No Difference in Functional, Radiographic, and Survivorship Outcomes Between Direct Anterior or Posterior Approach THA: 5-Year Results of a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Both the direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) to THA have known advantages and disadvantages. The comparison between DAA and PA THA has been widely explored during the early postoperative period. However, few randomized trials have compared these approaches at a minimum follow-up of 5 years; doing so would be important to establish any differences in mid-term outcomes or complications. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a randomized trial comparing DAA and PA in THA in terms of (1) patient-reported outcome scores, (2) quality of life and functional outcomes assessed by the EQ-5D and 10-meter walk test results, (3) radiographic analysis, and (4) survivorship and surgical complications at a minimum of 5 years follow-up. METHODS: Two hip specialist surgeons performed both DAA and PA THA using the same THA components at two hospital sites. One hundred twelve patients on the elective THA surgical waitlist were invited to participate in the study. Thirty-four patients did not meet the study's inclusion criteria and were excluded, and three patients declined to participate in the study. The remaining 75 patients who were eligible were randomized into DAA and PA groups. Thirty-seven patients were initially randomized to receive DAA THA, but two did not and were excluded, resulting in 48% (35 of 73) of patients who received DAA THA; 52% (38 of 73) of patients were randomized into and received PA THA. Over a minimum 5 years of follow-up, 3% (1 of 35) of DAA patients were lost to follow-up, and none of the patients undergoing PA THA were lost. A per-protocol analysis was adopted, resulting in further patients being excluded from analysis. Of the 73 study patients, 99% (72; DAA: 35, PA: 37) were analyzed at 1 year, 95% (69; DAA: 34, PA: 35) were analyzed at 2 years, and 72% (52; DAA: 23, PA: 29) were analyzed at 5 years. The primary outcome was the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and WOMAC score. Secondary outcomes included the EQ-5D and EQ-5D VAS scores, 10-meter walk test results, radiographic evidence of loosening (femoral: lucency > 2 mm at the implant-bone interface, subsidence > 2 mm; acetabular: migration or change in inclination), 5-year survivorship analysis from all-cause revisions, and surgical complications. The study was powered to detect a 10-point difference in the WOMAC score, which is equivalent to the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: There were no differences in primary outcomes (OHS and WOMAC scores) or secondary outcomes (EQ-5D scores, EQ-5D VAS scores, and 10-meter walk test result) between the DAA and PA groups at the 5-year follow-up interval. The median (range) OHS at 5 years was 46 (16 to 48) for DAA and 47 (18 to 48) for PA groups (p = 0.93), and the median WOMAC score was 6 (0 to 81) for DAA and 7 (0 to 59) for PA groups (p = 0.96). The median EQ-5D score was 1 (0.1 to 1) for DAA and 1 (0.5 to 1) for PA groups (p = 0.45), and the median EQ-5D VAS score was 85 (60 to 100) for DAA and 95 (70 to 100) for PA groups (p = 0.29). There were no cases of component loosening on radiographs. There was no difference in component survival between the two approaches at 5 years (DAA: 97% [95% CI 85% to 100%] versus PA: 97% [95% CI 87% to 100%]). Eight of 23 patients in the DAA group reported decreased sensation in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve distribution. CONCLUSION: DAA and PA are both effective approaches in performing primary THA. Each approach has its associated risks and complications. The choice of THA should be based on individual patient factors, surgeon experience, and shared decision-making. Early registry data indicate DAA and PA THA are comparable, but longer-term data with larger numbers of patients will be required before one can safely conclude equal survivorship between both approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial in Total Hip Arthroplasty-Comparing Early Results Between the Direct Anterior Approach and the Posterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: We report a prospective randomized study comparing early clinical results between the direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) in primary hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Surgeries were performed by 2 senior hip arthroplasty surgeons. Seventy-two patients with complete data were assessed preoperatively 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the Western Ontario McMasters Arthritis Index and Oxford Hip Scores. Secondary outcome measures included the EuroQoL, 10-meter walk test, and clinical and radiographic parameters. RESULTS: Data analyses showed no difference between DAA (n = 35) and PA (n = 37) groups when comparing total scores for primary outcomes. No significant differences were observed for 10-meter walk test, EuroQoL, and radiographic analyses. Subgroup analysis for surgeon 1 identified that the DAA group had shorter acute hospital stay, less postoperative opiate requirements, and smaller wounds. However, this was offset by increased operative time, higher intraoperative blood loss, and weaker hip flexion at 2 and 6 weeks. Subgroup analysis of items on the Western Ontario McMasters Arthritis Index and Oxford Hip Score identified that hip flexion activity favored the DAA group up to 6 weeks postoperatively. There was an 83% incidence of lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh neuropraxia at the 12-week mark in the DAA group. No neuropraxias occurred in the PA group. One dislocation occurred in each group. A single patient from the DAA group required reoperation for leg-length discrepancy. CONCLUSION: DAA total hip arthroplasty (THA) has comparable results with PA THA. Choice of surgical approach for THA should be based on patient factors, surgeon preference, and experience.

