Combined adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell and antibiotic therapy can effectively treat periprosthetic joint infection in rats.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is characterized by biofilm infection, which is difficult to alleviate while preserving implant integrity. Furthermore, long-term antibiotic therapy may increase the prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating a non-antibacterial approach. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exert antibacterial effects; however, their efficacy in PJI remains unclear. This study investigates the efficacy of combined intravenous ADSCs and antibiotic therapy in comparison to antibiotic monotherapy in a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)-infected PJI rat model. The rats were randomly assigned and equally divided into 3 groups: no-treatment group, antibiotic group, ADSCs with antibiotic group. The ADSCs with antibiotic group exhibited the fastest recovery from weight loss, with lower bacterial counts (p = 0.013 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.024 vs. antibiotic group) and less bone density loss around the implants (p = 0.015 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.025 vs. antibiotic group). The modified Rissing score was used to evaluate localized infection on postoperative day 14 and was the lowest in the ADSCs with antibiotic group; however, no significant difference was observed between the antibiotic group and ADSCs with antibiotic group (p < 0.001 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.359 vs. antibiotic group). Histological analysis revealed a clear, thin, and continuous bony envelope, a homogeneous bone marrow, and a defined, normal interface in the ADSCs with antibiotic group. Moreover, the expression of cathelicidin expression was significantly higher (p = 0.002 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.049 vs. antibiotic group), whereas that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 was lower in the ADSCs with antibiotic group than in the no-treatment group (TNF-α, p = 0.010 vs. no-treatment group; IL-6, p = 0.010 vs. no-treatment group). Thus, the combined intravenous ADSCs and antibiotic therapy induced a stronger antibacterial effect than antibiotic monotherapy in a MSSA-infected PJI rat model. This strong antibacterial effect may be related to the increased cathelicidin expression and decreased inflammatory cytokine expression at the site of infection.

Large intraosseous chronic expanding hematoma after total hip arthroplasty presenting with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: A chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) is a rare complication caused by surgery or trauma; it mostly affects the soft tissues, such as those in the trunk or extremities. We present the first case of a large intraosseous CEH presenting with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 22 years after total hip arthroplasty (THA); the CEH was treated with a single-stage excision and revision THA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man presented to our hospital with left thigh pain and an enlarging mass. He had no history of trauma, anticoagulant use, or a collagen vascular disorder. The patient initially declined surgery. Two years later, radiographs and computed tomography images revealed progressive osteolysis, marginal sclerosis, and calcification in the left femur, in addition to loosening of the femoral component. Laboratory data revealed anemia and chronic DIC of unknown causes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a "mosaic sign" on the mass, indicating a mix of low- and high-signal intensities on T2-weighted images. Needle biopsy prior to surgery revealed no infection or malignant findings. An intraosseous CEH was suspected due to extensive osteolysis and loosening of the femoral component. No other factors that could induce chronic DIC were identified, such as sepsis, leukemia, cancer, trauma, liver disease, aneurysms, or hemangiomas. Therefore, we speculated that the anemia and chronic DIC were caused by the large intraosseous CEH. A single-stage revision THA with surgical excision was performed to preserve the hip function and improve the chronic DIC. The postoperative histopathological findings were consistent with an intraosseous CEH. The anemia and chronic DIC improved after 7 days. There was no recurrence of intraosseous CEH or chronic DIC at the 6-month follow-up. The left thigh pain improved, and the patient could ambulate with the assistance of a walking frame. CONCLUSIONS: The loosening of the femoral component caused persistent movement, which may have caused intraosseous CEH growth, anemia, and chronic DIC. It is important to differentiate CEHs from malignant tumors with hematomas. Furthermore, the "mosaic sign" noted in this case has also been observed on magnetic resonance images in other cases of CEH.

