The efficacy of aspirin versus low-molecular-weight heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after knee and hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of aspirin versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) following hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception till June 2024 for original trials investigating the outcomes of aspirin versus LMWH in hip and knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome was VTE. Secondary outcomes included minor and major bleeding events, and postoperative mortality within 90 days. This review was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials with 12,134 participants were included. The mean ages for the aspirin and LMWH cohorts were 66.6 (57.6-69.0) years and 66.8 (57.9-68.9) years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall risk of VTE between the aspirin and the LMWH cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-1.89; p: 0.877). A subanalysis based on the specific VTE entity (pulmonary embolism [PE] or deep venous thrombosis) showed a significantly higher PE risk for patients receiving aspirin than the LMWH cohort (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.11-2.89; p: 0.017). There was no difference in minor (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.40-1.04; p: 0.072) and major bleeding (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.40-1.47; p: 0.424) episodes across both groups. Furthermore, subanalysis among the total knee arthroplasty group showed that the aspirin cohort was significantly more likely to suffer VTEs than their LMWH counterparts (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.21-1.98; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significantly higher risk of PE among patients receiving aspirin compared to LMWH following hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Aspirin was associated with a significantly higher overall VTE risk among patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, in particular. This might suggest the inferiority of aspirin compared to LMWH in preventing VTE following such procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Success rate of single versus multiple debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) in hip and knee periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to compare outcomes between multiple and single debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedures for early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception till January 2024 for original studies investigating the outcomes of multiple DAIR in hip and knee PJI. The primary outcome was the success rate in eradicating joint infection. This review was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 9 observational studies with 1104 participants were included, with a mean age and BMI of 58.37 years (95%CI: 25.77-90.98) and 31.43 kg/m2 (95%CI: 28.89-34.98), respectively. The mean follow-up period was 58.37 months (95%CI: 25.77-90.98), and the average MINORS score assigned to the review was 17.6 ± 3.46, indicating a low overall risk of bias. An equivalent success rate between single and double DAIR was observed, at 67% (95%CI: 64-71%) and 70% (95%CI: 48-86%), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two treatment modalities (p = 0.740). Additionally, the success rate for triple DAIR ranged from 50 to 60%. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that double DAIR is a valid treatment option for acute PJI after TKA and THA, with a success rate comparable to single DAIR (70% vs. 67%, p = 0.740). Triple DAIR achieved success rates ranging from 50 to 60%. However, caution is warranted when interpreting these results due to heterogeneity in host comorbidity factors, DAIR protocols, and antibiotic regimens. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.

Correlation between anthropometric measurements and graft size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between anthropometric measurements and graft size in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for observational studies published until March 2023 that reported the relationship between anthropometric data [height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, gender, thigh length, and circumference] and ACL graft size. Correlation coefficients (COR) and their associated 95% confidence intervals were used as the primary effect size. This review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 42 observational studies involving 7110 patients were included, with a mean age of 29.8 years. Statistically significant, moderately positive correlations were found between graft size and height (COR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.41-0.57; p-value: < 0.001), weight (COR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.31-0.44; p-value: < 0.001), thigh circumference (COR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.58; p-value: < 0.001), and thigh length (COR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.50; p-value: < 0.001). However, age and gender were insignificantly correlated with graft size (p-value: NS). A subanalysis based on graft type showed a significant positive correlation between height and graft diameter, which was more significant in the peroneus tendon than in hamstring grafts (COR: 0.76 vs. 0.45; p-value: 0.020). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between anthropometric measurements (height, weight, thigh circumference, and length) and ACL graft size, along with a weak positive correlation with BMI. Age and gender showed no significant correlation. These findings support the predictability and selection of ACL graft size based on pre-operative patient anthropometric data. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of Evidence: IV. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023416044.

Reliability of artificial intelligence in predicting total knee arthroplasty component sizes: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to investigate the reliability of AI predictive models of intraoperative implant sizing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception till July 2023 for original studies that studied the reliability of AI prediction in TKA. The primary outcome was the accuracy ± 1 size. This review was conducted per PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS criteria. RESULTS: A total of four observational studies comprised of at least 34,547 patients were included in this review. A mean MINORS score of 11 out of 16 was assigned to the review. All included studies were published between 2021 and 2022, with a total of nine different AI algorithms reported. Among these AI models, the accuracy of TKA femoral component sizing prediction ranged from 88.3 to 99.7% within a deviation of one size, while tibial component sizing exhibited an accuracy ranging from 90 to 99.9% ± 1 size. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the potential of AI as a valuable complement for planning TKA, exhibiting a satisfactory level of reliability in predicting TKA implant sizes. This predictive accuracy is comparable to that of the manual and digital templating techniques currently documented in the literature. However, future research is imperative to assess the impact of AI on patient care and cost-effectiveness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023446868.

