Do prior intra-articular injections impact on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of the current evidences with a focus on the timing of injection before surgery.

Purpose: Intra-articular injection is a well-established and increasingly used treatment for the patient with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis. The objectives of this literature review and meta-analysis are to evaluate the effect of prior intra-articular injections on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to try to identify which is the minimum waiting time between hip injection and replacement in order to reduce the risk of infection. Methods: The database of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library was systematically and independently searched, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. To assess the potential risk of bias and the applicability of the evidence found in the primary studies to the review, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used. The statistical analysis was performed by using the software 'R' version 4.2.2. Results: The pooling of data revealed an increased risk of PJI in the injection group that was statistically significative (P = 0.0427). In the attempt to identify a 'safe time interval' between the injection and the elective surgery, we conducted a further subgroup analysis: in the subgroup 0-3 months, we noted an increased risk of PJI after injection. Conclusions: Intra-articular injection is a procedure that may increase the risk of developing periprosthetic infection. This risk is higher if the injection is performed less than 3 months before hip replacement.

Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors.

PURPOSE: To identify the incidence, risk factors, and treatment course of patients who developed deep infection following fixation of pelvic fractures. METHODS: Over a period of 8 years patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction in our institution and developed postoperative infection were included. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures and infections that were not secondary to post-traumatic reconstruction. The mean time of follow-up was 43.6 months (33-144). For comparison purposes, we randomly selected patients that underwent pelvic fracture fixation from our database (control group). A logistic regression was fitted to patient characteristics including age, sex, ISS, and diabetic status. RESULTS: Out of 858 patients, 18 (2.1%) (12 males), with a mean age of 41 (18-73) met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted of 82 patients with a mean age of 41 years (18-72). The mean ISS was 27.7 and 17.6 in the infection and control group, respectively. The mean time from pelvic reconstruction to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (7-80). The median number of trips to theatre was 3 (1-16). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most frequently isolated organism in the years prior to 2012. Eradication was achieved in 93% of the patients. The most important risk factors for deep infection were ISS (OR 1.08, 1.03-1.13), posterior sacral approach (OR 17.03, 1.49-194.40), and diabetes (OR 36.85, 3.54-383.70). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective case-control study, deep infection following pelvic trauma was rare. A number of patient-, injury- and surgery-related factors have shown strong correlation with this serious complication.

The management of Vancouver B1 and C periprosthetic fractures: radiographic and clinic outcomes of a monocentric consecutive series.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures (PFs) are a main complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), with rising incidence. The optimal treatment of PFs is still being debated in the literature. Historically, high failure and reoperation rates are reported, although the introduction of locking plates has led to improved results. In this study we report clinical and radiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of Vancouver B1 and C fractures, treated with a novel type of locking plate. We also aim to identify the variables associated with healing time. METHODS: Between June 2013 and May 2019, 47 patients were consecutively admitted to the Emergency Department of our Hospital with a diagnosis of PF around a well-fixed THA stem. 31 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. All patients underwent osteosynthesis with a novel type of plate ("Ironlady" Intrauma, Rivoli, Italy) through a distally extended posterolateral approach. All surgical procedures were performed with the aim of reducing the rigidity of the fixation construct and preserving periosteal vitality. Demographic data, type of fracture, type of stem and its fixation, surgical details, and clinical and radiographical outcomes were recorded. Each variable was investigated to assess its relationship with fracture healing and healing time. RESULTS: 31 patients were included in the study. 4 patients died before the minimum follow-up of 6 months and were excluded from the series. The final sample consisted of 27 patients. Their median age at operation was 84.8 years (range 65.3-95.4 years); 21 were female. The median follow-up after surgery was 2.36 years (range 6 months-4.7 years). In the cohort there were 22 type Vancouver B1 fractures (81.5%) and 5 type C (18.5%). All fractures occurred postoperatively (no acute intraoperative fractures). Fracture union was achieved in 26 patients (96.3%). The following variables were found to be associated with increased healing time: Vancouver type of fracture, pattern of Vancouver B1 fracture type, age and male gender. CONCLUSIONS: On the base of our results, the management of Vancouver B1 and C type of PFs by locking plate osteosynthesis appears to be a safe and effective procedure. To enhance healing and reduce complication rate, accurate surgical technique is required, aiming to implement the proximal fixation, avoid stress rising, reduce rigidity of the osteosynthesis construct and preserve the plate-to-bone gap.

