Association between synovial tissue damage and pain in late-stage knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence and distribution of histopathological features of synovial inflammation and tissue damage, and to test their associations with ultrasound (US) imaging measures of synovitis and patient-reported measures of pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: In the cross-sectional study of 122 patients undergoing surgery for painful late-stage (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 or 4) knee OA, we compared US measures of synovitis (n = 118) and pain (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) to histopathological measures of inflammation vs. synovial tissue damage in synovial tissue biopsies. Associations of histopathological features with US measures of inflammation or pain were assessed using linear or logistic regression while controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Histopathological features of inflammation were associated with higher odds of moderate/severe US synovitis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34 [95%CI 1.04, 1.74), whereas features of synovial tissue damage were associated with lower odds of moderate/severe US synovitis (OR = 0.77 [95%CI 0.57, 1.03]). Worse histopathological scores for synovial tissue damage were associated with more pain (-1.47 [95%CI -2.88, -0.05]), even while adjusting for synovial inflammation (-1.61 [95%CI -3.12, -0.10]). CONCLUSIONS: Synovial tissue damage is associated with pain in late-stage knee OA, independent from inflammation and radiographic damage. These novel findings suggest that preventing synovial tissue damage may be an important goal of disease-modifying OA therapy.

Hip Labral and Capsular Repair Are Unable to Restore Distractive Stability in a Biomechanical Model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the change in hip distractive stability after a capsulotomy, labral tear, and simultaneous repair of both the capsule and the labrum in a biomechanical model. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric hips were analyzed using a materials testing system to measure the distractive force and distance required to disrupt the hip suction seal under the following conditions: (1) native intact capsule and labrum, (2) 2- or 4-cm interportal capsulotomy (IPC), (3) labral tear, (4) T extension, (5) labral repair, (6) T extension repair, and (7) IPC repair. Each specimen was retested at 0° of flexion, 45° of flexion, and 45° of flexion with 15° of internal rotation. RESULTS: A significantly higher distractive force was required to rupture the suction seal in the intact condition compared with IPC (P = .012; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-42.4); IPC and labral tear (P = .002; 95% CI, 11.3-49.4); IPC, labral tear, and T extension (P = .001; 95% CI, 13.9-51.5); IPC, labral repair, and T extension (P < .001; 95% CI, 20.8-49.7); IPC, labral repair, and T extension repair (P = .002; 95% CI, 12.5-52.4); and IPC repair, labral repair, and T extension repair (P = .01; 95% CI, 5.8-46.1). The IPC condition required a higher distractive force in isolation than when combined with a labral tear (P = .14; 95% CI, 1.2-12.0), T extension (P = .005; 95% CI, 2.8-15.3), or labral repair (P = .002; 95% CI, 4.4-18.8). CONCLUSIONS: The distractive resistance of an intact hip capsule and labrum was not restored once the soft tissues were violated, despite labral repair with a loop technique and capsular repair with interrupted figure-of-8 sutures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Time-zero complete capsular repair with concomitant labral repair may not be adequate to restore distractive hip stability after hip arthroscopy, reinforcing the use of postoperative precautions in the early postoperative period.

Central cone design demonstrates greater micromotion compared to keel design in cementless tibial baseplates: A biomechanical analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare micromotion of two new cementless tibial baseplates to a cementless design with well-published clinical success. METHODS: Three cementless tibial baseplate designs (fixed-bearing [FB] with keel and cruciform pegs, rotating-platform with porous central cone and pegs, FB with cruciform keel and scalloped pegs) were evaluated on sawbone models. Loading was applied to the baseplate at a rate of 1 Hz for 10,000 cycles, which represents 6-8 weeks of stair descent. This time frame also represents the approximate time length for the induction of biologic fixation of cementless implants. Compressive and shear micromotion at the sawbone-implant interface were measured. RESULTS: At the end of the loading protocol, the central cone rotating-platform design exhibited greater micromotion at the anterior (p < 0.001), posterior (p < 0.001) and medial locations (p = 0.049) compared to the other two implants. The central cone design also exhibited greater translational micromotion in the sagittal plane at the medial (p = 0.001) and lateral locations (p = 0.034) and in the coronal plane anteriorly (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The cementless central cone rotating-platform baseplate demonstrated greater vertical and translational micromotion compared to the two FB baseplates with a keel underloading. This may indicate lower initial mechanical stability in implants without a keel, which possibly affects osseointegration. The implication of this is yet unknown and requires further long-term clinical follow-up to correlate these laboratory findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V (biomechanical study).

