Evaluation of patient reported outcome measures and costs of managing osteoarthritis of the hip.

The number of hospital admissions for a hip prosthesis increased by more than 91% between 2002 and 2019 in Belgium (1), making it one of the most common interventions in hospitals. The objective of this study is to evaluate patient-report- ed outcomes and hospital costs of hip replacement six months after surgery. Both generic (EQ-5D) and specific (HOOS) PROMs of general hospital patients undergoing hip replacement surgery in 2021 were conducted. The results of these PROMs were then combined with financial and health management data. The mean difference (SD) in QALYs between the preoperative and postoperative phases is 0.20 QALYs (0.32 QALYs). The average cost (SD) of all stays is €4,792 (€1,640). Amongst the five dimensions evaluated in the EQ-5D health questionnaire, the 'pain' dimension seems to be associated with the greatest improvement in quality of life. As regards Belgium, the 26,066 arthroplasties performed in 2020 might constitute a gain of 123,000 years of life in good health. The relationship between QALYs and costs described in this study posits a ratio of €23,960 per year of life gained in good health. Given that in Belgium more than 3% of the hospital healthcare budget is devoted to hip prostheses, it would seem relevant to us to apply PROM tools to the entire patient population to assess treatment effectiveness more broadly, identify patient needs and, also, monitor the quality of care provided.

Effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis - protocol for the Better Hip randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Self-management is vital with education, exercise and weight loss core recommended treatments. However, evidence-practice gaps exist, and service models that increase patient accessibility to clinicians who can support lifestyle management are needed. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program (Better Hip) on the primary outcomes of hip pain on walking and physical function at 6 months, compared with an information-only control for people with hip OA. METHODS: A two-arm, parallel-design, superiority pragmatic randomised controlled trial. 212 members from a health insurance fund aged 45 years and over, with painful hip OA will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive: i) Better Hip; or ii) web-based information only (control). Participants randomised to the Better Hip program will have six videoconferencing physiotherapist consultations for education about OA, prescription of individualised home-based strengthening and physical activity programs, behaviour change support, and facilitation of other self-management strategies. Those with a body mass index > 27 kg/m2, aged < 80 years and no specific health conditions, will also be offered six videoconferencing dietitian consultations to undertake a weight loss program. Participants in the control group will be provided with similar educational information about managing hip OA via a custom website. All participants will be reassessed at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are hip pain on walking and physical function. Secondary outcomes include measures of pain; hip function; weight; health-related quality of life; physical activity levels; global change in hip problem; willingness to undergo hip replacement surgery; rates of hip replacement; and use of oral pain medications. A health economic evaluation at 12 months will be conducted and reported separately. DISCUSSION: Findings will determine whether a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported lifestyle management program including education, exercise/physical activity and, for those with overweight or obesity, weight loss, is more effective than information only in people with hip OA. Results will inform the implementation of such programs to increase access to core recommended treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000461796).

Weekly pain trajectories among people with knee or hip osteoarthritis participating in a digitally delivered first-line exercise and education treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Digital self-management programs are increasingly used in the management of osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about heterogeneous patterns in response to these programs. We describe weekly pain trajectories of people with knee or hip OA over up to 52-week participation in a digital self-management program. METHODS: Observational cohort study among participants enrolled between January 2019 and September 2021 who participated at least 4 and up to 52 weeks in the program (n = 16 274). We measured pain using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS 0-10) and applied latent class growth analysis to identify classes with similar trajectories. Associations between baseline characteristics and trajectory classes were examined using multinomial logistic regression and dominance analysis. RESULTS: We identified 4 pain trajectory classes: "mild-largely improved" (30%), "low moderate-largely improved" (34%), "upper moderate-improved" (24%), and "severe-persistent" (12%). For classes with decreasing pain, the most pain reduction occurred during first 20 weeks and was stable thereafter. Male sex, older age, lower body mass index (BMI), better physical function, lower activity impairment, less anxiety/depression, higher education, knee OA, no walking difficulties, no wish for surgery and higher physical activity, all measured at enrolment, were associated with greater probabilities of membership in "mild-largely improved" class than other classes. Dominance analysis suggested that activity impairment followed by wish for surgery and walking difficulties were the most important predictors of trajectory class membership. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the importance of reaching people with OA for first-line treatment prior to developing severe pain, poor health status and a wish for surgery.

