The analgesic efficiency of combined pregabalin and ketamine for total hip arthroplasty: a randomised, double-blind, controlled study.

Ketamine and pregabalin each provide postoperative analgesia, although the combination has yet to be evaluated. One hundred and forty-two patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive ketamine alone, pregabalin alone, ketamine and pregabalin combined, or placebo. Pain scores at rest and on movement, morphine consumption, side-effects, pressure pain thresholds and secondary hyperalgesia were evaluated. Mean (SD) total 48-h morphine use was reduced in patients given ketamine alone (52 (22) mg) and pregabalin alone (44 (20) mg) compared with placebo (77 (36) mg) p < 0.001. Morphine use was further reduced in patients given both ketamine and pregabalin (38 (19) mg) with an interaction between ketamine and pregabalin (ANOVA factorial; p = 0.028). Secondary hyperalgesia was reduced by ketamine. There were no differences between groups in pain scores after surgery, pressure pain thresholds or side-effects. The combination of pregabalin and ketamine has a small, beneficial clinical effect.

Patellar height modification after high tibial osteotomy by either medial opening-wedge or lateral closing-wedge osteotomies.

PURPOSE: High valgus tibial osteotomy is used to treat medial femoro-tibial osteoarthritis. Changes in patellar height due to high valgus tibial osteotomy can cause technical difficulties during subsequent knee arthroplasty. The primary objective of this study was to assess the hypothesis that patellar height decreases after opening-wedge osteotomy and increases after closing-wedge osteotomy. The secondary objective was to assess whether frontal axis correction and tibial slope modification correlated with patellar height changes. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective, comparative, observational, non-randomised study was conducted in consecutive patients undergoing isolated high valgus tibial osteotomy according to standard practice in each of the ten study centres. Patellar height was assessed based on the Caton-Deschamps index. RESULTS: Of 321 included patients, 224 underwent opening-wedge and 97 closing-wedge osteotomy. Patellar height did not change significantly after closing-wedge osteotomy (1.07 ± 0.2 pre-operatively and 1.0 ± 0.19 postoperatively). Patellar height decreased significantly after opening-wedge osteotomy (from 0.98 ± 0.19 to 0.88 ± 0.21, p < 0.0001, mean decrease 9 ± 22%). Patellar height decreased by more than 20% in 49 (28%) patients after opening-wedge osteotomy. The patellar height decrease after opening-wedge osteotomy correlated significantly with axis correction magnitude and tibial slope change. CONCLUSION: Our results support routine baseline measurement of patellar height before high valgus tibial osteotomy and posterior positioning of the opening wedge to limit the tibial slope change in patients requiring major axis correction by opening-wedge osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, Level II.

Partial atlE sequencing of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from prosthetic joint infections.

Partial atlE sequencing (atlE nucleotides 2782 to 3114 [atlE(2782-3114)]) was performed in 41 Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and 44 isolates from skin as controls. The atlE(2782-3114) allele 1 (type strain sequence) was significantly more frequent in PJI strains (38/41 versus 29/44 in controls; P = 0.0023). Most PJI strains were positive for mecA, icaA/icaD, and IS256, and most belonged to the sequence type 27 subgroup, suggesting the involvement of few related clones.

Transfusion strategy for primary knee and hip arthroplasty: impact of an algorithm to lower transfusion rates and hospital costs.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion strategies should reduce both blood transfusion and costs. Possible solutions include autologous donation for selected patients and the prescription of erythropoietin (EPO). METHODS: We conducted a quality improvement program to examine the effect of a transfusion strategy algorithm in primary knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA). Our algorithm is presented as a diagram and is based on tolerated and expected blood losses. Patient characteristics, blood loss, transfusions given, autologous blood wastage, and costs were examined during an initial evaluation and after implementation of the algorithm. RESULTS: Analysis of 302 (initial evaluation) and 173 (post-implementation) arthroplasties demonstrated a 55% reduction in the prescription of autologous blood donation. The proportion of EPO prescriptions increased from 6.6% to 17.3% (P<0.05). There was a 56% overall reduction in transfusions to fewer autologous (32% vs 12%, P<0.0001) and allogeneic transfusions (21% vs 13%, NS). There were 50% fewer wasted autologous blood units (P=0.002) and a 50% reduction in hospital costs (euro345 vs 169) with no significant change in overall costs (euro439 vs 407). Anaesthetists applied the algorithm in 97% of patients, and it is still in use 1 yr after evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the implementation of an algorithm for transfusion strategy changed practice and improved quality of care. The costs for EPO, its administration, and monitoring outside hospital were offset by the reduction in hospital transfusion costs.

Arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement.

We present a series of 16 patients treated between 1993 and 2006 who had a failed total ankle replacement converted to an arthrodesis using bone grafting with internal fixation. We used tricortical autograft from the iliac crest to preserve the height of the ankle, the malleoli and the subtalar joint. A successful arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of three months (1.5 to 4.5) in all patients except one, with rheumatoid arthritis and severe bone loss, who developed a nonunion and required further fixation with an intramedullary nail at one year after surgery, before obtaining satisfactory fusion. The post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved to a mean of 70 (41 to 87) with good patient satisfaction. From this series and an extensive review of the literature we have found that rates of fusion after failed total ankle replacement in patients with degenerative arthritis are high. We recommend our method of arthrodesis in this group of patients. A higher rate of nonunion is associated with rheumatoid arthritis which should be treated differently.

Spinal and pelvic parameters in Marfan's syndrome and their relevance to surgical planning.

Spinal deformities are a common feature of Marfan's syndrome and can be a significant cause of morbidity. The morphology of the scoliosis associated with this condition was previously described by Sponseller, but no correlation with the pelvic parameters has been seen. We performed a retrospective radiological study of 58 patients with scoliosis, secondary to Marfan's syndrome and related the findings in the thoracolumbar spine to the pelvic parameters, including pelvic version (tilt), pelvic incidence and sacral slope. Our results showed marked abnormalities in the pelvic values compared with those found in the unaffected population, with increased retroversion of the pelvis in particular. In addition we found a close correlation between the different patterns of pelvic parameters and scoliosis morphology. We found that pelvic abnormalities may partially dictate the spinal disorders seen in Marfan's syndrome. Our results supplement the well-established Sponseller classification, as well as stressing the importance of considering the orientation of the pelvis when planning surgery.

[Every two year follow-up of arthroplasties: myth or reality?]. / La révision exhaustive biennale des arthroplasties: mythe ou réalité ?

In this article, we propose a simple calculation to project quantitatively the number of consultations implied by a systematic follow-up protocol for arthroplasty surgery. In France, this surveillance schedule has become mandatory and will have a pertinent impact on health care expenditures. The longevity of implanted prostheses as well as patient life expectancies can be used to estimate the number of consultations necessary for a regular follow-up. For example, a surgeon who performs 200 arthroplasty procedures per year will have to see 17 patients per week 20 years later.

[Femoral revision using cemented stem and compacted bone graft: femoral migration analysis]. / Reprise fémorale par tige cimentée et greffe morcelée compactée: analyse de la migration fémorale.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: If the bone loss is significant, revision total hip arthroplasty can be most difficult. We present a series of 30 patients with major loss of bone stock treated with the X-change (Exeter) technique for revision total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective consecutive series included 30 reconstructions performed between 1996 and 2001. Compacted grafts with cryopreserved bone were used. Mean follow-up was 42 months (range 24-80). According to the SOFCOT classification, bone loss was stage II in one patient, stage III in 14 and stage IV in 15. The technique described by Gie, Linder and Ling was rigorously applied: smooth stem, no force on the Merckel, cement in the impacted allograft, filling of femoral bone defects. Reinforcement with plates, mesh, or wire was used as necessary to bridge cortical defects. The Postel-Merle-d'Aubigné (PMA) score was used to assess clinical outcome. Digital x-rays were obtained before and after surgery and at last follow-up to assess implant position (vertical migration and frontal deviation), changes in bone stock, and the Pierchon classification. Thirty patients were seen at two years follow-up. Two patients were lost to follow-up after two years. Material had to be removed in two patients because of mechanical intolerance. There was one postoperative fracture at six months. One patient died more than two years after implantation. The PMA score improved from 11 to 17 at last follow-up. Radiographic results showed mean 7.3 mm stem migration and mean 2 degrees frontal deviation which were not correlated with clinical presentation. The Pierchon classification revealed 20 situations of corticalization and eight of trabeculation. Factors affecting migration were modalities of graft preparation and time to first weight bearing. Migration was unchanged after twelve months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The functional and radiographic results remained satisfactory in light of the initial bone loss. Implant migration did not affect outcome. We have modified the surgical technique in line with these results, particularly concerning preparation of the impacted bone graft. This technique has the advantage of filling bone defects and avoiding therapeutic escalation.

[Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in bone and joint infections]. / Antibiothérapie parentérale ambulatoire (APA), par voie intraveineuse dans les infections ostéoarticulaires.

The medical treatment of many bone and joint infections (including chronic osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infection, and septic arthritis) requires prolonged intravenous antimicrobial therapy. For some patients, this treatment could be administered outside the hospital in a program that offers outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). In France, we have no registry of patients receiving OPAT. Initiation of this program requires specific criteria based on a patient evaluation and selection, and an interdisciplinary team of professionals committed to high-quality patient care. Various vascular access devices and infusion pump therapy are used to administer OPAT. The most common parenteral agents for OPAT are beta-lactams and glycopeptids (specifically vancomycin). Antimicrobial courses are stopped prematurely in 3 to 10% of the cases because of an adverse reaction or vascular access complications. Several published studies demonstrate the effectiveness of OPAT and higher patient satisfaction than hospital care. In addition, OPAT is clearly more cost-effective than intravenous therapy provided in the hospital setting. Some diagnoses, such as cellulites, community-acquired pneumonia, and endocarditis may be managed with OPAT.

Standing radiological analysis with a low-dose biplanar imaging system (EOS system) of the position of the components in total hip arthroplasty using an anterior approach: a cohort study of 102 patients.

AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the position of the acetabular and femoral components in total hip arthroplasty undertaken using an anterior surgical approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective, single centre study, we used the EOS imaging system to analyse the position of components following THA performed via the anterior approach in 102 patients (103 hips) with a mean age of 64.7 years (sd 12.6). Images were taken with patients in the standing position, allowing measurement of both anatomical and functional anteversion of the acetabular component. RESULTS: The mean inclination of the acetabular component was 39° (standard deviation (sd) 6), the mean anatomical anteversion was 30° (sd 10), and the mean functional anteversion was 31° (sd 8) five days after surgery. The mean anteversion of the femoral component was 20° (sd 11). Anatomical and functional anteversion of the acetabular component differed by > 10° in 23 (22%) cases. Pelvic tilt was the only pre-operative predictive factor of this difference. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that anteversion of the acetabular component following THA using the anterior approach was greater than the recommended target value, and that substantial differences were observed in some patients when measured using two different measurement planes. If these results are confirmed by further studies, and considering that the anterior approach is intended to limit the incidence of dislocation, a new correlation study for each reference plane (anatomical and functional) will be necessary to define a 'safe zone' for use with the anterior approach. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: EOS imaging system is helpful in the pre-operative and post-operative radiological analysis of total hip arthroplasty.

Ankylosing neurogenic myositis ossificans of the hip. An enhanced volumetric CT study.

