Do we still need to screen our patients?-Orthopaedic scoring based on motion tracking.

PURPOSE: Orthopaedic scores are essential for the clinical assessment of movement disorders but require an experienced clinician for the manual scoring. Wearable systems are taking root in the medical field and offer a possibility for the convenient collection of motion tracking data. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of automated orthopaedic scorings based on motion tracking data using the Harris Hip Score and the Knee Society Score as examples. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients received a clinical examination and an instrumental gait analysis after hip or knee arthroplasty. Seven hundred forty-four gait features were extracted from each patient's representative gait cycle. For each score, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted with a subsequent tenfold cross-validation. A data split of 70%/30% was applied for training/testing. RESULTS: Both scores can be reproduced with excellent coefficients of determination R2 for training, testing and cross-validation by applying regression models based on four to six features from instrumental gait analysis as well as the patient-reported parameter 'pain' as an offset factor. CONCLUSION: Computing established orthopaedic scores based on motion tracking data yields an automated evaluation of a joint function at the hip and knee which is suitable for direct clinical interpretation. In combination with novel technologies for wearable data collection, these computations can support healthcare staff with objective and telemedical applicable scorings for a large number of patients without the need for trained clinicians.

Surgical Site-Released Tissue Is Potent to Generate Bone onto TCP and PCL-TCP Scaffolds In Vitro.

There is evidence that surgical site tissue (SSRT) released during orthopedic surgery has a strong mesenchymal regenerative potential. Some data also suggest that this tissue may activate synthetic or natural bone substitute materials and can thus upgrade its osteopromoting properties. In this comparative in vitro study, we investigate the composition of SSRT during total hip replacement (n = 20) harvested using a surgical suction handle. In addition, the osteopromoting effect of the cells isolated from SSRT is elucidated when incubated with porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) or 80% medical-grade poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)/20% TCP composite material. We identified multiple growth factors and cytokines with significantly higher levels of PDGF and VEGF in SSRT compared to peripheral blood. The overall number of MSC was 0.09 ± 0.12‱ per gram of SSRT. A three-lineage specific differentiation was possible in all cases. PCL-TCP cultures showed a higher cell density and cell viability compared to TCP after 6 weeks in vitro. Moreover, PCL-TCP cultures showed a higher osteocalcin expression but no significant differences in osteopontin and collagen I synthesis. We could demonstrate the high regenerative potential from SSRT harvested under vacuum in a PMMA filter device. The in vitro data suggest advantages in cytocompatibility for the PCL-TCP composite compared to TCP alone.

Cup positioning and its effect on polyethylene wear of vitamin E- and non-vitamin E-supplemented liners in total hip arthroplasty: radiographic outcome at 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening remains a challenging problem after total hip arthroplasty. Accurate cup placement and supplementation of antioxidants in acetabular liners might reduce material failure rates. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the cup position on the wear behaviour of UHMWPE-XE and UHMWPE-X liners in vivo using virtual radiographs. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. Clinical data of 372 probands were analyzed. Anteroposterior pelvic X-rays of 324 patients immediately postoperatively and after 1 and 5 years were evaluated by the RayMatch® analysis software regarding cup position and wear behaviour. RESULTS: Mean cup anteversion was 20.3° (± 7.4) and inclination was 41.9° (± 7.0) postoperatively. 62.3% of all patients had an anteversion and inclination within the Lewinnek safe zone. Anterior and anterolateral approaches led to significantly higher cup anteversion compared to lateral approaches (27.3° ± 5.5; 20.9° ± 7.2; 17.5° ± 6.6; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Mean anteversion increased to 24.6° (± 8.0) after 1 year (p < 0.001). Only one revision occurred because of implant dislocation. Wear rates from UHMWPE-X and UHMWPE-XE did not differ significantly. Anteversion angles ≥ 25° correlated to increased polyethylene wear (23.7 µm/year ± 12.8 vs. 31.1 µm/year ± 22.8, p = 0.012) and this was amplified when inclination angles were ≥ 50° (23.6 µm/year ± 12.8 vs. 38.0 µm/year ± 22.7, p = 0.062). CONCLUSION: Anterior approaches lead to the highest inaccuracy of cup placement, but cup positioning outside the Lewinnek safe zone does not necessarily cause higher dislocation rates. Moreover, mean anteversion increased by approximately four degrees within the first year after operation, which is expected to be functional due to a regularization of pelvic tilt after intervention. Mid-term wear rates of UHMWPE-X and UHMWPE-XE liners are comparable, but steep cup positions lead to significantly increased polyethylene wear. In summary, a re-evaluation of target zones for intraoperative cup positioning might be considered. In the long-term reduced oxidative embrittlement could lead to superior wear behaviour of vitamin E-blended liners.

