Morphology of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in adult cadavers.

The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is important for surgical approaches to the hip joint; its branches are often used as grafts and pedicled flaps. Our aim was to contribute to the literature by reporting variations. The LCFA branching pattern was studied in 26 lower limbs of formalin-fixed cadavers. It was recorded whether the LCFA originated from the femoral artery (FA) or the deep femoral artery (DFA). The distances of LCFA from the mid-inguinal point (MIP) and DFA; and the diameters of LCFA and its branches were measured with metric caliper. Side differences were analyzed by Wilcoxon test. The mean shortest distance from the LCFA to the MIP was 59.45 ± 13.06 mm and to the DFA was 19.23 ± 9.63 mm. The mean diameters of LCFA and its ascending, transverse, and descending branches were 5.82 ± 1.87 mm, 3.28 ± 0.87 mm, 3.02 ± 0.92 mm, and 3.61 ± 0.98 mm, respectively. The LCFA originated from 80.8% DFA and 19.2% FA. Data were evaluated jointly (p > 0.05). In one case, an accessory transverse branch was found. Spearman analysis shows that as the distance between the LCFA and the MIP increased, the diameter of the LCFA and its branches increased. Knowledge of the LCFA branching pattern is essential for interventional options in arterial grafts, such as bypass surgery, pedicled flaps, and surgical approaches to the hip joint. Preoperative radiologic evaluation for accurate knowledge of the topography of the branching pattern and vessel size can contribute to successful management of intraoperative blood loss and avoidance of iatrogenic injury.

Efficacy of Autologous Adult Live-Cultured Osteoblast (AALCO) Implantation in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Mid-Term Outcome Analysis.

Introduction: Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, a condition characterized by the interruption of blood supply leading to bone tissue death, presents significant therapeutic challenges. Recent advancements in orthobiologics, including the use of Autologous Adult Live-Cultured Osteoblasts (AALCO), combined with core decompression, offer a novel approach for managing AVN. This study assesses the efficacy of this treatment modality in improving functional outcomes and hindering disease progression. Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study encompassed 30 patients treated between 2020 and 2023 for idiopathic AVN of the femoral head, grades I to III, who had not responded to conservative treatment. Patients were excluded based on specific criteria including age, secondary AVN causes, and certain health conditions. The treatment involved a two-stage surgical procedure under spinal anesthesia with OSSGROW® for AALCO generation. Post-operative care emphasized early mobilization, DVT prevention, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Outcome measures were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, modified Harris Hip Score, and annual MRI imaging for up to 36 months. Results: Among 26 patients (41 hips) completing the study, statistically significant improvements in pain and hip functionality were documented, alongside positive radiological signs of osteogenesis in the majority of cases. However, four instances required advancement to total hip replacement due to disease progression. Conclusion: The combination of core decompression and AALCO implantation shows promise as an effective treatment for AVN of the femoral head, with notable improvements in functional and radiological outcomes. This study supports the potential of orthobiologic approaches in AVN treatment, warranting further investigation through comprehensive randomized controlled trials.