Neurogenic myositis ossificans is a disabling condition affecting the large joints of patients with severe post-traumatic impairment of the central nervous system. It can result in ankylosis of the joint and vascular or neural compression. Surgery may be hazardous with potential haemorrhage, neurovascular injury, iatrogenic fracture and osteochondral injury. We undertook pre-operative volumetric CT assessment of 45 ankylosed hips with neurogenic myositis ossificans which required surgery. Helical CT with intravenous contrast, combined with two- and three-dimensional surface reconstructions, was the only pre-operative imaging procedure. This gave good differentiation of the heterotopic bone from the adjacent vessels. We established that early surgery, within 24 months of injury, was neither complicated by peri-operative fracture nor by the early recurrence of neurogenic myositis ossificans. Surgical delay was associated with a loss of joint space and a greater degree of bone demineralisation. Enhanced volumetric CT is an excellent method for the pre-operative assessment of neurogenic myositis ossificans and correlates well with the operative findings.

[Excision of heterotopic new bone around the elbow in patients with head injury: 51 cases]. / Résultats de la chirurgie des ostéomes du coude chez le cérébro-lésé: a propos de 51 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Neurogenic paraosteoarthropathy of the elbow is a frequent complication in head injury patients. The functional impairment may be severe. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of our medico-surgical approach and to determine indications for surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively a continuous series of 44 patients (51 elbows) with neurogenic heterotopic new bone of the elbow joint managed from 1993 to 2000. The heterotopic bone had developed on a central deficit limb in 70% of the patients. Flexion-extension was limited in all patients, and pronation-supination in nine. The ulnar nerve was compressed by the heterotopic bone in half of the patients. A 3D reconstruction CT-scan with contrast injection was obtained in all patients. We consider did not the classical criteria for bone maturation to assess operability. Using an adapted approach, we removed the heterotopic new bone to enable complete elbow motion. Associated procedures were performed in fifteen patients due to persistent intraoperative joint stiffness related to muscle-tendon retraction. We did not prescribe diphosphonates or radiotherapy postoperatively. RESULTS: At 45 months follow-up, one patient had been lost. Relative gain was considered very good in 34 elbows, good in 13 and fair in 3. There were no cases of lost motion. There were no recurrences causing joint limitation, but two of nine cases of radioulnar synostosis recurred. DISCUSSION: Neurogenic paraosteopathy of the elbow impairs joint function and may lead to ulnar nerve compression. The goal of surgery is to improve function. The analysis of our results show that early surgery yields good results without complementary treatment, irrespective of the patient's overall functional deficit or cognitive status and irrespective of the localization of the hetertopic bone. The essential prognostic factor for the quality results is the neurological status of the limb, particularly the degree of spasticity and muscle-tendon retraction.

[Tibia nonunion after intramedullar nailing for fracture: decortication and osteosynthesis by medial plating]. / Traitement des pseudarthroses de jambe après enclouage centromédullaire: intérêt de la décortication ostéopériostée avec ostéosynthèse par plaque médiale.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Intramedullar nailing is now widely used for fractures of the tibia. Extension of nailing indications to proximal, distal, and comminuted fractures has led to a significant rate of complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze decortication and medial plating for the treatment of tibial nonunion after intramedullary nailing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen cases of aseptic tibial nonunion after nailing for fracture were treated in three women and fifteen men, mean age 39 years (19-57). The initial classification was open (n = 8), segmental (n = 3), single-focus (n = 15). The fracture site was inferior (n = 6), middle (n = 7), and superior (n = 2). Primary nailing used reaming in 15 cases (83%), unreamed in 3 (17%) static in 13 and dynamic in 5. Four plaster cabts were also applied. Complications were: infection (n = 1), compartmental syndrome (n = 2), tibial nerve palsy (n = 1), dysesthesia (n = 2), and protrusion of the nail into the knee (n = 1). Dynamization was performed in 11 patients, one with additional bone graft and fibulectomy. Repeated reamed nailing was performed in one patient. Seven nonunions were atrophic and 11 were hypertrophic. There were 13 malpositionings associated with the nonunion. Treatment of the nonunion was performed 300 days on average (90-900) after nailing: cancellous bone graft was associated with decortication in four cases because of bone loss (n = 3) or atrophic nonunion (n = 1). RESULTS: Union rate was 94%. Mean time for union was 108 days (80-180) with no significant difference (Student t-test) between atrophic (119 days) and hypertrophic (103 days) nonunion. Correction of the malposition was incomplete in seven patients, with angular malunion of less than 6 degrees in five patients and greater than 10 degrees in two. One late infection occurred and finally healed after external fixation and antibiotic therapy. No skin necrosis occurred. Five patients had pain on the hardware. Removal was performed in one time and pain resolved. Improvement of knee and ankle stiffness was achieved in all patients. DISCUSSION: This technique has been used in our department since 1967. Different studies have found a union rate ranging from 94% to 100% with this procedure. Intramedullary nailing, sometimes associated with bone graft or decortication, is also used for tibial nonunion with a good rate of union. The main problem of intramedulary nailing for nonunion, as for fracture, is the difficulty in avoiding malunion. Plating a nonunion, as a fracture, enables better reduction. Skin problems can occur with the medial plate if the soft tissues are damaged. This situation is very uncommon in secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: Decortication and medial plating was a safe and efficient treatment for tibia nonunion after failure of intramedullary nailing and allows better reduction and repeated nailing.

