Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy Provides Superior Function to Trochanter Slide Osteotomy in THA for Patients With Unilateral Crowe Type IV Dysplasia at a Minimum of 3 Years.

BACKGROUND: Performing THA in patients with high-riding developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with serious complications and technical challenges. Various methods of shortening osteotomy are available to facilitate femoral head reduction during THA in patients with high-riding hips; subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy plus proximal shortening are the most common techniques. However, which approach is superior remains a topic of controversy. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is there any difference in clinical outcomes (defined as the Harris Hip Score [HHS] and residual limb length discrepancy) at a minimum of 3 years between subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy in patients with Crowe Type IV DDH who underwent THA? (2) Is there any difference in the risk or type of complications between the two approaches? METHODS: We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two groups (subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy versus trochanteric slide osteotomy) matched for sex and preoperative HHS at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Between 2010 and 2018, we performed 67 THAs in patients with unilateral Crowe Type IV DDH. During that time, we generally used a trochanteric slide osteotomy for THA in all patients with Crowe Type IV hips and performed subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy when a conical stem was not available. A total of 42% (28) had THA with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, and 58% (39) had THA with trochanteric slide osteotomy. Of those, 89% (25) and 74% (29), respectively, were accounted for with complete datasets for possible matching at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Patients were matched for gender and preoperative HSS (within 10 points), leaving 22 patients in each group (79% of the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group and 56% of the trochanteric slide osteotomy group) for evaluation and analysis. Age (42 versus 46 years), gender (female: 73% versus 73%), preoperative HSS (40 versus 40), and preoperative leg length discrepancy (5.9 versus 5.3 cm) were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The trochanteric slide osteotomy group exclusively received Cone Wagner (Zimmer) implants (100%), while Corail (DePuy Synthes) implants (77%) were the most commonly used in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group. HHS at a minimum of 3 years as well as the presence or absence of a limp and Trendelenburg sign, functional leg length discrepancy, nonunion, nerve palsy, and other surgical complications were recorded and compared between the groups based on data drawn from a longitudinally maintained institutional database. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 73 months, improvement in HHS was greater in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group than in the trochanteric slide osteotomy group (48 ± 4 points versus 36 ± 11 points, mean difference 12 points [95% CI 7 to 17 points]; p < 0.001). Although the preoperative leg length discrepancy was similar between the groups, there was a greater postoperative improvement in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group (44 ± 8 mm and 38 ± 8 mm in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy groups, respectively; p = 0.02). The risk of nonunion was higher with a trochanteric slide osteotomy than with a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (23% [5 of 22] versus 0% [0 of 22]; p = 0.048). Other complications, including intraoperative periprosthetic fractures, nerve palsy, heterotopic ossification, revision surgery, and dislocation, did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with Crowe Type IV hips undergoing THA, surgeons might consider subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy rather than trochanteric slide osteotomy to minimize the risk of nonunion and achieve superior hip function. Better correction of leg length discrepancy may also be possible with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. The long-term survivorship of hips after these two techniques, as well as the influence of the specific anatomy of the proximal femur on the choice of technique, remain to be explored in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Core decompression combined with local DFO administration loaded on polylactic glycolic acid scaffolds for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Deferoxamine (DFO) angiogenesis induction potential has been demonstrated in earlier studies, but not in the osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). In this study, we evaluated the outcome of ONFH treated with combined core decompression and local DFO administration loaded on Polylactic Glycolic Acid (PLGA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a pilot experimental study, six patients (10 hips) with early-stage non-traumatic ONFH were treated by core decompression, and concurrent injection of local DFO loaded on PLGA scaffold into the subchondral femoral head. Outcome measures were evaluated before the surgery and 12 and 24 months after the surgery and included visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel (MAP) score for hip function by MRI, and rate of osteonecrosis assessed by the modified. RESULTS: The mean MPA score was 14.7 ± 1.16 before the surgery and 16.7 ± 1.41 one year after the surgery (P = 0.004). The mean VAS for pain was 4.7 ± 1.25 before the surgery and 1.8 ± 1.03 one year after the surgery (P = 0.005). The mean Kerboul angle was 219 ± 58.64 before the operation and 164.6 ± 41.82 one year after the operation (P < 0.001). Osteonecrosis progression or collapse was not seen in any of the patients at the final follow-up. No postoperative side effect attributed to the DFO was noticed, as well. CONCLUSION: In short-term follow-up, combined core decompression and local DFO administration not only prevent the progression of ONFH but also reduces the rate of osteonecrosis significantly. However, future controlled studies are required to confirm the present results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20161121031003N3, 16/04/2019.

