[Translated article] Risk of venous thromboembolism in thromboprophylaxis between aspirin and low molecular weight heparins after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aspirin versus low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and/or total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sixteen studies were selected. The risk of VTE, DVT and PE were analysed. Mortality, risk of bleeding and surgical wound complications was also analysed. RESULTS: 248,461 patients were included. 176,406 patients with thromboprophylaxis with LMWH and 72,055 patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis. There were no significant differences in the risk of VTE (OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.69-1.26; p=0.64), DVT (OR=0.72; 95% CI: 0.43-1.20; p=0.21) or PE (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.86-1.49; p=0.38) between both groups. No significant differences were found in mortality (p=0.30), bleeding (p=0.22), or complications in the surgical wound (p=0.85) between both groups. These same findings were found in the sub-analysis of only randomised clinical trials (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No increased risk of PE, DVT, or VTE was found among patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis versus patients with LMWH thromboprophylaxis. There was also no greater mortality, greater bleeding, or greater complications in the surgical wound found among patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis versus patients with LMWH thromboprophylaxis.

Bilateral Rapidly Destructive Osteoarthritis of the Hip: Could We be Misdiagnosing? A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Rapidly destructive osteoarthritis (RDO) of the hip is characterized by rapid joint destruction with no specific underlying diagnosis. Diagnostic protocols and algorithms to rule out other possible causes of the rapid destruction of the hip have not been described. Furthermore, microbiological diagnostic procedures in the medical field have dramatically changed since RDO was first described. CASE REPORT: We report the case of bilateral RDO in a Caucasian 84-year-old female treated with a bilateral total hip replacement and propose an etiology for this condition. This is the first case that specifically mentions obtaining cultures intraoperatively as a definitive diagnostic method. It is also a rare case as it describes a patient with the bilateral rapid destruction of the hip joints. CONCLUSION: Total hip arthroplasty remains as the gold-standard for treatment of RDO due to clinical severity and radiographic findings. All current clinical guidelines do not recommend using a one stage total hip replacement in an active infected site due to high risk of early prosthetic joint infection. The evidence of an infectious etiology in all or some cases of RDO would have large-scale implications regarding diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

El bloqueo iliofascial en el tratamiento analgésico de la fractura de cadera del anciano / Fascia iliaca block for pain control in hip fracture patients

Introducción. La analgesia en pacientes con fractura de cadera se ha basado en la utilización de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y opiáceos, que se asocian a múltiples efectos secundarios. El bloqueo iliofascial es una alternativa analgésica relativamente novedosa en el tratamiento del dolor de estos pacientes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia analgésica del bloqueo iliofascial realizado en Urgencias a pacientes mayores de 65años con fractura de cadera. Material y métodos. Entre enero y diciembre de 2016 fueron estudiados prospectivamente 216 pacientes. Las variables analizadas fueron: dolor al llegar a Urgencias y después del bloqueo, necesidad de rescate, cumplimiento del protocolo, demora en la administración de la analgesia y demora para la cirugía. Resultados. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los valores de EVA antes y después del bloqueo (p<0,001). La puntuación EVA media pre-bloqueo fue de 6,16 (DE=2,82). Tras el bloqueo, la disminución media de la EVA fue de 2,99 (IC95%: 2,45-3,53%). El 26% de los pacientes recibieron morfina de rescate en las primeras 8h. La tasa de cumplimiento del protocolo analgésico fue del 84%. El bloqueo se administró en 16mins de media (DE=10,33). La mediana de demora para intervención quirúrgica fue de 1día (RIQ 25-75%: 1-2). Conclusión. El bloqueo iliofascial es una técnica analgésica reproducible, efectiva y segura. Constituye un pilar fundamental en la estrategia analgésica de los pacientes con fractura de cadera en nuestro centro. Los otros dos pilares incluyen la analgesia precoz y la disminución de la demora para la intervención quirúrgica (AU)

