Porous Tantalum Metaphyseal Cones for Severe Femoral and Tibial Bone Defects in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty are Reliable for Fixation at Mean 5-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Porous tantalum metaphyseal cones may facilitate reconstructions of severe bone defects during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there remains a paucity of data on their outcomes at mean 5 years of follow-up. This study reports the component survivorship, patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, radiographic osseointegration, and complications of revision TKA with porous tantalum metaphyseal cones at mid-term (mean 5-year) follow-up. METHODS: This study included 152 patients who had a mean age of 66 years (range, 33 to 86 years) undergoing revision TKA with porous tantalum metaphyseal cones. Indications for surgery included aseptic loosening (n = 87, 57.3%), second-stage reimplantation for infection (n = 42, 27.6%), osteolysis with well-fixed components (n = 20, 13.2%), and periprosthetic fracture (n = 3, 2.0%). Component survivorship, clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and any complications were recorded. The mean follow-up time was 5.6 years (range, 2.2 to 13.7). RESULTS: Survivorship was 100% when the end point was revision of the metaphyseal cone (no cones were revised) and 83.8% (95% confidence interval: 77.9 to 90.2%) when the end point was reoperation for any reason at 5-year follow-up. Reoperations were performed for infection (n = 10), instability (n = 4), periprosthetic fracture (n = 2), and quadriceps rupture/dehiscence (n = 3). The mean patient satisfaction score was 78.8 ± 11.3 and the mean Forgotten Joint Score was 62.2 ± 16.7 at the final follow-up. The preoperative median University of California at Los Angeles score improved from 2 (interquartile range 2 to 3) to 6 points (interquartile range 5 to 6) (P < .001), and the preoperative Oxford knee score improved from 15.2 ± 3.8 to 39.4 ± 5.1 points (P < .001) at the final follow-up. All metaphyseal cones showed radiographic evidence of osteointegration without any subsidence or loosening. CONCLUSIONS: Porous tantalum metaphyseal cones enabled robust reconstructions of severe femoral and tibial bone defects during revision TKA. These reconstructions were associated with excellent survivorship, improvements in functional outcomes, and reproducible radiographic osseointegration at mean 5-year follow-up. The most common reasons for reoperation were infection and instability.

Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Preoperative Planning in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) involves utilizing radiographs or advanced imaging modalities, including computerized tomography scans, for precise prediction of implant sizing and positioning. This study aimed to compare 3-dimensional (3D) versus 2-dimensional (2D) preoperative planning in primary THA with respect to key surgical metrics, including restoration of the horizontal and vertical center of rotation (COR), combined offset, and leg length. METHODS: This study included 60 patients undergoing primary THA for symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA), randomly allocated to either robotic arm-assisted or conventional THA. Digital 2D templating and 3D planning using the robotic software were performed for all patients. All measurements to evaluate the accuracy of templating methods were conducted on the preoperative computerized tomography scanogram, using the contralateral hip as a reference. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between 2D and 3D planning in patients who had superolateral or medial OA patterns. RESULTS: Compared to 2D templating, 3D templating was associated with less medialization of the horizontal COR (-1.2 versus -0.2 mm, P = .002) and more accurate restoration of the vertical COR (1.63 versus 0.3 mm, P < .001) with respect to the contralateral side. Furthermore, 3D templating was superior for planned restoration of leg length (+0.23 versus -0.74 mm, P = .019). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that in patients who had medial OA, 3D planning resulted in less medialization of horizontal COR and less offset reduction. Conversely, in patients who had superolateral OA, there was less lateralization of horizontal COR and less offset increase using 3D planning. Additionally, 3D planning showed superior reproducibility for stem, acetabular cup sizes, and neck angle, while 2D planning often led to smaller stem and cup sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated higher accuracy in the planned restoration of native joint mechanics using 3D planning. Additionally, this study highlights distinct variances between the 2 planning methods across different OA pattern subtypes, offering valuable insights for clinicians employing 2D planning.

London International Consensus and Delphi study on hamstring injuries part 3: rehabilitation, running and return to sport.