Arthrosis diagnosis and treatment recommendations in clinical practice: an exploratory investigation with the generative AI model GPT-4.

BACKGROUND: The spread of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to transformative advancements in diverse sectors, including healthcare. Specifically, generative writing systems have shown potential in various applications, but their effectiveness in clinical settings has been barely investigated. In this context, we evaluated the proficiency of ChatGPT-4 in diagnosing gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis and recommending appropriate treatments compared with orthopaedic specialists. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted using anonymized medical records of 100 patients previously diagnosed with either knee or hip arthrosis. ChatGPT-4 was employed to analyse these historical records, formulating both a diagnosis and potential treatment suggestions. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the concordance between the AI's conclusions and the original clinical decisions made by the physicians. RESULTS: In diagnostic evaluations, ChatGPT-4 consistently aligned with the conclusions previously drawn by physicians. In terms of treatment recommendations, there was an 83% agreement between the AI and orthopaedic specialists. The therapeutic concordance was verified by the calculation of a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.580 (p < 0.001). This indicates a moderate-to-good level of agreement. In recommendations pertaining to surgical treatment, the AI demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 80%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that the variables reduced quality of life (OR 49.97, p < 0.001) and start-up pain (OR 12.54, p = 0.028) have an influence on ChatGPT-4's recommendation for a surgery. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises ChatGPT-4's notable potential in diagnosing conditions such as gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis and in aligning its treatment recommendations with those of orthopaedic specialists. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that AI tools such as ChatGPT-4 are not meant to replace the nuanced expertise and clinical judgment of seasoned orthopaedic surgeons, particularly in complex decision-making scenarios regarding treatment indications. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, further research with larger patient populations and more complex diagnoses is necessary to validate the findings and explore the broader potential of AI in healthcare. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence.

Mechanical osteoarthritis of the hip in a one medicine concept: a narrative review.

Human and veterinary medicine have historically presented many medical areas of potential synergy and convergence. Mechanical osteoarthritis (MOA) is characterized by a gradual complex imbalance between cartilage production, loss, and derangement. Any joint instability that results in an abnormal overload of the joint surface can trigger MOA. As MOA has a prevailing mechanical aetiology, treatment effectiveness can only be accomplished if altered joint mechanics and mechanosensitive pathways are normalized and restored. Otherwise, the inflammatory cascade of osteoarthritis will be initiated, and the changes may become irreversible. The management of the disease using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, physical therapy, diet changes, or nutraceuticals is conservative and less effective. MOA is a determinant factor for the development of hip dysplasia in both humans and dogs. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease with a high incidence and, therefore, of great clinical importance due to the associated discomfort and significant functional limitations. Furthermore, on account of analogous human and canine hip dysplasia disease and under the One Medicine concept, unifying veterinary and human research could improve the well-being and health of both species, increasing the acknowledgement of shared diseases. Great success has been accomplished in humans regarding preventive conservative management of hip dysplasia and following One Medicine concept, similar measures would benefit dogs. Moreover, animal models have long been used to better understand the different diseases' mechanisms. Current research in animal models was addressed and the role of rabbit models in pathophysiologic studies and of the dog as a spontaneous animal model were highlighted, denoting the inexistence of rabbit functional models to investigate therapeutic approaches in hip MOA.