Importance of Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Surgical Transepicondylar Axis in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

In total knee arthroplasty, the surgical transepicondylar axis (SEA) is one of the most reliable rotation axes for stabilizing of the patellofemoral joint. The SEA is identified with reference to the lateral epicondyle and the medial sulcus of the medial epicondyle. However, these two structures rarely appear on the same plane on computed tomography (CT), and it is necessary to take two points in separate images. Many surgeons measure the SEA on the same image (pseudo SEA) instead. We aimed to determine the difference between true SEAs and pseudo SEAs. A total of 31 normal knees and 24 varus knees were included in this study. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the femur were reconstructed from CT images, and a reconstructed plane was made using the International Society of Biomechanics coordinate system. Pseudo SEAs drawn in the plane passing through the lateral epicondyle and medial sulcus were defined as l-SEA and m-SEA, respectively. L-SEA, m-SEA, true SEA, and posterior condylar axis (PCA) were projected onto the International Society of Biomechanics coordinate plane and, "p l-SEA," "p m-SEA," "p true SEA," and "p PCA" were obtained. The true SEA angle was defined as the angle between p true SEA and p PCA. The l-SEA angle or m-SEA angle was defined as the angle between the p l-SEA or p m-SEA and p PCA, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between true SEA angle (2.64 ± 2.01 degrees) and pseudo SEA angle (l-SEA angle: 2.74 ± 2.07 degrees, m-SEA: 2.54 ± 2.19 degrees). Conversely, 12 knees in the normal group and 2 knees in the varus group had differences of more than 1 degree (p = 0.01). Among them, 6 knees in the normal group and 0 knees in the varus group had a difference of 2 degrees or more (p = 0.03). In most cases, pseudo SEA can be substituted for true SEA.

Comparison of mid-term clinical results between cementless and cemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty with femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV hips.

INTRODUCTION: This report is the first study to compare the clinical outcomes between cementless and cemented femoral prostheses in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV hips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 26 hips in 20 patients who had undergone cemented (n = 13) or cementless (n = 13) THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV hips with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. The mean follow-up period was 60.8 ± 33.9 months (24-120 months). We compared radiological findings, postoperative clinical recoveries, postoperative complications, and implant survival rates. RESULTS: In both groups, there were no cases of aseptic loosening for the acetabular and femoral implant. In terms of bone union at the osteotomy site, the mean duration was significantly longer in the cemented group (9.8 ± 4.2 months) than in the cementless group (5.0 ± 1.9 months). The clinical hip score in gait and pain at 3 months postoperatively was significantly higher in the cemented group than in the cementless group, while there were no significant changes at other timepoints between two groups. The number of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups. The implant survival rate was 92% in the cementless group and 100% in the cemented group at 5 years postoperatively (P = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: The cemented femoral prosthesis is superior to the cementless femoral prosthesis for early clinical recovery, while the duration required to achieve bone union at the osteotomy site is longer in the cemented femoral prostheses. It is possible for surgeons to perform successful hip reconstructions, regardless of the fixation method used for THA with shortening femoral osteotomy.

Combinational therapy with antibiotics and antibiotic-loaded adipose-derived stem cells reduce abscess formation in implant-related infection in rats.

Implant-related infection is difficult to treat without extended antibiotic courses. However, the long-term use of antibiotics has led to the development of multidrug- and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, alternatives to conventional antibiotic therapy are needed. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and therapeutic effect of local treatment with antibiotic-loaded adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) plus an antibiotic in a rat implant-associated infection model. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry revealed that ADSCs cultured in the presence of ciprofloxacin for 24 h showed time-dependent antibiotic loading. Next, we studied the therapeutic effects of ADSCs and ciprofloxacin alone or in combination in an implant-related infection rat model. The therapeutic effects of ADSCs plus antibiotics, antibiotics, and ADSCs were compared with no treatment as a control. Rats treated with ADSCs plus ciprofloxacin had the lowest modified osteomyelitis scores, abscess formation, and bacterial burden on the implant among all groups (P < 0.05). Thus, local treatment with ADSCs plus an antibiotic has an antimicrobial effect in implant-related infection and decrease abscess formation. Thus, our findings indicate that local administration of ADSCs with antibiotics represents a novel treatment strategy for implant-associated osteomyelitis.

