German surgeons' technical preferences for performing total hip arthroplasties: a survey from the National Endoprosthesis Society.

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to conduct an online survey that highlights patterns of practice during total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: The survey was conducted in June and August 2020. Three hundred thirteen members of the German Society for Endoprosthesis participated in the survey. RESULTS: The anterolateral approach is by far the most popular approach used for primary total hip arthroplasty, followed by the anterior approach during minimally invasive (55% for the anterolateral and 29% for the anterior) and regular surgery (52% for the anterolateral and 20% for the anterior). Two-thirds of the orthopaedic surgeons do not use drainages during THA. Moreover, 80% of the survey participants routinely apply tranexamic acid during surgery. Surgeons who perform minimally invasive surgery for THA use more frequently fast-track-concepts for post-operative rehabilitation. According to the interviewees, the application of fast-track-concepts leads to reduced periods of hospital stay after THA. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that patterns of practice during THA in Germany are in line with the evidence provided by current literature. This study can be seen as a stimulus to conduct similar surveys in other countries in order to promote minimally invasive surgery for THA.

Low Hospital Volume Increases Re-Revision Rate Following Aseptic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 23,644 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Along with rising numbers of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the number of revision total knee arthroplasties (R-TKAs) has been increasing. R-TKA is a complex procedure requiring special instruments, implants, and surgical skills. Therefore it is likely that hospitals with more R-TKAs have more experience with this type of surgery and therefore fewer complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hospital volume and re-revision rate following R-TKA. METHODS: Using nationwide healthcare insurance data for inpatient hospital treatment, 23,644 aseptic R-TKAs in 21,573 patients treated between January 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. Outcomes were 90-day mortality, 1-year re-revision rate, and in-house adverse events. The effect of hospital volumes on outcomes were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Hospital volume had a significant effect on 1-year re-revision rate (≤12 R-TKA/a: OR 1.44, CI 1.20-1.72; 13-24 R-TKA/a: OR 1.43, CI 1.20-1.71; 25-52 R-TKA/a: OR 1.13, CI 0.94-1.35; ≥53 R-TKA/a: reference). Ninety-day mortality and major in-house adverse events decreased with increasing volume per year, but after risk adjustment this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of higher risk for re-revision surgery in hospitals with fewer than 25 R-TKA per year. It might contribute to improved patient care if complex elective procedures like R-TKA which require experience and a specific logistic background were performed in specialized centers.

[ARMD reaction patterns in knee arthroplasty : A novel hypothetical mechanism: hingiosis]. / ARMD-Reaktionsmuster bei Kniegelenkendoprothesen : Ein neuer hypothetischer Mechanismus: Hingiose.

BACKGROUND: There are case descriptions of pronounced peri-implant inflammatory reactions and necrosis in non-infectious knee joint replacements with metal-polyethylene pairing. OBJECTIVES: Due to the histopathological similarities to the dysfunctional metal-on-metal (MoM) hip joint replacement, MoM-like reactions in knee joint arthroplasty ("ARMD-KEP") are proposed and a histopathological comparison is made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analysis evaluates five cases of "ARMD-KEP" using: (1) the SLIM consensus classification, (2) the particle algorithm, (3) the CD3 focus score and (4) the AVAL score. The comparison groups consist of 11 adverse cases of MoM hip and 20 cases of knee joint arthroplasty without adverse reaction. RESULTS: The ARMD-KEP cases were identified as SLIM type VI. Their median ALVAL score was 10. The CD3 focus score confirmed an adverse reaction. Particle corrosion was found in two of five cases. CONCLUSIONS: This data indicates that, in rare cases, an adverse MoM-like reaction may be present in knee replacements, with inflammatory and immunological expression similar to that of the adverse MoM reaction in the hip. The pathomechanisms can be discussed as follows: (1) secondary metal-metal contact, (2) dysfunctional loading of the coupling mechanism and (3) corrosion of the metal components. Much like trunnionosis in the hip, the term "hingiosis" is proposed for corrosion phenomena in dysfunctional conditions of coupled knee endoprosthetic systems.

