Clinical effect of modified anterolateral acromioarthroplasty during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical effect of modified anterolateral and traditional acromioplasty in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The clinical data of 92 patients with total rotator cuff tears admitted to the Department of Joint Surgery of Jinhua Central Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 42 patients underwent traditional acromioplasty during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and 50 underwent modified anterolateral acromioplasty. Patients were evaluated for preoperative and postoperative shoulder function, pain and critical shoulder angle, and incidence of rotator cuff re-tear at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The preoperative general data of patients in the classic and modified anterolateral acromioplasty groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) and were comparable. The UCLA, ASES, and Constant shoulder joint scores were significantly improved in both groups. The VAS score was significantly decreased at 12 months postoperative than preoperative, with a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). Shoulder function and pain scores did not differ significantly between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The CSA did not differ significantly between preoperative and postoperative 12 months in the traditional acromioplasty group (P > 0.05). However, 12 months postoperative CSA in the modified anterolateral acromioplasty group was significantly smaller than the preoperative CSA, with a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). The rates of rotator cuff re-tears were 16.67% (7/42) and 4% (2/50) in the two groups at 12 months postoperatively, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Traditional and modified anterolateral acromioplasty while treating total rotator cuff tears using arthroscopic rotator cuff repair significantly improves shoulder joint function. However, modified anterolateral acromioplasty significantly reduced the CSA value and decreased the incidence of rotator cuff re-tears.

Interpositional Arthroplasty for Hallux Rigidus: Surgical Technique and Outcomes Discussion.

Interpositional arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus (HR) involves resection of the diseased joint surface and placement of spacer material within the joint to preserve length at the metatarsophalangeal joint while still allowing for range of motion. The majority of studies available in the literature have focused on capsular interpositional arthroplasty, revealing generally positive outcomes. Other forms of interpositional arthroplasty are less supported by long-term follow-up and large sample sizes. Moreover, there exists substantial heterogeneity in the studies evaluating interpositional arthroplasty. Despite the limitations of the current data, interpositional arthroplasty seems to be a viable treatment option for HR.

Metatarsophalangeal Arthroplasty in Hallux Rigidus.

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthroplasty provides hallux rigidus patients with pain relief and preserved motion, offering an alternative to arthrodesis. Recent advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques have broadened treatment options. Although good outcomes have been documented in the literature, concerns persist regarding increased complications, uncertain long-term efficacy, and challenges in managing failed arthroplasties. Addressing bone loss resulting from the procedure further complicates salvage procedures. Larger cohorts and extended studies are necessary to establish efficacy of first MTPJ arthroplasty. Decisions must weigh the trade-offs between pain relief and potential complications, requiring thorough patient-surgeon discussions.

[Technical modifications to elbow interposition arthroplasty]. / Technische Modifikation der Interpositionsarthroplastik des Ellenbogens.

OBJECTIVE: Interposition arthroplasty of the elbow involves the interposition of a fascia lata or dermis autograft or allograft between the distal humerus and the ulna or radius, while preserving the original form of articulation. INDICATIONS: Interposition arthroplasty is indicated for young patients with high functional demands who suffer from end-stage elbow arthritis and associated pain or joint stiffness. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Contraindications include acute or subacute infection, skeletal immaturity, bone loss, deformity, or gross instability. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Once the ulnar nerve has been secured, joint access is established via a posterior approach. The radial collateral ligament (RCL) and the common extensor tendon origin (CEO) are detached, while preserving the anconeus muscle and the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). Subsequently, a capsular release is required to maintain adequate joint exposure and address the accompanying stiffness. Three to four transosseous drill holes are placed at the level of the distal humerus to secure the graft. After the graft has been positioned successfully within the joint space using two guide sutures, it can be secured to the distal humerus using a horizontal mattress stitch. Finally, the detached tendon and ligament structures are reconstructed. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: After initial immobilization, early functional exercise of the elbow is performed in the motion orthosis, avoiding valgus or varus stress. RESULTS: The efficacy of elbow interposition arthroplasty has been demonstrated, particularly for young and active patients with severe inflammatory or post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Despite the results in terms of postoperative function and pain reduction are satisfactory, the current literature reports high complication, subsequent treatment, and revision rates. In the event of interposition arthroplasty failure, revision with another interposition procedure or conversion to endoprosthesis may be considered.

A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Treatments for Displaced Radial Head Fractures.