Patient-reported outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty in Crowe type III or IV developmental dysplasia are comparable to those in Crowe type I: a case-control study of 96 hips with intermediate-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A few previous studies have investigated patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) according to the degree of pelvic deformity. This study compared patient-reported outcomes after primary THA for Crowe types III, IV and I dysplasia. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon case-control study included patients who underwent primary THA between 2008 and 2016. We sent postal questionnaires to 38 patients with Crowe type III and IV dysplasia. Among the questionnaire respondents, 23 patients, excluding those with a follow-up period of < 1 year, were enrolled as the H group. The control group included 46 patients with Crowe type I, matched for sex, age, body mass index and surgical approach. To investigate the influence of femoral shortening osteotomy, the H group was divided according to whether femoral shortening osteotomy was performed. Ten patients underwent THA with femoral shortening osteotomy (FO group), while 12 patients underwent THA without femoral shortening osteotomy (N-FO group). Patient demographics, mean follow-up period, surgical information, pre- and postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD), and perioperative complications were investigated. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, 36-item short-form survey (SF-36), net promotor score (NPS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and questionnaires. The VAS and SF-36 scores were determined only at final follow-up. RESULTS: The H and control groups were not significantly different in the postoperative JOA scores and SF-36. In the H group, VAS at the final follow-up was significantly higher, and significantly more patients felt that postoperative rehabilitation was serious, expressing that they underwent THA for LLD correction. In addition, the VAS scores in the FO group was higher than those in the N-FO group. Postoperative LLD was significantly greater in the H group than in the control group. Each group had an NPS of > 50. CONCLUSION: The postoperative VAS score was higher in Crowe type III and IV dysplasia than in Crowe type I dysplasia, but no significant differences were detected in the postoperative satisfaction, JOA score, and SF-36 score. These findings may help explain the effects of THA preoperatively to patients with Crowe type III and IV dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level 3b.

The use of density mapping in the analysis of thigh pain after total hip arthroplasty in patients with well-fixed tapered wedge stems.

PURPOSE: The mechanisms underlying thigh pain in patients with well-fixed cementless femoral components after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. We hypothesized that the thigh pain is correlated with the initial contact state of the stem and aimed to investigate the relation between thigh pain and the initial contact state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 209 hips of 184 patients were analysed in this retrospective case-control study. The patients were divided into a thigh pain group (n = 13 hips) and a control group (without thigh pain, n = 196). Post-operative stem contact images were three-dimensionally visualized by a density mapping function using computed tomography data, which quantified the stem contact area according to Gruen zones. Thigh pain was defined as anterior or anterolateral pain upon loading at 3-month post-operatively. RESULTS: Thirteen hips (6.2%) had thigh pain; however, all the hips demonstrated stable bony ingrowth radiographically. The thigh pain group had a significantly lower contact area in zone 2 (p = 0.014). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the contact area of zone 2 was negatively correlated with thigh pain [odds ratio (OR): 0.858, p = 0.018], and the canal flare index was negatively correlated with the development of thigh pain (OR: 0.336, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We identified an association between the initial contact state and post-operative thigh pain. Our data demonstrated that proper lateral contact prevents the occurrence of thigh pain in THA using a tapered wedge stem.

Association between total hip arthroplasty following periacetabular osteotomy and acetabular component overhang.

BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of anterior acetabular component overhang, which induces groin pain, in post-periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) hips during conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of the study were to determine the following: (1) the differences in the amount of acetabular component overhang among pre-PAO hips and post-PAO hips in simulating THA; (2) the factors associated with the amount of component overhang in THA following PAO; (3) whether high component placement with elevation of the hip center by 10 mm reduces the amount of component overhang compared to the anatomical component position in THA following PAO. METHODS: Computer-based simulations of acetabular component implantation were performed using preoperative and postoperative CT data from 30 patients undergoing PAO. Implantation was performed thrice in each patient: in pre-PAO hips (anatomical component position) and post-PAO hips (anatomical and high component position). Component overhang was measured on the axial plane, which passes through the component center. RESULTS: Overhang was greater in post-PAO hips [mean (SD) overhang: 5.2 (2.9) mm, pre-PAO hips: 10.2 (4.6) mm, post-PAO hips-mean difference, 5.0 mm; p < 0.001]. A smaller distance between the pubic osteotomy and the acetabulum, and greater overhang in pre-PAO hips was independent factors associated with increased overhang in post-PAO hips. Overhang was smaller with the high component position than with the anatomical component position in post-PAO hips [mean (SD) overhang-3.5 mm (2.9) with high component position among post-PAO hips; mean difference, 6.6 mm; p < 0.001). Ten post-PAO hips with the anatomical component position had overhang of at least 12 mm (the likely threshold for groin pain). Of these, 9 hips had reduced overhang (< 12 mm) with the high component position. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular component overhang was more severe in THA following PAO than in THA without prior PAO. Pubic osteotomy should be performed closer to the acetabular rim to prevent severe overhang in potential THA conversion cases. A high component position decreased the risk of severe overhang.

