Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Osteopetrosis: Insights From Two Unique Cases.

CASE: Two patients with osteopetrosis underwent conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failure of internal fixation due to hip fractures. We experienced challenges, including difficulty of hardware removal, remaining of previous broken screws in the canal, difficulty in finding the femoral canal, and an intraoperative acetabulum fracture. Despite complications, both patients achieved satisfactory functional outcome after surgery at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our cases showed that previous hip fracture and failed internal fixation make conversion THA more complex and unpredictable in patients with osteopetrosis. This in turn underscores the critical need for advanced preoperative planning, intraoperative flexibility, and meticulous postoperative care.

Simultaneous Tunnel Grafting and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions Revision Using Double Suspensory Fixation: A Single-Stage Solution.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often vulnerable to sports-related injuries, leading to numerous ACL reconstructions (ACLRs) annually in the United States. Although largely successful, these procedures face the risk of recurrent instability due to graft failure. ACLR failures are typically attributed to technical errors and patient-related factors, with improper positioning of the tibial and femoral tunnels as the most common technical mistake. Current 2-stage revision techniques involve primary bone grafting followed by secondary tendon graft placement, resulting in increased costs and extended rehabilitation times. This article proposes a single-stage revision strategy involving simultaneous tunnel grafting and ACLR revision. The method employs double suspensory fixation by adjustable loop buttons, thereby eliminating the dependence on metaphyseal bone stock for stable graft fixation. This new procedure may offer a more efficient and cost-effective approach, reducing the need for a second surgery and potentially allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.

Latent infections in conversion total hip arthroplasty following internal fixation of femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods.

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of latent infections prior to conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) following internal fixation of femoral neck fractures is crucial for successful surgical outcomes. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature regarding the diagnosis of latent infections before conversion THA. METHODS: Systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases was conducted, and the diagnostic accuracy of various markers and techniques was assessed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 instrument. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 661 patients were included in the review. Pooled analysis using C-reactive protein (CRP) as a diagnostic marker resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 76%, respectively, while using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 78%, respectively. Fibrinogen and platelet count showed lower sensitivity and specificity compared to CRP and ESR. The best combined markers were CRP and serum platelet count, with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 86% based on one study. CONCLUSION: Our review underscored the limitations and inconsistencies present in current diagnostic methods for latent infections in conversion surgery. Future research needs to focus on standardizing threshold values, exploring the potential of synovial fluid analysis, imaging techniques, and molecular methods, as well as developing tailored diagnostic algorithms. PROSPERO: CRD42023394757.

The impact of retaining the femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: The management of well-fixed femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) remains a subject of debate, with concerns over potential complications arising from stem retention. This study aimed to investigate the re-revision rates due to aseptic loosening of the stem, overall re-revision rates, dislocation rates, and factors influencing these outcomes in rTHA with a retained well-fixed femoral stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across several databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to identify pertinent publications from their inception through 2023. We specifically focused on studies that reported outcomes of rTHA with retained well-fixed femoral stems. The study designs incorporated in our research encompassed both cohort studies and case series studies. Thirty-five studies involving isolated acetabular revision and retaining the stem were included, representing a total of 3497 patients. Data extraction was tailored to the study questions. Meta-analyses, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the outcomes and their relationship with various factors. Pooled results, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were performed using random-effects models. To assess and reduce bias, we employed Egger's test and the trim and fill method. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 3497 patients with a mean follow-up of 9.28 years. The 10-year risk of re-revision after retaining femoral stem using highly cross-linked polyethylene was 1.7% (95% CI 1.1%-2.3%; I2: 60%) for stem aseptic loosening and 8.8% (95% CI 6.2%-11.4%; I2: 78%) overall re-revision. Dislocation risk was 5.7% (95% CI 4.1-7.0%; I2: 61%). Ceramic heads showed lower stem failure risk than metal heads in long-term follow-ups (P < 0.001). The posterolateral approach in revision surgery resulted in better long-term outcomes compared to the direct lateral approach (P < 0.001). Follow-up duration, timeline of study, Harris Hip Score, type of stem fixation, femoral head material, BMI, age, stem age, and surgical approach were evaluated as influential factors on these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The re-revision rate due to aseptic loosening of the retained stem during rTHA was found to be significantly low, supporting the idea of retaining well-fixed stems during rTHA. The overall re-revision and dislocation rates also presented comparable or better outcomes to prior studies. A range of factors, including the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic femoral heads, was found to influence these outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022351157.

