A retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes following hip fractures in Australian indigenous patients with non-Australian indigenous patients.

BACKGROUND: Australian Indigenous (AI) populations face significant socioeconomic disadvantage and have poorer health outcomes when compared to their non-AI counterparts. There is a paucity of published literature on outcomes following hip fracture in the AI population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes following hip fracture in AI and non- AI patients presenting to a single regional trauma centre. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes of interest were the odds of postoperative delirium and length of stay in hospital. All outcomes were adjusted against collected baseline covariates. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven hip fractures were identified across 125 patients. There were 62 hip fractures in the AI group and 65 in the non-AI group. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was not statistically significant when comparing Indigenous versus non-Indigenous patients (HR = 2.37, P = 0.055). Adjusted odds of postoperative delirium was lower in Indigenous patients (OR = 0.12; P = 0.018). The AI cohort had a 4 day longer median length of stay, which was not statistically significant when adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSION: AI patients with hip fractures were younger, had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index Score and American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade, as well as a higher incidence of diabetes and associated end-organ sequalae. There was no difference in all-cause mortality. Odds of postoperative delirium was lower in the AI group. We did not find any difference in the length of hospital stay.

Decreased femur tunnel widening after augmented suspensory fixation compared to suspensory fixation for single bundle hamstring ACL reconstruction.

Background: Tunnel widening after Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a hamstring graft is known to occur at follow-up. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of suspensory fixation augmentation using an interference screw on tunnel widening in single-bundle hamstring ACL reconstruction. Methods: 48 patients who had single bundle ACL reconstruction with femoral fixed loop fixation technique in 15 knees, and, fixed loop with augmented aperture (bio screw) fixation in 33 knees were analyzed. The width of the tunnel was measured using radiographs immediate post-op and at follow-up within 1 year. Computerized Tomogram (CT) measurements of the tunnels and functional scores were also done with overall follow-up for the fixed loop group being 21.33 months (Standard Deviation (SD)11.14) and the Augmentation group 9.12 months (SD 3.83). Results: Midpoint femur tunnel widening was reduced in the augmentation group, with measurements of 0.74 (SD 1.05) mm Antero Posterior (AP) and 1.01 (SD 1.04) mm in the Lateral view, compared to 1.54 (SD 1.48) mm AP and 1.79 (SD1.47 mm) in the Lateral for the fixed button group. The radiological widening was considerably less in the augmentation group with a p-value of 0.07. AP aperture widening in the augmentation group was 1.25(SD 1.10 mm), and 1.09(SD0.98) mm in the lateral view. The fixed button-only group measured 1.53 (SD1.30) mm in the AP, and 1.65 (SD 1.29) mm in the lateral view, both of which were not statistically significant. The follow-up Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were similar for the 2 groups. Conclusion: Femoral tunnel midpoint and aperture widening were reduced with the fixed loop with aperture (bio screw) augmentation technique for hamstring grafts in single bundle ACL fixation within 1 year with comparable functional scores. Level of evidence: 4.

Closing the health gap in Central Australia: reduction in Indigenous Australian inpatient self-discharge rates following routine collaboration with Aboriginal Health Workers.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Australians experience significant socioeconomic disadvantage and healthcare disparity compared to non-Indigenous Australians. A retrospective cohort study to describe the association between rates of self-discharge in Indigenous orthopaedic patients and the introduction of routine Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) within the Orthopaedic multi-disciplinary team (MDT) was performed. METHODS: ALO were introduced within our routine Orthopaedic MDT on the 22nd of February 2021. Two patient cohorts were analysed, Group 1; patients admitted in the 9-months prior to inclusion of ALO, and Group 2; patients admitted within 9-months thereafter. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of self-discharge among Indigenous patients. Secondary outcomes of interest were the stage of treatment when patients self-discharged, recurrent self-discharge, risk factors for self-discharge and association between self-discharge and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Introduction of ALO within routine Orthopaedic MDT was associated with a significant 37% reduced risk of self-discharge among Indigenous patients (p = 0·009), and significantly fewer self-discharges before their definitive surgical and medical treatment (p = 0·0024), or before completion of postoperative intravenous antibiotic treatment (p = 0·030). There was no significant change in the risk of recurrent self-discharge (p = 0·557). Risk factors for self-discharge were younger age; pensioners or unemployed; residents of Alice Springs Town-Camps or of communities within 51 to 100 km of Alice Springs; and those diagnosed with lacerations of the upper limb, but without tendon injury, wound and soft tissue infections or osteomyelitis. In Group 2, the odds of self-discharge decreased with increased length of hospital stay (p = 0·040). CONCLUSIONS: Routine inclusion of ALO within the Orthopaedic MDT reduced the risk of self-discharge in Indigenous patients. Those who self-discharged did so only after critical aspects of their care were met.

