Comparable dislocation and revision rates for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with subsequent or prior lumbar spinal fusion: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a known correlation between the procedures of lumbar spinal fusion (LSF), total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the complication of hip dislocation and revision occurring in patients. However there is no consensus as to whether the risk of this complication is higher if THA is performed before or after LSF. This meta-analysis aims to determine the influence of surgical sequence of lumbar spinal fusion and total hip arthroplasty on the rates of hip dislocation and revisions. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with a multi-database search (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Medline) according to PRISMA guidelines on 27th May 2020. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model. FINDINGS: A total of 25,558 subsequent LSF and 43,880 prior LSF THA patients were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause revisions (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.48-1.54, p = 0.61), dislocation (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.25-2.72, p = 0.75) or aseptic loosening (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.94-1.38, p = 0.17) when comparing patients receiving LSF subsequent versus prior to THA. CONCLUSION: Lumbar spinal fusion remains a risk factor for dislocation and revision of total hip arthroplasties regardless of whether it is performed prior to or after THA. Further preoperative assessment and altered surgical technique may be required in patients having THA who have previously undergone or are likely to undergo LSF in the future. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of homogeneous studies.

Clinical outcomes and complication profile of total hip arthroplasty after lumbar spine fusion: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hip and spine pathology can alter the biomechanics of spino-pelvic mobility. Lumbar spine fusions can reduce the mobility of the lumbar spine and therefore result in compensatory femoral motion, contributing towards dislocations of THA. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aims to determine the effect of pre-existing spine fusions on THA outcomes, and complication profile including hip dislocations, all-cause revisions and all complications. METHODS: A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies that compared patients who underwent THA with and without prior SF were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in this review, consisting of 28,396 SF THA patients and 1,550,291 non-SF THA patients. There were statistically significant higher rates of hip dislocation (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.71-2.85, p < 0.001), all-cause revision (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.96-6.00, p < 0.001) and all complications (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.28-6.24, p = 0.01) in SF than in non-SF THA patients. When registry data were excluded, these rates were approximately doubled. Subgroup analysis of revisions for dislocations was not statistically significant (OR 5.28, 95% CI 0.76-36.87, p = 0.09). While no meta-analysis was performed on clinical outcomes due to heterogeneous parameter reporting, individual studies reported significantly poorer outcomes in SF patients than in non-SF patients. CONCLUSION: THA patients with SF are at higher risks of hip dislocations, all-cause revisions and all complications, which may adversely affect patient-reported outcomes. Surgeons should be aware of these risks and appropriately plan to account for altered spino-pelvic biomechanics, in order to reduce the risks of hip dislocations and other complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (Meta-analysis of non-homogeneous studies). These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is comparable to conventional total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful procedure in managing end-stage arthritis when non-operative treatments fail. New technologies such as robotic TKA (rTKA) have been developed to improve the accuracy of prosthesis implantation. While short-term cohort studies on rTKA have shown excellent results, the evidence comparing between rTKA and conventional TKA (cTKA) is not yet well established. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of rTKA versus cTKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiographic results, complications, peri-operative parameters and costs. METHODS: A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies comparing between rTKA and cTKA were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this review, consisting of 2234 rTKA and 4300 cTKA. Robotic TKA led to a more precise prosthesis implantation with significantly fewer outliers in the mechanical axis (p < 0.001), femoral coronal (p = 0.002) and tibial sagittal (p = 0.01) alignments. Only the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) (p < 0.001) score at final follow-up was significantly better in rTKA than cTKA. rTKA also had a lower mean blood loss (p < 0.001) despite a longer mean operation time (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant difference in terms of other clinical outcome measures, range of motion and complications. CONCLUSION: Both rTKA and cTKA are reliable and safe to perform. However, rTKA is capable of achieving superior alignment in several axes, lower mean blood loss and this may lead to marginally better clinical outcomes than cTKA. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of non-homogeneous studies.