[Very rare cases of periprosthetic malignant neoplasms : Data from 4000 cases of endoprosthetic joint replacements from the histopathologic implant register]. / Nachweis hoch seltener periprothetischer maligner Neoplasien : Ergebnisse von 4000 Gelenkendoprothesen aus dem histopathologischen Implantatregister.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the AG 11 (work group for implant-material-intolerance) of the German society for Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery (DGOOC) created a histopathologic implant register (HIR). The goal was to conduct a retrospective data analysis based on the revised SLIM-consensus-classification, which defines eight different failure mechanisms. QUESTIONS: The analysis of 4000 cases of endoprosthetic joint replacements addressed the following questions: 1. What is the frequency distribution of different SLIM-types? 2. How does durability of endoprosthetic joint replacements differ among SLIM-types? 3. What kind of periprosthetic malignant neoplasia can be detected and how often? RESULTS: SLIM-type I was diagnosed in 1577 cases (n = 1577, 39.4%), SLIM-type II in 577 cases (n = 577; 14.4%), SLIM-type III in 146 cases (n = 146; 3,7%), SLIM-type IV in 1151 cases (n = 1151; 28.8%), SLIM-type V in 361 cases (n = 361; 9.0%), SLIM-type VI in 143 cases (n = 143; 3.6%), SLIM-type VII in 42 cases (n = 42; 1.0%), and SLIM-type VIII in 3 cases (n = 3; 0.075%). There was statistical significance in implant durability between the different SLIM types. Among the different reasons for endoprosthetic joint replacement failure, non-infectious causes have the biggest share at 81%, with SLIM-type I (39.5%), and SLIM-type IV (29.4%) being the predominant SLIM types. Three cases of periprosthetic malignant neoplasia (SLIM-type VIII) were detected: one case of small B lymphocytic lymphoma/BCLL (C85.9; ICD-O: 9670/3), one case of diffuse large B­cell lymphoma/DLBCL (C83.3; ICD­O 9680/3), and one case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C84.7; ICD-O: 9714/3), with the latter ones being the causes for joint replacement , which indicates that malignant neoplasia is a very rare cause of endoprosthetic joint replacement (n = 2; 0.05%). DISCUSSION: These data are complete new, especially as concerns arthrofibrosis (SLIM-type V), adverse inflammatory reactions (SLIM-type VI), and the very rare cases of periprosthetic malignant neoplasia, SLIM-type VIII, as a reason for revision. Since neither the annual review (2017) of the EPRD, nor the national evaluation report (2017) of the IQTIG provide sufficient data, this indicates the relevance of the HIR of the AG 11 of the DGOOC.

Low Hospital Volume Increases Revision Rate and Mortality Following Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 17,773 Cases.

BACKGROUND: With the number of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), the amount of revision THA (R-THA) increases. R-THA is a complex procedure requiring special instruments, implants, and surgical skills. Therefore it is likely that hospitals performing a higher number of R-THAs have more experience with this type of surgery and therefore fewer complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hospital volume and risk of postoperative complications following R-THA. METHODS: Using nationwide healthcare insurance data for inpatient hospital treatment, 17,773 aseptic R-THAs in 16,376 patients treated between January 2014 and December 2016 were included. Outcomes were 90-day mortality, 1-year revision procedures, and in-house adverse events. The effect of hospital volume on outcome was analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Hospital volume had a significant effect on 90-day mortality (≤12 cases per year: OR 2.13, CI 1.53-2.96; 13-24: OR 1.79, CI 1.29-2.50; 25-52: OR 1.53, CI 1.11-2.10; ≥53: reference) and 1-year revision procedures (≤12: OR 1.26, CI 1.09-1.47; 13-24: OR 1.18, CI 1.02-1.37; 25-52: OR 1.03, CI 0.90-1.19; ≥53: reference). There was no significant effect on risk-adjusted major in-house adverse events. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of higher risk for revision surgery and mortality in hospitals with fewer than 25 and 53 R-THA per year, respectively. To improve patient care, complex elective procedures like R-THA which require experience and a specific logistic background should be performed in specialized centers.

