Standard of care and outcomes for Maori patients with neck of femur fractures - an Australia & New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the demographic differences between Maori and NZ Europeans with neck of femur fracture (NOF), identify any differences in management, surgical and post-op care and outcomes. METHODS: All cases in New Zealand between 2018 and 2020 were collected from the Australia & New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR). Basic demographics, management factors, and surgical factors were collected. Key outcomes at 120 days post-fracture included walking status, residential status and survival. Univariate analysis was performed to compare differences in demographics, and management factors between ethnicities. Multivariable analysis was conducted on key outcome comparisons and management differences. RESULTS: Data from 9432 patients were analyzed. 305 patients were Maori (3.2%). Age-standardized incidence between Maori and NZ European were similar (103 (95% CI 91-115) vs. 95 (95% CI 92-99)/100 000/year). Maori had a longer time to theatre (38.7 vs. 34.5 h, P = 0.01). The only difference between Maori and NZ European in the key outcomes was private residential status (67% vs. 62% P < 0.01). There was no difference in survival (87% vs. 87% P = 0.68) and decrease in walking status (0.43 vs. 0.41 P = 0.99). Following multivariable analysis, Maori ethnicity was an independent risk factor for time to theatre >48 hours after adjustment for other factors (OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.07, 1.93), P = 0.016). DISCUSSION: Although Maori were a small percentage of patients with NOFs, there was similar age-standardized incidence compared to NZ Europeans. While there were no differences in key outcomes, identifying reasons for longer time to theatre for Maori patients is required.

Equivalent revision rates and patient reported outcomes with routine use of a short (125mm) cemented stem for total hip arthroplasty compared to a standard length (150mm) cemented stem. A two surgeon series of 1335 patients.

BACKGROUND: Routine total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a short cemented stem as compared with a standard length cemented stem may have benefits in terms of stress distribution, bone preservation, stem subsidence and ease of revision surgery. Two senior arthroplasty surgeons transitioned their routine femoral implant from a standard 150 mm Exeter V40 cemented stem to a short 125 mm Exeter V40 cemented stem for all patients over the course of several years. We analysed revision rates, adjusted survival, and PROMS scores for patients who received a standard stem and a short stem in routine THA. METHODS: All THAs performed by the two surgeons between January 2011 and December 2021 were included. All procedures were performed using either a 150 mm or 125 mm Exeter V40 stem. Demographic data, acetabular implant type, and outcome data including implant survival, reason for revision, and post-operative Oxford Hip Scores were obtained from the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR), and detailed survival analyses were performed. Primary outcome was revision for any reason. Reason for revision, including femoral or acetabular failure, and time to revision were also recorded. RESULTS: 1335 THAs were included. 516 using the 150 mm stem and 819 using the 125 mm stem. There were 4055.5 and 3227.8 component years analysed in the standard stem and short stem groups respectively due to a longer mean follow up in the 150 mm group. Patient reported outcomes were comparable across all groups. Revision rates were comparable between the standard 150 mm stem (0.44 revisions/100 component years) and the short 125 mm stem (0.56 revisions/100 component years) with no statistically significant difference found (p = 0.240). CONCLUSION: Routine use of a short 125 mm stem had no statistically significant impact on revision rate or PROMS scores when compared to a standard 150 mm stem. There may be benefits to routine use of a short cemented femoral implant.

