Sexual activity after short-stem total hip arthroplasty. Does stem size matter?

BACKGROUND: Sexual activity is an important component of quality of life. To date, no studies have examined the impact of stem design on return to sexual activity (RTS) and quality of sex life after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A questionnaire was designed to assess preoperative and postoperative sexual habits, joint awareness and physical activity in working-age patients undergoing short-stem (n = 176) or straight-stem (n = 97) THA. RESULTS: No differences were noted in time until RTS based on the stem design (short stems vs. straight stems; 6 [IQR: 4-10] vs. 6 [4-10] weeks; p = 0.996). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher patient BMI (p = 0.04), female gender (p < 0.001) and lower FJS-12 (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with delayed RTS. Improved hip mobility and reduced pain mainly contribute to improved quality of sexual activity postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study, hence, indicates that stem design has no impact on time until resumption of sexual activity in patients < 65 years. Female obese individuals who are aware of their artificial joint in daily life are at increased risk of delayed RTS after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Restoration of hip geometry after total hip arthroplasty: retrospective comparison of two short stems and one straight stem.

BACKGROUND: The preservation or restoration of hip geometry following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is of importance, considering that alterations in the centrum-collum-diaphysis (CCD)-angle, femoral offset (FO), acetabular offset (AO) and total offset (TO) change hip biomechanics. Therefore, the most suitable implant should be used. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of two short-stem-systems and one straight-stem-system to reconstruct hip geometry. METHODS: Two-hundred-fifty-one patients (mean age: 62.0 ± 10.0 years; 51.8% males) undergoing THA with three different stem types were retrospectively included, after excluding 11 patients with missing radiological follow-up. Pre- and postoperative radiographic images (group I, ANA.NOVA Alpha Schaft Proxy®, ImplanTec, 12 options: n = 99; group II, Optimys® Mathys, 24 options: n = 62; group III: Corail®-System, DePuy-Synthes, 76 options: n = 90) were analyzed. Differences in pre- and postoperative hip geometry (i.e. CCD, FO, AO, TO) were compared between groups with one-way-analysis-of-variance (ANOVA), and post-hoc t-tests. RESULTS: The CCD-angle increased by a mean of 8.4° ± 7.2° from pre-to postoperative, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.097). Significantly larger increases in FO were observed for groups II (4.1 mm ± 7.8 mm) and III (4.9 ± 7.2 mm), in comparison to group I (1.6 ± 6.9 mm; p = 0.006). AO decreased by a mean of 2.2 ± 4.5 mm, with the largest decrease observed in group III (-3.3 ± 5.3 mm), and the smallest for group I (-1.4 ± 3.6 mm; p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in change of TO between groups (p = 0.177). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of hip geometry using a single-version novel short-stem-system is achievable with comparable results to stem-systems offering multiple options.

