Effect of single versus multiple prophylactic antibiotic doses on prosthetic joint infections following primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis at public and private hospitals in Denmark: protocol for a nationwide cross-over, cluster randomised, non-inferiority trial [The Pro-Hip-Quality Trial].

INTRODUCTION: A feared complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is prosthetic joint infection (PJI), associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic antibiotics can reduce the risk of PJI. However, there is no consensus on the dosages and current recommendations are based on a low evidence level. The objective is to compare the effect of a single versus multiple doses of prophylactic antibiotics administered within 24 hours on PJI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study is designed as a cross-over, cluster randomised, non-inferiority trial. All clinical centres use both antibiotic practices (1 year of each intervention). All Danish orthopaedic surgery departments will be involved: Based on quality databases, 2-year cohorts of approximately 20 000 primary THAs conducted at 39 public and private hospitals, will be included. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age ≥18 years, all indications for THA except patients operated due to acute or sequelae from proximal femoral or pelvic fractures or bone tumour or metastasis. The primary outcome is PJI within 90 days after primary THA. Secondary outcomes include (1) serious adverse events, (2) potential PJI, (3) length of hospitalisation stay, (4) cardiovascular events, (5) hospital-treated infections, (6) community-based antibiotic use, (7) opioid use and (8) use of acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All outcome measures will be extracted from national databases. Analyses will be based on the intention-to-treat population. Non-inferiority will be shown if the upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI for the OR is less than 1.32 for the single dose as compared with multiple doses. The results will establish best practice on antibiotic prophylaxis dosages in the future. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by Committees on Health Research Ethics for The Capital Region of Denmark (21069108) and The Danish Medicines Agency (2021091723). All results will be presented in peer-reviewed medical journals and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05530551.

Fast-track revision knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on fast-track protocols in relation to revision knee arthroplasty. Hence, the aim of this study was to report length of stay (LOS), risk of LOS > 5 days and readmission ≤ 90 days after revision knee arthroplasty in centers with a well-established fast-track protocol in both primary and revision surgery. METHODS: An observational cohort study from the Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement and the Danish Knee Arthroplasty Register. We included elective aseptic major component revision knee arthroplasties consecutively from 6 dedicated fast-track centers from 2010 to 2018. RESULTS: 1439 revision knee arthroplasties were analyzed, including 900 total revisions, 171 large partial revisions (revision of either femoral or tibia component) and 368 revisions of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Mean age was 65 years (SD 10.9) and 66% were females. Mean LOS was 3.7 days (SD 3.9) in the study period, but decreased to 2.4 days (SD 1.3) in 2018. Risk factors for LOS > 5 days was ≥ 1 previous revision, use of walking aid, BMI > 35, ages < 50, 70-79 and ≥ 80 years, whereas revision of UKA to TKA and large partial revision were negatively associated. The 90-day readmission and mortality risk was 9.1% and 0.5%. Cardiac disease and use of walking aid were associated with increased risk of readmission ≤ 90 days. CONCLUSION: Elective aseptic major component revision knee arthroplasty using similar fast-track protocols as in primary TKA is safe with short and decreasing LOS.

Preoperative BMD does not influence femoral stem subsidence of uncemented THA when the femoral T-score is > -2.5.

Background and purpose - It is believed that in uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) the anchorage of the stem is dependent on the level of bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral bone. This is one of the reasons for the widely accepted agreement that a cemented solution should be selected for people with osteoporosis or age > 75 years. We evaluated whether preoperative BMD of the femur bone is related to femoral stem migration in uncemented THA.Patients and methods - We enrolled 62 patients (mean age 64 years (range 49-74), 34 males) scheduled for an uncemented THA. Before surgery we undertook DEXA scans of the proximal femur including calculation of the T- and Z-scores for the femoral neck. Evaluation of stem migration by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) was performed with 24 months of follow-up. In 56 patients both preoperative DEXA data and RSA data were available with 24 months of follow-up.Results - None of the patients had a T-score below -2.5. We found no statistically significant relationship between preoperative BMD and femoral stem subsidence after 3 or 24 months. When comparing the average femoral stem subsidence between 2 groups with T-score > -1 and T-score ≤ -1, respectively, we found no statistically significant difference after either 3 or 24 months when measured with RSA.Interpretation - In a cohort of people ≤ 75 years of age and with local femur T-score > -2.5 we found no relationship between preoperative BMD and postoperative femoral stem subsidence of a cementless THA.

