More than a feeling?-Overruling the preoperatively templated offset option leads to a minor offset increase in short stem total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Short stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of advantages in bone and soft tissue preservation and reconstruction of hip geometry. Digital templating is essential in determining the correct offset option and stem size in THA. However, the preoperative template sizes might be intraoperatively overruled. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the effect of intraoperative overruling of the preoperatively templated offset option of a short curved stem on hip offset, leg length, implant positioning, and femoral canal fill index. The overruling was performed in case of intraoperative instability, telescoping, or both. A series of 1052 consecutive THAs with a cementless short curved stem and press-fit cup was retrospectively screened. One hundred patients with unilateral THA and a contralateral native and morphologically healthy hip as a reference met the inclusion criteria. Measurements were carried out on preoperative and 3 months anterior-posterior postoperative radiographs. Patients were divided according to the overruling by offset option or stem size. RESULTS: Hip offset was increased in all groups, but only with significant increase if an offset option + 1 was used intraoperatively (p = 0.025). LLD was restored without significance in all groups (p = 0.323; p = 0.157). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative overruling of the preoperative digital template in cementless short stem total hip arthroplasty results in an increase of hip offset compared to a contralateral healthy hip. However, the increase is marginal and clearly under 5 mm compared to the contralateral healthy hip.

Digital templating cementless short stem total hip arthroplasty: is there a difference in planning adherence between the direct anterior approach and minimally invasive anterolateral approach?

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive approaches (MIS) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) show inconsistent findings regarding planning adherence in digital templating. The purpose of this study is to evaluate any difference in planning adherence between the direct anterior approach (DAA) and an anterolateral MIS approach (AL MIS) in cementless short stem THA. METHODS: A single surgeon series of 222 THAs in 208 patients with an uncemented short curved stem and a bi-hemispherical acetabular cup were screened for inclusion. A total of 118 THAs were implanted via the DAA and 72 THAs via the AL MIS were included. The planning adherence for the offset option, stem size and the acetabular cup were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Planning adherence for cup size (perfect match: p = 0.763; ± 1 size: p = 0.124), offset option (0.125) and stem size (perfect match: p = 0.275; ± 1 size: p = 0.552) did not show any statistical significance. Preoperative diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in AL MIS approach (OR 6.045; CI 1.153-31.696) or mild hip dysplasia in the general cohort poses (OR 11.789; CI 1.386-100.293) a significant risk for inadequate prediction of the offset option. CONCLUSION: digital templating for THA with an uncemented short curved stem and a bi-hemispherical acetabular cup show comparable results between a direct anterior approach and a minimally invasive anterolateral approach in supine position. Surgeons should be aware of a low planning adherence for this type of short stem in minimally invasive approaches. CONCLUSION: Digital templating for THA with an uncemented short curved stem and a bi-hemispherical acetabular cup show comparable results between a direct anterior approach and a minimally invasive anterolateral approach in supine position. Surgeons should be aware of a low planning adherence for this type of short stem in minimally invasive approaches.

Measuring appropriate need for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: results of the MANUKA study.

PURPOSE: Indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are controversial. Studies based solely on radiographic criteria suggest up to 49% of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are suitable for UKA. In contrast, the 'Appropriate use criteria' (AUC), developed by the AAOS, apply clinical and radiographic criteria to guide surgical treatment of knee OA. The aim of this study was to analyze patient suitability for TKA, UKA and osteotomy using both radiographic criteria and AUC in a cohort of 300 consecutive knee OA patients. METHODS: Included were consecutive patients with clinical and radiographic signs of knee OA referred to a specialist clinic. Collected were demographic data, radiographic wear patterns and clinical findings that were analyzed using the AUC. A comparison of the radiographic wear patterns with the treatment suggested by the AUC as well as the Surgeon Treatment Decision was performed. RESULTS: There were 397 knees in 300 patients available for analysis. Median age was 68 [IQR 15], BMI 30 [6] with 55% females. Excellent consistency for both the radiographic criteria and the AUC criteria was found. Based on radiological criteria, 41% of knees were suitable for UKA. However, when using the AUC criteria, UKA was the appropriate treatment in only 13.3% of knees. In 19.1% of knees, no surgical treatment was appropriate at the visit, based on the collected data. CONCLUSION: Application of isolated radiologic criteria in patients with knee OA results in a UKA candidacy is misleadingly high. AUC that are based on both radiological and clinical criteria suggest UKA is appropriate in less than 15% of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III retrospective study.