Metal Artefact Reduction Sequences (MARS) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) : A non-invasive approach for preoperative differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and aseptic complications?

BACKGROUND: In the past, radiographic imaging was of minor relevance in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Since metal artefact reduction sequences (MARS) are available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a promising diagnostic tool for the evaluation of hip arthroplasty implants. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of MARS-MRI in comparison to established diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI. METHODS: From July 2018 to September 2019, 33 patients classified as having an aseptic joint effusion were recruited into the study. The group included 22 women and 11 men with a mean age of 70.4 ± 13.7 (42-88) years. In the same period, 12 patients were classified as having a PJI. The group consisted of 9 women and 3 men with a mean age of 72.5 ± 10.6 (54-88) years. MARS-MRI was conducted using the optimized parameters at 1.5 T in a coronal and axial STIR (short-tau-inversion recovery), a non-fat-saturated T2 in coronal view and a non-fat-saturated T1 in transverse view in 45 patients with painful hip after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and compared using student's t-test. Non-normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Synovial layering and muscle edema were significant features of periprosthetic joint infection, with sensitivities of 100% and specifities of 63.0-75.0%. The combined specifity and sensitivity levels of synovial layering and muscular edema was 88.0% and 90.0%. Granulomatous synovitis was a significant feature for aseptic failure, with 90.0% sensitivity and 57.0% specifity. CONCLUSION: MARS-MRI is as suitable as standard diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI in patients with THA. Further studies with larger patient numbers have to prove whether MARS-MRI could be integral part of PJI diagnostic.

A Retrospective Single-Center Study of 23 Patients to Compare Gait Before and After Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the S-ROM Modular Hip System.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study used the Harris hip score (HHS) and range of motion (ROM) to compare gait before and after total hip arthroplasty using the modular S-ROM® hip prosthesis in 23 patients treated at a single center. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this study, 23 patients with severe hip deformity, who were treated with a total hip replacement using the S-ROM® modular hip system by DePuy® in the period from 2003 until 2008, underwent a 3-dimensional gait analysis before and after surgery. Values were compared with a validated data set of healthy subjects. Gait analysis took place using 8 infrared cameras (50 Hz), 2 force platforms of Advanced Medical Technology, Inc. (AMTI)®, and the Vicon® 512 system. The HHS and ROM of the hip joint were determined preoperatively and postoperatively. The follow-up period was 16.7±15.2 months. RESULTS A healthy gait pattern is characterized by an even stride length of both legs in relation to body height and relative symmetry of certain gait phases. These characteristics are influenced by the range of motion of the hip joint and by pelvic tilt. Symmetry could be achieved postoperatively in the stance phase and in the single-leg stance phase. However, the gait phases could not normalize. HHS and ROM improved postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this retrospective study showed that ROM and HHS significantly improved following THA with the S-ROM® hip prosthesis, but that gait did not completely return to normal.

Injuries and Overuse Syndromes in Rink Hockey Players.

Rink Hockey is a high-speed low-contact sport with a widely recognized injury potential. Played with a hard ball by players wearing little or no protective gear, the rates of concussions and head injuries are of high interest. In this study, we reviewed and investigated injuries sustained by 108 German National League rink hockey players. We conducted an epidemiological cross-sectional study to determine sport-specific injuries and injury patterns in female and male rink hockey players. Data were collected by a standardized questionnaire. A total of 108 players participated in the study. The combined rate of injuries were 9.4/1000 athlete exposures. There was no significant difference between injury rates during games and practice. A sex-specific difference was not detected. Head injuries were the most frequent type (20.8% of all injuries). Concussions made up 7% of all head injuries with a rate of 0.76/1000 athlete exposure. Ball contact was the cause for 31% of injuries, while player contact generated 26.2% of all injuries. High rates of ball-contact-related injuries resulted in time loss and medical consultations. Head injuries were frequent, however did not result in significant time loss as compared to other injuries. The use of protective gear should be recommended.

Functionalization of Synthetic Bone Substitutes.

