Not all cemented hips are the same: a register-based (NJR) comparison of taper-slip and composite beam femoral stems.

Background and purpose - No difference in outcome has been demonstrated comparing cemented taper-slip and composite beam designs in short-term randomised trials; we assessed outcome differences using a registry analysis. Patients and methods - All cemented stems with > 100 implantations were identified in the National Joint Registry of England and Wales from April 1, 2003 to September 31, 2013 and categorised as taper-slip or composite beam. Survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were performed. Results - We identified 292,987 cemented arthroplasties, of which 16% (47,586) were composite beam stems, with taper-slip stems making up the remainder (n = 245,401). There was a statistically significant increased chance of revision in the composite beam group compared with the taper-slip group (1.7% vs 1.3%, p < 0.001) but statistically no significant differences of survival estimates (p = 0.06). When the 2 groups were segregated to delineate the most implanted model in each category, the differences became more profound with the most implanted taper-slip stem (Exeter V40) showing statistically and clinically significant superior 8-year survival: 97.9% compared with 97.6% for all other taper-slip; 97.5% for the most implanted composite beam (Charnley cemented stem); and 97.7% for all other composite beam. Interpretation - There was an increased incidence of revision for composite beam stems. The most implanted taper-slip stem demonstrated significant survival advantage vs. all other stems.

Results of single stage exchange arthroplasty with retention of well fixed cement-less femoral component in management of infected total hip arthroplasty.

AIM: To investigate success of one stage exchange with retention of fixed acetabular cup. METHODS: Fifteen patients treated by single stage acetabular component exchange with retention of well-fixed femoral component in infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients with painful chronic infected total hip. The patient had radiologically well fixed femoral components, absence of major soft tissue or bone defect compromising, and infecting organism was not poly or virulent micro-organism. The organisms were identified preoperatively in 14 patients (93.3%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the infecting organism in 8 patients (53.3%). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients at surgery was 58.93 (± 10.67) years. Mean follow-up was 102.8 mo (36-217 mo, SD 56.4). Fourteen patients had no recurrence of the infection; one hip (6.7%) was revised for management of infection. Statistical analysis using Kaplan Meier curve showed 93.3% survival rate. One failure in our series; the infection recurred after 14 mo, the patient was treated successfully with surgical intervention by irrigation, and debridement and liner exchange. Two complications: The first patient had recurrent hip dislocation 12 years following the definitive procedure, which was managed by revision THA with abductor reconstruction and constrained acetabular liner; the second complication was aseptic loosening of the acetabular component 2 years following the definitive procedure. CONCLUSION: Successful in management of infected THA when following criteria are met; well-fixed stem, no draining sinuses, non-immune compromised patients, and infection with sensitive organisms.

Extent of lymph node dissection for adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

BACKGROUND: The impact of lymphadenectomy extent on the survival of patients with primary resectable gastric carcinoma is debated. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence on the impact of the three main types of progressively more extended lymph node dissection (that is, D1, D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy) on the clinical outcome of patients with primary resectable carcinoma of the stomach. The primary objective was to assess the impact of lymphadenectomy extent on survival (overall survival [OS], disease specific survival [DSS] and disease free survival [DFS]). The secondary aim was to assess the impact of lymphadenectomy on post-operative mortality. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE until 2001, including references from relevant articles and conference proceedings. We also contacted known researchers in the field. For the updated review, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 2001 to February 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the three main types of lymph node dissection (i.e., D1, D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy) in patients with primary non-metastatic resectable carcinoma of the stomach. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data from the included studies. Hazard ratios (HR) and relative risks (RR) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to measure differences in survival and mortality rates between trial arms, respectively. Potential sources of between-study heterogeneity were investigated by means of subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The same two authors independently assessed the risk of bias of eligible studies according to the standards of the Cochrane Collaboration and the quality of the overall evidence based on the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Eight RCTs (enrolling 2515 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Three RCTs (all performed in Asian countries) compared D3 with D2 lymphadenectomy: data suggested no significant difference in OS between these two types of lymph node dissection (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.21), with no significant difference in postoperative mortality (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.41 to 6.73). Data for DFS were available only from one trial and for no trial were DSS data available. Five RCTs (n = 3 European; n = 2 Asian) compared D2 to D1 lymphadenectomy: OS (n = 5; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.17) and DFS (n=3; HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07) findings suggested no significant difference between these two types of lymph node dissection. In contrast, D2 lymphadenectomy was associated with a significantly better DSS compared to D1 lymphadenectomy (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.92), the quality of the body of evidence being moderate; however, D2 lymphadenectomy was also associated with a higher postoperative mortality rate (RR 2.02, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.04). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: D2 lymphadenectomy can improve DSS in patients with resectable carcinoma of the stomach, although the increased incidence of postoperative mortality reduces its therapeutic benefit.