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the surgical and non-operative management of displaced radial head fractures via a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: RCTs comparing management of isolated, displaced radial head fractures in adults were included in our review and statistical analysis. A systematic review of electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library) were screened for comparative RCTs reporting on the management of displaced radial head fractures in August 2021. Two investigators independently reviewed studies for eligibility and an assessment of bias was performed for each study. A Bayesian network meta-analysis of the included RCTs was performed. Results: Five RCTs (326 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Treatment methods included radial head arthroplasty (RHA), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with metal implants (ORIF-M), ORIF with biodegradable implants (ORIF-B) and non-operative management. In our network meta-analysis of 'good' or 'excellent' patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), RHA was significantly favourable to ORIF-M (OR: 0.04, CrI: 0.0011, 0.87), ORIF-B (OR: 0.1 CrI: 0.00076, 6.37). Nonoperative treatment was not shown to be significantly worse than RHA (OR: 0.01 CrI: 2.5e-0.5, 3.61). Conclusions: This network meta-analysis shows that in displaced radial head fractures, RHA is associated with significantly superior functional PROMs than ORIF-M based on the evidence available. Nonoperative management has not been shown to be significantly worse. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

[Long-term clinical and radiological results of metatarsophalangeal resection arthroplasty in patients with large forefoot deformities]. / Resultados clínicos y radiológicos a largo plazo de la artroplastía de resección metatarsofalángica en pacientes con grandes deformidades del antepié.

INTRODUCTION: metatarsophalangeal resection arthroplasty is considered a salvage surgical procedure able to improve the quality of life of patients with major forefoot deformities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective observational study of 31 patients (36 feet) with major forefoot deformities operated at our institution was performed. Thirty two feet required additional surgery involving the first ray, most of them (72.2%) through MTP joint fusion. The mean follow-up period was 10.3 ± 4.6 years. Most patients were women (87.1%), the mean age was 74.2 ± 11.5 years. RESULTS: at the final follow-up, mean AOFAS score was 77.9 ± 10.2 points and mean MOxFQ score was 18.3 ± 8.3 points. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain improved significantly from 7.5 ± 1.2 points to 3.4 ± 2.1 points on average. Good clinical results were also reported on ability to put on shoes comfortably. The mean resection arthroplasty spaces at the end of the study were 1.3, 1.8, 2.5 and 4.4 mm, for second to fifth rays, respectively. The mean sizes of remodeling osteophytes at the end of the study were 1.6, 1.4, 1.1 and 0.7 mm, respectively. Significant improvement was also achieved in the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: in our experience, metatarsophalangeal resection arthroplasty continues to be a valid choice in patients with major forefoot deformities, with satisfactory long-term clinical and radiographic results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la artroplastía de resección metatarsofalángica se considera un procedimiento quirúrgico de salvamento capaz de mejorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con deformidades importantes en el antepié. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de 31 pacientes (36 pies) con deformidades importantes en el antepié operados en nuestra institución. Treinta y dos pies requirieron cirugía adicional que involucró el primer metatarsiano, la mayoría de ellos (72.2%) a través de la fusión de la articulación metatarsofalángica. El período de seguimiento promedio fue 10.3 ± 4.6 años. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron mujeres (87.1%), con una edad promedio de 74.2 ± 11.5 años. RESULTADOS: en la última visita de seguimiento, la puntuación AOFAS promedio fue de 77.9 ± 10.2 puntos y la puntuación MOxFQ promedio fue de 18.3 ± 8.3 puntos. La escala visual analógica (EVA) para el dolor mejoró significativamente, pasando de 7.5 ± 1.2 puntos a 3.4 ± 2.1 puntos de media. También se constataron buenos resultados clínicos en cuanto a la capacidad de calzarse con comodidad. Los espacios de resección promedio al final del estudio fueron 1.3, 1.8, 2.5 y 4.4 mm para el segundo al quinto radio, respectivamente. Los tamaños promedio de los osteofitos por remodelación al final del estudio fueron de 1.6, 1.4, 1.1 y 0.7 mm, respectivamente. También se logró una mejora significativa en el ángulo de hallux valgus (AHV) y en el ángulo intermetatarsiano (IMA) al final del estudio. CONCLUSIÓN: en nuestra experiencia, la artroplastía de resección metatarsofalángica sigue siendo una opción válida en pacientes con deformidades graves del antepié, con resultados clínicos y radiográficos satisfactorios a largo plazo.