Comparing modern uncemented, hybrid and cemented implant combinations in older patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty, a New Zealand Joint Registry study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple joint registries have reported better implant survival for patients aged > 75 years undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cemented implant combinations when compared to hybrid or uncemented implant combinations. However, there is considerable variation within these broad implant categories, and it has therefore been suggested that specific implant combinations should be compared. We analysed the most common contemporary uncemented (Corail/Pinnacle), hybrid (Exeter V40/Trident) and cemented (Exeter V40/Exeter X3) implant combinations in the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) for patients aged > 75 years. METHODS: All THAs performed using the selected implants in the NZJR for patients aged > 75 years between 1999 and 2018 were included. Demographic data, implant type, and outcome data including implant survival, reason for revision, and post-operative Oxford Hip Scores were obtained from the NZJR, and detailed survival analyses were performed. Primary outcome was revision for any reason. Reason for revision, including femoral or acetabular failure, and time to revision were recorded. RESULTS: 5427 THAs were included. There were 1105 implantations in the uncemented implant combination group, 3040 in the hybrid implant combination group and 1282 in the cemented implant combination group. Patient reported outcomes were comparable across all groups. Revision rates were comparable between the cemented implant combination (0.31 revisions/100 component years) and the hybrid implant combination (0.40 revisions/100 component years) but were statistically significantly higher in the uncemented implant combination (0.80/100 component years). Femoral-sided revisions were significantly greater in the uncemented implant combination group. CONCLUSION: The cemented implant and hybrid implant combinations provide equivalent survival and functional outcomes in patients aged over 75 years. Caution is advised if considering use of the uncemented implant combination in this age group, predominantly due to a higher risk of femoral-sided revisions. The authors recommend comparison of individual implants rather than broad categories of implants.

Comparing uncemented, hybrid and cemented primary total hip arthroplasty in young patients, a New Zealand Joint Registry study.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing use of uncemented implants in young patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is minimal evidence for specific implant combinations in this group. We analysed the most commonly used uncemented (Corail-Pinnacle), hybrid (Exeter-Trident/Tritanium), and fully cemented (Exeter) implant combinations in the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) in patients aged under 40 and between 40 and 55 years. METHODS: All THAs recorded in the NZJR between 1999 and 2018 were included. The 40-55 and < 40 age groups were analysed separately. Demographic data, implant type, and outcome data including implant survival, reason for revision, and post-operative Oxford Hip Scores were obtained from the NZJR, and detailed survival analyses were performed. The primary outcome was revision for any reason. RESULTS: We identified 4152 THAs in the 40-55 group and 422 in the < 40 group. In the 40-55 group, revision rates and patient-reported outcome measure scores were comparable between the uncemented implant combination (0.70/100 component years) and the hybrid implant combination (0.62/100 component years), whereas the cemented implant combination exhibited a statistically significant higher revision rate (1.75/100 component years) (p < 0.001). In the < 40 group, revision rate for the hybrid implant combination (0.46/100 component years) was significantly lower than the uncemented implant combination (1.54/100 component years). CONCLUSION: The most commonly used hybrid and uncemented implant combinations provided equivalent survival and functional outcomes in patients aged 40-55 years. More research is required to guide implant selection in patients aged < 40 years. The authors suggest a transition away from comparing classes of implants (cemented, uncemented, hybrid) given the diverse product range within these categories.

How do cemented short Exeter stems perform compared with standard-length Exeter stems? The experience of the New Zealand National Joint Registry.