Pre-operative templating in THA using a short stem system: precision and accuracy of 2D versus 3D planning method.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most successful orthopaedic surgery of the past century. The current study aimed to compare the accuracy of digital planning using 2D versus 3D templating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five THAs in 90 patients were included in the current study. Pre- and post-operative X-rays (in two planes) and low-dose rotation computed tomography scans from hip to foot were performed. Paired t-test and regression analyses were conducted to compare 2D and 3D templating accuracy of the definitive implant. RESULTS: Cup size planned both with 2D (p < 0.0001) and 3D (p = 0.012) templating was significantly different from the definitively used cup size. The difference between the 2D-planned and implanted stem size (p < 0.0001) was statistically significant. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the 3D-planned and implanted stem size (p = 0.181). Three-dimensional templating showed significantly higher accuracy than 2D templating in terms of cup size (1.1 ± 1.4 versus 1.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.007) and stem size (0.3 ± 0.6 versus 0.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001). With increasing body mass index (BMI), 2D templating of the stem became more inaccurate (p = 0.041). Remarkably, 3D templating remained accurate for all components (stem, p = 0.533; cup, p = 0.479) despite increasing BMI. CONCLUSION: Despite extended planning time and increased exposure to radiation, 3D-based planning showed higher accuracy than 2D templating, especially in obese patients. On the basis of our results, we believe that 3D-based pre-operative planning in THA is justifiable and beneficial in patients with increased BMI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Patients with hip fracture and total hip arthroplasty surgery differ in anthropometric, but not cardiovascular screening abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: With the rising number of hip surgeries, simple and cost-effective tools for surgery risk assessment are warranted. The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) may not only provide critical insights into the general frailty of patients with hip surgery, but also allow for better differentiation of health profiles in different hip surgery groups. Using HRV analysis, the present study compared cardiovascular as well as anthropometric parameters between patients with hip surgery, the hip fracture surgery group (HFS) and the total hip arthroplasty group (THA), and a control group. METHODS: 71 participants (56.3% women), aged 60-85 years, took part, divided into three groups-patients after hip surgery (21 HFS and 30 THA patients) and a control group (20 participants). Electrocardiogram was recorded at baseline and after the application of a physical stressor (grip strength). A 3 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVA, and a chi square test were carried out to test for group differences. RESULTS: Higher weight (p = .002), body mass index (p = .001), and systolic blood pressure (p = .034) were found in THA patients compared to HFS patients. Lower calf circumference (p = .009) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .048) were observed for the HFS group compared to the control group. For cardiovascular parameters, significant differences emerged between the HFS group and the control group in HR (p = .005), SDNN (p = .034) and SD2 (p = .012). No significant differences in cardiovascular parameters were observed between the two hip surgery groups: neither at baseline nor during stressor recovery. CONCLUSIONS: While HRV seems to differentiate well between HFS patients and controls, more research with larger samples is needed to scrutinize similaritites and differences in cardiovascular profiles between HFS and THA patients.

The accuracy of digital templating in uncemented total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative planning is an essential part of total hip arthroplasty (THA). It facilitates the surgical procedure, helps to provide the correct implant size and aims at restoring biomechanical conditions. In recent times, surgeons rely more and more on digital templating techniques. Although the conversion to picture archiving and communication system had many positive effects, there are still problems that have to be taken into consideration. OBJECTIVES: The core objective was to evaluate the impact of the planners' experience on the accuracy of predicting component size in digital preoperative templating of THA. In addition, the influence of overweight and obesity (according to WHO-criteria), patient's sex and component design on the accuracy of preoperative planning have been analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 632 consecutive patients who had primary uncemented THA. Digital templating was done using "syngo-EndoMap" software by Siemens Medical Solutions AG. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test have been used for statistical analysis. The accuracy of predicting component size has been evaluated by comparing preoperative planned sizes with implanted sizes as documented by the surgeons. The planner's experience was tested by comparing the reliability of preoperative planning done by senior surgeons or residents. The influence of BMI on predicting component size has been tested by comparing the accuracy of digital templating between different groups of BMI according to WHO-criteria. The same procedure has been done for evaluating the impact of patient´s sex and component design. RESULTS: The implant size was predicted exactly in 42% for the femoral and in 37% for the acetabular component. 87% of the femoral components and 78% of the acetabular cups were accurate within one size. Digital templating of femoral implant size was significantly more reliable when done by a senior surgeon. No difference was found for the acetabular component sizes. The BMI also had an impact on estimating the correct femoral implant size. In overweight patients, planning was significantly more inaccurate than normal weight people. Differences were seen in obese patients. However, these were not significant. Accuracy of acetabular components was not affected. The design of the prostheses and the patient's sex had no influence on predicting component size. CONCLUSIONS: Inexperience and overweight are factors that correlate with inaccuracy of preoperative digital templating in femoral components, whereas acetabular components seem to be independent of these factors.

Pain in fibrous dysplasia: relationship with anatomical and clinical features.