No difference for changes in BMD between two different cementless hip stem designs 2 years after THA.

This study evaluates how 2 different total hip arthroplasty (THA) stems compares regarding adaptive bone remodelling. The stems are both proximally porous coated, aiming for proximal fixation, but with different dispersal of the coating. They are also differently designed regarding the distal tip of the stem. We aimed to investigate if there is a difference in periprosthetic adaptive bone remodelling between two different designs. From February 2016 to September 2017, we randomised 62 patients, 1:1 (mean age = 64 years, Female/Male = 28/34), scheduled for an uncemented THA to receive either an EBM or a BM THA stem. We performed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans within a week after surgery and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in the 7 Gruen zones (region of interest (ROI) 1-7). Additionally, Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score were collected at 6, 12 and 24 months. We found a decrease in BMD between the postoperative and the 24-months values in all ROIs for both stems. The greatest decrease over time was seen for both groups in the ROI1 (BM = - 8.4%, p = 0.044, and EBM = - 6.5%, p = 0.001) and ROI7 (BM = - 7%, p = 0.005, and EBM = - 8.6%, p < 0.0005). We found a tendency in ROI2-4 of a higher degree of bone loss in the EBM group. However, this difference only continued beyond 6 months in ROI4 (24 months: BM = - 1.2% and EBM = - 2.8%, p = 0.001). The stems show similar adaptive bone remodelling and are clinically performing well.

Migration of the uncemented Echo Bi-Metric and Bi-Metric THA stems: a randomized controlled RSA study involving 62 patients with 24-month follow-up.

Background and purpose - Despite the good results after total hip arthroplasty (THA), new implants are continuously being developed to improve durability. The Echo Bi-Metric (EBM) THA stem is the successor to the Bi-Metric (BM) THA stem. The EBM stem includes many of the features of the BM stem, but minor changes in the design might improve the clinical performance. We compared the migration behavior with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) of the EBM stem and the BM stem at 24 months and evaluated the clinical outcome. Patients and methods - We randomized 62 patients with osteoarthritis (mean age 64 years, female/male 28/34) scheduled for an uncemented THA to receive either an EBM or a BM THA stem. We performed RSA within 1 week after surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The clinical outcome was evaluated using Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Results - At 24 months, we found no statistically significant differences in migration between the two implants. During the first 3 months both the EBM and the BM stems showed visible subsidence (2.5 mm and 2.2 mm respectively), and retroversion (2.5° and 2.2° respectively), but after 3 months this stabilized. The expected increase in HHS and OHS was similar between the groups. Interpretation - The EBM stem showed a migration at 24 months not different from the BM stem, and both stems display satisfying clinical results.

Observational study of a new modular femoral revision system.

BACKGROUND: The uncemented ArcosTM Modular Femoral Revision System (ARCOS) is a new comprehensive, press-fit revision design. The modular design offers a wide range of possible combinations to accommodate different variations of anatomy and bone stock. The ARCOS is made by a proximal body and a distal stem. As probably the only ones worldwide we predominantly use a combination of body and stem which supports proximal fixation and load, since this mimics the concept of the primary total hip arthroplasty with proximal weight-bearing, leading to bone stock preservation and no stress shielding or thigh pain. AIM: To evaluate the early results after femoral revision in a consecutive series of patients undergoing surgery over 3 years. METHODS: We included 116 patients in the study. They were operated in the period August 2011 to December 2014 and we got a clinical mean observation time of 4 (0.5-6) years. Clinical and radiographical follow-up included present function of the hip assessed by Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, and EQ5D (measure of health outcome). Of the 116 patients, 17 died in the interim and were consequently included only in the implant survivorship analysis; 46 patients attended the follow-up control. RESULTS: In total 6 (5%) hips were re-revised due to infection (n = 3), fracture (n = 2) or subsidence (n = 1). No patient was re-revised due to aseptic loosening. The 1-, 2- and 5-year probability of implant survival (95%CI) were 97% (93%-100%), 97% (93%-100%) and 96% (92%-99%), respectively. In this cohort 95 patients received a combination of a proximal broach and a distal curved and slotted stem (BS), aiming for proximal fixation and load bearing; 21 patients received a different combination. When comparing these two groups the BS-group had a 5-year implant survival probability (95%CI) of 97% (93%-100%) compared with the group of other combinations with a 5-year implant survival probability (95%CI) of 90% (78%-100%) (P = 0.3). Our regression analysis showed that periprosthetic fracture as an indication for the ARCOS operation was the only significant negative outcome predictor. The mean Harris Hip Score result (100 points being best) was 83 (range 5-98). The mean Oxford Hip Score result (48 points being best) was 40 (range 19-48). CONCLUSION: The early results of the ARCOS are promising compared with similar studies. We encourage the use of the BS combination whenever the bone stock proximally is adequate.