Acetabular and sacral insufficiency fractures in a patient with a long-term history of Alendronate consumption; a case report.

BACKGROUND: Long-term Bisphosphonate consumption has been reported to be associated with the incidence of atypical or insufficiency fracture, particularly in the proximal femur. We observed a case of acetabular and sacral insufficiency fractures in a patient with a long-term history of Alendronate consumption. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old woman was admitted with a complaint of pain in right lower limb following low-energy trauma. The patient had a history of Alendronate consumption for more than 10 years. The bone scan revealed increased radiotracer uptake in the right side of the pelvic, proximal right femur, and sacroiliac joint. The radiographs showed type 1 sacrum fracture, acetabulum fracture with femur head protrusion into the pelvis, quadrilateral surface fracture, fracture of the right anterior column, and right superior and inferior pubic fracture. The patient was treated with total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the concerns regarding long-term bisphosphonate therapy and its potential complications.

Assessing Leg Length Discrepancy Is Necessary Before Arthroplasty in Patients With Unilateral Crowe Type IV Hip Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: THA for high-riding developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging in terms of length equalization. Although previous studies suggested preoperative templating on AP pelvic radiographs is insufficient in patients with unilateral high-riding DDH because of hypoplasia of the hemipelvis on the affected side and unequal femoral and tibial length on scanograms, the results were controversial. The EOS™ (EOS™ Imaging) is a biplane X-ray imaging system using slot-scanning technology. Length and alignment measurements have been shown to be accurate. We used the EOS to compare the lower limb length and alignment in patients with unilateral high-riding DDH. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is there an overall leg length difference in patients with unilateral Crowe Type IV hip dysplasia? (2) In patients with unilateral Crowe Type IV hip dysplasia with an overall leg length difference, is there a consistent pattern of abnormalities in the femur or tibia that account for observed differences? (3) What is the impact of unilateral high-riding Crowe Type IV dysplasia on femoral neck offset and knee coronal alignment? METHODS: Between March 2018 and April 2021, we treated 61 patients with THA for Crowe Type IV DDH (high-riding dislocation). EOS imaging was performed preoperatively in all patients. Eighteen percent (11 of 61) of the patients were excluded because of involvement of the opposite hip, 3% (two of 61) were excluded for neuromuscular involvement, and 13% (eight of 61) had previous surgery or fracture, leaving 40 patients for analysis in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Each patient's demographic, clinical, and radiographic information was collected with a checklist using charts, Picture Archiving and Communication System, and an EOS database. EOS-related measurements that were related to the proximal femur, limb length, and knee-related angles were recorded for both sides by two examiners. The findings of the two sides were statistically compared. RESULTS: The overall limb length was not different between the dislocated and nondislocated sides (mean 725 ± 40 mm versus 722 ± 45 mm, mean difference 3 mm [95% CI -3 to 9 mm); p = 0.08). Apparent leg length was shorter on the dislocated side (mean 742 ± 44 mm versus 767 ± 52 mm, mean difference -25 mm [95% CI -32 to 3 mm]; p < 0.001). We observed that a longer tibia on the dislocated side was the only consistent pattern (mean 338 ± 19 mm versus 335 ± 20 mm, mean difference 4 [95% CI 2 to 6 mm]; p = 0.002), but there was no difference between the femur length (mean 346 ± 21 mm versus 343 ± 19 mm, mean difference 3 mm [95% CI -1 to 7]; p = 0.10). The femur of the dislocated side was longer by greater than 5 mm in 40% (16 of 40) of patients and shorter in 20% (eight of 40). The mean femoral neck offset of the involved side was shorter than that of the normal side (mean 28 ± 8 mm versus 39 ± 8 mm, mean difference -11 mm [95% CI -14 to -8 mm]; p < 0.001). There was a higher valgus alignment of the knee on the dislocated side with a decreased lateral distal femoral angle (mean 84° ± 3° versus 89° ± 3°, mean difference - 5° [95% CI -6° to -4°]; p < 0.001) and increased medial proximal tibia angle (mean 89° ± 3° versus 87° ± 3°, mean difference 1° [95% CI 0° to 2°]; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A consistent pattern of anatomic alteration on the contralateral side does not exist in Crowe Type IV hips except for the length of the tibia. All parameters of the limb length could be shorter, equal to, or longer on the dislocated side. Given this unpredictability, AP pelvis radiographs are not sufficient for preoperative planning, and individualized preoperative planning using full-length images of the lower limbs should be performed before arthroplasty in Crowe Type IV hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prognostic study.

