Outcomes analysis of anterior and lateral approach for open repair of hip abductor tendons.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal tendons tears are increasingly being recognised as a cause of recalcitrant trochanteric pain, but there is a paucity of robust studies analysing the type of tears, results and predictors of outcome. METHODS: Patients with gluteal tendon tears resistant to conservative treatment who underwent isolated open repair (IR) or total hip arthroplasty and concomitant repair (THA+repair) with a minimum 1-year follow-up were retrospectively assessed separately. Type of tear, surgical approach, and fixation methods were registered. Complications and postoperative outcomes were analysed: visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, VAS satisfaction, and activity level. Univariate regressions and multivariable models were developed. RESULTS: 90 cases were included: 62 cases underwent IR and 28 cases THA+repair, with an average follow-up of 3.9 years and 2.6 years, respectively. 13 complications were found (n = 5 IR, n = 8 THA+repair), including 9 re-operations (n = 4 IR, n = 5 THA+repair). Mean VAS pain score was 3.02 (SD 2.74) for the IR and 2.32 (SD 2.43) for THA+repair group. Mean VAS satisfaction was 7.09 (SD 3.07) and 7.68 (SD 2.71) for the IR and THA+repair group, respectively. In the IR group 61.4% returned to all pre-injury activities, whereas in the THA+repair group 79% did. Full-thickness tears had higher VAS pain scores (p = 0.0175), and there was trend (p > 0.05) towards higher complications, re-tears and lower VAS satisfaction in this type of tears in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in outcomes when comparing THA+repair through direct anterior (DAA) with lateral approach (LA). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated gluteal tendon repair or THA+repairs seem to be safe procedures with high levels of satisfaction at short- to mid-term follow-up. The presence of a full-thickness tear is a predictor of inferior outcomes.

The Accuracy of Percutaneous Sacro-Iliac Screw Fixation for Pelvic Ring Injuries using the Lateral view as the Corner Stone for Screw Placement: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This paper has been temporarily removed by the publisher, Wolters-Kluwer, as it may have been published in error. We regret any confusion this may have caused.

Is unrestricted weight bearing immediately after fixation of rotationally unstable pelvic fractures safe?

INTRODUCTION: Rotationally unstable pelvic fractures treated with surgical fixation have traditionally been treated with restricted weight bearing on the affected side for 6-8 weeks post operatively. We have been developing pelvic fixation standards to allow for unrestricted weight bearing immediately post operatively in type B rotationally unstable pelvic fractures. AIMS: To assess for safety and efficacy of allowing unrestrictive weight bearing in this cohort of patients, we have clinically and radiologically monitored outcomes up to two years post operatively. METHODS: Through retrospective review, two cohorts of patients with Tile Type B pelvic fractures were identified that were treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia. Patient demographics, injury classification, surgical fixation and weight bearing status post operatively was recorded. One cohort of patients was allowed to fully weight bear post operatively, whilst the other was treated with 6 weeks of restricted post op weight bearing. At clinical follow up, post-operative x-rays were assessed for loss of reduction, screw or plate breakage and reoperation. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and January 2021, 53 patients with rotationally unstable pelvic fractures that underwent surgical fixation were included in this study. One group of patents were allowed to immediately weight bear as tolerated (WBAT) post operatively (n = 28) and the other with restricted weightbearing (RWB) (n = 25). There was 1 re operation for failure of fixation in each group. Metalwork breakage was more common in the WBAT group than in the RWB group and this was seen only in APC fractures. This increase in metalwork failure was not associated with loss of reduction. CONCLUSIONS: With surgical fixation, Tile type B rotationally unstable pelvic fractures can be allowed immediate weight bearing post operatively. We found this to be safe and effective, employing surgical strategies to address both anterior and posterior injuries to allow immediate unrestricted weight bearing. Broken metalwork was more commonly seen in the WBAT group but this was not associated with loss of reduction or reoperation.

Risk factors for femoral stem breakage: an analysis of the AOANJRR results.

INTRODUCTION: Breakage of the femoral stem component of a total hip replacement is now uncommon but continues to be seen with certain stem designs and in certain patient groups. Data previously published on this topic has been limited, either gathered from a single surgeon or centre, or included only a single stem design. METHODS: We reviewed the data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR), identified and analysed 143 stem breakages over a period of 16 years, covering 44 different stem designs. RESULTS: Our data confirms previously published findings that risk factors for stem breakage include patient age at implantation of under 70, male gender, as well as the use of exchangeable necks. We found no association with initial diagnosis, or type of acetabular component implanted. We did however also find, excluding exchangeable neck designs, that after 4.5 years a cemented stem had a significantly higher risk of breakage then a cementless stem. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge this is the 1st paper to suggest cemented fixation as a specific risk factor for stem breakage. The analysis of rare complications such as stem breakage is only possible through large data collection systems such as the AOANJRR. Whilst there have been recent advances in materials and manufacturing techniques, we recommend that surgeons are aware of all the specific risks when considering implant choices for individual patients.