Prevalence and risk factors for re-interventions following reamed intramedullary tibia nailing.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and the risk factors for re-interventions following reamed intramedullary nailing (IMN) of tibial shaft fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a prospectively populated data of adult patients that underwent reamed intramedullary nailing for stabilization of tibial shaft fractures over a period of three years. Exclusion criteria were immature patients, pathological and periarticular fractures. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, open or closed injury pattern, ISS, perioperative complications, reintervention characteristics (time, cause, number), smoking habits, medical co-morbidities and progress to radiological fracture union. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA system. The cohort of these patients was divided in two groups: Group 1 included the patients who healed uneventfully and Group 2 included the patients who underwent a re-intervention for the healing of the fracture. A logistic regression analysis model was used to assess the odds ratio (OR) of identified risk factors predicting the necessity of re-interventions. RESULTS: 181 (129 male) patients with a mean age of 37 (range 16-87) met the inclusion criteria. 30 patients were excluded due to inadequate follow up, leaving 151 patients for the study group. 119 patients were included in Group 1. 32 (21.2%) patients who had at least one re-intervention (range 1-3) were included in Group 2. The most common causes for re-intervention were aseptic non-union (31.3%) and removal of implants due to soft tissue irritation/anterior knee pain (31.3%), followed by early metalwork failure (12.5%), infected non-union (9.4%), correction of rotational deformities (9.4%) and canal intramedullary sepsis with evident fracture healing (6.3%). 29 (25.8%) from the study cohort patients sustained an open fracture and 8 of them underwent a re-intervention (20.5% of interventions). Incidence of fracture pattern 42-B, C was statistically significant greater in the reintervention (40.6%) compared to the non-re-intervention group (23.53%) (p = 0.026). Risk factors predicting the need for re-interventions included the type of fracture B, C (p = 0.026 OR: 2.528, range: 1.117-5.721) and increased alcohol consumption (p = 0.027/OR: 2.618, range: 1.116-6.141). CONCLUSION: Fracture pattern and alcohol abuse were highly predictive for re-interventions following reamed IM nailing for stabilization of acute tibial shaft fractures.

A cohort study on the incidence and outcome of pulmonary embolism in trauma and orthopedic patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in trauma and orthopedic patients within a regional tertiary referral center and its association with the pattern of injury, type of treatment, co-morbidities, thromboprophylaxis and mortality. METHODS: All patients admitted to our institution between January 2010 and December 2011, for acute trauma or elective orthopedic procedures, were eligible to participate in this study. Our cohort was formed by identifying all patients with clinical features of PE who underwent Computed Tomography-Pulmonary Angiogram (CT-PA) to confirm or exclude the clinical suspicion of PE, within six months after the injury or the surgical procedure.Case notes and electronic databases were reviewed retrospectively to identify each patient's venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors, type of treatment, thromboprophylaxis and mortality. RESULTS: Out of 18,151 patients admitted during the study period only 85 (0.47%) patients developed PE (positive CT-PA) (24 underwent elective surgery and 61 sustained acute trauma). Of these, only 76% of the patients received thromboprophylaxis. Hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease were the most commonly identifiable risk factors. In 39% of the cases, PE was diagnosed during the in-hospital stay. The median time of PE diagnosis, from the date of injury or the surgical intervention was 23 days (range 1 to 312). The overall mortality rate was 0.07% (13/18,151), but for those who developed PE it was 15.29% (13/85). Concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was identified in 33.3% of patients. The presence of two or more co-morbidities was significantly associated with the incidence of mortality (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.34, 18.99), P = 0.034). Although there was also a similar clinical effect size for polytrauma injury on mortality (unadjusted OR = 1.90 (0.38, 9.54), P = 0.218), evidence was not statistically significant for this factor. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VTE was comparable to previously reported rates, whereas the mortality rate was lower. Our local protocols that comply with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK appear to be effective in preventing VTE and reducing mortality in trauma and orthopedic patients.

Joint line tenderness and McMurray tests for the detection of meniscal lesions: what is their real diagnostic value?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the interobserver concordance of the joint line tenderness (JLT) and McMurray tests, and to determine their diagnostic efficiency for the detection of meniscal lesions. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Orthopedics outpatient clinic, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=60) with suspected nonacute meniscal lesions who underwent knee arthroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were examined by 3 independent observers with graded levels of experience (>10y, 3y, and 4mo of practice). The interobserver concordance was assessed by Cohen-Fleiss κ statistics. Accuracy, negative and positive predictive values for prevalence 10% to 90%, positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios, and the Bayesian posttest probability with a positive or negative result were also determined. The diagnostic value of the 2 tests combined was assessed by logistic regression. Arthroscopy was used as the reference test. RESULTS: No interobserver concordance was determined for the JLT. The McMurray test showed higher interobserver concordance, which improved when judgments by the less experienced examiner were discarded. The whole series studied by the "best" examiner (experienced orthopedist) provided the following values: (1) JLT: sensitivity, 62.9%; specificity, 50%; LR+, 1.26; LR-, .74; (2) McMurray: sensitivity, 34.3%; specificity, 86.4%; LR+, 2.52; LR-, .76. The combination of the 2 tests did not offer advantages over the McMurray alone. CONCLUSIONS: The JLT alone is of little clinical usefulness. A negative McMurray test does not modify the pretest probability of a meniscal lesion, while a positive result has a fair predictive value. Hence, in a patient with a suspected meniscal lesion, a positive McMurray test indicates that arthroscopy should be performed. In case of a negative result, further examinations, including imaging, are needed.