[Short hip stem for THA in avascular necrosis of the femoral head]. / Kurzschaftendoprothesen bei Osteonekrosen.

INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head or avascular necrosis of the femoral head (HKN) is a complex disease that, without treatment, leads to infraction of the femoral head in most cases. In these cases, only replacement of the hip joint will help, although there is no clear recommendation of an arthroplasty type. In the last two decades, the treatment of primary and secondary coxarthrosis with short-shaft prostheses with different anchoring philosophies has increased. Since short-shaft fitting is a possible option especially in younger patients, the question arises about possible fittings of advanced HKN with these stem types, especially with metaphyseal anchorage. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on the results of short stem prosthesis in HKN and to present the advantages and disadvantages of short stem prosthesis in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review analyzes the existing studies on short stem arthroplasty for HKN. RESULTS: Only a few studies exist that have analyzed clinical and radiologic outcomes of short stem replacement in HKN. CONCLUSION: The existing short- and medium-term results show mostly good outcomes. However, it is difficult to draw a general conclusion due to differences in stem design and fixation. Short stems with primary diaphyseal fixation do not show an increased risk of failed osseointegration or loosening. Constructions with primary metaphyseal fixation should undergo MRI to rule out the possibility of necrosis extending beyond the femoral neck.

[Arthroscopic assisted mini-open arthrotomy for the treatment of the femoroacetabular impingement]. / Arthroskopisch assistierte Mini-open-Arthrotomie zur Korrektur des femoroazetabulären Impingements.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of pathologies of the central and peripheral compartment of the hip using arthroscopic assisted mini-open arthrotomy via the Smith-Petersen approach. INDICATIONS: Cam- and pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tear, loose bodies. (RELATIVE) CONTRAINDICATIONS: Osteoarthritis of the hip with Tönnis classification grade ≥ 2. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After mini-open approach to the hip joint via direct anterior muscular gap, the anterior capsule is split with protection of the labrum. Decompression allows the joint to be inspected using an arthroscope. Depending on the intra-articular findings, additional procedures can be performed (e.g., curettage of the cartilage, microfracturing, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation [MACI]). Cases with pincer-type FAI or labral tear can also be addressed. After partial release, the cam-type FAI can be resected using a surgical burr. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial weightbearing for 2-6 weeks with 10-20 kg or half body weight using crutches depending on the intraoperative treatment. RESULTS: Radiological analysis of the pre- and postoperative X­rays (n = 69) prove that this surgical technique is suitable to address pathologies especially FAI syndromes. The α­angle according to Nötzli could be reduced from a mean preoperative value of 72.8° to 49.4° postoperative. In combined cam-type and Pincer-type FAI syndrome (n = 16), the lateral center-edge angle could be reduced from a mean preoperative value of 50.2° to 37.6° postoperatively. The clinical follow-up (n = 29) revealed good midterm outcomes after arthroscopic assisted mini-open arthrotomy (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS] 84.8 points after 4.9 years [range 4.2-5.7; ±0.43]).

Do biomarkers allow a differentiation between osteonecrosis of the femoral head and osteoarthritis of the hip? - a biochemical, histological and gene expression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating disease of the hip joint. Its early diagnosis is crucial to increase the chances of joint preserving, yet difficult due to similarities with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip in its clinical appearance. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of ONFH and its pathologic processes in contrast to OA and to identify serum biomarkers helping to improve the diagnosis of the disease. DESIGN: Bone and bone marrow samples were collected from 24 patients diagnosed with OA and 25 patients with ONFH during total hip replacement surgery. RNA was isolated, histological examination, determination of free reactive oxygen species as well as gene expression and biomarker analysis were performed. RESULTS: Histological analysis revealed differences in the structural and cellular pattern between the groups. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation for the genes ASPN, COL1A1, COL2A1 and IL6 and a significant downregulation for HIF1A in ONFH compared to OA group. Analysis of serum biomarkers showed significant differences between the groups for asporin and adiponectin. A final logistical regression model including the parameters adiponectin, asporin and HIF 1α was overall significant, explained 34.5 % of variance and classified 74.5 % of the cases correctly. CONCLUSION: The combination of adiponectin, asporin and HIF 1α as serum biomarkers revealed a classification accuracy of 74.5 %. The information provided in this study may help to enhance the understanding of pathologic processes in ONFH and to elaborate further aspects of prediction and treatment.

