[Analysis of kinematic changes of hip joint after total hip arthroplasty].

Objective: To analyze the kinematic changes of the hip joint after total hip arthroplasty (THA) through three-dimensional gait analysis. Methods: Patients with hip joint diseases admitted between October 2022 and June 2023 were selected as the subjects. The patients who met the selective criteria were finally included in the THA group. The healthy volunteers matched with the THA group in the same age were included as the control group. Baseline data including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and laterality were compared between the two groups. The Harris hip score (HHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up in the THA group. Three-dimensional motion capture system was utilized to collect spatiotemporal parameters and kinematic data during walking, including stride length, cadence, and maximum/minimum values, range of motion (ROM) in hip joint abduction/adduction, external/internal rotation, and flexion/extension, as well as gait scores. Differences between the two groups were analyzed. Additionally, the correlation between gait scores and postoperative HHS and WOMAC scores were analyzed in the THA group. Finally, the kinematic data of each degree of freedom (DOF) were fitted into a gait diagram, and the dynamic changes of the 3-DOF of the hip joint during the gait cycle were quantitatively analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, laterality, and BMI between the two groups ( n=20, P>0.05). The mean follow-up time in the THA group was 9.9 months (range, 6-12 months). The HHS and WOMAC scores at last follow-up in the THA group showed significant improvement when compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.05). Gait scores were positively correlated with postoperative HHS score ( r=0.585, P=0.007) and negatively correlated with WOMAC score ( r=-0.619, P=0.004). There was no significant difference in stride length and cadence between the THA and control groups ( P>0.05), but gait score was significantly lower in the THA group than in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in maximum and minimum values of flexion/extension, external/internal rotation, and abduction/adduction between the two groups ( P>0.05); however, ROM in the THA group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups of flexion/extension in multiple phases of the gait cycle ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Early post-THA hip joint kinematics exhibit relative adduction, external rotation, and flexion during the gait cycle compared to normal individuals, with incomplete recovery of kinematic parameters in three degrees of freedom. Significant differences in flexion are observed at multiple phases of the gait cycle compared to normal individuals.

The Effect of Nutritional Status in the Treatment of Prosthetic Joint Infections in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) continue to be a complication that plagues arthroplasty. Albumin is a surrogate marker for nutrition as well as chronic inflammation, and hypoalbuminemia increases the risk of complications in arthroplasty. Patients with PJI are at increased risk for malnutrition and complications. This study's objective was to analyze patients who underwent treatment of PJI following total hip arthroplasty, and investigate the outcome with regards to albumin levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, forty-eight patients who underwent surgery for a total hip PJI at one institution were reviewed. Albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded preoperatively and 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Treatment failure was determined by further surgical treatment for PJI or repeat infection, as determined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society guidelines. RESULTS: A debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention procedure was performed in 39 patients, and explant with the placement of an antibiotic spacer was performed in 9. Preoperative mean albumin levels were significantly decreased in patients who failed to clear their infection compared to patients who remained infection-free (2.5 versus 3.3, P < 0.001). Postoperative albumin levels decreased in this same population (2.6 versus 3.8, P < 0.001). CRP was elevated in patients who failed to clear their infection preoperatively (19.9 versus 7.5, P < 0.001) and postoperatively (7.0 versus 1.7, P < 0.001). The average time to repeat surgical treatment for their PJI was 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Lower albumin levels are observed in patients with PJI who failed to remain infection-free after surgery. Albumin is a surrogate marker for nutrition, and low albumin is associated with poor immune function. Hypoalbuminemia is found with chronic inflammation as well as malnutrition. Nutritional reserves are diverted to the acute inflammatory response during an infection, which can lead to a deficient state. Further research may develop treatments to alter this modifiable risk factor.

Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Did Not Reduce Post-Operative Pain or Opioid Use After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a newly developed regional anesthesia technique designed to manage post-operative hip pain following a fracture or surgery while also maintaining quadriceps strength and mobility. The goal of our study was to compare post-operative pain scores and opioid usage during the post-operative period prior to discharge following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the posterior approach between patients who received a PENG block and those who did not. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on patients undergoing elective, posterior approach THA at a single tertiary care academic center. The two groups included a study group (THA with PENG block in 2021; n = 66) and a control group (THA prior to PENG block implementation in 2019; n = 70). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pain scores during post-operative minutes 0 to 59 (study group 6.8; control group 6.6; P = 0.81) or during post-operative minutes 60 to 119 (study group 6.2; control group 5.6; P = 0.40). There were no significant differences in total post-operative in-hospital morphine milliequivalent (MME) opioid consumption (study group 55.8 MMEs; control group 75.0 MMEs; P = 0.14). The study group was found to have a shorter length of stay (LOS) (study group 17.0 hours; control group 32.6 hours; P < 0.0001) and faster mobilization (study group 3.0 hours; control group 4.9 hours; P < 0.0001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results show that use of the PENG block did not result in lower post-operative pain scores or opioid consumption after THA using the posterior surgical approach. The study group had a shorter LOS and time to mobilization than the control group, though this was likely due to standard hospital procedure shifting to same day discharge for THA between 2019 and 2021 due to COVID-19.

Retrieval Analysis of Titanium Nitride Coatings for Orthopaedic Implants.

BACKGROUND: The first generation of titanium nitride (TiN) coatings for orthopaedic implants was clinically introduced in the 1990s because of their promising biocompatibility, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This study evaluated the in vivo performance of early TiN-coated knee and hip implants, focusing on the bearing surfaces and mechanisms of in vivo damage. METHODS: There were thirteen TiN-coated implants (5 knee and 8 hip) retrieved from 8 patients as part of a multi-institutional implant retrieval program. The average implantation time was 4.25 years for knees and 17.5 years for hips. Implant revisions occurred for various reasons, including PE wear, loosening, pain, infection, and instability. Components were examined using a semiquantitative scoring method, and surface roughness measurements were performed using white-light interferometry (WLI). Surface morphology, chemistry, and particle characterization were also assessed using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: For hips, mild corrosion was found on femoral head tapers, along with severe scratching on certain femoral heads. Knee implants exhibited low burnishing and scratching for both mechanisms. Roughness measurements (Sa) were 37.3 nm (Interquartile Range, IQR = 22.0 to 62.4) for hips and 85.3 nm (IQR = 66.3 to 110) for knees. The observed scratch depth in both hip and knee implants due to 3rd body particles ranged from 0.3 to 1.3 µm. The coating coverage remained intact in the majority of the implants, with two cases of small, localized cohesive chipping and substrate exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the potential in vivo durability of early TiN coatings and will be useful in benchmarking wear tests for modern TiN-coated orthopaedic implants.

Comparison of the cost-effectiveness and safety between staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty and simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study between 2001 and 2022.

INTRODUCTION: A substantial proportion of Hong Kong's aging population suffers from osteoarthritis in both knees. Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) is a surgical option for addressing this condition and can be performed via two approaches: simultaneous (SimBTKA) and staged (StaBTKA) bilateral TKAs. We compared the cost-effectiveness and safety of these two methods in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 2,372 patients (SimBTKA, 772; StaBTKA, 1,600; female, 1,780; male, 592; mean age at SimBTKA, 70.4 ± 7.99 years; mean age at StaBTKA, 66.4 ± 7.50 years; p < 0.001) who underwent bilateral TKA in our institution from 2001 to 2022. Patients were categorized according to surgical approach. Patients undergoing BTKA in our institution were included. Particularly for SimBTKA, patients were assessed by anesthetists to be medically fit before undergoing SimBTKA according to their age, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and osteoarthritis severity. Primary outcome was the length-of-stay (LOS) after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the 30-day unintended readmission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death. RESULTS: SimBTKA had a short mean total LOS (acute hospital + rehabilitation center; SimBTKA, 13.09 days; StaBTKA, 18.12 days; p < 0.001) and mean LOS in acute hospital (SimBTKA, 7.70 days; StaBTKA, 10.42 days; p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in mean LOS in rehabilitation centers (SimBTKA, 5.47 days; StaBTKA, 6.32 days; p > 0.05) between the two approaches. The 30-day unintended readmission rate was low in SimBTKA (SimBTKA, 2.07%; StaBTKA, 3.30%; OR = 1.60; p > 0.05) but statistically insignificant. SimBTKA was less costly than StaBTKA by US$8,422.22. per patient. No significant differences in ICU admission and death rates were found (p > 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: SimBTKA had a shorter LOS and lower cost than StaBTKA and comparable complication rates. Therefore, SimBTKA should be indicated in medically stable patients.