Administration of Low-dose Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia in the Setting of Outpatient Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: With the rise of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), rapid motor and sensory recovery after anesthesia is crucial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose single-shot hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia (SA) for patients undergoing outpatient arthroplasty. METHODS: Data were reviewed from a single ASC from 2018 to 2020 for two arthroplasty-trained surgeons for all patients with primary arthroplasties that had administration of low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine. Data collected from the ASC records were then further evaluated for total spinal block time, length of blockade, time to discharge criteria, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and time to discharge. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven patients undergoing 244 primary arthroplasties received SA with low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine. The volume of 0.75% bupivacaine varied: 115 patients received 0.8 mL (6 mg), 111 patients received 1.0 mL (7.5 mg), and 17 patients received 1.2 mL (9 mg). Total SA time averaged 144 minutes with a mean of 30 minutes from post anesthesia care unit arrival to motor recovery. The mean time from post anesthesia care unit arrival to discharge criteria was 89 minutes. The average VAS at discharge was 1.44; the average VAS on POD1 was 3.0. No episodes of urinary retention and no reports of transient neurologic symptoms were noted in the study population. CONCLUSION: Low-dose, single-shot hyperbaric bupivacaine SA is an effective option in the ASC for arthroplasty, providing a fast return of motor function, facilitating rapid discharge, and is safe with a relatively low-risk profile.

The Fragility of Statistical Findings in Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: This study employs both the fragility index (FI) and fragility quotient (FQ) to assess the level of robustness in the cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) literature. We hypothesize that dichotomous outcomes involving CDA would exhibit statistical vulnerability. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted to evaluate dichotomous data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in CDA literature from 2000 to 2023. The FI of each outcome was calculated through the reversal of a single outcome event until significance was reversed. The FQ was calculated by dividing each fragility index by the study sample size. The interquartile range (IQR) was also calculated for the FI and FQ. RESULTS: Of the 1561 articles screened, 111 met the search criteria, with 35 RCTs evaluating CDA included for analysis. Six hundred and ninety-three outcome events with 130 significant (P < 0.05) outcomes and 563 nonsignificant (P ≥ 0.05) outcomes were identified. The overall FI and FQ for all 693 outcomes were 5 (IQR 3-7) and 0.019 (IQR 0.011-0.043). Fragility analysis of statistically significant outcomes and nonsignificant outcomes both revealed an FI of 5. All of the studies reported loss to follow-up (LTF) data where 65.7% (23) did not report or reported an LTF greater or equal to 5. CONCLUSIONS: The literature regarding CDA RCTs lacks statistical robustness and may misrepresent the conclusions with the sole use of the P value. By implementing the FI and FQ along with the P value, we believe the interpretation and contextualization of the clinical data surrounding CDA will be better understood.

Safety Considerations for Outpatient Arthroplasty.

Since 2018, the number of total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) performed on an outpatient basis has dramatically increased. Both surgeon and anesthesiologist should be aware of the implications for the safety of outpatient TJAs and potential patient risk factors that could alter this safety profile. Although smaller studies suggest that the risk of negative outcomes is equivalent when comparing outpatient and inpatient arthroplasty, larger database analyses suggest that, even when matched for comorbidities, patients undergoing outpatient arthroplasty may be at increased risk of surgical or medical complications. Appropriate patient selection is critical for the success of any outpatient arthroplasty program. Potential exclusion criteria for outpatient TJA may include age greater than 75 years, bleeding disorder, history of deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and hypoalbuminemia, among others. Patient optimization before surgery is also warranted. The potential risks of same-day versus next-day discharge have yet to be elicited in a large-scale manner.

Comparison of Long-Term Healthcare Cost and Utilisation of Nonoperative and Surgical Management of Thumb CMC Arthritis.

