Radiological Comparison of Canal Fill between Collared and Non-Collared Femoral Stems: A Two-Year Follow-Up after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Collared femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA) offer reduced subsidence and periprosthetic fractures but raise concerns about fit accuracy and stem sizing. This study compares collared and non-collared stems to assess the stem-canal fill ratio (CFR) and fixation indicators, aiming to guide implant selection and enhance THA outcomes. This retrospective single-center study examined primary THA patients who received Corail cementless stems between August 2015 and October 2020, with a minimum of two years of radiological follow-up. The study compared preoperative bone quality assessments, including the Dorr classification, the canal flare index (CFI), the morphological cortical index (MCI), and the canal bone ratio (CBR), as well as postoperative radiographic evaluations, such as the CFR and component fixation, between patients who received a collared or a non-collared femoral stem. The study analyzed 202 THAs, with 103 in the collared cohort and 99 in the non-collared cohort. Patients' demographics showed differences in age (p = 0.02) and ASA classification (p = 0.01) but similar preoperative bone quality between groups, as suggested by the Dorr classification (p = 0.15), CFI (p = 0.12), MCI (p = 0.26), and CBR (p = 0.50). At the two-year follow-up, femoral stem CFRs (p = 0.59 and p = 0.27) were comparable between collared and non-collared cohorts. Subsidence rates were almost doubled for non-collared patients (19.2 vs. 11.7%, p = 0.17), however, not to a level of clinical significance. The findings of this study show that both collared and non-collared Corail stems produce comparable outcomes in terms of the CFR and radiographic indicators for stem fixation. These findings reduce concerns about stem under-sizing and micro-motion in collared stems. While this study provides insights into the collar design debate in THA, further research remains necessary.

Age as a Risk Factor for Intraoperative Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Cementless Hip Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Understanding the risk factors and outcomes of intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFF) during hip arthroplasty is crucial for appropriate perioperative management. Previous studies have identified risk factors for IPFF in total hip arthroplasty patients, but data for hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the age associated with increased rates of IPFF in patients undergoing HA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients aged 65 years and above who underwent a cementless HA for a displaced femoral neck fracture and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were stratified into five age groups (65-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, and ≥ 95 years) and further divided into two subgroups (under 95 years and 95 years or older). The presence, location, and treatment of IPFF, as well as the effect of IPFF on the postoperative weight-bearing status, were compared between groups. A multivariate logistic regression was also performed. A total of 1,669 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Results: The rates of IPFF were significantly higher for patients 95 years or older (p = 0.030). However, fracture location (greater trochanter fractures, p = 0.839; calcar fractures, p = 0.394; and femoral shaft fractures p = 0.110), intraoperative treatment (p = 0.424), and postoperative weight-bearing status (p = 0.229) were similar between the groups. While mortality and nonorthopedic-related readmissions were significantly higher for patients 95 years or older, orthopedic-related readmissions (p = 0.148) and revisions at the latest follow-up (p = 0.253) were comparable between groups. In a regression analysis, age over 95 years (odds ratio, 2.049; p = 0.049) and body mass index (odds ratio, 0.935; p = 0.016) were independently associated with IPFF. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that age over 95 years is a significant, independent risk factor for IPFF in patients undergoing cementless HA. Although we were unable to show an impact on perioperative outcomes and orthopedic complications, when operating on patients 95 years or older, surgeons should be aware of the increased risk of IPFF and consider the use of stem designs and fixation types associated with decreased IPFF rates.