Obesity Increases the Risk of Postoperative Complications and Revision Rates Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 131,576 Total Hip Arthroplasty Cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and the risk of postoperative complications, mortality, and revision rates following primary total hip arthroplasty given other potentially confounding patient characteristics in a large cohort study. METHODS: Using nationwide billing data for inpatient hospital treatment of the biggest German healthcare insurance, 131,576 total hip arthroplasties in 124,368 patients between January 2012 and December 2014 were included. Outcomes were 90-day mortality, 1-year revision procedures (with and without removal or exchange of implants), 90-day surgical complications, 90-day femoral fractures, and overall complications. The effect of BMI on outcome was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Risk-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: BMI had a significant effect on overall complications (30-34 in kg/m2: OR 1.1, CI 1.0-1.2, P = .014; 35-39: OR 1.5, CI 1.3-1.6, P < .001; ≥40: OR 2.1, CI 1.9-2.3, P < .001; <30: reference). The OR for 1-year revision procedures (30-34: OR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.4, P = .001; 35-39: OR 1.6, CI 1.4-1.8, P < .001; ≥40: OR 2.4, CI 2.1-2.7, P < .001; <30: reference) and 90-day surgical complications increased with every BMI category. For mortality and periprosthetic fractures there was a higher risk only for patients with BMI ≥40. CONCLUSION: BMI increases the risk of revision rates in a liner trend. Therefore, the authors believe that patients with a BMI >40 kg/m2 should be sent to obesity medicine physicians in order to decrease the body weight prior elective surgery.

Are TKAs Performed in High-volume Hospitals Less Likely to Undergo Revision Than TKAs Performed in Low-volume Hospitals?

BACKGROUND: High-volume hospitals have achieved better outcomes for THAs and unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). However, few studies have analyzed implant survival after primary TKA in high-volume centers. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Is the risk of revision surgery higher when receiving a TKA in a low-volume hospital than in a high-volume hospital? METHODS: Using nationwide billing data of the largest German healthcare insurer for inpatient hospital treatment, we identified 45,165 TKAs in 44,465 patients insured by Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse who had undergone knee replacement surgery between January 2012 and December 2012. Revision rates were calculated at 1 and 2 years in all knees. The hospital volume was calculated using volume quintiles of the number of all knee arthroplasties performed in each center. We used multiple logistic regression to model the odds of revision surgery as a function of hospital volume. Age, sex, 31 comorbidities, and variables for socioeconomic status were included as independent variables in the model. RESULTS: After controlling for socioeconomic factors, patient age, sex, and comorbidities, we found that having surgery in a high-volume hospital was associated with a decreased risk of having revision TKA within 2 years of the index procedure. The odds ratio for the 2-year revision was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.4-2.0; p < 0.001) for an annual hospital volume of 56 or fewer cases, 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.7; p < 0.001) for 57 to 93 cases, 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0-1.3; p = 0.039) for 94 to 144 cases, and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9-1.2; p = 0.319) for 145 to 251 cases compared with a hospital volume of 252 or more cases. CONCLUSIONS: We found a clear association of higher risk for revision surgery when undergoing a TKA in a hospital where less than 145 arthroplasties per year were performed. The study results could help practitioners to guide potential patients in hospitals that perform more TKAs to reduce the overall revision and complication rates. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of a minimum hospital threshold of arthroplasty cases per year to get permission to perform an arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Evidence-based and Patient-centered Indication for Knee Arthroplasty - Update of the Guideline. / Evidenzbasierte und patientenorientierte Indikationsstellung zur Knieendoprothese ­ Update der Leitlinie.

Knee arthroplasty is one of the most frequently performed operations in Germany, with approximately 170000 procedures per year. It is therefore essential that physicians should adhere to an appropriate, and patient-centered indication process. The updated guideline indication criteria for knee arthroplasty (EKIT-Knee) contain recommendations, which are based on current evidence and agreed upon by a broad consensus panel. For practical use, the checklist has also been updated.For this guideline update, a systematic literature research was conducted in order to analyse (inter-)national guidelines and systematic reviews focusing on osteoarthritis of the knee and knee arthroplasty, to answer clinically relevant questions on diagnostic, predictors of outcome, risk factors and contraindications.Knee arthroplasty should solely be performed in patients with radiologically proven moderate or severe osteoarthritis of the knee (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4), after previous non-surgical treatment for at least three months, in patients with high subjective burden with regard to knee-related complaints and after exclusion of possible contraindications (infection, comorbidities, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Modifiable risk factors (such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, anaemia) should be addressed and optimised in advance. After meeting current guideline indications, a shared decision-making process between patients and surgeons is recommended, in order to maintain high quality surgical management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.The update of the S2k-guideline was expanded to include unicondylar knee arthroplasty, the preoperative optimisation of modifiable risk factors was added and the main indication criteria were specified.

