritis Expect the Same Outcome After Total Hip Arthroplasty Compared to Those Who Have End-Stage Osteoarthritis? - A Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective procedure for patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, when hip preservation surgery is no longer indicated due to the presence of early or mild arthritic changes, THA can also be considered. Whether these patients can expect the same outcome after THA as patients who have end-stage OA remains unclear. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after THA of patients who have low-grade OA versus a matched cohort with end-stage OA. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center, multisurgeon case-control study in a high-volume referral center. Based on a cohort of 2,189 primary anterior approach THAs (1,815 patients), 50 low-grade OA cases were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and body mass index to 50 controls who have end-stage OA. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores and Short Form-36. RESULTS: No significant differences in preoperative PROMs between low-grade and end-stage OA patients were found, except for 36-item Short Form Survey pain (33.0 versus 41.0; P = .045). In both groups a significant improvement of all PROMs was found postoperatively. However, all Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores were significantly lower in the low-grade OA group compared to the end-stage OA group. In the group with low-grade OA, a significantly lower percentage of patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit after THA compared to the group with end-stage OA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have low-grade OA can expect substantial clinical improvement after THA. However, the improvement is lower compared to patients who have end-stage OA. A thorough understanding of the factors that may lead to inferior clinical outcomes is imperative to improving the indications for THA in individuals who have low-grade OA.

Clinical phenotypes and prognostic factors in persons with hip osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty: protocol for a longitudinal prospective cohort study (HIPPROCLIPS).

BACKGROUND: Large heterogeneity exists in the clinical manifestation of hip osteoarthritis (OA). It is therefore not surprising that pain and disability in individuals with hip OA and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) cannot be explained by biomedical variables alone. Indeed, also maladaptive pain-related cognitions and emotions can contribute to pain and disability, and can lead to poor treatment outcomes. Traumatic experiences, mental disorders, self-efficacy and social support can influence stress appraisal and strategies to cope with pain, but their influence on pain and disability has not yet been established in individuals with hip OA undergoing THA. This study aims (1) to determine the influence of traumatic experiences and mental disorders on pain processing before and shortly after THA (2) to identify preoperative clinical phenotypes in individuals with hip OA eligible for THA, (3) to identify pre- and early postoperative prognostic factors for outcomes in pain and disability after THA, and (4) to identify postoperative clinical phenotypes in individuals after THA. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal cohort study will investigate 200 individuals undergoing THA for hip OA. Phenotyping variables and candidate prognostic factors include pain-related fear-avoidance behaviour, perceived injustice, mental disorders, traumatic experiences, self-efficacy, and social support. Peripheral and central pain mechanisms will be assessed with thermal quantitative sensory testing. The primary outcome measure is the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score. Other outcome measures include performance-based measures, hip muscle strength, the patient-specific functional scale, pain intensity, global perceived effect, and outcome satisfaction. All these measurements will be performed before surgery, as well as 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery. Pain-related cognitions and emotions will additionally be assessed in the early postoperative phase, on the first, third, fifth, and seventh day after THA. Main statistical methods that will be used to answer the respective research questions include: LASSO regression, decision tree learning, gradient boosting algorithms, and recurrent neural networks. DISCUSSION: The identification of clinical phenotypes and prognostic factors for outcomes in pain and disability will be a first step towards pre- and postoperative precision medicine for individuals with hip OA undergoing THA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05265858. Registered on 04/03/2022.

