Tantalum Versus Titanium Acetabular Cups in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Current Concept and a Review of the Current Literature.

Background: Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is becoming an increasingly popular and efficacious medical procedure. There have been a number of studies evaluating tantalum acetabular cups compared with the conventional titanium acetabular cups for use in total hip arthroplasties. We conducted a systematic review and summarize clinical studies comparing tantalum acetabular cups with the conventional titanium acetabular cups for use in primary total hip arthroplasties. Methods: A literature search was performed to find all relevant clinical studies until March 2020, which then underwent a further selection criteria. The inclusion criteria was set as follows: Reporting on human patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty; Direct comparison between tantalum acetabular cups with conventional titanium acetabular cups for use in primary total hip arthroplasty; Radiological evaluation (cup migration, osteointegration); Clinical (functional scores, need for subsequent revision, patient-reported outcomes; Post-operative complications; Reporting findings in the English Language. After a thorough search a total of six studies were included in the review. The primary outcome measures were clinical outcomes, implant migration, change in bone mineral density and rate of revision and infection. Results: Tantalum is superior to titanium with regards to fewer radiolucencies, 100% survivorship at 12 years post-operatively, improved long-term implant osteointegration and survivorship as well as decreasing osteolysis and mechanical loosening. There has been no significant difference in radioisometric analysis, bone mineral density or Harris Hip Score. Revision and infection rates were found to be significantly lower in tantalum group at 10 years from pooled data of national joint registry (England and Wales), while it was found to be higher in the same at 9 years from pooled data of Swedish and Australian registry although this is not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of tantalum should be reserved for cases of high risk of failure or mechanical loosening, where failure of a contralateral joint occurred. The use of Tantalum carries lower risk of failure and infection. Further studies with longer follow-up would be useful in drawing further conclusions.

Lateral Coronal Bowing of Femur and/or Tibia Amplifies the Varus Malalignment of Lower Limb as well as Increases Functional Disability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed at assessing the effect of femoral and tibial coronal bowing on varus malalignment and Oxford knee score (OKS) at different grades of knee osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre in New Delhi, India. Consecutive patients presenting to the "knee OA" outpatient clinics were invited to take part in the study conducted over a 12-month period. All consented patients underwent long-leg standing alignment radiographs using standardised technique and patient reported knee pain and function were recorded using Oxford knee score. The following radiological parameters were measured from weight-bearing long-leg radiographs of 824 varus aligned limbs via a morphometric software (Matlab R2009a) (1) hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), (2) femoral bowing, (3) tibial bowing. The knees were graded according to Kellegren and Lawrence grade (K&L) and OKS was recorded. 3 groups of HKAA were made based on the angle, A (0° to - 3°), B (- 3° to - 10°) and C (< - 10°). Both the femoral and tibial bow were also categorized into three groups depending upon the angle; in-range (- 2° to + 2°), varus (< - 2°), valgus (> + 2°). RESULTS: The mean (± SD) of HKAA, femoral bow and tibial bow of the whole cohort was - 6.97° ± 5.64°, - 1.54° ± 4.31° and - 1.96° ± 3.5°, respectively. An increase in the lateral bow of both femur and tibia was seen with an increase in the severity of OA. A consequent increase in the varus malalignment was observed with an increase in the lateral bow of both femur as well as the tibia at all grades of OA, with significant correlation observed between HKAA with Femoral bowing and HKAA with tibial bowing. The mean OKS for femoral bow, in-range, varus and valgus was 30.6 ± 11.5, 21.3 ± 11.5 and 35.3 ± 11.4, respectively, and for tibial bow, in-range, varus and valgus was 27.6 ± 11.5, 26. ± 11.5 and 28 ± 11.4, respectively. The difference in the mean OKS was observed to be significant when the varus bow group was compared to in range as well as valgus group (p < 0.01) for both femur and tibia for all the grades of OA. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a significant correlation between varus malalignment and the bowing of extremities. Varus coronal bowing of both femur and tibia were seen to have significantly lower mean OKS as compared to valgus bowing or in-range bowing at all grades of knee OA.

Result of delayed repair of quadriceps muscle following a sharp cut injury.