Hip Abductor Deficiency after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods. / Glutealinsuffizienz nach Hüfttotalendoprothese: Diagnostik und Therapieverfahren.

Abductor deficiency after total hip arthroplasty is a severe complication with functional limitations and a significant reduction in the patient's quality of life. Common causes are degenerative ruptures or approach-related iatrogenic damage to the gluteus medius and minimus muscle and the inferior gluteal nerve, fractures of the greater trochanter and incorrect reconstruction of leg length and femoroacetabular offset. With a standardised diagnosis consisting of a clinical examination, conventional X-ray and MRI, the causes of the functional problems can often be reliably determined. Therapy of abductor deficiency is challenging for both patients and physicians and is often tedious. However, with a clear diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm and straightforward patient education, good treatment results can be achieved even in this challenging condition. Conservative therapy with eccentric stretching and muscle strengthening are the basis of the treatment. In cases of progression of complaints despite intensive conservative treatment, various anatomical and extra-anatomical surgical reconstruction methods are available to relieve pain and improve function. Anatomical reconstruction of the gluteal tendon insertion is an option in cases of low-grade fatty infiltration and moderate retraction of the gluteal muscles. In situations with advanced degenerative changes in the gluteus medius and minimus muscles and an intact gluteus maximus muscle, transfer of the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus according to Whiteside is an option. For high-grade defects of the soft tissue, there is also the option of an isolated or combined transfer of the vastus lateralis muscle.

Haemophilus influenzae infection of a prosthetic knee joint in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis : A case report.

A 60-year-old female was admitted to internal medicine with a painful left knee after a fall and pneumonia. She had undergone a primary cemented left total knee arthroplasty in 2019 and a right cemented total knee arthroplasty in 2021. She had also a history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with steroids and a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor (upadacitinib). On admission intravenous antibiotic therapy was started for the treatment of pneumonia (piperacillin/tazobactam). Because of the persistent left knee pain, a knee puncture was carried out and confirmed a periprosthetic infection. A peripheral blood culture taken on admission day showed Haemophilus influenzae. She underwent a knee arthrotomy with debridement, irrigation, explantation of the knee prosthesis and spacer placement. Intraoperative cultures showed Haemophilus influenzae. The isolate was identified as a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae strain by the reference laboratory. Haemophilus influenzae strains rarely cause invasive diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis with immunosuppressive therapy may have predisposed this patient to severe invasive disease. The clinical presentation of an infection may differ markedly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from that in patients without rheumatoid arthritis or immunosuppression.

Blood transfusion and venous thromboembolism trends and risk factors in primary and aseptic revision total hip and knee arthroplasties: A nationwide investigation of 736,061 cases.

BACKGROUND: Over the last years, new transfusion guidelines and pharmaceuticals have been introduced in primary and revision total hip and knee arthroplasty (P-THA, P-TKA, R-THA, R-TKA). In the US, a substantial decrease in transfusions has been observed in recent years. Little data exists on the subject in Europe. In this context we aimed to analyze: (1) Is there also a significant decrease in blood transfusion for these procedures in Germany? (2) Which patient and hospital related factors are associated with the risk of blood transfusion? (3) Is there a trend in complications, especially venous thromboembolism and stroke events that can be linked to tranexamic acid use? HYPOTHESIS: There is a significant trend in decreasing blood transfusions in hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Using nationwide healthcare insurance data for inpatient hospital treatment, 736,061 cases treated between January 2011 and December 2017 were included (318,997 P-THAs, 43,780 R-THAs, 338,641 P-TKAs, 34,643 R-TKAs). Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the odds of transfusion as a function of the year of surgery. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: In each cohort the odds of transfusion decreased over time (2017 vs. 2011 (reference): P-THA: OR 0.42 (95%CI: 0.39-0.45), P-TKA: OR 0.41 (95%CI: 0.37-0.46), R-THA: OR 0.52 (95%CI: 0.47-0.58), R-TKA: OR 0.53 (95%CI: 0.46-0.61). Patient-related risk factors for blood transfusion included older age, female gender, lower Body Mass Index, comorbidities such as renal failure, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, valvular disease, coagulopathy, depression, and antithrombotic medication prior to surgery. Venous thromboembolism or stroke events did not increase over the study period. DISCUSSION: The incidence of blood transfusions in primary and revision TKA and THA decreased over the study period. This may be due to new transfusion guidelines and the introduction of novel pharmaceuticals such as tranexamic acid. A further improved patient blood management and a focus on vulnerable patient groups might lead to a further future reduction of transfusions, especially in R-THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; comparative observational study.

