No Difference in the Rate of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients Undergoing the Posterolateral Compared to the Direct Anterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: There remains inconsistent data about the association of surgical approach and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We sought to evaluate the risk of reoperation for superficial infection and PJI after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a multivariate model. METHODS: We reviewed 16,500 primary THAs, collecting data on surgical approach and all reoperations within 1 year for superficial infection (n = 36) or PJI (n = 70). Considering superficial infection and PJI separately, we used Kaplan-Meier survivorship to assess survival free from reoperation and a Cox Proportional Hazards multivariate models to assess risk factors for reoperation. RESULTS: Between direct anterior approach (DAA) (N = 3,351) and PLA (N = 13,149) cohorts, rates of superficial infection (0.4 versus 0.2%) and PJI (0.3 versus 0.5%) were low and survivorship free from reoperation for superficial infection (99.6 versus 99.8%) and PJI (99.4 versus 99.7%) were excellent at both 1 and 2 years. The risk of developing superficial infection increased with high body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.1 per unit increase, P = .003), DAA (HR = 2.7, P = .01), and smoking status (HR = 2.9, P = .03). The risk of developing PJI increased with the high BMI (HR = 1.04, P = .03), but not surgical approach (HR = 0.68, P = .3). CONCLUSION: In this study of 16,500 primary THAs, DAA was independently associated with an elevated risk of superficial infection reoperation compared to the PLA, but there was no association between surgical approach and PJI. An elevated patient BMI was the strongest risk factor for superficial infection and PJI in our cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Effect of anterior approach compared to posterolateral approach on readiness for discharge and thrombogenic markers in patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered less invasive than the posterolateral approach (PLA), possibly leading to earlier mobilization, faster recovery, and lower levels of thrombogenic markers. The purpose of the current study was to prospectively compare readiness for discharge, rehabilitation milestones, markers of thrombosis and inflammation at 6 weeks postoperatively between DAA and PLA. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (20 anterior and 20 posterolateral) were prospectively enrolled. Readiness for discharge, length of stay (LOS), and related outcomes were additionally documented. Blood was drawn at baseline, wound closure, 5-h post-closure, and 24-h post-closure for assays of interleukin-6 (IL-6), PAP (plasmin anti-plasmin), a marker of fibrinolysis, and PF1.2 (Prothrombin fragment 1.2), a marker of thrombin generation. RESULTS: Compared to the PLA group, the DAA group was ready for discharge a mean 13 h earlier (p = 0.03), while rehabilitation milestones were met a mean 10 h earlier (p = 0.04), and LOS was 13 h shorter (p = 0.02) on average. Pain scores at all study timepoints and patient satisfaction at 6 weeks were similar (p > 0.05). At 24 h postoperatively, PAP levels were 537.53 ± 94.1 µg/L vs. 464.39 ± 114.6 µg/L (p = 0.05), and Il-6 levels were 40.94 ± 26.1 pg/mL vs. 60.51 ± 33.0 pg/mL (p = 0.03), in DAA vs. PLA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the immediate postoperative period, DAA patients were ready for discharge before PLA patients. DAA patients had shorter LOS, a lower inflammatory response, and higher systemic markers of fibrinolysis. However, these differences may not be clinically significant. Future studies with larger study populations are warranted to confirm the validity and significance of these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Therapeutic Study.