Acupuncture in the Treatment of a Series of Patients with Chronic Pain Associated with Hip Osteoarthritis / Acupuntura no tratamento de uma série de pacientes com dor crônica associado à osteoartrite de quadril

Abstract Objective Hip osteoarthritis (HO) causes pain and deranges functioning. Surgical treatment is the preferred approach in severe cases, but clinical comorbidities, age and the long waiting list may compromise quality of life. This study aimed to describe the results of acupuncture for the control pain and improvement of functioning in subjects with HO. Method Twelve severe HO patients were treated with ten weekly sessions of a standardized acupuncture point protocol. Pain intensity was assessed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) and quality of life with WOMAC Index. Results Pain intensity (VAS) reduced from 75.8 ± 18.8 mm to 20.0 ± 22.6 mm after 10 acupuncture sessions and 48.3 ± 26.6mm in the follow-up (ANOVA F = 7.99; p < 0.001). WOMAC Index values reduced from 74.7 ± 12.7 to 45.7 ± 22.1 and 54.6 ± 22.9 at the same timepoints. Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective conservative rehabilitation strategy to reduce pain and improve quality of life in subjects with severe HO.

Resumo Objetivo A osteoartrite (OA) de quadril causa dor e perda da funcionalidade. O tratamento cirúrgico é a procedimento de escolha nos casos graves, mas as comorbidades clínicas, a idade e a longa lista de espera podem comprometer a qualidade de vida. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever os resultados da acupuntura no controle da dor e melhora da funcionalidade em indivíduos com OA de quadril. Método Doze pacientes com OA de quadril grave foram tratados com dez sessões semanais de um protocolo padronizado de pontos de acupuntura. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada pela Escala Visual Analógica de Dor (EVA) e a qualidade de vida pelo Índice WOMAC. Resultados A intensidade da dor (EVA) reduziu de 75,8 ± 18,8mm para 20,0 ± 22,6mm após 10 sessões de acupuntura e 48,3 ± 26,6mm no período de seguimento (ANOVA F = 7,99; p < 0,001). Os valores do Índice WOMAC reduziram de 74,7 ± 12,7 para 45,7 ± 22,1 e 54,6 ± 22,9 nos mesmos momentos. Conclusão A acupuntura é uma estratégia de reabilitação conservadora eficaz para reduzir a dor e melhorar a qualidade de vida em indivíduos com OA de quadril grave.

The GLA:D® Canada program for knee and hip osteoarthritis: A comprehensive profile of program participants from 2017 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: The Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) program was implemented in Canada in 2017 with the aim of making treatment guideline-recommended care available to the 4 million Canadians with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). This report describes the GLA:D® Canada program, registry and data collection procedures, and summarizes the sociodemographic and clinical profile of participants with knee and hip OA to inform the scientific research community of the availability of these data for future investigations and collaborations. METHODS: The GLA:D® program consists of three standardized components: a training course for health care providers, a group-based patient education and exercise therapy program, and a participant data registry. Patients seeking care for knee or hip OA symptoms and enrolling in GLA:D® are given the option to provide data to the GLA:D® Canada registry. Participants agreeing to provide data complete a pre-program survey and are followed up after 3-, and 12-months. Data collected on the pre-program and follow-up surveys include sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, health status measures, and objective physical function tests. These variables were selected to capture information across relevant health constructs and for future research investigations. RESULTS: At 2022 year-end, a total of 15,193 (11,228 knee; 3,965 hip) participants were included in the GLA:D® Canada registry with 7,527 (knee; 67.0%) and 2,798 (hip; 70.6%) providing pre-program data. Participants were 66 years of age on average, predominately female, and overweight or obese. Typically, participants had knee or hip problems for multiple years prior to initiating GLA:D®, multiple symptomatic knee and hip joints, and at least one medical comorbidity. Before starting the program, the average pain intensity was 5 out of 10, with approximately 2 out of 3 participants using pain medication and 1 in 3 participants reporting a desire to have joint surgery. Likewise, 9 out 10 participants report having previously been given a diagnosis of OA, with 9 out 10 also reporting having had a radiograph, of which approximately 87% reported the radiograph showed signs of OA. CONCLUSION: We have described the GLA:D® Canada program, registry and data collection procedures, and provided a detailed summary to date of the profiles of participants with knee and hip OA. These individual participant data have the potential to be linked with local health administrative data registries and comparatively assessed with other international GLA:D® registries. Researchers are invited to make use of these rich datasets and participate in collaborative endeavours to tackle questions of Canadian and global importance for a large and growing clinical population of individuals with hip and knee OA.

Current evidence on mesenchymal stem cells for hip osteoarthritis: a narrative review.

