Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures in Paediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Management.

BACKGROUND: Tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs) account for approximately 14% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This study aims to systematically review the current evidence for the operative management of paediatric TSAFs. METHODS: A search was carried out across four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies discussing the outcomes of the surgical management of paediatric TSAFs since 2000 were included. RESULTS: Of 38 studies included for review, 13 studies reported outcomes of TSAF patients undergoing screw fixation only, and 12 studies used suture fixation only. In total, 976 patients underwent arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF), and 203 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The risk of arthrofibrosis with the use of ARIF (p = 0.45) and screws (p = 0.74) for TSAF repair was not significant. There was a significantly increased risk of knee instability (p < 0.0001), reoperation (p = 0.01), and post-operative pain (p = 0.007) with screw fixation compared to sutures. CONCLUSIONS: While the overall benefits of sutures over screws and ARIF over ORIF are unclear, there is clear preference for ARIF and suture fixation for TSAF repair in practice. We recommend large-scale comparative studies to delineate long-term outcomes for various TSAF fixation techniques.

Outcomes of Meniscal Repair in Patients Aged 40 and Above: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Meniscal injuries are increasingly common in older age groups. Age is often cited as a contraindication to undergoing meniscal repair due to concerns regarding failure rates. There has recently, however, been an increasing shift towards repair in older populations. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of meniscal repair in patients over the age of 40. METHODS: A systematic search of the following databases was conducted of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify studies reporting failure rates of patients over 40 with meniscal injuries undergoing repair. The definition of meniscus failure was noted for each study evaluated in this systematic review. Further data surrounding clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded and evaluated, when available. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in this review, encompassing a total of 316 meniscal repairs in patients over the age of 40 years. The overall failure rate was found to be 15.5% (49/316) (range 0-33.3%). There was no difference in the failure rate in those over 40 vs. under 40, and the two groups had equivalent functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Age should not be considered a contra-indication for meniscal repair. Appropriately selected older patients can have acceptably low failure rates with meniscal repair and similar functional outcomes to those under the age of forty. Meniscal repairs in those over 40 achieved better functional outcomes than patients of the same age group who underwent meniscectomy.

Early clinical and radiological outcomes of the new porous titanium shell in combination with locking screw in revision total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Extensive acetabular bone loss and poor bone quality are two key challenges often encountered in revision total hip arthroplasty. A new 3D-printed porous acetabular shell has been made available with the option to insert multiple variable-angle locking screws. We sought to evaluate the early clinical and radiological outcomes of this construct. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients operated by two surgeons was performed in a single institution. Fifty-nine revision hip arthroplasties were performed in 55 patients (34 female; mean age 68.8 ± 12.3 years) for Paprosky defects I (n = 21), IIA/B (n = 22), IIC (n = 9), III (n = 7) between February 2018 and January 2022 using the novel porous titanium acetabular shell and multiple variable angle locking screws. Postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes were locally maintained. Patient-reported outcome measures collected included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Oxford Hip Score, and the 12-item Short Form Survey. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 25.7 ± 13.9 months, two cases of shell migration were noted. One patient had a failed constrained mechanism and received revision to a cemented dual mobility liner. No other acetabular shells showed any evidence of radiographic loosening at the final follow-up. Preoperatively, 21 defects were classified as Paprosky grade I, 19 grade IIA, 3 grade IIB, 9 IIC, 4 grade IIIA, and 3 IIIB. The mean postoperative WOMAC function score was 84 (SD 17), WOMAC (stiffness) 83 (SD 15), WOMAC (pain) 85 (SD 15), and WOMAC (global) 85 (SD 17). The mean postoperative OHS was 83 (SD 15), and mean SF-12 physical score was 44 (SD 11). CONCLUSION: The additional augmentation of porous metal acetabular shells with multiple variable-angle locking screws provides reliable initial fixation with good clinical and radiological outcomes in the short term. Further studies are needed to establish the medium- and long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Proximal femoral derotation osteotomy for management of femoral malversion: a systematic review.

Femoral malversion is an under-recognized contributor to hip pain in younger adults. Under treatment is often a contributor to poor outcomes in hip preservation surgery. We reviewed the literature to analyse the outcomes of proximal femoral derotation osteotomy as a treatment for femoral malversion as well as propose our own management algorithm for treating such patients. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines searching four databases (PubMed, CINALH, MEDLINE and EMBASE) for studies investigating the outcomes of derotation osteotomy in treating malversion. Nine studies were found encompassing 229 hips. At a mean follow-up of 39.9 months across the studies, there were only two conversions (1%) to total hip arthroplasty and four revision cases in total. Seven of the nine studies reported improved functional outcomes in their cohorts, with the mean Harris hip score improved from 63.7 to 87.3 where reported. There is a paucity of literature around the outcomes of proximal femoral derotation osteotomy. However, both the evidence available and the authors' experience suggest that consideration of femoral malversion is an essential component of hip preservation surgery, improving functional outcomes in cases of excessive femoral anteversion and femoral retroversion.

