In meeting the increasing demands for total knee arthroplasty, can we achieve high levels of quality care in a small community hospital? A mixed-methods study.

Purpose: Small community hospitals (SCHs) help meet the demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This mixed-methods study compares outcomes and analyses of environmental differences following TKA at a SCH and a tertiary care hospital (TCH). Methods: Quantitative: A retrospective review of 352 propensity-matched primary TKA procedures at both a SCH and a TCH, based on age, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class, was completed. Groups were compared by length of stay (LOS), 90-day emergency department visits, 90-day readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. Qualitative: Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, seven prospective semistructured interviews were performed. Interview transcripts were coded and belief statements were generated and summarized by two reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: Quantitative: The average LOS for the SCH was significantly shorter than that for the TCH (2.0 ± 0.2 vs. 3.6 ± 2.7 days; p < 0.001), a difference that persisted following a subgroup analysis of ASA I/II patients (2.0 ± 0.2 vs. 3.2 ± 2.2; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other outcomes. Qualitative: The main themes that revolved around a higher case load for physiotherapy at the TCH resulted in patients waiting longer to be mobilized after surgery. Patient disposition also affected their discharge rates. Conclusion: Given the increasing demand for TKA, the SCH represents a viable option to increase capacity, while reducing LOS. Future directions to reduce LOS include addressing social barriers to discharge and patient prioritization for assessment by allied health services. When TKA is performed by the same set of surgeons, the SCH provides quality care with a shorter LOS and comparable with urban hospitals, and this can be attributed to the differences in resource utilization in the two hospital settings.

Midterm Outcomes in Lateral Unicompartment Knee Replacement: The Effect of Patient Age and Bearing Choice.

Isolated lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects between 7 and 10% of patients with knee OA. Although lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an accepted treatment to manage this condition, it is performed relatively infrequently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term survivorship, radiographic outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive isolated lateral UKAs performed by a single surgeon at an academic institution between September 2007 and December 2015. Our primary outcome was failure defined as revision surgery to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary outcomes included any additional surgery for any other reason. Forty-nine consecutive patients (27 females) with median age of 54.7 years (45.2-82.2) met the inclusion criteria. The survival rate for the whole cohort was 86.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.2-99.0) at 10 years as defined by conversion to TKA. There were a total of four lateral UKAs (all mobile bearings) revised to TKAs. The entire cohort demonstrated statistically significant improvements from preoperative PROMs compared with the most recent postoperative PROMs including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Tegner activity scale at a median 8.8 (1.7-12.2) years follow-up. Patients with mobile bearing underwent higher revision to TKA and reoperation for all indications compared with fixed-bearing lateral UKA. In this relatively young cohort, lateral UKA yielded acceptable long-term survival and satisfactory improvement in functional outcomes. Patients who had fixed-bearing implants had similar improvement and trended toward lower revision rates than those with mobile-bearing implants. Level III therapeutic: retrospective Study was performed.

Feasibility of a preoperative strengthening exercise program on postoperative function in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting results on the effect of preoperative exercise programs on long-term function and little evidence on short-term function. The aim is to assess the feasibility of a preoperative strengthening exercise program in patients undergoing hip or knee joint arthroplasty in terms of trial design, recruitment, and follow-up rates. METHODS: A randomized controlled feasibility study with patients undergoing hip or knee joint arthroplasty. Patients were randomized to a preoperative strengthening exercise program or standard of care. Feasibility outcome measures were recruitment rate (≥ 50%) and loss to follow-up (≤ 15%). RESULTS: Of the 129 eligible participants, 63 participants consented to participate in the study (49%), and 27 were successfully randomized prior to surgery (43%). All 27 participants completed the baseline assessment. Of these, 6 (22%) had surgery during the exercise period. Of the remaining 21 participants, 20 (95%) completed the pre-surgery assessment. The study was terminated before five participants could be eligible for the 6-month assessment. Sixteen (76%) participants completed the 6-week post-surgery assessment. Twelve participants completed the 6-month assessment (75%). CONCLUSION: Given the recruitment rate, randomization barriers, and study participant loss to follow-up, the study was discontinued since it was not considered feasible in this current form at our clinical site despite modifications made to the protocol. Future investigations into a modified intervention via telerehabilitation should be explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03483519 . Retrospectively registered in March 2018.