Early mobilization of patients who have had a hip or knee joint replacement reduces length of stay in hospital: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effect of early mobilization after hip or knee joint replacement surgery on length of stay in an acute hospital. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were selected from electronic databases based on inclusion criterion requiring an experimental group mobilizing (sitting out of bed/walking) earlier than a comparison group post joint replacement surgery of the hip or knee in an acute hospital. Clinically homogeneous data were analyzed with meta-analysis. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials (totaling 622 participants) were included for review. A meta-analysis of 5 trials found a reduced length of stay of 1.8 days (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.6) in favor of the experimental group. In 4 of the 5 trials the experimental group first sat out of bed within 24 hours post operatively. In 4 of the 5 trials the experimental group first walked within 48 hours post operatively. Individual trials reported benefits in range of motion, muscle strength and health-related quality of life in favor of the experimental group. There were no differences in discharge destinations, incidence of negative outcomes or adverse events attributable to early mobilization when compared to the comparison groups. CONCLUSION: Early mobilization post hip or knee joint replacement surgery can result in a reduced length of stay of about 1.8 days. Trials that reported these positive results showed that early mobilization can be achieved within 24 hours of operation. This positive gain was achieved without an increase in negative outcomes.

Integrated dual lag screws versus single lag screw cephalomedullary nail constructs: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of integrated dual lag screw (IDL) cephalomedullary nails (CMN) when compared with single lag screw (SL) constructs, in the internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. METHODS: The Smith & Nephew InterTan IDL was compared with SL CMN group consisting of the Stryker Gamma-3 (G3) and Synthes Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) CMN. A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies assessing the clinical and radiological outcomes, complications and perioperative parameters of InterTan versus G3 or PFNA CMN in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: 15 studies were included in this meta-analysis, consisting of 2643 patients. InterTan was associated with lower complication rates in terms of all-cause revisions (OR 0.34; 95% CI, 0.22-0.51; p < 0.001), cut-outs (OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.51; p < 0.001), medial or lateral screw migration (OR 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.65; p = 0.008) as well as persistent hip and thigh pain (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.90; p = 0.008). In terms of perioperative parameters, InterTan is associated with longer operative times (MD 5.57 minutes; 95% CI, 0.37-10.78 minutes, p = 0.04) and fluoroscopy times (MD 38.89 seconds, 95% CI, 15.88-61.91 seconds; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of clinical Harris Hip Score and radiological outcomes, non-union, haematoma, femoral fractures, varus collapse, length of stay and mean intraoperative blood loss between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated dual lag screw cephalomedullary nails are associated with fewer revisions and complications. However, there is insufficient data to suggest that either nail construct is associated with better functional outcomes.

The outcome of hip arthroscopy in Australian football league players: a review of 27 hips.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate on hip pathology found at hip arthroscopy in Australian Football League (AFL) players and describe our current treatments and outcomes. METHODS: From 2003 to 2008, 24 consecutive AFL players (27 hips) had arthroscopic hip surgery by use of the lateral position. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and postoperatively with a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: All hips were available for review. The mean duration of follow up was 22 months (range, 6 to 60 months). The mean age was 22 years (range, 16 to 29 years). The mean body mass index was 24 points (range, 21 to 26 points). The mean traction time was 21 minutes (range, 11 to 60 minutes). The most common pathology was a rim lesion, affecting 93% of cases. Microfracture was performed in 22%. Synovitis was found in 70%, and this was most commonly associated with a rim lesion. Labral pathology was present in 33%, the most common of which was labral separation. On the femoral side, 81% had cam impingement and underwent a femoral neck ostectomy. Rim lesions and labral pathology were the most commonly associated lesions. Also seen were loose os acetabuli in 7% and loose bodies in 7%. The former were associated with labral tears and required repair. The MHHS and NAHS improved in all patients postoperatively, and they maintained their improvement from 1 year up to 4 years. In all but 1 case, the players returned to playing at the AFL level and were satisfied with their outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Using hip arthroscopy, we have observed high satisfaction levels and return to preinjury levels of play in all but 1 case. Postoperative hip scores (MHHS and NAHS) have improved significantly, and this improvement has been maintained for up to 4 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

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.