Introduction. Pain treatment for patients with hip fracture has been based on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and opioid derived drugs. These medications have been associated with multiple adverse effects. Fascia iliaca block is a recent pain management alternative for these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fascia iliaca block performed in the emergency room (ER) for patients over 65years of age with hip fracture. Materials and methods. A cohort of 216 patients, from January to December 2016, was studied prospectively. Analyzed variables were: pain upon arrival at ER, pain after fascia iliaca block, need for rescue medication, protocol compliance, delay in analgesia administration and delay for surgery. Results. Differences between visual analogue scale (VAS), before and after the fascia iliaca block, were statistically significant (P<.001). Pre-block VAS recorded was 6.16 (SD=2.82). The mean VAS reduction after the block was 2.99 (95%CI: 2.45-3.53%). Twenty-six percent of patients required morphine as rescue medication in the first 8hours after diagnosis. Compliance with protocol administration was of 84%. Fascia iliaca block was performed in a mean time of 16minutes (SD=10.33) after diagnosis. The median delay for surgery was 1 day (RIQ 25-75%: 1-2). Conclusion. Fascia iliaca block is a reproducible, safe and effective technique for pain management. It is a keystone in pain treatment for patients with a proximal femur fracture at our institution. Other objectives in our pain management protocol include early analgesia administration and reduction of time to surgery (AU)

Tratamiento de fracturas supracondíleas de húmero mediante osteosíntesis con doble placa / Double plating as treatment for supracondylar humeral fractures

Introducción y objetivos. Las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero representan el 0,5-1%. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar retrospectivamente el resultado funcional y la calidad de vida de los pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por fractura supracondílea de húmero mediante osteosíntesis con doble placa. Material y métodos. Presentamos un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 27 fracturas supracondíleas de húmero tratadas quirúrgicamente mediante reducción abierta y osteosíntesis con 2 placas anatómicas, entre enero de 2005 y septiembre de 2012. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 56±22,9 años, 14 mujeres y 13 hombres. Todas las fracturas fueron tipificadas según la clasificación de la AO. El seguimiento medio fue de 41±23,9 meses. Se evaluó la consolidación de la fractura por medio de estudio radiológico y el resultado funcional mediante el Mayo Elbow Performance Score. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el cuestionario SF 36. Resultados. El 96% de las fracturas consolidaron antes de 6 meses. El rango de movimiento medio fue de 102° (70-140°) y el Mayo Elbow Performance Score fue de 86 puntos (60-100). La puntuación media en el SF-36 fue de 54,87 (8,66-89,22), siendo las puntuaciones menores en pacientes de mayor edad. El 60% de los pacientes (15 de 25) se incorporaron a la misma actividad que realizaban antes del accidente. No hubo ningún caso de infección. Dos pacientes fueron reintervenidos por rigidez de codo. Conclusiones. La reducción abierta y osteosíntesis con doble placa de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero permite obtener la consolidación de la fractura en un porcentaje elevado, con buenos resultados funcionales y radiológicos (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Supracondylar humeral fractures represent only about 0.5-1% of all fractures in adults. The objective of this study is to evaluate functional outcome and quality of life in patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation using double plates. Material and methods. We designed a retrospective descriptive study including 27 supracondylar humeral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using two anatomic plates from January 2005 to September 2012. Mean age was 56 ± 22.9 years including 14 female and 13 male. All fractures were classified using the AO classification. Average follow-up was of 41 ± 23.9 months. Fracture union was evaluated with x-ray exams and functional outcome using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 survey. Results. Union at 6 months was achieved in 96% of all fractures. Average range of motion was 102° (70°-140°) and average MEPS 86 points (60-100). Mean score on SF-36 was 54.87 (8.66-89.22) the older patients had lower scores. Sixty percent of patients (15 of 25) were able to return to previous activity. No infection was reported. Two patients required surgical treatment due to a stiff elbow. Conclusions. Open reduction and internal fixation using double plates in supracondylar humeral fractures obtains a high union rate allowing excellent functional and radiological outcomes (AU)

Fascia iliaca block for pain control in hip fracture patients. / El bloqueo iliofascial en el tratamiento analgésico de la fractura de cadera del anciano.