Simultaneous femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) combined with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of severe femoral head asphericity in Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to describe the midterm clinical and radiologic outcomes of concurrent femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) patients with major aspherical femoral head deformities. METHODS: The study included four Perthes patients in Stage IV of Waldenstrom's classification with a mean age of 10.5 and severe femoral head asphericity. They were treated with a combination of FHRO + PAO and followed for at least 2 years. An evaluation of the radiological outcome of the surgery was carried out based on the lateral center to edge angle (LCEA), the anterior center to edge angle (ACEA), the Tönnis angle, the head sphericity index, the Stulberg classification, the extrusion index, and Shenton's line integrity. An evaluation of the clinical outcome was made by evaluating hip range of motion (ROM), Harris hip score (HHS), and Merle d'Aubigne´-Postel score. RESULTS: All radiographic measures improved; three patients were classified as Stulberg class II and one as class III. The LCEA, ACEA, and Tönnis angle improved by 29° (from 3° to 32°), 16° (from 14° to 30°), and - 10° (from 18° to 8°), respectively. The mean femoral head sphericity index and extrusion index improved by 12% (from 83 to 95%) and - 33% (from 40 to 7%). No disruption was observed in the postoperative Shenton's line. According to HHS, all patients have shown excellent hip function, which improved by 27 points (from 69 to 96). Moreover, the hip ROM was increased from 222° to 267°. The follow-up period did not reveal any serious postoperative complications, such as osteonecrosis or conversion to arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Combined FHRO with PAO may improve the hip joint's morphology and function in patients with residual femoral head deformity and acetabular dysplasia due to LCPD. Despite being considered a complex and demanding hip surgery, these results suggest a more widespread implication of the salvage procedure.

Impaction Grafting Is Sufficient to Address Acetabular Deficiency During Total Hip Arthroplasty of Most Dysplastic Hips With Over 30% Bone Defect.

BACKGROUND: Addressing acetabular deficiency during arthroplasty of dysplastic hips is challenging. We assessed outcomes of a protocol for choosing either impaction or structural graft for this purpose. METHODS: This retrospective study included 59 patients (71 hips) with a dysplastic hip and over 30% uncoverage that underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty. Morselized impaction grafting was performed for hips where initial stability of the acetabular cup was achieved. In others, a shelf graft was inserted before implantation of the acetabular cup. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum follow-up of 4 years. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (80.3%) hips underwent impaction grafting and 14 (19.7%) received a structural graft. Mean age at surgery was 48.1 ± 13.5 (18-68) years for impaction and 48.6 ± 14 (24-70) years for shelf grafts. Mean increase in Harris Hip Score was 51.5 ± 9.3 and 50 ± 11.2 for the impaction and structural groups, respectively, at a mean follow-up of 92 (49-136) months (P = .6). Heterotopic ossification occurred in 16 patients in the impaction group vs none in the structural group (P = .004). Radiologically, mean percentages of cup coverage provided by the graft were 47.8 ± 10.9% and 48.9 ± 13.3% in the impaction and structural groups, respectively (P = .75). All but one of shelf grafts united to host bone and all impaction grafts incorporated. There was one case of cup loosening in the structural graft group. CONCLUSION: Most dysplastic acetabula with over 30% defect can be addressed using a cementless cup and impaction grafting, with good results in the midterm. In about 20% of cases, initial press-fit is not attainable and structural support-like shelf graft becomes necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Effect of Adding Corticosteroid to the Periarticular Injection Cocktail for Pain Control after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The impact of periarticular corticosteroid injection for pain control after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is controversial. The present study aimed to investigate this controversy in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A total of 42 THA and 42 TKA patients were included in this study. The patients of each group were randomly allocated into group A (cocktail+Depo-Medrol) and group B (cocktail alone). The outcome measures were a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at five different time points for both THA and TKA, as well as the knee range of motion (ROM) and straight leg raise (SLR) for the TKA group only. Patients were followed for three months to observe infection, wound complications, and any venous thromboembolic event. Results: In the THA group, the preoperative VAS, 12, 24, 48, and 72h postoperative VAS were not statistically different between groups A and B (P=0.49, P=0.5, P=0.96, P=0.15, and P=0.11, respectively). In the TKA group, the preoperative VAS, 12, 24 48h, and 72h postoperative VAS were not statistically different between groups A and B (P=1.0, P=0.47, P=0.82, P=0.92, P=0.5, respectively). The mean scores of knee range of motion and ability to perform SLR were not significantly different between TKA patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups (P=0.18 and P=0.58, respectively). The only observed complication was one surgical site infection in the non-steroid group of the TKA. Conclusion: The obtained results did not support the benefit of including a steroid (Depo-Medrol) in the periarticular injection cocktail for pain control after the THA and TKA.