Hamstring Injury Treatments and Management in Athletes: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

BACKGROUND: The field of sports medicine presents a varied landscape of research on hamstring injuries in athletes, characterized by inconclusive and sometimes conflicting findings on effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. This discordance prompted the current systematic investigation. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed for conducting the systematic review. Multiple international bibliometric databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched to identify studies evaluating any treatment option for the management of hamstring injuries in athletes. Eligible studies were appraised for quality using Joanna Briggs Institute and Risk of Bias 2 tools. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies with 1,195 participants were included. Of the reviewed studies, treatments varied from aggressive rehabilitation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, manual techniques, various exercise protocols to modalities like high-power laser and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Evidence suggested benefits from treatments like extensive muscle lengthening during eccentric actions, progressive agility, and trunk stabilization. PRP injections produced mixed results regarding return to sport and reinjury rates. Stretching exercises, sometimes combined with cryotherapy, showed benefits. CONCLUSION: Treatments for hamstring injuries exhibit varied efficacy. Although rest, ice, compression, and elevation remains essential for acute management, rehabilitation focusing on muscle strengthening and flexibility is crucial. The potential benefits of PRP injections, especially for chronic cases, require more conclusive research. A comprehensive approach, combining evidence-based practices and patient-centric factors, is vital for effective management and recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Recent Trends and Hotspots in Knee Arthroplasty: A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization Study of the Last Five-Year Publications.

Objectives: Bibliometric analysis is one of the most prevalent methods for analyzing and predicting the research trends of particular subjects. Through a bibliometric analysis, this study sought to look into and depict the hotspots and research trends in knee arthroplasty research over the previous five years. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to find research articles on knee arthroplasty published between 2018 and 2022. The VOS viewer, Cite Space, and Bibliometrix were used to carry out the bibliometric study and network visualization. Results: During the previous five years, 7,422 included knee arthroplasty publications were cited 57,087 times. The United States and the Journal of Arthroplasty were the top countries and journals regarding the number of articles. The top 10 global high-impact documents were determined using the citation ranking and citation burst. The most frequently referenced article revealed that the epidemiological characteristics of knee arthroplasty, perioperative care in knee arthroplasty, prosthetic joint infections, and opioid medications were the hot topics in knee arthroplasty research. Keyword burst analysis showed that the research trends in knee arthroplasty through 2022 were racial disparity, limb alignment, tibial slope, and meniscectomy. The analysis of the subject areas revealed the close connections and relationships between different subject areas, as demonstrated by the figures. Conclusion: The knee arthroplasty research community is highly productive and centralized. Recent hotspots in knee arthroplasty research were unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, periprosthetic joint infection, kinematic alignment, outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA), bariatric surgery, payment model, tranexamic acid, Robotic-Assisted TKA, patient-reported outcome measures, metaphyseal cone, opioid use, and patient-specific instrumentation. Research trends in knee arthroplasty research were racial disparity, limb alignment, tibial slope, and meniscectomy.

Recent Trends and Hotspots in Hip Arthroplasty: A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization Study of Last Five-Year Publications.

Objectives: Bibliometric analysis is one of the most prevalent methods for analyzing and predicting research trends of particular subjects. Through a bibliometric analysis, the present study sought to look into and depict the hotspots and research trends in hip arthroplasty research over the previous five years. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to find studies on hip arthroplasty published between 2018 and 2022. The VOS viewer, Cite Space, and Bibliometrix were used to carry out the bibliometric study and network visualization. Results: During the last five years, 5,708 hip arthroplasty publications were cited 40,765 times. The United States and the Journal of Arthroplasty were the top countries and journals regarding the number of studies, respectively. The top 10 global high-impact documents were determined using the citation ranking and citation burst. The most frequently referenced research revealed the epidemiological aspects of hip arthroplasty, perioperative care after hip arthroplasty, COVID-19, periprosthetic joint infections, opioid medicines, stability, and osteonecrosis were the hot topics in hip arthroplasty research. Keyword burst analysis showed that the research trends in hip arthroplasty through 2022 were patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), depression, racial disparity, and artificial intelligence (AI). The analysis of the subject areas revealed the close connections and relationships between different subject areas, as demonstrated by the figures. Conclusion: The hip arthroplasty research community is very productive and highly centralized. Periprosthetic joint infection, dual-mobility cups, spinopelvic mobility, direct anterior approach, outpatient total hip arthroplasty, polyethylene, periprosthetic fracture, acetabular defects, tranexamic acid, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and safety-net hospitals were recent trends in hip arthroplasty research. Patient-reported outcome measures, depression, racial disparities, and AI were research hotspots in hip arthroplasty.

Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Review.

¼ Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a promising treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis who are unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments and not yet candidates for surgery.¼ Current evidence supports the effectiveness of GAE in reducing pain and synovitis, with few reported major adverse events.¼ The cost-effectiveness and long-term results of GAE compared with other treatment options require further investigation.¼ Limitations of existing studies include small sample sizes, single-center trials, and lack of comparison between embolic agents and other treatments.¼ Future research should focus on larger, multicenter trials with longer follow-up periods and head-to-head comparisons with alternative treatment modalities to establish the role of GAE in the management of knee osteoarthritis.