INTRODUCTION: Pain treatment for patients with hip fracture has been based on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and opioid derived drugs. These medications have been associated with multiple adverse effects. Fascia iliaca block is a recent pain management alternative for these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fascia iliaca block performed in the emergency room (ER) for patients over 65years of age with hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 216 patients, from January to December 2016, was studied prospectively. Analyzed variables were: pain upon arrival at ER, pain after fascia iliaca block, need for rescue medication, protocol compliance, delay in analgesia administration and delay for surgery. RESULTS: Differences between visual analogue scale (VAS), before and after the fascia iliaca block, were statistically significant (P<.001). Pre-block VAS recorded was 6.16 (SD=2.82). The mean VAS reduction after the block was 2.99 (95%CI: 2.45-3.53%). Twenty-six percent of patients required morphine as rescue medication in the first 8hours after diagnosis. Compliance with protocol administration was of 84%. Fascia iliaca block was performed in a mean time of 16minutes (SD=10.33) after diagnosis. The median delay for surgery was 1 day (RIQ 25-75%: 1-2). CONCLUSION: Fascia iliaca block is a reproducible, safe and effective technique for pain management. It is a keystone in pain treatment for patients with a proximal femur fracture at our institution. Other objectives in our pain management protocol include early analgesia administration and reduction of time to surgery.

Double plating as treatment for supracondylar humeral fractures. / Tratamiento de fracturas supracondíleas de húmero mediante osteosíntesis con doble placa.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Supracondylar humeral fractures represent only about 0.5-1% of all fractures in adults. The objective of this study is to evaluate functional outcome and quality of life in patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation using double plates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective descriptive study including 27 supracondylar humeral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using two anatomic plates from January 2005 to September 2012. Mean age was 56 ± 22.9 years including 14 female and 13 male. All fractures were classified using the AO classification. Average follow-up was of 41 ± 23.9 months. Fracture union was evaluated with x-ray exams and functional outcome using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 survey. RESULTS: Union at 6 months was achieved in 96% of all fractures. Average range of motion was 102° (70°-140°) and average MEPS 86 points (60-100). Mean score on SF-36 was 54.87 (8.66-89.22) the older patients had lower scores. Sixty percent of patients (15 of 25) were able to return to previous activity. No infection was reported. Two patients required surgical treatment due to a stiff elbow. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation using double plates in supracondylar humeral fractures obtains a high union rate allowing excellent functional and radiological outcomes.

[Hip arthroplasty with conventional stem as rescue treatment after failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures]. / Artroplastia de cadera con vástago convencional en fracasos de osteosíntesis de fracturas del fémur proximal.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results and complications of hip arthroplasty with conventional stem performed as a salvage procedure after the failed treatment of an intertrochanteric hip fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2011, 17 patients with a mean age of 76 years were treated with hip arthroplasty for failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fracture. In all cases a conventional stem was used. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1-14 years). Pain, range of motion (Merle d'Aubigné) and functional results (Barthel), as well as implant fixation (Harris and Engh), were evaluated during the follow-up. RESULTS: Except for one case of death (6%) and one case of infection (Girdlestone arthroplasty), all patients were able to walk independently at 6 months. The majority of the patients (87%) had no or mild pain. After 2 surgeries (osteosynthesis and hip arthroplasty) the mean Barthel Score had decreased from 81 to 66 points. Just one case (6%) of stem loosening has been observed. DISCUSSION: In older patients, prosthetic replacement after failed proximal femoral fixation is a reliable salvage option. Most patients have good pain relief and functional improvement, although the rate of perioperative medical complications is high. Surgery is less demanding and the operating time is shorter when conventional femoral stems are used.

Artroplastia de cadera con vástago convencional en fracasos de osteosíntesis de fracturas del fémur proximal / Hip arthroplasty with conventional stem as rescue treatment after failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los resultados del tratamiento del fracaso de la osteosíntesis en fracturas del fémur proximal mediante artroplastia de cadera con vástago convencional. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 17 pacientes (edad media 76 años), en las que se implantó una prótesis de cadera tras haber fracasado la osteosíntesis de una fractura pertrocantérica, entre 1997 y 2011. En todos los casos se implantó un vástago femoral convencional. El seguimiento medio fue de 6 años (1-14 años). Se ha evaluado el dolor, la movilidad y la marcha (Merle d’Aubigné) y el resultado funcional (Barthel), así como la estabilidad radiológica del implante según los criterios de Harris y de Engh. Resultados. Excluyendo un caso de exitus (6%) y una infección tratada mediante artroplastia de resección tipo Girdlestone, a los 6 meses de la cirugía protésica todos los pacientes habían recuperado la deambulación autónoma. El 87% presentaban dolor leve en su cadera o no tenían dolor. Tras las 2 cirugías el Barthel medio había disminuido en 15 puntos (de 81 a 66). Únicamente se ha observado un caso de aflojamiento aséptico del vástago femoral (6%). Discusión. La artroplastia de cadera es un procedimiento efectivo en el rescate del fracaso de la osteosíntesis de fracturas proximales de fémur. Permite un rápido alivio del dolor y una eficaz recuperación funcional, aunque la morbimortalidad asociada es elevada. La utilización de vástagos convencionales y no vástagos largos de revisión permite simplificar la cirugía y disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico (AU)

