Revision Risk of Unipolar and Bipolar Hemiarthroplasties in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register.

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) for hip fractures can be performed with a unipolar or bipolar head. We describe the use of unipolar and bipolar HA after a hip fracture in the Netherlands and determined revision rates and risk factors. METHODS: All HAs for an acute hip fracture registered in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) during 2007 to 2021 were included; 44,127(88%) unipolar and 6,013(12%) bipolar HAs. Competing risk survival analyses were performed with revision for any reason as the endpoint. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed adjusting for patient and surgery-related factors. RESULTS: The 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year revision rates were comparable for unipolar and bipolar HA. Cox regression analysis showed a hazard ratio of 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 1.4)) after adjustment for confounders for bipolar heads. In cases of a cemented stem, the 1-year cumulative incidence of revision was lower (1.5% (CI 1.4 to 1.7%) compared to uncemented stems (2.4% (CI 2.1 to 2.7%); uncemented stems showed higher risks for revision after adjustment compared to cemented stems (hazard ratio 1.4 (CI 1.2 to 1.5)). The anterior, antero-lateral, and straight-lateral approach showed lower risk for revision compared to the postero-lateral approach. CONCLUSION: The revision rate for bipolar HA and unipolar HA was comparable. However, after adjustment for potential confounders the risk for revision showed an estimated 20% increased revision risk for bipolar heads, although not statistically significant. For both head types, the risk for revision was significantly higher when an uncemented stem was chosen or the postero-lateral approach was used.

The prognosis of ankle fractures: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to update the scientific evidence for ankle fracture prognosis by addressing radiographic osteoarthritis, time course and prognostic factors. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials, controlled trials or observational studies, including case series and case-control studies investigating radiologically confirmed osteoarthritis in adults with a classified ankle fracture, treated with or without surgery, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Also included were studies examining prognostic factors predicting radiologically confirmed osteoarthritis. Tibial plafond and talus fractures were excluded. Thirty-four studies were included examining 3447 patients. Extracted data included study type, inclusion and exclusion criteria, age, number of patients, number of fractures according to the author-reported classification method, radiological osteoarthritis, follow-up period, prognostic factors, and treatment. Severe heterogeneity was visible in the analyses (I2 > 90%), reflecting clinical heterogeneity possibly arising from the presence of osteoarthritis at baseline, the classifications used for the fractures and for osteoarthritis. The incidence of osteoarthritis was 25% (95% CI: 18-32) and 34% (95% CI: 23-45) for more severe fractures with involvement of the posterior malleolus. The severity of the trauma, as reflected by the fracture classification, was the most important prognostic factor for the development of radiographic osteoarthritis, but there is also a risk with simpler injuries. The period within which osteoarthritis develops or becomes symptomatic with an indication for treatment could not be specified.

Comparable mortality but higher revision rate after uncemented compared with cemented total hip arthroplasties in patients 80 years and older: report of 43,053 cases of the Dutch Arthroplasty Register.

Background and purpose - Mortality and revision risks are important issues during shared decision-making for total hip arthroplasty (THA) especially in elderly patients. We examined mortality and revision rates as well as associated patient and prosthesis factors in primary THA for osteoarthritis (OA) in patients ≥ 80 years in the Netherlands. Patients and methods - We included all primary THAs for OA in patients ≥ 80 years in the period 2007-2019. Patient mortality and prosthesis revision rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Risk factors for patient mortality and prosthesis revision were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, ASA class, fixation method, head size, and approach. Results - Mortality was 0.2% at 7 days, 0.4% at 30 days, 2.7% at 1 year, and 20% at 5 years. Mortality was higher in males and higher ASA class, but did not differ between fixation methods. The 1-year revision rate was 1.6% (95% CI 1.5-1.7) and 2.6% (CI 2.5-2.7) after 5 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed a higher risk of revision for uncemented (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6; CI 1.4-1.8) and reverse hybrid THAs (HR 2.9; CI 2.1-3.8) compared with cemented THAs. Periprosthetic fracture was the most frequently registered reason for revision in uncemented THAs. Interpretation - Mortality is comparable but revision rate is higher after uncemented compared with cemented THA in patients 80 years and older, indicating that cemented THA might be a safer option in this patient group.

