Sharma's risk assessment score as a decision making tool to decide between total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty as a treatment option for elderly patients with fracture neck of femur. A prospective observational study.

Purpose: The decision to do a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a hemiarthroplasty (HA) in an elderly with a fracture neck of femur (FNOF) is commonly based upon the surgeon's preference, pre-anesthetic fitness, hospital setup, and intensive care backup. The author devised a Sharma's risk assessment score (SRAS), based upon all the common factors that affect the surgical outcomes following FNOF in the elderly, to help orthopedic surgeons decide between THA or HA as a treatment for FNOF. Material & methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary-level institute. SRAS is based upon 10 parameters with each parameter having a max score of 4 and a minimum score of 1. So the maximum score a patient can score is 40 and the minimum a patient can score is 10. It was hypothesized that a patient with FNOF with a preop SRAS score >20 if subjected to a (HA) and a patient with a preop SRAS score ≤ 20 if subjected to a (THA) would have better outcomes and low complication rates. Out of Eighty-eight patients with FNOF, 7 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 81 patients with FNOF were prospectively followed between May 2018 and May 2022 and segregated into two groups THA (n = 47) and HA(n = 34) based on the SRAS. Results: The average length of follow-up was 2.6 years (6 months-4 years). The average SRAS was an average 25.7(21-32) in the HA group and 16.2 (11-20) in the THA group. Complications were seen in 12.7 % of the THA group and 17.6 % of the HA group. We had a 2.1 % 90-day mortality in the THA group and a 2.9 % 90-day mortality in the HA group. One year mortality in THA was 2.1 % and it was increased to 5.8 % in the HA group. Conclusion: SRAS is a useful decision-making tool that would guide surgeons to decide between THA or HA as a treatment option for elderly FNOF and would help minimize post-operative complications and reduce mortality. Level 3 study: Prospective observational study.

Preserving medial iliofemoral ligament avoids excessive leg lengthening in total hip arthroplasty using anterolateral-supine approach.

Background: In this study, we compared postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty using the anterolateral-supine approach (ALSA THA) with or without medial iliofemoral ligament (mILFL) preservation and examined the effect of the remaining mILFL on postoperative LLD. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective case control study. Unilateral primary THA with a preoperative LLD <15 mm, in which the contralateral side was intact, was included. After ALSA THA, we compared the absolute values of postoperative LLDs and examined the ratio of postoperative LLD >5 mm with and without mILFL preservation. Demographic data, clinical scores, and operative data were collected. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: We included 341 hips (preservation group: 283 hips; resection group: 58 hips). The mean (range) absolute values of the postoperative LLDs were 2.3 (0-15.9) mm and 3.4 (0-14.8) mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.36). The proportion of postoperative LLD >5 mm differed significantly between the groups (4.4 % and 20.0 %, respectively; p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that resection of the mILFL was the only significant factor that caused excessive leg lengthening (odds ratio, 5.28; 95 % confidence interval, 2.12-13.10, p < 0.01). Significant differences were reported in surgical time (81 (38-132) and 96 (54-157), respectively; p < 0.01) and intraoperative blood loss (297 (50-1170) and 388 (100-1150), respectively; p < 0.01). However, no significant differences in clinical scores, dislocation (including instability), or reoperation rates were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: In patients with a preoperative LLD <15 mm, preserving the mILFL in ALSA THA avoids excessive leg lengthening and may lead to shorter LLD without any difficulties.

Greater readmission rates after total hip arthroplasty with discharge to a facility vs. home: A propensity score matched analysis.