Background and purpose - Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare bone disorder associated with pain, deformities, and pathological fractures. The pathophysiological mechanism of FD-related pain remains ill-understood. We evaluated the degree of pain and the potential contributory factors in 2 patient cohorts from Austria and the Netherlands. Patients and methods - 197 patients (16-85 years) with FD (Graz n = 105, Leiden n = 92) completed a survey concerning the presence and severity of pain at their FD site. Sex, age, type of FD, and localization of FD lesions were examined for a relationship with the presence and severity of pain. Results - Of 197 patients from the combined cohort (61% female, mean age 49 (SD 16) years, 76% monostotic) who completed the questionnaires, 91 (46%) reported pain at sites of FD lesions. Severity of pain was higher in patients with lesions of the lower extremities and ribs compared with upper extremity or craniofacial lesions. Severe subtypes of FD (polyostotic/McCune-Albright syndrome) were more often associated with pain, often severe. Interpretation - Our data suggest that almost 50% of patients with FD report pain at FD sites, thus representing a major clinical manifestation of the disorder, importantly also in patients with monostotic lesions. Lesions in lower extremities and ribs were more painful.

Survival Rate of Short-Stem Hip Prostheses: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Studies and National Arthroplasty Registers.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to evaluate the outcome of short-stem hip prostheses in terms of overall revision rates. Data were taken from published literature and national arthroplasty registers. The second study aim was to evaluate a potentially superior outcome of dependent compared to independent clinical studies. METHODS: All clinical studies on short-stem hip prostheses between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed and evaluated with a special interest on revision rates. Revision rate was calculated as "revision per 100 component years." Short stems were divided into femoral neck retaining (NR), neck sparing (NS), and neck harming (NH) prostheses. Published literature was further classified into dependent and independent studies, and data were compared to the Australian National Arthroplasty Register. RESULTS: Fifty-two studies with 56 cohorts met the inclusion criteria and were therefore included in our study. All clinical studies showed a median revision rate of 4.8% after 10 years. NS and NH stems performed equally, whereas neck retaining prostheses were significantly inferior. Independent showed higher revision rates compared to dependent data without being statistically significant. The Australian register revealed a revision rate of 6.6% after one decade. CONCLUSION: Similar low revision rates for NS and NH short-stem prostheses were found in the included data. Dependent studies seem not to be biased with regard to the longevity of short-stem hip replacement. Longer follow-up periods in clinical studies and more detailed information in arthroplasty registers would be desirable for future studies.

Adverse reactions of artificial bone graft substitutes: lessons learned from using tricalcium phosphate geneX®.