The Safety and Efficacy of the Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty as per Body Mass Index.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with component malpositioning and increased revision risk after total hip arthroplasty (THA). With anterior approaches (AAs) becoming increasingly popular, the goal of this study was to assess whether clinical outcome post-AA-THA is affected by body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This multicenter, multisurgeon, consecutive case series used a prospective database of 1,784 AA-THAs (1,597 patients) through bikini (n = 1,172) or standard (n = 612) incisions. Mean age was 63 years (range, 20-94 years) and there were 57.5% women, who had a mean follow-up of 2.7 years (range, 2.0-4.1 years). Patients were classified into the following BMI groups: normal (BMI < 25.0; n = 572); overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9; n = 739); obese (BMI: 30.0-34.9; n = 330); and severely obese (BMI ≥ 35.0; n = 143). Outcomes evaluated included hip reconstruction (inclination/anteversion and leg-length, complications, and revision rates) and patient-reported outcomes including Oxford Hip Scores (OHS). RESULTS: Mean postoperative leg-length difference was 2.0 mm (range: -17.5 to 39.0) with a mean cup inclination of 34.8° (range, 14.0-58.0°) and anteversion of 20.3° (range, 8.0-38.6°). Radiographic measurements were similar between BMI groups (P = .1-.7). Complication and revision rates were 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively. The most common complications were fracture (0.7%), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (0.5%), and dislocation (0.5%). There was no difference in dislocation (P = .885) or fracture rates (P = .588) between BMI groups. There was a higher rate of wound complications (1.8%; P = .053) and PJIs (2.1%; P = .029) among obese and severely obese patients. Wound complications were less common among obese patients with the 'bikini' incision (odds ratio 2.7). Preoperative OHS was worse among the severely obese (P < .001), which showed similar improvements (Change in OHS; P = .144). CONCLUSION: AA-THA is a credible option for obese patients, with low dislocation or fracture risk and excellent ability to reconstruct the hip, leading to comparable functional improvements among BMI groups. Obese patients have a higher risk of PJIs. Bikini incision for AA-THA can help minimize the risk of wound complications.

Risk Factors for Iliopsoas Tendinopathy After Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Iliopsoas tendinopathy is a cause of groin pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the anterior approach becoming increasingly popular, our aim was to determine the prevalence of iliopsoas tendinopathy following anterior approach THA, to identify risk factors and to determine an influence on patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of prospectively recorded data on 2,120 primary anterior approach THA (1,815 patients). The diagnosis of iliopsoas tendinopathy was based on (1) persistent postoperative groin pain, triggered by hip flexion; (2) absence of dislocation, infection, loosening, or fracture; and (3) decrease of pain after fluoroscopy-guided iliopsoas tendon sheet injection with xylocaine and corticosteroid. Outcomes included hip reconstruction (inclination/anteversion and leg-length), complication rates, reoperation rates, and patient-reported outcomes including Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. RESULTS: Forty four patients (46 THAs) (2.2%) were diagnosed with iliopsoas tendinopathy. They were younger than patients who did not have iliopsoas tendinopathy (51 years [range, 27-76] versus 62 years [range, 20-90]; P < .001). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that younger age (P < .001) and presence of a spine fusion (P = .008) (odds ratio 4.6) were the significant predictors of iliopsoas tendinopathy. These patients had lower Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores, reported more often low back pain (odds ratio 4.8), and greater trochanter pain (odds ratio 5.4). CONCLUSION: We found an incidence of 2.2% of iliopsoas tendinopathy patients after anterior approach THA that compromised outcomes. Younger age and previous spine fusion were identified as most important risk factors. These patients were 5 times more likely to report low back pain and greater trochanter pain post-THA.

Movement Quality Parameters during Gait Assessed by a Single Accelerometer in Subjects with Osteoarthritis and Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

This study's aim is threefold: (I) Evaluate movement quality parameters of gait in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to asymptomatic controls from a single trunk-worn 3D accelerometer. (II) Evaluate the sensitivity of these parameters to capture changes at 6-weeks, 3-, 6-, and 12-months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). (III) Investigate whether observed changes in movement quality from 6-weeks and 12-months post-TKA relates to changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We invited 20 asymptomatic controls, 20 people with hip OA, 18 people pre- and post-TKA to our movement lap. They wore a single trunk-worn accelerometer and walked at a self-selected speed. Movement quality parameters (symmetry, complexity, smoothness, and dynamic stability) were calculated from the 3D acceleration signal. Between groups and between timepoints comparisons were made, and changes in movement quality were correlated with PROMs. We found significant differences in symmetry and stability in both OA groups. Post-TKA, most parameters reflected an initial decrease in movement quality at 6-weeks post-TKA, which mostly normalised 6-months post-TKA. Finally, improved movement quality relates to improvements in PROMs. Thus, a single accelerometer can characterise movement quality in both OA groups and post-TKA. The correlation shows the potential to monitor movement quality in a clinical setting to inform objective, data-driven personalised rehabilitation.