Investigation of Novel Radiological Parameters to Predict Treatment Failure and Ideal Surgical Interventions in Young Femoral Neck Fractures Treated with Triple Cannulated Screw: A Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction: Treatment failure remains a challenge in young femoral neck fractures treated with triple cannulated screws (TCS). This study aims to identify novel radiological parameters that can predict treatment failure and propose surgical techniques to enhance the success of TCS or aid in selecting alternative methods. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 87 patients who underwent surgery for femoral neck fractures between February 2014 and June 2022, meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients achieving union were categorized as Non-Fail (Group 1), while those experiencing nonunion were categorized as Fail (Group 2). Various demographic and clinical factors were assessed, including age, gender, fracture side, and fracture classification (Garden and Pauwels). Radiological parameters such as fragmentation in the medial cortex, postoperative fracture displacement in the calcar region, collo-diaphyseal angle (CDA) difference (varus/valgus alignment), and several newly defined parameters (modified tip apex distance (m-TAD), tip cortex distance (TCD), upper-lower screw-cortex distance/neck diameter, the calcar screw-cortex distance/neck diameter (Buyukdogan index), and sub-capital area/basocervical area (Dogan index) were evaluated. Patients developing nonunion were studied to establish potential cut-off values based on radiological parameters. Results: Of the patients, 61 were classified as Non-Fail (Group 1) and 26 as Fail (Group 2). Both groups exhibited similar distributions in terms of gender, fracture side, Pauwels classification, and follow-up times (p > 0.05). However, Group 2 had a higher mean age than Group 1 (p = 0.006). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of Garden classification (p = 0.0003). Furthermore, postoperative calcar displacement, varus alignment, m-TAD, TCD, upper-lower screw-cortex distance/neck diameter ratio, Buyukdogan index, and Dogan index showed significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Conversely, medial calcar fragmentation did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The Dogan index (≤ 0.5) can serve as an independent preoperative predictor of treatment failure, aiding in the selection of more effective surgical interventions than TCS. Varus alignment (> 10 degrees), the upper-lower screw-cortex distance to the neck diameter (> 0.45) and Buyukdogan index (> 0.2) are influenced by the surgical technique of TCS application and should be considered to decrease the success of TCS.

Sequential bowel necrosis and large gastric ulcer in a patient with a ruptured femoral artery: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe bleeding as a result of a major vascular injury is a potentially fatal event commonly observed in the emergency department. Bowel necrosis and gastric ulcers secondary to ischemia are rare due to their rich blood supply. In this case, we present the case of a patient who was treated successfully following rupture of his femoral artery resulting in bowel necrosis and an unusually large gastric ulcer. CASE SUMMARY: A 28-year-old male patient sustained a knife stab wound to the right thigh, causing rupture of his femoral artery and leading to massive bleeding. He underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and received a large blood transfusion. Abdominal surgeries confirmed bowel necrosis, and jejunostomy was performed. The necrotic intestine was removed, the remaining intestine was anastomosed, and the right thigh was amputated. After three surgeries, the patient's overall condition gradually improved, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. However, one day after discharge, the patient was admitted again due to dizziness and melena, and a gastroduodenoscopy revealed a giant banded ulcer. After 2 weeks of treatment, the ulcer had decreased in size without bleeding. Six months after the last surgery, enterostomy and reintroduction surgery were completed. The patient was fitted with a right lower limb prosthesis one year after surgery. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient did not complain of discomfort. CONCLUSION: Trauma department physicians need to be aware of the possible serious complications involving the abdomen of trauma patients with massive bleeding.

Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty After Failed Pedicled Peri-Hip Bone Flap Grafting: The Chinese Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed peri-hip bone flap grafting (PBFG) and compared them with those patients undergoing primary THA for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2021, 163 Chinese patients (163 hips) were treated by conversion THA after failed PBFG (containing 94 patients who had pedicled vascularized iliac bone flap grafting and 69 patients who had pedicled vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting), and 178 Chinese patients were treated by primary THA. The preoperative baseline data and perioperative indicators in both groups were compared. RESULTS: In the conversion group, patients had significantly greater blood loss, a longer length of stay, and greater changes in serum hemoglobin than those in the primary THA group (P < 0.05). The operative room time, transfusion volume, calculated blood loss, changes in serum hematocrit, and increased superficial infection (P > 0.05) in the conversion group were greater compared with the primary cohort; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The mean postoperative Harris Hip Scoring System (HHS) of the PBFG group at the one-month follow-up was 81, and the control group had an 82 score. Importantly, subgroup analysis of the PBFG group indicated that there was no significant difference between patients who had prior pedicled vascularized iliac bone flap grafting and pedicled vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting (P > 0.05), except for the operative room time (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Hip-sparing surgery of ONFH did not make THA more difficult or lead to more peri-operative complications, but increased blood loss and extended hospital stay from a prior PBFG are still notable problems in clinical practice. Thus, it is necessary for surgeons to focus attention on the improvement of the preoperative condition and prepare for any specific intraoperative challenges.