Changes in the anteroposterior position of the femur relative to the tibia impact patient satisfaction in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior position (AP) of the femur relative to the tibia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and assess the influence of change in the AP position on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We evaluated 49 knees that underwent bi-cruciate-substituted TKA using a navigation system. The preoperative and postoperative AP position of the femur relative to the tibia at maximum extension, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 105°, and 120° and maximum flexion angles were calculated. The 2011 Knee Society Score was evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The Wilcoxon signed rank and Spearman's rank correlation tests were performed, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The postoperative AP position was significantly correlated with the preoperative AP position at each measured angle. The postoperative AP positions were statistically more anterior than those preoperatively. Furthermore, the changes in the AP position after TKA negatively correlated with the symptom (P = 0.027 at 30°, P = 0.0018 at 45°, P = 0.0003 at 60°, P = 0.01 at 90°, and P = 0.028 at 105°) and patient satisfaction (P = 0.018 at 60° and P = 0.009 at 90°) scores at 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The postoperative AP position of the femur relative to the tibia was strongly influenced by the preoperative those in TKA. Postoperative anterior deviation of the femur relative to the tibia from mid-flexion to deep flexion could worsen clinical outcomes.

Clinical use and applications of a citrate-based antiseptic lavage for the prevention and treatment of PJI.

Total joint arthroplasties (TJA) are some of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States with the number of TJA expected to rise significantly over the next decade as the population ages and arthritic burden worsens. However, the rise in TJA volume correlates with a heightened risk of complications, notably prosthetic joint infections (PJI), despite their low occurrence rate of less than 2%. PJI imposes a significant burden on surgery success, patient well-being, and healthcare costs, with an estimated annual expense of 1.85 billion dollars for hip and knee PJI by 2030. This manuscript delves into the pathophysiology of PJI, exploring our current understanding of the role of bacterial biofilm formation on implanted foreign hardware, providing protection against the host immune system and antibiotics. The article reviews current agents and their efficacy in treating PJI, as well as their cytotoxicity toward native cells involved in wound healing, prompting the exploration of a novel citrate-based solution. The paper highlights the superior properties and efficacy of a novel citrate-based irrigation solution on the treatment and prevention of PJI via increased antimicrobial properties, greater biofilm disruption, increased exposure time, and reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional solutions, positioning it as a promising alternative. It also provides a perspective on its clinical use in the operating theater, with a step-by-step approach in TJA, whether primary or revisionary.

Coxarthrosis as a clinical and social problem. Analysis following hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim of this study was to determine how hip arthroplasty contributed to improvements in the clinical condition and quality of life of patients after the procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 30 patients who underwent surgery due to hip osteoarthritis at the Department of Endoprostheses of the Healthcare Center Regional Hospital in Busko-Zdroj. The subjective and objective condition of the patients was assessed before and after their arthroplasty procedure. RESULTS: Results: Study patients reported the elimination of pain and showed an increased range of hip mobility. Their physical fitness was considerably improved. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: 1. Coxarthrosis is a difficult clinical problem. 2. Hip arthroplasty resulted in the elimination of pain or its radical reduction. 3. After the procedure, study patients showed a considerably better level of physical fitness as compared to baseline and were able to walk a longer distance without pain. 4. The patients are happy and satisfied with the effects of hip arthroplasty.