There are limited data on the use of mesenchymal stem cell injections for hip osteoarthritis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the literature by analyzing outcomes and comparing methodologies. Online search of PubMed, SportsDiscus and Case Reports Keywords was completed using the keywords 'stem cells' and 'hip' and 'osteoarthritis'. Six studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Five out the six studies had statistically significant improvement in patient reported outcomes after mesenchymal stem cell injections. Only two studies provided information on radiological changes and findings were positive. None of the studies reported major complications. Small series of non-randomized controlled trials completed to date in the use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis reported the procedures to be safe and provide a positive clinical response. Randomized controlled trials must be performed to further confirm mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment option for hip osteoarthritis.

Changes to consultations and diagnosis of osteoarthritis in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: General practitioners (GP) are often the first medical professionals to treat musculoskeletal complaints. Yet the impact of COVID-19 on primary care utilisation for musculoskeletal complaints is largely unknown. This study quantifies the impact of the pandemic on primary care utilisation for musculoskeletal complaints and specifically osteoarthritis (OA) in the Netherlands. DESIGN: We extracted data on GP consultations in 2015-2020 from 118,756 patients over 45 years of age and estimated reductions in consultations in 2020 as compared to 5-year average. Outcomes were GP consultations for: any musculoskeletal complaints, knee and hip OA, knee and hip complaints, and newly diagnosed knee and hip OA/complaints. RESULTS: The relative reductions in consultations ranged from 46.7% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 43.9-49.3%) (all musculoskeletal consultations) to 61.6% (95% CI: 44.7-73.3%) (hip complaints) at the peak of the first wave, and from 9.3% (95% CI: 5.7-12.7%) (all musculoskeletal consultations) to 26.6% (95% CI: 11.5-39.1%) (knee OA) at the peak of the second wave. The reductions for new diagnoses were 87.0% (95% CI: 71.5-94.1%) for knee OA/complaints, and 70.5% (95% CI: 37.7-86.0%) for hip OA/complaints at the peak of the first wave, and not statistically significant at the peak of the second wave. CONCLUSION: We observed 47% reduction in GP consultations for musculoskeletal disorders during the first wave and 9% during the second wave. For hip and knee OA/complaints, the reductions were over 50% during the first, and 10% during the second wave. This disruption may lead to accumulation of patients with severe OA symptoms and more requests for arthroplasty surgery.