Short-Term (90 Days) Clinical Outcomes Following the Day of Surgery Conversion of Inpatient to Same-Day Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of total joint arthroplasty is increasing, with added emphasis on shifting care toward outpatient surgery. This has demonstrated improvements in costs and care; however, safety must be prioritized. Published assessment tools highlight candidates for outpatient surgery; however, they often do not define patients who have a worse prognosis. Limited healthcare resources occasionally force patients to convert to outpatient surgery or risk cancellation, creating a dilemma for both patients and surgeons. We evaluated the short-term (90-day) outcomes of patients converted from planned inpatient admission to same-day discharge on day of surgery outpatients and sought to identify any groups at risk, who may not be appropriate for this conversion. METHODS: We identified all patients undergoing planned inpatient total hip or knee arthroplasty at a tertiary academic medical center over a 2-year period. We included patients discharged the day of surgery for analysis, excluding revision procedures and those performed for fracture care. A manual chart review identified demographic factors and primary outcome measures; including reoperation, readmission, and emergency room visits within a 90-day postoperative period. RESULTS: We identified a total of 80 patients who converted from inpatient to outpatient surgery over a 2-year interval. Over the first 90 days postoperatively 4 (5%) patients were readmitted: 2 (2.5%) for medical complications and 2 (2.5%) for reoperation. There were 2 (2.5%) reoperations; one (1.25%) for manipulation under anesthesia, and one (1.25%) for periprosthetic joint infection. There were 5 (6.3%) wound complications; however, only one (1.25%) required surgical intervention. A total of 5 (6.3%) patients returned to an emergency department, leading to a single (1.25%) hospital readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital and healthcare resources are occasionally limited to the extent that patients must convert to outpatient surgery or risk cancellation. At our institution, the same-day conversion of planned inpatient hip and knee arthroplasty patients to outpatient surgery was safe and did not increase short-term clinical outcomes or complications.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines in Minimizing Cardiac Events After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) guidelines for routine postoperative troponin testing after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) to reduce the mortality rate resulting from myocardial injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic relevance of implementing these guidelines to minimize cardiac events in patients undergoing elective THA. METHODS: Patients who underwent THA surgery in 2020 were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were elective THA patients aged ≥45 years, while emergency, revision, and simultaneous bilateral THA surgeries were excluded. The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the CCS guidelines. RESULTS: The study included 669 patients who had an average age of 67 years. There were 43 patients (6.4%), who experienced a rise in troponin levels ≥30 ng/L and developed myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery. Among these patients, 8 developed cardiac complications, and one experienced a serious cardiac event that resulted in death. Notably, there was a significant increase in the length of hospital stay for patients who received the postoperative screening protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the CCS guidelines for routine postoperative troponin testing in elective THA surgery did not significantly decrease the rate of cardiac events or mortality.

Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does Age Affect Survivorship and Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing popularity of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in younger patients, the outcomes are unclear in the elderly population. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and survivorship of cementless TKA between different age groups. METHODS: Utilizing our prospectively collected institutional database, we retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing primary cementless TKAs at a tertiary care institute. We identified 347 TKA, which were divided into 3 groups based on age at the time of surgery. Group A was ≤ 60 years, Group B was 60 to ≤ 70 years, and Group C was > 70 years. We compared clinical outcomes (Knee Society Clinical Rating System [KSCRS], Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], and Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey [VR-12]) and survivorship between the groups. RESULTS: At final follow-up, range of motion, KSCRS, WOMAC, and VR-12 physical score were comparable (P > .05). The VR-12 Mental score was higher in Group B and Group C than in Group A (P = .003). Compared to preoperative scores, the change in KSCRS, WOMAC, and VR-12 physical and mental scores was comparable at the final follow-up (P > .05). No patient underwent revision for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS: There were no cases of revision surgery for aseptic loosening in our cohort of 347 cementless TKAs. Patients > 70 years of age undergoing cementless TKA can achieve clinical scores equivalent to those of younger patients at short term (2-year) follow-up. Longer-term survivorship is still required, but based on early data, cementless TKA can be a safe option for older patients.