BACKGROUND: The standard Exeter (Stryker) cemented stem is 150 mm long with standard offsets ranging from 37.5 mm to 56 mm. Exeter short stems of 125 mm are also available in the offsets of 37.5 mm, 44 mm, and 50 mm. In addition, smaller (125 mm or shorter) Exeter cemented stems with offsets of 35.5 mm or less are available. The aim of this study was to examine the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) comparing medium-term survival rates and functional outcomes of standard-length stems with Exeter short stems of various offsets in patients undergoing primary total hip replacement. METHODS: Using the NZJR, we compared the results of 3 separate groups of patients with Exeter stems. Patients with standard 150 mm length Exeter stems (Standard) were compared with patients with Exeter 125 mm stems with regular 37.5 mm, 44 mm, and 50 mm offsets (Short 37+) and Exeter 125 mm stems with offsets of 35.5 mm and below (Short 37-). Demographic data, preoperative diagnosis, patient-reported outcome measures, and reasons for revision were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox multivariate regression analysis were used to examine implant survival and the influence of stem group on revision rates adjusting for gender, age, diagnosis, and surgical approach. RESULTS: There were 43,427 Exeter cemented stems in the NZJR between January 1, 1999 and 31, May 2018; 41,629 Standard, 657 Short 37+, and 1501 Short 37-. In all 3 groups, the posterior surgical approach was preferred (Standard, 76.1%; Short 37+, 94.6%; Short 37-, 76.6%; P < .001). In the Short 37- group, 94.1% were female, while in the other 2 groups, there was an equal gender ratio (P < .001). The Short 37- group was also significantly younger than the other 2 groups with 41.6% younger than 65 years compared with Short 37+ (37.2%) and Standard groups (36.9%) (P < .01). There was no difference in American Society of Anesthesiologists grade between groups. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in both the Short 37- and Short 37 + groups compared with the Standard group (Standard BMI, 28.71; SD 5.72; Short 37+ BMI, 29.69; SD, 6.67; Short 37- BMI, 29.09; SD 7.07; P < .001). The all-cause revision rate for standard stems was 0.55/100 component years (cy) (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.58). The Short 37- group had a higher rate of revision compared with the Standard group (hazard ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.98; P < .001), while the Short 37+ group had a hazard ratio of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.38 to 1.88; P = .674) compared with the Standard group. Cox regression analysis controlling for age, gender, diagnosis of OA, and surgical approach did not affect these findings. However, no clinically meaningful difference between Oxford hip scores was observed. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference in revision rates for aseptic loosening with standard-length Exeter stems having a lower revision rate than short Exeter stems with offsets 35.5 mm or less. The Short 37+ groups, despite comprising relatively small numbers, performed similarly to the Standard stem group.

Tranexamic Acid in Knee Surgery Study-A Multicentered, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative anemia following elective arthroplasty can lead to prolonged hospital stay and delays in rehabilitation and is often poorly tolerated in patients with cardiovascular disease. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, questions over its optimal route of administration remain. METHODS: A double-blinded, placebo, multicentered, randomized, controlled trial investigating the efficacy of topical and systemic routes of a single intraoperative dose (1.5 g) of TXA was conducted. Patients undergoing primary, unilateral TKA were screened for eligibility. Eligible patients were consecutively enrolled from 5 New Zealand centers between July 2014 and November 2015. Three prospective groups running in parallel (topical TXA [tTXA], systemic TXA [sTXA], and placebo) were investigated for a primary outcome of estimated perioperative blood loss. An intention-to-treat analysis was used to compare outcomes between the study groups (P value <.05). RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four patients across the 5 hospitals were recruited into the study. Estimated blood loss was equivalent in the 2 treatment groups, sTXA (749 mL [95% confidence interval, 637-860]) and tTXA (723 mL [620-826]). Compared to the placebo group (1090 mL [923-1257]), blood loss was significantly lower in both treatment groups (P = .001 and P = .0003, respectively). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, including rates of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (P = .759). CONCLUSION: In the setting of elective TKA, a single 1.5-g dose of tTXA given intraoperatively either systemically or topically effectively reduces blood loss without an increase in complications.

Does preoperative mental health affect length of hospital stay and functional outcomes following arthroplasty surgery? A registry-based cohort study.

AIM: It has been reported in the literature that patients with poor preoperative mental health are more likely to have worse functional outcomes following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty. We could find no studies investigating whether preoperative mental health also affects length of hospital stay following surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative mental health affects length of hospital stay and long-term functional outcomes following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty. We also aimed to determine whether mental health scores improve after arthroplasty surgery and, finally, we looked specifically at a subgroup of patients with diagnosed mental illness to determine whether this affects length of hospital stay and functional outcomes after surgery. METHOD: Through a review of prospectively collected regional joint registry data, we compared preoperative mental health scores (SF-12 MH) with length of hospital stay and post-operative (1 and 5 years) functional outcome scores (Oxford and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 2279 primary total hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries performed in the Bay of Plenty District Health Board between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS: Based on Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, there was a significant correlation between preoperative mental health scores and post-operative Oxford scores at 1 year as well as post-operative WOMAC scores at both 1 and 5 years. There was no significant correlation between preoperative mental health and length of hospital stay. Mental health scores improved significantly after arthroplasty surgery. Those patients with a formally diagnosed mental illness had significantly worse preoperative mental health and function scores. Following surgery, they had longer hospital stays although their improvement in function was not significantly different to those without mental illness. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support reports in the literature that there is a correlation between preoperative mental health and long-term functional outcomes following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients with poor preoperative mental health are more likely to have worse functional outcomes at 1 and 5 years following surgery. No correlation between preoperative mental health and length of hospital stay was identified. Mental health scores improved significantly after surgery. Patients with mental illness had longer hospital stays and despite worse preoperative mental health and function had equal improvements in functional outcomes.