Cementless One-Stage Revision in Chronic Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection. Ninety-One Percent Infection Free Survival in 56 Patients at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Cementless 1-stage revision in chronic periprosthetic hip joint infections is limited evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific treatment protocol in this patient group. METHODS: The study was performed as a multicenter, proof-of-concept, observational study with prospective data collection. Patients were treated with a cementless 1-stage revision according to the CORIHA protocol between 2009 and 2014. Fifty-six patients, McPherson type III-A/B-1/2, were enrolled with a mean follow-up time from the CORIHA procedure of 4 years (minimum of 2 years). The primary outcome was re-revision performed due to infection and was evaluated by competing risk analysis, with death and aseptic revision as competing events. All-cause mortality was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was used as disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of re-revision due to infection was 8.9% (confidence interval [CI] 3.2%-18.1%). The 1-year and 5-year survival incidence was 96% (CI 86%-99%) and 89% (CI 75%-95%). OHS at baseline was 19.9 (CI 17.3-22.6) and at 24-month follow-up 35.1 (CI 31.7-38.5). The mean change in OHS from baseline to 24-month follow-up was 11.8 points (CI 7.3; 16.3). Three patients had aseptic revision performed: two suffered periprosthetic fractures and one had stem subsidence. Failure analysis of the 5 reinfections did not detect a clear pattern as to the cause of failure. CONCLUSION: We found that cementless 1-stage revision in chronic periprosthetic hip joint infections has low reinfection rates in selected patients and may be applicable as a first-line treatment.

Safety Aspects of Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge without Motor Function Assessment after Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized, Multicenter, Semiblinded, Noninferiority, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge without observation of lower limb motor function after spinal anesthesia has been suggested to significantly reduce PACU stay and enhance resource optimization and early rehabilitation but without enough data to allow clinical recommendations. METHODS: A multicenter, semiblinded, noninferiority randomized controlled trial of discharge from the PACU with or without assessment of lower limb motor function after elective total hip or knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia was undertaken. The primary outcome was frequency of a successful fast-track course (length of stay 4 days or less and no 30-day readmission). Noninferiority would be declared if the odds ratio (OR) for a successful fast-track course was no worse for those patients receiving no motor function assessment versus those patients receiving motor function assessment by OR = 0.68. RESULTS: A total of 1,359 patients (98.8% follow-up) were available for analysis (93% American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 to 2). The primary outcome occurred in 92.2% and 92.0%, corresponding to no motor function assessment being noninferior to motor function assessment with OR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.35). Adverse events in the ward during the first 24 h occurred in 5.8% versus 7.4% with or without motor function assessment, respectively (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.5 to 1.19, P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: PACU discharge without assessment of lower limb motor function after spinal anesthesia for total hip or knee arthroplasty was noninferior to motor function assessment in achieving length of stay 4 days or less or 30-day readmissions. Because a nonsignificant tendency toward increased adverse events during the first 24 h in the ward was discovered, further safety data are needed in patients without assessment of lower limb motor function before PACU discharge.

Increased risk of intraoperative and early postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture with uncemented stems.