A floating prosthesis for radial-head fractures.

We report our experience over seven years with a floating radial-head prosthesis for acute fractures of the radial head and the complications which may result from such injury. The prosthesis has an integrated articulation which allows change of position during movement of the elbow. We present the results in 12 patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. Five prostheses had been implanted shortly after injury with an average follow-up of 49 months and seven for the treatment of sequelae with an average follow-up of 43 months. All prostheses have performed well with an improved functional score (modified from Broberg and Morrey 1986). We have not experienced any of the complications previously reported with silicone radial-head replacement. Our initial results suggest that the prosthesis may be suitable for the early or delayed treatment of Mason type-III fractures and more complex injuries involving the radial head.

Cranial nerve palsy revealing an occipitovertebral metastasis from carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

A 37-year-old woman had a histologically documented occipitovertebral metastasis from an invasive epidermoid carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The metastasis was found 3 months after the primary and was treated by local radiation therapy followed by systemic chemotherapy. Radiation therapy was highly effective in relieving the pain but was not associated with changes in magnetic resonance imaging findings. Lymph node involvement and local extension occurred. The patient died 1 year after the diagnosis of the metastasis. Involvement of the occipitovertebral junction by uterine cervix carcinoma metastasis is exceedingly rare. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Articulated radial head replacement and elbow release for post head-injury heterotopic ossification.

This is a case report of the release of an elbow ankylosed by post-head-injury heterotopic ossification. An extensive bony resection and soft-tissue release was required. At surgery a pathological, osteoporotic fracture of the radial head was found that could not be preserved and thus was removed. In its place an articulated "floating radial head prosthesis" was used that allowed immediate rehabilitation and avoided the need for temporary joint distraction or stabilization. The initial excellent function achieved has been maintained, at a > 3-year follow-up and without the complications experienced with silicone radial head prostheses.

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissue: atypical presentations. Value of combined surgery and chemotherapy]. / Histioctome fibreux malin des tissus mous: présentations atypiques. Intérêt de l'association chirurgie-chimiothérapie.

The authors report five cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the soft tissues, some of them with atypical presentation (necrotizing tumor, hypereosinophilic syndrome, dermatomyositis). This is the first case of polymyositis associated with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The tumor occurs between the fifth and the seventh decade, principally as a mass on the proximal lower limb. Local recurrence and metastasis occurs in 50% of patients. Prognosis is dependent on both the surgical possibilities and the characteristics of the tumor (site, size, histologic grade). Surgery alone is inadequate. Adjuvant chemotherapy improves the 5-year survival.

[Value of MRI to evaluate extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis]. / Apport de l'IRM dans l'étude des fibromatoses desmoïdes extra-abdominales.

