Anthropometric Measures of the Posterior Condyles: Gender Differences and Correlation to Implant Sizing.

There is abundant data concerning morphological dimensions of the distal femur, particularly in women, which has led to redesign of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Clinical experience reveals existing asymmetry of the femoral posterior condyles, yet current implant designs have a symmetrical femoral component. The objectives of this study were to analyze the dimensions of posterior condylar bone resection from a group of patients undergoing TKA and correlate the measurements to one prosthetic system. We retrospectively reviewed single surgeon morphological data from the posterior condyles of 105 knees during TKA. The study included 54 males and 51 females. Measurement of the posterior condylar bones was performed with a standard metric metal ruler by one investigator. Known dimensions of a single type of implant design were compared with the resection data. The average difference of posterior medial and lateral condylar width was 5.7 and 5.3 mm in males and females, respectively. The average host posterolateral condylar bone was 5.4 mm less than the trial implant across five sizes in both males and females. Results suggest that the dimension of the posterior lateral condyle is much smaller than the dimension of the implant in both groups of patients. Dimension of the posterior medial is close to dimension of the implant. Overhang of the component posterolaterally can create soft tissue irritation and result in postoperative pain and decreased range of motion. Our results increase awareness of the dimensions of the native posterolateral condyle and may influence future design of femoral implants used in total knee arthroplasty.

An Algorithm for Detection and Correction of Pelvic Tilt in Total Hip Replacement.

Successful joint replacement surgery requires precise preoperative planning and intraoperative placement of implants such that the function of the joint is optimized biomechanically and biologically. The five-step "pelvic tilt algorithm" will enhance the outcome of hip replacement surgery as a result of improved acetabular component alignment. It will solve the problem of pelvic tilt as an unknown variable during hip replacement surgery, and will allow for more consistent and accurate acetabular component placement.

Influence of Soft Tissue Preservation in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 16-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical technique in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been a topic of debate over the last 50 years. Evidence-based studies are needed to compare one technique to another. This study investigated the outcome of the direct superior approach in primary THA as measured by patient perception of pain and recovery over a 16-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 3,357 consecutive patients who underwent primary THA by a single surgeon using the direct superior approach between 2001 and 2017. The surgical technique was modified twice during this 16-year period. The first modification (2007) consisted of piriformis tendon preservation. The second modification (2012) consisted of iliotibial band (ITB) preservation. These two modifications of the surgical technique created three different patient groups. A telephone interview regarding patient pain and recovery after each THA was conducted with 147 patients who had staged bilateral THA procedures wherein the surgical technique was modified between the first and second (contralateral) THA. RESULTS: Results show the addition of ITB preservation to capsular repair, with or without piriformis preservation, greatly improves the patient's perception of pain and recovery, causing the majority of patients to prefer their ITB-preserving surgery over their ITB-sacrificing surgery. In addition, the dislocation rate over this 16-year period is 0.17%. CONCLUSION: The direct superior approach to the hip results in excellent stability with a dislocation rate of 0.17%. The patient's perception of pain and recovery is dramatically improved with preservation of the iliotibial band.

Total Hip Intraoperative Femur Fracture: Do the Design Enhancements of a Second-Generation Tapered-Wedge Stem Reduce the Incidence?

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative femur fracture (IFF) is a well-known complication in primary uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). Variations in implant instrumentation design and operative technique may influence the risk of IFF. This study investigates IFF between a standard uncemented tapered-wedge femoral stem and its second-generation successor with the following design changes: size-specific medial curvature, proportional incremental stem growth, modest reduction in stem length, and distal lateral relief. METHODS: A single experienced surgeon's patient database was retrospectively queried for IFF occurring during primary uncemented THA using a standard tapered-wedge femoral stem system or a second-generation stem. All procedures were performed using soft tissue preserving anatomic capsule repair and posterior approach. The primary outcome measure was IFF. A z-test of proportions was performed to determine significant difference between the 2 stems with respect to IFF. Patient demographics, Dorr classification, and implant characteristics were also examined. RESULTS: Forty-one of 1510 patients (2.72%) who received a standard tapered-wedge femoral stem sustained an IFF, whereas 5 of 800 patients (0.63%) using the second-generation stem incurred an IFF. No other significant associations were found. CONCLUSION: A standard tapered-wedge femoral stem instrumentation system resulted in greater than 4 times higher incidence of IFF than its second-generation successor used for primary uncemented THA. Identifying risk factors for IFF is necessary to facilitate implant system improvements and thus maximize patient outcomes.