BACKGROUND: Artificial bone graft substitutes are widely used to fill bony defects after curettage of benign tumors. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of one such bone graft substitute, geneX®, which contains tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate; however, during the course of this study we observed a high number of complications. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The primary aim of this prospective series was assessment of the effectiveness of geneX® concerning resorption profile and bone healing and remodeling after surgery. We present the types and frequencies of complications observed in patients treated for bone tumors by curettage and filling the defect using geneX®. METHODS: We planned to study 40 patients; however, after enrollment of the first 31 patients, the study was stopped as a result of serious complications. There were 20 female and 11 male patients with a mean age at surgery of 40 years (range, 6­71 years). Plain radiographs were obtained at different intervals during followup and CT scans were obtained 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Complications were assessed using a 5-point scale according to Goslings and Gouma. RESULTS: Five of the 31 patients (16%) had complications develop after surgery. In three cases, a sterile inflammation adjacent to the geneX® occurred, with delayed wound healing in two patients and local pain. In the third patient, geneX® produced moderate to severe skin damage in the area of the scar, needing revision surgery. In two other patients, inflammatory cystic formations developed in the soft tissues with sizes up to 15 cm, which gradually reduced in size with time. Overall, there were four Grade 1 complications and one Grade 2 according to Goslings and Gouma. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded from this series of patients that geneX® causes soft tissue inflammation and pain with its use. Based on this experience we believe that this type of bone substitute should not be used in the treatment of bony defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Paley's multiplier method does not accurately predict adult height in children with bone sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are diagnosed before skeletal maturity. Paley's multiplier is used for height prediction in healthy children, and has been suggested as a method to make growth predictions for children with osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma when considering limb salvage options. To our knowledge, no evaluation of this method in this particular patient group has been performed, but a temporary growth deficit has been observed in children undergoing chemotherapy. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether (1) Paley's formula reliably predicts growth in children who received polychemotherapy; (2) chemotherapy impairs growth velocity; and (3) final adult height is impaired in these patients. METHODS: Retrospectively, data for 94 patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma were retrieved from databases of two sarcoma centers. Onset before 14 years of age in girls and 16 years in boys and a minimum followup until 18 years were required (mean, 67 months; range, 31-124 months) criteria. Exclusion criteria were the intake of growth hormones or no chemotherapy. Thirty-three patients (35%) fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Predicted adult heights were compared with actual adult height. The development of a growth deficit was evaluated for 23 children (without chemotherapy for recurrence) using age- and gender-specific standard deviation scores for height (WHO Z-scores). RESULTS: Height prediction using Paley's method showed a high percentage of false predictions (outside ± 1 SD, 70%; outside ± 2 SD, 61%). On average, the mean total height of the patients was overestimated (2.3 cm). The median absolute error of prediction was 5.0 cm (range, -17 to 8). Patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma showed a significant growth impairment during polychemotherapy. A catchup phase in growth before skeletal maturity was observed in patients with osteosarcoma but not with Ewing's sarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to its lack of reliability in this patient group, methods other than Paley's should be evaluated to predict adult height. Although limited by a small number of patients, our study results indicate a decreased adult height in patients with bone sarcoma after chemotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical therapy of primary malignant bone tumours and soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall: a two-institutional experience.

PURPOSE: Primary malignant bone tumours and soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall are exceedingly rare entities. The aim of this study was a retrospective two-institutional analysis of surgical therapy with respect to the kind and amount of the resection performed, the type of reconstruction and the oncological outcome. METHODS: Between September 1999 and August 2010 31 patients (seven women and 24 men) were treated due to a primary malignant bone tumour or soft tissue sarcoma of the chest wall in two centres. Eight low-grade sarcomas were noted as well as 23 highly malignant sarcomas. The tumours originated from the sternum in six cases, from the ribs in 12 cases, from the soft tissues of the thoracic wall in 11 cases and from a vertebral body and the clavicle in one case each. RESULTS: In 26 cases wide resection margins were achieved, while four were intralesional and one was marginal. In all 31 cases the defect of the chest wall was reconstructed using mesh grafts. At a mean follow-up of 51 months 20 patients were without evidence of disease, three were alive with disease, seven patients had died and one patient was lost to follow-up. One recurrence was detected after wide resection of a malignant triton tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Primary malignant bone tumour or soft tissue sarcoma of the chest wall should be treated according to the same surgical oncological principles as established for the extremities. Reconstruction with mesh grafts and musculocutaneous flaps is associated with a low morbidity.

The modified Harrington procedure for metastatic peri-acetabular bone destruction.

PURPOSE: We describe the outcome in a series of patients treated for metastatic peri-actetabular and iliac bone destruction using a modified technique of Harrington's procedure. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2012, nine patients with a mean age of 62.2 years (42-75 years) were treated using a modified Harrington technique. Thereby, total hip replacement implants augmented by two to three threaded pins and cement were used to restore bony continuity of the pelvis and to achieve a stable construction allowing immediate full-weight bearing mobilisation. RESULTS: Acetabular destruction was graded according to Harrington's classification of peri-acetabular metastatic destruction, as class IV in one case, class III in six, and class II in two cases. The pre-operative ASA score ranged from II-IV. There were no intra-operative deaths or major complications such as excessive haemorrhage, deep infections, lesions of the femoral nerve, loss of fixation, or dislocations at final follow-up. Eight patients achieved an improvement of their functional status postoperatively. One reconstruction required revision and four patients died due to their underlying disease ten to 36 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: We found this technique an effective, reproducible, and long-lasting method to relieve pain and improve or restore function in patients with destructive metastatic lesions of the peri-acetabular bone and the iliac wing. Although we performed surgery even in severely ill patients with extended, generalised metastatic disease we had no intra- or postoperative death and observed no major complications.