Malnutrition in total joint arthroplasty: what should the orthopaedic surgeon consider?

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is rising globally, with an associated increase in associated complications, necessitating increased efforts in prevention of these complications with pre-operative optimisation. Malnutrition has been highlighted as one of the most important pre-operative modifiable risk factors to be addressed in TJA, with the term malnutrition in orthopaedic surgery having a broad definition that encompasses a wide range of nutritional abnormalities from undernutrition to overnutrition contributing to the outcomes of TJA. Complications associated with malnutrition include periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), periprosthetic fracture, dislocations, aseptic loosening, anaemia, prolonged length of stay (LOS), increased mortality, and raised health care costs. Standardised nutritional scoring tools, anthropometric measurements, and serological markers are all options available in pre-operative nutritional assessment in TJA, but there is no consensus yet regarding the standardisation of what parameters to assess and how to assess them. Abnormal parameters identified using any of the assessment methods results in the diagnosis of malnutrition, and correction of these parameters of overnutrition or undernutrition have shown to improve outcomes in TJA. With the multiple nutritional parameters contributing to the success of total joint arthroplasty, it is imperative that orthopaedic surgeon has a thorough knowledge regarding nutritional peri-operative optimisation in TJA.

Personalized total knee arthroplasty in patients with extra-articular deformities.

Over the years, with a better understanding of knee anatomy and biomechanics, superior implant designs, advanced surgical techniques, and the availability of precision tools such as robotics and navigation, a more personalized approach to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has emerged. In the presence of extra-articular deformities, performing personalized TKA can be more challenging and specific considerations are required, since one has to deal with an acquired pathological anatomy. Performing personalized TKA surgery in patients with extra-articular deformities, the surgeon can: (1) resurface the joint, omitting the extra-articular deformity; (2) partially compensate the extra-articular deformity with intra-articular correction (hybrid technique), or (3) correct the extra-articular deformity combined with a joint resurfacing TKA (single stage or two-stage procedure). Omitting the acquired lower limb malalignment by resurfacing the knee has the advantages of respecting the joint surface anatomy and preserving soft tissue laxities. On the other hand, it maintains pathological joint load and lower limb kinematics with potentially detrimental outcomes. The hybrid technique can be performed in most cases. It circumvents complications associated with osteotomies and brings lower limb axes closer to native alignment. On the other hand, it creates some intra-articular imbalances, which may require soft tissue releases and/or constrained implants. Correcting the extra-articular deformity (through an osteotomy) in conjunction with joint resurfacing TKA represents the only true kinematic alignment technique, as it aims to reproduce native knee laxity and overall lower limb axis.

May the 4th be with you: mixed-methods best-evidence synthesis on 4th-generation alumina-zirconia ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty.

Purpose: To assess utility, benefits, and risks of 4th-generation alumina-zirconia ceramic pairings in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: A comprehensive mixed-methods best-evidence synthesis using data from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, as well as joint replacement registries, was conducted to estimate overall revision and survival rates, periprosthetic infection, bearing fractures, and noise phenomena with 4th-generation alumina-zirconia ceramic versus other tribological couplings in elective THA. The systematic review part across multiple databases was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023418076), and individual study data were extracted for statistical re-analysis. Results: Twenty overlapping systematic reviews, 7, 17, and 8 references from RCTs, cohort studies, and joint replacement registries form the basis of this work. According to current best evidence, it is (i) 15-33 times more likely that 4th-generation alumina-zirconia pairings avoid a revision for infection than causing a revision for audible noise, (ii) 38-85 times more likely that 4th-generation alumina-zirconia pairings avoid a revision for infection than causing a revision for ceramic head fractures, and (iii) three to six times more likely that 4th-generation alumina-zirconia pairings avoid a revision for infection than cause a revision for ceramic liner fractures. Conclusion: Fourth-generation alumina-zirconia pairings in THA show a favorable benefit-risk ratio, with rare compound-specific adverse events and complications significantly outbalanced by long-term advantages, such as a markedly lower incidence of revision for infection.