We herewith report a case of a 22-year-old man who suffered from a transverse laceration of the quadriceps muscle. The patient presented to us after 3 months of the injury with an inability to extend the knee. We undertook a surgical repair of the muscle tear using the modified Mason-Allen technique and a polypropylene mesh augmentation. To the best of our knowledge, the use of polypropylene mesh for repair augmentation of mid-substance tear of quadriceps muscle has never been described in the literature. The patient had achieved a full active knee extension at 9 months following the surgery. At 3 years of follow-up, the patient has maintained the movements and strength of the knee. He has no functional limitations and is satisfied with the outcome. Thus, the middle term results are good and the treatment is promising.

Coronal Alignment of the Lower Extremity: A Gender-Based Radio-Graphic Analysis in Indian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Variation in the shape of the femur and tibia has been shown to influence hip-kneeankle-axis angle (HKAA) and bears a role in reconstructive surgeries such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, data on the axial alignment of the lower extremity specific to sex largely remains unavailable. Thus, we conducted a study with an aim to measure alignment and calculate differences in both the sexes in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following radiological parameters were measured from weight-bearing long leg radiographs of 966 limbs of Indian subjects via a morphometric software (Matlab R2009a) (1) Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA), (2) femoral bowing, (3) tibial bowing, (4) condylar plateau angle (CPA). The knees were classified according to the Kellegren and Lawrence grading and the differences between both the sexes were calculated with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: 56.04% of the subjects were female. An increase in the mean age was observed for both the genders with an increase in the severity of OA. Height did not show any significant association with the alignment of the limb. The mean HKAA observed was - 5.88° ± 0.35° in females and - 4.99° ± 0.41° in males. The overall mean femoral bow and tibial bow was - 1.26° ± 0.24°, - 1.60° ± 0.18° in females and - 1.09 ± 0.28, - 1.47° ± 0.21° in males. The mean condylar plateau angle was higher in females - 2.67 ± 0.34 as compared to males - 2.35° ± 0.39°. A greater lateral bow was seen in males at higher grades of OA for femur and at lower grades of OA for tibia. CONCLUSION: This study provides gender-based differences in the various axial radio-graphic parameters in a long leg radio-graphs in Indian population which might help in a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis and also help planning and execution of reconstructive surgeries such as TKA.

A radiographic analysis of alignment in 966 lower extremities with knee pain and its association with osteoarthritis in Indian population.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the alignment based on deformity in knees affected by osteoarthritis (OA) at different stages and evaluate its association with OA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following radiological parameters were measured from weight bearing long leg radiographs of 966 legs in the Indian subjects via a morphometric software (Matlab R2009a) (1)Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA), (2) Femoral bowing, (3) Tibial Bowing, (4) Condylar Plateau angle (CPA). The knees were classified according to the Kellegren and Lawrence grading and these parameters were evaluated with OA for its association using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The mean HKAA angle was 174.5° ±6.5°, 65.8% of the limbs were in found to be in varus (<177°) and 3.8% in valgus (>183°). The mean femoral and tibial bowing was -1.19 ± 4.95° and -1.54 ± 3.58° respectively. 55.8% of femorae and 41.4% of the tibia were observed to have varus bowing while 24.12% of femorae and 12.11% the tibia were observed to have valgus bowing. An increase in odds of disease severity was observed with femoral and tibial bowing >2°. With an increase in the grades of OA a significant increase in the lateral bow of both femur and tibia was observed. The mean condylar plateau angle was observed to be -2.53° ±7.9°. Positive association was seen between the varus CPA, HKA and OA (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study describes the various radiological parameters in Indian patients at different grades of OA and might elucidate the role of these factors in OA initiation and progression.

Ultrastructural characterization of cells in the tibial stump of ruptured human anterior cruciate ligament, their changes and significance with duration of injury.

Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts have been known to be present in both ruptured and intact human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and although their relevant histology and immunochemistry have been studied in the past, ultrastructural features of these cells are largely lacking. Therefore, we aim to characterise the ultrastructural details of these cells with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and to study the changes and their significance with duration of injury. Samples from 60 ruptured human ACL undergoing surgery were obtained and categorised according to duration of injury and observed under TEM with main focus on the following ultrastructural features: cellular morphology, presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lamina, myofilaments, and presence of myofibroblasts. These features were further correlated with the duration of injury and association, if any, determined using appropriate statistical analysis. A total of 54 male and 6 female patients with mean duration of the injury of 23.01 ± 26.09 weeks (2-108 weeks) were included in the study and categorised into five groups based on duration of injury as follows: I (< 6 weeks), II (7-12 weeks), III (13-20 weeks), IV (21-50 weeks) and V (> 50 weeks). There was a significant association between the above-mentioned ultrastructural features and the duration of injury (p < 0.05) except for the presence of ovoid fibroblast cells (p = 0.53). Furthermore, number of myofibroblasts and cells with Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum was seen to peak at 13-20 weeks following injury. We describe ultrastructural features of fibroblast of different morphology along with myofibroblasts in the ligaments following injury, the changes in which might have a potential bearing on ligament healing.

Combined Olecranon Osteotomy and the Posterior Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Approach for a Concomitant Injury of the Humeral Shaft and a Distal Intraarticular Humerus Fracture.

A complex fracture involving the distal humerus is a difficult fracture to treat and more so when it is involved with the ipsilateral shaft of the humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation of the humeral shaft with articular reconstruction have been described for a successful outcome of these complex fractures. However, it has drawbacks, especially in terms of soft tissue dissection and subsequent scarring and non-union. A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a fracture of the intercondylar humerus with an ipsilateral shaft of the left humerus. Combined olecranon osteotomy with posterior minimal plate osteosynthesis was used to treat this fracture. At the one-year follow-up at the postoperative fracture clinic, there was no pain, the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow was 10 degrees to 140 degrees and the radiograph showed a healed fracture with the implant in situ. We present and review a novel technique to treat complex humerus fractures. Articular fragments can be directly visualized and fixed simultaneously. This approach allows for the biological fixation of the fracture and forms a reliable option for treating such complex fractures.

Low-velocity simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture following long-term antiepileptic therapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries. They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases. Long-term use of narcotics and bisphosphonates can also result in similar fracture patterns; however, association of this fracture type with long-term use of antiepileptic drugs is not very common. Only one such case has been reported in the literature. This article describes the second. CASE REPORT: We report a case of simultaneous displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 50-year-old epileptic patient, who had taken phenytoin for the past 3 years. The fractures were a result of low-velocity injury following a fall from the bed. The fractures were managed with a bilateral hemi-replacement arthroplasty. Oral bisphosphonates were given to improve the bone quality in the post-operative period. The patient had a good post-operative outcome, that was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period of 1 year. CONCLUSION: Antiepileptic drugs should be supplemented with bisphosphonates and vitamin D to improve bone quality and prevent fractures in epileptic patients.

An Unusual Presentation of Pubic-type Anterior Hip Dislocation with Concomitant Anterior and Posterior Acetabular Wall Fracture.

Anterior hip dislocation is uncommon, comprising only 5%-15% of hip dislocations. It usually occurs following a severe external rotation and abduction injury. These injuries are occasionally associated with acetabular fractures, which generally occur in the direction of dislocation. We describe a rare case of pubic-type anterior hip dislocation with concomitant anterior and posterior acetabular wall fractures in a young male following a road traffic accident. The dislocation could not be reduced by closed means and open reduction had to be performed. Reduction of the hip allowed the wall fragments to fall back to their place and the hip remained stable. At the one-year follow-up, the clinical and radiological results were excellent. This case also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prompt reduction in the successful management of these types of injury.

An Unusual Case of Huge Tophaceous Pseudogout Mimicking as a Tumor-Like Lesion around the Ankle Joint: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pseudogout or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) primarily affects the joints and the periarticular tissues. Tophaceous or tumoral pseudogout is a rare form of this disease which is seen around the joints of extremities. It can be misdiagnosed as a neoplastic condition because of its clinicoradiological similarities, and thus, a proper histopathological examination is indispensable. We report one such case of extra-articular deposition of the CPPD crystals in a 65-year-old man who presented with an asymptomatic swelling around the left ankle. Radiographs showed a dense homogenous calcification, and FNAC revealed dense calcium deposits with numerous rhomboid-shaped crystals. It was managed by en bloc excision, and postoperative biopsy reports confirmed the diagnosis. Possibility of pseudogout should be kept as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with calcified soft tissue swellings and should be subjected to a detailed histopathological examination for confirmation.