Extensile Direct Anterior Approach to the Hip for Severe Acetabular Defects.

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery is one of the most successful procedures in orthopaedics, the number of revision procedures is predicted to increase by 137% over the next two decades.1 Implant failure modes such as instability, infection, loosening, and wear are becoming more prevalent.2 Instability, infection, extensive bony defects, and soft-tissue damage are the most important concerns and complications associated with revision surgery. More than 50% of revisions involve the acetabular implant.2 Paprosky et al described a classification of acetabular defects that occur in cases of implant failure.3 Treating type 2 and 3 uncontained defects can be technically challenging because the surgeon has to use extensive reconstruction techniques to adequately restore the biomechanics of the hip, structural stability, and leg length. Furthermore, neurovascular structures can be in jeopardy when complex pelvic reconstructive procedures are being conducted. In an attempt to optimize the access to the pelvic bone, to minimize soft-tissue damage and to protect the pelvic neurovascular structures, we use an extensile anterior approach to the acetabulum. This approach has been described by Ganz et al to conduct periacetabular osteotomies (PAO).4,5 This approach uses the Smith Petersen interval and exposes the anterior column and the acetabulum along with its defects. To our knowledge, the approach has not been used or described yet to conduct complex reconstructive surgeries for extensive acetabular defects in THA. The following is a description of a modified extensile surgical technique for challenging acetabular defects that may be encountered in certain revision THA reconstructions, as well as certain primary THA. This is an enhanced technical description of a technique presented by these authors in a previously described series of 48 patients who underwent revision using these techniques.6.

Towards the Monitoring of Functional Status in a Free-Living Environment for People with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: Design and Evaluation of the JOLO Blended Care App.

(1) Background: Joint loading is an important parameter in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). However, calculating joint loading relies on the performance of an extensive biomechanical analysis, which is not possible to do in a free-living situation. We propose the concept and design of a novel blended-care app called JOLO (Joint Load) that combines free-living information on activity with lab-based measures of joint loading in order to estimate a subject's functional status. (2) Method: We used an iterative design process to evaluate the usability of the JOLO app through questionnaires. The user interfaces that resulted from the iterations are described and provide a concept for feedback on functional status. (3) Results: In total, 44 people (20 people with OA and 24 health-care providers) participated in the testing of the JOLO app. OA patients rated the latest version of the JOLO app as moderately useful. Therapists were predominantly positive; however, their intention to use JOLO was low due to technological issues. (4) Conclusion: We can conclude that JOLO is promising, but further technological improvements concerning activity recognition, the development of personalized joint loading predictions and a more comfortable means to carry the device are needed to facilitate its integration as a blended-care program.

What Can We Expect Following Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty on a Regular Operating Table? A Validation Study of an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm to Monitor Adverse Events in a High-Volume, Nonacademic Setting.

BACKGROUND: Quality monitoring is increasingly important to support and assure sustainability of the orthopedic practice. Surgeons in nonacademic settings often lack resources to accurately monitor quality of care. Widespread use of electronic medical records (EMR) provides easier access to medical information, facilitating its analysis. However, manual review of EMRs is highly inefficient. Artificial intelligence (AI) software allows for the development of algorithms for extracting relevant complications from EMRs. We hypothesized that an AI-supported algorithm for complication data extraction would have an accuracy level equal to or higher than manual review after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A total of 532 consecutive patients underwent 613 THA between January 1 and December 31, 2017. A random derivation cohort (100 patients, 115 hips) was used to determine accuracy. After generation of a gold standard, the algorithm was compared to manual extraction to validate performance in raw data extraction. The full cohort (532 patients, 613 hips) was used to determine recall, precision, and F-value. RESULTS: AI accuracy was 95.0%, compared to 94.5% for manual review (P = .69). Recall of 96.0% (84.0%-100%), precision of 88.0% (33%-100%) and F-measure of 0.85 (0.5-1) was achieved for all adverse events. No adverse events were recorded in 80.6%, 1.3% required reintervention and 18.1% had "transient" events. CONCLUSION: The use of an automated, AI-supported search algorithm for EMRs provided continuous feedback on the quality of care with a performance level comparable to manual data extraction, but with greater speed. New clinical information surfaced, as 18.1% of patients can be expected to have "transient" problems.