Undesired effect of excessive betamethasone administration during pregnancy: A rare case.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum bilateral femoral neck fracture (BFNF) is a rare condition. We here report a case of BFNF due to excessive corticosteroid consumption, twin pregnancy, immobility, and vitamin D deficiency. CASE: This is a report of a 32-yr-old woman with bilateral femoral insufficiency fracture five days after emergency cesarean section due to preterm labor, twin pregnancy, and the history of a previous cesarean section at 33 wk. Antenatal repeated courses of betamethasone injections for fetal lung maturity, daily oral use of prednisolone for the history of miscarriage, immobilization, and vitamin D deficiency were the important contributing factors in her past medical history and lab investigations. The bone mineral density examination showed low bone density for the expected age. CONCLUSION: Clinicians, who deal with pregnant women, should consider the diagnosis of bilateral femoral insufficiency fracture in any pregnant women with pelvic pain. Awareness of risk factors of BFNF might help to reduce the rate of this complication.

Valgus Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Pathophysiology of Motion and Results of Intracapsular Realignment.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report (1) a different but specific pattern of impingement in hips involved with valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis (valgus SCFE) and (2) the results of surgical treatment using intracapsular realignment techniques. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Multiple academic centers. PATIENTS: Six patients with 8 involved hips referred for valgus alignment of proximal femoral epiphysis (valgus SCFE). INTERVENTION: Intracapsular realignment osteotomy combined with periacetabular osteotomy if needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The clinical and radiographical results and pathophysiology of motion. RESULTS: Eight hips in 6 patients were treated with subcapital (5 hips) or femoral neck (3 hips) osteotomy for realignment. The medially prominent metaphysis created an inclusive impingement at the anterior acetabular wall, whereas the high coxa valga favored impacting impingement at the posterior head-neck junction. The mean preoperative epiphyseal-shaft angle of 110.5 (range 90-125 degrees) was reduced to 62 degrees (range 55-70 degrees) postoperatively. At the last follow-up, all but 1 hip were pain-free and impingement-free, with normal range of motion. One hip was replaced after repeated attempts of correction. The overall hip functional result using modified Merle d'Aubigne scoring system was excellent in 5 hips (18-16 points), good in 2 hips (16-15 points), and poor in 1 hip (6 points). CONCLUSIONS: Impingement in valgus SCFE deformity is specific and complex. Anatomical realignment can lead to favorable results by the restoration of normal morphology and impingement-free range of motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Diminished femoral head-neck offset and the restricted hip range of motion suggesting a possible role in ACL injuries.