Background and purpose - The use of uncemented fixation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing. Registry studies have indicated an increased risk of revision of uncemented implants due to early periprosthetic femoral fracture. In this paper, we describe the incidence and predisposing factors for intraoperative and early postoperative (≤ 90 days) periprosthetic femoral fractures after cemented and uncemented THA. Patients and methods - This was a prospective observational study in 8 Danish high-volume centers from February 2010 to November 2013. We used the 90-day follow-up from the Danish National Patient Registry and patient records. We obtained intraoperative information from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry and from surgical notes. Results - Of 7,169 primary consecutive THAs, 5,482 (77%) were performed using uncemented femoral components. The total incidence of periprosthetic femoral fractures ≤ 90 days postoperatively was 2.1% (n = 150). 70 fractures were detected intraoperatively (46 required osteosynthesis). 51 postoperatively detected fractures occurred without trauma (42 of which were reoperated) and 29 were postoperative fall-related fractures (27 of which were reoperated). 134 fractures (2.4%) were found in uncemented femoral components and 16 (0.9%) were found in cemented femoral components (p < 0.001). Uncemented femoral stem (relative risk (RR) = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.3-7.2), medically treated osteoporosis (RR =2.8, CI: 1.6-4.8), female sex (RR =1.6, CI: 1.1-2.2), and age (RR =1.4 per 10 years, CI: 1.2-1.6) were associated with increased risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture when analyzed using multivariable regression analysis. Interpretation - Uncemented femoral components were associated with an increased risk of early periprosthetic femoral fractures, especially in elderly, female, and osteoporotic patients.

Telephone Follow-Up by Nurse After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Because of shorter hospitalizations, patients now have to take responsibility for their recovery period at a very early stage. We evaluated the effects of structured, nurse-managed telephone follow-up (TFU) after discharge from the hospital following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHOD/DESIGN: The design was a single-center, unblinded, parallel-group randomized clinical trial. The primary outcome was self-reported physical function according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index. Secondary outcomes were stiffness and pain according to the WOMAC Index; health-related quality of life, measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36); general self-efficacy, measured with the General Self-Efficacy Scale; and number of acute visits to the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. In total, 117 patients were randomized to 2 groups: an intervention group receiving TFU 4 and 14 days after discharge in addition to conventional treatment, and a control group receiving conventional treatment. The TFUs were structured by key subjects for health status, as defined by the VIPS model (the Swedish acronym for the concepts of Well-being, Integrity, Prevention, and Safety). The effect was measured 1 and 3 months postsurgery. RESULTS: No significant effects on physical function in the disease-specific WOMAC Index were identified. However, significant differences in scores were identified in favor of the intervention group on general self-efficacy (p = .014) and physical function (p = .031), measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 1 month after TKA, but this effect was not seen at 3 months. A positive improvement in several dimensions of health status and health-related quality of life was identified in favor of the intervention group, but patients who had TFU had more unscheduled visits to the outpatient clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone follow-up did not improve physical function compared with conventional treatment, as measured with the WOMAC Index. A short-term effect was identified, improving general self-efficacy and physical function as dimensions of health-related quality of life.

Postoperative anemia and early functional outcomes after fast-track hip arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative anemia is prevalent in fast-track hip arthroplasty (THA) where patients are mobilized and discharged early, but whether anemia impairs functional recovery after discharge has not been adequately evaluated previously. This study aimed to evaluate whether postoperative anemia influenced recovery of mobility and quality of life (Qol) during the first 2 weeks after discharge from THA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study in 122 THA patients more than 65 years of age. Mobility and Qol were assessed pre- and postoperatively by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT; primary outcome), the timed up-and-go test, and the FACT-anemia subscale. Twenty-four-hour mobility at home was assessed by activity monitoring on Days 1 to 6 after discharge. Hemoglobin (Hb) at discharge (HbD) and the Hb decrease from preoperatively (ΔHb) were compared to mobility and Qol the first 2 weeks after discharge using bivariate and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) HbD and ΔHb values were 11.1 (±1.4) and 2.8 (±1.2) g/dL and correlated weakly to 6MWT 2 weeks after discharge (r = 0.23 and r = -0.20 respectively; p < 0.05) but HbD levels were not correlated to other mobility or Qol measures. After adjustment for preoperative patient-related factors, HbD explained 6% (95% confidence interval, 0%-9%; p < 0.05) of the variation in 6MWT recovery. CONCLUSION: Despite a weak, but significant, correlation between postoperative Hb and the recovery of 6MWT, all other mobility and Qol measures were not influenced by postoperative Hb. Thus, moderate postoperative anemia has limited impact on early postdischarge functional recovery after fast-track THA.