The modern Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage for the treatment of acetabular defects: is it still an option? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A number of papers have been published about the clinical performance of modern rough-blasted titanium Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cages (BS-APCs) for the treatment of acetabular bone defects. However, no systematic review of the literature has been published to date. METHODS: The US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried for publications using keywords pertinent to Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage, revision THA, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: 8 articles were found to be suitable for inclusion in the present study in which 374 cases (370 patients) had been treated with modern BS-APCs. Most acetabular bone defects were type 3 according to the Paprosky classification (type 2C: 18.1%, 3A: 51%, and 3B: 28.9%). The overall re-revision rate for the 374 acetabular reconstructions with modern BS-APCs was 11.5% (43 cases). The short-term survival rate of the modern BS-APC construct was 90.6% (339 out of 374 cases), while the mid-term survival rate was 85.6% (320 out of 374 cases), and the long-term survival rate 62% (54 out of 87 cases). The most common reasons for revision were aseptic loosening (5.6%), periprosthetic joint infection (3.8%), dislocation (2.7%), and acetabular periprosthetic fracture (1.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There was moderate quality evidence to show that the use of modern rough blasted titanium BS-APCs in cases of acetabular bone loss has an unacceptably high failure rate (38%). Given that antiprotrusio cages do not provide any biological fixation, we would not recommend the routine use of modern BS-APCs in complex revision THA cases. By contrast, the satisfactory short- to mid-term outcome of modern BS-APCs in combination with their low cost compared to highly porous acetabular implants, make us feel that BS-APCs might still be used in selected elderly or low-demand patients without severe superomedial acetabular bone loss.

Effectiveness of oral versus intravenous tranexamic acid in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: a randomised, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces rates of blood transfusion for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although the use of oral TXA rather than intravenous (i.v.) TXA might improve safety and reduce cost, it is not clear whether oral administration is as effective. METHODS: This noninferiority trial randomly assigned consecutive patients undergoing primary THA or TKA under neuraxial anaesthesia to either one preoperative dose of oral TXA or one preoperative dose of i.v. TXA. The primary outcome was calculated blood loss on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes were transfusions and complications within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: Four hundred participants were randomised (200 THA and 200 TKA). The final analysis included 196 THA patients (98 oral, 98 i.v.) and 191 TKA patients (93 oral, 98 i.v.). Oral TXA was non-inferior to i.v. TXA in terms of calculated blood loss for both THA (effect size=-18.2 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], -113 to 76.3; P<0.001) and TKA (effect size=-79.7 ml; 95% CI, -178.9 to 19.6; P<0.001). One patient in the i.v. TXA group received a postoperative transfusion. Complication rates were similar between the two groups (5/191 [2.6%] oral vs 5/196 [2.6%] i.v.; P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Oral TXA can be administered in the preoperative setting before THA or TKA and performs similarly to i.v. TXA with respect to blood loss and transfusion rates. Switching from i.v. to oral TXA in this setting has the potential to improve patient safety and decrease costs.

Erratum to 'Adverse Reaction to Zirconia in a Modern Total Hip Arthroplasty With Ceramic Head' [Arthroplasty Today 6 (2020) 612-616].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2020.03.009.].

No Effect of Surgical Approach on Discharge Outcomes in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: The interest in ambulatory total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased recently due to a national focus on value-based care and improved rapid recovery protocols. Purpose: We sought to determine if surgical approach had an effect on discharge outcomes in outpatient THA. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study examining patients who underwent unilateral THA at a single institution using a standardized perioperative care pathway who were discharged home within 24 hours. In total, we compared 106 patients who underwent THA using the direct anterior approach (ATHA) and 90 patients who underwent THA using the posterior approach (PTHA). Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare time to ambulation, length of surgery, readmissions, and 90-day complications. Results:Time to ambulation in the ATHA and PTHA groups was 3.9 hours and 4.1 hours, respectively, and time to discharge was 5.9 hours and 6.0 hours, respectively. Length of surgery was shorter in the ATHA group than in the PTHA group (78 minutes vs 86 minutes, respectively). Complications occurred in 3 patients (3%) in the ATHA group vs 4 patients (4%) in PTHA group. In both groups, early ambulation (within 5 hours) predicted earlier time to discharge. Surgical approach was not associated with time to ambulation or time to discharge on multivariable analysis. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, outpatient THA was feasible in a well-selected population of patients undergoing anterior or posterior approaches. Further study is warranted.