Hamstring injuries (HSIs) are the most common athletic injury in running and pivoting sports, but despite large amounts of research, injury rates have not declined in the last 2 decades. HSI often recur and many areas are lacking evidence and guidance for optimal rehabilitation. This study aimed to develop an international expert consensus for the management of HSI. A modified Delphi methodology and consensus process was used with an international expert panel, involving two rounds of online questionnaires and an intermediate round involving a consensus meeting. The initial information gathering round questionnaire was sent to 46 international experts, which comprised open-ended questions covering decision-making domains in HSI. Thematic analysis of responses outlined key domains, which were evaluated by a smaller international subgroup (n=15), comprising clinical academic sports medicine physicians, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons in a consensus meeting. After group discussion around each domain, a series of consensus statements were prepared, debated and refined. A round 2 questionnaire was sent to 112 international hamstring experts to vote on these statements and determine level of agreement. Consensus threshold was set a priori at 70%. Expert response rates were 35/46 (76%) (first round), 15/35 (attendees/invitees to meeting day) and 99/112 (88.2%) for final survey round. Statements on rehabilitation reaching consensus centred around: exercise selection and dosage (78.8%-96.3% agreement), impact of the kinetic chain (95%), criteria to progress exercise (73%-92.7%), running and sprinting (83%-100%) in rehabilitation and criteria for return to sport (RTS) (78.3%-98.3%). Benchmarks for flexibility (40%) and strength (66.1%) and adjuncts to rehabilitation (68.9%) did not reach agreement. This consensus panel recommends individualised rehabilitation based on the athlete, sporting demands, involved muscle(s) and injury type and severity (89.8%). Early-stage rehab should avoid high strain loads and rates. Loading is important but with less consensus on optimum progression and dosage. This panel recommends rehabilitation progress based on capacity and symptoms, with pain thresholds dependent on activity, except pain-free criteria supported for sprinting (85.5%). Experts focus on the demands and capacity required for match play when deciding the rehabilitation end goal and timing of RTS (89.8%). The expert panellists in this study followed evidence on aspects of rehabilitation after HSI, suggesting rehabilitation prescription should be individualised, but clarified areas where evidence was lacking. Additional research is required to determine the optimal load dose, timing and criteria for HSI rehabilitation and the monitoring and testing metrics to determine safe rapid progression in rehabilitation and safe RTS. Further research would benefit optimising: prescription of running and sprinting, the application of adjuncts in rehabilitation and treatment of kinetic chain HSI factors.

London International Consensus and Delphi study on hamstring injuries part 2: operative management.

The key indications for surgical repair of hamstring injuries (HSIs) remain unclear in the literature due to a lack of high-level evidence and expert knowledge. The 2020 London International Hamstring Consensus meeting aimed to highlight clear surgical indications and to create a foundation for future research. A literature review was conducted followed by a modified Delphi process, with an international expert panel. Purposive sampling was used with two rounds of online questionnaires and an intermediate round involving a consensus meeting. The initial information gathering (round 1) questionnaire was sent to 46 international experts, which comprised open-ended questions covering decision-making domains in HSI. Thematic analysis of responses outlined key domains, which were evaluated by a smaller international subgroup (n=15) comprising clinical academic sports medicine physicians, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons in a consensus meeting. After group discussion of each domain, a series of consensus statements were prepared, debated and refined. A round 2 questionnaire was sent to 112 international hamstring experts to vote on these statements and determine level of agreement. The consensus threshold was set a priori at 70% agreement. Rounds 1 and 2 survey respondents were 35/46 (76%) and 99/112 (88.4%), respectively. The consensus group agreed that the indications for operative intervention included: gapping at the zone of tendinous injury (87.2% agreement) and loss of tension (70.7%); symptomatic displaced bony avulsions (72.8%); and proximal free tendon injuries with functional compromise refractory to non-operative treatment (72.2%). Other important considerations for operative intervention included: the demands of the athlete/patient and the expected functional outcome (87.1%) based on the anatomy of the injury; the risk of functional loss/performance deficit with non-operative management (72.2%); and the capacity to restore anatomy and function (87.1%). Further research is needed to determine whether surgery can reduce the risk of reinjury as consensus was not reached within the whole group (48.2%) but was agreed by surgeons (70%) in the cohort. The consensus group did not support the use of corticosteroids or endoscopic surgery without further evidence. These guidelines will help standardise treatment of HSIs, specifically the indications and decision-making for surgical intervention.