Survivorship and Outcomes of 2-Stage Revision for Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Mean of 7-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to be one of the leading causes of failure following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the minimum 2-year infection-free survivorship of 2-stage revision THA, (2) determine the causative organisms for repeat 2-stage revision THA, and (3) characterize the results of failed 2-stage revisions and evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients who underwent 2-stage revision THA for PJI. Prospective data were collected on each patient, including demographics, causative organisms, complications, and type of reoperation. The PROMs, including Harris Hip Score, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores were obtained prior to 2-stage revision THA surgery and annually as part of standard clinical and radiographic follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients who underwent a 2-stage revision THA for a PJI were included in the study (mean age 67 years [range, 28 to 90], mean body mass index of 30.6 [range, 15 to 57]). The overall infection-free survivorship for 2-stage revision THA was 73.8% at a minimum of 2 years (range, 2 to 20). Overall, 194 (59.1%) patients who had successful infection eradication underwent a 2-revision THA only. The most common single organisms infected were Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (11%). Higher reoperation rates were found in cases with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and polymicrobial infections. All PROMs showed statistical improvement from preoperatively to the latest follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage revision THA is associated with a good success rate in the treatment of PJIs at mid-term to long-term follow-up. Polymicrobial and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are poor prognostic factors, making the eradication of infection more difficult. The management of PJIs continues to be one of the most important orthopaedic challenges to treat.

Effect of Surgical Technique, Implant Design, and Time of Examination on Contact Kinematics: A Study of Bicruciate-Stabilized and Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Bicruciate-stabilized (BCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs attempt to approximate natural knee mechanics. Multiple surgical techniques, including gap balancing (GB) and measured resection (MR), have been developed to provide optimal implant positioning and soft-tissue balance. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of surgical technique on BCS TKA contact kinematics. Secondary goals included investigating the change of kinematics over time and comparing BCS TKA kinematics to a posterior-stabilized (PS) design. METHODS: The study included the BCS-GB, BCS-MR, and PS-MR groups. The BCS-GB and BCS-MR groups underwent weight-bearing radiostereometric analysis for multiple knee flexion angles at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively, whereas the PS-MR group was imaged at 1 year postoperatively. The medial and lateral contact kinematics were determined from implant poses. RESULTS: There were no differences in BCS TKA kinematics between the GB and MR techniques. There were differences in the mid-flexion ranges when comparing the 3-month and 1-year kinematics of the BCS design; however, they were less than 1.5 mm. Differences existed between the kinematics of the BCS and PS designs at all flexion angles for the medial condyle (P < .0006) and at 0° of flexion on the lateral condyle (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Contact kinematics for a BCS design were similar for both surgical techniques, suggesting both are appropriate for this design. Small, likely clinically insignificant differences were found between 3-month and 1-year kinematics. The BCS TKA kinematics differed from the PS design; however, it is unclear whether these differences improve clinical outcomes.

Minimum 2-Year Outcomes of a Modern Monoblock Titanium Fluted Tapered Revision Stem for Complex Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Modular titanium fluted tapered (TFT) stems have demonstrated excellent clinical success for femoral revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery. This study reports the short-term outcomes of a novel modern monoblock TFT stem used for revision and complex primary THA with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: We identified 126 patients who received a single monoblock TFT stem: 26 patients for complex THA (failed fracture fixation) and 100 patients for revision THA. The reasons for revision THA included 40 for previous periprosthetic joint infection, 42 for aseptic loosening, 9 for trunnionosis, and 9 for periprosthetic fractures. The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss at the time of surgery and the measured subsidence of femoral stems at 3-month follow-up were determined. We evaluated the number and indications for reoperations. RESULTS: The mean time from surgery was 3.9 years (range, 2.0 to 6.9). A paired t-test analysis showed significant improvement from preoperative versus postoperative clinical outcome scores (P < .001) for Harris Hip Score (38.76 ± 15.24 versus 83.42 ± 15.38), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (45.6 ± 19.0 versus 69.9 ± 21.3), Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey Physical component (31.7 ± 8.1 versus 37.8 ± 11.3), and Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey Mental component (48.2 ± 12.2 versus 51.6 ± 12.5). The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss was Grade 1 (3.9%), Grade 2 (35.7%), Grade 3A (47.6%), Grade 3B (11.1%), and Grade 4 (1.6%) cases. There were 18 reoperations (14.7%), with 13 for periprosthetic joint infection (7 treated with implant retention and 6 treated with a 2-stage revision), 4 for instability, and 1 for acetabular aseptic loosening. There were no aseptic failures of the stem. CONCLUSIONS: This novel modern monoblock TFT stem provided reliable femoral fixation and has increasingly supplanted the use of modular TFT stems for complex primary and revision surgery in our institution.