High varus stem alignment in short-stem total hip arthroplasty: a risk for reconstruction of femoro-acetabular offset, leg length discrepancy and stem undersizing?

PURPOSE: Short stems are increasingly used in in total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of advantages in bone and soft tissue preservation and reconstruction of hip geometry. Short stems can be inserted in a more varus position compared to conventional straight stems. This poses the risk of final varus misplacement of the femoral component, which is not intended in all femoral short stems. METHODS: We wanted to evaluate the effect of a high varus stem positioning in MIS THA on hip offset, leg length and femoral canal fill index. A series of 1052 consecutive THAs with a singular cementless femoral short stem and press-fit cup was retrospectively screened for inclusion. One hundred six patients with unilateral THA and a contralateral healthy hip met the inclusion criteria. Measurements were carried out on preoperative and 3 months anterior-posterior postoperative radiographs. Patients were divided into Group A (varus stem alignment ≤ 3°) and Group B (varus stem alignment > 3°). RESULTS: Hip offset (HO) increased significantly in Group B by 4 mm (p = 0.013). No influence on leg length difference was detected in both groups. Preoperative CCD angle was significantly lower in Group B (p < 0.001). Canal Fill Indices (CFI) were significantly lower in Group B (CFI I: p < 0.001; CFI II p = 0.003; CF III p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: High varus stem alignment > 3° leads to a statistically significant but minor increase in HO and poses the risk of stem undersizing. A preoperatively low genuine CCD angle pose a risk for varus stem positioning.

Digital templating for the implantation of a curved short hip stem with an anterolateral MIS approach shows gender differences in digital templating.

PURPOSE: Digital templating shows reliable accuracy for straight stem systems. In recent years, the implantation of short stems through minimally invasive approaches has gained more popularity. Minimally invasive approaches (MIS) show the risk of undersizing femoral components. Therefore, we questioned the planning adherence for a curved short stem and a bi-hemispherical acetabular cup implanted through an anterolateral MIS approach. METHODS: A consecutive series of 964 hips (index surgery between 2014 and 2019) with Fitmore® curved short stem and Allofit/-S® acetabular cup (both ZimmerBiomet Inc, Warsaw, IN) were included. Preoperative digital templating was conducted anterior-posterior (AP) digital radiographs of the hip using mediCAD® version 5.1 (Hectec GmbH, Altdorf, Germany). The templates of acetabular and femoral components (offset option and stem size) were retrospectively evaluated for general adherence, and according to sex, BMI and planner's experience. RESULTS: Planning adherence for the exact offset option was 70.6 and 21.6% for exact offset option and stem size. Adherence for acetabular cup ± 1 size was 74.8%. A significant difference between male and female patients for the offset option could be found (p = 0.03, z = -2983). In 22.5% of male patients, an offset option one size higher and in 12.3% of female patients an offset option one size smaller than templated was used intraoperatively CONCLUSION: Digital templating for the Fitmore® stem in cementless THA with a minimally invasive anterolateral approach shows comparable planning adherence to the existing literature for this cementless short stem. However, a lower planning adherence was detected compared to conventional straight stem systems. In male patients, the femoral offset is frequently undersized and in female patients frequently oversized compared to the preoperative plan. Surgeons should be aware of this difficulty in digital templating for Fitmore® hip stem.

A single-surgeon experience in reconstruction of femoro-acetabular offset and implant positioning in direct anterior approach and anterolateral MIS approach with a curved short stem.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive surgery using short stems in total hip arthroplasty gained more popularity. The differences in change of hip offset and implant positioning in minimally invasive approaches are not fully known. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the difference in reconstruction of hip offset and implant positioning in direct anterior approach (DAA) and minimally invasive anterolateral approach (AL MIS). METHODS: A single surgeon series of 117 hips (117 patients; mean age 65.54 years ± 11.47; index surgery 2014-2018) were included and allocated into two groups: group A (DAA) with 70 hips and Group B (AL MIS) with 47 patients operated. In both groups the same type of cementless curved short hip stem and press fit cup was used. RESULTS: Both groups showed an equal statistically significant increase of femoral (p < 0.001) and decrease of acetabular offset (p < 0.001). Between both groups no statistically significant difference in offset reconstruction, leg length difference or implant positioning could be found. Leg length increased in both groups significantly and leg length discrepancy showed no difference (group A: - 0.06 mm; group B: 1.11 mm; p < 0.001). A comparable number of cups were positioned outside the target zone regarding cup anteversion. CONCLUSION: The usage of a curved short stem shows an equal reconstruction of femoro-acetabular offset, leg length and implant positioning in both MIS approaches. The results of this study show comparable results to the existing literature regarding change of offset and restoration of leg length. Malposition of the acetabular component regarding anteversion poses a risk.