London International Consensus and Delphi study on hamstring injuries part 1: classification.

Muscle injury classification systems for hamstring injuries have evolved to use anatomy and imaging information to aid management and prognosis. However, classification systems lack reliability and validity data and are not specific to individual hamstring muscles, potentially missing parameters vital for sport-specific and activity-specific decision making. A narrative evidence review was conducted followed by a modified Delphi study to build an international consensus on best-practice decision-making for the classification of hamstring injuries. This comprised a digital information gathering survey to a cohort of 46 international hamstring experts (sports medicine physicians, physiotherapists, surgeons, trainers and sports scientists) who were also invited to a face-to-face consensus group meeting in London . Fifteen of these expert clinicians attended to synthesise and refine statements around the management of hamstring injury. A second digital survey was sent to a wider group of 112 international experts. Acceptance was set at 70% agreement. Rounds 1 and 2 survey response rates were 35/46 (76%) and 99/112 (88.4%) of experts responding. Most commonly, experts used the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC) (58%), Munich (12%) and Barcelona (6%) classification systems for hamstring injury. Issues identified to advance imaging classifications systems include: detailing individual hamstring muscles, establishing optimal use of imaging in diagnosis and classification, and testing the validity and reliability of classification systems. The most used hamstring injury classification system is the BAMIC. This consensus panel recommends hamstring injury classification systems evolve to integrate imaging and clinical parameters around: individual muscles, injury mechanism, sporting demand, functional criteria and patient-reported outcome measures. More research is needed on surgical referral and effectiveness criteria, and validity and reliability of classification systems to guide management.

Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with comparable functional outcomes but improved forgotten joint scores compared with conventional manual total knee arthroplasty at five-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study reports the five-year functional outcomes from a prospective cohort study comparing robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (RO TKA) versus conventional manual total knee arthroplasty (CO TKA). METHODS: This prospective single-surgeon study included 120 patients with symptomatic end-stage knee arthritis undergoing primary TKA. This included 60 consecutive patients undergoing CO TKA followed by 60 consecutive patients undergoing RO TKA using a semi-automated robotic device. Study patients were reviewed at one, two, and five years after surgery and the following outcomes recorded: The University of California at Los Angeles activity-level (UCLA), Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and any complications. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between RO TKA and CO TKA in the median UCLA score (p = N.S), median KSS (p = N.S), and median OKS (p = N.S) at five-year follow-up. RO-TKA was associated with statistically significant improvements in the FJS at one (p = 0.001), two (p = 0.003), and five (p = 0.025) years of follow-up compared with CO TKA. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of knee stiffness requiring manipulation under anesthesia between the two treatment groups (p = N.S). CONCLUSION: Patients in both treatment groups had excellent functional outcomes with comparable patient reported outcomes at five-year follow-up. RO TKA was associated with statistically significant improvements in the FJS compared with CO TKA, but these differences did not reach the minimal clinically important difference at any follow-up interval. There was no overall difference in complications between the two treatment groups at five-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (Prospective cohort study).