Cement-in-cement technique of the femoral component in aseptic total hip arthroplasty revision: A systematic review of the contemporary literature.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes of cemented femoral stems revisions using the cement-in-cement technique in aseptic conditions after total hip arthroplasty have been widely described. METHODS: The US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried. RESULTS: Twelve articles were included (620 revision THA). Revision rate for complications related to the femoral side was 1.4% at mid-term follow-up (5.4 years). Periprosthetic femoral fracture rate was 1.1%, aseptic loosening of the femoral component 0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Cement-in-cement revision technique of the femoral component is associated with a high mid-term success rates (98.6%) and is potentially less challenging than other revision techniques.

Can robotic technology mitigate the learning curve of total hip arthroplasty?

AIMS: Traditionally, acetabular component insertion during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is visually assisted in the posterior approach and fluoroscopically assisted in the anterior approach. The present study examined the accuracy of a new surgeon during anterior (NSA) and posterior (NSP) THA using robotic arm-assisted technology compared to two experienced surgeons using traditional methods. METHODS: Prospectively collected data was reviewed for 120 patients at two institutions. Data were collected on the first 30 anterior approach and the first 30 posterior approach surgeries performed by a newly graduated arthroplasty surgeon (all using robotic arm-assisted technology) and was compared to standard THA by an experienced anterior (SSA) and posterior surgeon (SSP). Acetabular component inclination, version, and leg length were calculated postoperatively and differences calculated based on postoperative film measurement. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups with the exception of BMI being lower in the NSA group (27.98 vs 25.2; p = 0.005). Operating time and total time in operating room (TTOR) was lower in the SSA (p < 0.001) and TTOR was higher in the NSP group (p = 0.014). Planned versus postoperative leg length discrepancy were similar among both anterior and posterior surgeries (p > 0.104). Planned versus postoperative abduction and anteversion were similar among the NSA and SSA (p > 0.425), whereas planned versus postoperative abduction and anteversion were lower in the NSP (p < 0.001). Outliers > 10 mm from planned leg length were present in one case of the SSP and NSP, with none in the anterior groups. There were no outliers > 10° in anterior or posterior for abduction in all surgeons. The SSP had six outliers > 10° in anteversion while the NSP had none (p = 0.004); the SSA had no outliers for anteversion while the NSA had one (p = 0.500). CONCLUSION: Robotic arm-assisted technology allowed a newly trained surgeon to produce similarly accurate results and outcomes as experienced surgeons in anterior and posterior hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):365-370.

Telemedicine in an Outpatient Arthroplasty Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Early Lessons from New York City.

Background: The early months of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City led to a rapid transition of non-essential in-person health care, including outpatient arthroplasty visits, to a telemedicine context. Questions/Purposes: Based on our initial experiences with telemedicine in an outpatient arthroplasty setting, we sought to determine early lessons learned that may be applicable to other providers adopting or expanding telemedicine services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by surveying all patients undergoing telemedicine visits with 8 arthroplasty surgeons at 1 orthopedic specialty hospital in New York City from April 8 to May 19, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data, satisfaction with the telemedicine visit, and positive and negative takeaways. Results: In all, 164 patients completed the survey. The most common reasons for the telemedicine visit were short-term (less than 6 months), postoperative appointment (n = 88; 54%), and new patient consultation (n = 32; 20%). A total of 84 patients (51%) noted a reduction in expenses versus standard outpatient care. Several positive themes emerged from patient feedback, including less anxiety and stress related to traveling (n = 82; 50%), feeling more at ease in a familiar environment (n = 54; 33%), and the ability to assess postoperative home environment (n = 13; 8%). However, patients also expressed concerns about the difficulty addressing symptoms in the absence of an in-person examination (n = 28; 17%), a decreased sense of interpersonal connection with the physician (n = 20; 12%), and technical difficulties (n = 14; 9%). Conclusions: Patients were satisfied with their telemedicine experience during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we identified several areas amenable to improvement. Further study is warranted.