Open or Arthroscopic Synovectomy Is the Preferred Management Option in Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Hip Joint Without Evidence of Degeneration: A Systematic Review of 20 Studies.

Purpose: To provide an up-to-date systematic review on the treatment options for pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the hip and provide a grade of recommendation using standardized systems. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library from the date of inception of each database through December 4, 2021, was performed. Studies that described the outcomes of treatment of hip PVNS were identified. These outcomes were discussed and synthesized by three reviewers, and a grade of recommendation was assigned. Results: Twenty studies were identified. Seven studies described arthroscopic synovectomy, eight studies described open synovectomy, nine studies described arthroplasty, and one study described osmic acid synoviorthesis. Synovectomy, either open or arthroscopic, had similar rates of disease recurrence. Hip arthroplasty had low rates of disease recurrence compared to synovectomy; however, it was associated with significant risk of aseptic loosening in the longer term. Conclusion: Synovectomy, either open or arthroscopic based on surgeon preference, is favored in the treatment of hip PVNS if there is no evidence of joint space narrowing. Arthroplasty should be considered in cases with joint space narrowing or recurrence following joint preservation therapy. There is insufficient evidence to support synoviorthesis either as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy. Level of Evidence: IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Functional and clinical outcome with modified lateral approach total hip arthroplasty in stiff hips with ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis at total hip arthroplasty (THA) has significant hip stiffness with flexion deformity, restricted mobility, and function. Range of movement (ROM) improvement with good functional outcome is seen following THA in these hips. The modified Hardinge approach without abductor compromise is helpful in these stiff hips with associated flexion deformity. AIM: To assess improvement in ROM and functional outcomes with a modified lateral approach THA in ankylosing spondylitis with stiff hips. METHODS: A total of 69 hips that underwent THA with a modified Hardinge approach in 40 patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 38.33 mo. All individuals ambulated with weight-bearing as tolerated and ROM exercises from the 1st postoperative day. Modified Harris hip score and ROM were assessed during follow-up. Quality of life assessments using the 36-item and 12-item short form health surveys were done along with clinical and functional outcomes at follow-up. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. The correlation of ROM and functional score change was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Sixty-nine hips with a significant decrease in ROM preoperatively with 32 clinically fused hips showed significant improvement in flexion range. The mean flexion in 69 hips improved from 29.35 ± 31.38 degrees to 102.17 ± 10.48 degrees. The mean difference of 72.82 with a P value < 0.0001 was significant. In total, 45 out of 69 hips had flexion deformity, with 13 hips having a deformity above 30 degrees. The flexion during the follow-up was below 90 degrees in 3 hips. Eleven hips had flexion of 90 degrees at follow-up, while the remaining 55 hips had flexion above 100 degrees. Modified Harris hip score improved from 17.03 ± 6.02 to 90.66 ± 7.23 (P value < 0.0001). The 36-item short form health survey at the follow-up indicated health status in 40 patients as excellent in 11, very good in 20, good in 5, fair in 3, and poor in 1. The mean mental health score was 84.10 ± 11.58. Pain relief was good in all 69 hips. Altogether, 28/40 patients (70%) had no pain, 9 patients (22%) had occasional pain, and 3 patients (8%) had mild to moderate pain with unusual activity. Heterotopic ossification was seen in 21 hips with Brooker class 1 in 14 hips. CONCLUSION: Modified Hardinge approach THA in ankylosing spondylitis with stiff hips with flexion deformity significantly improved ROM, Harris hip score, and quality of life indicated by the 36-item and 12-item short form health surveys.