Constrained tripolar liner in patients with high risk of dislocation - Analysis of incidence and risk of failure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine number and type of failures and revisions after usage of a constrained tripolar acetabular liner in patients with high risk of dislocation. Potential correlations between these failures and the factors included were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study 55 participants in 68 cases were included after treatment with constrained tripolar acetabular liner. Patient specific data as well as surgery and implant specific data were collected. Radiological images were assessed. Furthermore, the gluteal function was analyzed. The parameters were statistically verified with regard to their influence on the failure of the constrained tripolar liner. RESULTS: This study included 16 cases (in nine participants) of postoperative failure. This results in a survival rate of 76.5% regarding the number of cases after 17 months. The statistical analysis of the different parameters considered that the number of previous surgeries has a significant (p = 0.027) influence on the failure. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study shows that treatment with constrained tripolar acetabular liners is a satisfactory method of treatment in cases with a high risk of dislocation. However, in cases with an increasing number of previous surgeries, an increased risk of failure was found. Therefore, in such cases, this type of supply treatment should be treated critically.

Lumbar lordosis and sacral slope in lumbar spinal stenosis: standard values and measurement accuracy.

STUDY DESIGN: Radiological study. PURPOSE: To asses standard values, intra- and interobserver reliability and reproducibility of sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) and the correlation of these parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). METHODS: Anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the lumbar spine of 102 patients with LSS were included in this retrospective, radiologic study. Measurements of SS and LL were carried out by five examiners. Intraobserver correlation and correlation between LL and SS were calculated with Pearson's r linear correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for inter- and intraobserver reliability. In addition, patients were examined in subgroups with respect to previous surgery and the current therapy. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis averaged 45.6° (range 2.5°-74.9°; SD 14.2°), intraobserver correlation was between Pearson r = 0.93 and 0.98. The measurement of SS averaged 35.3° (range 13.8°-66.9°; SD 9.6°), intraobserver correlation was between Pearson r = 0.89 and 0.96. Intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.966 to 0.992 ICC in LL measurements and 0.944-0.983 ICC in SS measurements. There was an interobserver reliability ICC of 0.944 in LL and 0.990 in SS. Correlation between LL and SS averaged r = 0.79. No statistically significant differences were observed between the analyzed subgroups. CONCLUSION: Manual measurement of LL and SS in patients with LSS on lateral radiographs is easily performed with excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. Correlation between LL and SS is very high. Differences between patients with and without previous decompression were not statistically significant.

[Experience in establishing a certified endoprosthesis center]. / Erfahrungen mit der Einrichtung eines zertifizierten Endoprothesenzentrums.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that morbidity rates of arthroplasties are inversely related to procedure volume. In the department of orthopaedics at a German medical school, a performance of certification of high-volume center for total hip and knee arthroplasties, called the EndoCert(®) Initiative, was started. This project was initiated by the German society of orthopaedic surgery (DGOOC) to secure the quality of total knee and hip arthroplasties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of certification, pathwaycontrolled therapy and quality indicators on outcome in arthroplasty three years after implentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthroplasties performed in this certified center for total hip and knee arthroplasties were evaluated. Outcome was evaluated after the implementation of quality indicators and clinical pathways. RESULTS: After establishment of certification in the center for total hip and knee arthroplasties morbidity rates decreased as quality increased. CONCLUSION: The implementation of pathway-controlled therapy and quality indicators in a high-volume center for total joint arthroplasties shows better clinical results. Capital investment and efforts are legitimated.

[Mid-term clinical and MRI results after refixation of osteochondral fractures with resorbable implants]. / Mittelfristige klinische und kernspintomografische Ergebnisse nach Refixation osteochondraler Fragmente mit resorbierbaren Implantaten.