Central low-grade osteosarcoma with an unusual localization in the diaphysis of a 12-year old patient.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade central osteosarcoma is a very rare subtype of osteosarcoma with a predilection for the metaphysis of long bones and a peak incidence in the 3(rd) decade of life. Absence of specific clinical symptoms and a good prognosis after wide resection are the characteristics of this entity. Chemotherapy is not indicated in this highly differentiated tumour. CASE REPORT: A 12-year old girl presented with limping, swelling and pain in the mid of the left femur. Radiography showed a 12 cm long intraosseous expansion with lamellated periosteal reaction and contrast medium enhancement in MRI. Although radiology led to the differential diagnoses of Ewing's sarcoma, osteomyelitis and fibrous dysplasia, the histological specimen showed a hyopocellular spindle-cell proliferation arranged in fascicles with mild cytologic atypia and only single mitotic figures. In synopsis with radiology the diagnosis of low-grade central osteosarcoma was made and confirmed by reference pathology. The tumour was resected with wide margins and reconstruction was performed with a vascularized fibula, a homologous allograft and a plate. Staging was negative for recurrence and metastasis at a follow-up of 16 months. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade osteosarcoma accounts for only 1% of all osteosarcomas with a peak incidence in the 3(rd) decade. The diaphyseal localization and the young age make this case special. To achieve the correct diagnosis of this rare low-grade entity and thereby the adequate treatment, despite a wide range of differential diagnoses, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.

Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty with Straight-Stems and Short-Stems: Does the Short One Do a Better Job?

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is known to be the most successful orthopaedic surgery of the last century, but it is still struggling with controversies concerning one-stage bilateral THA. The current study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patients with unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA by using short-stem and straight-stem designs and focusing on operation time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay (LOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2018, 92 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-six patients underwent a bilateral THA in one session, and forty-six matched patients underwent a unilateral THA. In each of the two groups (unilateral vs. bilateral), 23 patients received either a straight (unilateral: 10 females, 13 males, mean age 63; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, mean age 53 years) or short stem (unilateral: 11 females, 12 males, mean age 60 years; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, 53 mean age 62 years). The blood count was checked preoperatively as well as one and three days after surgery. Furthermore, the operation time and LOS were investigated. RESULTS: Compared to THA with straight-stems, short-stem THA showed significantly less blood loss; there was no difference in the LOS of both groups. A significantly shorter operative time was only observed in the bilateral THA. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that simultaneous bilateral THA appears to be safe and reliable in patients without multiple comorbidities. In addition, short-stem THA appears to be beneficial in terms of clinical performance and outcome, and it appears to be superior to straight-stem THA, regardless of whether the patient underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA.

Femoral Anteversion in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Retrospective Comparison of Short- and Straight-Stem Models Using CT Scans.