Postoperative early weight-bearing using double plating for periprosthetic, interprosthetic, and interimplant distal femur fractures following total knee arthroplasty: A report of three cases.

Background: Distal femur fractures (DFFs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in older patients often require prolonged non-weight-bearing, thereby decreasing their activities of daily living (ADL) and increasing mortality. This report clarifies early weight-bearing safety and utility by using double-plate fixation on medial and lateral sides (LM180 double-plate fixation) for DFFs following TKA. Case presentation: Three cases of Su Type III periprosthetic, interprosthetic, and interimplant DFFs following TKA, where bone stock was limited, were treated with LM180 double-plate fixation using locking plates through medial and lateral incisions on the distal femur. In interprosthetic and interimplant DFF cases, the proximal section was secured by overlapping the lateral plate +/- medial plate with the proximal femur stem of the intramedullary nail by using monocortical screws and cerclage wires. Early postoperative partial weight-bearing was recommended, and full weight-bearing was allowed 4-5 weeks postoperation. All cases regained independent walking without hardware failure. Average ADL scores, namely, Barthel index (BI) and functional independence measure (FIM), were recovered to 85/100 and 114.7/126, respectively, approaching near-normal values. Conclusion: LM180 double-plate fixation for DFFs such as Su Type III periprosthetic, Vancouver type C interprosthetic, and interimplant DFFs following TKA with limited bone stock can be used to achieve early weight-bearing without fixation failure and help maintain ADL.

Trends in managing femoral neck fractures with arthroplasty in the ≥ 50 years age group.

Objective: To know about the trends in the management of neck of femur fractures with arthroplasty in patients ≥ 50 years. Methods: It is a retrospective cross-sectional study with data collection from Hospital Management Information System from 1st January 2020 to 31st July 2023. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Mean & standard deviation was reported for quantitative variable & frequency and proportion were reported for qualitative variables. The cross- tabulations were performed to evaluate the association between the variables. Results: Total number of patients in this study was 305. Mean age was 67.80 ± 10.5 SD. Male to female ratio was 150:155. Co-morbidities were found in 126 patients. The surgical options used were Austin Moore prosthesis (64), Cemented Bipolar (36), Hybrid Total Hip Replacement (7), Non-cemented Total Hip Replacement (86), Cemented Total Hip Replacement (32), Uncemented Bipolar (71). Garden Type-2 fracture was noted in 33 patients, Type-3 in 170 patients and Type-4 in 87 patients. Cemented stem was used in 74 patients while 222 patients had non-cemented stem. Conclusion: One quarter of the patients had cemented stem implanted compared to three quarter of the patients who had non-cemented stem.

Risk factors and prediction model of delirium in elderly patients after hip arthroplasty.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of delirium in elderly patients after hip arthroplasty and to construct a prediction model. Methods: Clinical data of 248 elderly patients who underwent hip arthroplasty in the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics at Wuhan Fourth Hospital were retrospectively collected from November 2021 to February 2023. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of delirium after hip arthroplasty, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed using the RMS package of R4.1.2 software. The accuracy and stability of the model was evaluated based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Age, nighttime sleep, anesthesia method, intraoperative blood loss, hypoxemia, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were all risk factors of delirium after the hip arthroplasty (P<0.05). These factors were used to construct a nomogram prediction model that was internally validated using the Bootstrap method. The prediction model had the area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.980 (95% CI: 0.964-0.996), indicating that it has certain predictive value for postoperative delirium. When the optimal cut off value was selected, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.7% and 92.3%, respectively, indicating that the prediction model is effective. Conclusions: Age, short nighttime sleep, general anesthesia, high intraoperative blood loss, hypoxemia, and high CRP levels are independent risk factors for delirium after hip arthroplasty. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these risk factors can effectively predict delirium in elderly patients after hip arthroplasty.

Intraoperative Fluoroscopy Versus Navigation to Determine Cup Anteversion in Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement: A Technical Trick for Obtaining "True" Anteversion.