Predictors of Undergoing Revision Within 5 Years of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the rate and risk factors for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within the first 5 years postoperative. Our secondary objective was to identify the rate of additional surgical procedures and death. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients in Ontario, Canada who underwent an elective, primary TKA between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2014, for osteoarthritis. We excluded patients under 40 years and who had undergone a TKA within the previous 15 years. Our final study cohort included 94,193 patients. We reported the proportion of the study cohort who experienced revision surgery within 2 and 5 years of the primary TKA; secondary surgery within 5 years. We conducted Cochran-Armitage tests for trends to assess changes in the proportion of patients who experienced each of the study outcomes, and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate predictors of a revision TKA. RESULTS: There were 3,112 (3.3%) patients who had a revision within 5 years, and 1,866 (2.0%) within 2 years of their primary TKA. 3,316 (3.5%) had a secondary surgery (0.6% patellar resurfacing; 1.6% manipulation; 1.3% synovectomy; 0.5% washout; 0.9% debridement). Lower age, men, lower income, higher comorbidity score, depression, previous arthroscopy, lower surgeon volume, and general anesthesia were all significant positive predictors of revision. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, 2.0% of patients had a revision TKA within 2 years, and 3.3% within 5 years of their primary TKA. Preoperative identification of risk factors may reduce the future prevalence of revision TKAs.

Gap patterns and radiographic follow-up of newer-generation cementless total knee arthroplasty designs.

BACKGROUND: Interest in cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased with advancement of biomaterials and implant design and associated improved longevity. We sought to evaluate the gap patterns and radiolucent zones radiographically for 2 newer-generation cementless TKA designs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single-institution database between January 2017 and December 2019. We identified patients with a porous keeled tibia base-plate with 4-bullet cruciform spikes and peri-apatite coated femoral component (study group 1) and patients who received a cementless porous coated femoral component and rotating platform tibia baseplate with 4 peripheral porous coated pegs around a central cone (study group 2). We identified gap patterns at 6 weeks and at 1 year or more postoperatively on radiographs, noting indications for reoperation. RESULTS: We identified 228 patients in study group 1 and 41 patients in study group 2. At 1-year follow-up, we found evidence of resolved femoral gaps in 52 (72.2%) of 72 patients in study group 1 and 10 (58.8%) of 17 patients in study group 2 (p = 0.124). We identified 27 (84.3%) of 32 patients in study group 1 and 7 (70.0%) of 10 patients in study group 2 with resolved tibia gaps (p = 0.313). After 1 year, there were significantly more Zone 3a femoral zonal radiolucent gaps (p = 0.001) and Zone 8 tibia zonal radiolucent gaps (p = 0.002) in study group 2 than in study group 1. There were 4 reoperations for study group 1 and 0 reoperations for study group 2. CONCLUSION: The modern cementless TKA systems have varied gap patterns in postoperative radiographs, which may be attributed to the implant design. Most radiolucent gaps resolve radiographically on follow-up.

What Patient and Implant Factors Affect Trunnionosis Severity? An Implant Retrieval Analysis of 664 Femoral Stems.