PURPOSE: Femoroacetabular impingement may be associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the head-neck offset, as measured by 45° Dunn's view alpha angles, in patients with ACL injuries compared to control subjects. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 140 consecutive non-professional athletes with primary ACL ruptures confirmed with knee arthroscopy and 100 consecutive patients with non-ACL injury were enrolled. Hip range of motion was assessed in lower extremities in all participants, and alpha angle was calculated according to 45° Dunn's view radiographs. RESULTS: There is not any difference in age, gender distribution, height, weight, and BMI between groups. Internal rotation, abduction, and adduction of the hip were significantly decreased in ACL-injured patients comparing with control subjects (p < 0.001). ACL-injured patients had also a significantly higher alpha angle comparing to the control individuals (p < 0.001). The mean of alpha angle in the ACL-injured patients was 56.1 (SD 10.1) and in the non-ACL-injured group was 49.3 (SD 9.4). CONCLUSIONS: The patients in ACL-injured group showed a significant restriction in hip range of motion and also a diminished femoral head-neck offset suggesting a possible role of these findings in the outcome assessed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effects of Zoledronic Acid and Vitamin E on Surgical- Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Femoral head osteonecrosis is a progressive disease with disabling outcomes in hip joint if not treated. This study was designed to compare the effects of zoledronic acid plus vitamin E versus zoledronic acid alone in surgical induced femoral head osteonecrosis in rabbits. METHODS: 26 Japanese white adult normal male rabbits at 28-32 weeks old were undertaken surgical femoral dislocation to devastate the femoral neck vessels; the femoral neck vessels were ligated and the hip was relocated. Next, the first 10 rabbits received zoledronic acid injections at 1st and the 4th weeks; the second group (10 rabbits) received zoledronic acid injections at 1st and the 4th week along with daily oral vitamin E for 12 weeks; and the third group was considered as non-treated control group. Radiographic and postmortem pathological assessments including the Ficat classification, epiphyseal quotient (EQ), new bone formation, and residual necrotic bone (RNB) were performed and compared after week 12. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the combination therapy group and the control group in Ficat classification at 12th weeks (P=0.048), but, the difference between monotherapy and combination therapy groups at 12th weeks was nonsignificant (P=0.37). Also, both treated groups had significant difference with the control group for RNB (P=0.015). There were no significant differences between the three groups for Ficat classification at the 6th week (P=0.65); EQ at 6th (P=0.59) and 12th week (P=0.64); and NBF (P=0.55). CONCLUSION: Although zoledronic acid therapy along with vitamin E could improve some radiologic and pathological indices related to femoral head osteonecrosis, vitamin E showed a relative impact. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Habitual dislocation of the hip: a rare case report.

Habitual dislocation of the hip (HDH) in children is a rare entity and can be a causative factor for popping or snapping hip which is a common problem in children with good prognosis. We report a case of HDH in a 9 year old girl who was suffering from frequent snapping hip at night, its course and treatment process.

Hips with synovial chondromatosis may display the features of femoroacetabular impingement.

BACKGROUND: Both synovial chondromatosis and femoroacetabular impingement present with hip pain and may lead to hip osteoarthritis. We present a small case series and describe the clinical presentation, investigation, and treatment of patients with synovial chondromatosis who also had cam-type femoroacetabular impingement involving the same hip. METHODS: Five patients (four men and one woman with a mean age of thirty-four years [range, thirty to thirty-seven years]) with unilateral synovial chondromatosis of the hip presented with clinical and radiographic features of ipsilateral cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. The diagnosis of associated synovial chondromatosis was made on the basis of preoperative imaging in four of the cases. All patients were treated with surgical hip dislocation, excision of the synovial chondromatosis loose bodies, and reshaping of the femoral head-neck junction. RESULTS: These hips exhibited radiographic features that are not typically seen with idiopathic cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, including femoral head hypertrophy, lateralization of the femoral head, and haziness in the acetabular fossa. None of the hips showed signs of advanced osteoarthritis intraoperatively. The alpha angle improved from a mean of 72.4° preoperatively to 42.6° postoperatively. At a mean of twenty-two months of follow-up, the patients had a mean Harris hip score of 80.6, substantially improved from the preoperative value of 39. CONCLUSIONS: Hips with synovial chondromatosis may present with clinical and radiographic features resembling those of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. As simultaneous treatment of both conditions is best accomplished with surgical hip dislocation rather than other, less-extensive surgical approaches, we recommend preoperative consideration of synovial chondromatosis in patients presenting with unilateral cam-type femoroacetabular impingement.