Meniscal allograft with or without osteotomy: a 15-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To assess survivorship of meniscal allografts and the benefit of concomitant osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who had meniscal allograft surgery ± osteotomy. Fresh frozen meniscal allograft was sutured in place using an onlay technique. Osteotomies were performed in patients with malalignment. We recorded any further intervention required. Survivorship was assessed defining failure as being scheduled or having received a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). RESULTS: Mean age was 40 years. Primary diagnosis was degeneration after previous meniscal injury. Eighty-six allografts were performed, 43 of the medial meniscus and 41 of the lateral meniscus. One patient had implantation of both medial and lateral menisci. Simultaneous osteotomy was performed in 53 patients. Seven patients underwent simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Mean follow-up was 180 months. At the time of writing, 61 allografts (71%) remain in situ with adequate function. Fifteen allografts required arthroscopy and meniscal debridement at a mean of 68 months postop. Twenty-four allografts (28%) went on to degenerate and required TKA at a mean of 149 months postop. There was no significant difference in the survival for isolated allograft ± osteotomy of either the medial meniscus, lateral meniscus or patients requiring arthroscopic intervention (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal allograft is a viable solution to meniscal loss in the young patient. Survivorship is good, providing a mean of 12.4 years prior to TKA in those requiring conversion with 71% of allografts still in situ at a mean of 15 years post-surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, retrospective, Level IV.

The modified Broström-Gould procedure--early results using a newly described surgical technique.

Ankle lateral ligament injuries are one of the most common sporting injuries, with the majority being successfully treated conservatively. However, reconstruction is required if this fails. We present the clinical results of a newly described surgical technique of triple-breasting the lateral ligament complex using suture anchors. Sixteen patients (18 ankles) were treated with this new technique. The mean duration of symptoms was 77 months. The mean follow-up was 25 months. All patients underwent an arthroscopy followed by lateral ligament reconstruction by this new technique. Additional pathology included osteoarthritis (2), ankle impingement due to anterior cheilus (2), osteochondral defects (3) and non-union of fracture of anterior process of calcaneus. Additional procedures above diagnostic arthroscopy, soft tissue debridement and modified Broström-Gould repair included debridement and microfracture (3), open excision of anterior calcaneal process (1) and arthroscopic anterior ankle cheilectomy (2). At final follow-up, all ankles were subjectively and objectively stable. Mean AOFAS score improved from 53 to 88. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). Eight patients had resumed normal pre-injury level of activities (including sports), 8 had some reduction in normal level of activity. The early results of our modification show it to be safe, successful and comparable with previously published series with all patients having objectively and subjectively stable ankles at final follow-up.