[Quality criteria in arthroplasty]. / Qualitätskriterien in der Endoprothetik.

The discipline of orthopedics and trauma surgery strives for constant improvement of the quality of results in arthroplasty; however, in order to enable targeted alterations to the establish standard operating procedures, dedicated documentation of the current quality of results is necessary. This can be achieved by so-called external quality assurance, evaluation of routine data of healthcare providers, analysis of clinical studies and the consultation of registry data. To achieve further improvement of the quality of results, legislature has been passed setting requirements for minimum quantities and by the specialist society (German Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery, DGOOC) the adherence to certain process and structural guidelines within the framework of the certification system EndoCert®. A valid score for risk adjustment for assessment of the level of difficulty of orthopedic surgical interventions is so far lacking. As a future direction, the application of risk stratification concerning patient-specific anatomy should be developed. Through the combination of dedicated certification systems, the recording and evaluation of external inpatient quality assurance data, further quality assurance through routinely collected data and the development of adequate minimum quantity regulations, sustainable improvement of the quality of results can be achieved.

How to proceed with asymptomatic modular dual taper hip stems in the case of acetabular revision.

How to proceed with a clinically asymptomatic modular Metha® Ti alloy stem with dual taper CoCr neck adapter in case of acetabular revision? To systematically answer this question the status of research and appropriate diagnostic methods in context to clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic dual taper stem-neck couplings has been evaluated based on a systematic literature review. A retrieval analysis of thirteen Metha® modular dual taper CoCr/Ti alloy hip stems has been performed and a rational decision making model as basis for a clinical recommendation was developed. From our observations we propose that in cases of acetabular revision, that for patients with a serum cobalt level of > 4 µg/L and a Co/Cr ratio > 3.6, the revision of the modular dual taper stem may be considered. Prior to acetabular revision surgery a systematic diagnostic evaluation should be executed, using specific tests such as serum metal (Co, Cr) ion analysis, plain antero-posterior and lateral radiographs and cross-sectional imaging modalities (Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging). For an asymptomatic Metha® dual taper Ti alloy/CoCr stem-neck coupling at the stage of acetabular revision careful clinical decision making according to the proposed model should be followed and overreliance on any single examination should be avoided, considering the complete individual differential diagnosis and patient situation.

[Impact of Case Numbers on the 5-Year Survival Rate of Unicondylar Knee Replacements in Germany]. / Einfluss der Fallzahl pro Klinik auf die 5-Jahres-Überlebensrate des unikondylären Kniegelenkersatzes in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Reported survival rates of unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) vary considerably. The influences of patient characteristics and the type of implant have already been examined. This analysis investigated the influence of hospital volume on 5-year-survival rate, using administrative claims data of Germany's largest health insurance provider. METHODS: We analysed administrative claims data for 20,946 UKAs covered by the German local healthcare funds (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, AOK) between 2006 and 2012. Survival rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The influence of hospital case numbers on 5-year survival was analysed by means of multivariable Cox regression adjusted for patient characteristics. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals for five hospital volume categories: < 12 cases, 13 - 24 cases, 25 - 52 cases, 53 - 104 cases, > 104 cases (per hospital and year). RESULTS: The overall 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 87.8% (95%-CI: 87.3 - 88.3%). This increased with hospital volume (< 12 cases: 84.1% vs. > 104 cases: 93.2%). The analysis identified low hospital volume as an independent risk factor for surgical revision (< 12 cases: HR = 2.13 [95%-CI 1.83 - 2.48]; 13 - 24 cases: HR = 1.94 [95%-CI: 1.67 - 2.25]; 25 - 52 cases: HR = 1.66 [95%-CI: 1.41 - 1.96]; 53 - 104 cases: HR = 1.51 [95%-CI: 1.28 - 1.77]; > 104 cases: reference category). DISCUSSION: Our analysis revealed a significant relationship between hospital case numbers and 5-year survival rate, which increases with hospital volume. The risk of surgical revision within 5 years in hospitals with fewer than 25 UKAs per year is approximately twice as high as in hospitals with more than 104 cases.