Postsurgical infection from using a computed tomography-based hip navigation system during total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: A computed tomography (CT)-based hip navigation system is a useful tool for achieving precise implant alignment angle. However, it has the disadvantage of prolonged procedure duration. A prolonged procedure duration may increase the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) or periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary THA. Studies identifying whether CT-based hip navigation system increases the incidence of SSI and PJI compared to the free-hand technique for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare. The study aimed to assess whether the CT-based hip navigation system can cause SSI and PJI compared to the free-hand technique. METHODS: We investigated 366 patients with osteoarthritis who completed the minimum 2-year follow-up and underwent primary THAs (n = 435), including 70 hips in 62 patients of the non-navigation group and 365 hips in 304 patients of the navigation group. We compared the incidence rate of SSI and PJI between the non-navigation group and navigation group. RESULTS: Only three patients in the navigation group (0.8%) developed SSI or PJI, while no patient developed SSI or PJI in the non-navigation group. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of SSI or PJI between the two groups (P = 1.0), although the mean operation time in the navigation group was about 20 min longer. CONCLUSIONS: CT-based hip navigation system may not be associated with SSI or PJI after primary THA, although it prolongs the operation time.

Risk factors for pressure ulcers from the use of a pelvic positioner in hip surgery: a retrospective observational cohort study in 229 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers are serious postsurgical complications requiring additional treatment, reoperation, and extended hospitalization. No study has investigated the frequency of the ulcers caused by compression with a pelvic positioner, which is used in hip surgeries to stabilize patients in the lateral decubitus position. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated the risk factors and the frequency of the ulcers caused by the use of pelvic positioners in hip surgeries. The records of patients who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia at our institution between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018 were reviewed. The inclusion criterion for the assessment of risk factors was hip surgery in the lateral decubitus position stabilized by a pelvic positioner. The exclusion criteria were patients with trauma, missing data, or a pre-existing pressure ulcer. Finally,.the study included 229 patients (265 hip surgeries). All the patients were positioned in the lateral decubitus position with the assistance of either a pelvic positioner, which had a single support fixture located over the pubic symphysis or a double support fixture located over the bilateral anterior superior iliac spine. Intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers were diagnosed when ulcers were absent on admission and the redness that was observed immediately after surgery remained after 24 h. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with an increased risk for ulcers. RESULTS: Ulcers developed in 8 of 1810 (0.44%) patients who underwent orthopedic surgery. Seven of the 265 (2.64%) patients who underwent hip surgery in the lateral decubitus position stabilized by a pelvic positioner developed ulcers. All ulcers were located on areas of the body that were compressed by the pelvic positioner. After identifying controls for patient height (less than 154 cm), surgery duration (longer than 180 min), blood loss (more than 355 ml), and type of pelvic positioner used, we identified the independent risk factors for ulcers to be patient height < 154 cm (adjusted odds ratio, 12.8; p-value, 0.032) and the use of pelvic positioners with pubic bone support (adjusted odds ratio, 10.53; p-value, 0.047). CONCLUSION: The use of pelvic positioners with pubic bone support should be avoided in patients with a height of < 154 cm to decrease the risk of ulcers.

The feasibility of iodine-supported processing for titanium with different surfaces.

BACKGROUND: The reduction of microbial infections can substantially improve the success of implant surgery. The iodine-supported implants that were developed by us for infection prevention were featured at the recent International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection and were partly incorporated into the consensus guidelines. For future clinical application, we examined (1) whether iodine can be added to metals with different surface roughness, (2) differences in surface roughness before and after processing, and (3) the effect of sterilization on the iodine content. METHODS: Four Ti-6Al-4V metals were prepared with different surface roughness values by polishing, blasting and plasma spraying. Before and after processing, the surface structure of metals was observed using a scanning electron microscope and stylus instruments. Before and after sterilization, iodine contents were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. RESULTS: After processing, sufficient iodine contents with an antimicrobial effect were detected for each metal. These iodine contents decreased after sterilization but were higher than the lowest content of iodine observed to have an antimicrobial effect in a previous study, indicating that the antimicrobial effect persists even after sterilization. After processing, surface roughness was greater for polishing metal. With general surface processing, iodine processing was possible. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that surface roughness is affected by the processing method and that the iodine content should be set according to the sterilization method. Considering these factors, iodine processing can be used for clinical applications.