Bone substitutes have been applied to treat osseous defects for a long time. To prevent implant related infection (IRI) and enhance bone healing functionalized biomaterials, antibiotics and osteoinductive substances have been introduced. This study gives an overview of the current available surface-coated bone substitutes and provides an outlook for future perspectives.

The direct anterior approach provokes varus stem alignment when using a collarless straight tapered stem.

INTRODUCTION: Inaccurate stem implantation can cause unsatisfactory offset reconstruction and may result in insufficient gluteal muscle function or aseptic loosening. In this study, stem alignment of a collarless straight tapered HA-coated stem was retrospectively analyzed during the learning phase of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From Jan 2013 to Jun 2015, a total of 93 cementless THA were implanted in patients with unilateral coxarthrosis via the DAA in a two surgeon setting using the Corail® or Trendhip® stem (DePuy Synthes or Aesculap). Varus(+)/Valgus(-) stem alignment was analyzed in postoperative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Effects on femoral offset reconstruction and correlation to patient's individual clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: 55 stems were implanted in varus (59%), 32 in neutral (34%) and 6 in valgus alignment (7%). Mean stem alignment in varus position was + 2.2° (SD ± 1.4°). Varus alignment was associated with male gender and preoperative coxa vara deformity: low CCD, high femoral offset and long thigh neck (p ≤ 0.001). Alignment was not correlated to femoral offset restoration, BMI or leg length difference. Mean cup inclination was 44° (SD ± 4.7°) and 90% matched the coronal Lewinnek safe zone. CONCLUSION: In the learning curve, the DAA can be associated with a high incidence of varus stem alignment when using a straight tapered stem, especially in men with coxa vara deformity: low CCD, high femoral offset and long thigh neck. An insufficient capsule release makes femur exposure more difficult and might be an additional factor for this finding. We recommend intraoperative X-ray in the learning phase of the DAA to verify correct implant positioning and to adjust offset options.

[Shoulder arthroplasty]. / Schulterendoprothetik.

Arthroplasty of the shoulder joint leads to excellent clinical results if the indications are valid and the implantation is technically correct. Taking anatomical requirements and mechanical functions as well as material properties and developments in surgical techniques into account, articulations and anchoring systems have been developed which, as modular systems enable successful restoration of the biomechanics and consider the importance of the surrounding soft tissues. Scientific data show promising medium-term and long-term results in terms of functionality and pain reduction. Nevertheless, due to the limited bone stock for implant anchoring, especially loosening of the prosthesis or instability of the glenoid joint component, revision arthroplasty remains challenging. This review article summarizes the relevant aspects of shoulder arthroplasty.

A Novel Multiple-Cue Observational Clinical Scale for Functional Evaluation of Gait After Stroke - The Stroke Mobility Score (SMS).

BACKGROUND For future development of machine learning tools for gait impairment assessment after stroke, simple observational whole-body clinical scales are required. Current observational scales regard either only leg movement or discrete overall parameters, neglecting dysfunctions in the trunk and arms. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new multiple-cue observational scale, called the stroke mobility score (SMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS In a group of 131 patients, we developed a 1-page manual involving 6 subscores by Delphi method using the video-based SMS: trunk posture, leg movement of the most affected side, arm movement of the most affected side, walking speed, gait fluency and stability/risk of falling. Six medical raters then validated the SMS on a sample of 60 additional stroke patients. Conventional scales (NIHSS, Timed-Up-And-Go-Test, 10-Meter-Walk-Test, Berg Balance Scale, FIM-Item L, Barthel Index) were also applied. RESULTS (1) High consistency and excellent inter-rater reliability of the SMS were verified (Cronbach's alpha >0.9). (2) The SMS subscores are non-redundant and reveal much more nuanced whole-body dysfunction details than conventional scores, although evident correlations as e.g. between 10-Meter-Walk-Test and subscore "gait speed" are verified. (3) The analysis of cross-correlations between SMS subscores unveils new functional interrelationships for stroke profiling. CONCLUSIONS The SMS proves to be an easy-to-use, tele-applicable, robust, consistent, reliable, and nuanced functional scale of gait impairments after stroke. Due to its sensitivity to whole-body motion criteria, it is ideally suited for machine learning algorithms and for development of new therapy strategies based on instrumented gait analysis.