Renal function after elective total hip replacement.

Background and purpose - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality in intensive care populations and in several surgical specialties, but there are very few data concerning orthopedic populations. We have studied the incidence of AKI and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in an elective population of orthopedic patients undergoing primary total hip replacement, hypothesizing that chronic kidney disease predisposes to AKI. Patients and methods - This was a single-center, population-based, retrospective, registry-based cohort study involving all primary elective total hip replacements performed from January 2003 through December 2012. Patient demographics and creatinine values were registered. We evaluated the presence of CKD and AKI according to the international guidelines for kidney disease (KDIGO Acute Kidney Injury Workgroup 2013 ). Results - 3,416 patients were included (2,064 females (60%)). AKI (according to KDIGO criteria) was seen in 75 patients (2.2%, 95% CI: 1.7-2.7) in the course of primary total hip replacement. Of these, 26 had pre-existing CKD of class 3-5. Pre-existing CKD of class 3-5, indicating moderately to severely reduced kidney function, was seen in 374 individuals (11%). Interpretation - Development of acute kidney injury appears to be a substantial problem compared to other complications related to elective total hip arthroplasty, i.e. luxation and infection. Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease may be especially vulnerable. The clinical impact of acute kidney injury in an elective orthopedic population remains to be elucidated.

Oral Midodrine Hydrochloride for Prevention of Orthostatic Hypotension during Early Mobilization after Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early postoperative mobilization is essential for rapid recovery but may be impaired by orthostatic intolerance (OI) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which are highly prevalent after major surgery. Pathogenic mechanisms include an insufficient postoperative vasopressor response. The oral α-1 agonist midodrine hydrochloride increases vascular resistance, and the authors hypothesized that midodrine would reduce the prevalence of OH during mobilization 6 h after total hip arthroplasty relative to placebo. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized trial allocated 120 patients 18 yr or older and scheduled for total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia to either 5 mg midodrine hydrochloride or placebo orally 1 h before mobilization at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was the prevalence of OH (decrease in systolic or diastolic arterial pressures of > 20 or 10 mmHg, respectively) during mobilization 6 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were OI and hemodynamic responses to mobilization at 6 and 24 h. RESULTS: At 6 h, 14 (25%; 95% CI, 14 to 38%) versus 23 (39.7%; 95% CI, 27 to 53%) patients had OH in the midodrine and placebo group, respectively, relative risk 0.63 (0.36 to 1.10; P = 0.095), whereas OI was present in 15 (25.0%; 15 to 38%) versus 22 (37.3%; 25 to 51%) patients, relative risk 0.68 (0.39 to 1.18; P = 0.165). At 24 h, OI and OH prevalence did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive use of oral 5 mg midodrine did not significantly reduce the prevalence of OH during early postoperative mobilization compared with placebo. However, further studies on dose and timing are warranted since midodrine is effective in chronic OH conditions.

Nurse-led telephone follow-up after total knee arthroplasty--content and the patients' views.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To generate information on how telephone follow-up consultations, structured by nursing status according to the VIPS-model, functioned after total knee arthroplasty. The objectives were to unfold the content of the telephone follow-ups according to the structure for nursing status and to explore the patients' views of the telephone follow-ups. BACKGROUND: The length of stay in hospital following total knee arthroplasty has fallen markedly, and patients now have to be responsible for their recovery from a very early stage. After discharge, patients may experience a variety of health problems. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of telephone follow-up, and information on how the telephone follow-ups functioned is relevant for implementation into clinical practice. DESIGN: A qualitative design was used. METHOD: One hundred and four case reports from telephone follow-up consultations and individual interviews with 10 patients formed the data material. Content analysis was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The content of the telephone follow-ups included dialogues relating to all key subjects for nursing status except 'culture/spirituality'. The structured Telephone follow-up was valued by total knee arthroplasties patients as representing a holistic approach and providing adequate information, counselling and support after discharge to home. Three categories were identified with regard to the patients' views: 'A means for reflection and provision of adequate information and counselling', 'Supportive' and 'Not the only resource for support and counselling'. CONCLUSION: Nursing status according to the VIPS model is a comprehensive structure to identify the need for counselling, information and support after total knee arthroplasty. The structured telephone follow-ups were valued for representing a holistic approach and providing adequate information, counselling and support after discharge to home. Conducting telephone follow-up with a holistic approach demands specialised and broad nursing experience. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Postdischarge follow-up is important.

