Multiple-dose tranexamic acid for perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis：a single-blinded, randomised, parallel-controlled study protocol in China.

INTRODUCTION: This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effect of multiple-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) on perioperative blood loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised, single-blinded, parallel-controlled study will be designed. Patients with RA (age 50-75 years) undergoing unilateral primary end-stage total knee arthroplasty will be randomly divided into group A or group B. Group A will be treated with one dose of TXA (1 g; intravenous injection 3 hours postsurgery) and group B with three doses (1 g; intravenous injection at 3, 6 and 12 hours postsurgery) after surgery. The primary outcomes will be evaluated with blood loss, maximum haemoglobin drop and transfusion rate. The secondary outcomes will be evaluated with knee function and complications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Ethics Committee approved in this study in July 2019. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results of the trial will be published in the Dryad and repository in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, deidentified data collected and analysed for this study will be available for review from the corresponding author on reasonable request. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1900025013.

Total knee arthroplasty for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a very tricky orthopedic condition. If it can not be treated fairly well, it may greatly affect quality of life in patients with RA, and even can cause disability. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has reported to treat patients with RA effectively. However, no study has systematically explored its efficacy and complications for patients with RA. METHODS: Seven databases will be searched from their inceptions to the present without any language restrictions: MEDICINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Two authors will carry out all study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment independently. RESULTS: The primary outcome of joint pain will be measured by any pain scales, such as visual analogue scale. The secondary outcomes will include joint function, quality of life, and postoperative adverse events. The joint function will be measured by The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, or other relevant scales. The quality of life will be assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey or any related tools. In addition, postoperative adverse events will also be analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study will summarize the latest existing evidence on the efficacy and safety of TKA for patients with RA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not need ethical approval, because it will not analyze individual data. The results of this study are expected to be disseminated at peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019133274.

Patient preferences for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of recent articles discussing patient preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies examined patient preferences for RA treatment in several populations, finding that most participants were willing to accept certain risks of adverse effects to gain potential benefits. Perspectives regarding cannabis were studied, with patients describing medical marijuana as an alternative therapy to be used with prescription medications or as means of tapering off these medications. Treatment preferences for different RA therapies were explored using a conjoint analysis survey and five distinct preference phenotypes emerged, with members of the largest group most concerned with the cost of medications. Other discrete choice studies demonstrated route of administration as an important attribute influencing treatment preferences, with patients expressing preference for various modes in different studies. Patient preferences for route of administration have demonstrated preference for newer autoinjectors over prefilled syringes as well as currently marketed autoinjectors. Incorporating patient preferences in clinical practice recommendations was described in the development of the 2015 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) RA treatment guidelines as well as the 2017 ACR/American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons guidelines for perioperative management of antirheumatic medications. In addition, other studies explored preferences with regard to predictive testing, medication intensification and tapering, treatment goals, and psychological support. SUMMARY: Our review of recent studies show variability in patient preferences for RA treatment, highlighting the importance of incorporating patient input into the treatment approach.

Mid-term results of alumina ceramic unlinked total elbow arthroplasty with cement fixation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Aims: The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical outcome of cemented unlinked J-alumina ceramic elbow (JACE) arthroplasties when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 87 elbows, in 75 patients with RA, which was replaced using a cemented JACE total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) between August 2003 and December 2012, with a follow-up of 96%. There were 72 women and three men, with a mean age of 62 years (35 to 79). The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 14). The clinical condition of each elbow before and after surgery was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI, 0 to 100 points). Radiographic loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of >1 mm that was completely circumferential around the prosthesis. Results: The mean MEPI scores significantly improved from 40 (10 to 75) points preoperatively to 95 (30 to 100) points at final follow-up (p < 0.0001). Complications were noted in ten elbows (ten patients; 11%). Two had an intraoperative humeral fracture which was treated by fixation and united. One had a postoperative fracture of the olecranon which united with conservative treatment and one had a radial neuropathy which resolved. Further surgery was required for one with a dislocation, three with an ulnar neuropathy and one with a postoperative humeral fracture. Revision with removal of the components was performed in one elbow due to deep infection. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening around the components. With any revision surgery or revision with implant removal as the endpoint, the rates of survival up to 14 years were 93% (95% confidence interval (CI), 83.9 to 96.6) and 99% (95% CI 91.9 to 99.8), respectively, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion: With the appropriate indications, the mid-term clinical performance of the cemented JACE TEA is reliable and comparable to other established TEAs in the management of the elbow in patients with RA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1066-73.