Is there a place for conservative treatment of a Vancouver B2 fracture around a cemented polished tapered stem?

Revision of the unstable stem of a total hip replacement following a peri-prosthetic fracture of the femur is a complex procedure with a high complication rate. With this study we aim to describe the radiologic findings of a specific fracture around polished tapered cemented stems and we present the results of a two- stage treatment plan for non-displaced Vancouver type B2 fractures. Eight male patients with a cemented polished, tapered stem presented after a fall. Standard radiographs did not show any direct signs of a fracture. CT scans showed a complex burst fracture with cement mantle cracks in all cases. Partial weight bearing with 2 crutches was initiated for at least 6 weeks. A cement- in-cement revision was conducted at 3 months in case the patient was not pain free. After 3 months of weight bearing as tolerated, none of the fractures had displaced any further, neither had the stem further subsided. Five patients were pain free and did not require surgical intervention. One patient underwent a cement-in-cement stem revision because of persistent pain. Normal radiographs of a post-traumatic and painful polished tapered stem do not exclude a Vancouver type B2 fracture and should be followed by a CT-scan. Cement cracks, eccentric gaps and subsidence are highly suspicious signs for a non-displaced fracture pattern. Conservative treatment remains an option for these fractures and can be followed by a cement- in-cement stem revision after fracture healing, if this is still required.

Distal Extension of the Direct Anterior Approach to the Hip: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach (DAA) is becoming more popular as the standard surgical approach for primary total hip arthroplasty. However, femoral complications of up to 2.8% have been reported. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to understand the periarticular neurovascular anatomy in order to safely deal with intraoperative complications. METHODS: Anatomic dissections were performed on 20 cadaveric hips. The neurovascular structures anterior to the femur and distal to the intertrochanteric line were dissected and its position was described in relation to anatomic landmarks easily identified through the DAA: anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), the insertion of the gluteus minimus (GM), and the lesser trochanter (LT). RESULTS: Two clearly distinguishable neurovascular bundles running to the vastus lateralis were seen in 17 of 20 specimens. The average distances to the landmarks were as follows: ASIS-1st bundle = 12.3 cm (range, 9.7-14.5); GM-1st bundle = 3.2 cm (range, 2.2-4); LT-1st bundle = 1.6 cm (range, 0.7-2.8); 1st bundle-2nd bundle = 3.3 cm (range, 1.8-6.1). CONCLUSION: A consistent pattern of 2 clearly distinguishable neurovascular bundles was seen in 85% of the specimens. Knowledge of the position of these neurovascular bundles in relation to the anatomic landmarks makes distal femoral extension of the DAA feasible. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety of the extensile anterior approach.

Distal Extension of the Anterior Approach to the Hip Using the Femoral Interbundle Technique: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach (DAA) is becoming more popular as the standard surgical approach for primary total hip arthroplasty. However, it has been associated with an increased incidence of intraoperative femoral fractures in particular during the learning curve. Distal extension of the approach may be needed in case of intraoperative complications. The aim of the present study is to describe the distal extension of the DAA using the femoral interbundle technique. METHODS: A stepwise approach based on a cadaveric study to extend the DAA distally is presented. The interval between the neurovascular bundles running to the vastus lateralis is used to gain access to the femur. Clinical and electromyography results of 5 patients undergoing a revision of the femoral component through an extended anterior approach are reported. RESULTS: In 2 cases, the proximal bundle was exposed whereas in 3 cases the interval between the proximal and distal bundle was developed and cerclage wires were applied around the isthmus of the femur. All fractures had healed at 6 months of follow-up. Four cases had a normal electromyography, and 1 case demonstrated a neuropraxia of a branch to the vastus lateralis. All cases had a 5/5 extension power of the quadriceps muscle clinically. CONCLUSION: The interbundle technique is an alternative way to gain additional exposure of the femur during the DAA and is based on precise knowledge of the periarticular neurovascular structures. This approach can be helpful to safely deal with intraoperative complications such as fractures requiring proximal femoral cerclage wiring during the anterior approach.

