Use of computed tomography for shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review.

Introduction: The prevalence of total shoulder arthroplasties is on the rise annually. Improvements in implant quality, construct stability, and surgical techniques have notably enhanced post-operative results, prompting an expansion of indications for shoulder arthroplasty. Despite its high success rate, opportunities for enhancement remain, especially in preoperative planning and intraoperative execution. Advanced imaging technologies offer significant potential in optimizing implant placement, thus improving the longevity of the procedure. To our knowledge, a comprehensive review examining the impact of advanced imaging on shoulder arthroplasty has yet to be conducted. This systematic review aims to investigate the benefits of advanced imaging technologies in this context, focusing on their application in preoperative planning, osteoarthritis assessment, intraoperative adjustments, patient-specific instrumentation, and navigational aids. Methods: This review utilized a comprehensive search of PubMed to identify relevant studies published from 2000 to 2024, focusing on the application of various imaging techniques in shoulder arthroplasty. The search was conducted by two authors and centered on plain radiography, CT scans, and MRI. The selection criteria included availability of full-text articles, English language, direct comparison of imaging techniques, and a focus on patient outcomes, including discussions on broader applications such as intraoperative navigation and patient-specific instrumentation development. Results: Enhanced imaging techniques, particularly CT scans and MRIs, have been shown to significantly improve outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty. While plain radiographs remain standard, CT scans provide superior bony detail, crucial for evaluating glenoid wear and determining augmentation needs. Preoperative CT imaging has been demonstrated to enhance implant placement accuracy. Moreover, intraoperative technologies based on CT imaging, such as patient-specific instrumentation and navigation systems, contribute to better surgical results. Conclusion: The benefits of CT imaging in shoulder arthroplasty significantly outweigh the associated costs. Current literature strongly supports the adoption of CT imaging in these procedures, particularly when used alongside modern operative technologies.

Robotic assistance is associated with improved surgical efficiency during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.

Introduction: The direct anterior (DA) approach allows for earlier mobilization and shorter length-of-stay than traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) approaches; however, conventional techniques rely on intraoperative fluoroscopy for accurate cup placement. Robotic-assisted THA is an alternative to conventional THA procedures and utilizes preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and intraoperative mapping for accurate component positioning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy on surgical efficiency parameters when compared to conventional DA THA with fluoroscopy. Methods: There were six cadaver specimens evenly distributed between two orthopaedic surgeons, both with previous experience in conventional and robotic-assisted THA. For each cadaver, conventional DA THA with fluoroscopy was performed on the first hip, and robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy was performed on the contralateral hip. Total surgical time from skin to trials, acetabular and femoral workflow time, and the number of reamers and broaches used, were recorded for all cases. There were two-sample t-tests performed to assess statistical differences between conventional and robotic-assisted THA data. Results: Acetabular reaming took longer, on average, for conventional DA THA with fluoroscopy than robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 0.4 ± 0.2 min; p < 0.001). Surgeons using conventional THA required more acetabular reamers when compared to a single reamer used with robotic-assisted THA (2.67 ± 0.5 versus 1 ± 0; p = 0.001). Total operative time (26.1 ± 7.0 versus 23.2 ± 5.6 min; p = 0.452), acetabular workflow time (6.4 ± 3.1 versus 3.3 ± 1.7 min; p = 0.07), femoral workflow time (6.5 ± 4.8 versus 5.0 ± 1.7 min; p = 0.495), and number of femoral broaches (5.0 ± 1.8 versus 4.3 ± 2.3; p = 0.593) were higher during conventional THA than during robotic-assisted THA. Discussion: Amidst the changing healthcare environment and focus on identifying and implementing efficiencies, these findings have important consequences for the continued and accelerated use of robotic-assisted THA in primary settings.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: Updated Software.

Recently, robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasties have become popular because of their promise to lead to enhanced accuracy and efficient planning of the procedure, as well as improved radiographic and clinical outcomes. One robotic system is based on computed tomography (CT) to help with preoperative planning, intraoperative adjusting, and bone cutting for these procedures. The purpose of this article is to describe the second-generation iteration of this CT-based robotic technique by describing the new features using an actual total knee arthroplasty case. This article then becomes a step-by-step guide to performing the procedure, as well as describing the new features of this upgraded system.