In situ metabolomic analysis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using MALDI MSI.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common orthopedic disease characterized by disability and deformity. To better understand ONFH at molecular level and to explore the possibility of early diagnosis, instead of diagnosis based on macroscopic spatial characteristics, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) method was developed for ONFH disease for the first time. The most challenging step for ONFH MSI is to deal with human bone tissues which are much harder than the other biological samples studied by the reported MSI studies. In this work, the MSI sectioning method of hard bone tissues was established using tender acids and a series of test criteria. Small-molecule metabolites, such as lipids and amino acids, were detected in bone sections, realizing the in situ detection of spatial distribution of biometabolites. By comparing the distribution of metabolites from different regions of normal femoral head, ONFH bone tissue (ONBT), and adjacent ONFH bone tissue (ANBT), the whole process of femoral head from normal stage to necrosis was monitored and visualized at molecular level. Moreover, this developed MSI method was used for metabolomics study of ONFH. 72 differential metabolites were identified, suggesting that disturbances in energy metabolism and lipid metabolism affected the normal life activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This study provides new perspectives for future pathological studies of ONFH.

Central venous catheter-related thrombosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterization may be required in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for parenteral nutrition, antibiotic treatment, or blood sampling. Different venous access devices can be taken into consideration-centrally inserted central catheters (CICC), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), and femorally inserted central catheters (FICCs)-depending on the clinical conditions of the patients. Regardless of the type of access, the presence of paraplegia or tetraplegia is commonly considered a risk factor for catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). METHOD: This retrospective study analyzes the rate of CRT and other non-infectious complications associated with central venous access in a cohort of 115 patients with paraplegia or tetraplegia, most of them affected by ALS (n = 109). RESULTS: In a period of 34 months, from January 2021 to October 2023, we inserted 75 FICCs, 29 CICCs, and 11 PICCs. PICCs were inserted only in patients with preserved motility of the upper limbs. All devices were inserted by trained operators adopting appropriate insertion bundles. We had no immediate or early complication. Though antithrombotic prophylaxis was adopted only in 61.7% of patients, we had no symptomatic CRT. Other non-infectious complications were infrequent (4 out of 115 patients). CONCLUSION: These results suggest (a) that the presence of paraplegia or tetraplegia is not necessarily associated with an increased risk of CRT, (b) that the adoption of well-designed insertion bundles plays a key role in minimizing non-infectious complications, and (c) that the insertion of FICCs by direct cannulation of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh in paraplegic/tetraplegic patients may have the same advantages which have been described in the general population.

Case report: Imaging of septic arthritis in the hip joint of a calf treated with femoral head ostectomy.

A 24-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with weight-bearing lameness in the left hind limb and a swollen pelvis. Ultrasonography revealed the accumulation of fluidity materials with a mixture of hyper- and hypo-echogenicity, enclosed by 5-10-mm-thick capsular structures. On the ventral-dorsal radiograph of the pelvis, irregular and radiolucent osseous changes were evident in the femoral head and acetabulum within the swollen hip joint, with soft-tissue density. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the relationship between the bony and soft tissue lesions, which was suspected following ultrasonography and radiography, and provided additional findings, such as intra-articular accumulation of gas and the degree of osteolytic changes. Based on the imaging findings and cytology of the arthrocentesis specimen, the patient was diagnosed with hip arthritis and osteomyelitis of the femoral head. Additionally, the severity of the lesions supported our decision to perform a femoral head ostectomy. The postoperative radiographic and CT findings of the treated pelvis were helpful in evaluating the efficacy of this technique. Following treatment, the animal could walk and showed normal development, although it was three postoperative months before weight-bearing lameness improved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the combined use of ultrasonography, radiography, and CT in the diagnosis, preoperative planning, and evaluation of the postoperative effects of bovine hip arthritis. Additionally, this report details the therapeutic efficacy of femoral head ostectomy for bovine hip arthritis, a technique that has not been reported previously.

The efficacy of the novel "wall pierce" technique for common femoral access in endovascular therapy.

Under challenging common femoral artery access scenarios, the "wall PIERCE" technique, which utilizes a larger puncture needle to pierce the vessel wall along the guidewire, facilitates sheath insertion. This method proved successful in two cases without any complications, presenting a valuable addition to strategies for addressing challenging sheath insertion scenarios.