No evidence exists on outcomes of non-operative management in patients with femoroacetabular impingement and concomitant Tönnis Grade 2 or more hip osteoarthritis: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the outcomes of all the non-operative modalities of management for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and concomitant osteoarthritis (OA) Tönnis Grade 2 or more. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed was performed from inception to December 1st 2021 for literature on outcomes of non-operative management strategies for young adults with symptomatic FAI using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Cohorts investigating FAI and concomitant hip OA Tönnis Grade 2 or more were considered eligible. Studies not written in English or German, below level 4 evidence, and reviews were excluded. A secondary analysis for FAI without OA stratification was conducted after the initial screening to allow identification of available non-operative interventions. RESULTS: No study reported outcomes separately for non-operative management of FAI with Tönnis Grade 2 OA or more and as such, did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. A secondary analysis included 24 studies that reported on outcomes for non-operative interventions for FAI irrespective of the degree of degeneration. Three studies investigated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid injection, 5 reports investigated corticosteroid injections, 2 studies evaluated the outcomes of hip bracing and 16 studies included a physiotherapy programme. Associations between the aforementioned interventions were analysed. There is level I evidence supporting the efficacy of activity modification and hip-specific physiotherapy for FAI and mild OA. Core-strengthening exercises are prevalent amongst successful regimens in the literature. Contradictory evidence questions the efficacy of hip bracing even for short-term outcomes. Corticosteroid injections have mostly failed in intention-to treat analyses but may be valuable in delaying the need for surgery; further studies are warranted. Reports on outcomes following hyaluronic acid injections are contradictory. CONCLUSION: No evidence exists on outcomes following non-operative management of FAI with concomitant Tönnis Grade 2 or more OA of the hip. Further studies are required and should explore the non-operative interventions that were employed for FAI and milder OA. There is strong evidence for a hip-specific physiotherapy program including activity modification and core strengthening exercises. Adjunct interventions such as corticosteroid injections and NSAID consumption may be valuable in delaying the need for surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Use of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Therapeutic Intervention for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a cohort of patients in whom hip preservation surgery is not indicated, because they have developed signs of early osteoarthritis (OA), and nor can they have a hip replacement, as they are too early in the disease process. Management of this cohort of patients is not standardised and both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures are utilised to reduce pain. Interventions available for early OA include intra-articular injections of steroids, viscosupplementation and more recently platelet-rich plasma (PRP). However, the use of PRP in hip OA has not yet been studied systematically. PURPOSE: To assess intra-articular PRP as a therapeutic intervention for hip OA, including the duration of efficacy, influence of dose and composition of PRP, and the incidence of adverse effects. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We performed literature searches on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS databases, and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument, with an additional assessment for randomized controlled trials with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. This is the first study to concisely collate the available data on the use of PRP in hip OA. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the analysis, with data from a total of 331 patients. PRP significantly reduced pain compared with the baseline at multiple time points, with the greatest effect at the 1- to 2-month follow-up, but PRP significantly improved function only at the 1- to 2-month follow-up. A significantly larger reduction in pain was achieved with a single injection of PRP compared with multiple injections, a total injected dose of PRP <15 mL compared with ≥15 mL, and use of a leukocyte-poor PRP preparation compared with leukocyte-rich PRP. There were no lasting adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Low- and moderate-quality evidence suggests that PRP reduces pain and improves function at the end-point follow-up of studies compared with the baseline. Moderate-quality evidence suggests that a larger reduction in pain is achieved with a single injection of PRP compared with multiple injections, and low-quality evidence attributes a larger reduction of pain with a total injected dose of PRP <15 mL compared with ≥15 mL and using leukocyte-poor PRP compared with leukocyte-rich PRP.

Comparison of Face-to-Face vs Digital Delivery of an Osteoarthritis Treatment Program for Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis.

Importance: Digital care platforms have been introduced, but there is limited evidence for their efficacy compared with traditional face-to-face treatment modalities. Objective: To compare mean pain reduction among individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip who underwent face-to-face vs digital first-line intervention. Design, Setting, and Participants: This registry-based cohort study included all persons with knee or hip osteoarthritis who participated in structured first-line treatment for osteoarthritis in a primary care setting in Sweden. Inclusion criteria were as follows: the treatment was delivered face-to-face or digitally between April 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019; patients provided 3-month follow-up data for pain; and patients had program adherence of at least 80%. Data analysis was conducted in March 2021. Exposures: Participants completed a 3-month intervention, including education and exercise for hip or knee osteoarthritis, with program adherence of 80% or higher, delivered face-to-face or by a digital application. Main Outcomes and Measures: Difference in change in joint pain (11-point numeric rating scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10, the worst possible pain) between baseline and 3-month follow-up between the 2 intervention modalities. A minimal clinically important difference in pain change between groups was predefined as 1 point. Secondary outcomes were walking difficulties, health-related quality of life, willingness to undergo joint surgery, and fear avoidance behavior. Results: A total of 6946 participants (mean [SD] age, 67 [9] years; 4952 [71%] women; 4424 [64%] knee OA; 2504 [36%] hip OA) were included, with 4237 (61%) receiving face-to-face treatment and 2709 (39%) receiving digital treatment. Both the face-to-face (mean change, -1.10 [95% CI -1.17 to -1.02] points) and digital interventions (mean change, -1.87 [95% CI, -1.94 to -1.79] points) resulted in a clinically important pain reduction at 3 months. Participants in the digitally delivered intervention experienced a larger estimated improvement at 3 months (adjusted mean difference, -0.93 [95% CI, -1.04 to -0.81] points). Results of secondary outcomes were broadly consistent with main outcome. Conclusions and Relevance: This Swedish national registry-based cohort study showed that people with knee or hip OA participating in first-line intervention experienced clinically relevant improvements in pain, whether delivered face-to-face or digitally. The increased benefit of digital delivery compared with face-to-face delivery was of uncertain clinical importance.