Low revision rate of dual mobility cups after arthroplasty for acute hip fractures: report of 11,857 hip fractures in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (2007-2019).

Background and purpose - Dislocation is one of the most frequent reasons for cup revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for an acute fracture. A dual mobility cup (DMC) might reduce this risk. We determined the cup revision rate after THA for an acute fracture according to type of cup.Patients and methods - All THAs for an acute fracture registered in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) during 2007-2019 were included (n = 11,857). Type of cup was divided into DMC and unipolar cup (UC). Competing risk analyses were performed with cup revision for any reason as endpoint. Multivariable Cox regression analyses with outcome cup revision were performed adjusted for sex, age, ASA class, and surgical approach, stratified for UC THA with femoral head size of 32 mm and 22-28 mm.Results - A DMC was used in 1,122 (9%) hips. The overall 5-year cup revision rate for any reason after THA for acute fracture was 1.9% (95% CI 1.6-2.2). Cup revision for dislocation within 5 years was performed in 1 of 6 DMC THAs versus 108 of 185 (58%) UC THAs. Univariable Cox regression analyses showed no statistically significant difference in cup revision rate between DMC and UC (HR = 0.8; CI 0.4-1.5). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed lower risk of cup revision in DMC THA (n = 1,122) compared with UC THA with 22-28 mm femoral head size (n = 2,727) (HR = 0.4; CI 0.2-0.8).Interpretation - The 5-year cup cumulative incidence of revision after THA for acute fracture was comparable for DMC and UC THA. However, DMC THA had a lower risk of cup revision than UC THA with 22-28 mm femoral head.

Lower 5-year cup re-revision rate for dual mobility cups compared with unipolar cups: report of 15,922 cup revision cases in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (2007-2016).

Background and purpose - During revision hip arthroplasty the dual mobility cup (DMC) is widely used to prevent dislocation despite limited knowledge of implant longevity. We determined the 5-year cup re-revision rates of DMC compared with unipolar cups (UC) following cup revisions in the Netherlands. Patients and methods - 17,870 cup revisions (index cup revision) were registered in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register during 2007-2016. Due to missing data 1,948 revisions were excluded and the remaining 15,922 were divided into 2 groups: DMC (n = 4,637) and UC (n = 11,285). Crude competing risk and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed with cup re-revision for any reason as endpoint. Adjustments were made for known patient characteristics. Results - The use of DMC (in index cup revisions) increased from 23% (373/1,606) in 2010 to 47% (791/1,685) in 2016. Patients in the index DMC cup revision group generally had a higher ASA score and the cups were mainly cemented (89%). The main indication for index cup revision was loosening. In the DMC group dislocation was the 2nd main indication for revision. Overall 5-year cup re-revision rate was 3.5% (95% CI 3.0-4.2) for DMC and 6.7% (CI 6.3-7.2) for UC. Cup re-revision for dislocation was more frequent in the UC group compared with the DMC group (32% [261/814] versus 18% [28/152]). Stratified analyses for cup fixation showed a higher cup re-revision rate for UC in both the cemented and uncemented group. Multivariable regression analyses showed a lower risk for cup re-revision for DMC compared with UC (HR 0.5 [CI 0.4-0.6]). Interpretation - The use of DMC in cup revisions increased over time with differences in patient characteristics. The 5-year cup re-revision rates for DMC were statistically significantly lower than for UC.

Dual mobility cups in primary total hip arthroplasties: trend over time in use, patient characteristics, and mid-term revision in 3,038 cases in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (2007-2016).