Does the Nonunion Rate of Atypical Femoral Fractures Differ According to Fracture Site?: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The nonunion rate for atypical femoral fractures (AFF) is known to be higher than that for typical fractures of the femur. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence of nonunion necessitating reoperation following fixation for AFF and compare the rates according to the fracture site (subtrochanter or midshaft). Methods: A total of 742 AFFs from 29 studies were included. A proportion meta-analysis utilizing a random-effects model was conducted to estimate the prevalence of nonunion. The outcomes were the incidence of reoperations that included osteosynthesis. To determine the association of nonunion with patient mean age or average duration of bisphosphonate use, meta-regression analysis was done. Results: In proportion meta-analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence of nonunion was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-10%) from all studies. There was a significant difference in nonunion rate between the 2 groups (I2 = 34.4%, p = 0.02); the estimated prevalence of nonunion was 15% (95% CI, 10%-20%) in subtrochanteric AFFs and 4% (95% CI, 2%-6%) in midshaft AFFs. From meta-regression analysis, significant correlations were identified between nonunion rate and patient mean age (coefficient: -0.0071, p = 0.010), but not in the average duration of bisphosphonate use (coefficient: -0.0024, p = 0.744). Conclusions: A notable disparity existed in the nonunion rate among subtrochanteric AFFs and midshaft AFFs group. Therefore, it is critical for orthopedic surgeons to consider the complexity and challenges associated with AFF and to estimate the proper possibility of nonunion according to the fracture site.

Total Hip Arthroplasty with Extra-small Femoral Stems in Extremely Hypoplastic Femurs: A Case-Series Study.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hypoplastic femurs presents a significant challenge to orthopedic surgeons due to the limited space available for implant placement. Therefore, the extra-small femoral stems have been proposed as a solution to this problem, but there are limited data on the outcomes. We aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of THA in patients with extremely hypoplastic femurs using the Bencox CM stem (Corentec), an extra-small femoral stem. Methods: We included 6 hips from 4 patients. The mean age of the patients was 41.2 years (range, 19.6-60.4 years). The mean height was 135.1 cm (range, 113.6-150.0 cm) with a mean body mass index of 25.7 kg/m2 (range, 21.3-31.1 kg/m2). The diagnoses for THA were sequelae of septic arthritis in childhood, pseudoachondroplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Preoperative computed tomography scans were conducted to assess the extent of proximal femoral hypoplasia. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score, while the radiological outcomes were evaluated using radiographs. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 1.0-5.9 years). Results: The average modified Harris Hip Score improved to 88.8 at the final follow-up. Intraoperative femoral fractures occurred in 2 cases (33.3%). During the follow-up, 1 stem underwent varus tilting from postoperative 6 weeks to 6 months without subsidence. Otherwise, all stems showed good osteointegration at the latest follow-up. No hip dislocations, periprosthetic joint infection, or loosening of the prosthesis occurred. Conclusions: The use of extra-small femoral stems in THA for extremely hypoplastic femurs can provide reasonable clinical and radiological outcomes with minimal complications. We suggest that this femoral stem could be a viable option for patients with extremely hypoplastic femurs.

Recurrence Rates after Primary Femoral Hernia Open Repair a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Femoral hernia accounts for 22% of groin hernia operations in women and for 1.1% in men. Numerous surgical approaches have been reported but there is no consensus. Many of the recurrence rates are reported in old literature, while recent reports are scarce. The aim of the present study was to review rates of recurrences in patients who underwent open repair of a primary femoral hernia. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in the electronic literature, using the search terms "femoral hernia" and "recurrence". We included studies published from 2002 that had as primary or secondary endpoint to evaluate the recurrence after surgery. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCT and by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. RESULTS: Fifteen eligible articles were included in our systematic review. A total of 1087 procedures were performed according to the defined criteria. The metanalytic evaluation highlighted a higher probability of recurrence for non-mesh than mesh repairs (6.5% vs 1.9%; RR 0.924, 95% CI: 0.857 - 0.996). In patients treated in emergency settings the rate of recurrences was 3.7%; in patients who received elective repairs it was 0.71%. Six studies reported that most of recurrences occurred within the first post-operative year. CONCLUSION: We found that crude recurrence rate after open repair of a primary femoral hernia is about 4%. This rate is higher in case of non-mesh techniques and in emergency surgery. Our results support the recommendation that femoral hernias should be repaired with mesh techniques.