People With Knee Osteoarthritis Attending Physical Therapy Have Broad Education Needs and Prioritize Information About Surgery and Exercise: A Concept Mapping Study.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) identify the education priorities of people with knee osteoarthritis, including perceived importance and confidence that a health care professional can address each, and (2) match priorities to education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis management guidelines. DESIGN: Concept mapping methodology. METHODS: Participants generated, sorted (based on themes), and rated (5-point Likert scales: importance and confidence) education priorities. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis of sorting data produced a cluster map with overarching domains. Priorities were matched against education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis guidelines. RESULTS: Participants (brainstorming, n = 43; sorting and rating, n = 24) generated 76 priorities. A 4-domain, 11-cluster map was the most useful representation of sorting data: (i) understanding treatment options (relationship of education and exercise with surgery, adjunct options, treatment decision making); (ii) exercise therapy (how to exercise, why exercise); (iii) understanding and managing the condition (symptom management, understanding symptoms, understanding the condition); and (4) surgical, medical, and dietary management (surgery, medications, diet and supplements). The "relationship of education and exercise with surgery" (3.88/5), "surgery" (3.86/5), and "how to exercise" (3.78/5) clusters were rated highest for importance. Few priorities identified by participants were clearly recommended as education-specific content recommendations in the American College of Rheumatology (3%, n = 2/76), European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (12%, n = 9/76), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (16%, n = 12/76), and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (1%, n = 1/76) guidelines. CONCLUSION: People with knee osteoarthritis presenting to physical therapists have broad education needs and prioritize information about surgery and exercise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(9):595-606. Epub: 17 June 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11089.

Artroplastia total de cadera bilateral en un tiempo: una opción quirúrgica para pacientes con coxartrosis severa bilateral / Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a surgical option for patients with several bilateral hip osteoarthritis

Total hip arthroplasty is a successful procedure with high rates of functional satisfaction and pain relief. A large number of patients with bilateral hip pathology will require both hip joint replacement, from there born the inquietude to knowing benefits and disadvantage of bilateral simultaneous hip arthroplasty. We present a female patient case who developed bilateral hip osteoarthritis secondary to development dysplasia of the hip which was surgically managed with bilateral arthroplasty at one time. We show a follow-up report of the case and a review of the literature to know the main advantages of this new current of hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral hip pathology

Factors associated with physician-reported treatment status of patients with osteoarthritis pain.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is typically associated with pain, but many patients are not treated. METHODS: This point in time study explored factors associated with treatment status, using logistic regression of data from the Adelphi OA Disease Specific Programme conducted in the United States. Patients' treatment status was based on physician-reported, current: 1) prescription medication for OA vs. none; and 2) physician treatment (prescription medication and/or recommendation for specified nonpharmacologic treatment for OA [physical or occupational therapy, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or cognitive behavior therapy/psychotherapy]) vs. self-management (no prescription medication or specified nonpharmacologic treatment). RESULTS: The 841 patients (including 57.0% knee OA, 31.9% hip OA) reported mild (45.4%) or moderate or severe (54.6%) average pain intensity over the last week. The majority were prescribed medication and/or recommended specified nonpharmacologic treatment; 218 were not prescription-medicated and 122 were self-managed. Bivariate analyses showed less severe patient-reported pain intensity and physician-rated OA severity, fewer joints affected by OA, lower proportion of joints affected by knee OA, better health status, lower body mass index, and lower ratings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, for those not prescribed medication (vs. prescription-medicated). Multivariate analyses confirmed factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with prescription medication included (odds ratio): physician-rated current moderate OA severity (vs. mild, 2.03), patient-reported moderate OA severity 6 months ago (vs. mild, 1.71), knee OA (vs. not, 1.81), physician-recommended (0.28) and patient-reported (0.43) over-the-counter medication use (vs. not), prior surgery for OA (vs. not, 0.37); uncertain income was also significant. Factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with physician treatment included (odds ratio): physician-recommended nonpharmacologic therapy requiring no/minimal medical supervision (vs. not, 2.21), physician-rated current moderate OA severity (vs. mild, 2.04), patient-reported over-the-counter medication use (vs. not, 0.26); uncertain time since diagnosis was also significant. Patient-reported pain intensity and most demographic factors were not significant in either model. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 4 patients were not prescribed medication and 1 in 7 were self-managed, although many were using over-the-counter medications or nonpharmacologic therapies requiring no/minimal medical supervision. Multiple factors were significantly associated with treatment status, including OA severity and over-the-counter medication, but not pain intensity or most demographics.