Objective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results and complications of hip arthroplasty with conventional stem performed as a salvage procedure after the failed treatment of an intertrochanteric hip fracture. Material and methods. Between 1997 and 2011, 17 patients with a mean age of 76 years were treated with hip arthroplasty for failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fracture. In all cases a conventional stem was used. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1-14 years). Pain, range of motion (Merle d’Aubigné) and functional results (Barthel), as well as implant fixation (Harris and Engh), were evaluated during the follow-up. Results. Except for one case of death (6%) and one case of infection (Girdlestone arthroplasty), all patients were able to walk independently at 6 months. The majority of the patients (87%) had no or mild pain. After 2 surgeries (osteosynthesis and hip arthroplasty) the mean Barthel Score had decreased from 81 to 66 points. Just one case (6%) of stem loosening has been observed. Discussion. In older patients, prosthetic replacement after failed proximal femoral fixation is a reliable salvage option. Most patients have good pain relief and functional improvement, although the rate of perioperative medical complications is high. Surgery is less demanding and the operating time is shorter when conventional femoral stems are used (AU)

Complication of an insufficiency fracture of the acetabulum.

An 83-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a history of pain in the left hip of gradual onset over several days. There was no history of trauma and the X rays showed degenerative changes in the hip joint but no apparent fracture. She was sent home after being given reassurance, analgesics and a cane. Three weeks later she returned unable to mobilise after falling while getting out of bed and injuring the left hip. On this occasion the X-rays showed an acetabular fracture with femoral head protrusio. A CT scan confirmed the diagnosis and also demonstrated the absence of a haematoma in the surrounding soft tissues. The latter is characteristic of insufficiency fractures. Orthopaedic surgeons require a high index of suspicion for insufficiency fractures of the pelvis, femoral head and femoral neck in elderly osteoporotic patients who complain of hip pain without any history of trauma.

Valoración isocinética de la rodilla en pacientes intervenidos del síndrome de isquiotibiales cortos / Isokinetic testing after surgical lenghtening of tight hamstring

Objetivo: determinar la variación de la fuerza isocinética de la rodilla en pacientes intervenidos de alargamiento de la musculatura isquiotibial. Pacientes: se estudiaron 36 rodillas, correspondientes a 18 pacientes (3 mujeres y 15 hombres), de edad media 21,1 años (intervalo 14 a 47), afectos de dolor lumbar crónico y acortamiento importante de la musculatura isquiotibial. Valoraciones: valoración isocinética concéntrica de flexión y extensión a 60º/s, 150º/s y 240º/s, antes de la intervención quirúrgica y a los 3, 6 y 12 meses posteriores. Resultados: el momento máximo de flexión de rodilla no se modificó al cabo de un año de la intervención. El momento máximo de extensión se incrementó, después de un año, un 12.8 por ciento (p=0.001) y un 15.3 por ciento (p=0.011) a 150º/s y a 240º/s respectivamente. La ratio de flexo/extensión al año no presentó diferencias con la previa a la intervención quirúrgica a ninguna velocidad. Después de la intervención, la posición en la que se registró el momento máximo del cuádriceps se desplazó ligeramente hacia la flexión (AU)

Infected total hip arthroplasty--the value of intraoperative histology.

Intraoperative histology showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98%. These results were better than those observed for the other tests evaluated. Our data provide evidence that intraoperative histology is useful tool in the diagnosis of infected total hip arthroplasty.

Repair of massive rotator cuff tears in patients older than 70 years.