Short Term Results of Early Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip or Luxation with Pavlik Harness in Human Position.

Background and Objectives: This study shows a sufficient treatment with the Pavlik harness for all patients through all phases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) if there is a strict regime. Materials and Methods: There was an ultrasound measurement stage of IIc or worse (D, IIIa/b, IVa/b) in 159 out of 7372 newborns between 1995 and 2006 (2.15%). This is an indication for treatment with the Pavlik harness. Overall, 203 dysplastic hips were treated initially with our regime. After detection, we started the application of the Pavlik harness immediately in the 'human position'. There were appointments every 10-14 days to check the setting combined with ultrasound controls. The treatment stopped if a mature, well-developed picture of both hips was seen when compared to Graf type Ia/b. Afterwards, an X-ray control was carried out at about one year of age. Results: 159 newborns with 203 dislocated hips were treated. The distribution following Graf's classification was as follows: 150 type IIc (73.9%), 18 type D (8.9%), 31 type IIIa/b (15, 3%) and 4 type IV (1.9%). To summarize, there were 150 (73.9%) type IIc hips at risk of developing a dislocation but also 53 hips (26.1%) which were already dislocated at the moment of birth. There was a loss to follow-up in three patients (1.8%), and the therapy had to be changed in six cases. There was no degradation in our study population during therapy. Conclusion: The treatment with the Pavlik harness of DDH at every stage in newborns was possible and showed good results in 189 hips.

Obesity in short stem total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive supine anterolateral approach-a risk factor for short-term complications?

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with increased risk for surgical complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The impact of obesity on short-term complication in minimally invasive (MIS) anterolateral approach is not well known. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the early complications within the first 90 days after THA using a MIS anterolateral approach with a short-curved stem stratified by Body Mass Index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single centre consecutive series of 1052 hips in 982 patients (index surgery 2014-2019) with a short-curved stem and press fit cup implanted using a MIS anterolateral approach in supine position were screened for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were defined as end-stage primary osteoarthritis of the hip. Eventually, 878 implantations in 808 patients were included and stratified by body mass index (BMI). Peri-operative complications, within the first 90 days after surgery, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) and morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) demonstrated a significantly increased operation time (p < 0.001) and a higher risk for general surgical complications (p = 0.015) (odds ratio (OR) = 4.365; OR = 4.985), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (p = 0.001) (OR = 21.687; OR = 57.653), and revision (OR = 8.793; OR = 20.708). CONCLUSION: The risk for early PJI and overall surgical complications in MIS anterolateral approach is significantly increased in severely and morbidly obese patients. This leads to a significantly higher risk for revision surgery after index surgery within the first 90 days. A BMI above 35 kg/m2 is the clear threshold for increased risk of PJI in MIS anterolateral THA with a short curved stem. As the surgical complications are comparable to other approaches, MIS anterolateral short stem THA is also feasible with increasing BMI.

Low rate of early periprosthetic fractures in cementless short-stem total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive anterolateral approach.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive (MIS) approaches in combination with short stems have gained popularity in recent years in total hip arthroplasty (THA). A decreased risk for periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) is reported for cementless short-stem THA, but in contrast to other approaches, the risk factors for PFFs for short-stem THA using MIS anterolateral approach in supine position are not described in literature. METHODS: A single-center consecutive series of 1052 hips in 982 patients, performed between 2014 and 2019 with a short curved stem and a press fit using an MIS anterolateral approach in supine position, was retrospectively screened for inclusion. Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore, 1038 THAs in 968 patients were included. Risk factors for intra- and postoperative PFFs within 90 days were analyzed. We investigated for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, and laterality. RESULTS: In total, 18 PFFs (1.7%) occurred. Intraoperative fracture occurred in ten cases ( 0.9%), with another eight cases (0.8%) occurring postoperatively. Increased American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score was a significant risk factor for PFF (p = 0.026), whereas sex (p = 0.155), age (p = 0.161), BMI (p = 0.996), and laterality (p = 1.000) were not. Seven PFFs (0.7%) required revision arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Cementless short-stem THA using the MIS anterolateral approach is a procedure with a low number of PFFs within 90 days from index surgery. Fracture rates are comparable to other MIS approaches, and comparable femoral short stems are used. Age, sex, and BMI were not identified as risk factors of PFF, while risk for PFF increased with ASA Score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bioabsorbable implants in forefoot surgery: a review of materials, possibilities and disadvantages.