BACKGROUND: Corrosion at the modular head-neck taper interface of total and hemiarthroplasty hip implants (trunnionosis) is a cause of implant failure and thus a clinical concern. Patient and device factors contributing to the occurrence of trunnionosis have been investigated in prior implant retrieval studies but generally with limited sample sizes and a narrow range of models. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine which patient and device factors were associated with corrosion damage on the femoral stem taper across a large collection of different implant models retrieved following revision hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrieval study of 664 hip arthroplasty modular stem components was performed. Patient and device information was collected. Trunnions were imaged under digital microscopy and scored for corrosion damage using a scaling system. Damage was related to patient and device factors using regression analyses. RESULTS: Greater duration of implantation (P = .005) and larger head size (P < .001) were associated with an elevated corrosion class. Older age at index surgery (P = .035), stainless steel stem material (P = .022), indication for revision as bone or periprosthetic fracture (P = .017), and infection (P = .018) and certain larger taper geometries were associated with a decreased corrosion class. CONCLUSION: Factors identified as contributing to a higher or lower risk of more severe corrosion are consistent with most prior smaller retrieval studies. Surgeons should be aware of these risk factors when selecting implants for their patients and when diagnosing trunnionosis in symptomatic hip arthroplasty patients.

Axial and Sagittal Rotation of Cementless Tibial Baseplates Occurs in Bone Under Joint Loading.

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent increase in the use of cementless fixation for primary total knee arthroplasty. While the early results of contemporary cementless implants are promising, understanding the behavior of cementless tibial baseplates under loading remains an ongoing interest. The objective of this study was to identify the pattern of displacement that occurred under loading for a single cementless tibial baseplate design at one year post operation for stable and continuously migrating implants. METHODS: There were 28 subjects from a previous trial of a pegged highly porous cementless tibial baseplate evaluated. Subjects underwent supine radiostereometric exams from two weeks through one year after surgery. At one year, subjects also underwent a standing radiostereometric exam. Fictive points on the tibial baseplate model were used to relate translations to anatomical locations. Migration over time was calculated to determine if subjects displayed stable or continuous migration. The magnitude of inducible displacement between the supine and standing exams was calculated. RESULTS: Inducible displacement patterns were similar between stable and continuously migrating tibial baseplates. Displacements were greatest in the anterior-posterior axis followed by the lateral-medial axis. Correlation of displacements between adjacent fictive points in these axes indicated an axial rotation of the baseplate occurred under loading (r2 = 0.689-0.977, P < .001). Less displacement occurred in the superior-inferior axis and correlations indicated an anterior-posterior tilt of the baseplate occurred under loading (r2 = 0.178-0.226, P = .009-.023). DISCUSSION: From supine to standing position the predominant pattern of displacement for this cementless tibial baseplate was axial rotation, with some subjects also displaying an anterior-posterior tilt.

Correlating Contact Kinematics to Tibial Component Migration Following Cemented Bicruciate Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Contact kinematics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to affect tibial component migration. However, previous studies correlating kinematic variables to implant migration were completed with older TKA designs. The goal of this study was to determine if there are associations between contact kinematics and tibial component migration for a cemented, bicruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA system. METHODS: A total of 54 knees implanted with a BCS TKA system were analyzed using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Patients underwent RSA exams at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post operation to measure tibial component migration. At 1 year, contact kinematics was evaluated during a quasi-static deep knee bend. Linear regression analyses were performed between kinematic variables and migration values. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between contact kinematics and tibial component migration. Excursion on the lateral condyle was the most consistent variable correlating with implant migration. Six patients had > 0.2 mm migrations from 1 to 2 years post operation indicating continuously migrating tibial components, and most had atypical contact kinematics. CONCLUSION: Kinematics was shown to influence tibial component migration. Reduced lateral excursion, suggesting a more constrained lateral condyle, resulted in greater implant migration. The 6 patients who had continuously migrating tibial components had demographic factors that may limit the ability to endure unintended force transmissions caused by abnormal kinematics. These results highlight the importance of restoring knee kinematics with this BCS TKA design to minimize improper force transmissions and resultant increased implant migrations.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Aged 40 to 60 Years Old: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has resolved many implant longevity concerns in younger patients. Patients in their fourth and fifth decades of life are projected to be the fastest-growing demographic of THA patients. We aimed to assess this demographic to: 1) evaluate the rate of THA over time; 2) evaluate the cumulative incidence of revision; and 3) identify risk factors for revision. METHODS: A retrospective population-based study of patients between 40 and 60 years old undergoing primary THA was conducted using administrative data from a large clinical data repository. A total of 28,414 patients were included for analysis with a mean age of 53 years (range, 40-60 years) and median follow-up of 9 years (range, 0-17 years). Linear regressions were used to assess annual rates of THA in this cohort over time. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine cumulative incidence of revision. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine association of variables with revision risk. RESULTS: The annual rate of THA in our population increased by 60.7% over the study period (P < .0001). Cumulative incidence of revision was 2.9% at 5 years and 4.8% at 10 years. Younger age, women, non-osteoarthritis diagnosis, medical complications, and annual surgeon volume ≤ 60 THA were associated with increased revision risk. CONCLUSION: Demand for THA continues to dramatically increase in this cohort. Risk of revision was low but multiple risk factors were identified. Future studies will help delineate the effect of these variables on revision risk and assess implant survivorship beyond 10 years.