Purpose: Provided that total hip arthroplasties (THA) are some of the most common surgical procedures performed, there is a necessity to understand all factors that contribute to risks of adverse outcomes postoperatively and to find solutions to avoid these events with preventive measures. This retrospective cohort study sought to assess differences in (1) postoperative complication rates, (2) readmission rates and reasons, and (3) demographic variables that contribute to readmissions based on discharge destination within the first 30 days after a THA. Methods: Patients undergoing THA (27130) between 2015 and 2020 were extracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database based on procedural codes. Propensity score matching was then employed to reduce selection bias, and Chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Multivariable analysis was then used to look for other factors associated with readmission risk. Results: 219,960 patients were identified with 189,841 discharged to home, 19,355 to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), and 10,764 to a rehabilitation facility. The rehabilitation and SNF cohorts both had greater rates of readmission (4.56 % home vs. 6.88 % SNF vs. 6.90 % rehabilitation, P<0.001) and any adverse event (AAE, 9.02 % vs. 18 % vs. 21.3 %, P<0.001) after matching. Older age, longer operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification four, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bleeding disorders, steroid use, and smoking were associated with an increased risk of readmission after THA. Conclusion: Overall, THAs were shown to have low postoperative complications and readmissions in all patient populations despite differences in discharge destination which continues to demonstrate the safety and validity of this often elective procedure. However, the statistically significant risk of complications and readmissions in addition to the higher costs associated should be accounted for when considering patient discharges to a non-home facility.

Mitigating calcar fracture risk with automated impaction during total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Automated broaching has recently been introduced for total hip arthroplasty (THA), with the goal of improving surgical efficiency and reducing surgeon workload. While studies have suggested that this technique may improve femoral sizing and alignment, little has been published regarding its safety, particularly with regard to calcar fractures. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the risk of calcar fracture during automated broaching, and to determine if this risk can be mitigated. Methods: We queried our prospective institutional database and identified 1596 unilateral THAs performed by the senior author using automated impaction between 2019 and 2023. We identified the incidence of calcar fracture with automated impaction, and whether the fracture occurred during broaching or stem insertion. We additionally determined calcar fracture incidence within two consecutive subgroups of patients using different stem insertion techniques; subgroup (1): automated broaching with automated stem insertion for all patients; versus subgroup (2): automated broaching with automated stem insertion ONLY if a cushion of cancellous bone separated the broach from the calcar, otherwise the stem was placed manually. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed with Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test, respectively. Results: Seventeen calcar fractures occurred intraoperatively (1.1 %). Only two fractures occurred during automated broaching (0.1 %), while fifteen occurred during final stem impaction (0.9 %) (p = 0.007). Four calcar fractures (1.4 %) occurred in subgroup 1, compared to two in subgroup 2 (0.6 %) (p = 0.28). Conclusions: Our study found a calcar fracture incidence of 1.1 % using automated impaction, consistent with historically reported rates of 0.4-3.7 %. We found that calcar fractures are more likely to occur during stem insertion than during femoral broaching. We recommend that if any part of the final broach is in direct contact with the calcar, the final stem should be impacted manually to minimize fracture risk.

Short-term outcomes with routine use of size ≥40 femoral heads in THA: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Using larger femoral heads during total hip arthroplasty (THA) may result in a more stable hip. Greater volumetric wear and frictional torque, however, may result in increased postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients with femoral head size ≥40 mm compared to those with femoral head size <40 mm. Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review of 504 THAs performed by a single surgeon at a single institution from 2009 to 2016 was conducted. Following exclusions, 131 THAs were identified with femoral heads ≥40 mm and 348 THAs were identified with femoral heads <40 mm. In addition to demographic data, all postoperative complications were recorded. Plain radiographs were used to rule out/in periprosthetic osteolysis and/or acetabular loosening. Chi-square tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: Mean follow-up period for the entire cohort was 5.5 years. Complications with ≥40 mm femoral heads included 1 superficial infection and 1 deep periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). There were no cases of dislocation, osteolysis, acetabular loosening, or trunnionosis. In contrast, complications with <40 mm femoral heads included 9 dislocations and 7 PJIs. Conclusion: The routine use of large femoral heads (≥40-mm) during THA appears to be a safe option for patients at short-term clinical follow-up. Notably, 0 patients had a clinical course complicated by dislocation, osteolysis, acetabular loosening, or trunnionosis. Level of evidence: Level III Retrospective Cohort Study.

