The usefulness of computed tomography following open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of a supplemental imaging modality in postoperative assessment of acetabular fractures following open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Postoperative axial computed tomographic (CT) scans were compared with plain radiographs of 20 patients with regard to their sensitivity for detecting articular fracture reduction in terms of gap displacement and step deformity or offset. Three observers independently reviewed the plain radiographs and CT scans at 2 separate time points and categorised the outcome as either anatomical or non-anatomical. The inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility of these measurements was expressed as a kappa statistic. The radiological result was correlated with the clinical outcome measures using the Merle D'Aubigne scale, the Harris Hip Score, and the SF-36 score. RESULTS: Plain radiography was less effective in the detection of postoperative articular displacement (mean, 75.1% sensitive). The inter-observer and intra-observer agreement between reviewers was good to excellent in detecting reduction quality between the 2 modalities. Patient management was not altered by the findings of the CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Although postoperative CT scanning of acetabular fractures in selective cases may be useful, issues such as higher cost, less effective allocation of resources, and excessive radiation doses do not support its routine use.

In-cement technique for revision hip arthroplasty.

The in-cement technique for revision hip arthroplasty involves retaining the original cement-bone interface. This has been proven to be a biomechanically stronger method than recementing after complete removal of the original cement mantle. This study reviewed a series of 54 consecutive revision hip arthroplasty procedures, using the in-cement technique, between November 1999 and November 2003. Clinical and radiological follow-up included functional assessment. There were 54 procedures performed in 51 patients, whose mean age at surgery was 70.3 years (45 to 85). A total of 42 were available at a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (6 to 51). There was no radiological evidence of loosening. Functional assessments were available for 40 patients who had a mean Harris hip score of 85.2 (51.9 to 98.5), a mean Oxford hip score of 19.6 (12 to 41), a mean UCLA activity profile score of 5.9 (3 to 8) and a mean SF-36 score of 78.0 (31.6 to 100). The in-cement technique provides consistent, high functional outcomes and should be considered in appropriately selected cases.

The use of uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral components in the management of Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures.

We assessed the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous-coated implant. A retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment of 22 patients with a mean follow-up of 33.7 months was performed. The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years. There were 17 patients with a satisfactory result. Complications in four patients included subsidence in two, deep sepsis in one, and delayed union in one. Concomitant acetabular revision was required in 19 patients. Uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral stems incorporate distally allowing stable fixation. We found good early survival rates and a low incidence of nonunion using this implant.

A useful technique for the management of pelvic discontinuity in revision hip surgery.

Pelvic discontinuity is a distinct form of bone loss occurring in association with total hip arthroplasty. The mechanically stable environment, which is prerequisite for successful graft incorporation, cannot be achieved with routine acetabular fixation techniques. A ring made from pelvic reconstruction plate, which is fixed to ilium, ischium and pubis from within the acetabulum, when combined with medial wall mesh cage and impaction bone grafting, not only allows excellent fixation of the pelvic discontinuity but also allows recreation of acetabular bone stock. This versatile technique provides a fundamentally stable construct because of fixation into all three bones of the pelvis. (Hip International 2004; 14:149-54).

The reliability and validity of the Vancouver classification of femoral fractures after hip replacement.

This study assessed the reliability and validity of a new classification system for fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty. Forty radiographs were evaluated by 6 observers, 3 experts and 3 nonexperts. Each observer read the radiographs on 2 separate occasions and classified each case as to its type (A, B, C) and subtype (B1, B2, B3). Reliability was assessed by looking at the intraobserver and interobserver agreement using the kappa statistic. Validity was assessed within the B group by looking at the agreement between the radiographic classification and the intraoperative findings. Our findings suggest that this classification system is reliable and valid. Intraobserver agreement was consistent across observers, ranging from 0.73 to 0.83. There was a negligible difference between experts and nonexperts. Interobserver agreement was 0.61 for the first reading and 0.64 for the second reading by kappa analysis, indicating substantial agreement between observers. Validity analysis revealed an observed agreement kappa value of 0.78, indicating substantial agreement. This study has shown that this classification is reliable and valid.

Classification of the hip.

A number of classification systems have been proposed for periprosthetic fractures of the femur following total hip replacement. Most of these rely purely on the site and pattern of the fracture. However, it is only after consideration of other important factors, including the stability of the prosthesis as well as the quality of the surrounding bone stock, that appropriate management can be instituted. The authors have developed a new classification system that addresses these other important factors. The authors believe that only after classifying a periprosthetic fracture with specific reference to fracture site, stability of the implant, and quality of the surrounding bone stock, can one make a rational decision towards a treatment algorithm.

The treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur using cortical onlay allograft struts.

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur are a complex problem to treat. Careful planning is essential before embarking on such a technically demanding procedure. There are many factors to be considered, including the premorbid condition of the patient and previous experience and training of the surgeon. Important factors relating directly to the fracture include the site, stability of the implant, and the state of the surrounding bone stock.

Use of reconstruction rings for the management of acetabular bone loss during revision hip surgery.

Aseptic loosening remains the leading cause of failure after total hip replacement. Extensive bone loss and acetabular bone stock deficiency are frequently encountered. Simple autografting techniques are often not possible, and copious amounts of allograft may be required to reconstruct the defect. The mechanically stable environment that is a prerequisite for successful graft incorporation cannot be achieved with routine acetabular fixation techniques alone. A reconstruction ring that is secured to the surrounding pelvis provides a more rigid construct. Several types of reconstruction rings are available for the management of acetabular bone loss during revision hip surgery. Early results suggest that these devices may prove to be a useful alternative for treatment of a difficult problem.

Riedel's thyroiditis--case report and literature review.

A fifty two year old female underwent attempted thyroidectomy for a progressively enlarging cervical swelling. At operation the thyroid gland was extensively fibrosed and not resectable, frozen section showed fibrous replacement. The patient was given a short course of postoperative corticosteroid therapy and was maintained on thyroid replacement therapy. Thirty months later the patient remains asymptomatic.

Intra-articular morphine for pain relief after anterior cruciate ligament repair.

We have performed a randomized, double-blind controlled study in patients undergoing elective anterior cruciate ligament repair, to assess the effect of intra-articular morphine on postoperative pain. The morphine group (n = 11) received morphine 5 mg in saline 25 ml and the control group (n = 9), saline 25 ml intra-articularly. Patients in the morphine group had significantly smaller pain scores throughout the 24-h postoperative period compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was less requirement for supplementary analgesics in the morphine group.