Background and purpose - We noticed an increased use of dual mobility cups (DMC) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) despite limited knowledge of implant longevity. Therefore, we determined the trend over time and mid-term cup revision rates of DMC compared with unipolar cups (UC) in primary THA. Patients and methods - All primary THA registered in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) during 2007-2016 were included (n = 215,953) and divided into 2 groups - DMC THA (n = 3,038) and UC THA (n = 212,915). Crude competing risk and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed with cup revision for any reason as primary endpoint. Adjustments were made for sex, age, diagnosis at primary THA, previous operation, ASA score, type of fixation, surgical approach, and femoral head size. Results - The proportion of primary DMC THA increased from 0.8% (n = 184) in 2010 to 2.6% (n = 740) in 2016. Patients who underwent DMC THA more often had a previous operation on the affected hip, a higher ASA score, and the diagnosis acute fracture or late posttraumatic status compared with the UC THA group. Overall 5-year cup revision rate was 1.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.3) for DMC and 1.4% (CI 1.3-1.4) for UC THA. Stratified analyses for patient characteristics showed no differences in cup revision rates between the 2 groups. Multivariable regression analyses showed no statistically significantly increased risk for revision for DMC THA (HR 0.9 [0.6-1.2]). Interpretation - The use of primary DMC THA increased with differences in patient characteristics. The 5-year cup revision rates for DMC THA and UC THA were comparable.

Higher mid-term revision rates of posterior stabilized compared with cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasties: 133,841 cemented arthroplasties for osteoarthritis in the Netherlands in 2007-2016.

Background and purpose - The preference for a cruciate retaining (CR) or posterior stabilized (PS) TKA (total knee arthroplasty) system varies greatly between Dutch hospitals, independent of patient characteristics. We examined mid-term revision rates for men and women of different age categories. Patients and methods - We included all 133,841 cemented fixed-bearing primary CR or PS TKAs for osteoarthritis reported in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) in 2007-2016. Revision procedures were defined as minor when only insert and/or patella were revised and as major when fixed components (tibia and femur) were revised or removed. 8-year all-cause revision rates of CR and PS TKAs were calculated using competing-risk analyses. Cox-regression analyses were performed, adjusted for age at surgery, sex, ASA -score, and previous operations. Results - PS TKAs were 1.5 (95% CI 1.4-1.6) times more likely to be revised within 8 years of the primary procedure, compared with CR TKAs. When stratified for sex and age category, 8-year revision rate of PS TKAs in men <60 years was 13% (CI 11-15), compared to 7.2% (CI 6.1-8.5) of CR TKAs. Less prominent differences were found in older men and women. For men <60 years differences were found for minor (CR 1.8% (CI 1.4-2.5); PS 3.7% (CI 3.0-4.7)) and major revisions (CR 4.2% (CI 3.3-5.3); PS 7.0% (CI 5.6-8.7)). Interpretation - Patients who received a cemented fixed-bearing primary PS TKA for osteoarthritis are more likely to undergo either a minor or a major revision within 8 years. This is especially prominent for younger men.

The use of a dual-mobility concept in total hip arthroplasty patients with spastic disorders: no dislocations in a series of ten cases at midterm follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the treatment options in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) with painful osteoarthritis of the hip. However, the risk of dislocation of the prosthesis is higher in patients with CP when compared with physically normal patients. In this retrospective study of ten consecutive cases, we hypothesized that the use of a dual-mobility cup could reduce this risk of dislocation combined with good functional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 until October 2010, eight patients (ten hips) with CP who consecutively received a THA using a dual-mobility cup were identified. At the time of surgery, the average age of the patient group was 54 years (range 43-61). Latest follow-up took place after on average 39 months (range 22-56 months). All patients or their caregivers were interviewed by telephone. They were asked if dislocation of the prosthesis had occurred. To evaluate quality of life and health in general, patients completed the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: None of the prostheses had dislocated at the latest follow-up. Reoperation was needed in one patient after a periprosthetic fracture. Radiologic evaluation showed a mean cup inclination of 46 (range 27-58). On average, the quality of life of patients in this study was found to be limited in particular on the domains of physical health and functioning, while a fair to good score was measured at the six other different domains. CONCLUSION: The use of a dual-mobility cup in THA in patients with CP can lead to favourable results with respect to dislocation and clinical outcome.