Photoactivated leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma treatment in reduction of bone marrow edema in hip osteoarthritis.

Aim: To describe the successful treatment of bone marrow edema in the setting of hip osteoarthritis using ultrasound-guided injection of photoactivated leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP). Setting: Outpatient clinic. Patient: 65-year old female with antalgic and listing gait. Case description: The patient presented with a 2-week history of left hip pain. Exam revealed restriction and pain at end range of motion. Imaging showed extensive bone marrow edema and hip effusion. The patient underwent four weekly photoactivated LR-PRP treatments. Results: The patient reported a significant reduction in pain with MRI showing an extensive resolution of bone marrow edema and complete pain relief at 2 and 6 months post-treatment, respectively. Conclusion: Photoactivated LR-PRP may be considered as a treatment option for patients with marrow edema in the setting of hip osteoarthritis.

Aim: To describe the successful treatment of bone marrow swelling in the setting of hip osteoarthritis using ultrasound-guided injection of enhanced platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Setting: Outpatient clinic. Patient: 65-year old female with an abnormal gait. Case description: The patient presented with a 2-week history of left hip pain. Exam revealed restriction and pain at end range of motion. Imaging showed extensive bone marrow and hip swelling. The patient underwent four weekly enhanced PRP treatments. Results: The patient reported a significant reduction in pain with MRI showing an extensive resolution of bone marrow edema and complete pain relief at 2 and 6 months post-treatment, respectively. Conclusion: This specific enhanced PRP may be considered as a treatment option for patients with marrow edema in the setting of hip osteoarthritis.

Highlighting the Benefits of Rehabilitation Treatments in Hip Osteoarthritis.

Background and objectives: Due to its frequency and possible complications, hip arthrosis or hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) has a high social impact, its advanced stages eventually leading to irreversible lesions involving major complications or surgery. In the early stages, conservative treatment plays a key role in the prophylaxis of complications and in slowing down the degenerative process. The association between an appropriate drug therapy (DT) and a rehabilitation treatment (RT)­including individualized physical therapy (PT) and adapted occupational therapy (OT)­provides good results. Our objective was to highlight the benefits of associating RT with DT in patients with hip OA. Materials and Methods: An observational follow-up study was conducted between 2018−2021, which included 100 patients with hip OA divided into two groups: the study group­group A (50 subjects who complied with RT) and the control group­group B (who did not comply with RT). To evaluate them, the evolution of the Lequesne hip index (LHI), Tinetti test (TT) and the hip joint mobility: flexion (FH) and abduction (AH) were monitored before the beginning of the study (T0) and after one-year (T1) for each patient. The mean values of the parameters, the standard deviations, the frequency intervals, as well as the tests of statistical significance were calculated using the Student method (t-test) and χ2, ANOVA (Bonferroni) being used to compare the means. Results: Compared to the evolution of group B, improvements were observed in group A, as follows: in LHI group A (p = 0.023) vs. group B (p = 0.650); in TT group A (p = 0.011) vs. group B (p < 0.001); in FH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p = 0.025); in AH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p < 0.001). BMI changes were non-significant in both groups A (p = 0.223) and B (p = 0.513). Evaluating group A, the most significant improvements of the studied parameters were observed in the age group 41−50 years. Conclusions: The study reveals the benefits of combining RT with DT in patients with especially early-stage hip OA, aged up to 50 years old.

Osteoarthritis management care pathways are complex and inefficient: A qualitative study of physiotherapist perspectives from specialised osteoarthritis services.