Data on reconstruction of the femoral anteversion (FA) and the center of rotation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare. We aimed to answer whether a short-stem fixation enables improved anatomical reconstruction of the FA compared to a straight-stem. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent short- (n = 89, group A, prospective) or straight-stem THA (n = 41, group B, retrospective) were included. CT scans of the hip, knee, and ankle were performed pre- and postoperatively in group A and in group B during the last follow-up. Femoral torsion was determined using three-dimensional models. RESULTS: The mean preoperative FA was 22.4° ± 11.0°, and the mean postoperative FA was 23.4° ± 10.1°. The relative difference was -0.8° ± 8°, and the absolute difference was 6.4° ± 4.9°. Gender analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative FA between female (f) and male (m) patients (28.1° ± 11.2° (f) vs. 18.4° ± 8.3° (m); p > 0.001) as well as in postoperative FA (26.7° ± 23.5° (f) vs. 21.0° ± 9.7° (m); p < 0.007) in group A. Postoperative FA was higher in group A (mean 6.8°; 23.9° ± 10.1° (f) vs. 16.6° ± 8.6° (m); p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings suggest that short-stem THA leads to improved anatomical FA reconstruction; however, a substantial postoperative gender-related FA difference was detectable, which may warrant consideration by surgeons when determining the final stem anteversion. It should be noted that the impact of the postoperative gender-related FA difference on clinical outcomes is not entirely clear, and further research is warranted to elucidate this relationship.

No adverse affect after harvesting of free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps on gait function.

The aim of this study was to analyze gait function and muscular strength on donor site after harvesting of a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap. Nine patients with a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 7-59) and a mean resection length of the middle portion of the fibula of 18.0 cm (range, 14.0-23.0) underwent an instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis to evaluate gait function. Furthermore, CYBEX II extremity system was used for muscular strength measurements. Subjective muscle strength measurements were performed according to Kendall et al. and were classified according to the British Medical Research Council. Intraindividual comparison between the operated and the nonoperated leg revealed no significant differences for gait function parameters (cadence, velocity, and stride length, P > 1.00) and for muscular strength measurements for flexion (knee: P = 0.93, ankle: P = 0.54) and extension (knee: P = 0.97, ankle: P= 0.21), respectively. In conclusion, intraindividual comparison of the operated and nonoperated sides after harvesting of the middle portion of the fibula for gaining a free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap has no adverse affect on gait function or muscular flexion and extension strength on donor site at a mean follow-up of 33 months.

Failure rate of a rotating hinge knee design due to yoke fracture of the hinged tibial insert: a retrospective data analysis and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Rotating hinge knee prostheses are known to provide inherent stability. Yoke fractures of the hinged tibial insert of modern generation rotating hinge devices are a matter of continued concern. The aim of this study was to describe incidence and management of yoke fracture of the LPS™ hinged tibial insert. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of two institutions identified 40 patients with a LPS™ total knee arthroplasty. Implant survival and prosthetic complications was calculated according to Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: Out of the group of 40 patients, four fractures of the metal yoke occurred in four cases (failure rate: 10%). Furthermore, a second fracture occurred in two patients. The overall revision-free prosthetic survival was 57% at 38 months, while prosthetic survival until yoke fracture was 86% at 38 months. CONCLUSION: Handling yoke fractures as mechanical complication includes replacing the hinged insert, stabilization of the joint and joint line height preservation in order to decrease the cantilever effect at the insert-base plate interface.

Serum metal ion levels after rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty: comparison between a standard device and a megaprosthesis.

PURPOSE: The effects of systemic metal ion exposure in patients with implants made of common prosthetic alloys continue to be a matter of concern. The aim of the study was to determine the measurement values of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Blood was taken from 25 patients [mean follow-up 35 (range nine to 67) months] treated with megaprostheses (n=17) or standard rotating-hinge devices (n=8) and analysed using electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-ASS). RESULTS: Determining the concentrations of metal ions following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty revealed increments for Co and Cr but not Mo. Metal ion release was significantly higher in patients with megaprostheses compared to a standard rotating-hinge knee device (Co p=0,024; Cr p=0.025). CONCLUSION: The authors believe there might be an additional metal ion release from the surface of the prosthesis and not only from the articulating surfaces because, in cases of rotating-hinge knee prosthesis, there is a metal-on-polyethylene articulation and not a direct metal-on-metal junction. Nevertheless, long-term studies are required to determine adverse effects of Co, Cr and Mo following total hip replacement and total knee arthroplasty.

Three-year migration analysis of a new metaphyseal anchoring short femoral stem in THA using EBRA-FCA.

