Does the dGEMRIC Index Recover 3 Years After Surgical FAI Correction and an Initial dGEMRIC Decrease at 1-Year Follow-up? A Controlled Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) allows objective and noninvasive assessment of cartilage quality. An interim analysis 1 year after correction of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) previously showed that the dGEMRIC index decreased despite good clinical outcome. PURPOSE: To evaluate dGEMRIC indices longitudinally in patients who underwent FAI correction and in a control group undergoing nonoperative treatment for FAI. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This prospective, comparative longitudinal study included 39 patients (40 hips) who received either operative (n = 20 hips) or nonoperative (n = 20 hips) treatment. Baseline demographic characteristics and presence of osseous deformities did not differ between groups. All patients received indirect magnetic resonance arthrography at 3 time points (baseline, 1 and 3 years of follow-up). The 3-dimensional cartilage models were created using a custom-developed deep learning-based software. The dGEMRIC indices were determined separately for acetabular and femoral cartilage. A mixed-effects model was used for statistical analysis in repeated measures. RESULTS: The operative group showed an initial (preoperative to 1-year follow-up) decrease of dGEMRIC indices: acetabular from 512 ± 174 to 392 ± 123 ms and femoral from 530 ± 173 to 411 ± 117 ms (both P < .001). From 1-year to 3-year follow-up, dGEMRIC indices improved again: acetabular from 392 ± 123 to 456 ± 163 ms and femoral from 411 ± 117 to 477 ± 169 ms (both P < .001). The nonoperative group showed no significant changes in dGEMRIC indices in acetabular and femoral cartilage from baseline to either follow-up point (all P > .05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 3 years after FAI correction, the dGEMRIC indices improved compared with short-term 1-year follow-up. This may be due to normalized joint biomechanics or regressive postoperative activation of the inflammatory cascade after intra-articular surgery.

Retrotilt of the Pelvis During Periacetabular Osteotomy: How to Avoid a Systematic Error Resulting in Acetabular Retroversion and Possible Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic tilt directly influences acetabular version on radiographs. Changes of pelvic tilt potentially affect acetabular reorientation after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). PURPOSE: (1) To compare the ratio of the pubic symphysis height to the sacroiliac width (PS-SI) between hips with dysplasia and acetabular retroversion, uni- and bilateral PAO, and male and female patients. (2) To evaluate pelvic tilt (quantified using the PS-SI ratio) in patients after PAO by tracking it from preoperative to intra- and postoperative and short- and middle-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective and radiographic study was conducted evaluating pelvic tilt in 124 patients (139 hips) with dysplasia and 46 patients (57 hips) with acetabular retroversion who were undergoing PAO (January 2005-December 2019). Patients were excluded if they had insufficient radiographic data, previous or concomitant hip surgery, posttraumatic or pediatric deformities, or combined dysplasia and retroversion (90 patients, 95 hips). Dysplasia was defined as a lateral center-edge angle <23°; retroversion was defined by simultaneous appearance of a retroversion index 30% and positive ischial spine and posterior wall signs. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were taken in the supine position preoperatively, during PAO, postoperatively, and at short- and middle-term follow-up (mean ± SD [range]; 9 ± 3 weeks [5-23 weeks] and 21 ± 21 weeks [6-125 months]). The PS-SI ratio was calculated at 5 observation periods (preoperatively to middle-term follow-up) for different subgroups (dysplasia vs retroversion, uni- vs bilateral surgery, male vs female) and validated with intra- and interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.984 (95%CI, 0.976-0.989) and 0.991 (95% CI, 0.987-0.994), respectively). RESULTS: The PS-SI ratio differed between dysplasia and retroversion at all observation periods (P = .041 to P < .001). Male dysplastic hips had a lower PS-SI ratio when compared with female dysplastic hips at all observation periods (P < .001 to P = .005). In hips with acetabular retroversion, the PS-SI ratio was lower in men than women at short- and middle-term follow-up (P = .024 and .003). No difference was found between uni- and bilateral surgery (P = .306 to P = .905) except for short-term follow-up in dysplasia (P = .040). The PS-SI ratio decreased in all subgroups preoperatively to intra- or postoperatively (P < .001 to P = .031). At short- and middle-term follow-up, the PS-SI ratio increased as compared with intraoperatively (P < .001 to P = .044) and did not differ from preoperatively in all subgroups (P = .370 to P = .795). CONCLUSION: A lower PS-SI ratio was found for male or dysplastic hips. In all subgroups, the PS-SI ratio decreased during surgery, indicating retrotilt of the pelvis. Correct pelvic orientation during surgery is crucial for accurate acetabular reorientation. Retrotilt during surgery results in underestimation of acetabular version and iatrogenic retroversion of the acetabulum at follow-up, with the pelvis in the correct and more forward-tilted orientation. Not taking into account retrotilt during PAO potentially results in femoroacetabular impingement. Therefore, we changed our intraoperative setting with adjustment of the central beam to compensate for retrotilt of the pelvis.