Is Procalcitonin (PCT) a reliable biomarker for preoperative diagnosing of low grade periprosthetic joint infection? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Since a "gold-standard" is missing, diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum and synovial fluid Procalcitonin (S-PCT and SF-PCT) as a diagnostic parameter and to compare it to the biomarkers recommended in the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. METHODS: Between August 2018 and July 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted in 70 patients with painful hip, shoulder and knee arthroplasty. Besides medical history, clinical and laboratory data was gathered. PJI was diagnosed based on the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Preoperative blood and synovial joint fluid were taken for PCT measurement. S-PCT and SF-PCT levels were measured using standard quantitative PCT enzyme immunoassays. RESULTS: Twenty three patients (33%) were classified as the PJI group and fourty seven patient (67%) as the aseptic group. The mean levels of S-PCT were significantly (p <  0.001) higher in the PJI group than those in the aseptic group (PJI 0.05 ± 0.21 ng/mL (0.0-1.03) vs. aseptic 0.02 ± 0.03 ng/mL (0.0-0.18)). In synovial fluid, the mean PCT values in the aseptic group were significantly higher (p <  0.001) than those of PJI group (PJI 2.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL (0.53-9.7) vs. aseptic 8.7 ± 2.5 ng/mL (0.25-87.9)). S- PCT, with a cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 91.0%. SF-PCT, with a cut-off level of 5.0 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 52.0%. CONCLUSION: S-PCT and SF-PCT appeared to be no reliable biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of PJI from aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty.

Functional Knee Performance Differences in Handball are Depending on Playing Class.

Handball is one of the most traumatic sports. The knee is the most commonly injured joint. To prevent knee injuries, optimal functional knee stability is of great importance. Nevertheless, there is still no consensus about objective criteria for knee function. Depending on playing class, injury rates seem to differ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knee function in handball depending on playing class and to establish reference data for functional knee stability. 261 handball players (25.1±5.8 years) performed a functional test including two- and one-legged stability assessments, jump tests, speed and agility analysis. Except for balance, differences between playing classes were detected in all tests with superior performance of high-class players (Germany's 1st ("Oberliga") and 2nd ("Verbandsliga") non-elite playing class). High-class players achieved significant better results in jumping height (p≤0.011-0.029), relative power per body weight in the two-legged counter movement jump (p≤0.023) and speed and agility tests (p≤0.001). This study illustrates the relevance of playing class specific screening. Sports and playing class-specific databases will help to identify individual deficits and strengths in order to prevent injury and increase performance. Moreover, objective criteria for return to sports can be established.

Functional knee stability in non-elite handball: balance and jump performance differ based on players' position.

PURPOSE: Despite the great evolvement of sports medicine, there is still a lack of consensus among sports physicians regarding the decision of return to sports after knee injury, especially in non-elite sports. Currently, no sport-specific reference data for an objective reliable evaluation of functional knee stability exist. The purpose of this study was to assess objective measures on knee joint stability from an established test battery in non-elite handball. It was assumed that players' knee stability differs depending on their field position. METHODS: One-hundred and sixty-five non-elite handball players with a mean age of 24.3 ± 5.5 years underwent a test battery including two-legged and one-legged stability tests, two-legged and one-legged counter movement jumps, two-legged plyometric jumps, one-legged speedy jumps, and a quick feed test. RESULTS: Athletes' physical performance differs in terms of field position. Significant differences between handball players of different positions were found in regard to two-legged stability (p < 0.036) and one-legged stability in the dominant leg (p < 0.009). Players of different positions differed in ground contact time of the plyometric jumps (p < 0.017), whereas the other functional tests did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study is first to report differences in functional knee stability of non-elite handball players on the basis of objective data. Significant differences of functional performance were noted, which were in congruence with position-specific demands. These findings demonstrate the importance of position-specific screening and training to prevent injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Equivalent Mid-Term Results of Open vs Endoscopic Gluteal Tendon Tear Repair Using Suture Anchors in Forty-Five Patients.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relative efficacy of open (OGR) vs endoscopic (EGR) gluteal tendon repair of gluteal tendon tears in minimizing pain and restoring function. Our aim is to compare these 2 surgical techniques and quantify their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: All patients undergoing gluteal tendon tear repair at our institution between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Pain scores, limp, hip abduction strength, and the use of analgesics were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Junior and Harris Hip Score Section1 were obtained at last follow-up. Fatty degeneration was quantified using the Goutallier-Fuchs Classification (GFC). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance and t-tests. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (mean age 66, 87% females) met inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 20.3 months. None of the 10 patients (22%) undergoing EGR had prior surgery. Of 35 patients (78%) undergoing OGR, 12 (27%) had prior hip replacement (75% via lateral approach). The OGRs had more patients with GFC ≥2 (50% vs 11%, P = .02) and used more anchors (P = .03). Both groups showed statistical improvement (P ≤ .01) for all outcomes measured. GFC >2 was independently associated with a worst limp and Harris Hip Score Section 1 score (P = .05). EGR had a statistically higher opioid use reduction (P < .05) than OGR. Other comparisons between EGR and OGR did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In this series, open vs endoscopic operative approach did not impact clinical outcomes. More complex tears were treated open and with more anchors. Fatty degeneration adversely impacted outcomes. Although further evaluation of the efficacy of EGR in complex tears is indicated, both approaches can be used successfully.