Variations of the extrapsoas course of the lumbar plexus with implications for the lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Together with an increased interest in minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine goes a demand for detailed anatomical descriptions of the lumbar plexus. Although definitions of safe zones and essential descriptions of topographical anatomy have been presented in several studies, the existing literature expects standard appearance of the neural structures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the variability of the extrapsoas portion of the lumbar plexus in regard to the lateral transpsoas approach. METHODS: A total of 260 lumbar regions from embalmed cadavers were utilized in this study. The specimens were dissected as per protocol and all nerves from the lumbar plexus were morphologically evaluated. RESULTS: The most common variation of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves was fusion of these two nerves (9.6%). Nearly in the half of the cases (48.1%) the genitofemoral nerve left the psoas major muscle already divided into the femoral and genital branches. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was the least variable one as it resembled its normal morphology in 95.0% of cases. Regarding the variant origins of the femoral nerve, there was a low formation outside the psoas major muscle in 3.8% of cases. The obturator nerve was not variable at its emergence point but frequently branched (40.4%) before entering the obturator canal. In addition to the proper femoral and obturator nerves, accessory nerves were present in 12.3% and 9.2% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nerves of the lumbar plexus frequently show atypical anatomy outside the psoas major muscle. The presented study provides a compendious information source of the possibly encountered neural variations during retroperitoneal access to different segments of the lumbar spine.

Screening for familial disease presence in first-degree relatives of Behçet's disease patients: Is measurement of common femoral vein wall thickness valuable for the diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess first degree relatives (FDRs) of BD patients for the presence of clinical symptoms and signs of BD and evaluate common femoral vein (CFV) wall thickness measurement for the diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with BD(n=129) and FDRs(n=230) of these patients were included. FDRs were questioned in terms of BD symptoms by phone. Pathergy test and CFV wall thickness measurement were performed among 111 FDRs who accepted the clinical assessment. Clinical assessment group were classified according to the criteria sets for BD. FDRs who did not meet the criteria sets and had at least one clinical finding in addition to oral aphthae(OA) were categorized as the "suspected BD". RESULTS: :We observed increased frequency of isolated BD manifestations in FDRs. Ten FDRs were diagnosed with BD during clinical evaluation. Significantly increased CFV wall thickness was observed in FDRs of BD patients fulfilling diagnostic BD criteria (p<0.001 for both sides) and also in those with suspected BD group (p<0.05 for both sides). Presence of OA, genital ulcer, folliculitis or erythema nodosum were associated with increased CFV wall thickness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: . Our results suggest that CFV wall thickness measurement can be used in diagnosis of familial BD.

Analysis of risk factors for modification of femoral offset after internal fixation of Garden I and II femoral neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: The concept of restoring the femoral offset is well established during hip replacement surgery, but is less well known when treating Garden I or II femoral neck fractures by internal fixation. And yet, the therapeutic aim for these fractures is to restore this native parameter as best possible. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for reduction of femoral offset after union of a Garden I or II femoral neck fracture treated by internal fixation. HYPOTHESIS: After internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture, certain factors may contribute to reducing the femoral offset, which itself has been identified as being responsible for altering the patients' quality of life and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter study included 193 patients who had a Garden I or II femoral neck fracture treated by cannulated screws or a sliding compression screw-plate. The difference between the femoral offset in the operated hip and that of the contralateral hip was measured in weightbearing patients after the fracture had healed. This difference was the primary outcome measure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to look for risk factors contributing to femoral neck shortening. RESULTS: Based on the univariate analysis, being more than 85 years of age, having a Garden I fracture, and cannulated screw fixation were associated with a significantly greater reduction in the femoral offset. In the multivariate analysis, only Garden I fractures were associated with a greater reduction in femoral offset. DISCUSSION: Garden I fractures were associated with a greater reduction in the offset, although there was no evidence that this change was related to early weightbearing. By identifying this risk factor, surgeons can optimize the indications given that the treatment of these fractures is still widely debated and there is still no consensus as to the best method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Therapeutic Intervention for Osteoporosis of Surgical Cases With Non-Vertebral Fractures for Three Years in a Newly Established Rural Hospital in Japan.

