Evaluation of a shared decision-making strategy with online decision aids in surgical and orthopaedic practice: study protocol for the E-valuAID, a multicentre study with a stepped-wedge design.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and knee- and hip replacements are the most commonly performed surgical procedures, but all are subject to practice variation and variable patient-reported outcomes. Shared decision-making (SDM) has the potential to reduce surgery rates and increase patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an SDM strategy with online decision aids for surgical and orthopaedic practice in terms of impact on surgery rates, patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: The E-valuAID-study is designed as a multicentre, non-randomized stepped-wedge study in patients with an inguinal hernia, gallstones, knee or hip osteoarthritis in six surgical and six orthopaedic departments. The primary outcome is the surgery rate before and after implementation of the SDM strategy. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Patients in the usual care cluster prior to implementation of the SDM strategy will be treated in accordance with the best available clinical evidence, physician's knowledge and preference and the patient's preference. The intervention consists of the implementation of the SDM strategy and provision of disease-specific online decision aids. Decision aids will be provided to the patients before the consultation in which treatment decision is made. During this consultation, treatment preferences are discussed, and the final treatment decision is confirmed. Surgery rates will be extracted from hospital files. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using questionnaires, at baseline, 3 and 6 months. DISCUSSION: The E-valuAID-study will examine the cost-effectiveness of an SDM strategy with online decision aids in patients with an inguinal hernia, gallstones, knee or hip osteoarthritis. This study will show whether decision aids reduce operation rates while improving patient-reported outcomes. We hypothesize that the SDM strategy will lead to lower surgery rates, better patient-reported outcomes, and be cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands Trial Register, Trial NL8318, registered 22 January 2020. URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8318 .

Total Elbow Arthroplasty: Why and How.

INTRODUCTION: Elbow arthroplasty is a relatively infrequent orthopaedic procedure that can be performed in multiple ways according to the type of prosthesis that is used and the needs of the individual patient. STEP 1 PREPARATION AND POSITIONING OF THE PATIENT: Place the patient in the lateral decubitus position or in the supine position with the arm draped, allowing for easy manipulation of the elbow during the procedure. STEP 2 INCISION: Palpate and mark the local osseous landmarks, ulnar nerve, and incision, and then make a posterior incision to allow 360° access to the elbow joint as well as to allow decompression or transposition of the ulnar nerve. STEP 3 APPROACH­THE SUPERFICIAL LAYER: Perform the superficial approach, including a decompression of the ulnar nerve, and properly visualize the triceps tendon attachment on the proximal part of the ulna and both epicondyles. STEP 4 APPROACH­THE DEEP LAYER: Mobilize the triceps to allow visualization of the articular surfaces of the ulna, humerus, and radius, while taking care to protect the ulnar nerve. STEP 5 PREPARATION OF THE OSSEOUS STRUCTURES: Prepare the humerus and ulna in conformance with the technique that is described for the prosthesis and take care to restore the anatomical flexion-extension axis of the elbow. STEP 6 PLACEMENT OF THE PROSTHESIS: When all trial components are in place, reduce the joint to test the stability of the elbow. STEP 7 CLOSURE OF THE ELBOW: When all of the definitive components of the total elbow arthroplasty are in place, close the surgical wound in layers as the anatomy is restored. STEP 8 POSTOPERATIVE CARE: After surgery, a wound dressing is applied and physical rehabilitation is started to maximize the functional outcome. RESULTS: In our study of the mid-term results of a convertible total elbow arthroplasty, based on 58 elbow arthroplasties, patients had significant improvement in range of movement, function, and pain at 6 months postoperatively8.

Distal humerus prosthetic hemiarthroplasty: midterm results.

Treatment of comminuted distal humeral fractures remains challenging. Open reduction-internal fixation remains the preferred treatment, but is not always feasible. In selected cases with non-reconstructable or highly comminuted fractures, total elbow arthroplasty has been used, however, also with relatively high complication and failure rates. Distal humerus prosthetic hemiarthroplasty (DHA) may be an alternative in these cases. The purpose of this study was to report the midterm results of six patients that were treated by DHA for acute and salvage treatment of non-reconstructable fractures of the distal humerus. All six patients were treated by DHA for acute and salvage treatment of non-reconstructable fractures of the distal humerus. Medical records were reviewed, and each patient was seen in the office. Mean follow-up was 54 months (range 21-76 months). Implant survival was 100 %. Three were pain free and three had mild or moderate residual pain. Average flexion-extension arc was 95.8° (range 70°-115°) and average pronation-supination arc was 165° (range 150°-180°). In three, there was some degree of instability, which was symptomatic in one. One had motoric and sensory sequelae of a partially recovered traumatic ulnar nerve lesion. According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, there were three excellent, one good and two poor results. Four were satisfied with the final result, and two were not. In this case series of six patients with DHA for non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures, favorable midterm follow-up results were seen; however, complications were also observed.

Clinical results of the re-fixation of a Chevron olecranon osteotomy using an intramedullary cancellous screw and suture tension band.

Exposure of the distal humerus in case of an articular fracture is often performed through a Chevron osteotomy of the olecranon. Several options have been described for re-fixation of the Chevron osteotomy. Pull-out of the hard-wear is often seen as complication. In this study, an evaluation of the re-fixation of the Chevron osteotomy through a cancellous screw and suture tension band was performed. The data of 19 patients in whom a Chevron osteotomy was re-fixated with a cancellous screw in combination with a suture tension band were used. Evaluation was performed by assessment of the post-operative X-rays and documentation of complications. In all 19 cases, evaluation of the post-operative X-rays showed complete consolidation without dislocation or other complications. Re-fixation of a Chevron osteotomy of the olecranon with a large cancellous screw with a suture tension band provides adequate stability to result in proper healing of the osteotomy in primary cases when early post-operative mobilisation is allowed. Complications as pull-out of the hard-wear were not reported.