The Efficacy and Safety of Inpatient Rehabilitation Compared With Home Discharge After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Total hip and knee arthroplasties (THKAs) are successful procedures in managing end-stage arthritis when nonoperative treatments fail. The immediate postoperative period is an important time for the body to recuperate and rehabilitate. Studies have shown that early intensive rehabilitation can enhance recovery. Rehabilitation can be provided as inpatient rehabilitation (IR) or discharge with home rehabilitation. These options have been studied, but literature on the efficacy and safety of IR compared to home discharge is scarce, and evidence is not well established. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of IR to home discharge with rehabilitation after THKA. METHODS: A multidatabase search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies assessing the efficacy and safety of IR and home as discharge destinations after THKA were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, consisting of 37,411 IR patients and 172,219 home discharge patients. These studies had heterogeneous reporting methods, with some conflicting results. There was no clinically significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups. Readmission was nearly 5 times (odds ratio = 4.87, 95% confidence interval = 3.24-7.33, P < .001) and periprosthetic complications nearly 3 times (odds ratio = 2.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-5.24, P < .001) higher in IR patients than those discharged home after THKA. CONCLUSION: Although IR is associated with higher risks of complications and readmissions, this may be because of patient selection bias in the clinical setting. Following THKA, it is safe to discharge patients to home with rehabilitation whenever possible. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone Versus With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LEAT) aims to improve anterolateral stability of the injured knee during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Inconclusive evidence surrounding the efficacy and safety of LEAT has propelled clinical interest and ongoing discussions. PURPOSE: To establish level 1 evidence by assessing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with minimum 2-year follow-up that directly compared ACLR with LEAT (LEAT group) and ACLR alone (non-LEAT group) in terms of clinical outcomes and complications. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed with a multidatabase search (Cochrane, EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science) according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines on September 9, 2020. Data from published RCTs meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model. RESULTS: A total of 7 RCTs were included, consisting of 517 LEAT and 589 non-LEAT patients. Only autografts were used for ACLR and LEAT. A variety of LEAT techniques and autograft fixation methods were used. We found improved stability (residual positive pivot shift: risk ratio [RR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.88; P = .01) and better clinical outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score: mean difference [MD], 2.31; 95% CI, 0.54-4.09; P = .01; and Lysholm score: MD, 2.71; 95% CI, 0.68-4.75; P = .009) in the LEAT than non-LEAT group. Graft rerupture rate was 3 times less likely (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17-0.58; P < .001) in the LEAT group than the non-LEAT group. CONCLUSION: Good-quality evidence is available to support the efficacy of LEAT in improving anterolateral knee stability and reducing graft reruptures in primary ACLR. LEAT should be considered in patients with high risk factors. Although Lysholm and IKDC scores were statistically better in the LEAT group, these are unlikely to be clinically significant. Future studies should aim to identify patient populations that would best benefit from LEAT with ACLR.

Greater risk of all-cause revisions and complications for obese patients in 3 106 381 total knee arthroplasties: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health issue and has considerable implications on outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there has been conflicting evidence and conclusions on the effects of obesity on TKA. This meta-analysis compares the outcomes, complications, and peri-operative parameters of TKA in the obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) versus non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2 ) population as well as subgroup analysis of morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ) versus non-obese population. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with a multi-database search according to PRISMA guidelines on 12 September 2019. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-one studies were included, consisting of 917 447 obese and 2 188 834 non-obese TKA. Obese patients had higher risk of all-cause revisions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08-1.24, p < 0.0001), all complications (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38, p = 0.004), deep infections (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.27-1.69, p < 0.0001), superficial infections (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.32-1.91, p < 0.0001), wound dehiscence (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24-1.72, p < 0.0001) and readmissions (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.40, p = 0.009). Subgroup analysis of morbidly obese patients revealed greater risks of all-cause revisions (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10-1.43, p = 0.0009), deep infections (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.05-3.75, p = 0.04), superficial infections (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 2.08-2.88, p < 0.0001) and readmissions (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.20-1.47, p < 0.0001). No analysis was performed on patient reported outcome measures due to heterogeneous reporting methods. CONCLUSION: Obese and morbidly obese patients have higher risks of revisions and infections post TKA. Surgeons should counsel patients of these risks during the informed consenting process and adopt preventative strategies into clinical practice to reduce risks where possible. In conclusion, obesity is a significant, modifiable risk factor for increased complications following TKA.