The Accuracy of the Computed Tomography-Based Navigation System in Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Comparable With Crowe Type IV and Crowe Type I Dysplasia: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe type IV are poorer than for Crowe type I, because it is more difficult to accurately position the acetabular components. This study aimed to examine the accuracy of the computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system for acetabular component positioning in primary THA for Crowe type IV. METHODS: From 2006 to 2018, 29 patients who underwent 34 primary THAs for Crowe type IV were enrolled in the "Type IV" group and 32 patients who underwent 34 THAs for Crowe type I were enrolled in the "Type I" group, formed by matching patients in the Type IV group on age, gender, body mass index, and surgical approach. We investigated (1) the accuracy of the cup size between that at preoperative planning and that actually implanted and (2) the mean deviation of the cup angle and 3-dimensional position of acetabular components between preoperative plan and postoperative records. RESULTS: The accuracy of the cup size was 79.4% and 94.1% in the Type IV and Type I groups, respectively, without a statistically significant change detected (P = .075). The mean deviations of the cup angle and 3-dimensional position were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Using the CT-based navigation system, it was possible to accurately implant the acetabular component for Crowe type IV, and the accuracy was comparable to that for Crowe type I. The CT-based navigation system is a useful intraoperative tool to accurately implant the acetabular component, especially with severe pelvic deformities such as Crowe type IV.

Tilt-adjusted Cup Anteversion in Patients with Severe Backward Pelvic Tilt is Associated with the Risk of Iliopsoas Impingement: A Three-dimensional Implantation Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Anterior overhang of the acetabular component is associated with iliopsoas impingement, which may cause groin pain and functional limitations after THA. However, little is known about the relationship between component overhang and functional alignment of the acetabular component. CT-based image simulation may be illuminating in learning more about this because CT images are more effective than radiographs for evaluating the component's overhang and position. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Using CT simulations based on preoperative data of nondysplastic and dysplastic hips, we asked: (1) What are the differences in the amount of component overhang, defined as the mediolateral distance from the component's edge to the native acetabular bony boundary on axial images (axial overhang), and as the AP distance on sagittal images (sagittal overhang) among pelvises with neutral and posterior tilt (in which the cephalad portion of the pelvis is more posterior than the caudad portion in the sagittal plane) in patients with dysplastic hips and those with nondysplastic hips? (2) Are increments in the amount of component overhang associated with a difference in the likelihood that the iliopsoas tendon will impinge against the edge of the acetabular component, after controlling for native acetabular abduction and anteversion and the presence of dysplasia? METHODS: A total of 128 hips (dysplastic group: 73 hips; nondysplastic group: 55 hips) were evaluated. We defined a dysplastic hip as one with a lateral center-edge angle of less than 20° on AP radiographs. Pelvic models with neutral (0°) and 10° and 20° of posterior tilt were created from CT data. In simulations, acetabular component models were implanted into the true acetabulum with a tilt-adjusted orientation angle that was defined as the component's angle based on a reference for the functional pelvic plane (coronal plane of the body) in each pelvic model. Axial and sagittal component overhang were measured on CT images. Axial overhang of at least 12 mm and sagittal overhang of at least 4 mm were defined as thresholds increasing the likelihood of iliopsoas impingement according to previous studies. When determining the amount of overhang of the acetabular component, we controlled for abduction and anteversion of the native acetabulum and the presence of dysplasia by performing a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In dysplastic hips, axial overhang increased by a mean ± SD of 5 ± 1 mm (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.7-5.1) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 5 ± 1 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.9-5.3) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. Sagittal overhang increased by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.0) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.0) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. In nondysplastic hips, axial overhang increased by a mean of 5 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.7-5.0) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 5 ± 1 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.6-5.0) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. Sagittal overhang increased by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) from 0° to 10° of posterior tilt and by 1 ± 0 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) from 10° to 20° of posterior tilt. After controlling for the presence of dysplasia, we found that native acetabular abduction and anteversion and posterior pelvic tilt, presence of dysplasia (p = 0.030; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6), native acetabular anteversion (p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5), and 10° and 20° of backward tilt compared with 0° of tilt (10° of posterior tilt: p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 15; 95% CI, 5.5-41; 20° of posterior tilt: p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 333; 95% CI, 96-1157) were independently associated with axial overhang of at least 12 mm; the model showed high goodness of fit (Nagelkerke's r = 0.68). In contrast, native acetabular anteversion (p < 0.001; adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2) and 20° of backward tilt compared with 0° of tilt (p = 0.015; adjusted OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0) were independently associated with sagittal overhang of at least 4 mm; the model had low goodness of fit (Nagelkerke's r = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular component overhang is more severe when the pelvis tilts posteriorly. Moreover, posterior pelvic tilt, the presence of dysplasia, and higher native acetabular anteversion were independently associated with an increased risk of component overhang. When 20° of posterior tilt was adjusted, the risk of severe overhang was especially increased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these results, surgeons can attempt to prevent severe overhang in patients with posterior pelvic tilt by increasing component anteversion and abduction; when component anteversion is increased by 8° and abduction is increased by 2° from the target angle of 15° of anteversion and 40° of abduction in patients with posterior tilt of 20°, the risk of severe overhang is reduced to by approximately one-twentieth. However, it is still unclear how much the degree of component anteversion should be increased when surgeons attempt to prevent anterior prosthetic dislocation at the same time. Future studies such as prospective clinical trials evaluating both prosthetic dislocation and iliopsoas impingement in patients with posterior tilt might clarify this issue.