A Minimum Ten Years of Follow-Up of Alumina Head on Delta Liner Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In the early days when delta ceramics were developed, there was a period of using delta ceramic liner and alumina ceramic head. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using delta ceramic liner on alumina ceramic head after a minimum of 10 years of follow-up and to evaluate problems of early delta ceramic liner. METHODS: Alumina on delta cementless total hip arthroplasty was performed in 92 hips (85 patients) from August 2005 to March 2007 at our hospital. Bilateral total hip arthroplasty were performed in 7 patients, 30 patients on the left side and 48 patients on the right side. Preoperative diagnosis was osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 34 hips (37%), degenerative arthritis in 31 hips (33.7%), femur neck fracture in 21 hips (22.8%), and rheumatoid arthritis in 6 hips (6.5%). All surgeries were carried out with anterolateral approach. For the clinical evaluation, Harris hip score (HHS), pain, and range of motion were assessed. Radiographs were reviewed by the authors to search for any signs of osteolysis, loosening of implants, and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: HHS was compared between preoperative and final follow-ups. The mean HHS improved from preoperative 58.3 points (range 27-76) to 92.7 points (range 78-98) on the final follow-up (P = .02). The mean range of hip motion at the final follow-up was flexion 116.9°, adduction 23.8°, abduction 34.6°, internal rotation 16.3°, and external rotation 39.2°. As for the postoperative pain, 1 patient complained of inguinal pain and 4 patients complained of thigh pain. Because of trauma, 3 cases of dislocation were observed in all cases. There are 3 cases with dislocation and 2 cases were treated with conservative treatment without recurrence, but 1 case was required for surgical treatment due to eccentric rim wear of delta liner. The aseptic loosening of acetabular cup and femoral stem was each 1 hip. CONCLUSION: Alumina head-on-delta liner cementless THA, using a large femoral head 32-36 mm in diameter, demonstrated satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the minimum 10 years of follow-up. Eccentric rim wear can occur even in delta ceramic liners that are known to have high strength, and this can lead to dislocation which can, in turn, increase the possibility of linear fracture.

Multimodal Nutritional Management in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of a new multimodal nutritional management (MNM) on albumin (ALB) transfusion, the incidence of electrolyte disorders, blood loss, perioperative levels of ALB and electrolyte, length of hospital stay (LOH), and complications in patients following total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet. METHODS: A total of 162 patients were randomized to receive either the MNM protocol (n = 81, experimental group) or traditional protocol (n = 81, control group). The primary outcomes were the rate and amount of ALB infusion, LOH, total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop, allogeneic transfusion rate, and the incidence of electrolyte disorders. The secondary outcomes were levels of ALB and electrolyte at different time points and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: The rate and amount of ALB transfusion required in MNM group were significantly lower than those in control group (P = .006, P = .021, respectively). LOH was shorter in MNM group (P < .001). Total blood loss and maximum hemoglobin drop were similar. The incidence of kaliopenia and hypocalcemia was lower in MNM group on the first postoperative day (P = .019, P = .028, respectively). Patients in MNM group had higher levels of ALB, sodium, potassium, and calcium than those in control group on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The MNM protocol can effectively low down the amount of ALB transfusion, the number of patients requiring ALB transfusion, the incidence of electrolyte disorders, and LOH following primary total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet. Patients can obtain a smaller decline in ALB, sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty with Cementless Implantation of an Alumina Ceramic Elbow Prosthesis for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We investigated the long-term clinical results of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) by cementless fixation of alumina ceramic unlinked elbow prostheses (J-alumina ceramic elbows: JACE) for the reconstruction of elbow joints with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventeen elbows in 17 patients (aged 44-72 years, average 54.8) replaced by JACE TEA without bone cement were investigated. The average follow-up period was 10.7 (range, 1.0-19.3) years. Clinical conditions of each elbow before and after surgery were assessed according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). Radiographic loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of more than 1 mm that was completely circumferential around the intramedullary stem. The average MEPI significantly improved from 46.8 points preoperatively to 66.8 points at final follow-up (p=0.0226). However, aseptic loosening was noted in 10 of 17 elbows (58.8%) and revision surgery was required in 7 (41.2%). Most loosening was observed on the humeral side. With radiographic loosening and revision surgery defined as the end points, the likelihoods of prosthesis survival were 41.2% and 51.8%, respectively, up to 15 years by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The clinical results of JACE implantation without bone cement were disappointing, with high revision and loosening rates of the humeral component.