The Direct Anterior Approach for Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Extensile Acetabular Approach on a Regular Operating Room Table.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach on a regular operating room table has been reported with low dislocation rates. This might be beneficial for complex primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) such as in patients with cerebral palsy or following femoral or pelvic osteotomies. Extending the approach is often required to overcome problems such as acetabular deformities or severe contractures. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results and complications of 29 patients with 37 complex primary THA in which an extensile approach was used. The extensile approach is described. Functional scores were collected in case the patient was ambulatory independently (n = 17). RESULTS: The average age was 35 years (range 15-85) with a mean follow-up of 39 months (range 12-60). There were 3 (8%) intra-operative and 4 (11%) early post-operative complications (<3 months), of which 3 (8%) were anterior dislocations. Late complications (>3 months) consisted of a fibrous ingrown stem, a socket loosening following a pelvic fracture, and a late hematogenous infection (8%). Seventy-one percent of the complications occurred in the first 18 cases (49%) indicating a learning curve. The mean post-operative Harris Hip Score was 79 (range 56-97). CONCLUSION: Complex THA can be safely conducted through the extensile anterior approach on a regular operating room table with the use of conventional implants, even in cases with a high risk of dislocation.

Small interprosthetic gaps do not increase femoral peri-prosthetic fracture risk. An in vitro biomechanical analysis.

It has been hypothesized that the interprosthetic gap between ipsilateral hip and knee replacements acts as a stress riser affecting bone fracture behaviour. The aim of this study was to quantify femoral strength and fracture morphology for a wide range of interprosthetic gaps. Seven interprosthetic gaps (0-20cm) were created in artificial femora (N = 6-9/group). All specimens were loaded to failure following a compressive loading protocol. Fracture load and fracture morphology were recorded. Outcomes were compared to femora with a hip implant only (N = 6; reference group). Fracture load was highest for 0 cm gaps. All other interprosthetic gaps had fracture loads similar to that of the reference group. Fracture occurred most frequently with a medial butterfly fragment located at the tip of the hip stem.We conclude that small gaps do not act as stress risers. The specific fracture morphology may benefit from different treatment than peri-prosthetic hip fractures.

Distal biceps tendon repair: comparison of clinical and radiological outcome between bioabsorbable and nonabsorbable screws.

BACKGROUND: Distal biceps tendon repair to the radial tuberosity can be conducted by means of an interference screw in combination with a transosseous button. Bioabsorbable interference screws have been associated with complications such as severe osteolytic reactions. We questioned whether patients with a distal biceps tendon repair with bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide (PLLA) screws had different functional, clinical, and radiologic outcome than patients with nonabsorbable poly-ether ether ketone (PEEK) screws. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 23 patients with an acute distal biceps tendon rupture were treated with reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon in a bone tunnel at the radial tuberosity through a single anterior incision using a transosseous button combined with an interference screw. A PLLA screw was used in 12 patients and a PEEK screw in 11 patients. All patients were retrospectively evaluated with a minimal follow-up of 1 year clinically and by means of the visual analog scale for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure score. Bone tunnel volume was measured with computed tomography segmentation. RESULTS: Elbow mobility and arm and forearm circumference were symmetric for all patients. The visual analog scale for pain was 0.2 in the PLLA group and 0.7 in the PEEK group. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were 5.4 and 98.7 in the PLLA group vs. 3.1 and 95.9 in the PEEK group. Bone tunnel enlargement of 43% in the PLLA and 38% in the PEEK group was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and functional outcome at more than 1 year after distal biceps tendon repair was excellent in both groups. Bone tunnel widening occurred in all patients.

What is the best way to fix a polyurethane meniscal scaffold? A biomechanical evaluation of different fixation modes.