Major ruptures of the rotator cuff are common in elderly patients, and their management has been a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results obtained in patients older than 70 years who were treated with open surgical repair for massive ruptures of the rotator cuff tendons and to correlate the functional outcomes with the quality of the repairs. Between January 1991 and November 1994, 69 patients older than 70 years of age underwent rotator cuff repairs of massive tears with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean of 3 years). These patients were evaluated before and after surgery with the University of California at Los Angeles score. The mean age was 75 years (range 70 to 90 years), and female sex and right shoulder were predominant. A good bone-tendon repair was achieved in 55 patients, a fair bone-tendon repair in 5 patients, a poor bone tendon-repair in 8 patients, and 1 patient had no repair. The mean University of California at Los Angeles rating score before surgery was 9.4 points, and the mean postoperative score at final follow-up was 30.9 points, with an average improvement of 21.5 points (P = .0001). Satisfactory results were achieved in 78.2% of the patients (University of California at Los Angeles score equal or over 28). The patients' clinical results and postoperative arthrograms are evaluated with regard to the quality of cuff repair. Painful massive rotator cuff tears can be repaired in patients older than 70 years with satisfactory results.

Home continuous passive motion machine versus professional physical therapy following total knee replacement.

A vigorous rehabilitation program following discharge from the hospital is necessary for patients having a total knee arthroplasty to maintain and improve range of motion and function. To compare the effectiveness of the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine as a home therapy program versus professional physical therapy, a prospective, comparative, randomized clinical study of 103 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties in 80 patients (23 bilateral) was performed. The CPM group consisted of 37 patients (49 knees), and the physical therapy group consisted of 43 patients (54 knees). At 2 weeks, knee flexion was similar in the two groups, but a flexion contracture was noted in the CPM group (4.2 degrees). This difference is felt by the authors to be clinically insignificant. At 6 months, there were no differences in knee scores, knee flexion, presence of flexion contracture, or extensor lag between the two groups. The cost for the CPM machine group was $10,582 ($286 per patient), and the cost for professional therapy was $23,994 ($558 per patient). We conclude that the CPM machine after the hospital discharge of patients having total knee replacement is an adequate rehabilitation alternative with lower cost and with no difference in results compared with professional therapy.

Scintigraphic evaluation in total knee failure secondary to severe metallosis.

The scintigraphic findings are described for a patient with severe metallosis in a failed noninfected total knee arthroplasty secondary to metal-metal friction between the femoral and tibial components as a result of polyethylene wear. Technetium-99m phosphate and gallium-67 citrate scans were positive in incongruent uptake areas. This uptake is classically associated with septic loosening. The recommendation is made that metallosis be suspected before surgery as a possible cause of a false positive scan where sequential technetium-gallium scans are employed.

Midterm results in metal-backed patella revisions for metallosis.

Nine patients underwent isolated patellar revisions and synovectomies for metallosis secondary to the mechanical failure of metal-backed patellar components. These patients were followed for an average of 5 years (range, 2 to 8 years). In all cases, the femoral and tibial components were left in place, and in one patient the patellar bone was deemed too thin to resurface. Two patients (22%) developed deep infection. One infection (enterococcal) required arthrodesis, and the other (staphylococcal) was successfully managed with a two-staged reimplantation. A third patient sustained an inferior patella pole fracture that was treated conservatively. The remaining six patients are functioning satisfactorily. Metallosis is a serious complication in knee arthroplasty, and these patients merit close follow-up.

A surgical technique for lengthening tight hamstring muscles in patients with low back pain.

An original technique for lengthening primary tight semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles in their proximal portion is presented. The authors consider that primary shortening of these muscles rebounds on hip biomechanics and on the spine kinematics chain.