Comparison of therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to provide a basis for clinical practice. METHODS: Data from 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. The 83 patients were divided into a drainage blood reinfusion group (DR group, n = 45) and a temporary clamping drainage group (CD group, n = 38). In the DR group, postoperative drainage blood was used for autotransfusion. In the CD group, closed drainage was adopted, and the drainage tube was clamped for 2 h postoperatively followed by patency. The postoperative drainage amount, hemoglobin level, rate and average volume of allogeneic blood transfusion, swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and range of active knee flexion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total drainage volume was higher in the DR group than in the CD group (P = 0.000). The average volume of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (P = 0.000) and the decrease in the hemoglobin level 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (P = 0.012) were lower in the DR group than in the CD group. Swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and the range of active knee flexion were improved in the DR group compared with the CD group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with temporary clamping drainage, drainage blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion volume and is conducive to early rehabilitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with higher ninety-day hospital readmission rates compared to osteoarthritis after hip or knee arthroplasty: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether an underlying diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) impacts the 90-day readmission rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data from an integrated health care system, Total Joint Replacement Registry, of adults with RA or OA undergoing unilateral primary THA or TKA during 2009-2011. Adjusted logistic regression models for 90-day readmission were fit. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Study year was an effect modifier for the outcome; therefore separate analyses were conducted for each of the 3 study years. RESULTS: Of the 34,311 patients, 496 had RA and 33,815 had OA. Comparisons of RA and OA patients, respectively, were 73% and 61% women, 45% and 70% white, and patients had a mean age of 61 versus 67 years (P < 0.001). Crude 90-day readmission rates for RA and OA were 8.5% and 6.7%, respectively. The adjusted odds of 90-day readmission increased from year to year for RA compared to OA patients, from 0.89 (95% CI 0.46-1.71) in 2009 to 1.34 (95% CI 0.69-2.61) in 2010, and to 1.74 (95% CI 1.16-2.60) in 2011. The 2 most common readmission reasons were joint prosthesis infection (10.2%) and septicemia (10.2%) in RA and joint prosthesis infection (5.7%) and other postoperative infection (5.1%) in OA. CONCLUSION: RA is a risk factor for 90-day readmission after primary THA or TKA. An increasing risk of readmissions noted in RA in 2011 is concerning and indicates that further studies should examine the reasons for this increasing trend.

Mortality after shoulder arthroplasty.

One year post-operative mortality among patients with primary elective total shoulder arthroplasty (ETSA) and traumatic shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) were compared to the general population of a large healthcare system. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. 614 ETSA patients, 1.0% one year mortality, and 168 TSA patients, 5.4% mortality rate, were evaluated. Patients with ETSA (SMR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-0.7) had lower odds of mortality than expected, while patients with TSA (SMR = 1.8, 95% CI 0.6-3.0) did not have higher than expected odds of mortality compared to the reference population. Understanding excess mortality following shoulder arthroplasty surgery allows providers to evaluate current practices and identify ways to optimize patients prior to surgery.