A low-cost digital templating system for total hip arthroplasty.

Acetate templating for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is cumbersome and inaccurate. High cost hampers mainstream use of digital templating despite ease of use and accuracy. The aim of this study was to validate a low-cost digital THA templating system. Low-cost digital templating software was created using C# programming language. On the basis of power calculations, three surgeons templated 20 consecutive anteroposterior pelvis X-rays using this software against an industry standard. Intraclass correlation coefficient for both systems was approximately .90 for component size and femoral neck cut position. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated that both systems predicted actual implant size with similar accuracy. Interrater reliability was not significantly different between the two systems. This low-cost digital THA templating system is up to 12-fold lower in cost than currently available software with similar accuracy.

Perioperative complications following total joint replacement.

Total joint arthroplasty is a safe and highly effective treatment for moderate to severe osteoarthritic symptoms and other causes of joint derangement in the elderly population. Significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life are nearly universal, with a low rate of complications and adverse outcomes. Because of its success and cost-effectiveness, the rate of utilization of TJR is increasing, and all health care providers must be familiar with the potential complications and perioperative management of these patients. Elderly patients may be at a higher risk for postoperative medical complications; however, the majority of these complications are minor and many are avoidable with appropriate preoperative screening and careful postoperative management. As with all patients undergoing TJR, patients should be prophylactically treated for infection and thromboembolism and carefully followed for the development of these potential complications as well as fracture, hip dislocation, and neurovascular dysfunction. Postoperative delirium may be minimized and prophylactically treated in appropriate elderly patients to maximize recovery and promote safety.

Pharmacologic pain management before and after total joint replacement of the hip and knee.

There are many effective treatment measures for OA of the hip or knee, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Nonoperative measures include patient education, physical therapy, activity modification, weight loss, and medications. Pharmacologic strategies include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, injections of cortisone or viscosupplementation, and, less commonly, tramadol or other pain relievers. In patients who may be candidates for TJR, narcotic medications should be avoided to preserve their benefits for the postoperative period. Over the past 20 years, multimodal pain management has been beneficial to the patient undergoing TJR surgery. Studies have shown this form of pain management decreases postoperative opioid consumption and the related adverse effects. Research is warranted in the areas of postoperative pain scores and patient satisfaction as institutional multimodal protocols continue to evolve.

Perioperative clopidogrel and postoperative events after hip and knee arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Hip and knee arthroplasties are widely performed and vascular disease among patients having these procedures is common. Clopidogrel is a platelet inhibitor that decreases the likelihood of thrombosis. It may cause intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, but its discontinuation increases the risk of vascular events. There is currently no consensus regarding the best perioperative clopidogrel regimen that balances these concerns. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined (1) the relationship between time of perioperative clopidogrel administration and postoperative bleeding-related events after hip and knee arthroplasties and (2) patient characteristics or surgical factors that may predict these events. METHODS: We retrospectively queried our inpatient pharmacy database for patients who received clopidogrel from 2007 to 2009 and identified 116 patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty. We recorded the time of perioperative clopidogrel administration, bleeding-related postoperative events, patient characteristics, and surgical factors. RESULTS: Patients who withheld clopidogrel 5 or more days before hip or knee arthroplasty had lower rates of reoperation for infection and antibiotics prescribed for the surgical wound. Postoperative events did not vary with timing of clopidogrel resumption after surgery. Advanced age, an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 4, and revision surgery predicted increased readmission, reoperation for hematoma or infection, antibiotic use, and death. CONCLUSIONS: Holding clopidogrel for at least 5 days before hip or knee arthroplasty may lower the rate of bleeding-related events. We found no increase in events when patients resumed clopidogrel immediately after surgery. Advanced age, ASA score of 4, and revision surgery may be risk factors for bleeding-related events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.