PURPOSE: Ingrowth of meniscal tissue into a meniscal scaffold can be optimized by securely fixing the scaffold into the meniscal remnants. The purpose of this research was to test and compare commonly used suture types and suture materials to fix a meniscal scaffold. METHODS: Forty fresh porcine menisci were used. All tests used the same polyurethane-based scaffold. The load to failure of horizontal, vertical and diagonal sutures with PDS 0 and with Ethibond 0, and diagonal sutures with Ultra Fast-Fix(®) and Sequent(®) to fix a meniscal scaffold were tested. Five tests were conducted for each configuration. RESULTS: All constructs failed in the scaffold at a mean pullout force of 50.6 N (SD 12.7). Inferior results were noted for vertical sutures (40.1 N, SD 6.3) compared to horizontal (49.8 N, SD 5.5, p = 0.0007) and diagonal (51.7 N, SD 15.6, p = 0.024) sutures and for Ethibond 0 (41.4 N, SD 6.2) compared to PDS 0 (51.3 N, SD 12.9, p = 0.001). When comparing the diagonal suture placements, only Ethibond 0 (42.9 N, SD 5.4) showed significantly inferior results compared to PDS 0 (60.1 N, SD 16.9, p = 0.03), Ultra Fast-Fix(®) (60.1 N, SD 9.3, p = 0.004) and Sequent(®) (65.8 N, SD 4.4, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The most common failure mode when fixing a polyurethane-based meniscal scaffold is suture pull-through of the scaffold in the distraction mode. This happens at a rather low pullout force and might preclude the use of this scaffold clinically. Vertical sutures and Ethibond 0 multifilament braided sutures fail at lower forces, and the tested commercial devices show promising results.

Pericapsular nerve group block: a 3D CT scan imaging study to determine the spread of injectate.

BACKGROUND: Current understanding of the mechanism of action of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is primarily based on cadaver studies. We performed an imaging study in patients undergoing hip surgery to enhance the understanding of the analgesic mechanisms following a PENG block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients scheduled for hip surgery received an ultrasound-guided PENG block with 18 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine mixed with 2 mL of a contrast agent. After completion of the block, a high-resolution CT scan was performed to obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the injectate's dispersion. RESULTS: The CT imaging revealed that injectate was mainly confined to the epimysium of the iliacus and the psoas muscle, with a minor spread to the hip capsule. Contrast dye was detected within the iliacus and/or the psoas muscle in all patients. No observed spread to either the subpectineal plane or the obturator foramen was detected. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the analgesic effect of the PENG block may be related to the block of the branches of the femoral nerve traveling within the iliopsoas muscle without a spread pattern commensurate with the block of the obturator nerve. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT06062134).

The incidence of knee and anterior cruciate ligament injuries over one decade in the Belgian Soccer League.

In an epidemiological study we assessed the evolution in the incidence and possible risk factors of knee injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, in Belgian soccer over one decade. Two soccer seasons (1999-2000 and 2009-2010) were compared and 56,364 injury reports registered by the KBVB-URBSFA were retrieved. Knee injuries totaled 9.971 cases, 5.495 in the first season (1999-2000) and 4.476 in the second (2009-2010): a significant decrease in incidence from 1.5 per 100 players in 2000 to 1.2 knee injuries in 2010. Six percent of all knee injuries were ACL injuries. The reported incidence of ACL tears slightly increased from 0.081 to 0.084 per 100 players. Female gender, competition and age over 18 years were prognosticators for ACL injuries. Enhanced prevention programs for ACL injuries, especially in those sports groups are warranted.

The effect of spinal versus general anaesthesia on perioperative muscle weakness in patients having bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a single center randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative neuro-endocrine stress response may contribute to acquired muscle weakness. Regional anaesthesia has been reported to improve the outcome of patients having total hip arthroplasty. In this study, it was hypothesized that spinal anaesthesia (SA) decreases the perioperative neuro-endocrine stress response and perioperatively acquired muscle weakness (PAMW), as compared to general anaesthesia (GA). METHODS: Fifty subjects undergoing bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomly allocated to receive a standardized SA (n = 25) or GA (n = 25). Handgrip strength was assessed preoperatively, on the first postoperative day (primary endpoint) and on day 7 and 28. Respiratory muscle strength was measured by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Stress response was assessed by measuring levels of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: Handgrip strength postoperatively (day 1) decreased by 5.4 ± 15.9% in the SA group, versus 15.2 ± 11.7% in the GA group (p = 0.02). The handgrip strength returned to baseline at day 7 and did not differ between groups at day 28. MIP increased postoperatively in patients randomized to SA by 11.7 ± 48.3%, whereas it decreased in GA by 12.2 ± 19.9% (p = 0.04). On day 7, MIP increased in both groups, but more in the SA (49.0 ± 47.8%) than in the GA group (14.2 ± 32.1%) (p = 0.006). Postoperatively, the levels of ACTH, cortisol and IL-6 increased in the GA, but not in the SA group (p < 0.004). CONCLUSION: In patients having bilateral THA, SA preserved the postoperative respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and attenuated the neuro-endocrine and inflammatory responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03600454.