The outcomes of total hip replacement in osteonecrosis versus osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of THA in patients with osteonecrosis (ON) and those with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception till December 2022 for original studies that compared the outcomes of THA in ON and OA. The primary outcome was the revision rate; the secondary outcomes were dislocation and Harris hip score. This review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: A total of 14 observational studies with 2,111,102 hips were included, with a mean age of 50.83 ± 9.32 and 55.51 ± 8.95 for ON and OA groups, respectively. The average follow-up was 7.25 ± 4.6 years. There was a statistically significant difference in revision rate between ON and OA patients in favour of OA (OR: 1.576; 95%CI: 1.24-2.00; p-value: 0.0015). However, dislocation rate (OR: 1.5004; 95%CI: 0.92-2.43; p-value: 0.0916) and Haris hip score (HHS) (SMD: - 0.0486; 95%CI: - 0.35-0.25; p-value: 0.6987) were comparable across both groups. Further sub-analysis adjusting for registry data also showed similar results between both groups. CONCLUSION: A higher revision rate, periprosthetic fracture and periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty were associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head compared with osteoarthritis. However, both groups had similar dislocation rates and functional outcome measures. This finding should be applied in context due to potential confounding factors, including patient's age and activity level.

Impact of age on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for late knee osteoarthritis (OA). Young age (< 60 years) has been associated with worse outcomes. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to study the effect of age on UKA outcomes. METHODS: The primary objective was to compare the UKA revision rate in young patients with that of old patients, using the age thresholds of 60 and 55 years. Secondary objectives were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and implant design. Five databases were searched in December 2021 for original comparative studies with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. No restrictions were placed on the type of UKA prosthesis. RESULTS: A total of 11 observational studies with 6130 knees were included. A mean MINORS score of 19 was assigned to the review. The mean age of patients was 64 years, with average follow-up of 7.5 ± 2.98 years. There was no significant difference in revision rate, incident or PROMs between young and old patients in the analysis for each age threshold. Further sub-analysis adjusting for implant type in mobile- and fixed-bearing prostheses also showed similar results between those above and under 60 and 55 years. CONCLUSION: Young age was not associated with a higher revision rate or lower functional scores. Thus, this review provides evidence that age alone is not a contraindication to UKA, but the surgical choice must be based on several elements, and this finding should be applied in context, given the binary division and heterogeneity of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The environmental impact of orthopaedic surgery: assessing strategies for change.

Climate change poses one of the most critical threats to humanity. Surgical care needs to be considered in relation to the impending climate emergency. Little thought appears to have been given to the role of operating departments as a high-yield target for environmental change. This article evaluates the environmental impact of orthopaedic surgery, focusing on anaesthesia, waste management and surgical hardware. Developing 'green' operating protocols should be the minimum expectation of orthopaedic departments. Just as the management of complex surgical pathology requires a multidisciplinary approach, mitigating the environmental impact of surgical endeavour requires collective action and buy-in.

The role of hydroxyapatite coating in joint replacement surgery - Key considerations.

The use of a porous hydroxyapatite (HA) coating has definitively increased the durability and biocompatibility of joint replacement prostheses (JRP) since its introduction. This article will contextualise the properties of porous HA and relate these characteristics to its clinical function. Novel strategies to encourage osseointegration will also be explored, alongside their clinical relevance. All major literature databases were scrutinised for literature relevant to the scope of our review. The role of Hydroxyapatite was evaluated, alongside further strategies to augment bone ingrowth. HA coatings remain the most optimal coating for widespread clinical use. Advantages are conferred due to the method of application, the tribology and the biocompatibility of the material. Further strategies are available to augment bone ingrowth, pertaining to biological modifications and implantation of external factors. An evaluation of the literature has described the relative long term performance of the HA coated JRPs both in isolation and when compared with cemented prosthesis. Metanalyses have shown HA coated JRPs to perform as well as cemented prosthesis in terms of survivability over both short and long term follow ups. Concerning strategies to augment osseointegration, consideration should be given to form and function of the coating surface, as this provides the basis for cell adherence, proliferation, and differentiation.

Preventing Venous Thromboembolism after elective total hip arthroplasty surgery - are the current guidelines appropriate? Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in elective total hip arthroplasty surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Venous Thromboembolism after elective Total Hip Arthroplasty surgery is a well-recognised complication, resulting in fatal pulmonary embolism, post thrombotic syndrome and recurrent thrombotic episodes. Guidelines developed by clinical organisations attempt to provide evidence-based recommendations to clinicians. METHODS: This narrative review evaluated the current available literature in relation to the available guidelines, to evaluate whether the current major guidelines reflect the evidence base. All major clinical guidelines were collated through database searching, alongside the relevant clinical studies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The promotion of a multi-modal approach, combining mechanical and chemical prophylaxis, does appear to be well validated, with mechanical prophylaxis offering positive clinical effects with little negative clinical consequence. Within the current guidelines surrounding VTE prevention in the elective-THA patient, there does appear to be a lack of prescription in relation to risk stratification and adopting personalised approaches for specific patient subsets. CONCLUSION: We suggest moving away from protocolisation of VTE prevention, given the evidence base is not fully developed to allow a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.

Updates in postoperative imaging modalities following musculoskeletal surgery.