Patient Specific Instruments and Patient Individual Implants-A Narrative Review.

Joint arthroplasties are one of the most frequently performed standard operations worldwide. Patient individual instruments and patient individual implants represent an innovation that must prove its usefulness in further studies. However, promising results are emerging. Those implants seem to be a benefit especially in revision situations. Most experience is available in the field of knee and hip arthroplasty. Patient-specific instruments for the shoulder and upper ankle are much less common. Patient individual implants combine individual cutting blocks and implants, while patient individual instruments solely use individual cutting blocks in combination with off-the-shelf implants. This review summarizes the current data regarding the implantation of individual implants and the use of individual instruments.

Reliability and Reproducibility of a Novel Grading System for Lesions of the Ligamentous-Fossa-Foveolar Complex in Young Patients Undergoing Open Hip Preservation Surgery.

Background: Several classification systems based on arthroscopy have been used to describe lesions of the ligamentum teres (LT) in young active patients undergoing hip-preserving surgery. Inspection of the LT and associated lesions of the adjuvant fovea capitis and acetabular fossa is limited when done arthroscopically but is much more thorough during open surgical hip dislocation. Therefore, we propose a novel grading system based on our findings during surgical dislocation comprising the full spectrum of ligamentous-fossa-foveolar complex (LFFC) lesions. Purpose: To determine (1) intraobserver reliability and (2) interobserver reproducibility of our new grading system. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed this validation study on 211 hips (633 images in total) with surgical hip dislocation (2013-2021). We randomly selected 5 images per grade for each LFFC item to achieve an equal representation of all grades (resulting in 75 images). The ligament, fossa, and fovea were subcategorized into normal, inflammation, degeneration, partial, and complete defects. All surgeries were performed in a standardized way by a single surgeon. The femur was disarticulated using a bone hook, the LT was inspected, documented and resected, then the fossa and fovea were documented with the femoral head in full dislocation using a 70° arthroscope. Six observers with different levels of expertise in hip-preserving surgery independently conducted the measurements twice, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine (1) intraobserver reliability and (2) interobserver reproducibility of the novel grading system. Results: For intraobserver reliability, excellent ICCs were found in both the junior and the experienced raters for grading the ligament, fossa, fovea, and total LFFC (ICCs ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 for the LFFC score). We found excellent interobserver reproducibility between raters for all items of the LFFC (all interobserver ICCs ≥ 0.76). Conclusion: Our new grading system for lesions of the LFFC is highly reliable and reproducible. It covers the full spectrum of damage more precisely than arthroscopic classifications do and offers a scientific basis for standardized intraoperative evaluation.

Demographic changes in pelvic fracture patterns at a Swiss academic trauma center from 2007 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Increasing life expectancy has led to higher incidence of fragility fractures of the pelvis. These demographic changes may have a direct impact on fracture patterns. The goal of this study was (1) to evaluate demographical trends in patients with pelvic ring injuries at a tertiary Swiss trauma center and (2) to analyze the influence on fracture patterns. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study including 958 patients (mean ± SD age, 57 ± 21 years; 48% women) with a pelvic ring injury between 2007 and 2017. Fractures were classified according to Tile, Young and Burgess or Rommens and Hofmann (fragility fractures) using conventional and computer tomography imaging. Low-energy fractures were defined as fractures resulting from fall from standing height or less. Fracture classifications, age, sex, Injury Severity Score, and trauma mechanism were compared using analysis of variance or χ2 test. Cluster analysis was performed to identify groups with similarities in fracture patterns and demographic parameters. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2017, the frequency of pelvic ring injuries increased by 115% (increase per decade), and mean age increased by 15% (p = 0.031). A trimodal age distribution was found; highest increase for fractures occurred in the older (265%) patient group. Low-energy fracture was the most common trauma mechanism (43% of all fractures, an increase of 249%). Changes in fracture pattern showed a disproportioned increase of lateral compression (LC) fractures (LC type 1 in 64%) or partially stable fracture (B2, with 39%). In patient older than 65 years, the strongest increase was found for nondisplaced posterior fractures with an overall prevalence of 62%. Five clusters were found with the most frequent cluster representing older female patients with low-energy fracture (LC, Tile type B) in 30%. CONCLUSION: The current results corroborate the trend of increasing frequency of fragility fractures in an aging society. The demographic shift has a direct impact on fracture pattern with a disproportionate increase in partially stable compression fracture of the pelvis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/Epidemiologic, Level III.