The influence of pre-operative antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents on the outcomes in elderly patients undergoing early surgery for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Early surgery improves the prognosis of elderly patients with hip fractures. However, many patients take antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies for comorbidities. This study compared perioperative outcomes and 1-year mortality rates with early surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures taking or not taking these agents preoperatively. METHODS: Among 418 patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at our institution from 2014 to 2016, 266 patients over 65 years who had surgery within 48 hours of admission were enrolled. We excluded patients with high-energy injuries, multiple or pathological fractures, and patients undergoing osteosynthesis for femoral neck fractures. The study population was divided into those who underwent hemiarthroplasty for neck fractures and those who underwent osteosynthesis for trochanteric fractures. We also divided the population into patients receiving chronic anticoagulation therapy (medicated group: 19 hemiarthroplasty, 70 osteosynthesis) and patients not receiving anticoagulation therapy (non-medicated group: 47 hemiarthroplasty, 130 osteosynthesis). Comorbidities, intraoperative blood loss, estimated blood loss from admission to the first and seventh day after surgery, transfusions, length of stay, complications, and 1-year mortality rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disorders were significantly more common in the medicated group for both surgery types. In the osteosynthesis group, estimated blood loss on the first day was 710 ml in the medicated group and 572 ml in the non-medicated group (P = 0.015). In the hemiarthroplasty group, corresponding values were 668 and 480 ml, respectively (P = 0.016). Estimated blood loss on the seventh day, complications, length of stay and 1-year mortality rate were not increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The medicated group had an increase in estimated blood loss on the first day. However, there was no significant increase in transfusions, complications and 1-year mortality rates. Early surgery for elderly patients with hip fractures is recommended, even for those taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents.

Assessment of unloading effects after open wedge high tibial osteotomy using quantitative bone scintigraphy.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated changes in bone tracer uptake (BTU) in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and determined if BTU correlates with clinical symptoms, postoperative alignment, or cartilage regeneration after OWHTO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five knees in 64 patients who underwent OWHTO for medial compartment osteoarthritis were enrolled in this retrospective study. All cases were assessed preoperatively and at plate removal using bone scintigraphy. Visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) were assessed preoperatively and at plate removal. In addition, cartilage regeneration was evaluated at plate removal. We assessed changes in BTU for the medial and lateral compartment after OWHTO and the correlations between BTU of the medial compartment and all other parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all outcome measures significantly improved: mean VAS 61.4 ± 18.3 to 9.5 ± 8.2, mean JOA score 65.1 ± 11.5 to 94.7 ± 6.0, mean OKS 29.4 ± 8.1 to 42.3 ± 4.1, mean KOOS 57.0 ± 14.3 to 83.7 ± 9.6, mean WBLR 22.8 ± 10.9 to 70.0 ± 9.4. Cartilage regeneration was observed in 53 knees (70.7%). BTU of the medial compartment significantly decreased after OWTHO, whereas no increased postoperative BTU was found in the lateral compartment. Postoperative BTU of the medial compartment significantly correlated with VAS, KOOS, and WBLR. No statistically significant associations were found between BTU and cartilage regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: OWHTO significantly decreased BTU of the medial compartment, which correlated with knee pain and postoperative mechanical alignment. Unloading effects of OWHTO led to pain relief after surgery, regardless of cartilage regeneration.