A 5-22-year follow-up study of stemmed alumina ceramic total elbow arthroplasties with cement fixation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: We determined mid to long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) by use of unlinked elbow prostheses with solid alumina ceramic trochleae, and ceramic ulnar stems (stemmed Kyocera type I; SKC-I) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four elbows of 39 patients were available for detailed clinical and radiographic review after a follow-up period of at least 5 years. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 years (range 5-22 years). Clinical condition before and after surgery was assessed by use of a modified version of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS; 0-100 points) and a Japan Orthopaedic Association Elbow score (JOA score; 0-100 points). The radiographs were reviewed and loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line >1 mm wide that was completely circumferential around the prosthesis. Clinical records of post-operative events affecting the elbows were used for survival analysis of the prostheses using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The average modified MEPS and JOA scores improved significantly from 39.7 ± 14.3 to 44.7 ± 9.4, respectively, pre-operatively, to 89.7 ± 15.4 and 83.1 ± 12.8, respectively, post-operatively (P < 0.0001). The functional assessment score also improved from 4.9 ± 2.8 to 8.5 ± 3.3 points (P < 0.0001). With loosening or implant revision defined as end points, the likelihood of survival of the prosthesis for up to 20 years was 92.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 85.6-100.0) or 86.3 % (95 % CI 75.0-97.6), respectively. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical results were obtained after TEA using SKC-I prostheses, which provided excellent pain relief and functional range of motion. The results of our study reveal the high reliability over a long period of the cemented SKC-I prosthesis with an alumina ceramic component.

Artroplastía total de cadera en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: Alrededor del 15% de los pacientes con coxartrosis secundaria a artritis reumatoide necesitarán un reemplazo total de cadera, el patrón oro en el tratamiento. El objetivo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en reemplazo total de cadera en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, mediante un análisis retrospectivo, con énfasis en las alternativas protésicas y las complicaciones encontradas. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron 48 reemplazos totales de cadera primarios en 40 pacientes (edad promedio 58 años), con un seguimiento promedio de 6 años. Se realizaron 23 reemplazos totales de cadera cementados, 21 híbridos y 4 no cementados. Para el seguimiento, se contó con el examen clínico, la valoración del puntaje de Cadera de Harris y estudios radiológicos a los 21 y 45 días, 3 y 6 meses, al primer año y anualmente. Se evaluaron las zonas de DeLee-Charnley y Gruen para determinar el aflojamiento protésico. Resultados: El puntaje de Harris promedio fue de 29,8 en el preoperatorio y de 82,2 después de la cirugía. La supervivencia de la prótesis a los 5 años fue del 98%. A los 8 años de la cirugía, se agregaron 3 casos adicionales de aflojamiento protésico, y se calculó una supervivencia a mediano plazo del 87,5%. Todos los casos revisados correspondían a implantes protésicos cementados. No hubo signos de aflojamiento radiológico ni clínico en las prótesis híbridas y no cementadas. Conclusiones: El reemplazo total de cadera constituye un procedimiento válido que mejora notablemente la calidad de vida de los pacientes con artritis reumatoide y compromiso grave de las caderas. Los resultados dependen de varios factores: tipo de prótesis, estado clínico y técnica quirúrgica. Coincidiendo con la literatura internacional, la utilización de cotilos no cementados mejora la supervivencia de la prótesis a largo plazo.

Background: Fifteen percent of the patient with osteoarthritis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis will need total hip arthroplasty. The objective is to communicate our experience in total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis through a retrospective analysis, emphasizing the alternative prostheses and complications. Methods: Forty eight primary total hip arthroplasties in 40 patients (mean age 58 years), with average 6-year follow-up were analyzed. Twenty three cemented, 21 hybrids and 4 uncemented total hip arthroplasties were performed. Clinical examination with Harris Hip Score, and radiographic studies at 21 and 45 days, 3, 6, and 12 months, and then annually were used for follow-up. We evaluate areas of DeLee-Charnley and Gruen to determine the prosthetic loosening. Results: Average Harris Hip Score was 29.8 before surgery and 82.2 after it. Prosthetic survival reached 98% at 5 years. Eight years after surgery, three additional cases of prosthetic loosening were detected, and prosthetic survival was 87.5% in the medium term. All patients who needed surgical review had cemented implants. There were no signs of radiographic or clinical loosening in the hybrid and non-cemented prostheses. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty constitutes a valid procedure that improves the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with severe hip compromise. Results depend on several factors, such as type of prosthesis, clinical conditions and surgical technique. As it is published in the international literature, the use of uncemented cups improves prosthetic long-term survival.