OBJECTIVE: Hip and knee osteoarthritis guidelines internationally provide consistent first-line care recommendations. However, uptake of these recommendations remains suboptimal. This qualitative study explores factors influencing guideline-based care from the perspectives of physiotherapists working in specialised osteoarthritis services across different models of care. METHODS: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with physiotherapists working in specialist osteoarthritis services across three different Australian models of care (OsteoArthritis Hip and Knee Service n = 10; OsteoArthritis Chronic Care Programme n = 4; Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening Clinics and Multidisciplinary Services n = 5). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analysed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The overarching theme to emerge was that accessing first-line osteoarthritis care is complex and difficult, regardless of model of care. Subthemes indicated that: (i) services are either unavailable or inadequately funded, (ii) referral pathways are labyrinthine and lengthy, (iii) patients and other health professionals often believe that surgery is the only/best option and (iv) managing patient co-morbidities is challenging. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists working in specialised osteoarthritis services perceive multiple and complex factors influencing adherence to first-line care. Barriers occur at various levels in all models of care, including patient and health professional beliefs, health service, and system levels. These results suggest improving healthcare for people with osteoarthritis requires urgent system reform.

Giving an account of patients' experience: A qualitative study on the care process of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the publication of clinical practice guidelines, the quality of the care process as experienced by patients with osteoarthritis (OA) appears suboptimal. Hence, this study investigates how patients with OA experience their disease and care process, highlighting potential elements that can enhance or spoil it, to optimise their quality of care. METHODS: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. Patients with hip and knee OA in Italy were interviewed. The interview guide was created by a pool of health professionals and patients. The interviews were analysed through a theme-based analysis following a philosophy of descriptive phenomenological research. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed seven main themes: (1) Experiencing a sense of uncertainty, as interviewees perceived treatment choices not to be based on medical evidence; (2) Establishing challenging relationships with the self and the other, as they did not feel understood and felt ashamed or hopeless about their condition; (3) Being stuck in one's own or the health professionals' beliefs about the disease management, as a common thought was the perception of movement as something dangerous together with a frequent prescription of passive therapies; (4) Dealing with one's own attitudes towards the disease; Understanding (5) the barriers to and (6) the facilitators of the adherence to therapeutic exercise, which revolve around the therapy cost, the time needed and the patients' willingness to change their life habits and (7) Developing an uneasy relationship with food since the diet was considered as something that "you force yourself to follow" and overeating as a way "to eat your feelings". CONCLUSION: The lack of clear explanations and a negative attitude towards first-line nonsurgical treatments (mainly physical exercise), which are considered as a way to fill the time while waiting for surgery, underlines the importance of providing patients with adequate information about OA treatments and to better explain the role of first-line intervention in the care of OA. This will enhance patient-centred and shared decision-making treatments. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Patients with hip and knee OA participated in creating the interview and contributed with their experience of their care process.

A ‘joint’ approach: design, implementation and preliminary outcomes of an early conservative knee and hip osteoarthritis service in northern New South Wales, Australia.

Australia is facing a growing burden of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). To address this demand in northern New South Wales, a community health-based conservative OA joint management service was established in the Tweed Valley. This paper describes the design, implementation and initial evaluation of the service. Following the principles of clinical redesign, a diagnostic phase involving consultation with key stakeholders revealed several issues. OA patients could wait up to 9 months for review by orthopaedic specialist following GP referral and received limited information on how to conservatively manage their conditions. GPs were constrained by short consultations and had limited knowledge of the latest recommendations for the conservative treatment of OA. GPs also highlighted the limitations of outdated fax systems for communication, noting their preference for secure electronic messaging. Based on these findings, the Tweed Knee and Hip Arthritis Service was established. For patients not on a waiting list for surgery, the service provides evidence-based conservative management for knee or hip OA involving standardised assessment, education, exercise, self-management strategies and regular review. An analysis of a foundational cohort of patients demonstrated improvements in a suite of validated and standardised measures for pain and function, with improvements seen as early as 1 month and sustained for 6 months. The study findings support the introduction of integrated conservative OA management models of care directly available to primary healthcare providers.