Barriers and Enablers to Early Identification, Referral and Access to Geriatric Rehabilitation Post-Hip Fracture: A Theory-Based Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Background: Geriatric hip fracture patients often experience gaps in care including variability in the timing and the choice of an appropriate setting for rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery. Many guidelines recommend standardized processes, including timely access of no later than day 6 to rehabilitation services. A pathway for early identification, referral and access to geriatric rehabilitation post-hip fracture was created to facilitate the implementation. The study aimed to describe the barriers and enablers prior to the implementation of this pathway. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study consisting of semi-structured interviews with geriatric hip fracture patients (n = 8), caregivers (n = 1), administrators (n = 12) and clinicians (n = 17) in 2 orthopaedics units and a geriatric rehabilitation service. Responses were analysed using a systematic approach, and overarching themes describing the barriers and enablers were identified. Results: The clinicians' and administrators' top barriers to implementation of the pathway were competing demands (n = 24); lack of bed availability, community resources and funding (n = 19); and the need for extended hours and increased staff (n = 16). The top 3 enablers were clear communication with patients (n = 27), awareness of the benefits of geriatric rehabilitation (n = 24) and the need for education and resources to properly use the pathway (n = 15). Common barriers among patients and caregivers included lack of care coordination, overcoming some of their own specific challenges during their transition, gaps in the information they received before discharge, not knowing what questions to ask and lack of resources. Despite these barriers, patients were generally pleased with their transition from the hospital to geriatric rehabilitation. Conclusion: We identified and described key barriers and enablers to early identification, referral and access to geriatric rehabilitation post-hip fracture. These influencing factors provide a basis for the development of a standardized pathway aimed at improving access to rehabilitative care for geriatric hip fracture patients.

Instability after hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: an unresolved problem.

BACKGROUND: The dislocated hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) remains a difficult condition to treat owing to frailty, comorbidity, poor quality of bone and soft tissues. We aimed to identify parameters contributing to instability following hip HA and describe the operative management and patient outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of all patients with hip fracture treated between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary care institution. We propensity matched patients with and without hip dislocations on a 1:2 basis for age, sex, and approach. We reviewed risk factors for HA dislocation, performed radiographic measurements, and recorded management of dislocation and further complications. RESULTS: Of the 1472 patients treated with HA, we included 18 patients (1.2%) who sustained at least 1 dislocation in our analysis. Of the dislocations identified, 13 and 17 occurred within 1 and 3 months postoperative, respectively. The presence of dementia and low preoperative lateral centre-edge angle were associated with increased risk of dislocation. The 2-year mortality rate was significantly higher in the dislocation group (n = 9) than the control group (n = 2) (p = 0.0003). Nine of 18 (50%) patients were treated with an initial closed reduction; 5 of these 9 (56%) sustained further dislocations and required additional treatment. Six of 18 cases were treated with a total hip arthroplasty after their first dislocation. By final follow-up, 2 of 18 patients had Girdlestone procedures. CONCLUSION: This study highlights patient factors associated with increased dislocation risk following hip HA. A thorough preoperative assessment is indicated when presented with dislocated HA to prevent further complications.

Evaluation of Safety and Medium-Term Functional Outcomes of a Medial Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty with Ultra-Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo safety of a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty design with sequentially annealed cross-linked polyethylene by evaluating reoperation rate, in particular those related to excessive polyethylene wear or breakage. The secondary objective was to examine functional outcomes via standardized questionnaires. This was a 5-year institutional review board-approved prospective single-surgeon case series of the first 152 consecutive patients with symptomatic medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis implanted with a partial knee replacement between May 2010 and December 2014. Study participants were asked to complete the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthrtis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires at preoperation and 2 to 5 years postoperation. Major complications and all reoperations were recorded and we produced Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves with the end point of revision to TKA. Pre- and postoperative differences for KOOS and WOMAC were evaluated by paired t-tests. The median length of follow-up was 7.2 (0-9.72) years. Seven patients required revision surgery to TKA (4.9% of patients): four with progression of arthritis in other compartments, two for infection, and one for loosening of the femoral component and subsequent progression of pain. There were no failures of polyethylene. Survival of cohort was 99.3 and 97.9% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Patients significantly improved (p-value < 0.001) between preoperative assessment and at 2 years, with no decline at 5 years postoperation. These preliminary midterm results with this fixed-bearing design and cross-linked polyethylene were encouraging with no catastrophic failures of polyethylene. Patient reported outcomes were significantly improved and revision rates were acceptable and lower than registry reported results.