An extensive posterior approach of the elbow with osteotomy of the medial epicondyle.

BACKGROUND: This study describes a posterior approach to the elbow for placement of a total elbow prosthesis. METHODS: Release of the medial collateral ligament is achieved by performing an osteotomy of the medial epicondyle. This allows anatomic refixation of the origin of the medial collateral ligament. A description of the posterior approach is given. Standard radiographs were used to analyze the bone-to-bone refixation of the osteotomy of the medial epicondyle in 13 elbows. RESULTS: Radiographs showed proper bone healing in all elbows, with restoration of the anatomic origin of the medial collateral ligament. DISCUSSION: The described approach provides a good exposure of the elbow necessary for the placement of modern total elbow prostheses, without compromising the stability of the elbow. Refixation of stabilizing structures is relatively easy and results in an anatomic position of the ligaments.

Biomechanical evaluation of three different fixation methods of the Chevron osteotomy of the olecranon: an analysis with Roentgen Stereophotogrammatic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this study three different methods for fixating the Chevron osteotomy of the olecranon are evaluated. Transcortical fixed Kirschner wires with a tension band, a large cancellous screw with a tension band, and a large cancellous screw alone are compared using Roentgen Stereophotogrammatic Analysis (RSA). METHODS: The different fixation methods were tested in 17 cadaver specimens by applying increasing repetitive force to the triceps tendon. Forces applied were 200N, 350N, and 500N. Translation and rotation of the osteotomy were recorded using Roentgen Stereophotogrammatic Analysis. FINDINGS: Both the fixations with a cancellous screw with tension band and with bi-cortical placed Kirschner wires with a tension band provide enough stability to withstand the forces of normal daily use. INTERPRETATION: Since fixation with a cancellous screw with tension band is a fast and easy method and is related to minimal soft tissue damage this method can preferably be used for fixation of a Chevron osteotomy of the olecranon.

Stability of the unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis: a biomechanical in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the valgus and varus laxity of the unlinked version of the Latitude total elbow prosthesis and the effects of radial head preservation or replacement. METHODS: Biomechanical analysis of the valgus and varus laxity of the unlinked Latitude was performed in fourteen upper limb specimens in the following conditions: (1) native elbow, (2) native elbow after the surgical approach and closing all layers again, (3) elbow with humeral and ulnar component implanted, unlinked, with the native radial head preserved, (4) elbow with humeral and ulnar component implanted, unlinked, with the native radial excised, (5) elbow with humeral, ulnar, and radial head component implanted. FINDINGS: After implantation of the Latitude total elbow prosthesis both the valgus and varus laxity slightly increase from mid to maximal flexion when compared to the native elbow after surgical approach. The unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis provides both valgus and varus stability in elbows with intact ligamentous constraints. With intact ligamentous constraints the radial head component only slightly contributes to the stability of the elbow after implantation of the unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis. INTERPRETATION: The unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis provides both valgus and varus stability in elbows with intact ligamentous constraints. The radial head component contributes only slightly to the stability.

Linking of total elbow prosthesis during surgery; a biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Presently, 2 types of elbow prostheses are used: unlinked and linked. The Latitude total elbow prosthesis allows the surgeon to decide during the implantation whether the prosthesis is placed unlinked or linked, and whether the native radial head is retained, resected, or replaced. The purpose of this study is to assess and to compare the varus and valgus laxity of the unlinked and linked version of the latitude total elbow prosthesis with: (1) the native radial head preserved, (2) the native radial head excised, and (3) the native radial head replaced by a radial head component. METHODS: Biomechanical testing was performed on 14 fresh-frozen upper limb specimens. RESULTS: Linking the prosthesis predominantly influences the valgus laxity of the elbow. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Linking the Latitude total elbow prosthesis results in increased valgus stability. In the linked version of the total elbow prosthesis, the radial head only plays a small part in both valgus and varus stability. An unlinked situation is not advised in absence of a native radial head or in case of inability to replace the radial head.

Chronic instability of the anterior tibiofibular syndesmosis of the ankle. Arthroscopic findings and results of anatomical reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The arthroscopic findings in patients with chronic anterior syndesmotic instability that need reconstructive surgery have never been described extensively. METHODS: In 12 patients the clinical suspicion of chronic instability of the syndesmosis was confirmed during arthroscopy of the ankle. All findings during the arthroscopy were scored. Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior tibiofibular syndesmosis was performed in all patients. The AOFAS score was assessed to evaluate the result of the reconstruction. At an average of 43 months after the reconstruction all patients were seen for follow-up. RESULTS: The syndesmosis being easily accessible for the 3 mm transverse end of probe which could be rotated around its longitudinal axis in all cases during arthroscopy of the ankle joint, confirmed the diagnosis. Cartilage damage was seen in 8 ankles, of which in 7 patients the damage was situated at the medial side of the ankle joint. The intraarticular part of anterior tibiofibular ligament was visibly damaged in 5 patients. Synovitis was seen in all but one ankle joint. After surgical reconstruction the AOFAS score improved from an average of 72 pre-operatively to 92 post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: To confirm the clinical suspicion, the final diagnosis of chronic instability of the anterior syndesmosis can be made during arthroscopy of the ankle. Cartilage damage to the medial side of the tibiotalar joint is often seen and might be the result of syndesmotic instability. Good results are achieved by anatomic reconstruction of the anterior syndesmosis, and all patients in this study would undergo the surgery again if necessary.