The biomechanical fingerprint of hip and knee osteoarthritis patients during activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease affecting the hip and knee joint and is characterized by load-mediated pain and decreased quality of life. Dependent on involved joint, patients present antalgic movement compensations, aiming to decrease loading on the involved joint. However, the associated alterations in mechanical loading of the ipsi- and contra-lateral lower limb joints, are less documented. Here, we documented the biomechanical fingerprint of end-stage hip and knee osteoarthritis patients in terms of ipsilateral and contralateral hip and knee loading during walking and stair ambulation. METHODS: Three-dimensional motion-analysis was performed in 20 hip, 18 knee osteoarthritis patients and 12 controls during level walking and stair ambulation. Joint contact forces were calculated using a standard musculoskeletal modelling workflow in Opensim. Involved and contralateral hip and knee joint loading was compared against healthy controls using independent t-tests (p < 0.05). FINDINGS: Both hip and knee cohorts significantly decreased loading of the involved joint during gait and stair ambulation. Hip osteoarthritis patients presented no signs of ipsilateral knee nor contralateral leg overloading, during walking and stair ascending. However, knee osteoarthritis patients significantly increased loading at the ipsilateral hip, and contralateral hip and knee joints during stair ambulation compared to controls. INTERPRETATION: The biomechanical fingerprint in knee and hip osteoarthritis patients confirmed antalgic movement strategies to unload the involved leg during gait. Only during stair ambulation in knee osteoarthritis patients, movement adaptations were confirmed that induced unbalanced intra- and inter-limb loading conditions, which are known risk factors for secondary osteoarthritis.

The development and measurement properties of the Dutch version of the fear-avoidance components scale (FACS-D) in persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVES: The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) is a recently developed patient-reported instrument assessing different constructs related to the fear-avoidance model of pain. The aim was to translate the original English FACS into Dutch (FACS-D) and assess its measurement properties in persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: The original English FACS (20 item-scale, range: 0-100) was translated in Dutch through standard forward-backward translation methodology. The FACS-D's measurement properties were evaluated in 224 persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and measurement error were assessed with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and standard error of measurement (SEM). Construct validity was assessed through inter-item correlation analyses, exploratory factor analysis, association with other fear-avoidance-related constructs, and hypothesis testing. RESULTS: Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and hypotheses testing were good (α=0.92; ICC=0.92, CI 0.80-0.96; 7/8 hypotheses confirmed). Similar to the original FACS and other translated versions, a two-factor model best fit the data. However, the item distribution differed from other versions. One factor represented "pain-related cognitions and emotions" and a second factor represented "avoidance behaviour." In contrast to the original FACS, low inter-item correlations for item 12 were found. The FACS-D was more strongly associated with fear-avoidance-related constructs of pain severity, perceived disability, feelings of injustice, and depressive/anxiety symptoms than the other fear-avoidance-related scales studied here. CONCLUSIONS: The FACS-D demonstrated good reliability and construct validity, suggesting that it may be a useful measure for Dutch-speaking healthcare providers. Two clinically relevant factors, with a different item distribution than the original FACS, were identified: one covering items on pain-related cognitions and emotions, and one covering items on avoidance behaviour. The stronger association between FACS-D and fear-avoidance related constructs suggests that the FACS-D may be more effective in evaluating the cognitive, emotional and behavioural constructs of pain-related fear-avoidance than other similar measures.