Major complications after total hip arthroplasty with the direct anterior approach at a high-volume Ontario tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: The rate of major surgical complications for high-volume orthopedic surgeons using the direct anterior approach (DAA) in Ontario, Canada, is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of major surgical complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using DAA performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons at a high-volume tertiary care centre in Ontario. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort review of primary THA through DAA performed by 2 experienced fellowship-trained surgeons at an academic hospital in London, Ontario, between Jan. 1, 2012, and May 1, 2019. We excluded the first 100 cases to allow for surgeon learning curves. We recorded major surgical complications (intraoperative events, postoperative periprosthetic fractures, dislocation requiring closed or open reduction, implant failure [aseptic loosening or subsidence], early (< 6 wk) deep wound infection requiring irrigation and débridement, late (≥ 6 wk) deep wound infection requiring irrigation and débridement, and wound complications [wound dehiscence, stitch abscess, erythema, hematoma or seroma]) within 1 year of THA. RESULTS: A total of 875 primary DAA THA procedures were included. The rates of surgical complications were 0.9% for intraoperative events, 1.5% for postoperative periprosthetic fractures, 0.8% for implant failure, 0.7% for early deep wound infection, 0.1% for late deep wound infection and 3.2% for wound complications; there were no cases of dislocation. The rate of revision for implant failure within 1 year was 0.1%. Male sex was associated with a greater risk of implant failure (p = 0.01), and having a higher body mass index was associated with both increased rates of infection (p < 0.01) and having a wound complication (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative events, postoperative periprosthetic fractures, implant failure, deep wound infection and wound complications accounted for the major surgical complications within 1 year of THA through DAA. The low revision rate suggests that DAA is a safe approach for THA.

Cement Mantle Quality and Stem Alignment in Cemented Collarless Polished Tapered Stems Implanted via the Direct Anterior and Direct Lateral Approaches: A Single Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the stem alignment and the quality of cement mantle of collarless polished tapered cemented stems inserted through the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the direct lateral approach (DLA). METHODS: A comparative retrospective study of 232 hybrid total hip arthroplasties using a cemented collarless polished tapered stem through either the DAA (n = 147) or DLA (n = 85) was performed. Radiographic evaluation included stem alignment, cement mantle quality, and cement mantle thickness. RESULTS: On anteroposterior radiographs, stems implanted through the DLA were more likely to be in neutral alignment, than those implanted through the DAA (83.5%[n = 71] versus 71.4% [n = 105]; P = <.001). No difference between approaches was noted for stem alignment on lateral radiographs or cement mantle quality. Multivariate analysis revealed factors associated with suboptimal cement mantle and included Dorr type B or C femur as well as male gender. A mean cement mantle thickness ≥2mm was achieved in all Gruen zones for both approaches. CONCLUSION: In our series, the DAA was associated with a higher incidence of coronal plane stem malalignment compared to the DLA when using cemented tapered polished femoral components for total hip arthroplasty. No difference in lateral stem alignment or cement mantle quality was found.