Radiographic assessment of the dynasty biofoam acetabular component with a minimum 2 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular components utilising novel ultraporous metal matrices have been recently introduced into clinical practice with improved interference fit, decreased stress shielding, and hope for more reliable osseointegration. 1 such example is the Dynasty Biofoam cup, which has been in clinical use for over a decade but has few reports documenting its clinical and radiographic performance. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study was performed evaluating 96 Dynasty Biofoam acetabular components implanted between March 2010 and August 2014 with minimum 2-year radiographic follow-up. Patients that received components for revision surgery or that had early complications postoperatively (femur fracture, prosthetic infection) were excluded. Biofoam patients were compared to 96 patients that received the Trident PSL acetabular component and were matched for age, gender, and BMI. Patient reported outcomes, component position and radiographic features of cup loosening, including radiolucent lines and sclerosis were compared among groups. RESULTS: Patient-reported outcomes at 2 years were similar among groups. Cup anteversion was similar but inclination was significantly greater in the Biofoam group (p = 0.006). A significantly greater number of Biofoam components exhibited 2-zone (27.2%) and 3-zone (12.0%) radiolucencies compared to 0% of the Trident shells (p < 0.05). 2 Biofoam cups were revised for aseptic loosening compared to no Trident cups (p = 0.49). DISCUSSION: Despite adequate implant survivorship, over a quarter of Biofoam cups had 2 or more radiolucent zones in early follow-up. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if the aseptic revision rate for this cup will increase.

Spinal pathology and outcome post-THA: does segment of arthrodesis matter?

INTRODUCTION: The presence of lumbar spine arthrodesis (SA) is associated with abnormal spinopelvic characteristics and inferior outcome post total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, whether patients with upper segment SA are also at increased risk of complications is unknown. This study aims to (1) determine if upper segment SA is associated with inferior THA outcomes; (2) assess spino-pelvic characteristics; and (3) test whether static or dynamic spinopelvic characteristics correlate with outcome post-THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, case-matched, cohort study from a tertiary referral centre, 40 patients (59 hips) that had undergone both THA and any level of spinal arthrodesis (49 THA-Lumb and 10 THA-Cerv) were compared with 41 patients (59 hips) who had THA-only without known spinal pathology. Spino-pelvic characteristics [including severity of Degenerative-Disc-Disease (DDD); spinal balance and stiffness] and outcome, including patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), at minimum of 1-year post-THA were assessed. RESULTS: THA-Lumb and THA-Cerv groups had greater number of complications and inferior hip and spinal PROMs compared to THA-Only (p < 0.001). Similar spinopelvic characteristics were seen between the THA-Cerv and THA-Lumb, which were significantly different to the THA-only group. The presence of DDD and unbalanced or stiff spine was associated with increased dislocation and inferior PROMs in the whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS: THA in the presence of SA, regardless of level, is associated with inferior outcomes and an increased risk for dislocation. The presence of a SA is associated with increased risk of adverse spinopelvic characteristics. Such characteristics were strongly associated with increased dislocation-risk and inferior PROMs. It is likely that these adverse characteristics are the most important adverse predictor, rather than segment of SA per se.