Background: Thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC) osteoarthritis is the most symptomatic hand arthritis but the long-term healthcare burden for managing this condition is unknown. We sought to compare total healthcare cost and utilisation for operative and nonoperative treatments of thumb CMC arthritis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis using a large nationwide insurance claims database. A total of 18,705 patients underwent CMC arthroplasty (trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction tendon interposition) or steroid injections between 1 October 2015 and 31 December 2018. Primary outcomes, healthcare utilisation and costs were measured from 1 year pre-intervention to 3 years post-intervention. Generalised linear mixed effect models adjusted for potentially confounding factors such as the Elixhauser comorbidity score with propensity score matching were applied to evaluate the association between the primary outcomes and treatment type. Results: A total of 13,646 patients underwent treatment through steroid injections, and 5,059 patients underwent CMC arthroplasty. At 1 year preoperatively, the surgery group required $635 more healthcare costs (95% CI [594.28, 675.27]; p < 0.001) and consumed 42% more healthcare utilisation (95% CI [1.38, 1.46]; p < 0.0001) than the steroid injection group. At 3 years postoperatively, the surgery group required $846 less healthcare costs (95% CI [-883.07, -808.51], p < 0.0001) and had 51% less utilisation (95% CI [0.49, 0.53]; p < 0.0001) annually. Cumulatively over 3 years, the surgical group on average was $4,204 costlier than its counterpart secondary to surgical costs. Conclusions: CMC arthritis treatment incurs high healthcare cost and utilisation independent of other medical comorbidities. At 3 years postoperatively, the annual healthcare cost and utilisation for surgical patients were less than those for patients who underwent conservative management, but this difference was insufficient to offset the initial surgical cost. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Lumbar Facet Arthroplasty Versus Fusion for Grade-I Degenerative Spondylolisthesis with Stenosis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The comparative effectiveness of decompression plus lumbar facet arthroplasty versus decompression plus instrumented lumbar spinal fusion in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and grade-I degenerative spondylolisthesis is unknown. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption trial, we assigned patients who had single-level lumbar spinal stenosis and grade-I degenerative spondylolisthesis to undergo decompression plus lumbar facet arthroplasty (arthroplasty group) or decompression plus fusion (fusion group). The primary outcome was a predetermined composite clinical success score. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg pain, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), Short Form (SF)-12, radiographic parameters, surgical variables, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 321 adult patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion, with 219 patients assigned to undergo facet arthroplasty and 102 patients assigned to undergo fusion. Of these, 113 patients (51.6%) in the arthroplasty group and 47 (46.1%) in the fusion group who had either reached 24 months of postoperative follow-up or were deemed early clinical failures were included in the primary outcome analysis. The arthroplasty group had a higher proportion of patients who achieved composite clinical success than did the fusion group (73.5% versus 25.5%; p < 0.001), equating to a between-group difference of 47.9% (95% confidence interval, 33.0% to 62.8%). The arthroplasty group outperformed the fusion group in most patient-reported outcome measures (including the ODI, VAS back pain, and all ZCQ component scores) at 24 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences between groups in surgical variables or complications, except that the fusion group had a higher rate of developing symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and grade-I degenerative spondylolisthesis, lumbar facet arthroplasty was associated with a higher rate of composite clinical success than fusion was at 24 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-step Guide Part II: Study Execution.

Systematic reviews are the apex of the evidence-based pyramid, representing the strongest form of evidence synthesizing results from multiple primary studies. In particular, a quantitative systematic review, or meta-analysis, pools results from multiple studies to help answer a respective research question. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide on how to: (1) design, (2) execute, and (3) publish an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review. In Part II, we focus on methods to assess data quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias, Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies criteria, or Newcastle-Ottawa scale; enumerate various methods for appropriate data interpretation and analysis; and summarize how to convert respective findings to a publishable manuscript (providing a previously published example). Use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines is recommended and standard in all scientific literature, including that of orthopedic surgery. Pooled analyses with forest plots and associated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are common ways to present data. When converting to a manuscript, it is important to consider and discuss the inherent limitations of systematic reviews, including their inclusion and/or exclusion criteria and overall quality, which can be limited based on the quality of individual studies (eg, publication bias, heterogeneity, search/selection bias). We hope our papers will serve as starting points for those interested in performing an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review.

Addressing the Central Band in Acute and Chronic Essex-Lopresti Injury: A Case Report and Technique Description.

CASE: A 34-year-old man was acutely treated with radial head arthroplasty and central band repair following Essex-Lopresti injury. A 38-year-old man presented with chronic longitudinal instability following failed radial head arthroplasty, which was performed for failed fixation. Treatment with revision radial head arthroplasty and central band reconstruction restored longitudinal stability. CONCLUSION: We have a low threshold to repair the central band in acute Essex-Lopresti injury with sufficient evidence of disruption. Nearly all chronic cases require central band reconstruction to restore longitudinal stability. We do not temporarily pin the DRUJ, and distal ulnar shortening is rarely indicated.