Open ankle fractures: Factors influencing unplanned reoperation.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures are amongst the most common open fracture injuries presenting to major trauma centres (MTC) and their management remains a topic of debate. Incidence is increasing particularly in the elderly population however the optimal surgical approach and risk factors for unplanned reoperation remain scarce. We therefore conducted a retrospective case study to analyse our institution's outcomes as well as identify risk factors for early unplanned reoperation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive open ankle fractures were identified using our institutional database between July 2016 and July 2020. Medical records and operation notes were reviewed to identify patient age at injury, Sex, co-morbidities and other co-morbidities, fracture configuration, extent of soft tissue injury, fixation type and post-operative complications. The data was categorised into four groups for analysis, 1) age, 2) AO-OTA classification 3) Sex 4) Gustilo-Anderson grade. Statistical analysis was undertaken to identify predictors of unplanned reoperation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time of injury was 60.8. Unplanned reoperation rate was 17.5%. Age and Gustilo-Anderson classification grade were both statistically significant predictors of unplanned reoperation. AO-OTA classification, Sex and Diabetes were not statistically significant factors associated with unplanned reoperation. CONCLUSION: Age and quality of soft tissue envelope are significant risk factors for unplanned reoperation. Patients with these risk factors may benefit from an alternative surgical approach.

Metaphyseal fixation in revision knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of mid-long-term outcomes of metaphyseal sleeves and cones.

Metaphyseal augmentation has in recent years formed a key strategy in management of bone loss in revision knee arthroplasty. There are studies reporting excellent short-term results, however long- term data is lacking. There is also a paucity of studies comparing the most frequently utilised augments, metaphyseal sleeves, and cones. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the mid to long term outcomes of metaphyseal cones and sleeves. We conducted systematic search of 4 databases (Medline, Embase, CINALH and PubMed). Seventeen studies were found to be eligible for inclusion of which ten investigated metaphyseal sleeves and the remaining seven investigated cones. Mean follow up across all studies was 6.2 years. The total number of patients included in the studies was 1319 and the number of knees operated on was 1431. We noted a higher revision rate of metaphyseal cones when compared to sleeves 10.85% vs 6.31 (p=0.007). Reoperation rates were also higher in cones compared to sleeves, 13.78% vs 3.68% (p<0.001). Prosthetic joint infection was the most common reason for revision. The difference in conversion rates, based on augment location was statistically significant p=0.019. When undertaking further sub-analysis; there was no statistically significant difference when comparing revision rates of; tibial vs femoral augments p=0.108, tibial vs tibial & femur p=0.54 but a difference was seen between femoral vs tibial & femoral augments p=0.007. Based on our data, metaphyseal sleeves demonstrate significantly lower revision rates compared to metaphyseal cones. However overall, both demonstrate reliable mid to long-term outcomes.

Acute versus delayed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures: a consecutive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) remains controversial. Open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) can be challenging, especially in elderly patients with poor bone quality, whereas hemiarthroplasty has had unpredictable outcomes. Conservative treatment may result in severe fracture sequelae with poor outcomes, requiring late reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in many cases. The past few years have seen a shift toward the use of RTSA for the treatment of PHFs. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of RTSA between patients with acute fractures and patients who underwent delayed RTSA for fracture sequelae. Our hypothesis was that the outcomes of RTSA for acute PHFs would be better than those of delayed RTSA for fracture sequelae. METHODS: We followed up 36 patients with a mean age of 79.1 years who underwent primary RTSA for acute PHFs and 56 patients with a mean age of 72.1 years who underwent RTSA in delayed fashion for fracture sequelae, including failed ORIF. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months. The mean follow-up period was 39.3 months in the acute RTSA group and 56.6 months in the delayed RTSA group. Demographic data, radiographs, and surgery data were prospectively collected and analyzed. At final follow-up, range of motion and radiographic analysis findings, as well as the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and Constant score (CS), were recorded. RESULTS: The clinical results favored the group undergoing acute RTSA for acute PHFs, with a mean SSV of 8.3 of 10 and adjusted CS of 88.9% compared with a mean SSV of 8.0 of 10 and adjusted CS of 77.6% in the group undergoing late RTSA for fracture sequelae-but without statistically significant differences between the groups. Although the acute RTSA group showed slightly better range-of-motion values, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. No intraoperative complications occurred. The time from injury to the regaining of good pain-free function was significantly shorter in the acute RTSA group. CONCLUSION: Although there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between early RTSA for acute PHFs and late RTSA for fracture sequelae, the time from injury to the regaining of good pain-free function was significantly shorter in the acute RTSA group. Therefore, we advocate early RTSA for acute PHFs in elderly patients to provide a quicker recovery and an early return to good predictable outcomes with a much shorter period of pain and discomfort. In cases of failed conservative treatment, malunion, or failed ORIF, salvage RTSA has the potential to provide a good outcome.