Outcomes of Enterobacter cloacae-Associated Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Hip Arthroplasties.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) represent a serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and are associated with significant morbidity. While recent data suggest that Enterobacter cloacae is an emerging source of PJI, characteristics and outcomes of E. cloacae-associated infections are rarely described. The study aimed to present and describe the findings and outcomes of E. cloacae-associated PJI in our department. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients who underwent revision THA for E. cloacae-associated PJI between 2011 and 2020 and has a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes included organism characteristics as well as clinical outcomes, represented by the number of reoperations needed for PJI eradication and the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) outcome reporting tool score. Of 108 revision THAs, 12 patients (11.1%) were diagnosed with E. cloacae-associated PJI. Results: The majority of cases had a polymicrobial PJI (n=8, 66.7%). Five E. cloacae strains (41.7%) were gentamicin-resistant. Six patients (50.0%) underwent 2 or more revisions, while 3 of them (25.0%) required 4 or more revisions until their PJI was resolved. When utilizing the MSIS outcome score, the first surgical intervention was considered successful (MSIS score tiers 1 and 2) for 5 patients (41.7%) and failed (tiers 3 and 4) for 7 patients (58.3%). Conclusions: E. cloacae is emerging as a common source of PJI following hip arthroplasty procedures. The findings of our study suggest that this pathogen is primarily of polymicrobial nature and represents high virulence and poor postoperative outcomes, as represented by both an increased number of required revision procedures and high rates of patients with MSIS outcome scores of 3 and 4. When managing patients with E. cloacae-associated PJI, surgeons should consider these characteristics and inform patients regarding predicted outcomes.

Addition of gentamicin for antibiotic prophylaxis in hip hemiarthroplasty does not decrease the rate of surgical site infection.

BACKGROUND: The addition of Gram-negative coverage to antibiotic prophylaxis protocols prior to elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported to reduce periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, it is unknown whether adding a Gram-negative-targeted antibiotic agent improves outcomes in the trauma population. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin is associated with lower rates of PJI in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty (HA) as treatment for a hip fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients who underwent HA as treatment for a hip fracture from January 2011 to January 2022, and had a minimum 1-year of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on the antibiotic prophylaxis they received during surgery: cefazolin (control group) or cefazolin with addition of Gentamicin (case group). The primary outcome was the rate of surgical site infections (SSI), and secondary outcomes included rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and superficial SSIs. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 1521 patients. 336 patients (22.1%) were in the case group and 1185 (77.9%) patients were in the control group. Rates of SSI were comparable between the groups (3.8% for the case group vs. 2.8% in the control group, p = 0.34). This held true for both PJIs (3.5 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.3) and superficial SSIs (0.29 vs. 0.33%, p = 0.91). The distribution of the causing pathogen was similar between the groups (p = 0.84). Gentamicin susceptibility rates of the Gram-negative bacteria associated with PJI were similar between the cohorts (p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol of patients undergoing HA as treatment for a hip fracture was not associated with lower rates of SSI, PJI or superficial SSI. The findings of this study indicate that the prophylactic benefits of Gentamicin may not apply to HA as they do to THA.

Comparison of canal fill and radiolucent line formation between two fully coated, hydroxyapatite tapered stems: a 2-year follow-up after total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Comparison between fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stems with differing geometry are lacking in the total hip arthroplasty (THA) literature. This study aimed to compare femoral canal fill, radiolucency formation, and 2-year implant survivorship between two commonly used, HA-coated stems. METHODS: All primary THAs performed with two fully HA-coated stems (Polar stem, Smith&Nephew, Memphis, TN and Corail stem, DePuy-Synthes, Warsaw, IN) with a minimum 2-year radiographic follow-up were identified. Radiographic measures of proximal femoral morphology based on the Dorr classification and femoral canal fill were analyzed. Radiolucent lines were identified by Gruen zone. Perioperative characteristics and 2-year survivorship were compared between stem types. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were identified with 132 (56.7%) receiving the Polar stem (P) and 101 (43.3%) receiving the Corail stem (C). No differences were observed with respect to proximal femoral morphology. Femoral stem canal fill at the middle third of the stem was greater for P stem patients than for C stem patients (P stem; 0.80 ± 0.08 vs. C stem; 0.77 ± 0.08, p = 0.002), while femoral stem canal fill at the distal third of the stem and presence of subsidence were comparable between groups. A total of six and nine radiolucencies were observed in P stem and C stem patients, respectively. Revision rate at 2-year (P stem; 1.5% vs C stem; 0.0%, p = 0.51) and latest follow-up (P stem; 1.5% vs C stem; 1.0%, p = 0.72) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Greater canal fill at the middle third of the stem was observed for the P stem compared to the C stem, however, both stems demonstrated robust and comparable freedom from revision at 2-year and latest follow-up, with low incidences of radiolucent line formation. Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes for these commonly used, fully HA-coated stems remain equally promising in THA despite variations in canal fill.