Intraoperative Complications and Early Return to the Operating Room in Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through the Direct Anterior and Posterior Approaches. An Institutional Experience of Surgeons After Their Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Proponents of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) claim a faster recovery, whereas critics claim an increased risk of early femoral complications. This study analyzed intraoperative and postoperative complications requiring reoperation within one year after THA through the DAA and posterior approach (PA). METHODS: A total of 2348 elective, unilateral DAA THAs in patients with osteoarthritis performed between 2016 and 2019 were matched 1:1 for age (±5 years), gender, body mass index (±5), and femoral fixation with 2348 patients who underwent PA THA during the same period. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used. Odds ratios were reported for the occurrence of intraoperative femoral fracture, postoperative femoral fracture, infection, dislocation, and other etiologies requiring reoperation within one year. RESULTS: Intraoperative femoral fracture occurred in 12 DAA (0.5%) and 14 PA (0.6%) patients. Twenty-five patients (1.06%) in the DAA and 28 (1.19%) in the PA group underwent reoperation within the first year. Reoperations were due to periprosthetic fracture (40%), infection (28%), dislocation (23%), and other (9%). Regression analysis revealed no difference in intraoperative femoral fracture (odds ratio (OR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40-1.86, P = .69), postoperative femoral fracture (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.47-2.60, P = .83), infection (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.53-5.23, P = .44), or reoperation within one year for other reasons (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.25-9.00, P = .65). DAA had fewer dislocations requiring reoperation (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-0.91, P = .02). CONCLUSION: This comparative study did not find differences in intraoperative or postoperative fracture or infection between DAA and PA. DAA was associated with a lower likelihood of reoperation for dislocation within one year of surgery.

Adverse Reaction to Zirconia in a Modern Total Hip Arthroplasty with Ceramic Head.

Hypersensitivity reactions to zirconia (ZrO2) or similar ceramics is highly unusual. Owing to the stable oxide formed between the base metal and oxygen, ceramics are considered relatively biologically inert. We report the case of an otherwise healthy 50-year-old woman with a 5-year history of progressively worsening right hip pain who underwent a ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip replacement and subsequently developed hypersensitivity reaction. After metal allergy testing showed her to be highly reactive to zirconium, the femoral head was revised to a custom titanium implant and her symptoms resolved.

Patients' perspectives of outcomes after total knee and total hip arthroplasty: a nominal group study.

BACKGROUND: While total joint replacements (TJR) are frequently performed, there is little qualitative research to define the outcomes most important to patients. METHODS: Patients who had received total hip (THR) or total knee replacements (TKR) participated in 8 nominal groups to answer the question "What result/results matter the most to a patient undergoing/having a knee or hip replacement?" Total 270 votes were allocated. RESULTS: Eight nominal groups were performed with 45 patients, 6 groups with mean age (71.1 ± 9.3), and 2 with 9 younger patients (mean age 36.8 ± 7.4). All had TJR between 2016 and 2018; overall, 40% were male, 15.6% were Black, and 75% were performed for osteoarthritis. While all groups ranked the same top 3 outcomes, responses varied with age: 1) relief of pain (46% vs. 35% in the young groups); 2) improved function including mobility (29% vs. 18% in the young groups); 3) restored quality of life (13% vs 33% of votes in the younger group). CONCLUSION: Relief of pain and restoration of function, and improved quality of life are the 3 outcomes ranked highest by patients, confirming their inclusion in TJR clinical trials.

Prospective Evaluation of the Posterior Tissue Envelope and Anterior Capsule After Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Femoral exposure for direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) invariably requires posterior soft tissue releases. Released posterior structures cannot be repaired. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency and anatomic consequences of DAA THA posterior soft tissue releases and to compare the appearance of the anterior capsule between a group of patients who had capsulotomy and repair versus capsulectomy. METHODS: Thirty-two DAA THA patients underwent metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging at discharge and 1-year follow-up. Seventeen had underwent capsulotomy and repair and 15 capsulectomy. A radiologist blinded to intraoperative data scored each metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging. Anterior capsular integrity, status of the piriformis and conjoint tendons, and muscle atrophy were graded. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze results. RESULTS: Immediately postoperatively, 75% of piriformis tendons were intact and 38% of conjoined tendons were intact. At 1 year, 97% had an intact piriformis and conjoined tendon, although many were in continuity through scar with the capsule. The posterior capsule directly contacted bone in all patients. At 1 year, none of the patients who underwent capsulotomy with repair had persistent anterior capsule defects, while 27% in the capsulectomy group had persistent defects. CONCLUSION: Posterior capsule and conjoined tendon releases were commonly performed during DAA THA, yet continuity with bone was frequently achieved at 1 year. In this study, capsulotomy with repair resulted in no anterior capsular defects when compared with capsulectomy. These results may support improved THA stability observed after DAA with capsular repair despite posterior soft tissue releases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective cohort study.