Indication Criteria for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Osteoarthritis - A Multi-perspective Consensus Study.

Background and Objectives Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant public health burden. Rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in OA vary substantially between geographical regions, most likely due to the lack of standardised indication criteria. We set out to define indication criteria for the German healthcare system for TKA in patients with knee OA, on the basis of best evidence and transparent multi-stakeholder consensus. Methods We undertook a complex mixed methods study, including an iterative process of systematic appraisal of existing evidence, Delphi consensus methods and stakeholder conferences. We established a consensus panel representing key German national societies of healthcare providers (orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, pain physicians, psychologists, physiotherapists), payers, and patient representatives. A priori defined consensus criteria were at least 70% agreement and less than 20% disagreement among the consensus panel. Agreement was sought for (1) core indication criteria defined as criteria that must be met to consider TKA in a normal patient with knee OA, (2) additional (not obligatory) indication criteria, (3) absolute contraindication criteria that generally prohibit TKA, and (4) risk factors that do not prohibit TKA, but usually do not lead to a recommendation for TKA. Results The following 5 core indication criteria were agreed within the panel: 1. intermittent (several times per week) or constant knee pain for at least 3 - 6 months; 2. radiological confirmation of structural knee damage (osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis); 3. inadequate response to conservative treatment, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for at least 3 - 6 months; 4. adverse impact of knee disease on patient's quality of life for at least 3 - 6 months; 5. patient-reported suffering/impairment due to knee disease. Additional indication criteria, contraindication criteria, and risk factors for adverse outcome were also agreed by a large majority within the multi-perspective stakeholder panel. Conclusion The defined indication criteria constitute a prerequisite for appropriate provision of TKA in patients with knee OA in Germany. In eligible patients, shared-decision making should eventually determine if TKA is performed or not. The next important steps are the implementation of the defined indication criteria, and the prospective investigation of predictors of success or failure of TKA in the context of routine care provision in Germany.

CD38 low IgG-secreting cells are precursors of various CD38 high-expressing plasma cell populations.

Despite the important role immunoglobulin G (IgG)-secreting plasma cells play in memory immune responses, the differentiation and homeostasis of these cells are not completely understood. Here, we studied the differentiation of human IgG-secreting cells ex vivo and in vitro, identifying these cells by the cellular affinity matrix technology. Several subpopulations of IgG-secreting cells were identified among the cells isolated from tonsils and bone marrow, particularly differing in the expression levels of CD9, CD19, and CD38. CD38 low IgG-secreting cells were present exclusively in the tonsils. A major fraction of these cells appeared to be early plasma cell precursors, as upon activation of B cells in vitro, IgG secretion preceded up-regulation of CD38, and on tonsillar sections, IgG-containing, CD38 low cells with a plasmacytoid phenotype were found in follicles, where plasma cell differentiation starts. A unitary phenotype of migratory peripheral blood IgG-secreting cells suggests that all bone marrow plasma cell populations share a common precursor cell. These data are compatible with a multistep model for plasma cell differentiation and imply that a common CD38 low IgG-secreting precursor gives rise to a diverse plasma cell compartment.

Patient selection for shorter femoral stems.

The right patient selection with the correct surgical treatment are prerequisite for a positive result in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Short stem implants demand a shorter anchoring length in accordance with the proper indication. Although appropriate indications for short stems have been discussed in the literature, there currently is no clear definition. The lack of an accepted categorization of short hip stems complicates the situation further. This article briefly reviews the literature and highlights the authors' results and experiences in short stem THA in an effort to establish a proper discrimination between indications and contraindications for the Metha short stem. Results presented include a retrospective data collection and follow-up examination of 126 patients who underwent short stem THA with 2- and 4-year results. Anchoring principles of the short stem are reviewed, and a complication and failure analysis based on 7 femoral revisions in 1092 short stem THAs is presented. Selection criteria for short stem THA are patients younger than 70 years with primary osteoarthritis and dysplastic femoral deformities, and indications of avascular head necrosis. Adequate bone quality must be confirmed intraoperatively, assessing whether the bone structure in the area of the femoral neck is strong enough to support the short stem load transmission. Coxa vara and high dysplastic femoral neck antetorsion are contraindications for short stems. Wide and short femoral necks, implant undersizing, and a deep stem position below the femoral osteotomy compromise stability and must be avoided with an appropriate surgical technique. Long-term data are not yet available.