Long term results of total hip arthroplasty with cemented and cementless tapered femoral component.

BACKGROUND: Excellent midterm results for total hip arthroplasties (THA) with cementless, tapered porous Taperloc® femoral stems have been reported. Reports regarding such cemented stems, however, are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of both cemented and cementless THAs with the Taperloc femoral component. METHODS: The medical records of 71 patients (76 hips), operated on between January 1991 and December 2003, who had a minimum follow-up of 10 years were available for analysis. Functional analysis was performed with the Harris hip score (HHS) questionnaire and the numerical analogue scale (NAS). Radiographic analysis was performed for subsidence, radiolucent lines and osteolysis. RESULTS: The cohort was comprised of 47 female and 24 male patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 12.4 years. The mean follow-up was 17.8 ± 4.4 years. 52.6% of THAs analyzed were cementless and 47.4% were cemented. Post-operative radiographs were available for 57 surgeries. Subsidence, hypertrophic ossification, radiolucent lines and osteolysis were noted in 4 (7%), 2 (2.6%), 14 (18.4%) and 11 (14.5%) hips respectively. The average HHS score at a mean follow-up of 20.1 ± 3.9 years was 62.1 (±27.7) and the NAS score was 4.6 (±3.6). During the study period, five revision surgeries were performed due to stem-related problems, one of which was for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term experience with the Taperloc stem, both cemented and cementless, demonstrates good outcomes, with low rates of failure. This makes this prosthesis an attractive option for THAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The effect of patient body mass index and sex on the magnification factor during pre-operative templating for total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative templating prior to hip arthroplasty has traditionally used implant-company-provided acetates, which assumed a magnification factor between 115% and 120%. In recent years, pre-operative planning has been performed with digital calibration devices, in order to calculate the magnification factor. However, these devices are not without their limitations and are not readily available at many institutions. As previous reports suggest a wide range of magnification factors, the determination of an optimal magnification factor is currently unclear. We investigated the relationship between obesity and gender on the magnification factor in order to improve the accuracy of pre-operative templating. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven consecutive pre-operative calibrated pelvic radiographs using the KingMark calibration were analyzed using the TraumaCad templating software. The magnification factor calculated by the software was considered the true magnification factor and analysis was made in order to assess the effect of sex and body mass index (BMI) on the magnification factor. A linear regression analysis was utilized to create a predictive model for optimal magnification factor value. RESULTS: Magnification factor was significantly affected by sex (male, 120.0% vs. female 121.2%, p < 0.01) and by categorized BMI (obese 121.8% vs. non-obese 119.9%, p < 0.001). A positive linear association was found between BMI and the magnification factor (r = 0.544). The magnification factor was significantly different between the following sub-groups: obese female, non-obese female, obese male, and non-obese male (p < 0.001). When applying the model formulated by the linear regression analysis, the calculated magnification factor was within 2% of the true magnification factor for the majority of patients (n = 83, 85.6%). CONCLUSIONS: BMI and gender have a significant effect on the magnification factor. Future determination of the magnification factor should consider the influence of these variables in order to improve the accuracy of pre-operative templating in THA.

Does addition of gentamicin for antibiotic prophylaxis in total knee arthroplasty reduce the rate of periprosthetic joint infection?