Bioabsorbable and biodegradable implants offer new possibilities in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. As soon as the initial stability of the degradable implants has reached the qualities of conventional materials, new devices may find usage in younger and more demanding patients. Residual conventional osteosynthetic material or the necessity to remove metal increasingly seems to be more of an adverse event than daily practice in forefoot surgery. Nevertheless, some drawbacks need to be discussed. Recent literature screened for the use of bioabsorbable and biodegradable materials in forefoot surgery, available implants and indications in forefoot surgery were analysed and summarized. Apart from common indications in forefoot surgery, points of interest were the type of biomaterial, the process of biodegradation and biointegration, and possible adverse events. Materials were comprehensively discussed for each indication based on the available literature. Polylactide, polyglycoside and polydioxanone are considered safe and sufficiently stable for use in forefoot surgery. Low complication rates (e.g. 0.7% for pin fixation in hallux deformities) are given. Magnesium implants suffered from an extensive corrosive process in the first generation but now seem to be safe in forefoot surgery and offer good options compared with conventional titanium screws, especially in procedures of the first ray. Allograft bone has proven feasibility in small case series, but still lacks larger or randomized clinical trials. The first results are promising. Bioresorbable and osseointegrating devices offer attractive new possibilities for surgeons and patients. Despite all the known advantages, the difficulties and possible complications must not be forgotten, such as soft tissue reactions, unwanted osteolysis and a lower primary mechanical load capacity.

Myocardial dimensions and hemodynamics during 24-h ultraendurance ergometry.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic responses during 24 h of continuous cycle ergometry in ultraendurance athletes. METHODS: Eight males (mean ± SD; age = 39 ± 8 yr, height = 179 ± 7 cm, body weight [Wt] = 77.1 ± 6.0 kg) were monitored during 24 h at a constant workload,∼25% below the first lactate turn point at 162 ± 23 W. Measurements included Wt, HR, oxygen consumption (V˙O2), cardiac output (Q), and stroke volume (SV) determined by a noninvasive rebreathing technique (Innocor; Innovision, Odense, Denmark). Myocardial dimensions were evaluated using a two-dimensional echocardiogram. [M-mode measurement]-left atrial (LAD), ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDD), and end-systolic diameters (LVESD) were obtained over the left parasternal area. Venous blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit (Hct%), albumin (g·L(-1)), aldosterone (pg·mL(-1)), CK, CK-MB (U·L(-1)), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (pg·mL(-1)). RESULTS: HR (bpm) significantly increased (P < 0.01) from 1 h (132 ± 11) to 6 h (143 ± 10) and significantly decreased (P < 0.001) from 6 to 24 h (116 ± 10). V˙O2 and (Q were unchanged during the 24 h. Wt (76.6 ± 5.6 vs 78.7 ± 5.4), SV (117 ± 13 vs 148 ± 19), LVEDD (4.9 ± 0.3 vs 5.6 ± 0.2), and LAD (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.3 ± 0.7) significantly increased between 6 and 24 h (P < 0.001). No significant changes were observed for LVESD. Hct (45.1 ± 1.3 vs 41.3 ± 1.2) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and CK (181 ± 60/877 ± 515), aldosterone (48 ± 17 vs 661 ± 172), and NT-proBNP (23 ± 13 vs 583 ± 449) significantly increased (P < 0.05). The increase in SV (ΔSV) was significantly related to changes in Wt (ΔWt), and HR (ΔHR) and ΔWt were significantly related to ΔLAD and ΔLVEDD. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the decrease in HR during 24 h of ultraendurance exercise was due to hypervolemia and the associated ventricular loading, increasing left ventricular diastolic dimensions because of increased SV and LVEDD, resulting in an increase in NT-proBNP.