Spinopelvic Mobility Pattern and Acetabular Anteversion in Stiff Hips With Ankylosing Spondylitis After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Fused hips with spine stiffness in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) reduce spinopelvic mobility. We aimed to assess spinopelvic mobility pattern and acetabular anteversion in AS after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Material and methods: Ninety-four stiff hips in 58 AS individuals (mean age: 37.05) who underwent THA between 2012 and 2018 with a modified lateral approach were included. Twenty-three hips were fused, and 71 hips had mean flexion of 37.67°. Pelvic tilt, pelvic inclination, sacral slope (SS), and lumbar lordosis were correlated with THA, and functional outcomes were assessed at 34.6-month mean follow-up. Results: Thirty-seven had a stuck sitting pattern with stuck standing seen in 4 individuals. SS standing before and after THA were 25.08° and 27.30°. SS sitting was 8.99° compared to 16.80°. SS from sitting to standing was reduced (17.7°) in 17 individuals. Spine stiffness in extension was seen in 4 out of 37. Mean acetabular inclination after THA was 42.67°, and acetabular anteversion was 17.48°. Flexion after THA improved to mean 98.47°. Changes in SS from sitting to standing were correlated with THA (r-value: 0.93, P-value: .0001). The Harris Hip Score improved from 25.31 to 82.39 (P-value <.05), and the mean 12-item Short Form Survey at review was 52.18 and 59.55 (physical and mental components). The mean Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Arthritis Index score was 17.56. Conclusions: Spinopelvic mobility change was <10° after THA in AS, stuck sitting was seen in 37 of 58 (63.8%), and stuck standing was seen in 4 of 58 (6.9%), including spine stiffness in flexion or extension. Acetabular anteversion assessed was 17.48° (standard deviation: 4.41), with significant functional improvement. Level of Evidence: Level 4.

Is the modified Dunn's procedure superior to in situ fixation? A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies for management of moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Purpose: The management of moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis is controversial. While in situ fixation is commonly used, the modified Dunn's procedure is increasingly popular within high-volume centers. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as the rates of femoral head avascular necrosis or chondrolysis in patients managed with either modified Dunn's procedure or in situ fixation. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Web of Science was performed in August 2021. Studies comparing outcomes and complications of modified Dunn's procedure versus in situ fixation in patients with moderate or severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis were included. Results: A total of four studies were included in the final analysis. Modified Dunn's procedure did not result in improved clinical outcomes. However, radiological outcomes as measured using Southwick angles and Alpha angles were significantly improved in the modified Dunn's procedure group, with a mean difference of -14.68 (p < 0.00001) and -34.26 degrees (p < 0.00001), respectively, compared to in situ fixation. There was no difference in the odds of femoral head avascular necrosis or chondrolysis, with odds ratio of 0.99 (p = 0.97). Conclusion: Within the limits of our study, modified Dunn's procedure did not improve clinical outcomes. There were significantly improved radiological outcomes without higher odds of femoral head avascular necrosis or chondrolysis. Further long-term studies are required to better guide management of moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis, especially in unstable slips. In the meantime, we recommend that the modified Dunn's procedure, if done, be restricted to high-volume centers with low complication rates. Level of evidence: Level III-Systematic review of Level III studies. Prospero Registration No: CRD42021279503.

Peri-operative Morbidity Associated with Bilateral Hip Arthroplasty for Inflammatory Arthritis: Results from a Consecutive Series of 168 Hips.