Patellar Tendon Ruptures after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Patellar tendon (PT) rupture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare, but devastating complication. These injuries occur most frequently in the acute period following TKA due to trauma to the knee. PT ruptures that disrupt the extensor mechanism create a marked functional deficit, impacting every facet of daily life. In complete ruptures of the PT, repair or reconstruction is typically indicated; however, complication rates following intervention remain high. Operative intervention remains the mainstay of treatment, with only certain specific situations where nonoperative intervention is appropriate. Operative techniques are chosen based on the acuity, location of disruption, and status of the residual soft tissues. Treatment options include repair with or without augmentation or reconstruction. Augmentation does reduce the high risk of complications, bringing rates down from 63 to 25%. Augmentation options include autografts, allografts, synthetic grafts, or synthetic meshes. Despite advancements, outcomes are unpredictable and complications are common, highlighting the need for further research to improve treatment protocols. This article provides an overview of PT ruptures following TKA, the various treatment options, and the recommendations of the M.M., R.D., G.S. for each common type of PT injury encountered.

Risk Factors for Femoral Head Collapse in Osteonecrosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) affects at least 20,000 patients annually in the United States; however, the pathophysiology of disease progression is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of three distinct elements and their relationship to the collapse of the femoral head: (1) identifiable risk factors; (2) femoral head anatomy; and (3) the extent of the necrotic lesion. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed on patients ≥ 18 years old who presented with ONFH. Ficat classification and femoral head anatomic parameters were measured on radiographs. Osteonecrotic lesion size was measured on magnetic resonance imaging using four validated methods. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of femoral head collapse. RESULTS: There were 105 patients and 137 hips included in the final cohort, of which 50 (36.5%) had collapse of the femoral head. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that medical risk factors (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.15), alcohol exposure (aOR: 1.23), and increased alpha angle (aOR: 4.51) were predictive of femoral head collapse. Increased femoral head offset (aOR: 0.54) was protective against collapse. An increased size of the osteonecrotic lesion was significantly predictive of collapse with all four measure methods evaluated: three-dimensional (3D) volumetric (aOR: 3.73), modified Kerboul (aOR: 2.92), index of necrotic extent (aOR: 1.91), and modified index of necrotic extent (aOR: 2.05). CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of patients who had ONFH, we identified risk factors such as alcohol exposure, high alpha angle, increased lesion size, and decreased femoral offset as increasing the risk of femoral head collapse. Given the challenges of studying this patient population, large prospective studies of patients who have ONFH should seek to identify whether these factors are reliable indicators of femoral head collapse.

Economic Studies for Lower-Extremity Joint Arthroplasty: An Example-Based Review.

As health care costs in the United States continue to rise, understanding the various economic studies and what constitutes them will become increasingly important for orthopaedic surgeons. In this review, we discuss the three major types of economics studies and provide examples of each. Cost-effective analyses are the gold standard for economic analyses and allow for the direct comparison of monetary costs and patient-centered outcomes. Cost-benefit analyses are similar to cost-effective analyses but compare both costs and benefits in monetary terms. Cost minimization analyses are the most common type of economic analysis, and they simply compare costs between two experimental groups.

Trends in Women Adult Reconstruction Surgeons: Fellowship Applicants and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Members.

BACKGROUND: Major research and recruitment efforts have focused on diversifying the orthopaedic surgery workforce, with a focus on gender diversity. This study aimed to characterize gender trends in the adult reconstruction fellowship match and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) membership over the past decade. We hypothesized that there would be increases in the percentage of women adult reconstruction fellows and AAHKS members. METHODS: For this retrospective, descriptive study, the full names of matched adult reconstruction fellows from 2012 to 2022 were collected. For the fellowship match, genders were predicted by the Genderize algorithm. From the AAHKS database, full names, self-identified genders, and clinical statuses were extracted from January 2016 to May 2023. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. Gender trends were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2022, 1,762 residents were matched for adult reconstruction fellowships. Women represented between 2.5 and 9.0% of matched adult reconstruction fellows per year. The percentage of matched women applicants has remained stable (P = 0.4). From 2016 to 2023, the membership of AAHKS grew from 2,845 to 4,159 surgical members. The number of women adult reconstruction surgeons significantly increased from 2.5 to 3.8% (2016 to 2023, P < 0.001). At the resident level, women's membership increased from 4.0% to 12.0% (2016 to 2023, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although more women orthopaedic surgeons are matching in adult reconstruction, the percentage of women adult reconstruction fellows has remained stable, with the highest level being in 2021. However, the increase in women's membership in AAHKS is encouraging, especially at the resident and international levels. More diverse work environments can enhance patient experiences and outcomes, in addition to provider well-being and productivity. Therefore, it is prudent and essential to continue building a more diverse adult reconstruction community.