BACKGROUND: First-generation cephalosporins are used as antibiotic prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty patients. However, this regimen does not address Gram-negative bacteria causing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Previous studies have suggested that the addition of an aminoglycoside as antibiotic prophylaxis in THA reduces surgical site infection (SSI), and less is known on its effect in TKA. This study aimed to investigate if the addition of a single-dose gentamicin, administered pre-operatively, is associated with lower rates of infection in TKA patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent primary TKA as treatment for osteoarthritis between January 2011 and April 2021, with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The mean age was 69.9 (± 9.8), the mean BMI was 29.7 (± 5.5), and most patients had American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score of 2-3 (92.9%). Patients were stratified based on the peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis they received: cefazolin with addition of gentamicin (case group) or cefazolin (control group). Our primary study endpoints were rates of PJI and SSI, which were compared between groups using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 1590 patients, 1008 (63.4%) in the control group and 582 (36.6%) patients in the case group. The total infection rate for patients that received gentamicin dropped by 34%; however, this finding did not reach statistical significance (1.3% (control) vs. 0.86% (case), p = 0.43). The same drop was seen after subdivision of infections to PJI (0.5% vs. 0.34%, 32% drop, p = 0.66) and SSI (0.8% vs. 0.52%, 35% drop, p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of gentamicin administered pre-operatively to a standard antibiotic prophylaxis was not associated with a statistically significant lower rate of PJI. Although the difference in infection rate did not reach statistical significance, the current study noted a drop in the rate of infection by 1/3 in the gentamicin cohort. Further investigation to evaluate the potential benefit of adding gentamicin to a peri-operative antibiotic regimen is warranted.

Increased postoperative glycemic variability is associated with increased mortality in diabetic patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Increased glycemic variability (GV) during hospitalization has been associated with increased rates of surgical site and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) following elective total joint arthroplasty. Uncertainty exists surrounding GV as a predictor for complications in urgent arthroplasty cases following hip fractures. In this study, we evaluated the association between GV and postoperative complications in diabetic patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for hip fractures. METHODS: We analyzed data on 2421 consecutive patients who underwent THA or HA at our institution from 2011 to 2020. Patients with a known diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who had a minimum of three postoperative glucose values taken within the first week after surgery were included. GV was assessed using a coefficient of variation. Outcomes included short- and long-term mortality, reoperations, prosthetic joint infection (PJI) requiring revision and readmissions for any cause. RESULTS: The final cohort consisted of 482 patients (294 females, 188 males). Higher GV was associated with an increased 90-day mortality (p = 0.017). GV was not associated with 30-day mortality (p = 0.45), readmissions of any cause at 30 or 90 days (p = 0.99, p = 0.91, respectively), reoperation of any cause (p = 0.91) or PJI requiring revision surgery (p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Higher GV in the postoperative period is associated with increased rates of mortality in diabetic patients following THA and HA for hip fractures. Efforts should be made to monitor and control glucose variability in the postoperative period.

The impact of posterior-stabilized vs. constrained polyethylene liners in revision total knee arthroplasty.

AIM: Posterior stabilized (PS) and varus valgus constrained (VVC) knee polyethylene liners have been shown to confer excellent long-term functional results following revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients who underwent rTKA using either a PS or VVC liner. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of 314 rTKA with either PS or VVC liner and a minimum follow-up time of two years was conducted. Patient demographics, complications, readmissions, and re-revision etiology and rates were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed to estimate freedom from all-cause revision. RESULTS: Hospital LOS (3.41 ± 2.49 vs. 3.34 ± 1.93 days, p = 0.793) and discharge disposition (p = 0.418) did not significantly differ between groups. At a mean follow-up of 3.55 ± 1.60 years, the proportion of patients undergoing re-revision did not significantly differ (19.1% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.929). In subgroup analysis of re-revision causes, the VVC cohort had superior survival from re-revision due to instability compared to the PS cohort (97.8% vs. 89.4%, p = 0.003). Freedom from re-revision due to aseptic loosening did not significantly differ between groups (85.2% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.436). Improvements in range of motion (ROM) from preoperative to latest follow-up were similar as well. CONCLUSIONS: PS and VVC liners confer similar survivorship, complication rates, and overall knee ROM in rTKA. VVC liners were not associated with increased postoperative aseptic loosening and demonstrated superior freedom from re-revision due to instability. Future studies with longer follow-up are warranted to better determine significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two bearing options. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort Study.