AIM: This study aims to assess the risks and peri-operative morbidity associated with a single-stage sequential bilateral hip arthroplasty (SBHA) when performed in patients with arthritis secondary to inflammatory arthropathy. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent SBHA between 2012 and 2018 for inflammatory arthritis were extracted from a database, for peri-operative complications and functional improvement. SBHA for other causes was excluded. RESULTS: Data of 84 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34.5 years were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 2.4 years. 66% had ankylosing spondylitis, while 14% had rheumatoid arthritis. 50% of the patients had bilateral fusion of the hips, and 34% had flexion deformity > 30°.None of the patients had peri-operative cardiac or pulmonary complications. 2.4% had per-operative hypotension (MAP < 50 mmHg) and 1.2% had desaturation (SpO2 < 90%). The mean drop in hematocrit was 9.3%. While 31% did not require blood transfusion, 35% required more than 1 unit of blood. Patients with pre-operative PCV of > 36% had a significantly lower risk of being transfused > 1 unit of blood (p = 0.02). ICU admission was 6%-mostly for post-operative monitoring. While one patient had a local hematoma that needed a wash-out, there were no infections, dislocations, or mortality in these patients. The modified Harris hip score improved from a mean of 26.5-85. The mean hip flexion improved post-operatively from 32° to 92°. CONCLUSIONS: SBHA for inflammatory arthritis can be performed with minimum complications in a multidisciplinary setting. Pre-operatively, PCV of > 36 is advised to reduce transfusion rates.

Total hip arthroplasty in fused hips with spine stiffness in ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by involvement of the spine and hip joints with progressive stiffness and loss of function. Functional impairment is significant, with spine and hip involvement, and is predominantly seen in the younger age group. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for fused hips with stiff spines in AS results in considerable improvement of mobility and function. Spine stiffness associated with AS needs evaluation before THA. Preoperative assessment with lateral spine radiographs shows loss of lumbar lordosis. Spinopelvic mobility is reduced with change in sacral slope from sitting to standing less than 10 degrees conforming to the stiff pattern. Care should be taken to reduce acetabular component anteversion at THA in these fused hips, as the posterior pelvic tilt would increase the risk of posterior impingement and anterior dislocation. Fused hips require femoral neck osteotomy, true acetabular floor identification and restoration of the hip center with horizontal and vertical offset to achieve a good functional outcome. Cementless and cemented fixation have shown comparable long-term results with the choice dependent on bone stock at THA. Risks at THA in AS include intraoperative fractures, dislocation, heterotopic ossification, among others. There is significant improvement of functional scores and quality of life following THA in these deserving young individuals with fused hips and spine stiffness.

Microbiological profile and outcomes of two-stage revision hip arthroplasty.

Background: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging cases that confront modern orthopaedics. Two-stage revision, which is the standard of care for PJI, is the preferred mode of treatment for these infections. Aims and Objectives: To study the microbiological profile of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) in the hip and to assess the efficacy of a two stage revision surgery for PJI. We also aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of ESR and CRP in the diagnosis of PJI. Materials and Methods: The microbiological profile, clinical and radiological outcomes of 22 patients who had a two-stage revision for PJI of the hip between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. PJI was defined using the criteria provided by the International Consensus Statement on PJI 2013. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common organism in PJI. Debridement was successful in removing the organism in 74% of PJI. At the time of re-implantation (second stage), six joints grew organisms that were different from that isolated at the index debridement - coagulase-negative staphylococci (3cases) and enterococci (3cases). Other infection parameters for these patients were negative. None of the patients who had two-stage revision surgery had clinical evidence of reinfection or radiological evidence of loosening at a mean of 2-year follow-up. An ESR cut off of >30mm/hr had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 88% in predicting PJI. A CRP >10mg/L had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 69%. The sensitivity and specificity of using both ESR and CRP cut-offs in the diagnosis of infection were 57% and 94%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 94% and negative predictive value was 56%. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study justify a two-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI of the hip. The use of ESR and CRP as screening tests for the success of debridement has value - but should be interpreted with caution.

How effective is periarticular drug infiltration in providing pain relief and early functional outcome following total hip arthroplasty?

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of periarticular injection of a cocktail of analgesic drugs (PIC) with epidural infiltration (EA), in providing postoperative pain relief and early functional improvement following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: 50 patients undergoing unilateral THA were randomized to receive either EA or PIC for postoperative pain control. Postoperative pain relief, as determined by the visual analogue scale (VAS), functional recovery and side effects related to EA and PIC were assessed. RESULTS: PIC resulted in significantly lower VAS scores [0.48(0.71) vs 3.04(2.07)] in the first 24 h after surgery [mean (SD)], when compared to EA. The pain relief continued to be significantly lower even on the 10th postoperative day. Functional recovery was significantly better in the PIC group, with patients being able to walk longer distances and climb steps more quickly following THA. EA, unlike PIC was associated with side effects like nausea, vomiting, motor weakness, back pain and urinary retention. The overall satisfaction rate with treatment was significantly better in PIC group (9.04/10) than those who received EA (7.76/10). CONCLUSION: PIC provides significantly better pain control and functional recovery in the early postoperative period, with less side effects when compared with EA. PIC should be the choice for pain control following THA.