The 'wave sign' in hip arthroscopy: a systematic review of epidemiological factors, current diagnostic methods and treatment options.

This study aims to present a systematic review and synthesized evidence on the epidemiological factors, diagnostic methods and treatment options available for this phenomenon. A multi-database search (OVID Medline, EMBASE and PubMed) was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on 18 June 2019. All studies of any study design discussing on the epidemiological factors, diagnostic methods, classification systems and treatment options of the wave sign were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment tool was used to appraise articles. No quantitative analysis could be performed due to heterogeneous data reported; 11 studies with a total of 501 patients with the wave sign were included. Three studies examined risk factors for wave sign and concluded that cam lesions were most common. Other risk factors include alpha angle >65° (OR=4.00, 95% CI: 1.26-12.71, P=0.02), male gender (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.09-4.62, P=0.03) and older age (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, P=0.03). Increased acetabular coverage in setting of concurrent cam lesions may be a protective factor. Wave signs most commonly occur at the anterior, superior and anterosuperior acetabulum. In terms of staging accuracy, the Haddad classification had the highest coefficients in intraclass correlation (k=0.81, 95% CI: 0.23-0.95, P=0.011), inter-observer reliability (k=0.88, 95% CI: 0.72-0.97, P<0.001) and internal validity (k=0.89). One study investigated the utility of quantitative magnetic imaging for wave sign, concluding that significant heterogeneity in T1ρ and T2 values (P<0.05) of acetabular cartilage is indicative of acetabular debonding. Four studies reported treatment techniques, including bridging suture repair, reverse microfracture with bubble decompression and microfracture with fibrin adhesive glue, with the latter reporting statistically significant improvements in modified Harris hip scores at 6-months (MD=19.2, P<0.05), 12-months (MD=22.0, P<0.05) and 28-months (MD=17.5, P<0.001). No clinical studies were available for other treatment options. There is a scarcity of literature on the wave sign. Identifying at risk symptomatic patients is important to provide prompt diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic techniques and operative options are still in early developmental stages. More research is needed to understand the natural history of wave sign lesions after arthroscopic surgery and whether intervention can improve long-term outcomes. Level IV, Systematic review of non-homogeneous studies.

Outcome of tantalum rod insertion in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with minimum follow-up of 1 year: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating disease that can cause deformity and collapse of the femoral head, thus leading to the development of degenerative joint disease that can incapacitate the patient with pain and reduction in hip mobility. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of tantalum rod insertion in the treatment of ONFH with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. A multi-database search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from studies assessing the clinical and radiological outcomes as well as complications of tantalum rod insertion in the treatment of ONFH with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year were extracted and analyzed. Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis, consisting of 550 hips. There was a statistically significant increase in HHS (MD = 30.35, 95% CI: 20.60-40.10, P < 0.001) at final follow-up versus pre-operative scores. The weighted pooled proportion (PP) of radiographic progression of ONFH was 0.221 (95% CI: 0.148-0.316), while that of progression into femoral head collapse was 0.102 (95% CI: 0.062-0.162). Conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) had a PP of 0.158 (95% CI: 0.107-0.227) with a mean weighted period of 32.4 months (95% CI: 24.9-39.9 months). Subgroup analysis of conversion to THA when tantalum rods were used in conjunction with bone grafting (PP = 0.150, 95% CI: 0.092-0.235) showed a marginal risk reduction than when compared with subgroup analysis of tantalum rods being used alone (PP = 0.154, 95% CI: 0.078-0.282). Tantalum rod is a safe alternative option to the current joint-preserving procedures available in the treatment of ONFH. However, more studies are needed to investigate and identify the most appropriate patients who would benefit most and the synergistic effect brought on by the use of complementary biological augmentation of bone grafting or stem cells with tantalum rods.