Outcome After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Assess outcomes of acetabular open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the elderly, (2) investigate factors influencing outcome, and (3) compare outcomes after low-energy and high-energy mechanisms of injury. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight patients older than 60 years (age: 70.1 ± 7.4; 73.1% males). INTERVENTION: ORIF for acetabular fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Complications, reoperation rates, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and joint preservation and development of symptomatic osteoarthritis. Cases with osteoarthritis, OHS < 34, and those who required subsequent total hip arthroplasty were considered as poor outcome. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 3.7 years, 11 cases post-ORIF required a total hip arthroplasty. The 7-year joint survival post-ORIF was 80.7 ± 5.7%. Considering poor outcome as failure, the 7-year joint survival was 67.0 ± 8.9%. The grade of reduction was the most significant factor associated with outcome post-ORIF. Female sex (P = 0.03), pre-existing osteoporosis (P = 0.03), low-energy trauma (P = 0.04), and Matta grade (P = 0.002) were associated with poor outcome. Patients with associated both-column fractures were more likely to have nonanatomic reduction (P = 0.008). After low-energy trauma, joint survivorship was 36.6 ± 13.5% at 7 years compared with 75.4 ± 7.4% in the high-energy group when considering poor outcome as an end point (log rank P = 0.006). The cohort's mean OHS was 37.9 ± 9.3 (17-48). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend ORIF whenever an anatomic reduction is feasible. However, achievement and maintenance of anatomic reduction are a challenge in the elderly, specifically in those with low-energy fractures involving both columns, prompting consideration for alternative management strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Urinary catheter use in patients with hip fracture: Are current guidelines appropriate? A retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for urinary catheterization in patients with hip fracture recommend limiting catheter use and using intermittent catheterization preferentially to avoid complications such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and postoperative urinary retention (POUR). We aimed to compare current practices to clinical guidelines, describe the incidence of POUR and UTI, and determine factors that increase the risk of these complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with hip fracture who presented to a single large tertiary care centre in southeastern Ontario between November 2015 and October 2017. Data collected included comorbidities, catheter use and length of stay. We compared catheter use to guidelines, and investigated the incidence of and risk factors for POUR and UTI. RESULTS: We reviewed the charts of 583 patients, of whom 450 (77.2%) were treated with a catheter, primarily indwelling (416 [92.4%]). Postoperative urinary retention developed in 98 patients (16.8%); however, it did not affect length of stay (p = 0.2). Patients with indwelling catheters for more than 24 hours after surgery had a higher incidence of POUR than those who had their catheter removed before 24 hours (65/330 [19.7%] v. 10/98 [10.2%]) (odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-4.38). A UTI developed postoperatively in 62 patients (10.6%). Catheter use was associated with a 6.6-fold increased risk of UTI (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.03-21.4). Patients with indwelling catheters did not have a significantly higher incidence of UTI than those with intermittent catheterization (57/416 [13.7%] v. 2/34 [5.9%]) (p = 0.2). Patients who developed a UTI had significantly longer catheter use than patients who did not (p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: Indwelling catheters were used frequently, which suggests low compliance with clinical guidelines. Longer duration of catheter use led to higher rates of UTI and POUR. Further investigation of the reasons for the common use of indwelling rather than intermittent catheterization is needed.

Scaphoid Excision and Bicolumnar Carpal Fusion with Retrograde Headless Screws.

Background/Purpose Scaphoid excision and partial wrist fusion is used for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse/scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report midterm functional and radiographic outcomes in a series of patients who underwent bicolumnar fusion of the lunocapitate and triquetrohamate joints using retrograde headless screws. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients (25 wrists) underwent surgery with this technique from January 2014 to May 2017 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Assessment consisted of range of motion, grip, and pinch strength. Patient-reported outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores. Fusion rates and the radiolunate joint were evaluated radiographically. The relationship between wrist range of motion and midcarpal fusion angle (neutral position vs. extended capitolunate fusion angle > 20 degrees) was analyzed. Results Average follow-up was 18 months. Mean wrist extension was 41 degrees, flexion 36 degrees, and radial-ulnar deviation arc was 43 degrees. Grip strength was 39 kg and pinch 9 kg. Residual pain for activities of daily living was 1.6 (visual analog scale). The mean DASH and PRWE scores were 19 ± 16 and 28 ± 18, respectively. Patients with an extended capitolunate fusion angle trended toward more wrist extension but this did not reach statistical significance ( p = 0.17). Conclusions With retrograde headless compression screws, the proximal articular surface of the lunate is not violated, preserving the residual load-bearing articulation. Patients maintained a functional flexion-extension arc of motion with grip-pinch strength close to normal. Capitolunate fusion angle greater than 20 degrees may provide more wrist extension but further studies are needed to demonstrate this. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Hueter Anterior Approach for Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty: 555 Cases at a Minimum Five-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Purpose of this study was to determine implant survivorship and resultant outcomes, including modes of failure, for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing through the Hueter anterior approach (HAA). METHODS: Retrospective review of cases from 2006 to 2015, resulted in 555 metal-on-metal hip resurfacing via HAA, mean age 49.4 ± 6.9 years and mean BMI 28.1 ± 5.3. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess implant survivorship. Evaluation of technique was based on radiographic assessment of component position at 6 weeks. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using 12-Item Short Form Survey 12, University of California Los Angeles activity, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and hip disability osteoarthritis outcome scores. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 9.18 years, survivorship was 95.0% at 5 years (95% CI: 93.2-96.8 years) and 92.5% at 10 years (95% CI: 90.0-95.0 years); men at 96.1% (95% CI: 94.3-97.9) and 93.8% (95% CI: 91.1-96.5), and women at 88.8% (95% CI: 81.9-95.7) and 85.6% (95% CI: 77.6-93.6), 5 and 10 years, respectively (P = .033). There were 37 revisions to total hips (7%) at a mean time of 3.3 years (SD 2.7). Indications for revision were aseptic loosening of acetabular (n = 12) and femoral component (n = 7) and pseudotumor (n = 6). Radiographic parameters were respectable and consistent, median acetabular inclination angle 41.2° and femoral stem shaft angle 137.7°. Patient-reported outcome measure scores significantly improved and remained stable at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although choice of surgical approach should always be based on surgeon's technical expertise, this study has shown that HAA is safe and effective for hip resurfacing. Mindful attention to long-term metal ion exposure must still be considered.