Artroplastía total de cadera en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: Alrededor del 15% de los pacientes con coxartrosis secundaria a artritis reumatoide necesitarán un reemplazo total de cadera, el patrón oro en el tratamiento. El objetivo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en reemplazo total de cadera en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, mediante un análisis retrospectivo, con énfasis en las alternativas protésicas y las complicaciones encontradas. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron 48 reemplazos totales de cadera primarios en 40 pacientes (edad promedio 58 años), con un seguimiento promedio de 6 años. Se realizaron 23 reemplazos totales de cadera cementados, 21 híbridos y 4 no cementados. Para el seguimiento, se contó con el examen clínico, la valoración del puntaje de Cadera de Harris y estudios radiológicos a los 21 y 45 días, 3 y 6 meses, al primer año y anualmente. Se evaluaron las zonas de DeLee-Charnley y Gruen para determinar el aflojamiento protésico. Resultados: El puntaje de Harris promedio fue de 29,8 en el preoperatorio y de 82,2 después de la cirugía. La supervivencia de la prótesis a los 5 años fue del 98%. A los 8 años de la cirugía, se agregaron 3 casos adicionales de aflojamiento protésico, y se calculó una supervivencia a mediano plazo del 87,5%. Todos los casos revisados correspondían a implantes protésicos cementados. No hubo signos de aflojamiento radiológico ni clínico en las prótesis híbridas y no cementadas. Conclusiones: El reemplazo total de cadera constituye un procedimiento válido que mejora notablemente la calidad de vida de los pacientes con artritis reumatoide y compromiso grave de las caderas. Los resultados dependen de varios factores: tipo de prótesis, estado clínico y técnica quirúrgica. Coincidiendo con la literatura internacional, la utilización de cotilos no cementados mejora la supervivencia de la prótesis a largo plazo.(AU)

Background: Fifteen percent of the patient with osteoarthritis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis will need total hip arthroplasty. The objective is to communicate our experience in total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis through a retrospective analysis, emphasizing the alternative prostheses and complications. Methods: Forty eight primary total hip arthroplasties in 40 patients (mean age 58 years), with average 6-year follow-up were analyzed. Twenty three cemented, 21 hybrids and 4 uncemented total hip arthroplasties were performed. Clinical examination with Harris Hip Score, and radiographic studies at 21 and 45 days, 3, 6, and 12 months, and then annually were used for follow-up. We evaluate areas of DeLee-Charnley and Gruen to determine the prosthetic loosening. Results: Average Harris Hip Score was 29.8 before surgery and 82.2 after it. Prosthetic survival reached 98% at 5 years. Eight years after surgery, three additional cases of prosthetic loosening were detected, and prosthetic survival was 87.5% in the medium term. All patients who needed surgical review had cemented implants. There were no signs of radiographic or clinical loosening in the hybrid and non-cemented prostheses. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty constitutes a valid procedure that improves the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with severe hip compromise. Results depend on several factors, such as type of prosthesis, clinical conditions and surgical technique. As it is published in the international literature, the use of uncemented cups improves prosthetic long-term survival.(AU)

Pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of synovial joints, and pain is the predominant problem for people with RA. Pain in RA is distressing in its own right and adversely affects disability and psychosocial outcomes. RA pain may be due to joint inflammation and also augmented by central sensitization and structural joint damage. Noninflammatory pain mechanisms may confound the assessment of disease activity in RA, and treatment should aim to both suppress inflammatory disease and relieve pain symptoms. Effective treatment stratification requires a full assessment of pain mechanisms by clinical history and examination, as well as objective assessment of synovitis and joint damage. Biologic therapies and joint replacement surgery have major impacts on RA pain, but may only be available to those with most severe or advanced disease. Holistic approaches to pain management are indicated, including pharmacologic analgesia where randomized controlled trials (RCTs) offer evidence of efficacy.