During acetabular cup positioning, intraoperative measurements of cup anteversion were taken using both fluoroscopy and navigation system. With the C-arm introduced at 40°, an anteroposterior view of the pelvis is taken. The C-arm is then centered over the hip, showing an anteverted cup with an approximate inclination of 40°. The axial C-arm is tilted away until the cup opening is visualized as a straight line, indicating that the beam of the fluoroscopy is aligned with the cup's anteversion. The tilt angle on the C-arm and anteversion reading on the navigation workstation were recorded. The high degree of agreement between fluoroscopic and navigation measurement of acetabular cup anteversion supports the use of fluoroscopy in settings with limited access to navigation systems in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.

Are social determinants of health associated with an increased length of hospitalization after revision total hip and knee arthroplasty? A comparison study of social deprivation indices.

INTRODUCTION: Length of stay (LOS) has been extensively assessed as a marker for healthcare utilization, functional outcomes, and cost of care for patients undergoing arthroplasty. The notable patient-to-patient variation in LOS following revision hip and knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) suggests a potential opportunity to reduce preventable discharge delays. Previous studies investigated the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on orthopaedic conditions and outcomes using deprivation indices with inconsistent findings. The aim of the study is to compare the association of three publicly available national indices of social deprivation with prolonged LOS in revision TJA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1,047 consecutive patients who underwent a revision TJA were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and behavioral characteristics were extracted. Area deprivation index (ADI), social deprivation index (SDI), and social vulnerability index (SVI) were recorded for each patient, following which univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between deprivation measures and prolonged LOS (greater than five days postoperatively). RESULTS: 193 patients had a prolonged LOS following surgery. Categorical ADI was significantly associated with prolonged LOS following surgery (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.30-3.54; p = 0.003). No association with LOS was found using SDI and SVI. When accounting for other covariates, only ASA scores (ORrange=3.43-3.45; p < 0.001) and age (ORrange=1.00-1.03; prange=0.025-0.049) were independently associated with prolonged LOS. CONCLUSION: The varying relationship observed between the length of stay and socioeconomic markers in this study indicates that the selection of a deprivation index could significantly impact the outcomes when investigating the association between socioeconomic deprivation and clinical outcomes. These results suggest that ADI is a potential metric of social determinants of health that is applicable both clinically and in future policies related to hospital stays including bundled payment plan following revision TJA.

Does total hip arthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures reduce complications?: A Japanese DPC study.

BACKGROUND: The global increase in femoral neck fractures due to aging and osteoporosis is a major clinical challenge. The debate on the optimal surgical intervention for femoral neck fractures remains unresolved. This large-scale study explores femoral neck fractures among the elderly, focusing on the comparative outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) versus Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty (BHA) in Japanese patients. METHODS: Using the Japanese National Administrative Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database, we studied cases of femoral neck fracture from April 2016 to March 2023, and after propensity score matching by age, sex, and comorbidities, we examined the association between THA, complications, and clinical outcomes, and the usefulness of THA for elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. RESULTS: One-to-one propensity score matching identified 7741 pairs of THA and BHA cases. There was no difference in length of stay between the THA and BHA groups. Significantly more blood transfusions were required in the THA group. There was no significant difference in mortality between the THA and BHA groups, but there was a reduced risk of pneumonia in the THA group, with a ratio of 0.547 (95% CI: 0.418-0.715). On the other hand, the THA group had a higher risk of pulmonary embolism, with a ratio of 1.607 (95% CI: 1.379-1.874). The THA group shows improved discharge rates directly home from the facility where the operation was performed, with a ratio of 1.798 (95% CI: 1.675-1.929). CONCLUSION: The findings of this research indicate that THA is more effective than BHA in enabling elderly Japanese patients with femoral neck fractures to be discharged directly home and in preventing pneumonia, despite concerns about pulmonary embolism. These findings suggest that THA may improve functional prognosis in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, although there is a trade-off with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism.