Are Metal Ion Levels Elevated After Dual Mobility Acetabular Systems Minimum Five-Year Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dual mobility acetabular systems for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been shown to have decreased dislocation rates and reduced revision rates, but there is controversy over the potential release of sufficient levels of metal ions into the blood to cause adverse local tissue reactions. However, there is a lack of long-term studies analyzing these levels of cobalt and chromium. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the levels these metal ions at a minimum 5-year follow-up after dual mobility implantation. Specifically, we analyzed: 1. overall blood and urine cobalt levels; 2. overall blood and urine chromium levels; 3. cobalt levels stratified by length of follow-up and various implant-related metrics (i.e., offset, cup size, stem, and neck angle); as well as 4. chromium levels stratified by length of follow-up and these various implant-related metrics. METHODS: A total of 41 patients who underwent THA with modular dual mobility acetabular systems between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2016, were identified and followed for a mean time of 6 years (range: 5 to 10 years). All patients had well-functioning hips (Harris Hip Scores greater than 90 points (range: 90 to 100 points) and had no evidence of impending radiographic failure or progressive radiolucencies. Cobalt and chromium serum and plasma, blood, as well as urine levels were obtained at final followup. Additional parameters analyzed included: head material and size, stem offset, cup size, as well as stem-neck angle. RESULTS: Concentrations of cobalt were low as the mean blood and urine levels for all patients were 0.6 ± 0.5 µg/L (normal < 1.8 µg/L) and 0.8 ± 0.8 µg/L (normal < 2.8 µg/L), respectively. Only one patient had a minimally elevated blood cobalt level by 0.1 µg/L. These levels were not substantially different when subgroup analyses were performed for ceramic and cobalt-chrome heads. The mean chromium levels in blood and urine were also found to be low for all patients as values were 0.8 ± 0.2 µg/L (normal: < 1.2 µg/L) and 1.2 ± 0.5 ng/milliliter (normal: < 2 ng/L), respectively. Similarly, only one patient had a very slightly elevated blood chromium level of 1.3 µg/L. Additionally, analyses of ceramic or cobalt-chrome heads separately did not demonstrate differences in blood or urine levels. Blood cobalt or chromium concentrations had minimal changes with longer lengths of follow-ups, and with different stem offsets, cup sizes, stems, or neck angles. CONCLUSION: Dual mobility acetabular systems when combined with the two stems studied produced low levels of blood as well as urine cobalt and chromium levels at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean: 6 years; range: 5 to 10 years). These results remained below the threshold of normal and clinically insignificant regardless of length of follow-up, head material, or various implant measurements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate low levels of metal ions at longer than 4-year follow-up. These data may be of importance to surgeons deciding on the appropriate implants to use for their high-risk patients.

Robotic-arm-assisted conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe a novel robotic-arm-assisted UKA to TKA conversion technique and evaluate the patient reported and clinical outcomes in these patients. Methods: A retrospective review between 2017 and 2022 was conducted of patients that underwent robotic-arm-assisted UKA to TKA conversion. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, indications for conversion from UKA to TKA, operative technique, implants used, postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The surgical technique resembles that of primary TKA, with the major exception of registering the robotic arm with retained UKA implants and removing the implants only when verification is complete. There were 44 robotic-arm-assisted UKAs in 41 patients were included in the study. Indications for UKA conversion to TKA included: 33 patients who had osteoarthritis progression (75%), 7 aseptic loosening (16%), 2 unspecified pain (4.5%), 1 polyethylene wear (2.3%), and 1 prosthetic joint infection (2.3%). Uncemented cruciate-retaining (CR) implants were used in 38 of the 44 robotic-arm-assisted TKAs (86.5%). The other six utilized cemented implants: four CR femurs (9.1%), six tibial baseplates (13.6%), four tibial stems (9.1%), and four medial tibial augments (9.1%). Results: The PROMs significantly improved at 1-year follow-up, with the average KOOS JR score increasing from 48.1 to 68.7 (P < 0.001), and the r-WOMAC score decreasing from 25.7 to 10.6 (P = 0.003). Two patients developed prosthetic joint infections (4.5%), one developed aseptic loosening of the femoral component (2.3%), and one developed a superficial surgical site infection requiring superficial irrigation and debridement (2.3%). Overall survivorship was 93.18% at 1.8 years, and aseptic survivorship was 97.73%. Conclusion: Robotic-arm-assisted UKA to TKA conversion exhibited improved patient-reported outcomes and low revision and complication rates. Improved implant placement achieved with robotic-arm-assistance may improve the functional and clinical outcomes following these surgeries.

The Role of a New Hinged Total Knee Arthroplasty System for Use in a Variety of Complex Knee Scenarios: A Case Series.