Comparison of cost and complications of primary total hip arthroplasty versus oncologic proximal femur replacement.

Aims and objective: Proximal femur replacement (PFR) is most commonly performed after a large resection of the proximal femur to remove tumor and is known to have high complication rates and worse function than a primary total hip replacement (THA). Many surgeons feel that current billing practices fail to adequately differentiate this procedure from a THA. This study aims to examine patients undergoing a primary THA or oncologic PFR and compare the relative economic impact and complication rates between cohorts. Materials & methods: Patient data was queried using a national database, identifying non-pediatric patients who underwent a primary THA or oncologic PFR. Exclusionary criteria were implemented, resulting in two cohorts, each with 380 patients matched in a 1:1 manner controlling for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Utilizing 2022 billing data, oncologic PFRs generated an average of 41.03 RVUs and primary THAs generated 19.60 RVUs. Total hospital cost was used to generate a cost:RVU ratio for each cohort. Key systemic and joint complication rates were additionally compared between cohorts. Results: The oncologic PFR cohort had significantly higher 90-day rates of anemia, deep vein thrombosis, and prosthetic dislocation compared to the primary THA cohort. The 90-day median hospital cost for oncologic PFR was $28,562.21 with a cost:RVU ratio of $696:1. The corresponding median hospital cost for primary THA was $9667.72, with a cost:RVU ratio of $493:1. Conclusion: Hospitals incur more cost per RVU for an oncologic PFR than a primary THA. Relative to primary THA, reimbursement for oncologic PFR is under-evaluated.

Comparison of outcomes after total hip arthroplasty in hip fracture versus elective cases in patients over 60 years of age.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) allows for the replacement of impaired parts of the hip joint with artificial ones. This study aimed to compare the differences in preoperative patient profiles, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes of two patient groups: those who underwent THA for fractures and those who underwent THA electively for diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and avascular necrosis (AVN). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent THA between March 2012 and December 2021. Of 232 patients, 173 patients who met the exclusion and inclusion criteria were included. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1: 113 patients diagnosed with OA or AVN; Group 2: 60 patients diagnosed with hip fracture). Pre- and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Koval scores, and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Demographic data and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared. After surgery, a rehabilitation protocol was initiated. Results: Patients in Group 2 (fracture) had more preoperative comorbidities than those in Group 1 (elective). Follow-up months are 26.22 ± 19.78 (Group 1), and 27.42 ± 17.02 (Group 2) respectively (P > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of postoperative complications between two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with Group 1(elective), Group 2(fracture) showed lower VAS (P < 0.01) at last follow-up, and no difference in Koval score (P = 0.77) and mHHS (P = 0.96) at last follow-up. Conclusion: Considering the characteristics of the two groups and their perioperative multidisciplinary care, THA for hip fractures can provide good clinical results compared to those with elective THA.

Geographical incidence of testosterone supplementation in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Introduction: Prescription testosterone usage in the United States declined after 2013 following reports of its association with myocardial infarction and stroke. However, more recently there has been a documented increase in testosterone prescriptions. Recently, testosterone levels have also been hypothesized to increase infection risk in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty. Furthermore, testosterone may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. These complications are perioperative concerns for total hip and knee arthroplasties (THA/TKA). Therefore, the purpose of our study is to identify trends in the incidence of testosterone prescriptions in patients who underwent THA/TKA with respect to geographical population data. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 40,711 primary THAs and 50,893 primary TKAs performed in males between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2021 using a commercial claims database. Records were reviewed for demographics, geographical location, and supplemental testosterone prescriptions within 1 year prior to surgery. Patient Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was assessed with respect to United States Census Population Data. Results: We identified 91,604 males who underwent primary THA (n = 40,711) or TKA (n = 50,893). For THA/TKA, patients who were younger had a higher likelihood of having a supplemental testosterone prescription (OR = 0.99, 95 % CI [0.99-1.00], p < 0.001). TKA patients (2,507, 4.9 %) had a higher rate of testosterone prescriptions than THA patients overall (1,413, 3.4 %), (OR = 1.44 95 % CI [1.35, 1.54], p < 0.001) as well as within each year.For THA and TKA patients, patients in the Midwest (OR = 1.61, p < 0.001), South (OR = 3.04, p < 0.001), and West (OR = 2.28, p < 0.001) regions all had higher testosterone prescription rates than the Northeast. Patients living in a city (MSA population ≥200,000) were more likely to be prescribed testosterone (OR = 1.20, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Surgeons conducting TKA/THA should be aware that younger patients, those in higher population areas, and those in the Midwest, South, and West regions are more likely to be prescribed testosterone than those in the Northeast.

Robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty outperforms manual technique in obese and overweight patients: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of obesity, there is growing awareness of the impact of overweight and obesity on total hip arthroplasty (THA). Research exploring the accuracy of acetabular component orientation in THA between robotic-assisted and manual techniques across different BMI categories is insufficient. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 221 patients who underwent THA with a Robotic Interactive Orthopaedic Arm system and 252 patients who underwent manual THA between March 2022 and January 2024. The patients were divided into four groups according to their BMI. We analysed whether there were differences in the accuracy of acetabular component positioning between robotic-assisted THA and manual THA across different BMI categories. RESULTS: In the overweight group, robotic-assisted THA achieved a significantly higher rate of abductions within the target range (73/6) than manual THA (62/28) (p = 0.000). Both abductions and anteversions within the target range were also significantly more frequent in the robotic-assisted THA group (69/10) than in the manual THA group (56/34) (p = 0.000). Among the obese patients, robotic-assisted THA showed a perfect record for anteversions within the target range (29/0), markedly outperforming manual THA (39/6) (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: In the overweight (24 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²) groups, robotic-assisted THA demonstrates significantly greater accuracy in acetabular component positioning compared to manual THA. This indicates that robotic-assisted technology may provide a more precise positioning of the acetabular component in overweight and obese patients.

Severe heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty in male patients under 70 years of age: effectiveness of prophylactic protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of clinically significant heterotopic ossification (HO) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), comparing outcomes with and without the adoption of an HO prophylactic protocol in male patients under 70 years of age. METHODS: The prophylactic protocol involved the administration of 50 mg of Indomethacin twice daily for 3 weeks. HO presence was classified according to the Brooker classification system, considering "severe" clinically significant HO (Brooker grade 3 and 4). RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were included in our study, and an overall HO rate of 68.2% versus a rate of 61.5% was found respectively in patients not subjected and subjected to prophylactic protocol, without significant difference (PR 0.062). However, patients not subjected to the HO prophylactic protocol exhibited a severe HO rate of 22.4% compared to 7.7% in the prophylactic group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that prophylactic protocol adoption is significantly associated with lower rate of severe HO in male patients under 70 years of age. Currently, there are no orthopedic guidelines for the prevention and management of HO after THA, but in the absence of contraindications, the adoption of a prophylactic protocol for HO should always be considered in high-risk patients.

Unexpected positive cultures in conversion hip and knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with previous history of periarticular surgery, such as osteosynthesis, can be surprisingly complex. This type of procedure is known as conversion arthroplasty (cTHA or cTKA) and has a higher risk of complications. The rates of unexpected positive cultures (UPC) and the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to primary arthroplasty is unclear. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of Unexpected Positive Cultures (UPC) in a series of conversion arthroplasty patients. The main questions to answer are: 1. Are the patients with conversion arthroplasties more susceptible to UPC than other causes of revision arthroplasties? 2. Are the conversion patients with UPC more susceptible to developing PJI? METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients submitted to cTHA and cTKA from January 2012 to September 2018. Patients with history of previous infection or with missing intraoperative cultures were excluded. The UPC was defined as a single positive culture obtained during a procedure previously considered aseptic and PJI was defined according to the 2018 ICM criteria. After excluding 141 cases, 205 patients were analyzed, 160 hips and 45 knees. RESULTS: Nine (4.4%) UPC were identified, five (3.1%) in the hip group and four (8,9%) in the knee group. Staphylococcal species were the most common isolated bacteria (n = 7, 77.7%). During the study period, four (1,9%) patients were diagnosed with PJI. Only one case had an UPC and a different germ was identified during revision arthroplasty workup. CONCLUSIONS: While UPC are more prevalent in conversion knee arthroplasties compared to conversion hip arthroplasties, the rates are similar to those observed in revision arthroplasty for other indications. Importantly, the presence of a UPC in conversion arthroplasty does not appear to elevate the risk of subsequent periprosthetic joint infection, provided a thorough PJI workup has been conducted preoperatively. Therefore, in such cases, UPCs may be safely disregarded.

Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effects of Preoperative Acupuncture in High Anxiety Patients Undergoing Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Preoperative state anxiety is a known predisposing factor for enhanced postoperative pain and hindered recovery following total knee or hip replacement. Acupuncture administered preoperatively has been associated with reduced anxiety in surgical studies, yet evidence of its efficacy in the orthopedic surgical setting is limited. Objective: This study investigated the effects of preoperative acupuncture on preoperative anxiety and pain and compared acute postoperative pain between acupuncture and control patient groups. Design: Parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Bone and Joint Institute, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT. Participants: Sixty middle-aged and elderly men and women with clinically validated preoperative anxiety undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement. Intervention: One-to-one randomization to preoperative acupuncture (n = 30) or no acupuncture treatment (n = 30) on the day of surgery. Coprimary outcomes: Anxiety before and after preoperative acupuncture using the visual analog scale and postsurgical pain using the numeric pain scale. Secondary outcomes: Incidence of acupuncture-related complications, pain before and after acupuncture, nausea and vomiting incidence, opioid consumption, anxiolytics and antiemetics use, and patient satisfaction. Results: Patients reported lower anxiety and pain preoperatively following acupuncture compared with before treatment (both p < 0.001). Postoperatively, the acupuncture group reported lower pain in the first 3 h than the control group, although this difference was not statistically significant. No significant differences in postoperative complications or patient satisfaction were observed between the study groups. Most patients were satisfied with the acupuncture treatment and reported a likelihood of considering preoperative acupuncture for future surgeries. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support that preoperative acupuncture is a safe and effective means to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery. Additional studies should be conducted to best determine the value of preoperative acupuncture in total hip or knee patients presenting with surgically related anxiety. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (10/31/2023, NCT06099223).

Psychometric properties of Japanese version15D and cultural characteristics of quality of life undergoing patients with hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) may decline more in Asian countries due to lifestyle and housing factors compared with patients in Western countries. AIMS: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of 15D and clarify the characteristics of HRQoL in Japanese patients who underwent THA/TKA compared with Finnish patients. METHODS: This longitudinal study included 182 patients between 2019 and 2021. Patients' HRQoL was measured using the 15D preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Student's t-tests were used to compare lifestyles between Japan and Finland. RESULTS: The Japanese version of the 15D showed good internal consistency, reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. Patients with many steps inside their house had worse HRQoL in the dimensions of mobility, distress, and vitality in Japan. There were significant differences in mobility, distress, vitality, and sexual activity dimensions between Japan and Finland 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The lower HRQoL in Japan in the dimensions of mobility, distress, and vitality is likely due to Japan's traditional housing structure with many steps. Identifying differences in cultural and psychological characteristics, as well as by residential setting, will enable health care providers to help patients improve their HRQoL.