Correlation Between Patient-Reported and Clinician-Measured Shoulder Range of Motion in Patients Undergoing Shoulder Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: There has been increasing interest in remote measures of patients' health, both in the clinical and research settings. This study sought to evaluate correlations between patient-reported and clinician-measured (CM) shoulder range of motion (ROM). METHODS: ROM measures including elevation, abduction, and internal rotation were recorded by a patient-reported picture-based survey and clinician measurement during each patient visit. A total of 13,842 visits over a 16-year period met inclusion criteria. Spearman correlation was performed to determine the correlation between patient-reported and CM elevation, abduction, and internal rotation. A subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate motion in patients who underwent arthroplasty and arthroscopy. RESULTS: Patients were 52.4% male with a median age of 67 years (range, 18 to 96). PR and CM shoulder ROM were gathered at 13,842 patient visits. Strong correlations between PR and CM elevation (r = 0.70) and internal rotation (r = 0.66) were found, as well as a moderate correlation between PR and CM abduction (r = 0.59). Strong correlations were found between all three PR and CM measures of motion in the arthroplasty subgroup (elevation r = 0.74, abduction r = 0.63, and internal rotation r = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong correlation between patient-reported and CM shoulder elevation and internal rotation, as well as a moderate correlation between PR and CM abduction. This allows for a method of assessing patient motion without requiring an in-person visit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Cohort Study.

Does psychological distress predict risk of orthopaedic surgery and postoperative opioid prescribing in patients with hip pain? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians and public health professionals have allocated resources to curb opioid over-prescription and address psychological needs among patients with musculoskeletal pain. However, associations between psychological distress, risk of surgery, and opioid prescribing among those with hip pathologies remain unclear. METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort study design, we identified patients that were evaluated for hip pain from January 13, 2020 to October 27, 2021. Patients' surgical histories and postoperative opioid prescriptions were extracted via chart review. Risk of hip surgery within one year of evaluation was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable linear regression was employed to predict average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day of opioid prescriptions within the first 30 days after surgery. Candidate predictors included age, gender, race, ethnicity, employment, insurance type, hip function and quality of life on the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and psychological distress phenotype using the OSPRO Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) Assessment Tool. RESULTS: Of the 672 patients, n = 350 (52.1%) underwent orthopaedic surgery for hip pain. In multivariable analysis, younger patients, those with TRICARE/other government insurance, and those with a high psychological distress phenotype had higher odds of surgery. After adding iHOT-12 scores, younger patients and lower iHOT-12 scores were associated with higher odds of surgery, while Black/African American patients had lower odds of surgery. In multivariable analysis of average MME, patients with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) received opioid prescriptions with significantly higher average MME than those with other procedures, and surgery type was the only significant predictor. Post-hoc analysis excluding PAO found higher average MME for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy (compared to arthroplasty or other non-PAO procedures) and significantly lower average MME for patients with public insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) compared to those with private insurance. Among those only undergoing arthroscopy, older age and having public insurance were associated with opioid prescriptions with lower average MME. Neither iHOT-12 scores nor OSPRO-YF phenotype assignment were significant predictors of postoperative mean MME. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress characteristics are modifiable targets for rehabilitation programs, but their use as prognostic factors for risk of orthopaedic surgery and opioid prescribing in patients with hip pain appears limited when considered alongside other commonly collected clinical information such as age, insurance, type of surgery pursued, and iHOT-12 scores.

Trends in avascular necrosis and related arthroplasties in hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating complication often necessitating arthroplasty, particularly common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Limited research exists on arthroplasty trends since new steroid-sparing agents. We analyzed trends and characteristics associated with AVN and AVN-related arthroplasties among SLE and RA hospitalizations using two decades of data from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study used NIS (2000-2019) to identify hospitalized adults with SLE and RA, with or without AVN, using ICD codes. AVN was further grouped by arthroplasty status. Primary outcomes were AVN and AVN-related arthroplasty rates and time trends in SLE and RA. Baseline sociodemographics and comorbidities were compared. Analyses used STATA and Joinpoint regression to calculate annual percent change (APC). RESULTS: Overall, 42,728 (1.3 %) SLE and 43,600 (0.5 %) RA hospitalizations had concomitant AVN (SLE-AVN and RA-AVN). Of these, 16,724 (39 %) and 25,210 (58 %) underwent arthroplasties, respectively. RA-AVN increased (APC: 0.98*), with a decrease in arthroplasties (APC: -0.82*). In contrast, SLE-AVN initially increased with a breakpoint in 2011 (APC 2000-2011: 1.94* APC 2011-2019 -2.03), with declining arthroplasties (APC -2.03*). AVN hospitalizations consisted of individuals who were younger and of Black race; while arthroplasties were less likely in individuals of Black race or Medicaid coverage. CONCLUSION: We report a breakpoint in rising SLE-AVN after 2011, which may relate to newer steroid-sparing therapies (i.e., belimumab). AVN-associated arthroplasties decreased in SLE and RA. Fewer AVN-associated arthroplasties were noted for Black patients and those with Medicaid, indicating potential disparities. Further research should examine treatment differences impacting AVN and arthroplasty rates.