Is it safe to do a single-stage implant exit and primary hip replacement? clinical and microbiological profiling.

Background: A single-stage implant revision for failed fixation of proximal femoral fractures is performed only when there is no evidence of infection. Else, a two-staged revision is preferred - where the definitive revision surgery is done a few months after the implant exit. This study aims to audit the safety and incidence of culture positivity in single-stage revisions. Materials and Methods: Forty one of 284 patients that presented over the last 12 years for implant exchange of the hip, had a single stage revision surgery for failed fixation of a fracture of the hip, as there was no obvious evidence of infection at the time of implant exit. Results: Micro-organisms were grown in 51% of the 41 hips. 76% were gram positive, of which 63% were Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS). 50% of CoNS and 75% of S. aureus were resistant to oxacillin, but susceptible to Vancomycin. Of the gram negative organisms, 2 (Enterobacter sp) were resistant to carbapenam, while others were susceptible. Preoperative ESR and CRP, individually, had low specificity - 50% for ESR >30mm at 1 hour and 62% for CRP>10. The combined use of ESR > 30mm and CRP>10 increased the specificity to 90%. 12% of the patients had immediate postoperative complications that required a wash out in theatre. The long term clinical follow up of these patients is limited. Conclusion: This study suggests that implant exit and simultaneous arthroplasty for failed fracture fixation should be done with caution due to the high possibility of infection. It may be prudent to opt for a 2 stage revision.

Fate of bone grafting for acetabular defects in total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND: The use of allografts and autografts in the management of acetabular defects have been reported with varying results. Trabecular metal is an expensive option in the management of these defects. This study aims to assess the fate and efficacy of bone grafting for acetabular bone defects in total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 hips in 28 patients with acetabular deficiencies were treated with bone grafting and total hip replacement (THR). Seventeen hips had American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) type 2 (Paprosky type 2c) deficiency and 13 had AAOS type 3 (Paprosky type 3a) defects of the acetabulum. Allografts were used in 15 patients and autografts were used in the remaining 13. Cemented total hip arthroplasty was done in 18 hips and uncemented THR in 12. Seven patients underwent the procedure for, acetabular erosion and symptoms following hemiarthroplasty (4 out of 7), or, acetabular revision for failure (3 out of 7) following total hip arthroplasty. Acetabular deficiencies in other patients were due to posttraumatic causes, advanced primary hip arthritis and second stage treatment of postinfective arthritis. A mesh was used in 6 hips and screws were used in 13 hips for graft fixation. RESULTS: Patients were followed up clinicoradiologically for a period of 10 months to 4 years (mean 23.4 months). One patient required staged revision due to infection. Two patients had early asymptomatic cup migration. One patient had graft lysis and change in cup inclination with persistent pain. He was not keen on further intervention at last followup. Other patients were pain free at the time of followup with radiographs showing maintenance of graft and implant position. CONCLUSION: Bone grafting is a suitable option in the management of acetabular defects in total hip arthroplasty, especially in resource challenged countries.

Traumatic floating clavicle: a case report and literature review.

Bipolar fracture dislocations of the clavicle are rare injuries, usually the result of high-energy direct trauma. Since the original description by Porral in 1831, only a handful of individual case reports and case series by Beckman and Sanders have been reported in the literature. Management of these injuries has remained controversial ranging from nonoperative to aggressive surgery. We report on the case of a young army cadet who had a fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle, with an anterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. Despite being planned for surgery, at the patients request, it was decided to manage the lesion conservatively with graded physiotherapy. At one-year follow-up, he had full pain-free, functional range of movement of the shoulder. This young high demand patient had a good outcome with conservative management, despite going against the current trend towards surgical treatment. We present this case with a review of the literature, highlighting the various management options for this rare lesion.