Cementless calcar-guided femoral short stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have become increasingly popular over the years. Early distal migration of femoral stems measured by Einzel-Bild-Roentgen Analyse, Femoral Component Analyse (EBRA-FCA) has been reported to be a risk factor for aseptic loosening. The aim of this study was to analyse axial migration behavior and subsidence of a new short stem (launched in 2015) over a follow-up period of 3 years. According to the study protocol, 100 hip osteoarthritis patients who consecutively received an unilateral cementless calcar-guided short stem (ANA.NOVA proxy) at a single department were prospectively included in this mid-term follow-up study. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in 87 patients with unilateral THA who fulfilled the criteria for migration analysis with EBRA-FCA. The cohort comprised 41 males (mean age: 60 ± 16.5; mean BMI (Body Mass Index): 30 ± 13) and 46 females (mean age: 61 ± 15.5; mean BMI: 27 ± 10). Seven standardized radiographs per patient were analyzed with EBRA-FCA. An average migration of 2.0 mm (0.95-3.35) was observed within the first 3 years. The median increase during the first year was higher than in the second and third year (1.2 mm [IQR: 0.5-2.15] vs. 0.3 mm [IQR: 0.1-0.6 mm] vs. 0.25 mm [IQR: 0.1-0.5 mm]. Detected migration did not lead to stem loosening, instability, dislocation, or revision surgery in any patient. A higher risk for subsidence was observed in male and heavyweight patients, whereas the female gender was associated with a lower risk. No correlation between migration and revision could be observed. Although moderate subsidence was detectable, the performance of the short stem ANA.NOVA proxy is encouraging. Yet, its use may be re-considered in overweight and male patients due to more pronounced subsidence.

Auto-aggressive metallic mercury injection around the knee joint: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Accidental or intentional subcutaneous and/or intramuscular injection of metallic mercury is an uncommon form of poisoning. Although it does not carry the same risk as mercury vapour inhalation, it may cause destructive early and late reactions. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we present the case of a 29-year-old male patient who developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder causing auto-aggressive behaviour with injection of elemental mercury and several other foreign bodies into the soft tissues around the left knee about 15 years before initial presentation. For clinical examination X-rays and a CT-scan of the affected area were performed. Furthermore, blood was taken to determine the mercury concentration in the blood, which showed a concentration 17-fold higher than recommended. As a consequence, the mercury depots and several foreign bodies were resected marginally. CONCLUSION: Blood levels of mercury will decrease rapidly following surgery, especially in combination with chelating therapy. In case of subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of metallic mercury we recommend marginal or wide excision of all contaminated tissue to prevent migration of mercury and chronic inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged clinical and biochemical monitoring should be performed for several years to screen for chronic intoxication.

Short-stem total hip arthroplasty is not associated with an earlier return to work compared to a straight-stem design.

Return to work (RTW) has been specifically identified as a high priority in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). This investigation sought to assess the effect of the stem design on patients' RTW. Secondly, the study aimed to identify risk factors that lead to a delayed RTW. Questionnaires inquiring about RTW, employment history, educational level, type of work, physical demands and joint awareness were administered by post. Further data were collected from patients' hospital records. 176 patients who underwent THA using a short-stem and 97 patients using a straight-stem design were compared. The median return to work time was 10 weeks [IQR 7-14 weeks], with no significant difference between the two groups (short stems vs. straight stems; 10 [IQR 7-14] vs. 11 [7.5-13.5] weeks; p = 0.693). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, self-employment vs. employee (p = 0.001), dimension of preoperative workload (p = 0.001), preoperative sick leave (p < 0.001), and hospital length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001) independently affected the period until work was resumed. The Forgotten-Joint-Score-12 showed no significant difference between the two groups. The data show that the majority of THA patients can expect to resume work and stem design has no impact on RTW. Employees with preoperative sick leave, prolonged hospital LOS and low workload are at higher risk for a delayed RTW.