Safety range for acute limb lengthening in primary total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: There is no documented maximum amount that an extremity can be safely lengthened in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) without neurologic or soft tissue complications. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent primary THA with acute limb lengthening and investigated the safety range for acute limb lengthening in primary THA. METHODS: This study included 61 hips in 52 patients who underwent primary THA with acute limb lengthening (more than 2.5 cm) without femoral shortening osteotomy. The amount of lengthening was measured from pre-operative and post-operative X-ray films using computer graphics software, then the ratios of the amount of lengthening to femoral length (L/F ratio = amount of lengthening / femoral shaft length × 100) were calculated. We investigated correlation with nerve and soft tissue complications at operation in regard to this index. RESULTS: The average amount of lengthening was 3.0 cm (2.5 to 4.8). The average L/F ratio was 7.9 (6.2 to 12.9). There were seven nerve complications and two soft tissue complications in the whole series. In all nine complications, eight indicated higher L/F ratios than 8.7. Altogether, 12 hips indicated a higher L/F ratio than 8.7; 66% of them showed neurological or soft tissue problems. ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value of the L/F ratio was 8.7, which predicted acute lengthening-related complications with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 92.3% (AUC = 0.88). CONCLUSION: The patients who underwent THA with acute lengthening of more than 8.7% of femoral shaft length are at high risk of complications caused by acute limb lengthening in primary THA.

The effect of a multidisciplinary approach on geriatric hip fractures in Japan.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report results of the multidisciplinary treatment approach for geriatric hip fractures and evaluate its effectiveness compared with conventional treatment. Patients aged 65 years and older who presented with a hip fracture at our hospital on or after 2014 were treated according to a multidisciplinary approach. METHOD: Two groups of patients with hip fracture were compared. Group I (n = 364) was treated according to the new multidisciplinary approach in 2014-2016, and Group II (n = 105) which received conventional treatment in 2012. Time to surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, osteoporosis treatment, functional recovery, in-hospital mortality, 90-day mortality, and 1-year mortality were evaluated. The medical costs of multidisciplinary treatment were compared with those in other hospitals every year. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the time to surgery between Group I and Group II, but each was considerably shorter than the average time in other Japanese hospitals. The length of hospital stay was longer in Group I. The overall postoperative complication rate was lower in Group I, but there was no significant difference for each individual complication. The rate of anti-osteoporosis pharmacotherapy administration at the time of discharge was significantly higher in Group I. Moreover, the proportion of patients who recovered to their pre-injury functional level was significantly higher in Group I. The mortality rates did not significantly differ year on year. The total hospitalization medical cost per patient for the multidisciplinary treatment was lower than other hospital costs every year. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary treatment produced no significant improvement in time to surgery, length of hospital stay, or postoperative complications. However, the use of the multidisciplinary treatment approach led to a significant increase in osteoporosis treatment rate and better functional recovery. Furthermore, the total medical costs for multidisciplinary treatment were lower than the acute care hospital costs.

Effect of changing femoral head diameter on bony and prosthetic jumping angles.

BACKGROUND: In THA, using a larger femoral head can increase the oscillation angle and jumping distance. However, there have been no reports which indicate precisely how increasing the jumping distance leads to an increase in the angle from impingement to dislocation (jumping angle). In this study, we clarified the jumping angle of various head diameters and its relationship with pelvic morphology. METHODS: Using a three-dimensional templating system, virtual THA and ROM simulations were performed in 82 patients. We investigated the distance between bony and prosthetic impingement points and the head centre and calculated the jumping angle for various head diameters. We measured various pelvic shapes and length to clarify the relationship between pelvic morphology and impingement distance. RESULTS: Jumping angles were 7.7° ± 3.2°, 12.1° ± 1.6°, 15.4° ± 2.5° and 10.0° ± 3.0° with flexion, internal rotation with 90° flexion (IR), extension and external rotation (ER), respectively, when we used a 22-mm head diameter. Bony jumping angle increased about 0.5°, 0.8°, 1.0° and 0.7° per 2-mm increase in head diameter with flexion, IR, extension and ER. On the other hand, prosthetic jumping angle remained almost stable at about 31°. Impingement distance was related to pelvic morphology in all directions. Bony jumping angles differed with ROM; the biggest was seen with extension, followed by IR, ER and flexion. On the other hand, bony jumping angle was less than prosthetic jumping angle in all cases. CONCLUSION: Bony jumping angles differed with ROM; the biggest was seen with extension, followed by IR, ER and flexion. Prosthetic impingement angles were stable. In addition, the bony jumping angle was less than the prosthetic jumping angle in all cases.