An unusual case of femoral head perforation following fixation with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) for an unstable intertrochanteric fracture: Case report and literature review.

The proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) is designed for fixation of unstable proximal femoral fractures in Asian patients due to its superior biomechanical properties. The helical blade achieves purchase through bone compaction and requires less removal of bone than a screw. Medial migration of the helical blade with perforation into the hip joint without loss of reduction is a rare problem noted with PFNA. Past literature reporting the migration of the helical blade medially, perforating the femoral head has been addressed as a characteristic complication of the PFNA. A review of literature suggests various reasons for the same such as fresh trauma, fracture settlement and failure of lateralization of the blade. We report a case of postoperative medial migration of the helical blade perforating the femoral head due to loosening of the locking bolt of the helical blade without any signs of rotational or varus displacement of the fracture.

Quantitative correlation of mechanoreceptors in tibial remnant of ruptured human anterior cruciate ligament with duration of injury and its significance: an immunohistochemistry-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: Proprioception is a specialized sensory modality encompassing the movement of the joint and its position in space. Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not always yield expected outcome, suggesting that successful reconstruction depends on not only the ultimate strength of the graft but also recovery of proprioception. Treatment delay is a significant concern in developing countries, e.g., in Asia. Thus, presence of mechanoreceptors is one of the factors having paramount importance for successful outcome. We conducted this study to identify mechanoreceptors via immunohistochemical staining and correlate their presence with duration of injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 injured native ACL stumps were harvested from patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and stained with neurofilament protein stain to detect functional mechanoreceptors. RESULTS: Of the specimens, 44.7% stained positive for monoclonal antibody. No association was found between duration of injury and presence of mechanoreceptors (p = 0.897). No correlation was seen between age and side. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was found between duration of injury and presence of viable mechanoreceptors, hence it is beneficial to preserve the native ACL stump irrespective of the time interval between injury and surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Sudden peroneal nerve palsy in an osteoarthritic knee: a case report.

Peroneal nerve injuries have been reported in association with various causes around the knee such as traumatic varus injury, traumatic dislocation, upper tibial osteotomy, knee arthroscopy and total knee arthroplasty. Two instances of varus arthritic knee associated with a peroneal nerve palsy have been reported so far. One presented with gradual onset peroneal nerve palsy that recovered with time and the other with sudden onset peroneal nerve palsy that did not recover. We describe the case of a 63-year-old man who presented with a symptomatic varus arthritic knee and sudden onset peroneal nerve palsy with synovial cysts over the lateral aspect of the knee. We performed a total knee arthroplasty with decompression of the synovial cyst in the same patient. Three months following the surgery the patient was walking pain free with a completely recovered nerve palsy.

Comparative study between staples and eight plate in the management of coronal plane deformities of the knee in skeletally immature children.

PURPOSE: To compare two commonly used methods of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (staples and figure of eight plate) in the management of coronal plane deformities of the knee in skeletally immature children. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between November 2012 and November 2015. A total of 40 patients with 67 affected knee joints, having at least 1 year of skeletal growth remaining, were included in the study. Angular correction was measured by recording the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and anatomical tibio-femoral angle (TFA) (for the overall alignment of lower limbs). Implant removal was done after 5° of overcorrection was achieved. The rate of correction (° per month) and complications related to each technique were recorded. RESULTS: The most common diagnosis was idiopathic genu valgum. The overall rate of correction (TFA) was 1.2° for staples and 1.4° for eight plate (p = 0.70, not statistically significant). The correction in mLDFA was statistically better in the eight plate group, whereas an opposite trend was recorded in mMPTA. Implant-related complications were present in two cases of the staples group. CONCLUSION: Although the overall correction rate was similar in both groups, implant-related complications were lower with figure of eight plate. In idiopathic genu valgum (the most common diagnosis), the correction was statistically better in the eight plate group. We recommend figure of eight plate over staples in managing these deformities.