A Quick and Comprehensive Guide to Differential Diagnosis of Neck and Back Pain: a Narrative Review.

The list of diagnostic options when approaching a patient with axial pain is impressively complex. Many offer limited diagnostic workups, but we could not find a truly comprehensive diagnostic guide to assist in the diagnostic evaluation. In this short paper, we briefly described a long list of medical conditions, each of which can manifest as back or neck pain, and whose prevalence ranges from common to very rare. We then proposed an algorithm for classifying them into subgroups. Further referral to diagnostic tests and specialist consultations, after assignment to one of those subgroups, could save time and unnecessary tests. We believe that this review and the proposed diagnostic algorithm can be valuable for medical education and for use in the primary care setting for the diagnostic evaluation of any type of back or neck pain in all patient groups.

Three dimensional printing as an aid for pre-operative planning in complex cases of total joint arthroplasty: A case series.

Purpose: Digital templating is an essential aspect of pre-operative planning for total joint arthroplasty procedures. For complex cases of joint reconstruction, the standard templating software is insufficient to achieve the desired accuracy. 3D printing significantly aids the pre-operative planning in complicated cases of joint reconstruction and offers immense potential towards improving outcomes in these cases. The purpose of the present study is to present the various ways in which 3D printing has aided our department in facilitating complex cases of lower extremity reconstruction. Methods: Data was retrospectively retrieved for all patients that underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with the aid of 3D printing technology at our institution between January 2016-February 2021. Patient pain was determined before and after surgery using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were additionally analyzed using the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Results: The final study population consisted of 39 patients that underwent TKA or THA procedures with the use of 3D printing. Twenty-four (61.5%) of the surgeries in the study were THA procedures, whereas 15 (38.5%) were TKA procedures. The average VAS for patients reduced from 8.4% before surgery to 5.4% after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean KOOS of patients that underwent TKA was 17.33 ± 9.33 (43%) and the mean HOOS of patients that underwent THA was 13.79 ± 6.6 (42%). Conclusions: The following series demonstrates the ability by which 3D printing facilitates complex cases of hip and knee reconstruction. 3D printing offers an improvement in understanding of patient specific anatomy, enhancing patient outcomes. Departments should consider the use of 3D printing technology as an adjunct when performing complex cases of lower extremity reconstruction.

Addressing posterior tilt displacement during surgery to lower failure risk of sub-capital Garden types 1 and 2 femoral fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Sub-capital femoral fractures (SCFF) are impacted or non-displaced in Garden types 1 and 2, respectively. Non-surgical treatment is protected weight-bearing combined with physiotherapy and radiographic follow-up in selected patients. Traditionally, in situ pinning is the surgical treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to estimate whether the valgus deformity in Garden types 1 and 2 (AO classification 31B1.1 and 31B1.2) SCFF is a virtual perception of a posterior tilt deformity and if addressing this deformity improves patients' outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 96 patients with Garden Types 1 and 2 SCFF treated in tertiary medical center between 1/2014 and 9/2017 were retrospectively reviewed. They all had preoperative hip joint anteroposterior and lateral radiographic views. 75 patients had additional computed tomography (CT) scans. Femoral head displacement was measured on an anteroposterior and axial radiograph projections and were performed before and after surgery. Preoperative 3D reconstructions were performed for a better fracture characterization, and assessment of the imaging was performed by the first author. RESULTS: The average age of the study cohort was 73 years (range 28-96, 68% females). There were 58 right-sided and 38 left-sided fractures. Ninety patients had Type 1 and six patients had Type 2 fractures. The average preoperative posterior tilt was 15 degrees and the average valgus displacement was 10 degrees on plain radiographs compared to 28 degrees and 11 degrees, respectively, on CT scans. Posterior tilt was found with a virtual perception as valgus-impacted fractures. The postoperative posterior tilt was corrected to an average of 3 degrees and the valgus displacement to 5 degrees. CONCLUSION: CT provides an accurate modality for measuring femoral head displacement and fracture extent. The posterior tilt displacement should be addressed during surgery to lower failure risk and the need for additional procedures. IRB APPROVAL: TLV-0292-15. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Digital templating in total hip arthroplasty using contralateral healthy hip results in decreased accuracy.