Reduction of halo pin site morbidity with a new pin care regimen.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of halo device associated morbidity over a 4-year period. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of a new pin care regimen on halo pin site related morbidity. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Halo orthosis treatment still has a role in cervical spine pathology, despite increasing possibilities of open surgical treatment. Published figures for pin site infection range from 12% to 22% with pin loosening from 7% to 50%. METHODS: We assessed the outcome of a new pin care regimen on morbidity associated with halo spinal orthoses, using a retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2004. In the last two years, our pin care regimen was changed. This involved pin site care using chlorhexidene & regular torque checking as part of a standard protocol. Previously, povidone iodine was used as skin preparation in theatre, followed by regular sterile saline cleansing when pin sites became encrusted with blood. RESULTS: There were 37 patients in the series, the median age was 49 (range, 22-83) and 20 patients were male. The overall infection rate prior to the new pin care protocol was 30% (n=6) and after the introduction, it dropped to 5.9% (n=1). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Pin loosening occurred in one patient in the group prior to the formal pin care protocol (3%) and none thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced morbidity from halo use can be achieved with a modified pin cleansing and tightening regimen.

The effect of bolus administration of tranexamic acid in revision hip arthroplasty.

We assessed the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. A prospective cohort study was designed comparing Tranexamic acid administration in 30 patients compared to 30 patients in a control group. Blood loss was measured in theatre, pre- and postoperative haemoglobin measurements were recorded and postoperative haemodynamic parameters were evaluated. The mean postoperative haemoglobin was 9.5 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 8.2 g/dl in the control group (p<0.01). The mean haemoglobin reduction was 2.7 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 3.4 g/dl in the control group (p = 0.47). Mean transfusion requirements were 2.76 units in the study group and 4.0 units in the control group (p = 0.49) and the frequency of transfusion was reduced (p = 0.032). Infected revisions showed no reduction in transfusion requirements with tranexamic acid administration (p = 0.25). There was a reduced frequency of transfusion in patients when revision was performed for aseptic loosening (p = 0.027). This group of patients may benefit from tranexamic acid administration.

WITHDRAWN: Extended versus limited lymph nodes dissection technique for adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons disagree about the merits and risks of radical lymph node clearance during gastrectomy for cancer. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate survival and peri-operative mortality after limited or extended lymph node removal during gastrectomy for cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, LILACS, Central Medical Journal Japanese Database and the Cochrane register, references from relevant articles and conference proceedings. We contacted known workers in the field. For the updated review, the Cochrane Library, M EDLINE , E MBASE and LILACS were searched from 2001 to April 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies published after 1970 which reported 5 year survival or postoperative mortality rates, and clearly defined the node dissection performed, were considered. We excluded studies which overtly included patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy, and comparisons with clear systematic treatment allocation bias. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised comparisons and observational studies were considered separately. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers selected trials for inclusion. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Results of trials of similar design were pooled. Meta-analysis was performed separately for randomised and non-randomised comparisons. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomised and two non-randomised comparisons of limited (D1) versus extended (D2) node dissection and 11 cohort studies of either D1 or D2 resection were analysed. Meta-analysis of randomised trials did not reveal any survival benefit for extended lymph node dissection (Risk ratio = 0.95 (95% CI 0.83 - 1.09), but showed increased postoperative mortality (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.45 - 3.45). Pre-specified subgroup analysis suggested a possible benefit in stage T3+ tumours (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.42-1.10). Non-randomised comparisons showed no significant survival benefit for extended dissection (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.83 -1.02), but decreased mortality (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.93). Subgroup analysis showed apparent benefit in UICC stage II and IIIa. Observational studies of D2 resection reported much better mortality and survival than those of D1 surgery, but the settings were strikingly different. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: D2 dissection carries increased mortality risks associated with spleen and pancreas resection, and probably with inexperience and low case volumes. Randomised studies show no evidence of overall survival benefit, but possible benefit in T3+ tumours. These results may be confounded by surgical learning curves and poor surgeon compliance. Non-randomised comparisons suggest a possible survival benefit for D2 in intermediate UICC stages. Observational studies show high 5 year survival and low operative mortality after D2 dissection in experienced units, and poor results after D1 dissection in non-specialist units. Further studies, with precautions to eliminate learning curve effects, contamination and non-compliance, are needed to evaluate D2 dissection in intermediate stage gastric cancer.