Postoperative imaging following orthopaedic surgeries is essential in assessing complications post-surgery and also helps plan further treatment. Combining a high degree of clinical insight with appropriate imaging can guide the treating clinician to the correct diagnosis. Imaging is quite challenging because of surgery-related soft tissue changes, especially in the early postoperative period and the presence of metal implants resulting in image scatter and metal artifacts. Newer modalities and advances in imaging have helped overcome shortcomings and assess better, especially in procedures that involve implants. Collaborative decision-making involving radiologists and clinicians has shown to be beneficial and is the way forward. This narrative review discusses the utility of imaging in evaluating postoperative complications following musculoskeletal surgeries with specific relation to trauma, arthroplasty, and tumour by discussing commonly encountered clinical scenarios.

The role of specialist nurses in delivering effective care in a tertiary sarcoma referral service.

Musculoskeletal sarcomas are rare cancers with an incidence of less than 1% of all cancers. Management of these tumors requires multidisciplinary care comprising of numerous specialists. Critical decisions following collaborative discussion among treating specialists followed by timely communication and starting prompt treatment are vital in delivering care in such rare sarcomas. While musculoskeletal surgeons, radiologists, and clinical oncologists are well known, the role of specialist nurses has been less described. They form a vital pillar in any tertiary sarcoma service by assisting in collaborative care, having consultations in nurse-led clinics, offering psychological support, imparting details of treatment to patient and helping in palliative care. This narrative review focuses on the role of trained specialist nurses in a tertiary sarcoma service and gives insight into their vital role in delivering timely, coordinated, effective care.

Stem Cell Therapy in the Management of Fracture Non-Union - Evaluating Cellular Mechanisms and Clinical Progress.

Bone, as a physiological and anatomical construct, displays remarkable intrinsic healing capacity. The overwhelming majority of fractures will heal satisfactorily, if aligned anatomically, compressed and immobilised appropriately. Of the 10% of fractures that do not heal, even under ideal mechanical and biological conditions, further consideration must be given to augment bone healing. Management strategies for non-union pose a significant clinical challenge to the practicing orthopaedic surgeon. Stem cell therapy is beginning to demonstrate significant potential for augmented bone repair in the context of non-union. This review attempts to contextualise the function of stem cells within this clinical setting, reviewing the relevant cellular mechanisms and clinical applications. From evaluating the literature base, there is a lack of high-quality evidence examining the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within this research focus. Appropriately designed randomised controlled trials are required to evaluate this research area further, with a view to guiding future treatment options for the practicing orthopaedic surgeon.

Use of Wide-Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet (WALANT) in upper limb and hand surgery: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been developed to eliminate tourniquet pain during upper limb and hand surgery whilst also improving utilisation of operating theatre time and inpatient stay, however inconclusive data still limits the techniques uptake. Here presents a protocol for a systematic review to collate findings to produce conclusive data on efficacy of WALANT. METHODS: This systematic review will be registered a priori. All study designs defined by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine will be included in the search. "WALANT" in "upper limb" and "hand" surgery will be investigated as per the devised search strategy. 18 electronic databases will be searched, including PubMed, Medline and Embase in addition to a Grey literature search. Two independent teams of 3 researchers will screen all relevant titles, abstracts and subsequent full texts for suitability. Data will be extrapolated and entered into a preformatted database for analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at both national and international conferences within the field of plastic and orthopaedic surgery. This review aims to inform surgical practice and policy.

A District General Hospital Trauma Service Response to COVID-19: Lessons Learnt.

OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to evaluate and outline the changes made to the trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We detail the approach in relation to surgical management, workforce optimisation and our general reflections as a department. METHODS: We interviewed, collated and have subsequently described the adaptations implemented by our department. We have collected their shared strategy and reflections on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our department. RESULTS: Alterations were implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy focused on ensuring the workforce remained healthy, and patient care pathways were altered as minimally as possible. CONCLUSIONS:  As a unit, a sense of heightened vigilance needs to remain for the foreseeable future. Decisive action by departmental leadership, alongside a cohesive and open, has allowed for our trauma service to continue largely unchanged. This analysis serves as an important aide-memoire for future periods of extreme uncertainty.

Lessons from retrievals: Retrievals help understand the reason for revision of coated hip arthroplasties.

Coatings have been applied to all surfaces of hip implants with the majority performing well in the laboratory, but there are few reports of their performance in humans. The rationale for coating the metal-on-metal bearing surfaces includes a reduction in metal ion release and risk of adverse reaction to metal debris; yet there are no reports of retrieved coated metal-on-metal hip implants despite the concern that they may delaminate. The aim of this study was to better understand the performance of coated hip implants in humans through findings of three coated metal-on-metal hip resurfacings, retrieved after failure for unexplained pain. Analysis of these implants included quantification of the amount and mechanism of coating loss which was correlated with clinical, imaging and blood data. In all cases, there were large areas of complete coating loss in which the metal substrate was exposed and found to be rougher than the coated areas. The coating loss gave rise to third body abrasive wear of the coating and the exposed metal, the latter of which led to high blood levels of cobalt and chromium. Coating of the bearing surfaces of metal-on-metal hip resurfacings, therefore, do not prevent metal ion release when implanted into humans. This is an example of a need for increased retrieval analysis of newly introduced implants and expansion of laboratory testing regulations to better reflect the clinical environment.