Patient and Implant Performance of Satisfied and Dissatisfied Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: Implant migration and altered kinematics have been thought to impact patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and postoperative patient satisfaction. In this study comparing satisfied and dissatisfied total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients, we hypothesized that dissatisfied patients will have greater continuous implant migration and that there will be differences in joint kinematics, objective functional measurements, and PROMs between satisfied and dissatisfied patients. METHODS: The Knee Society Score Satisfaction Subsection questions regarding satisfaction with function were used at least 6 months postoperation to split 50 patients into satisfied and dissatisfied groups. Patients underwent radiostereometric analysis to evaluate migration and kinematics. A wearable sensor system obtained objective measurements of patient function during timed up and go tests. PROMs were recorded preoperation and postoperation. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in migration between satisfied and dissatisfied groups. Statistical kinematic differences existed in lateral anteroposterior contact location at 20° and 40° of flexion at 1 year, where the dissatisfied group had more anteriorly located lateral contact. No statistically significant differences were present in objective functional measurements. Satisfied and dissatisfied groups had differing PROMs at 4 timepoints or greater for each questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found in tibial component migration or objectively measured function between satisfied and dissatisfied patients. Functionally dissatisfied patients had more anteriorly positioned contact on the lateral condyle in early flexion and reported more pain and unmet expectations. These findings suggest that improving the functional satisfaction of TKA requires restoration of kinematics in early flexion and management of patient's pain and expectations.

The Prevalence and Outcomes of Unexpected Positive Intraoperative Cultures in Presumed Aseptic Revision Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and outcomes of unexpected positive intraoperative cultures (UPC) in presumed aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of UPC and infection-free implant survival in this patient population. Secondly, we aimed to compare the infection-free implant survival between cohorts based on number of UPCs and antibiotic treatment. METHODS: We reviewed our institutional database from 2006 to 2019 for all TKA revisions (n = 1795) to identify all presumed aseptic TKA revisions with intraoperative culture(s). After exclusions, 775 revisions were eligible and those with UPC were included in the Kaplan-Meier analysis to determine infection-free implant survival for the cohorts. RESULTS: The prevalence of UPC was 9.8%. The 2- and 5-year infection-free survival was 97.4% and 95.3%, respectively. The 5-year infection-free survival from the same microorganism as the UPC was 98.7%. Infection-free survival was similar for the 1 versus ≥2 UPC cohorts (P = .416), however was poorer for the cohort treated with antibiotics (P = .021). Only one of 3 subsequent PJI-related implant failures was caused by the same microorganism (polymicrobial) as the UPC. There were no subsequent infections in patients with a single UPC not treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of UPC was 9.8% and the infection-free implant survival is excellent. Infection-free survivorship from PJI caused by the same UPC microorganism is outstanding. Comparisons between cohorts must be interpreted with caution due to study limitations. A single UPC in patents without other signs of infection does not require antibiotic treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Survivorship of Metaphyseal Cones and Sleeves in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Bone loss remains an anticipated challenge in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). Recent efforts to enhance rTKA fixation and stability have focused on metaphyseal implants, namely cones and sleeves. We sought to compare cone and sleeve implant survivorship in rTKA. METHODS: One hundred eighty patients who underwent rTKA with metaphyseal implants from 2005 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 83 cones (22 femoral, 62 tibial) and 121 sleeves (58 femoral, 63 tibial) were identified. The mean age at the time of surgery was 72 years (range 43-97). Intraoperative Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute bone loss classifications included the following: type 2A (25), type 2B (98), and type 3 (81). Mean follow-up was 41 months. RESULTS: Revision-free survival for cones was 91.3% vs 92.2% for sleeves (P = .29). Twelve knees (4 cones, 8 sleeves) underwent irrigation, debridement, and polyethylene exchange with metaphyseal implant retention for acute postoperative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Development of chronic PJI warranted removal of 7 cones (8.4%), 6 of which were initially placed as part of a 2-stage revision TKA. Eight sleeves (6.6%) were removed for PJI, with all initially placed during a second stage reimplantation. In the absence of infection, survival was 100% and 99.1% for cones and sleeves, respectively. One sleeve was revised for periprosthetic fracture. CONCLUSION: Metaphyseal cones and sleeves offer equally durable survivorship in revision TKA. PJI was the most common mode of implant failure in this series. Importantly, no cases of cone or sleeve aseptic loosening were observed.