The accuracy of pre-operative digital templating for total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the diseased versus unaffected contralateral joint remains unclear. As such, we devised a study to compare templating precision between the operated hip joint versus the healthy side for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The study hypothesis was that preoperative templating accuracy of THA on the ipsilateral diseased hip joint would be higher compared to the contralateral healthy hip in patients with OA. We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients who underwent THA for unilateral OA at our center from January 2018 to January 2020. Retrospective preoperative digital templating was performed separately on both the operated hip joint and the healthy contralateral hip joint by a single surgeon who was blinded by the in-situ components sizes. Accuracy of each group was compared to the implanted components. Assessment of the 100 included cases demonstrated superior acetabular component size prediction when templating was performed using the diseased hip compared to the healthy contralateral side (68.0% versus 51.0%, p<0.001). No differences between the cohorts were found regarding templating accuracy of femoral stem sizes (72.0% and 69.0%, p=0.375) or neck offset (73.0% and 69.0%, p=0.289). Templating acetabular cup size using the ipsilateral diseased hip is more accurate than using the contralateral healthy hip in patients with unilateral OA.

Botulinum toxin injections as salvage therapy is beneficial for management of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common pathology usually presenting with anterior or retropatellar pain. It is associated with a relative imbalance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the vastus lateralis (VL) muscles. This can lead to considerable morbidity and reduced quality of life (QOL). This study aims to assess the long-term functional outcome of PFPS treated with VL muscle botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 26 consecutive patients (31 knees) with a mean age of 50.1 years (± 19.7 years) who were treated with BoNT-A injections to the VL muscle followed by physiotherapy between 2008 and 2015. Pre- and post-treatment pain levels (numerical rating scale, NRS), QOL (SF-6D), and functional scores (Kujala and Lysholm questionnaires) were measured. Demographics, physical therapy compliance, previous surgeries, perioperative complications, and patient satisfaction levels were collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 58.8 ± 36.4 months. There were significant improvements in all the examined domains. The average pain score (NRS) decreased from 7.6 to 3.2 (P < 0.01), and the Kujala, Lysholm, and SF-6D scores improved from 58.9 to 82.7 (P < 0.001), 56.2 to 83.2 (P < 0.001), and 0.6 to 0.8 (P < 0.001), respectively. Similar delta improvement was achieved irrespective of gender, age, compliance to post-treatment physical therapy, or coexisting osteoarthritis. Patients who presented with a worse pre-treatment clinical status achieved greater improvement. Prior to BoNT-A intervention, 16 patients (18 knees) were scheduled for surgery, of whom 12 (75%, 13 knees) did not require further surgical intervention at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A single intervention of BoNT-A injections to the VL muscle combined with physiotherapy is beneficial for the treatment of patients with persistent PFPS. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study.

Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves used in revision total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The management of bone defects remains one of the major challenges surgeons are faced with in revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Large and uncontained bone defects are traditionally managed with metaphyseal sleeves that facilitate osseointegration and have reported construct stability. While many studies have presented excellent short-term outcomes using metaphyseal sleeves, less is known on their performance in the longer term. The purpose of this study was to present our mid-term results of the metaphyseal sleeves used in patients undergoing RTKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2015, 30 patients underwent RTKA with the use of a CCKMB prosthesis combined with an osteointegrative sleeve. The main indications for RTKA were instability in 40% of the cases (n = 12), aseptic loosening in 30% (n = 9), infection in 26.7% (n = 8), and "other" in 3.3% (n = 1). The minimal follow-up time was 5 years and the mean follow-up time was 82.4 months (SD = 22.6). Clinical outcomes were assessed by Knee Society scores (KSS), range of motion and rate of re-operation. RESULTS: The mean Knee Society score increased significantly from 72.1 preoperatively to 90.0 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of re-operation in our study was 13.3% (n = 4). Our study reported no cases of aseptic loosening or mobile-bearing spin-out. Knee flexion to 90° and more was impossible in seven cases (23.3%) preoperatively and in one case (3.3%) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves demonstrated excellent rates of survivorship and radiographic ingrowth in the mid-term setting. However, further studies are required to assess their outcomes in the long-term.