Unveiling the dynamics of intraoperative contamination in total hip arthroplasty: the discrepancy between particulate and microbial contamination in surgical site infection risk.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major problem following total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigated the impact of a standard intraoperative routine where the surgical team wears full-body exhaust suits (space suits) within a laminar airflow (LAF)-ventilated operating room (OR) on environmental contamination. Our primary objective was to identify potential modifiable intraoperative factors that could be better controlled to minimize SSI risk. METHODS: We implemented an approach involving simultaneous and continuous air sampling throughout actual primary cementless THA procedures. This method concurrently monitored both airborne particle and microbial contamination levels from the time the patient entered the OR for surgery until extubation. RESULTS: Airborne particulate and microbial contamination significantly increased during the first and second patient repositionings (postural changes) when the surgical team was not wearing space suits. However, their concentration exhibited inconsistent changes during the core surgical procedures, between incision and suturing, when the surgeons wore space suits. The microbial biosensor detected zero median microbes from draping to suturing. In contrast, the particle counter indicated a significant level of airborne particles during head resection and cup press-fitting, suggesting these procedures might generate more non-viable particles. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a significant portion of airborne particles during the core surgical procedures as non-viable, suggesting that monitoring solely for particle counts might not suffice to estimate SSI risk. Our findings strongly support the use of space suits for surgeons to minimize intraoperative microbial contamination within LAF-ventilated ORs. Therefore, minimizing unnecessary traffic and movement of unsterile personnel is crucial. Additionally, since our data suggest increased contamination during patient repositioning, effectively controlling contamination during the first postural change plays a key role in maintaining low microbial contamination levels throughout the surgery. The use of sterile gowns during this initial maneuver might further reduce SSIs. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of sterile attire on SSIs.

Patient Engagement in a Mobile App-Based Rehabilitation Program for Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: Secondary Data Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Health care professionals use mobile apps to support patients' rehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty. Understanding patient engagement in such mobile health interventions can help tailor these interventions to better support patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate patient engagement in a mobile app-based arthroplasty rehabilitation program and to investigate the association between patient engagement and their characteristics. METHODS: Data were extracted from a pool of 42 participants in the experimental arm of a randomized controlled trial that used a mobile app (WeChat [Tencent Holdings Limited])-based program to support patients' rehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The primary outcomes were the number of days the participants accessed the program and completed recommended rehabilitation tasks. Secondary outcomes included data on the participants' posts on a discussion forum, messages sent by the participants, access to the program components, and reading and sharing the program content. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the association between patient engagement and personal characteristics. RESULTS: The participants reported in a rehabilitation diary accessing the program on a mean of 5.2 (SD 2) days per week and completing recommended rehabilitation tasks on a mean of 6.5 (SD 0.8) days per week. The majority (31/42, 74%) posted on the discussion forum, with a mean of 18.1 (SD 21.2) posts. Most participants (37/42, 88%) sent messages to health care professionals, with a mean of 14 (SD 15.9) messages. The program components were visited for a total of 525 times. The program content was read 898 times and shared 82 times in total. Generalized linear models showed that both primary outcomes, the number of days the participants accessed the program (B=6.46, 95% CI 1.98-15.35; χ21=11.1, P=.001) and the number of days they completed rehabilitation tasks (B=2.65, 95% CI 0.45-5.48; χ21=5.7, P=.02), were positively associated with having a high school education or above. In addition, the number of posts on the discussion forum was positively associated with living with family, having a high school education or above, undergoing total knee arthroplasty, having comorbidities, and the score of self-efficacy but was negatively associated with age. The number of messages sent by the participants was positively associated with having a high school education or above, having comorbidities, and the score of self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Patient engagement in mobile arthroplasty rehabilitation is associated with their education level, cohabitation status, age, type of surgery, presence of comorbidities, and sense of self-efficacy. Program developers can consider these characteristics and use strategies, such as family involvement, in the design of mobile arthroplasty rehabilitation programs to enhance patient engagement in such interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000867897; https://tinyurl.com/mtdw25fp.

Effect of bupivacaine concentration on ultrasound-guided pericapsular group nerve block efficacy in hip surgery patients: comparative, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.