Psychometric Properties of the Hip-Return to Sport After Injury Scale (Short Form) for Evaluating Psychological Readiness to Return to Sports After Arthroscopic Hip Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Successful return to sports activity after surgery requires both physical and psychological readiness. The Hip-Return to Sport After Injury (Short Form) has been developed to assess psychological readiness to return to sports after hip injury and hip surgery, including hip arthroscopy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the scale for a cohort of patients after hip arthroscopy with a range of sports participation levels. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Invitations to participate were sent to 145 patients from 3 specialist surgeons. The study included 77 participants 1 to 24 months after hip arthroscopy (mean ± SD age, 35 ± 9 years; 62% women) and 33 healthy age-matched controls (age, 37 ± 7 years; 52% women). The scale was administered electronically on 3 occasions to patients: baseline (≥1 month postarthroscopy), 1 week later, and 6 months later. In addition to the scale, participants were asked about sports participation status and their global rating of postsurgical change. The scale was administered to healthy controls on 1 occasion. The minimal detectable difference, discriminant validity, floor and ceiling effects, responsiveness, and interpretability (minimally important change) were determined for the scale. RESULTS: Among the postarthroscopy group, excellent test-retest reliability was found (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.869; 95% CI, 0.756-0.932) with a minimal detectable difference of 26 points out of 100 at the individual level and 4 points out of 100 at the group level. At baseline discriminant validity was evident between those who had returned to sports (median = 69, n = 35) and those who had not returned to sports (median = 30, n = 42; Mann-Whitney U score = 232.5, z = -5.141, P < .001) and between the returned-to-sports postarthroscopy group and healthy controls (median = 96, n = 33; Mann-Whitney U score = 165.500, z = 5.666, P < .001). No floor or ceiling effects were evident. Responsiveness was demonstrated for the scale in relation to sports status. With sports status as an anchor, a minimally important change of 26 points was identified. CONCLUSION: Assessment of the Hip-Return to Sport After Injury (Short Form) supports its use as a reliable and valid measure of psychological readiness to return to sports in patients after hip arthroscopy.

Perceptions about participation in a 12-week walking program for people with severe knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore the perceptions of people with severe knee osteoarthritis and increased cardiovascular risk about participating in a walking program. METHODS: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews for people with severe knee osteoarthritis and increased cardiovascular risk who participated in a 12-week walking program. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, member-checked, coded and themes developed using thematic analysis. Findings were triangulated with quantitative data including pain, function and cardiovascular risk factors from previously reported data. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants were interviewed after the completion of the walking program. The main theme identified was the preoccupation with the knee including pain, damage and the view that surgery was required. Three subthemes to emerge were (i) the perception of functional, cardiovascular and psychosocial benefits with the walking program; (ii) that supervision, monitoring and commitment were important enablers; and (iii) external factors such as ill-health, weather and the environment were key barriers. The perceived functional and cardiovascular benefits converged with results from quantitative data. CONCLUSIONS: Even when patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee report other benefits from participating in a walking program, the core theme to emerge was their preoccupation with knee pain, knee damage and the view that they needed a knee replacement. Implications for Rehabilitation Patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and moderate cardiovascular risk reported functional, cardiovascular and psychosocial benefits from participating in a walking program. Despite patients reporting functional, cardiovascular and psychosocial benefits, the core theme to emerge was their preoccupation with knee pain, knee damage and the view that they needed a knee replacement. The core theme highlights the challenges in promoting physical activity for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis.

The intracapsular atraumatic arthroscopic technique for closure of the hip capsule.

The hip joint capsule is a critical static stabilizer of the hip. During hip arthroscopy, the capsule is breached to gain exposure to treat femoroacetabular impingement lesions. There have been recent concerns regarding hip instability after hip arthroscopy, and relatively few techniques have been described for atraumatic arthroscopic closure of the hip capsule. We describe an atraumatic, inside-out, 2-portal technique to repair the capsule.