Preventing hip fractures with multidisciplinary teams: a Canadian perspective.

Fragility fractures (FFs) are low-energy trauma fractures that occur at or below standing height. Among FFs, hip fractures are associated with the greatest morbidity, mortality and cost to Canadian health care systems. This review highlights the current state of medical care for hip fractures in Canada, with specific focus on the role of the multidisciplinary team. Gaps in care exist, as FFs represent a unique challenge requiring both acute and chronic management. Furthermore, there is a lack of ownership of FFs by a medical specialty. These gaps can be addressed through the use of multidisciplinary teams, which have been shown to be efficacious and cost-effective. This model of care also addresses numerous patient-identified barriers to treatment, including inadequate patient counselling. However, there is still room for improvement in both the identification of patients at risk for hip fracture and patient adherence to therapy.

Les fractures de fragilisation (FF) sont des fractures qui surviennent lors d'un traumatisme léger se produisant depuis la position debout ou d'une hauteur moindre. Les fractures de la hanche sont les FF associées aux plus grands taux de morbidité et de mortalité et aux plus grands coûts pour les systèmes de santé au Canada. La présente revue s'intéresse à l'état actuel des soins médicaux pour une fracture de la hanche au pays et porte une attention spéciale au rôle de l'équipe multidisciplinaire. Des lacunes dans les soins existent et sont mises en évidence par les FF, qui posent un défi bien particulier en nécessitant une prise en charge à la fois aiguë et chronique. De plus, cette prise en charge ne relève d'aucune spécialité médicale. La correction de ces lacunes peut passer par le recours aux équipes multidisciplinaires, dont l'efficacité et la rentabilité ont été démontrées. Ce modèle de soins élimine également de nombreux obstacles au traitement signalés par les patients, y compris le counseling inadéquat. Des améliorations sont néanmoins encore nécessaires dans l'identification des patients à risque de fracture de la hanche et dans l'observance du traitement.

Mid-Term Evaluation of the Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with BMI of 40 or Greater.

Limited evidence is available on mid-term follow-up for patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 receiving a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The primary objective of this study was to investigate survival of the UKA in patients with BMI ≥ 40. Secondary objectives were to assess functional and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Survival analysis with endpoint revision of any component for any reason was conducted using Kaplan-Meier technique on 121 knees (103 patients) that underwent UKA with Oxford Phase 3 implant (Oxford Knee, Biomet, Swindon, United Kingdom) between September 2001 and March 2014 by seven surgeons. Survivorship differences were compared using Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) tests, and Cox Proportional Hazard Model was used to assess predictors of failure. Preoperative PROMs were compared at 2 and 5 years postoperatively using paired t-tests. Mean age of patients was 58 years (43-75), mean BMI 43 kg/m2 (40-51), and mean follow-up 7 years (2 months to 15 years). Survival rate for the whole cohort was 92% at 2 years and 86% at 5 years. Females had a significantly higher revision rate than males (p = 0.043). A total of 19 knees required revision (16 to TKA, 2 polyethylene liner exchanges, and 1 femoral component and liner revision). With respect to PROMs, there was a significant improvement at 2 and 5 years (p < 0.001) on 4 of 5 knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score subscales. The mid-term survival rate for the Oxford UKA in patients with morbid obesity is similar to that of other nondesigner patient series with BMI ≥ 30, which provides further evidence for the safety of the implant in this patient population with significant improvements on PROMs at short and mid-term follow-up.