Background: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block offers effective postoperative pain relief following hip fracture surgery. This research investigated three doses of bupivacaine, all administered in the same total volume, for performing ultrasound-guided PENG blocks during hip fracture procedures. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 135 patients aged between 18 and 70 years of both sexes who underwent hip fracture surgeries. Participants were randomized into three groups (n = 45). Ultrasound-guided PENG block was applied, the groups received 20 mL of local anesthetics. The first group received 0.5% bupivacaine, the second group received 0.375% bupivacaine, and the third group received 0.25% bupivacaine. The following parameters were recorded: onset of sensory block, resting NRS after passively raising the limb by 15° half an hour post-procedure, quality of recovery score (QoR-15) at 24 h postoperative. Results: The 0.25% bupivacaine group exhibited a longer sensory block onset than the other groups (p ≤ .05). Significant differences were demonstrated between the groups regarding the time to 1st analgesia (p = .033) and total morphine consumption (p = .025). NRS at baseline and T30 post-block did not show significant differences between the studied groups. No significant differences were detected postoperatively in rest and dynamic NRS (p ≤ .05). Patient satisfaction, QoR-15 score, and ease of spinal positioning did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Compared to 0.25% bupivacaine, PENG block with 0.5% and 0.375% bupivacaine provided a rapid onset sensory block, delayed first analgesic requirements, and reduced total morphine consumption after hip surgeries. Protocol Registration: The trial was registered at the clinicaltrials.gov with study number (Trial ID: NCT05788458).

ONE STAGE BILATERAL TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT.

Introduction: One-stage bilateral total hip replacement has gained popularity due to its advantages, which include its lower cost, anesthetic time, hospitalization, and recovery. Objective: to show the clinical result of one-stage bilateral total hip replacement. Methodology: A case series of patients who underwent one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty. The medical records of 100 patients were evaluated from 2001 to 2022. The posterolateral route was chosen for the procedures. Of the 100 replaced prostheses, 85% were hybrid and 15 were cemented. Procedures averaged 180 minutes in length. Results: The average length of stay totaled three days. No deaths occurred in the 100 evaluated patients. Complications showed 1% rate of venous and pulmonary thromboembolism, one case of late dislocation (after three months. It was twice reduced and later revised), five cases of hematoma (5%. They were drained on the third postoperative day. Moreover, two occurred in both hips). Conclusion: One-stage bilateral total hip replacement has advantages but it must be performed on carefully selected patients and by a qualified team. Evidence level IV, Case reports.

Introdução: O método que realiza a prótese total de quadril bilateral em um único tempo operatório (ATQB) tem ganhado popularidade por suas vantagens. Denntre essas, destacam-se menor custo, tempo anestésico reduzido, e menor período de internação e recuperação. Objetivo: Demonstrar o resultado clínico da ATQB em um único tempo. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo pacientes submetidos a Artroplastia total de quadril bilateral em um único tempo. Foram avaliados prontuários de 100 pacientes, durante o período de 2001 a 2022. A via escolhida foi a póstero-lateral. Das 100 próteses realizadas, 85% foram híbridas e 15 cimentadas. O tempo cirúrgico teve, em média, 180 minutos. Resultados: O tempo médio de internação foi de 3 dias. Não houve mortes entre os 100 pacientes avaliados; quanto às complicações, a taxa de tromboembolismo venoso e pulmonar foi de 1%, e foi relatado 1 caso de luxação tardia (após 3 meses), reduzida duas vezes e com posterior revisão. Houve cinco casos de hematoma, totalizando 5%; os mesmos foram drenados no 3º dia pós-operatório; desses, 2 aconteceram bilateralmente e 1 unilateralmente. Conclusão: A ATQB em um único e cirúrgico tempo apresenta vantagens, mas deve ser realizada em pacientes cuidadosamente selecionados e por uma equipe capacitada. Nível de evidência IV, Série de casos.