Dynamic locking plate vs. cannulated cancellous screw for displaced intracapsular hip fracture: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus regarding the optimal device for displaced intracapsular hip fractures. This retrospective study compared two techniques (1) cannulated cancellous screw (CCS), and (2) Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding gender, operational data, complications, pain, Quality of life and function scores were retrieved. RESULTS: 103 patients were included, 42 were treated using CCS, compared to 61 treated using TFN. Operative time shorter for CCS (p = 0.019). Complication rates were not different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: As CCS method take shorter operating time and reduced costs, CCS should be used for the treatment of displaced ICHF.

Good clinical and radiological outcomes of the varus-valgus constrained mobile-bearing implant in revision total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Knee instability is one of the most common indications for having to undergo revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) and can be prevented with adequate implant selection and good surgical technique. Varus-valgus constrained implants (VVC) are indicated for cases of RTKA with absent ligament function in order to provide the necessary stability. While mobile-bearing articulations are thought to decrease the risk of aseptic loosening in comparison to their fixed-bearing counterparts, there is limited data on their outcomes. The purpose of our study is to present the clinical and radiological outcomes for patients undergoing an RTKA procedure with the mobile-bearing VVC implant. METHODS: Between January 2008 to January 2018, 93 patients underwent RTKA with the use of varus-valgus mobile-bearing (VVCMB) prosthesis. The main indications for RTKA were instability 38.7% (n = 36), aseptic loosening 31.2% (n = 29), infection in 26.9% (n = 25), and other 3.3%. The mean follow-up time was 56 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed by knee society scores, range of motion, and rate of re-operation. RESULTS: The mean knee society score increased significantly from 65.52 pre-operatively to 89.65 post-operatively (p < 0.001). The five year cumulative incidence of re-operation in our study was 7.53% (n = 7). Our study reported no cases of aseptic loosening or mobile-bearing spin-out. The number of flexion contractures decreased from n = 23 (24.7%) pre-operatively to n = 11 (11.8%) post-operatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The VVC mobile-bearing prosthesis demonstrated good clinical outcomes and mid-term survivorship in patients undergoing RTKA. Additional follow-up is required in the long term.

Tranexamic acid in non-elective primary total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Blood loss during and following elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be substantial and may require allogeneic blood transfusions which carries significant risks and morbidity for patients. Intraoperative use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been proven to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in elective THA patients. Data regarding TXA efficacy in reducing blood loss in trauma patients undergoing non-elective primary THA is sparse, and its routine use is not well established. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent non-elective primary THA in a tertiary medical center between January 1st 2011- December 31st 2019. The cohort was divided into two groups; one received perioperative TXA treatment while the other did not. Blood loss, blood product administration, peri and postoperative complications, readmissions and 1-year mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 419 patients (146 males, 273 females) who underwent THA were included in this study. The "TXA" group consisted 315 patients compared to 104 patients in the "no TXA" group. TXA use reduced postoperative bleeding, as indicated by changes in hemoglobin levels before and after surgery (ΔHb= -2.75 gr/dL vs. ΔHb= -3.34 gr/dL, p<0.001) and by administration of allogeneic blood transfusions (7.0% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Similar to the known effect of TXA in elective THA patients, the use of TXA treatment in patients undergoing non-elective THA led to a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss and in the proportion of patients requiring allogeneic blood transfusions.