PURPOSE: To describe the MR appearance of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis, especially using sequences such as MR angiography, STIR and FAT SAT. Materials and methods. We reviewed retrospectively the MRI studies of 8 patients (4 men and 4 women) with histologically proved desmoid fibromatosis. In five patients the lesion corresponded to recurrent disease. Eleven MRI examinations were available (Siemens, Vision, 1.5T) including the following sequences: pre- and postcontrast T1 weighted (11 cases), STIR (9 cases), and MRA (3 cases). All lesions were imaged in at least two orthogonal planes. CT was available for 5 patients. RESULTS: The lesions were localized to the girdles in 8 cases and to the upper extremity in 3 cases. Most lesions (10/11) were isointense to muscle on noncontrast T1W images and showed intense enhancement on postcontrast T1W images. All lesions (9/9) were hyperintense on STIR images. CONCLUSION: A STIR sequence is useful as a first sequence to identify smaller lesions (usually recurrences) and to better adapt the FOV of following sequences, especially before administration of intravenous contrast. MR angiography may be valuable for surgical planning.

[The use of a hinge distraction apparatus after arthrolysis and arthroplasty (author's transl)]. / Arthrolyse et arthroplastie sous distracteur articulaire.

The authors describe a hinge distraction apparatus which allows physiological movement of joints following surgical procedures such as arthrolysis or arthroplasty. The apparatus maintains some space between the bone ends and provides lateral stability. It is based on the principles of external fixation. The apparatus has been used for ankles, knees, and elbows. Thirty-eight patients were operated on. The technique is fully described. The results on experimental work in the dog are given. At the ankle, the authors have shown that the use of the apparatus allows the formation of fibrous tissue between the bone ends. The indications and results obtained at the level of the knee and elbow are discussed.

[Radial head prosthesis with floating cup in recent and old injuries of the elbow: preliminary results]. / Prothèse de tête radiale à cupule flottante dans les traumatismes récents et anciens du coude: résultats préliminaires.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In recent traumatology (complex radial head fractures with severe sprain of the medial collateral ligament), as well as in sequellae (extensive release for severe elbow stiffness), the implantation of a radial head prosthesis may be necessary to stabilize the humero-ulnar joint and the radial shaft. Its major advantage consists of allowing immediate postoperative mobilization. Swanson first proposed a silastic replacement of the radial head which turned out to have serious mechanical and biological disadvantages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We propose a new Titanium implant, which is stiffer, and made of 2 parts connected by a spherical joint, thus maintaining an optimum congruence between the prosthetic component and the humeral condyle in any position of the joint (flexion/extension or pronosupination). This prosthesis was implanted in 4 recent fractures and reviewed after an average follow-up of 23 months [12-36]. RESULTS: Results were excellent in 2 cases, and good in 1 case: functional assessment was fair in the last case, in which the initial lesion consisted of a complex ulnar fracture associated with a Mason 3 fracture of the radial head. An osteosynthesis of the ulnar shaft and olecranon had preceeded implantation of the radial head prosthesis. In 5 additional cases with severe posttraumatic elbow stiffness, the prosthesis was implanted during elbow release, regularly allowing durable stabilization of the joint in an anatomic position, and in 2 of these cases, permanent correction of the radio-ulnar index. In these last cases, proximal migration of the radial shaft had occurred after resection of the radial head. In one case, this migration had resulted in ulnar fusion complicating a Sauve-Kapandji procedure. In the other case, proximal migration of the radius had resulted in painful distal radio-ulnar dislocation. In this second group, patients were followed-up an average of 31 months [12-46]. No complication has yet been recorded (no osteolysis, no stem breakage, no wear, no loosening). DISCUSSION: Indications for implantation of a radial head prosthesis were deduced from these observations: in recent trauma, implantation of the prosthesis should only be indicated in those fractures, in which osteosynthesis appears not to be possible (Mason 3 or 4), with the following associations: radial head fracture with severe sprain of the medical collateral ligament--patients with positive radio-ulnar index--extensive lesions of the interosseous membrane (Essex-Lopresti, or Monteggia affecting the ulnar shaft)--associated fracture of the proximal ulna (olecranon, coronoid process...). In sequellae, we propose the following indications: extensive elbow release compromising elbow stability--painful inferior radio-ulnar dislocation complicating resection of the radial head--valgus instability complicating radial head resection.