Ceramic Scaffolds in a Vacuum Suction Handle for Intraoperative Stromal Cell Enrichment.

During total joint replacement, high concentrations of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are released at the implantation site. They can be found in cell-tissue composites (CTC) that are regularly removed by surgical suction. A surgical vacuum suction handle was filled with bone substitute granules, acting as a filter allowing us to harvest CTC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteopromotive potential of CTC trapped in the bone substitute filter material during surgical suction. In the course of 10 elective total hip and knee replacement surgeries, ß-tricalcium-phosphate (TCP) and cancellous allograft (Allo) were enriched with CTC by vacuum suction. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from the CTC and investigated towards cell proliferation and colony forming unit (CFU) formation. Furthermore, MSC surface markers, trilineage differentiation potential and the presence of defined cytokines were examined. Comparable amounts of MNC and CFUs were detected in both CTCs and characterized as MSC‱ of MNC with 9.8 ± 10.7‱ for the TCP and 12.8 ± 10.2‱ for the Allo (p = 0.550). CTCs in both filter materials contain cytokines for stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation (EGF, PDGF-AA, angiogenin, osteopontin). CTC trapped in synthetic (TCP) and natural (Allo) bone substitute filters during surgical suction in the course of a joint replacement procedure include relevant numbers of MSCs and cytokines qualified for bone regeneration.

Vitamin E-blended highly cross-linked polyethylene liners in total hip arthroplasty: a randomized, multicenter trial using virtual CAD-based wear analysis at 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Progressive oxidation of highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight (UHMPWE-X) liners is considered to be a risk factor for material failure in THA. Antioxidants such as vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) (UHMWPE-XE) were supplemented into the latest generation of polyethylene liners. To prevent inhomogenous vitamin E distribution within the polymer, blending was established as an alternative manufacturing process to diffusion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vivo wear behavior of UHMWPE-XE in comparison with conventional UHMWPE-X liners using virtual CAD-based radiographs. METHODS: Until now, 94 patients from a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study were reviewed at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 51 (54%) received UHMWPE-XE and 43 (46%) UHMWPE-X liners. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were made immediately after surgery and at 1 and 5 years postoperatively. The radiographs were analyzed using the observer-independent analysis software RayMatch® (Raylytic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany). RESULTS: The mean wear rate was measured to be 23.6 µm/year (SD 13.7; range 0.7-71.8 µm). There were no significant differences between the two cohorts (UHMWPE-X: 23.2 µm/year vs. UHMWPE-XE: 24.0 µm/year, p = 0.73). Cup anteversion significantly changed within the 1st year after implantation independent from the type of polyethylene liner [UHMWPE-X: 18.2-23.9° (p = 0.0001); UHMWPE-XE: 21.0-25.5° (p = 0.002)]. No further significant changes of cup anteversion in both groups were found between year 1 and 5 after implantation [UHMWPE-X (p = 0.46); UHMWPE-XE (p = 0.56)]. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the addition of vitamin E does not adversely affect the midterm wear behavior of UHMWPE-X. The antioxidative benefit of vitamin E is expected to become evident in long-term follow-up. Cup anteversion increment by 5° within the 1st year is likely a result of the released hip flexion contracture resulting in an enhanced posterior pelvic tilt. Therefore, a reassessment of target values in acetabular cup placement might be considered.

[Pseudarthroses]. / Pseudarthrosen.