Objectives Our hospital was newly opened in the spring of 2020 in a rural area of Japan, with a remarkably developing aging society and population decline. This study aimed to clarify and evaluate the practice of osteoporosis care in our hospital for three years since its establishment. We report a retrospective review of therapeutic interventions for osteoporosis for patients who underwent surgical treatment for non-vertebral fragility fractures in our hospital. Methods We evaluated the practice of osteoporosis intervention in patients who underwent surgery for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs), distal radius fractures (DRFs), or proximal femoral fractures (PFFs) from April 2020 to the end of March 2023. Results There were 115 surgical cases with non-vertebral fractures (10 patients with PHF, 41 patients with DRF, and 64 with PFF). Among the patients who had received osteoporosis treatment at other hospitals before the injury, only 15 (13.0%) patients had been administered therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis by other clinics or hospitals. Also, 82 (71.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis in our hospital after surgery according to the Japanese osteoporosis guideline. New postoperative osteoporosis interventions were administered to 39 (47.0%) patients, of which the rate was higher than the previous reports in Japan. While there was no significant difference between upper limb fracture and PFF in the percentage per young adult mean of spine areal bone marrow density (aBMD), the femoral neck aBMDs in the upper limb fracture group were significantly higher than in the PFF group. The serum total P1NP levels were significantly lower and the 25(OH)D levels were also greater in the upper limb fracture group than in the PFF group, whereas the serum TRACP-5b levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Two (1.7%) patients were affected with secondary fractures during the study period. Conclusions The rates of therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis of patients with non-vertebral fractures, especially in those with upper limb fractures, in our hospital were considered to be greater than those in the previous reports. However, the intervention rate for patients with PFFs was not much, and there was still room for improvement in our hospital concerning osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Imageless Computer-Assisted Navigation During Total Knee Arthroplasty on Femoral Component Sagittal Alignment and Outcomes.

Background: While total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is highly successful, 15%-20% of patients are not satisfied postoperatively, which may be due to alignment of the TKA components. Imageless computer navigation was developed to increase implant alignment accuracy and precision, but controversy surrounds the patient benefit of this technology. The target of femoral sagittal alignment and its role in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after TKA using assistive technology has not been well-defined. Methods: Femoral sagittal alignment, 30-day complications, and PROMs through 1 year were collected retrospectively from unilateral elective TKA patients who underwent surgery between July 2020 and February 2023. Two surgeons equally versed in conventional and imageless navigation techniques participated in patient record identification. Students t-tests and chi-square tests of proportion were used to compare outcomes, 30-day complications, and alignment. Results: Completed PROMs were available for 387 patients; 181 in the computer navigation group and 206 in the conventional arthroplasty group. PROMs were statistically significantly different between groups, favoring computer navigation (P = .014 at 12 months). Lateral femoral angle measurements were greater in females who underwent TKA with computer navigation (P < .001). Of note, 14 patients in the conventional technique group returned to the emergency department within 30 days, as compared to 4 in the navigation group (P = .033). Conclusions: PROMs are improved in the navigation group compared to the conventional technique group. Fewer patients in the navigation group returned to the emergency department. Navigation appeared to provide a small benefit compared to conventional techniques, though final lateral femoral angle was not predictive of outcomes. Additional surgical characteristics may need to be examined to determine the reasons for the differences in outcomes between these techniques.

Early Postoperative Functional Recovery in Older Patients With Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: Comparison Between Cemented and Cementless Stem Revisions.