The rigid curette technique for the application of fibrin bioadhesive during hip arthroscopy for articular cartilage lesions.

Encouraging midterm results have recently been reported for the arthroscopic treatment of delaminating articular cartilage lesions at the capsulolabral junction of the hip joint using fibrin bioadhesive. The needle used to introduce the bioadhesive is long, flexible, and often difficult to position. We describe a novel technique for introducing the needle that allows accurate placement behind the delaminated articular cartilage pocket during hip arthroscopy.

Arthroscopic labral repair of the hip, using a through-labral double-stranded single-pass suture technique.

The normal labrum is crucial to the biomechanical function of the hip joint, not only increasing the surface area and depth of the acetabulum but also maintaining a suction seal to assist in normal synovial fluid flow from the peripheral to the central compartment. Simple loop suture repairs of the labrum may evert the labrum, thus losing the optimal seal, as well as causing abrasion of the articular cartilage. Vertical mattress suture and labral base fixation techniques aim to leave the free edge of the labrum intact and undisturbed, therefore improving the contact of the labrum to the femoral head and neck to improve the seal of the acetabulum. We aim to describe a double-stranded single-pass vertical mattress suture technique that may allow greater versatility to the surgeon in repairing thinner labrums while still achieving a free and continuous free edge.

The ligamentum teres-its increasing importance.

The ligamentum teres (LT) has attracted much greater interest over recent years due to the increased use of hip arthroscopy. There have been advancements in our understanding of the LT's biomechanical function and its role in hip and groin pain. Our ability to suspect LT tears by clinical examination and imaging has improved. Publications by many authors concerning LT tear treatment and outcomes continue to increase. This manuscript is a review of the function, mechanism of injury, clinical assessment, imaging, arthroscopic assessment, treatment, outcomes, reconstruction, and unusual conditions of the LT.

Secondary capsular laxity of the hip.

We describe a hip condition with a recognisable pattern of clinical signs and radiological findings thought to result from chronic capsular injury. Between June 2006 and October 2009, ten patients (11 hips), four men and six women, were identified with an abnormality of external rotation at the hip joint. A detailed history and clinical examination was undertaken for each patient. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of symptomatic and control hips were evaluated for bony and soft tissue appearances. The relative positions of the femoral head and the acetabulum were assessed through a range of hip rotation. In affected hips, a loss of normal log roll recoil was observed. Three distortions of the iliofemoral ligament were identified on axial MR images; thinning at the lateral insertion of the ligament, attenuation of the iliofemoral ligament most noticeably on maximum external rotation (60º) and the appearance of laxity despite full external rotation. Stability of the hip is dependent on the interaction of bony and soft tissue structures. Hip instability is recognised in dysplasia and is known to lead to premature degeneration of the joint. Chronic capsular injury may destabilise previously asymptomatic hips with subsequent development of pain in young, active patients.

Bone remodeling around the Cambridge cup: a DEXA study of 50 hips over 2 years.

BACKGROUND: In a prospective 2-year study we have used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) following implantation of a novel, "physiological", acetabular component designed using composite materials. METHOD: The acetabular components were implanted in hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA-removed options. They were implanted in conjunction with a cemented femoral component in 50 female patients who presented with displaced, subcapital, fractures of the neck of the femur. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined according to De Lee and Charnley. BMD during follow-up was compared with immediate postoperative values for the affected limb. RESULTS: The mean precision error (CV%) was 1.01%, 2.26% and 1.12%, for ROI I, II and III respectively. The mean change in BMD, for both cups, was analyzed. There was no significant difference between the BMD changes induced with the HA- and non-HA-coated cups. INTERPRETATION: After an initial fall in BMD in all 3 ROI at 6 months, ROI I and ROI II showed return to baseline BMD by 2 years. ROI III showed no significant decrease in BMD beyond 6 months, but did not return to baseline levels. Statistical analysis revealed no significant decrease in BMD in ROI I and ROI II at 2 years, compared with immediate postoperative values. The changes in BMD reflect a pattern of maximally reduced stress in the non-weight-bearing zone (ROI III), with preservation of bone density in weight bearing zones ROI I and ROI II. These results support the design principles of the Cambridge cup.