Fractures and osteotomies are characterized by a structural discontinuity of the affected bone with formation of a gap. If bone healing does not lead to an osseous bridging of the fragments within a time period of 6 months a nonunion (pseudarthrosis) occurs. In this stage spontaneous bone healing is unlikely in the future without any intervention. Pseudarthrosis is classified into hypertrophic and atrophic types. Moreover, the differentiation between aseptic and septic conditions, the size of the defect, the local blood supply and the mechanical stability are crucial for treatment planning. The type of pseudarthrosis and the accompanying comorbidities can be classified in scoring systems and influence the selection of the treatment procedure. The operative principles aim at the vitalization of atrophic bone parts, achieving sufficient stabilization and cures the infection, whereas nonoperative measures are primarily supportive measures. The foundation of successful treatment is the minimization of individual risk profiles and sufficient patient compliance.

Vitamin E-blended versus conventional polyethylene liners in prostheses : Prospective, randomized trial with 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Despite continuous technical improvements, polyethylene wear debris induced periprosthetic osteolysis remains the main cause for failure of hip arthroplasty. Progressive oxidation of polyethylene was identified as another risk factor for material failure. To overcome this problem, antioxidants such as vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) were supplemented by diffusion into the latest generation of polyethylene liners. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical outcome of patients treated with vitamin E blended highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liners (UHMWPE-XE) in comparison with conventional UHMWPE­X liners by evaluating patient-reported outcome measures (PROM's) at 3­year follow-up. METHODS: A total of 143 patients were recruited into this prospective, randomized trial in our academic center. Three years after implantation, 101 patients were examined in the outpatient clinic for follow-up. Of these, 51 (50.5%) received UHMWPE-XE and 50 (49.5%) UHMWPE­X liners. Clinical outcome was evaluated using Harris-Hip-Score (HHS) UCLA-Score and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in all PROM's at one- and three-year follow-up compared to the status before implantation. PROM's did not differ significantly between the first and third year follow-up. Both liner groups showed an equal clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the supplementation of vitamin E to polyethylene liners is reliable and safe without showing higher complication rates compared with conventional polyethylene liners. The shortterm clinical outcome of vitamin E-blended (UHMWPE­XE) is equivalent to those of conventional highly cross-linked polyethylene liners.

Slow as Compared to Rapid Rewarming After Mild Hypothermia Improves Survival in Experimental Shock.

BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia following trauma is an independent risk factor for mortality. However, in most experimental studies, hypothermia clearly improves outcome. We hypothesized that slow rewarming is beneficial over rapid rewarming following mild hypothermia in a rodent model of hemorrhagic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We subjected 32 male Wistar rats to severe hemorrhagic shock (25-30 mmHg for 30 min). Rats were assigned to four experimental groups (normothermia, hypothermia, rapid rewarming [RW], and slow RW). During induction of severe shock, all but the normothermia group were cooled to 34°C. After 60 min of shock, rats were resuscitated with Ringer's solution. The two RW groups were rewarmed at differing rates (6°C/h versus 2°C/h). RESULTS: Slow RW animals exhibit a significantly prolonged survival compared with the rapid RW animals (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, hypothermic animals show a significant survival benefit as compared to all other experimental groups. Whereas seven animals of the hypothermia group survived to the end of the experiment, none of the other animals did (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding acid base status, metabolism, parameters of organ injury, and coagulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that even slow RW with 2°C/h may be still too fast in the setting of experimental hemorrhage. Too rapid rewarming may result in a loss of the protective effects of hypothermia. As rewarming is ultimately inevitable in patients with trauma, potential effects of rewarming on patient outcome should be further investigated in clinical studies.

Biomechanical Stability and Osteogenesis in a Tibial Bone Defect Treated by Autologous Ovine Cord Blood Cells-A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of autologous umbilical cord blood cells (USSC) on bone regeneration and biomechanical stability in an ovine tibial bone defect. Ovine USSC were harvested and characterized. After 12 months, full-size 2.0 cm mid-diaphyseal bone defects were created and stabilized by an external fixateur containing a rigidity measuring device. Defects were filled with (i) autologous USSC on hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold (test group), (ii) HA scaffold without cells (HA group), or (iii) left empty (control group). Biomechanical measures, standardized X-rays, and systemic response controls were performed regularly. After six months, bone regeneration was evaluated histomorphometrically and labeled USSC were tracked. In all groups, the torsion distance decreased over time, and radiographies showed comparable bone regeneration. The area of newly formed bone was 82.5 ± 5.5% in the control compared to 59.2 ± 13.0% in the test and 48.6 ± 2.9% in the HA group. Labeled cells could be detected in lymph nodes, liver and pancreas without any signs of tumor formation. Although biomechanical stability was reached earliest in the test group with autologous USSC on HA scaffold, the density of newly formed bone was superior in the control group without any bovine HA.