The optimal combined anteversion pattern to achieve a favorable impingement-free angle in total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There have been no studies on the differences in impingement-free angle that result from different combined anteversion (CA) patterns. The aim of this study was to find the optimal CA pattern for achieving a favorable impingement-free angle, including bony and prosthetic impingement, in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We evaluated 100 patients with no hip arthritis. We investigated the impingement-free angle (flexion, internal rotation with 90° flexion, extension, and external rotation) after changing the stem and cup anteversions to satisfy several CA patterns [cup anteversion + stem anteversion = 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°; cup anteversion + 0.7 × stem anteversion = 37.3° (:Widmer's theory); and cup anteversion + 0.77 × stem anteversion = 43.3° (:Yoshimine's theory)] using 3-dimensional templating software. RESULTS: The impingement-free angle changed dramatically among the various CA patterns. The optimal CA was changed by various stem anteversion. Only CA: Widmer with stem anteversion of 20° satisfied daily-life range of motion (ROM) requirements (flexion ≥130°, internal rotation with 90° flexion ≥ 45°, extension ≥ 40°, external rotation ≥ 40°). CONCLUSION: Good impingement-free angle cannot be obtained with single fixed CA. Different CA patterns should be used, depending on the differences in the stem anteversion. A CA of 30° with 0° ≤ stem anteversion ≤10°; a CA:Widmer with 20° of stem anteversion; a CA of 40° or Widmer with 30° of stem anteversion. When stem anteversion is ≥40°, CA should be decided by each patient's state. Among them, a stem anteversion of 20° with cup anteversion of 23.3° was found to be the best CA pattern.

A proposed new rotating reference axis for the tibial component after proximal tibial resection in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: During total knee arthroplasty, few rotating reference axes can be reliably used after tibial resection. We speculated that a line that passes through the lateral edge of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) at its tibial attachment after resection and the most prominent point of the tibial tubercle [after-tibial resection (ATR) line] will provide a good reference axis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between ATR and Akagi's lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control simulation study, we retrospectively evaluated 38 patients with varus knee and 28 patients with valgus knee. We defined the reference cutting plane as 10 mm distal from the lateral articular surface of the tibia in varus group and as 7 mm distal from the medial articular surface in the valgus group. We measured angles between Akagi's line and the ATR line (ATR line angle) as well as between Akagi's line and 1/3 Akagi's line (1/3 Akagi's line angle), which passes through the midpoint of PCL and the medial third of the patellar tendon. We used paired t-tests to determine the significance of differences between these angles, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for the reproducibility of 1/3 Akagi's line angle and ATR line angle were analyzed by two surgeons. RESULTS: We found that 1/3 Akagi's line angle was 10.2° ± 1.3° in the varus group and 10.9° ± 1.3° in the valgus group (p = 0.017). The ATR line was positioned externally compared with Akagi's line in all patients. Mean ATR line angles at 0°, 3° and 7° posterior slopes were 6.1° ± 1.9°, 5.8° ± 2.0° and 6.0° ± 1.7° in the varus group and 6.3° ± 2.3°, 6.2° ± 2.3° and 5.4° ± 2.1° in the valgus group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the ATR line angle between the varus and valgus groups. (p = 0.34-0.67) Intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for the reproducibility of 1/3 Akagi's line angle were 0.936 and 0.986 and those for the reproducibility of ATR line angle were 0.811 and 0.839. CONCLUSIONS: The ATR line was positioned between Akagi's line and 1/3 Akagi's line in all patients and was a valid option for evaluating rotational tibial alignment after tibial resection.