Surgical workload of a foreign medical team after Typhoon Haiyan.

BACKGROUND: On 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing widespread loss of lives and infrastructures. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Australian Government deployed a surgical field hospital to the city of Tacloban for 4 weeks. This paper describes the establishment of the hospital, the surgical workload and handover to the local health system upon the end of deployment. METHODS: A Microsoft excel database was utilized throughout the deployment, recording demographics, relationship to the typhoon and surgical procedure performed. RESULTS: Over the 21 days of surgical activity, the Australian field hospital performed 222 operations upon 131 persons. A mean of 10.8 procedures were performed per day (range 3-20). The majority (70.2%) of procedures were soft tissue surgery. Diabetes was present in 22.9% and 67.9% were typhoon-related. The Australian Medical Assistance Team field hospital adhered to the World Health Organization guidelines for foreign medical teams, in ensuring informed consent, appropriate anaesthesia and surgery, and worked collaboratively with local surgeons, ensuring adequate documentation and clinical handover. CONCLUSION: This paper describes the experience of a trained, equipped and collaborative surgical foreign medical team in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Sepsis from foot injuries in diabetic patients constituted an unexpected majority of the workload. New presentations of typhoon-related injuries were presented throughout the deployment.

Femoral neck fractures after arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty for femoroacetabular impingement.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate, associated risk factors and outcome of insufficiency femoral neck fractures following arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty for femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009, a consecutive series of 376 arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasties for femoroacetabular impingement were performed and analysed. Seven postoperative fractures were found and comprise the fracture group. The amount of femoral head-neck bone resected as assessed on follow-up cross table lateral views, as well as age, gender, height, weight and BMI, was compared between the fracture group and the entire collective. Subjective outcome was recorded using the WOMAC score. RESULTS: Seven fractures (1.9 %) were identified. All occurred in males at an average of 4.4 weeks postoperatively and were considered insufficiency fractures. The fracture group had a significantly higher mean age (p = 0.01) and height (p = 0.013). Within the fracture group, alpha angles were lower (p = 0.009) and resection depth ratios were higher (p < 0.001). The femoral offset was significantly higher (p = 0.016) in the fracture group and in male patients (p < 0.001). The cut-off value for resection depth ratio on cross table lateral radiograph was 18 % of the femoral head radius. After a mean follow-up of 20 months, an inferior WOMAC (p = 0.030) was recorded in the fracture group. CONCLUSION: Femoral neck insufficiency fractures were identified in 1.9 % of our arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty cases. Significant new pain following a period of satisfactory recovery after arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty should alert the surgeon to the possibility of this complication. If a resection depth ratio of more than 18 % is recognized on the postoperative cross table lateral view, particularly in male patients with a high femoral head-shaft offset, the risk of postoperative insufficiency fracture is increased. This study not only defines the complication rate, but also identifies associated risk factors and determines the influence on the postoperative subjective short-term result. Important information for both the patient and orthopaedic surgeon is provided and may have a direct consequence on the postoperative protocol.

Are there differences between Maori and non-Maori patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery in New Zealand? A registry-based cohort study.