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty Versus Robotic-Arm Assisted Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study With Minimum 3 Years' Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (RO THA) has been shown to improve the accuracy of component positioning compared with conventional total hip arthroplasty (CO THA). This study reports Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) of a previous trial that showed that RO THA was associated with improved accuracy and reduced outliers in acetabular component positioning compared with CO THA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 50 patients undergoing CO THA versus 50 patients receiving RO THA. The Oxford hip score, Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), University of California at Los Angeles hip score were recorded at a minimum of 3 years following surgery. RESULTS: At minimum 3 years follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in CO THA versus RO THA with respect to the Oxford hip score [median 42(6.25) versus 41(5.5), P = .914]; FJS [89 (9.25) versus 86 (9), P = .065], and University of California at Los Angeles score [median 7.5 (3) versus 7 (2), P = .381]. None of the study patients had dislocations or underwent revision surgery within 3 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: The previously reported improvement in accuracy of acetabular component in this study population did not translate to statistically significant improvements in PROMs. Patients in both groups achieved excellent PROMs and there was a trend towards higher FJS scores postoperatively in the RO THA group that did not reach statistical significance. Further studies are needed to assess the significance of these findings on longer-term clinical outcomes and implant survivorships, and also to explore the impact of the enhanced RO THA workflow and functional implant positioning on these outcomes.

2-Year Radiostereometric Analysis Evaluation of a Short, Proximally Coated, Triple-Taper Blade Femoral Stem Versus a Quadrangular-Taper Stem With Reinforced Proximal Body: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cementless stem designs with proximal metaphyseal fixation aim to achieve better load distribution, reduce stress shielding, and improve primary stability. The purpose of this prospective, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the 2-year migration and clinical outcomes of two cementless femoral stems. METHODS: A total of 60 participants undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for any cause were randomly allocated to receiving either a proximally coated, short blade stem or a quadrangular-taper stem with a reinforced proximal body. Radiostereometric analysis radiographs were performed postoperatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. The Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score and the EuroQol five-dimension were also collected. RESULTS: At two years, the median subsidence of the short-blade stem was 0.097 millimeters (mm) [Interquartile range (IQR) -0.67 to 0.08)] versus 0.086 mm(IQR, -0.29 to 0.005, P = .683); medial translation 0.023 mm (IQR 0.08 to 0.12) versus 0.029 mm(IQR -0.07 to 0.10, P = .907); anterior translation 0.035 mm (IQR -0.23 to 0.33) versus 0.07 mm (IQR -0.13 to 0.08, P = .268). At 24 months postoperatively, there were no stem revisions and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Both cementless stems exhibited a predictable migration pattern and achieved initial stability. There was no difference in migration across the three Cartesian axes at any time point. Clinical outcomes and PROMs were also comparable. Biological fixation of both implants evidenced by the radiostereometric analysis and excellent PROMs are likely to translate to longer-term stability, which would need to be corroborated by longer-term outcome studies.

Functional implant positioning in total hip arthroplasty and the role of robotic-arm assistance.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate implant positioning, tailored to the phenotype and unique biomechanics of each patient is the single most important objective in achieving stability in THA and maximise range of motion. The spine-pelvis-hip construct functions as a single unit adapting to postural changes. It is widely accepted in the literature that no universaltarget exists and variations in spinopelvic mobility mandate adjustments to the surgical plan; thus bringing to the fore the concept of personalised, functional component positioning. METHODS: This manuscript aims to outline the challenges posed by spinopelvic imbalance and present a reproducible, stepwise approach to achieve functional-component positioning. We also present the one-year functional outcomes and Patient Reported Outcome Measures of a prospective cohort operated with this technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Robotic-arm assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty has facilitated enhanced planning based on the patient's phenotype and evidence suggests it results in more reproducible and accurate implant positioning. Preservation of offset, avoiding leg-length discrepancy, accurate restoration of the centre of rotation and accomplishing the combinedversion target are very important parameters in Total Hip Arthroplasty that affect post-operative implant longevity, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Medial-Pivot versus Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The medial-pivot (MP) design for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore more natural "ball-and-socket" knee kinematics compared to the traditional posterior-stabilized (PS) implants for TKA. The objective of this study is to determine if there was any difference in functional outcomes between patients undergoing MP-TKA vs PS-TKA. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial consisted of 43 patients undergoing MP-TKA vs 45 patients receiving a single-radius PS-TKA design. The primary outcome was postoperative range of motion (ROM). Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Oxford Knee Score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and radiological outcomes. All study patients were followed-up for 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Patients undergoing MP-TKA had comparable ROM at 1 year (114.6° ± 16.3° vs 111.3° ± 17.8° respectively, P = .88) and 2 years after surgery (114.9° ± 15.5° vs 114.9° ± 16.4° respectively, P = .92) compared to PS-TKA. There were also no differences in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (26.8 ± 19.84 vs 22.0 ± 12.03 respectively, P = .14), Oxford Knee Score (42.7 ± 8.1 vs 42.3 ± 6.7 respectively, P = .18), KSS clinical scores (82.9 ± 16.96 vs 81.42 ± 10.45 respectively, P = .12) and KSS functional scores (76.2 ± 18.81 vs 73.93 ± 8.53 respectively, P = .62) at 2-year follow-up. There was no difference in postoperative limb alignment or complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated excellent results in both the single-radius PS-TKA design and MP-TKA design. No differences were identified at 2-year follow-up with respect to postoperative ROM and patient-reported outcome measures.