The outcomes of surgical management of failed two-stage revision knee arthroplasty.

Background Joint infection following total knee arthroplasty has significant consequences on both the patient and healthcare system. Two stage revision arthroplasties is viewed as the gold standard in management. However, recurrence of infection following this procedure is a growing clinical problem for a multitude of reasons. Despite a variety of surgical options for management of failure of two-stage revision arthroplasty, the potential for complications and functional limitation remains high, and the optimal strategy is yet to be determined. Methods We performed a systematic review of all papers reporting on the outcomes of the surgical management of failure of two-stage revision arthroplasty published up to and including January 2020. Data was extracted on patient demographics, study design, methodological quality, indication for surgery, surgical technique, clinical and functional outcomes, and complications. Results Nine papers with a total of 273 patients were found and analysed All surgical techniques had mixed results in term of clinical and functional outcomes, and the rate of complications was high in all studies. Knee arthrodesis had the lower risk of failure than repeat 2 stage revision. Poor patient immunological status and limb status were weakly associated with increased risk of failure. Conclusion Despite failure of two-stage revision arthroplasty being a growing clinical issue, we were not able to identify any consistently superior surgical technique for the management of this scenario. Knee arthrodesis appears to provide the best results for improving quality of life and reducing infection recurrence, although the complication rate is high and the functional outcomes appear to be worse. Further larger and prospective studies are needed to elucidate optimal surgical management in different patient subsets.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions are a common clinical problem and their management has been historically challenging. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes and thus restore hyaline cartilage to the defect, theoretically improving clincal outcomes in these patients. They can also be harvested with minimal donor site morbidity. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and functional outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell implantation to treat isolated osteochondral defects of the knee. A secondary purpose is to assess the quality of the current available evidence as well as the radiological and histological outcomes. We also reviewed the cellular preparation and operative techniques for implantation. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of 4 databases was carried out: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed. We searched for clinical studies reporting the outcomes on a minimum of 5 patients with at least 12 months of follow-up. Clinical, radiological, and histological outcomes were recorded. We also recorded demographics, stem cell source, culture technique, and operative technique. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the modified Coleman methodology score, and risk of bias for the randomized controlled studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were found, encompassing 367 patients. The mean patient age was 35.1 years. Bone marrow was the most common source of stem cells utilized. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy consistently demonstrated good short- to medium-term outcomes in the studies reviewed with no serious adverse events being recorded. There was significant heterogeneity in cell harvesting and preparation as well as in the reporting of outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated a clinically relevant improvement in outcomes in patients with osteochondral defects of the knee. More research is needed to establish an optimal treatment protocol, long-term outcomes, and superiority over other therapies. REGISTRATION: CRD42020179391 (PROSPERO).

Is Outpatient Arthroplasty Safe? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Advances in perioperative care and growing demand for hospital beds have progressively reduced the length of stay in lower limb arthroplasty. Current trends in population demographics and fiscal climate have also added to this change. Individual institutions have reported good outcomes with outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty. Debate remains regarding the safety of this practice, the optimal protocol, and the applicability in different subsections of population. The primary purpose of this review is to assess the complication and reoperation rates of outpatient arthroplasty. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all papers reporting on 30 and/or 90-day complication rates of outpatient total hip, total knee, and unicondylar knee arthroplasty published from January 1, 2009 to November 1, 2019. Patient demographics, anesthesia, analgesic protocol, selection criteria, and reasons for failed discharge were also extracted. RESULTS: Nineteen manuscripts with a total of 6519 operations between them were analyzed as a part of this systematic review. Mean 90-day readmission rates were 2.3% (range 0%-6%) with 1.61% (range 0%-4%) rate. Overall rate of successful same calendar day discharge was 93.4%. Nausea/dizziness was the most common reason identified (n = 45) for failure of discharge. CONCLUSION: The patients recruited for outpatient joint arthroplasty were younger, more active, and had suffered from less medical comorbidities than the more typical lower limb arthroplasty patient. There are significant differences in the reported complications between the studies reviewed. More research is needed to establish if an outpatient program can produce similar outcomes to a fast-track program. Further research is also needed to establish the optimal perioperative protocols.