A bibliometric analysis of orthogeriatric care: top 50 articles.

BACKGROUND: Population is ageing and orthogeriatric care is an emerging research topic. PURPOSE: This bibliometric review aims to provide an overview, to investigate the status and trends in research in the field of orthogeriatric care of the most influential literature. METHODS: From the Core Collection databases in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge, the most influential original articles with reference to orthogeriatric care were identified in December 2020 using a multistep approach. A total of 50 articles were included and analysed in this bibliometric review. RESULTS: The 50 most cited articles were published between 1983 and 2017. The number of total citations per article ranged from 34 to 704 citations (mean citations per article: n = 93). Articles were published in 34 different journals between 1983 and 2017. In the majority of publications, geriatricians (62%) accounted for the first authorship, followed by others (20%) and (orthopaedic) surgeons (18%). Articles mostly originated from Europe (76%), followed by Asia-pacific (16%) and Northern America (8%). Key countries (UK, Sweden, and Spain) and key topic (hip fracture) are key drivers in the orthogeriatric research. The majority of articles reported about therapeutic studies (62%). CONCLUSION: This bibliometric review acknowledges recent research. Orthogeriatric care is an emerging research topic in which surgeons have a potential to contribute and other topics such as intraoperative procedures, fractures other than hip fractures or elective surgery are related topics with the potential for widening the field to research.

Contemporary knee arthroplasty: one fits all or time for diversity?

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has historically been the preferred solution for any type of knee osteoarthritis, independently of the number of compartments involved. In these days of patient-specific medicine, mono-compartmental disease could also be approached with a more individualized treatment, such as partial knee arthroplasty (PKA). Off-the-shelf (OTS) implants are often the compromise of averages and means of a limited series of anatomical parameters retrieved from patients and the pressure of cost control by limited inventory. Personalized medicine requires respect and interest for the individual shape and alignment of each patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Pubmed and Google Scholar search were performed with the following terms: "patient-specific knee" and "arthroplasty" and "custom implant" and "total knee replacement" and "partial knee replacement" and "patellofemoral knee replacement" and "bicompartmental knee replacement". The full text of 90 articles was used to write this narrative review. RESULTS: Unicondylar, patellofemoral and bicompartmental knee arthroplasty are successful treatment options, which can be considered over TKA for their bone and ligament sparing character and the superior functional outcome that can be obtained with resurfacing procedures. For TKA, where compromises dominate our choices, especially in patients with individual variations of their personal anatomy outside of the standard, a customized implant could be a preferable solution. CONCLUSION: TKA might not be the only solution for every patient with knee osteoarthritis, if personalized medicine wants to be offered. Patient-specific mono-compartmental resurfacing solutions, such as partial knee arthroplasty, can be part of the treatment options proposed by the expert surgeon. Customized implants and personalized alignment options have the potential to further improve clinical outcome by identifying the individual morphotype and respecting the diversity of the surgical population.

Acetabular Cartilage Thickness Differs Among Cam, Pincer, or Mixed-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Descriptive Study Using In Vivo Ultrasonic Measurements During Surgical Hip Dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate acetabular cartilage thickness among (1) 8 measurement locations on the lunate surface and (2) different types of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study comparing in vivo measured acetabular cartilage thickness using a validated ultrasonic device during surgical hip dislocation in 50 hips. Measurement locations included the anterior/posterior horn and 3 locations on each peripheral and central aspect of the acetabulum. The clock system was used for orientation. Thickness was compared among cam (11 hips), pincer (8 hips), and mixed-type (31 hips) of FAI. Mean age was 31 ± 8 (range, 18-49) years. Hips with no degenerative changes were included (Tönnis stage = 0). RESULTS: Acetabular cartilage thickness ranged from 1.7 mm to 2.7 mm and differed among the 8 locations (P < 0.001). Thicker cartilage was found on the peripheral aspect at 11 and 1 o'clock positions (mean of 2.4 mm and 2.7 mm, respectively). At 5 out of 8 locations of measurement (anterior and posterior horn, 1 o'clock peripheral, 12 and 2 o'clock central), cartilage thickness was thinner in hips with pincer impingement compared to cam and/or mixed-type of FAI (P ranging from <0.001 to 0.031). No difference in thickness existed between cam and mixed-type of impingement (P = 0.751). CONCLUSION: Acetabular cartilage thickness varied topographically and among FAI types. This study provides first baseline information about topographical cartilage thickness in FAI measured in vivo. Thinner cartilage thickness in pincer deformities could be misinterpreted as joint degeneration and could therefore have an impact on indication for hip preserving surgery.