AIM: Refixation of osteochondral fractures with resorbable implants is a common surgical treatment. There are almost no studies that prove good clinical outcomes. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the mid-term results after refixation of osteochondral fractures. METHODS: The results of 12 patients were recorded 6.5 (±1) years after refixation of osteochondral fractures measuring 3.4 cm (2) (±2.5) of the knee (8 ×) or the ankle joint (4 ×) with resorbable inplants. Clinical scores and a modified MRI score based on that of Henderson et al. were used. RESULTS: The clinical scores showed good to excellent results after 6.5 (±1) years (VAS pain: 1.9 [±2.4], Tegner: 5.0 [±1.7], Lysholm: 84.8 [±14.3], McDermott: 91.3 [±7.9], Knee Society: 189.4 [±12.1]). MRI showed with one exception good integration of the fractures. In 3 cases subchondral cysts could be found. In 7 cases changes in the chondral outline occurred. The effect of this was a modified Henderson score of 12.6 (±3.7). The MRI results did not correlate with the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Because of its good clinical results the refixation with resorbable implants can be recommended to treat osteochondral fractures.

Stiffness of callus tissue during distraction osteogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of limb length discrepancies by distraction osteogenesis represents a significant challenge of predicting the load bearing capacity. Today, in vivo stiffness measurements by applying compressive, bending or torsional stress on the callus tissue are quantitative methods. Therefore, it is relevant to know how regenerating bone tissue regains its various stiffness characteristics. Knowledge of the development of each type of stiffness is important in order to prevent an over- or underestimation of the actual load bearing capacity. HYPOTHESIS: Various types of stiffness are supposed to evolve similar during consolidation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this ex vivo study, an analysis of torsional, compressive and bending stiffness of callus tissue during consolidation was performed on 26 sheep tibiae after distraction osteogenesis. RESULTS: This study indicates differences within the quantity of stiffness during consolidation. DISCUSSION: Thus, in vivo stiffness measurements have to be interpreted carefully in order to prevent false estimation of the load bearing capacity of new bone.

[A novel knee endoprosthesis with a physiological joint shape. Part 1: Biomechanical basics and tribological studies]. / Eine neuartige Knieendoprothese mit physiologischer Gelenkform. Teil 1: Biomechanische Grundlagen und tribologische Untersuchungen.

The natural tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) functions according to a roll-glide mechanism. In the stance phase (0-20 degrees flexion), the femur rolls backwards over the tibia plateau, while further flexion causes increased gliding. This kinematics is based on the principle of a quadruple joint. The four morphological axes of rotation are the midpoints of the curvatures of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the medial and lateral tibia plateau. In addition, the medial and lateral compartments are shifted a few millimetres in a sagittal direction, the medial tibia plateau being concave and the lateral plateau convex. In most knee arthroplasties, these factors are not taken into account; instead they are equipped with symmetrical medial and lateral joint surfaces. Thereby, the midpoints of the curvatures of the sagittal contours of the lateral and medial joint surfaces, on the femoral as well as on the tibial sides, create a common axis of rotation which does not allow a physiological roll-glide mechanism. The goal of this study was therefore to report on the biomechanical basis of the natural knee and to describe the development of a novel knee endoprosthesis based on a mathematical model. The design of the structurally new knee joint endoprosthesis has, on the lateral side, a convex shape of the tibial joint surface in a sagittal cross section. Furthermore, from a mathematical point of view, this knee endoprosthesis possesses essential kinematic and static properties similar to those of a physiological TFJ. Within the framework of the authorization tests, the endoprosthesis was examined according to ISO/WC 14243 in a knee simulator. The abrasion rates were, thereby, lower than or at least as good as those for conventional endoprostheses. The presented data demonstrate a novel concept in knee arthroplasty, which still has to be clinically confirmed by long term results.

Comparison of various types of stiffness as predictors of the load-bearing capacity of callus tissue.

The ability to predict load-bearing capacity during the consolidation phase in distraction osteogenesis by non-invasive means would represent a significant advance in the management of patients undergoing such treatment. Measurements of stiffness have been suggested as a promising tool for this purpose. Although the multidimensional characteristics of bone loading in compression, bending and torsion are apparent, most previous experiments have analysed only the relationship between maximum load-bearing capacity and a single type of stiffness. We have studied how compressive, bending and torsional stiffness are related to the torsional load-bearing capacity of healing callus using a common set of samples of bone regenerate from 26 sheep treated by tibial distraction osteogenesis. Our findings showed that measurements of torsional, bending and compressive stiffness were all suitable as predictors of the load-bearing capacity of healing callus. Measurements of torsional stiffness performed slightly better than those of compressive and bending stiffness.