Pharmacological prevention of fractures in patients undergoing glucocorticoid therapies: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) on the efficacy of antiosteoporotic interventions in the prevention of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in adult patients taking glucocorticoids (GCs). METHODS: We performed NMAs based on a prospectively developed protocol. A librarian-assisted database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Chinese databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antiosteoporotic interventions in adult patients taking GCs. Outcomes were vertebral and non-vertebral fracture incidences. RESULTS: We included 56 RCTs containing 6479 eligible patients in our analysis. We found that alendronate and teriparatide were associated with decreased odds of both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Denosumab and risedronate were associated with decreased odds of vertebral fractures, while etidronate, ibandronate and alfacalcidol were associated with decreased odds of non-vertebral fractures. We observed low network heterogeneity as indicated by the I2 statistic, and we did not detect evidence of publication bias. All outcomes were based on a moderate quality of evidence according to GRADE. CONCLUSION: Bisphosphonates, teriparatide and denosumab are associated with decreased odds of fracture in patients undergoing GC therapy. Vitamin D metabolites and analogues (e.g. alfacalcidol) may have greater anti-fracture efficacy compared with plain vitamin D. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)-CRD42019127073.

Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral Versus Unilateral Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on patient safety after single-stage bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the anterior approach (AA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare length of stay (LOS), operative time, 90-day adverse events, 90-day readmission rate, and 1-year revision rate after single-stage bilateral and unilateral THA in matched patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective matched cohort study of prospectively collected data from 2008 to 2018 of a single-surgeon practice. We used the built-in propensity score matching formula in SPSS software and matched bilateral and unilateral patient groups on the relevant covariates of age, sex, and body mass index. This resulted in 60 patients undergoing bilateral THA and 60 patients undergoing unilateral THA. RESULTS: The average LOS was 4.7 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 5 days; range, 2 to 21 days) after bilateral THA and 3.0 days (IQR, 2 to 4 days; range, 1 to 13 days) after unilateral THA (p < 0.001). The mean operative time was 140 minutes for bilateral THA and 69 minutes for unilateral THA (p < 0.001). The adverse event rate was 6.7% after bilateral THA and 5.0% after unilateral THA (p = 0.660). The 90-day readmission rate was 3.3% after bilateral THA and 5.0% after unilateral THA (p = 0.321), which also accounted for all of the revisions within the first year. CONCLUSIONS: When considering single-stage versus staged bilateral AA total hip replacement, patients can expect the same clinical outcome. Because the operative time is longer with bilateral THA, the main advantages are that the patient avoids a second anesthesia session and has an overall shorter recovery time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does Functional Cup Orientation Change at Minimum of 10 Years After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Cup orientation has been shown to influence the postoperative risk of impingement and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and may change over time due to changes in pelvic tilt that occur with aging. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant change in acetabular cup inclination and anteversion over a 10-year period following THA. METHODS: A retrospective, multisurgeon, single-center cohort study was conducted of 46 patients that underwent THA between 1995 and 2002. A total of 46 patients were included, with a median age at surgery of 56 years, and a median time between initial postoperative radiograph and the most recent one being 13.5 years (minimum 10 years). Cup orientation was measured from postoperative and follow-up supine anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs. Using a validated software, inclination and anteversion were calculated at each interval and the change in cup anteversion and inclination angle was determined. Furthermore, the difference in the sacro-femoral-pubic angle was measured, reflecting the difference in pelvic tilt between intervals. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between measurements taken from initial postoperative radiograph and measurements a minimum of 10 years later (P > .45), with the median (interquartile range) change in anteversion, inclination, and sacro-femoral-pubic being 0° (-1° to 3°), 1° (-3° to 2°), and 0° (-2° to 3°), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study found no significant change in functional cup orientation a minimum of 10 years after THA. No shifts in functional cup orientation as a result of altering spinopelvic alignment seemed to be present over a 10-year period.

Does surgical approach influence mid- to long-term patient-reported outcomes after primary total hip replacement? A comparison of the 3 main surgical approaches.