AIM: It has been well demonstrated that Maori have the poorest health status of any ethnic group in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any differences between Maori and non-Maori patients in the severity of their arthritis preoperatively and in their postoperative functional outcomes following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare general and mental health scores and to determine whether the intervention rate for Maori arthroplasty patients is appropriate. METHOD: We compared preoperative and postoperative (1 and 5 year) Oxford and WOMAC scores, general health (SF-12 PH) and mental health (SF-12 MH) scores in all public patients who underwent primary total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery in our region between 2005 and 2009. RESULTS: Maori patients are younger at the time of surgery, have higher ASA scores and worse preoperative function. They also have worse postoperative outcomes and smaller overall improvements following surgery when comparing their preoperative with postoperative scores. In terms of general health, Maori and non-Maori had similar SF-12 PH scores but worse SF-12 MH scores both pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Maori patients are younger, have worse general and mental health and worse preoperative function compared with non-Maori patients. Both absolute and differential scores show that Maori patients also have worse postoperative outcomes compared with non-Maori patients. These differences are likely clinically significant and ongoing education and effort is required in order to achieve earlier intervention rates and improve postoperative outcomes for Maori patients.

Surgical hip dislocation versus hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: clinical and morphological short-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical hip dislocation (SHD) is an accepted standard to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, arthroscopic techniques have gained widespread popularity and comparable results are reported. The purpose of this prospective comparative study was to test the hypothesis that, when compared to SHD, hip arthroscopy (HA) results in faster recovery, better short-term outcome, and equivalent morphological corrections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 38 patients presenting with clinically and morphologically verified isolated FAI were allocated to either HA or SHD. Morphological evaluation consisted of pre- and postoperative X-rays, and arthro-MRI. Demographic data, sport activities, hospital stay, complications, and the time off work were recorded. The subjective hip value, WOMAC, HHS, and hip abductor strength were measured up to 1 year. RESULTS: Shorter hospital stay and time off work, less pain at 3 months and 1 year, higher subjective hip values at 6 weeks and 3 months, and better WOMAC at 3 months were seen after HA. The HHS and the hip abductor strengths were higher in the HA group. However, morphological corrections at the head-neck-junction achieved by HA showed some overcorrection when compared to SHD. Labral refixation was performed less frequent in the HA group. CONCLUSION: When compared to SHD, HA results in faster recovery and better short-term outcome. However, some overcorrection of the cam deformity and limited frequency of labrum refixation with HA in this study may have a negative impact on long-term outcome.

Does previous hip arthroscopy negatively influence the short term clinical result of total hip replacement?

INTRODUCTION: The risk that hip preserving surgery may negatively influence the performance and outcome of subsequent total hip replacement (THR) remains a concern. The aim of this study was to identify any negative impact of previous hip arthroscopy on THR. METHODS: Out of 1271 consecutive patients who underwent primary THR between 2005 and 2009, 18 had previously undergone ipsilateral hip arthroscopy. This study group (STG) was compared with two control groups (CG, same approach, identical implants; MCG, paired group matched for age, BMI and Charnley categories). Operative time, blood loss, evidence of heterotopic bone and implant loosening at follow-up were compared between the STG and the MCG. Follow-up WOMAC were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: Blood loss was not found to be significantly different between the STG and MCG. The operative time was significantly less (p < 0.001) in the STG. There was no significant difference in follow-up WOMAC between the groups. No implant related complications were noted in follow-up radiographs. Two minor complications were documented for the STG and three for the MCG. CONCLUSION: We have found no evidence that previous hip arthroscopy negatively influences the performance or short-term clinical outcome of THR.

The reliability of computed tomography scanograms in the measurement of limb length discrepancy.

This study determined the intrarater and interrater reliabilities of measurements of paediatric limb length discrepancy on anteroposterior scout computed tomography scanograms. Seven physicians measured 26 films at two measuring sessions, separated by at least 8 weeks. High intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.96 were observed for measures by different raters within one session and also for repeat measures by the same raters across sessions. The intrarater, intersessional 95% limits of agreement were +/-6 mm for tibial length, +/-5 mm for femoral length and +/-7 mm for total limb length. These errors are similar to those seen with the use of orthoroentgenograms.