Timing of total joint arthroplasty post-COVID-19: an evaluation of the optimal window to minimize perioperative risks.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are commonly performed orthopedic procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 status on postoperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing THA and TKA. METHODS: A total of 110,186 underwent either THA or TKA. Patients were grouped based on their COVID-19 status, gathered from the National COVID-19 Cohort Collaborative (N3C) in the 12 weeks preceding surgery and compared for various variables, including age, sex, BMI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. COVID-19 status was defined as a positive test result that was closest to the date of surgery regardless of testing positive previously. Postoperative complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), sepsis, surgical site infection, bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), 30-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality were examined. To compare the variables, an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated with a significant level set at P < 0.05. Logistic regression using R programming was utilized for these calculations. RESULTS: Univariate analysis was performed and rates of VTE (1.02% vs. 3.35%), 30-day mortality (0.25% vs. less than 5%), and 1-year mortality (1.42% vs. 5.43%) were higher in the COVID-19-positive group for THA patients (P < 0.001). For TKA patients, only 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the COVID-19-positive group (P = 0.034). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a positive COVID-19 diagnosis within two weeks of surgery and a CCI score > 3 were significant predictors of postoperative complications and mortality for both TKA and THA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis within 12 weeks of THA or TKA carried a significantly higher risk for postoperative complications and mortality. In addition, a CCI score > 3 is also a significant risk factor. These findings emphasize the importance of vigilant preoperative screening and risk stratification in the era of COVID-19.

Is pericapsular nerve group block superior to other regional analgesia techniques following total hip arthroplasty? a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the safety and efficacy of pericapsular nerve group block (PENGB) with other regional analgesia techniques in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant research from inception to May, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PENGB with other regional analgesia techniques in patients undergoing THA were included. The primary outcome was resting pain scores at 6 h after surgery. The NMA was made by using Stata 15.1 software. Potential risk of bias was assessed by using CINeMA. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed on the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs including 766 patients were eligible for inclusion. For postoperative resting and movement pain scores within 24 h analysis, PENGB + periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (PLAI) was found to be significantly more effective than other treatments and its Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was the lowest. Moreover, PENGB + PLAI was ranked the best in reducing opioid consumption within 24 h and the length of hospital stay. PENGB was found to have significantly lower incidence of quadriceps motor block and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). CONCLUSIONS: PENGB is more likely to reduce the incidence of quadriceps motor block and PONV in patients undergoing THA, but PENGB + PLAI is superior to other regional analgesia techniques (PLAI, PENGB, fascia iliaca compartment block, and quadratus lumborum block) in improving postoperative pain and shortening the length of hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024538421.

The Effects of Sexual Education on Sexual Function and Sexual Quality of Life of Women Who Underwent Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of sexual education on sexual function and quality of activity after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). METHOD: There were 31 patients who underwent THA who were randomly assigned to the education (n = 15) and the control (n = 16) groups in this randomized controlled trial. A sexual education session and an educational handout were provided to the study group after THA prior to discharge. Patients were evaluated four times throughout the study: preoperatively, at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The data was collected by using the sociodemographic and medical data form, the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF), the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of the Fear of Sexual Activity, and the VAS of Satisfaction with Sexual Activity scales. RESULTS: The mean sexual activity satisfaction score of the education group was higher in the second (95% Cl [confidence interval] [0.67 to 3.08]) and third follow-up (95% Cl [0.19 to 3.03]) (P < 0.05). Over time, the mean satisfaction scores of both groups increased (P < 0.05). The mean VAS fear of sexual activity scores at the first (95% CIs [-2.81 to -0.48]), second (95% CI [-4.71 to -2.80]), and third (95% CI [-3.80 to -1.55]) follow-ups of the education group were significantly lower. Over time, the mean fear scores of both groups decreased (P < 0.05). The education group had higher mean SQoL-F scores at the first (95% CI [4.90 to 33.11], second (95% CI [7.62 to 34.31]), and third (95% CIs [5.23 to 35.79) follow-ups (P < 0.05). For mean SQoL-F score, the difference between groups (F = 6.64), the change over time in both groups (F = 29.16), and the change over time between groups (F = 13.74) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). For the mean IFSF score, it was found that the change over time was significantly different for both groups (F = 69.64, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sexual education after THA may improve satisfaction with sexual activity and quality of life.