Background: The most effective surgical approach to total hip replacement (THR) remains controversial. Most studies that have compared approaches have reported only short-term outcome data. It is therefore unclear in the literature if a particular surgical approach offers long-term advantages. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the 3 main surgical approaches to THR on patient-reported outcomes 5 years after surgery. Methods: All patients who underwent a THR for osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis between 2008 and 2012 by an anterior, posterior or lateral approach at The Ottawa Hospital in Ontario, Canada, were included in the study. All preoperative and postoperative scores for the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires were recorded. Analysis of covariance was used to study the relationship between the amount of change in scores on the HOOS and WOMAC subscales (dependent variables) and the surgical approach. The confounding factors of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, Charnley classification and body mass index were included in the analysis. Results: There were 138 patients (37.6%) in the posterior approach group, 104 (28.3%) in the lateral approach group and 125 (34.1%) in the anterior approach group. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in terms of Charnley classification, body mass index, sex, ASA class, surgical side and preoperative functional scores. We did not observe any significant differences in the amount of change in the scores for HOOS and WOMAC subscales among the 3 groups. There were also no differences in the final postoperative scores. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the choice of surgical approach in primary THR surgery without revision has no influence on functional outcomes and quality of life after 5 years. Further studies are needed to assess how patient age and sex may influence the functional outcome of individual surgical approaches.

Contexte: L'approche chirurgicale la plus efficace pour l'arthroplastie totale de la hanche (ATH) n'a pas été déterminée. La plupart des études qui ont comparé les différentes approches n'ont fait état que de données à court terme. Donc, la littérature nous renseigne peu sur leurs bienfaits à long terme. Le but de cette étude est de vérifier l'effet des 3 principales approches chirurgicales pour l'ATH sur les paramètres rapportés par les patients 5 ans après la chirurgie. Méthodes: Tous les patients soumis à une ATH pour arthrose ou ostéonécrose entre 2008 et 2012 par approche antérieure, postérieure ou latérale à l'Hôpital d'Ottawa, en Ontario, au Canada, ont été inclus dans l'étude; et tous les scores préopératoires et postopératoires des questionnaires HOOS (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) et WOMAC (Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) ont été enregistrés. L'analyse de covariance a servi à étudier le lien entre l'ampleur des changements aux scores des sous-échelles HOOS et WOMAC (variables dépendantes) et l'approche chirurgicale. L'analyse a aussi tenu compte de facteurs de confusion tels que l'âge, le sexe, la classe ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists), classification de Charnley et indice de masse corporell. Résultats: Le groupe soumis à l'approche postérieure comptait 138 patients (37,6 %), à l'approche latérale 104 (28,3 %) et à l'approche antérieure 125 (34,1 %). Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives entre les 3 groupes aux plans de la classification de Charnley, de l'indice de masse corporelle, du sexe, de la classe ASA, du côté où la chirurgie a été effectuée et des paramètres fonctionnels préopératoires. Nous n'avons observé aucune différence significative quant à l'ampleur du changement aux scores des sous-échelles HOOS et WOMAC entre les 3 groupes; il en est allé de même pour les scores postopératoires finaux. Conclusion: Selon nos observations, le choix de l'approche chirurgicale pour l'ATH primaire sans révision n'exerce aucune influence sur les paramètres fonctionnels et la qualité de vie après 5 ans. Il faudra procéder à d'autres études pour évaluer l'influence potentielle de l'âge et du sexe sur les paramètres fonctionnels des différentes approches.

Is There a Role for Preclosure Dilute Betadine Irrigation in the Prevention of Postoperative Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists surrounding the use of preclosure irrigation solutions in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We aimed to determine the role of dilute betadine lavage in preventing early infection after primary TJA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed primary TJAs between 2010 and 2018. Dilute betadine lavage was introduced to our practice in November 2014. We included 3513 total hip arthroplasties, 3932 total knee arthroplasties, and 1033 hip resurfacings (HRs). In group 1 (n = 5588), surgical wounds were irrigated with saline; group 2 used dilute betadine solution (n = 2890). Subanalyses using propensity matching based on known risk factors of infection-age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, diabetes, and procedure-were completed. RESULTS: There were 48 acute infections in group 1 (0.9%) and 23 in group 2 (0.8%) (P = .762). HR without betadine had the highest acute infection prevalence (P = .028). When groups in the whole cohort were propensity score-matched, group 1 had more acute infections than group 2 (P = .033). The effect of betadine was isolated to HR patients. After excluding HR cases, betadine continued to reduce the acute infection rate when compared with the no betadine group, but this was not statistically significant (0.4% vs 0.8%; P = .101). Likewise, we did not find a significant difference in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients (P = .796). CONCLUSION: There was a decreased infection rate in the betadine group overall when groups were propensity-matched. Because the reduction in the acute infection rate was clinically significant, we feel this practice is an effective means to prevent infections.