Is the increase in the number of total hip arthroplasties in Japan due to an aging society?

BACKGROUND: The number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing globally, including Japan. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association has been conducting a registry of joint replacement surgery, but there may be a gap between the reported numbers of THA in the registry and the actual number. This study aimed to investigate the exact number of THA and assess the trends in Japan using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB). METHODS: We downloaded data from 2014 to 2019 from the NDB Open Data. Data on primary THA were extracted, and we calculated the annual number and number for each 10-year age group and sex. We also compared the number and trends between elderly and non-elderly groups. RESULTS: During the study period, number of THAs increased by approximately 20,000, showing a continuous upward trend. The highest number of THAs were performed on patients in their 60s, except for the years 2014 and 2019. Comparison of the numbers in 2014 and 2019 by age group showed an increase in the number in patients in their 90s (by 2.05 times). There were significantly a greater number of elderly patients (P < 0.001). The number of THAs performed was higher in women than in men (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The number of THAs in Japan increased substantially from 2014 to 2019, despite a decrease in population. Significantly higher number of THAs were performed on elderly patients in Japan, which might be due to an aging society. The NDB data is highly valuable for epidemiological research in Japan, as it might enable the early detection of issues occurring during THA, facilitating their prompt integration into daily clinical practice.

Recovery of muscular tissue and functional results of patients treated with a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to chronic abductor deficiency after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the function of the abductor mechanism after a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to a degeneration of the muscles after hip arthroplasty, we analyzed the post-operative functional outcome as well as radiographic effects in muscle tissue. METHODS: This present study included six consecutive patients operatively treated with a gluteus maximus flap due to chronic gluteal deficiency after total hip arthroplasty. All patients presented a preoperative severe limp, hip abductor deficiency and a history of conservative treatment without the relief of symptoms. MRI scans were performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the muscle volume and grade of degeneration of the abductor mechanism. For clinical evaluation, the Harris hip score (HHS) was applied pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, the intensity of pain, the Trendelenburg sign, the internal rotation lag sign and the abductor muscle force were measured before and after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, the evaluation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed no significant changes in total muscle volume during the follow-up period. Separate measurements presented a significant growth of muscle volume for the gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata compared to preoperative imaging during the follow-up period. The amount of fat volume decreased for all the measured muscles with statistical significance for the gluteus minimus, the gluteus medius and the tensor fascia lata. No further muscle degeneration and no flap necrosis were measured. The postoperative HHS results were not statistically significant compared to the preoperative results. CONCLUSIONS: Besides fair clinical results, the radiological measurements indicate that the flap transfer enables functional muscular tissue recovery and prevents further degeneration. Given these conditions, the gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer represents a viable treatment option for patients with chronic gluteal deficiency in selected patients.

The effectiveness of extended reality on relieving pain after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often suffer from severe postoperative pain, which seriously hinders postoperative rehabilitation. Extended reality (XR), including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has been increasingly used to relieve pain after TKA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of XR on relieving pain after TKA. METHODS: The electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies from inception to July 20, 2023. The outcomes were pain score, anxiety score, and physiological parameters related to pain. Meta-analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Overall, 11 randomized control trials (RCTs) with 887 patients were included. The pooled results showed XR had lower pain scores (SMD = - 0.31, 95% CI [- 0.46 to - 0.16], P < 0.0001) and anxiety scores (MD = - 3.95, 95% CI [- 7.76 to - 0.13], P = 0.04) than conventional methods. The subgroup analysis revealed XR had lower pain scores within 2 weeks postoperatively (SMD = - 0.49, 95% CI [- 0.76 to - 0.22], P = 0.0004) and XR had lower pain scores when applying XR combined with conventional methods (SMD = - 0.43, 95% CI [- 0.65 to - 0.20], P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis found applying XR could significantly reduce postoperative pain and anxiety after TKA. When XR was combined with conventional methods, postoperative pain can be effectively relieved, especially within 2 weeks after the operation. XR is an effective non-pharmacological analgesia scheme.