Hip dislocations after 2,734 elective unilateral fast-track total hip arthroplasties: incidence, circumstances and predisposing factors.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of hip dislocation 90 days after total hip arthroplasty in relation to time after surgery, mechanism of dislocation and predisposing factors. METHODS: Prospective data on preoperative patient characteristics from six Danish arthroplasty departments with similar fast-track approaches were cross-referenced with the Danish National Patient Registry for complete 90-day follow-up on readmissions, including emergency-room contacts. Complete patient files and postoperative radiographs were reviewed in case of dislocations. Unadjusted comparisons were made using t test/Chi-square analyses, while evaluation of risk factors potentially predisposing to dislocations was done using uni- and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,734 consecutive unselected procedures were available for analysis, of which 65 (2.4 %) had dislocations. Of these, eight were during index admission and five were treated and discharged from the emergency room. Mechanisms of dislocation were most often movement while supine or sitting for the first 30 days and due to squatting/bending from day 31 to 90. The 65 patients with dislocations had suboptimal cup placement in 34 (52.3 %), and a femoral head size of <36 mm in 20 (30.8 %) cases. Predisposing factors of dislocation were age ≥75 [OR:1.96 (1.18-3.38)], pharmacologically treated psychiatric disease [OR:2.37 (1.29-4.36)] and department of surgery [OR:2.27 (1.31-3.40)] but not hospital stay of <4 days. Departments with recommendations for activity restrictions had fewer dislocations than a department without restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥75 years and with pharmacologically treated psychiatric disease may be at increased risk of dislocations after fast-track total hip arthroplasty. Further studies including detailed information on patient and prosthesis characteristics, and activity restrictions are needed to reduce the risk of dislocation.

Telephone follow-up by nurse following total knee arthroplasty - protocol for a randomized clinical trial (NCT 01771315).

BACKGROUND: Due to shorter hospitalization, patients have to take responsibility for their rehabilitation period at a very early stage. The objective of this trial is to study the effects of two treatment schemes following total knee arthroplasty: conventional treatment following discharge from hospital and early follow-up by telephone consultations in addition to conventional treatment following discharge from hospital. The ultimate aim is to increase the effectiveness of the treatment by improving patients' health status, promote self-efficacy, and reduce the number of acute visits to the orthopaedic outpatient clinic during the rehabilitation period. METHOD/DESIGN: The design is a randomized un-blinded parallel group clinical trial conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gentofte Hospital, the Capital Region of Denmark. In total, 116 patients will be allocated by an external randomization program to 2 groups: an intervention group following usual treatment after discharge supplemented by a nurse managed structured follow-up consultation conducted by telephone 4 and 14 days after discharge from hospital and a control group following treatment as usual. The consultations are structured by key subjects relevant to assess the health status according to the VIPS-model (the Swedish acronym for the concepts Well-being, Integrity, Prevention and Safety). The content of the consultations can vary according to the patients´ individual situations and needs. All consultations are conducted by the researcher responsible for the trial. The effect is measured 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. The primary outcome is self-reported physical function measured by The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Secondary outcomes are self-reported health-related quality of life, general self-efficacy and the number of acute visits to the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. DISCUSSION: The result of this trial is expected to provide new knowledge to support the development of targeted and effective follow-up after total knee arthroplasty in order to improve the patients´ health-related knowledge and skills of being able to take actively part in their illness and improve their health status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01771315.