Background: Early postoperative functional recovery is important in older patients with lower-extremity fractures to prevent disuse, and periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) are no exception. This study aimed to compare the postoperative functional recovery in the early phase after revision for PFF with loose stems between cemented and cementless stems. Methods: Eighteen patients with Unified Classification System type B2 PFF were included in this retrospective cohort study with a follow-up period of about 2 years. All patients underwent stem revision and were divided into 2 groups: the cemented stem group (n = 9) and the cementless stem group (n = 9). In postrevision, functional independence measure score, independent walk rate, activities of daily living recovery rate to the original level at 2 weeks postoperatively, the Beals and Tower classification for radiological status, and survival rate for readmission as endpoints were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Patients in the cemented group recovered functional mobility earlier than in the cementless group, with higher postoperative functional independence measure functional subscale values (73 vs 50 points, P = .02), higher independent walk rate (89 vs 11%, P < .01), and more postoperative activities of daily living recovery (100% vs 44%, P = .03) at 2 weeks postoperatively. The Beals and Tower classification and survival rates were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Revision using a cemented stem for PFF in older patients was a useful surgical procedure in terms of early postoperative functional recovery. Cemented stem revision was comparable with cementless in bone union and safety at 2 years postoperatively.

Do Cementless Stems Match Any Hip? A Description of Anthropometric Measurements of the Proximal Femur in Colombia.

Background: Leg length discrepancy following hip arthroplasty causes dissatisfaction to the patient; thus, preoperative planning and implant selection is critical. The purpose of this study was to measure the articular-trochanteric distance (ATD) and femoral neck length (FNL) in our population and compare them to those of 3 of the most used uncemented stems. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 401 hip radiographs of healthy adults were collected between January and July 2022. The vertical ATD and FNL were measured. A linear regression model was used to identify the relationship between these measurements and age, sex, and height. A logistic regression model was used to assess the matching of native hips with the neck length of the stem. Results: Mean age was 60 years, and 74.56% were women. In 94.3% of hips, the ATD was negative, 3.73% neutral, and 2% positive. In our population, 0.25% of FNL were shorter than POLARSTEM (Smith & Nephew, UK), 10.72% shorter than MetaFix stem (Corin, UK), and 11.97% shorter than Corail stem (DePuy Synthes, USA). In the logistic regression analysis, matching for the POLARSTEM was associated with age but not with sex or height. Conversely, for MetaFix and Corail, stem matching was associated with sex and height. Conclusions: Anthropometric hip measurements vary among individuals, and variables such as age, sex, and height must be considered during preoperative planning and implant selection to avoid leg length discrepancy. Additional studies, including different implants, are required to guide surgeons in selecting a femoral stem that best matches the patient's native hip.

Incidence of Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Dysfunction After Total Hip Arthroplasty Through the Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Surgical Approach.

Background: The anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach, using the intramuscular interval between the tensor fascia lata and gluteus medius, is an increasingly popular total hip arthroplasty (THA) approach. Its incidence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) numbness has not been defined. The incidence of LFCN symptoms in direct anterior THA ranges from 7%-32% at 1-year follow-up. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of LFCN symptoms in patients who underwent ABMS THA at 1-year follow-up. Methods: This was a single-center, multisurgeon retrospective study of ABMS THAs with minimum 1-year follow-up data between January 2014 and September 2021. Eight hundred sixty-nine THAs were included. Mean age of the patients was 67.2 years, with 43.4% male and 56.5% female. Mean body mass index was 26.8, and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists was 2.3. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, 2-sample t-test, and binomial logistic regression. A P-value of .05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results: Nine patients (1%) reported LFCN-associated symptoms at 1-year follow-up. The most common complaint was numbness (n = 5, 55.6%), followed by diminished sensation (n = 2, 22.2%), burning (n = 1, 11.1%), and generalized pain (11.1%). There was no difference in age, sex, body mass index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists between the group that experienced symptoms and the group that did not (P = 1.00, P = .34, P = .74, P = .80). Conclusions: The incidence of LFCN dysfunction is 1% at 1 year after surgery with the ABMS approach. Additional studies may elucidate all risks and benefits of the ABMS approach with respect to LFCN injuries.