Outcomes of Acetabular Reconstructions for the Management of Chronic Pelvic Discontinuity: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: A number of articles have been published reporting on the clinical outcomes of various acetabular reconstructions for the management of chronic pelvic discontinuity (PD). However, no systematic review of the literature has been published to date comparing the outcome and complications of different approaches to reconstruction. METHODS: The US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE) and EMBASE were queried for publications from January 1980 to January 2019 using keywords pertinent to total hip arthroplasty, PD, acetabular dissociation, clinical or functional outcomes, and revision total hip arthroplasty or postoperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 18 articles were included in this analysis (569 cases with chronic PD). The overall survival rate of the acetabular components used for the treatment of chronic PD was 84.7% (482 of 569 cases) at mid-term follow-up, whereas the most common reasons for revision were aseptic loosening (54 of 569 hips; 9.5%), dislocations (45 of 569 hips; 7.9%), periprosthetic joint infection (30 of 569 hips; 5.3%), and periprosthetic fractures (11 of 569 hips; 1.9%). Both pelvic distraction technique (combined with highly porous shells) and custom triflanges resulted in less than 5% failure rates (96.2% and 95.8%, respectively) at final follow-up. Also, highly effective in the treatment of PD were cup-cages and highly porous shells with and/or without augments with 92% survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening for both reconstruction methods. Inferior outcomes were reported for conventional cementless shells combined with acetabular plates (72.7%) as well as ilioischial cages and reconstruction rings (66.7% and 60.6% survivorship, respectively). CONCLUSION: The current literature contains moderate quality evidence in support of the use of custom triflange implants and pelvic distraction techniques for the treatment of chronic PD, with a less than 5% all-cause revision rate and low complication rates at mean mid-term follow-up. Cup-cages and highly porous shells with or without augments could also be considered for the treatment of PD because both resulted in greater than 90% survival rates. Finally, there is still no consensus regarding the impact of different types of acetabular reconstruction methods on optimizing the healing potential of PD, and further studies are required in this area to better understand the influence of PD healing on construct survivorship and functional outcomes with each reconstruction method.

Hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the femoral head secondary to alcohol abuse.

Although the challenges of hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis (AVN) are known, limited data exist to describe patient demographics and outcomes in the setting of AVN attributed to alcoholism. We retrospectively identified 43 patients (62 hips) who underwent primary hip arthroplasty between 1999 and 2016 for a diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head with a concomitant diagnosis of alcohol abuse and minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean, 8.6 years). The mean age was 51 years, predominantly male (88%), with a high rate of comorbidities. History of cigarette smoking was prevalent (65%). Mean length of stay was 5.3 days, which is prolonged due to a high prevalence of acute postoperative alcohol withdrawal (14.5% of cases). There were 5 early (≤2 years) reoperations (8% of hips) for instability, periprosthetic acetabular fracture and component loosening, heterotopic ossification, superficial infection, and acute periprosthetic infection. There were no additional radiographic failures. The mean postoperative Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement was 97.8 ± 7.8, indicative of excellent outcomes at final follow-up of 2 to 18 years. Early risks associated with hip replacement surgery must be communicated to the predominantly young male subgroup of patients with AVN attributed to alcoholism, but these patients may achieve excellent mid- to long-term outcomes.