Cognitive dysfunction after fast-track hip and knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is reported to occur after major surgery in as many as 20% of patients, elderly patients may especially experience problems in the weeks and months after surgery. Recent studies vary greatly in methods of evaluation and diagnosis of POCD, and the pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. We evaluated a large uniform cohort of elderly patients in a standardized approach, after major joint replacement surgery (total hip and knee replacement). Patients were in an optimized perioperative approach (fast track) with multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia, early mobilization, and short length of stay (LOS ≤3 days) and discharged to home. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, we included 225 patients aged ≥60 years undergoing well-defined fast-track total hip or total knee replacement. Patients had neuropsychological testing preoperatively and 1 to 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. LOS, pain, opioid use, inflammatory response, and sleep quality were recorded. The practice effect of repeated cognitive testing was gauged using data from a healthy community-dwelling control group (n = 161). RESULTS: Median LOS was 2 days (interquartile range 2-3). The incidence of POCD at 1 to 2 weeks was 9.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4%-13.1%) and 8.0% (95% CI, 4.5%-12.0%) at 3 months. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without early POCD, regarding pain, opioid use, sleep quality, or C-reactive protein response, although the CIs were wide. Patients with early POCD had a higher Mini Mental State Examination score preoperatively (difference in medians 0.5 [95% CI, -1.0% to 0.0%]; P = 0.034). If there was an association between early POCD and late POCD, the sample size was unfortunately too small to verify this (23.6% of patients with early POCD had late onset vs 6.7% in non-POCD group; risk difference 16.9 (95% CI, -2.1% to 41.1%; P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of POCD early after total hip and knee replacement seems to be lower after a fast-track approach than rates previously reported for these procedures, but late POCD occurred with an incidence similar to that in previous studies of major noncardiac elective surgery. No association between early and late POCD could be verified.

Increased risk for early periprosthetic fractures after uncemented total hip replacement.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe a new type of proximal periprosthetic fracture occurring within the first six weeks after total hip arthroplasty and to analyse possible causes of a rising incidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient files and radiographs from 2,408 uncemented hip replacements were analysed and patients with a periprosthetic split fracture reaching from the calcar to the medial femoral shaft below the lesser trochanter were included. RESULTS: A total of 28 fractures in 2,408 uncemented primary hip replacements were included. Almost all fractures were seen in women. No correlation with diagnosis, age, body mass index, operation time, operative technique or implant position could be demonstrated, but a possible correlation with post-operative mobilisation and pain treatment was observed. Trainees had more fractures than experienced surgeons (non-significant). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the increasing use of uncemented hip replacements implies an increasing risk of perioperative femoral fracture. The cause of the fractures remains unclear, but is probably multifactorial. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Trilogy-constrained acetabular component for recurrent dislocation.

32 patients received a Trilogy- or Trilogy-Longevity-constrained acetabular liner for recurrent dislocations after total hip replacement. The constrained liner was inserted into a well-fixed Trilogy acetabular shell with snap fit. At 1.8-year followup (range 3-63 months), 4 patients had suffered further dislocation(s) (12%), and one patient had revision surgery for a loosened acetabular shell. Radiologic evaluation detected no definitively loose components, but one patient with progressing radiolucent lines around the femoral component and one patient with an acetabular cyst were found, as well as a patient with a loose locking ring (but otherwise no failure). The nineteen patients who were available for the present followup had a mean Harris Hip Score of 81. The constrained liner is an effective method of dealing with recurrent dislocations in well-fixed components.

Reduced length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty in Denmark 2000-2009: from research to implementation.

INTRODUCTION: Fast-track surgery is the combination of optimized clinical and organizational factors aiming at reducing convalescence and perioperative morbidity including the functional recovery resulting in reduced hospitalization. As the previous nationwide studies have demonstrated substantial variations in length of stay (LOS) following standardized operations such as total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA), this nationwide study was undertaken to evaluate the implementation process of fast-track THA and TKA in Denmark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All hospitals in Denmark report to the National Patient Registry, linking the type of surgery and LOS with a unique individual social security number. This study is based on primary THA and TKA from a 5.5 million population from 2000 to the end of 2009. RESULTS: The number of performed primary unilateral THA and TKA has increased from around 7,200 in 2000 to 13,800 in 2009 with a concomitant reduction in LOS from median 10-11 days in 2000 to 4 days in 2009. CONCLUSION: Fast-track surgery has been successfully implemented in the orthopedic departments in Denmark through a multi-disciplinary educational and multi-institutional effort. These implementation principles may be transferred to other countries and other specialties.