What to Know about Antimicrobial Coatings in Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are one of the most worrying complications orthopedic surgeons could face; thus, methods to prevent them are evolving. Apart from systemic antibiotics, targeted strategies such as local antimicrobial coatings applied to prosthetics have been introduced. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the main antimicrobial coatings available in arthroplasty orthopedic surgery practice. The search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases, focusing on antimicrobial-coated devices used in clinical practice in the arthroplasty world. While silver technology has been widely adopted in the prosthetic oncological field with favorable outcomes, recently, silver associated with hydroxyapatite for cementless fixation, antibiotic-loaded hydrogel coatings, and iodine coatings have all been employed with promising protective results against PJIs. However, challenges persist, with each material having strengths and weaknesses under investigation. Therefore, this narrative review emphasizes that further clinical studies are needed to understand whether antimicrobial coatings can truly revolutionize the field of PJIs.

Provision of a Home-Based Video-Assisted Therapy Program Is Noninferior to In-Person Hand Therapy After Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In-person hand therapy is commonly prescribed for rehabilitation after thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty but may be burdensome to patients because of the need to travel to appointments. Asynchronous, video-assisted home therapy is a method of care in which videos containing instructions and exercises are provided to the patient, without the need for in-person or telemedicine visits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of providing video-only therapy (VOT) as compared with scheduled in-person therapy (IPT) after thumb CMC arthroplasty. METHODS: We performed a single-site, prospective, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing primary thumb CMC arthroplasty without an implant. The study included 50 women and 8 men, with a mean age of 61 years (range, 41 to 83 years). Of these, 96.6% were White, 3.4% were Black, and 13.8% were of Hispanic ethnicity. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (UE) score. Subjects in the VOT group were provided with 3 videos of home exercises to perform. Subjects in the control group received standardized IPT with a hand therapist. Improvements in the PROMIS UE score from preoperatively to 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects (29 control, 29 experimental) were included in the analysis at the 12-week time point, and 54 (27 control, 27 experimental) were included in the analysis at the 1-year time point. VOT was noninferior to IPT for the PROMIS UE score at 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively, with a difference of mean improvement (VOT - IPT) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.6 to 6.6) and 2.2 (95% CI, -3.0 to 7.3), respectively, both of which were below the minimal clinically important difference (4.1). Patients in the VOT group potentially saved on average 201.3 miles in travel. CONCLUSIONS: VOT was noninferior to IPT for upper extremity function after thumb CMC arthroplasty. Time saved in commutes was considerable for those who did not attend IPT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Interpositional arthroplasty using cartilage allografts for treating temporomandibular joint arthrosis: a 3- and 5-year retrospective clinical follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arthroplasty using interpositional cartilage allografts in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrosis. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included patients treated consecutively between 2007 and 2013 using discectomy and interpositional grafting with lyophilized costal cartilage allograft (Tutoplast) sheets. TMJ pain based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), maximal interincisal opening (MIO), joint tenderness to palpation, crepitus from the affected joint, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: Arthroplasty was performed on 37 joints among 34 patients (28 women; mean age: 54 years); 24 joints underwent simultaneous condyle shaving. At final follow-up (3 [n = 37] or 5 [n = 21] years), we observed reduced mean VAS (from 7.6 to 0.9; P < .001) increased mean MIO (from 32.5 to 41.1 mm; P < .001), number of joints with capsule tenderness (from 30 to 3; P < .001), and percentage of joints with crepitus (from 97% to 75%; P = .008). One joint required reoperation because of interposed cartilage fragmentation. No permanent facial nerve injury or malocclusion occurred after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Interpositional arthroplasty is a relatively simple, moderately invasive, and effective surgical treatment for TMJ arthrosis with few complications. However, long-term outcomes of this treatment, specifically beyond 3-5 years postoperatively, remain unknown.