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

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

Foot function after fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: We measured with a validated score the operative outcome in patients without concomitant foot surgery who underwent fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint for hallux rigidus (HR) and hallux valgus (HV). We also examined whether there is a correlation between foot function and hallux position to try to formulate an optimum fusion angle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, a consecutive series of 62 patients underwent crossed screw fusion of the first MTP joint (27 HR and 35 HV) without concomitant surgery of the same or contralateral foot or had previous surgery of the same foot. Foot function was measured by the Dutch Foot Function Index (FFI) pre- and postoperatively. Hallux valgus and dorsiflexion angles were measured on standing radiographs before operation and at followup. RESULTS: Postoperatively the median hallux valgus angle was 14 (range, -2 to 33) degrees and the median dorsiflexion angle was 23 (range, 7 to 45) degrees. The median FFI score improved from 38 (range, 0 to 80) to 8 (range, 0 to 59) (p < 0.001). The FFI score was not different between the HV and HR groups. There was no correlation between postoperative foot function, dorsiflexion angles and hallux valgus angles. CONCLUSION: Fusion of the first MTP joint in HR and HV results in improved function according to the validated FFI. There was no significant correlation between foot function and hallux position. This could be due to the fact that the desired position of the hallux was most often achieved.

[Guideline 'Diagnostics and treatment of osteoarthrosis of the hip and knee']. / Richtlijn 'Diagnostiek en behandeling van heup- en knieartrose'.

In patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, radiological examinations are only indicated in general practice if there is discrepancy between the history and the findings in the physical examination. The treatment of first choice is a combination of physiotherapy and oral analgesics. If paracetamol fails to reduce the pain sufficiently, NSAIDs can be prescribed. Glucosamine sulfate can be advised for a trial period of three months to reduce knee pain. Intra-articular high molecular hyaluronic acid, intra-articular glucocorticoids, and systemic NSAID's have a similar effect on reducing pain and improving function in the case of osteoarthritis of the knee. The choice of a hip prosthesis should be based on well-documented long term efficiency and the direct and indirect costs. For total knee replacement a cemented non-mobile bearing, posterior stabilised total condylar prosthesis is the first choice. Thromboembolic complications after total hip and knee replacement can be reduced by low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux, coumarin derivatives, or, after knee replacement, intermittent pneumatic compression. A combination of systemic antibiotics and antibiotic loaded cement is recommended for the prevention of infection during joint replacement. During dental surgery in patients with joint prostheses one oral dose of amoxicillin-clavulinic acid is sufficient as antibiotic prophylaxis. This is only indicated in case of infection.

Neglected Achilles tendon rupture with central insertional plantaris tendon hypertrophy: two cases.

A neglected Achilles tendon rupture is often characterized by muscle weakness and an overlengthened repair by scar tissue. Reconstructive surgery is usually performed taking into account the patient's required level of function. Two surgical cases of neglected Achilles tendon rupture are presented in this article. In both instances it was expected that central fibrosis, possibly after neglected tendon rupture, would be found. However, after longitudinal opening of the tendons, a thickened plantaris tendon was evident at the insertion on the calcaneus in both cases. This hypertrophic tendon occupied most of the diameter of the Achilles tendon. Due to partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, there was notable weakening and tendon transfer-augmentation was performed. A thickened plantaris tendon as a reaction to a neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon is a rare presentation. It can be detected preoperatively by MRI and subsequently preoperative planning can be optimized.

Percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening: a cadaver-based study of failure of the triple hemisection technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Modern descriptions of the percutaneous triple hemisection technique for Achilles tendon lengthening do not take into account the axial twist in the ligament. We were concerned that technical failures of the lengthening technique might occur more often than has been reported, and analyzed the results of the triple hemisection technique in cadaveric tendons in quantitative and qualitative terms, focusing on insufficient or complete tenotomies. METHODS: We performed a percutaneous triple hemisection of the Achilles tendon in 20 legs from adult cadavers, and measured the increase in ankle dorsiflexion in degrees, the length of the cuts in mm, and the depth of the cuts as a percentage of the total diameter of the tendon. Failure of the hemisection was defined as a sliding gap of