Hinged knee arthroplasties are commonly used in scenarios where there are major ligament deficiencies or bone loss around the knee. They are applicable in native knees with major deformities and during revisions. They can also be used as a salvage procedure after distal femoral resection. The new modular hinged device system, namely the Triathlon Hinge Knee (THK) System (Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey), reflects the advancements of third-generation design and enhances surgical flexibility by allowing streamlined integration with the Triathlon Total Stabilized (TS) System (Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) and the Global Modular Replacement System (GMRS, Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey). Additionally, the Triathlon Revision Tibial Baseplate (Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) has been launched as part of THK and is compatible with the Modular Rotating Hinge (MRH , Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) femur, which allows the Revision Baseplate to replace the existing tibial component while leaving the existing MRH Femoral Component in place. The Triathlon Revision Tibial Baseplate enables orthopaedic surgeons to use constrained or hinged prostheses, including both distal and total femoral replacement options, without changing the Tibial Baseplate. This is because the TS, MRH, THK, and GMRS femurs are compatible with the new Triathlon Revision Tibial Baseplate. Additionally, the system can be augmented with metaphyseal cone constructs to help provide a stable foundation for reconstruction. This report explores the application of a new modular hinged device system in various scenarios, starting with (1) complex primary hinged knee arthroplasty, followed by revision hinged knee arthroplasty cases including (2) failed TKA with medial collateral ligament (MCL) dysfunction, (3) severe arthrofibrosis post-TKA, (4) revisions for prosthetic joint infection, (5) extensor mechanism deficiency, and (6) arthrofibrosis with extensor mechanism disruption, concluding with a case of (7) distal femoral arthroplasty for periprosthetic fracture post-failed TKA.

The Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Artificial intelligence and technology have continued to evolve over recent decades, and their utility in hip and knee arthroplasty is growing with interest and enthusiasm. A multitude of technologies are available to assist surgeons in the intraoperative execution of hip and knee arthroplasty, ranging from robotics and augmented reality to artificial intelligence-powered fluoroscopy. The purpose of this review is to provide a framework for arthroplasty surgeons to understand the concept of artificial intelligence and the advancements in technologies that impact the perioperative care of patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty.

Identifying Critical Evidence Gaps in Wound Closure and Incision Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Delphi Panel Insights.

BACKGROUND: Effective surgical wound management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial for optimal healing and patient outcomes. Despite surgical advances, managing wounds to prevent complications remains challenging. This study aimed to identify and address evidence gaps in TKA wound management, including preoperative optimization, intraoperative options, and postoperative complication avoidance. Addressing these issues is vital for patient recovery and surgical success. METHODS: This study used the Delphi method with 20 experienced orthopedic surgeons from Europe and North America. Conducted from April to September 2023, the process involved three stages: an initial electronic survey, a virtual meeting, and a concluding electronic survey. The panel reviewed and reached a consensus on 26 statements about TKA wound management based on a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, the panel aimed to identify critical evidence gaps in wound management practices. RESULTS: The panel achieved consensus on various wound management practices but highlighted significant evidence gaps. Consensus was reached on wound closure methods, including mesh-adhesive dressings, skin glue, staples, barbed sutures, and negative pressure wound therapy. However, further evidence is needed to address the cost-effectiveness of these methods and develop best practices for patient outcomes. Identifying these gaps highlights the need for more research to improve TKA wound care. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying major evidence gaps underscores the need for targeted research in TKA wound management. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing effective, efficient, and patient-friendly wound care strategies. Future research should focus on comparative effectiveness studies and developing guidelines for emerging technologies. Bridging these gaps could improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance TKA surgery success.

The Effect of Insurance Type on Length of Stay Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: With the expansion of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, there has been a growing interest in how the Medicaid population will affect postoperative outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Studies have shown that lower socioeconomic status, non-Caucasian race, women, cardiac and renal disorders, and younger age have been associated with increased lengths of stay (LOS) after TKA. The primary purpose of our study was to compare the total complications and LOS among patients undergoing TKA who have cash, commercial, government, Medicaid, and Medicare insurances. METHODS: We queried a national, all-payer administrative claims database from 2016 to 2022 among patients undergoing TKA who had cash (n = 3,923), commercial (n = 966,169), government (n = 25,644), Medicaid (n = 56,184), and Medicare (n = 524,034) insurances. We compared and analyzed various baseline demographics, total complications, and LOS (<1 day, 1 to 2 days, 3 to 4 days, and >4 days), between the insurance types. RESULTS: Medicaid and Medicaid insurance types had patients who had the most comorbidities at baseline, including a comorbidity index >3 (P < 0.0001), women, alcohol abuse, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart disease (all P < 0.0001). In accounting for comorbidities, Medicaid was the biggest risk factor for total complications (P < 0.001) as well as increased LOS after TKA at 4 to 6 days, 7 to 9 days, and >9 days (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid insurance is a risk factor for increased total complications and LOS following TKA. Appropriate preoperative and perioperative management of these patients is essential in order to mitigate the risk and burden on the health care system in this population.