Nursing considerations for patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted joint replacements.

Robotic-arm assisted arthroplasty (RAA) has gained popularity over the past decade because of its ability to provide more accurate implant positioning with less surgical trauma than conventional manual arthroplasty. It has shown better early functional outcomes, less postoperative pain and shorter inpatient stays. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in improving overall outcomes and ensuring this technology is implemented efficiently and safely, but there is limited published literature on the nursing considerations for managing patients undergoing RAA. This article aims to provide a pragmatic approach for nursing care in the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases of RAA.

Long-Term Results of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Modern Extensively Porous-Coated Femoral Stem.

BACKGROUND: The use of an extensively porous-coated uncemented cobalt-chrome monoblock femoral stem for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is well established with excellent mid-term results. The aim of this study is to report the long-term survivorship of these implants in femoral stem revisions. METHODS: This is a long-term retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 55 femoral stem revisions in 55 patients using a contemporary, cementless extensively porous-coated cobalt-chrome monoblock stem. All patients between 2001 and 2006 who underwent first time femoral stem revision with a contemporary, cementless extensively porous-coated cobalt-chrome monoblock stem were included. Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index, and University of California Los Angeles activity scores were recorded preoperatively and at latest follow-up. Radiographs were analyzed for evidence of loosening, subsidence, osteolysis, and bony union. This study included 55 patients, comprising of 36 females (66%) and 19 males (34%) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 9.3 years at the time of surgery. The mean time interval from index procedure was 9.8 ± 2.9 years. Mean time from revision THA to final follow-up was 13.2 ± 2.17 years with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Indications for revision included aseptic loosening (33), prosthetic joint infection (13), and periprosthetic fracture (10). Significant improvement in Harris Hip Score (85.1 ± 1.77 vs 51.8 ± 2.3, P < .001), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (17.6 ± 0.77 vs 33.3 ± 0.8, P < .001), and University of California Los Angeles (5.25 ± 0.2 vs 2.7 ± 0.36, P < .001) scores were found at latest follow-up compared to preoperative. Fifty-four patients (98%) achieved stable bony ingrowth on radiographic analysis. All 10 patients treated for periprosthetic fractures achieved bony union of their fractures. Two patients suffered intraoperative periprosthetic fractures and were treated with a cable-plating system. There were no mechanical failures and no femoral stem re-revisions. One patient was diagnosed with a deep infection and was treated with chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy due to significant medical comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Revision of the femoral component with a contemporary extensively porous-coated cobalt-chrome femoral stem has excellent functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and long-term survivorship with minimal complications.

Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty has a learning curve of seven cases for integration into the surgical workflow but no learning curve effect for accuracy of implant positioning.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the surgical team's learning curve for robotic-arm assisted TKA through assessments of operative times, surgical team comfort levels, accuracy of implant positioning, limb alignment, and postoperative complications. Secondary objectives were to compare accuracy of implant positioning and limb alignment in conventional jig-based TKA versus robotic-arm assisted TKA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 60 consecutive conventional jig-based TKAs followed by 60 consecutive robotic-arm assisted TKAs performed by a single surgeon. Independent observers recorded surrogate markers of the learning curve including operative times, stress levels amongst the surgical team using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire, accuracy of implant positioning, limb alignment, and complications within 30 days of surgery. Cumulative summation (CUSUM) analyses were used to assess learning curves for operative time and STAI scores in robotic TKA. RESULTS: Robotic-arm assisted TKA was associated with a learning curve of seven cases for operative times (p = 0.01) and surgical team anxiety levels (p = 0.02). Cumulative robotic experience did not affect accuracy of implant positioning (n.s.) limb alignment (n.s.) posterior condylar offset ratio (n.s.) posterior tibial slope (n.s.) and joint line restoration (n.s.). Robotic TKA improved accuracy of implant positioning (p < 0.001) and limb alignment (p < 0.001) with no additional risk of postoperative complications compared to conventional manual TKA. CONCLUSION: Implementation of robotic-arm assisted TKA led to increased operative times and heightened levels of anxiety amongst the surgical team for the initial seven cases but there was no learning curve for achieving the planned implant positioning. Robotic-arm assisted TKA improved accuracy of implant positioning and limb alignment compared to conventional jig-based TKA. The findings of this study will enable clinicians and healthcare professionals to better understand the impact of implementing robotic TKA on the surgical workflow, assist the safe integration of this procedure into surgical practice, and facilitate theatre planning and scheduling of operative cases during the learning phase. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Iatrogenic Bone and Soft Tissue Trauma in Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared With Conventional Jig-Based Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study and Validation of a New Classification System.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare macroscopic bone and soft tissue injury between robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) and conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty (CJ-TKA) and create a validated classification system for reporting iatrogenic bone and periarticular soft tissue injury after TKA. METHODS: This study included 30 consecutive CJ-TKAs followed by 30 consecutive RA-TKAs performed by a single surgeon. Intraoperative photographs of the femur, tibia, and periarticular soft tissues were taken before implantation of prostheses. Using these outcomes, the macroscopic soft tissue injury (MASTI) classification system was developed to grade iatrogenic bone and soft tissue injuries. Interobserver and Intraobserver validity of the proposed classification system was assessed. RESULTS: Patients undergoing RA-TKA had reduced medial soft tissue injury in both passively correctible (P < .05) and noncorrectible varus deformities (P < .05); more pristine femoral (P < .05) and tibial (P < .05) bone resection cuts; and improved MASTI scores compared to CJ-TKA (P < .05). There was high interobserver (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92 [95% confidence interval: 0.88-0.96], P < .05) and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94 [95% confidence interval: 0.92-0.97], P < .05) of the proposed MASTI classification system. CONCLUSION: There is reduced bone and periarticular soft tissue injury in patients undergoing RA-TKA compared to CJ-TKA. The proposed MASTI classification system is a reproducible grading scheme for describing iatrogenic bone and soft tissue injury in TKA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RA-TKA is associated with reduced bone and soft tissue injury compared with conventional jig-based TKA. The proposed MASTI classification may facilitate further research correlating macroscopic soft tissue injury during TKA to long-term clinical and functional outcomes.

The role of electrical stimulation in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head causes significant morbidity and occurs in up to 20,000 people per year. A variety of nonoperative and operative measures have been trialled however a definitive treatment algorithm is yet to be established. Young adults in many cases have undergone multiple surgical procedures in their lifetime with increasing risks of complications. Less invasive techniques may help reduce the number of operations required and positively influence the natural history of the disease process. Our aim was to navigate the literature and examine the results of electrical stimulation of the femoral head in avascular necrosis. METHODS: The following defined search strategy was used to perform a systematic review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases: ((avascular necrosis) OR (osteonecrosis)) AND (femoral head) AND ((electrical stimulation) OR (capacitive coupling) OR (pulsed electromagnetic fields)). Articles were reviewed and data compiled into tables for analysis. RESULTS: Fourty six articles were identified with a total of 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. 8 articles were prospective studies and 2 were retrospective. Early Ficat stages showed the best responses to treatment via pulsed electromagnetic fields with improvements in both clinical and radiographic parameters. Direct current and capacitative coupling have had a more ambiguous outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a role in the management of early avascular necrosis. The paucity of clinical studies into this technique indicates a need for further studies.