Ex vivo soft-laser treatment inhibits the synovial expression of vimentin and α-enolase, potential autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Soft-laser therapy has been used to treat rheumatic diseases for decades. The major effects of laser treatment may be dependent not on thermal mechanisms but rather on cellular, photochemical mechanisms. However, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms of action have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the ex vivo effects of low-level laser treatment (with physical parameters similar to those applied previously) on protein expression in the synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DESIGN: Synovial tissues were laser irradiated, and protein expression was analyzed. METHODS: Synovial membrane samples obtained from 5 people who had RA and were undergoing knee surgery were irradiated with a near-infrared diode laser at a dose of 25 J/cm(2) (a dose used in clinical practice). Untreated synovial membrane samples obtained from the same people served as controls. Synovial protein expression was assessed with 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The expression of 12 proteins after laser irradiation was different from that in untreated controls. Laser treatment resulted in the decreased expression of α-enolase in 2 samples and of vimentin and precursors of haptoglobin and complement component 3 in 4 samples. The expression of other proteins, including 70-kDa heat shock protein, 96-kDa heat shock protein, lumican, osteoglycin, and ferritin, increased after laser therapy. LIMITATIONS: The relatively small sample size was a limitation of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Laser irradiation (with physical parameters similar to those used previously) resulted in decreases in both α-enolase and vimentin expression in the synovial membrane in RA. Both proteins have been considered to be important autoantigens that are readily citrullinated and drive autoimmunity in RA. Other proteins that are expressed differently also may be implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. Our results raise the possibility that low-level laser treatment of joints affected with RA may be effective, at least in part, by suppressing the expression of autoantigens. Further studies are needed.

Is alumina-on-alumina ceramic bearings total hip replacement the right choice in patients younger than 50 years of age? A 7- to 15-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: The alumina-on-alumina bearing couple in total hip replacement seems to be well adapted for young and active patients because of the absence of wear and the rarity of osteolysis. Over the long term, doubts persist as to the cementless cup fixation and on the functioning of this bearing system because of possible acoustic emissions during use. HYPOTHESIS: In young subjects, the ceramic-on-ceramic bearing system limits wear and osteolysis occurrences, without exposing patients to serious side effects. MATERIAL AND MEHTODS: We report the results, with between 7 and 15 years of follow-up, for 32mm-diameter alumina-on-alumina implants in 76 patients younger than 50 years of age (83 hips), combining cementless press-fit hemispheric cups with titanium stems, [either cemented (63 Osteal™ stems) or cementless (20 Multicône™ stems)], with particular attention paid to cup fixation and noise emissions during implant function. First-generation or Cerafit trellis™ acetabular components had a riveted titanium mesh (31 cases), whereas the most recent (Cerafit hydroxyapatite [HA]™) cups had a porous surface coated with hydroxyapatite (52 cases). RESULTS: Three cases of aseptic loosening of the cemented stems were observed as well as late migration of a Cerafit trellis™ cup in the 12th postoperative year. One ceramic insert broke in the eighth postoperative year. With the exception of one case, the patients, questioned retrospectively, reported no audible noise. With aseptic loosening (revised or not), the criterion for failure, the 12-year survival rate was 91±11% for the Cerafit trellis™ acetabular components and 91±16% for the cemented Osteal™ stems. The 9- and 7-year survival rates for the Cerafit HA™ cups and the Multicône™ stems, respectively, were 100%. Including all revisions for any cause, the 10-year survival rate of the entire series was 92%±11%. DISCUSSION: Despite the absence of wear and osteolysis, the long-term survival of these implants in young subjects should be improved. Although longer follow-up is necessary to formulate a definitive opinion, we tend to prefer cementless stem and cup fixation in ceramic-on-ceramic bearing systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 retrospective study.

The Bi-Surface total knee arthroplasty: minimum 10-year follow-up study.