Prediction of torsional failure in 22 cadaver femora with and without simulated subtrochanteric metastatic defects: a CT scan-based finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: In metastatic bone disease, prophylactic fixation of impending long bone fracture is preferred over surgical treatment of a manifest fracture. There are no reliable guidelines for prediction of pathological fracture risk, however. We aimed to determine whether finite element (FE) models constructed from quantitative CT scans could be used for predicting pathological fracture load and location in a cadaver model of metastatic bone disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subject-specific FE models were constructed from quantitative CT scans of 11 pairs of human femora. To simulate a metastatic defect, a transcortical hole was made in the subtrochanteric region in one femur of each pair. All femora were experimentally loaded in torsion until fracture. FE simulations of the experimental set-up were performed and torsional stiffness and strain energy density (SED) distribution were determined. RESULTS: In 15 of the 22 cases, locations of maximal SED fitted with the actual fracture locations. The calculated torsional stiffness of the entire femur combined with a criterion based on the local SED distribution in the FE model predicted 82% of the variance of the experimental torsional failure load. INTERPRETATION: In the future, CT scan-based FE analysis may provide a useful tool for identification of impending pathological fractures requiring prophylactic stabilization.

Kinematics before and after reconstruction of the anterior syndesmosis of the ankle: A prospective radiostereometric and clinical study in 5 patients.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that patients with instability of the anterior syndesmosis benefit from an anatomical reconstruction. It is not known whether this is because of restored kinematics. METHODS: In a prospective study of 5 patients, we assessed clinical findings and tibiofibular kinematics, evaluated by radiostereometry, before and after reconstruction of a chronic syndesmotic injury. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences in tibiofibular kinematics before and after reconstruction. The kinematics of the fibula relative to the tibia during external rotation stress differed from that known in asymptomatic volunteers, but the differences were not typical enough to differentiate between patients and healthy subjects. Clinical examination and ankle scores, however, showed that all patients benefited from reconstruction of the anterior syndesmosis. INTERPRETATION: Radiostereometry is not an adequate technique to diagnose chronic syndesmotic instability or to demonstrate restoration of the kinematics of the ankle as a cause of the beneficial effect of anatomical reconstruction of the syndesmosis.

Surgical treatment of achilles tendon rupture: examination of strength of 3 types of suture techniques in a cadaver model.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical properties of present-day percutaneous repairs of Achilles tendon ruptures are not known. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Artificially-created ruptures in 24 human cadaveric Achilles tendons were repaired with an open Bunnell repair, a percutaneous calcaneal tunnel or a percutaneous bone-anchor repair. In the open technique no.1 PDS-II absorbable suture material was used, and in the percutaneous techniques either no.1 PDS-II or no.1 Panacryl absorbable suture material was used. The specimens were tested in a materials testing machine until failure occurred. RESULTS: The common mode of failure was suture breakage in non-anchor repairs, and anchor pullout in anchor repairs. The average strength of the repairs varied from 166 N (SD 60) to 211 N (SD 30), with no differences between the techniques (p = 0.5). INTERPRETATION: Taking costs into account, the percutaneous calcaneal tunnel technique and the open technique are the methods of choice.

Screw fixation of the syndesmosis: a cadaver model comparing stainless steel and titanium screws and three and four cortical fixation.

We assessed syndesmotic set screw strength and fixation capacity during cyclical testing in a cadaver model simulating protected weight bearing. Sixteen fresh frozen legs with artificial syndesmotic injuries and a syndesmotic set screw made of stainless steel or titanium, inserted through three or four cortices, were axially loaded with 800 N for 225,000 cycles in a materials testing machine. The 225,000 cycles equals the number of paces taken by a person walking in a below knee plaster during 9 weeks. Syndesmotic fixation failure was defined as: bone fracture, screw fatigue failure, screw pullout, and/or excessive syndesmotic widening. None of the 14 out of 16 successfully tested legs or screws failed. No difference was found in fixation of the syndesmosis when stainless steel screws were compared to titanium screws through three or four cortices. Mean lateral displacement found after testing was 1.05 mm (S.D. = 0.42). This increase in tibiofibular width exceeds values described in literature for the intact syndesmosis loaded with body weight. Based on this laboratory study it is concluded that the syndesmotic set screw cannot prevent excessive syndesmotic widening when loaded with a load comparable with body weight. Therefore, we advise that patients with a syndesmotic set screw in situ should not bear weight.