Custom rotating hinge total knee arthroplasty in patients with poliomyelitis affected limbs.

PURPOSE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in limbs affected by poliomyelitis is a technically challenging procedure. These patients often demonstrate acquired articular and metaphyseal angular deformities, bone loss, narrowness of the intramedullary canals, impaired quadriceps strength, flexion contractures and ligamentous laxity producing painful hyperextension. Thus, using condylar knee designs in these patients will likely result in early failure because of instability and abnormal load distribution. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes associated with use of the customised (SMILES) rotating-hinge knee system at our institution for TKA in poliomyelitis-affected limbs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 14 TKAs using the (SMILES) prosthesis in 13 patients with limbs affected by poliomyelitis. All patients had painful unstable knees with hyperextension. There were ten females and three males with a mean age of 66 years (range 51-84) at time of surgery. Patients were followed up clinically, radiologically and functionally with the Oxford knee score (OKS). Mean follow-up was 72 months (16-156). RESULTS: There were no immediate or early complications. One patient fell and sustained a peri-prosthetic fracture at seven months requiring revision to a longer stem. Radiological evaluation showed satisfactory alignment with no signs of loosening in all cases. Mean OKS improved from 11.6 (4-18) to 31.5 (18-40) postoperatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The rotating hinge (SMILES) prosthesis is effective at relieving pain and improving function in patients with poliomyelitis. The device compensates well for ligamentous insufficiency as well as for any associated bony deformity.

Articulating Spacers in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique and Outcomes.

Although one-stage exchange arthroplasty is gaining popularity, two-stage exchange arthroplasty remains the gold standard for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections. Use of an articulating spacer for this procedure offers an avenue for maintaining hip motion and controlled weight-bearing, allowing local antibiotic elution. However, there is no uniform consensus on the optimal surgical protocol for using articulating spacers. This review describes the surgical technique for undertaking a first-stage exchange arthroplasty using an articulating spacer and discusses the pertinent literature on key concepts relating to periprosthetic joint infections in total hip arthroplasty to guide effective surgical decision making in these patients.

Robotic arm-assisted conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty.

Aims: Robotic arm-assisted surgery offers accurate and reproducible guidance in component positioning and assessment of soft-tissue tensioning during knee arthroplasty, but the feasibility and early outcomes when using this technology for revision surgery remain unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic arm-assisted revision of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus primary robotic arm-assisted TKA at short-term follow-up. Methods: This prospective study included 16 patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted revision of UKA to TKA versus 35 matched patients receiving robotic arm-assisted primary TKA. In all study patients, the following data were recorded: operating time, polyethylene liner size, change in haemoglobin concentration (g/dl), length of inpatient stay, postoperative complications, and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) alignment. All procedures were performed using the principles of functional alignment. At most recent follow-up, range of motion (ROM), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were collected. Mean follow-up time was 21 months (6 to 36). Results: There were no differences between the two treatment groups with regard to mean change in haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.477), length of stay (LOS, p = 0.172), mean polyethylene thickness (p = 0.065), or postoperative complication rates (p = 0.295). At the most recent follow-up, the primary robotic arm-assisted TKA group had a statistically significantly improved OKS compared with the revision UKA to TKA group (44.6 (SD 2.7) vs 42.3 (SD 2.5); p = 0.004) but there was no difference in the overall ROM (p = 0.056) or FJS between the two treatment groups (86.1 (SD 9.6) vs 84.1 (4.9); p = 0.439). Conclusion: Robotic arm-assisted revision of UKA to TKA was associated with comparable intraoperative blood loss, early postoperative rehabilitation, functional outcomes, and complications to primary robotic TKA at short-term follow-up. Robotic arm-assisted surgery offers a safe and reproducible technique for revising failed UKA to TKA.