The Bi-Surface Knee System (Japan Medical Material, Kyoto, Japan), which has a unique ball-and-socket joint and whose femoral component is made from alumina ceramic, was designed to improve deep knee flexion and long-term durability after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of a minimum 10-year follow-up. Between 1989 and 1997, 507 total knee arthroplasties were carried out in 371 patients. Forty three patients (56 knees) were lost to follow-up. The mean age of the patients at operation was 68.5 years, and the patients were followed up for a mean of 11.7 years. The knees were evaluated on the basis of Knee Society knee score and functional score, radiographs, and Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis. The knee score was improved from 38.9+/-17.4 points preoperatively to 93.3+/-7.8 points at the latest follow-up (p<0.001). The functional score was improved from 34.9+/-19.3 points to 52.7+/-24.1 points (p<0.001). The mean range of flexion was improved from 118.7+/-21.7 degrees to 124.2+/-20.8 degrees (p<0.001). The critical angle, which means the border to gain more range of flexion postoperatively, was 130.1 degrees. Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 10-year was 95.9% with any operation or radiographic failure as the end point. The corresponding rate was 97.4% with revision of any component as the end point. No ceramic component fracture occurred. The present study demonstrates that good range of flexion was maintained for a long time after total knee arthroplasty with excellent durability. The Bi-Surface Knee System appears to have achieved its design objectives.

A cost-utility analysis of nonsurgical management, total wrist arthroplasty, and total wrist arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: Management of end-stage rheumatoid wrist disease remains controversial. Total wrist arthrodesis provides reliable pain relief and stability and is the most commonly applied management strategy. Total wrist arthroplasty is a motion-preserving alternative that is gaining popularity. The purpose of this study was to perform a cost-utility analysis comparing nonsurgical management, total wrist arthroplasty, and total wrist arthrodesis for the rheumatoid wrist. METHODS: A time trade-off utility survey was developed to investigate patient and physician preferences for the potential outcomes of total wrist arthroplasty and total wrist arthrodesis. The study sample consisted of rheumatoid patients (N = 49) recruited as part of an ongoing prospective study and a national random sample of hand surgeons and rheumatologists (N = 109). A decision tree was created using utility values derived from the survey, and the expected quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for each procedure were determined. Using the societal perspective, costs were based on the Medicare fee schedules for the Current Procedural Terminology codes associated with total wrist arthroplasty and total wrist arthrodesis and their potential complications. Costs per QALY were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Patients and physicians both showed a preference for surgical management over nonsurgical management. Application of cost data indicated that the incremental cost per additional QALY gained for total wrist arthroplasty over nonsurgical management was $2,281 and the incremental cost per QALY gained with total wrist arthroplasty over total wrist arthrodesis was $2,328, which is substantially less than the national standard of $50,000/QALY deemed acceptable for adoption. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of rigorous outcome data, cost-utility analysis is a useful tool to guide treatment decisions. Total wrist arthroplasty and total wrist arthrodesis are both extremely cost-effective procedures. This study incorporated patient and physician utilities to demonstrate that total wrist arthroplasty has only a small incremental cost over the traditional total wrist arthrodesis procedure. Based on this economic model, total wrist arthroplasty may be worthy of further consideration, and cost should not be considered prohibitive. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Decision Analysis II.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty using a spongy metal surface hip prosthesis with a collarless, proximally porous-coated stem.

A collarless, proximally porous-coated type of Spongiosa Metal II hip prosthesis was used for cementless total hip arthroplasty in 52 hips, and 48 hips were followed and assessed during a mean follow-up period of 6.3 years (minimum 5 years). There were 8 hips (16.7%) that had stress shielding, and 2 hips (4.2%) that had thigh pain. In terms of stability, the stem was bony stable in 39 hips, fibrous stable in 6, and unstable in 3. The stability of the stem was significantly correlated with the stem canal filling ratio. It was suggested that the much more proximal transfer of loading stress by a collarless, proximally porous-coated stem is not suitable for the Spongiosa Metal II series because it may unacceptably reduce the stability of the stem.