[Cotrimoxazole plus rifampicin in the treatment of staphylococcal osteoarticular infection]. / Cotrimoxazol más rifampicina en el tratamiento de la infección osteoarticular estafilocócica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cotrimoxazol plus rifampicin in staphylococcal osteoarticular infection. METHOD: Open, non-comparative study of adult hospitalized patients with documented staphylococcal bone infection. RESULTS: From Feb 1989 to Dec 1993 28 episodes of staphylococcal bone infection were treated in 14 men and 13 women; the mean age was 48 +/- 21 years (range, 11-84). They received cotrimoxazol (7 mg/kg/day of trimethoprim) plus rifampicin (600-1200 mg/day), both orally, every 8 to 12 h with a mean duration of treatment of 34.2 +/- 8.2 days (range, 21 to 55 days). This antibiotic regimen was initiated at the same time that appropriate surgery for each specific condition was undertaken. Diagnoses were postsurgical osteomyelitis (10 cases), infected total hip prostheses (4 cases, one with 2 episodes), osteomyelitis secondary to external pin fixation (5 cases), soft tissue infections linked to orthopedic implants (3 cases), two cases of metatarsal osteomyelitis (one diabetic foot and one patient with polineuropathy), and one case each of chronic osteomyelitis of femur, hematogenous lumbar spondylitis and posttraumatic osteomyelitis. Four patients had bacteremia. The duration of the infection, prior to surgery was less than one month in 12 episodes, 1 month to 2 years in 14, and in 2 cases, of 10 and 13 years, respectively. In 23 episodes the causal agent was Staphylococcus aureus and in 5 cases it was coagulase-negative staphylococci. Patients had received previous parenteral therapy with other antimicrobials during 2-40 days (X: 18.6 +/- 10.2 days). All patients but one had resolution of the infection and are currently asymptomatic 6 months to 5 years posttreatment in the 21 evaluable cases (X: 38 +/- 13.1 months). Five patients had adverse effects secondary to the antibiotic combination and in three these were severe enough to discontinue the antimicrobials. In no case of the 11 patients with post-treatment control cultures were staphylococci recovered from the wound. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of cotrimoxazole plus rifampicin, both given orally, was highly effective in this selected group of patients. This combination should be considered as a useful alternative therapy of staphylococcal bone infection and deserves further study.

Thigh pain following tourniquet application in simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement arthroplasty.

Thigh pain following tourniquet application is a common patient complaint in the early postoperative period following total knee arthroplasty. Postoperative thigh pain was evaluated in 28 consecutive simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty patients between April 1996 and October 1996. A prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed. Tourniquet pressure of 350 mmHg was used on 1 thigh (thigh 1) and 100 mmHg plus systolic blood pressure on the other (thigh 2). A scale of pain (no pain, mild, moderate, or severe) was applied on the first, second, and third days, as well as 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. There were 16 men and 12 women with a mean age of 72 years (range, 55-85 years). The mean tourniquet time was similar in both groups (thigh 1 = 23 minutes, thigh 2 = 22 minutes). The mean tourniquet pressure in thigh 2 was 230 mmHg (range, 212-260 mmHg). There was a statistically significant difference in thigh pain on the first (P = .01), second (P = .01), and third (P = .001) postoperative days between both groups, with more thigh pain on the 350 mmHg side. At 6 weeks after surgery, the difference in thigh pain was gone. For total knee arthroplasty, using the tourniquet at a pressure of 100 mmHg above the systolic blood pressure is recommended. This is adequate to provide a bloodless field and will result in a less unpleasant postoperative period.

[Hip prosthesis infection: diagnostic approach and treatment of 27 cases]. / Infección de prótesis de cadera: aproximación diagnóstica y tratamiento de 27 episodios.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative diagnosis of hip prosthesis infection (HPI) is difficult. There is no therapeutic option which is completely effective and without risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate a diagnostic approach and therapeutic strategy in a group of patients with HPI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 27 episodes of HPI diagnosed by anatomopathologic and/or microbiologic examination of surgical samples was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with 27 episodes of HPI out of a total of 24 hip prosthesis (HP) were treated. The infection was early in 15 episodes. The etiologic agents were plasmocoagulase negative staphylococcus (NSP) in 11 cases, P. aeruginosa in 8, S. aureus in 5, Enterococcus sp. in 2 and miscellaneous in the remaining cases. In 2 cases the infection was polymycrobial. Following a mean follow period of 22.6 +/- 15.2 months, 13 out of the 14 patients in whom the prosthesis was withdrawn were cured (in 4 a second prosthesis was implanted), one out of 6 in those in whom the prosthesis remained in situ following debridement, and 2 out of 3 episodes in whom reimplantation was performed over time. The withdrawal of the prosthesis was significantly greater than debridement in the treatment of early infection (p < 0.001). The total mean length of postoperative antibiotherapy was 48.2 +/- 17 days. No differences were observed in the oral versus parenteral treatment (p = 0.22), and nor was prognosis worse in those treated for less than 42 days. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' experience suggests that attempts to save a hip prosthesis in early infection usually fail. In addition to prosthesis withdrawal or implantation of another prosthesis, six weeks of postoperative antibiotic therapy, which may be oral route, appear to be sufficient.