Tibia plateau fracture mapping and its influence on fracture fixation.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fracture classifications are based on anteroposterior radiographs. Precontoured locking plates are commonly used to treat such fractures. The aims of this study are to: (1) describe tibial plateau fracture anatomy in the axial plane and (2) assess whether current plating systems allow screws to be placed suitably. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A graphical tibial plateau template was developed. One hundred twenty-five tibial plateau fractures (four bilateral) were reviewed (80 men, 41 women; average age 45.5 years, range 21-77.7 years). The axial computed tomography (CT) slice 0.3-0.5 mm below the medial articular surface was reviewed in all cases. Fracture lines were drawn on the template. Four lateral locking plates were placed against a cadaveric adult tibia. Based on the projected screw directions, suitable fracture patterns were identified. Fractures were considered "suitable" if the screws passed 90 ± 22° to the fracture line. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-one different fracture lines were identified. One hundred thirty-four fractures involved the lateral plateau; 96 were suitable for lateral plating. Ninety fractures involved the medial plateau, 82 were treatable using the various plate positions on medial-posterior aspect of the medial plateau. Thirty-seven fractures were bicondylar; 20 were treatable with a posteromedial plate. CONCLUSIONS: Tibial plateau fractures follow consistent patterns, with most lateral and medial plateau fracture lines being in the sagittal plane, although there is greater variation medially. Positioning of modern locking plates will deal effectively with 72 % of all lateral plateau fractures and 91 % of medial plateau fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Outcomes and early revision rate after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: prospective results from a non-designer single surgeon.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study evaluates outcomes and reoperation rates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) from a single non-designer surgeon using relatively extended criteria of degenerative changes of grade 2 or above in either or both non-operated compartments. METHODS: 187 consecutive medial mobile bearing UKA implants were included after history, clinical assessment and radiological evaluation. 91 patients had extended clinical outcomes. Post-operative assessment included functional scoring with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and radiographic review. Survivorship curves were constructed using the life-table method, with 95% confidence intervals calculated using Rothman's equation. Separate endpoints were examined: revision for any reason and revision for confirmed loosening. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The pre-operative OKS improved from a mean of 21.2 to 38.9 (Mann-Whitney U Test, p = < 0.001). Twelve Patients required further operations including 9 revisions. No patients developed deep infection and no surviving implants were loose radiographically. Survivorship at 7 years with endpoints of re-operation, revision and aseptic loosening at surgery or radiographically was 88.4% (95% CI 79.6-93.7), 93.1% (95% CI 85.5-96.9) and 97.3% (95% CI 91.2-99.2) respectively. The presence of pre-operative mild contralateral tibiofemoral or any extent of patellofemoral joint degeneration was of no consequence. DISCUSSION: The indications for UKA are being expanded to include patients with greater deformity, more advanced disease in the patellofemoral joint and even certain features in the lateral compartment indicative of an anteromedial pattern of osteoarthritis (OA). However, much of the supporting literature remains available only from designer centres. This study represents a group of patients with what we believe to be wider indications, along with decisions to treat made on clinical grounds and radiographs alone. CONCLUSION: This study shows comparable clinical outcomes of UKA for extended indications from a high volume, high-usage non-designer unit.

Time dependent loss of trabecular bone in human tibial plateau fractures.

We investigated if time between injury and surgery affects cancellous bone properties in patients suffering tibial plateau fractures (TPF), in terms of structural integrity and gene expression controlling bone loss. A cohort of 29 TPF, operated 1-17 days post-injury, had biopsies from the fracture and an equivalent contralateral limb site, at surgery. Samples were assessed using micro-computed tomography and real-time RT-PCR analysis for the expression of genes known to be involved in bone remodeling and fracture healing. Significant decreases in the injured vs control side were observed for bone volume fraction (BV/TV, -13.5 ± 6.0%, p = 0.011), trabecular number (Tb.N, -10.5 ± 5.9%, p = 0.041) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th, -4.6 ± 2.5%, p = 0.033). Changes in these parameters were more evident in patients operated 5-17 days post-injury, compared to those operated in the first 4 days post-injury. A significant negative association was found between Tb.Th (r = -0.54, p < 0.01) and BV/TV (r = -0.39, p < 0.05) in relation to time post-injury in the injured limb. Both BV/TV and Tb.Th were negatively associated with expression of key molecular markers of bone resorption, CTSK, ACP5, and the ratio of RANKL:OPG mRNA. These structure/gene expression relationships did not exist in the contralateral tibial plateau of these patients. This study demonstrated that there is a significant early time-dependent bone loss in the proximal tibia after TPF. This bone loss was significantly associated with altered expression of genes typically involved in the process of osteoclastic bone resorption but possibly also bone resorption by osteocytes. The mechanism of early bone loss in such fractures should be a subject of further investigation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2865-2875, 2018.

Advantages in Using Cemented Polished Tapered Stems When Performing Total Hip Arthroplasty in Very Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: The risk of revision following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increased in young patients who undergo THA for pathologies other than primary osteoarthritis. We report the results of primary THA performed with cemented polished stems in patients aged 40 years and younger for pathologies other than primary osteoarthritis. METHODS: We investigated 52 patients (65 hips) who underwent primary THA for secondary osteoarthritis with a cemented tapered polished stem between 1990 and 2007. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, available in 46 patients (57 hips), included the Harris Hip Scores, Societe Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopedique et de Traumatologie activity, patient satisfaction, stem survival and reoperations, and assessment of prosthesis-cement-bone radiolucencies, osteolysis, and femoral bone deficiencies. RESULTS: Median patient age was 34 years (16-40) and follow-up was 14 years (mean 13, range 5-22). Stem survival to the endpoint revision for loosening was 100% and to the endpoint revision for any reason, excluding infection was 88% (95% confidence interval 78-98) at 16 years. No stem was revised for aseptic loosening. Nine stems were revised for other reasons. Radiographically, one stem was definitely loose at 16 years. The median patient Harris pain score improved from marked pain to no pain at latest follow-up. Patient activity level improved, albeit minimally, for 8 years after surgery. At latest follow-up, 98% of the patients remained satisfied with their surgery. CONCLUSION: Primary THA with a cemented polished stem shows excellent results in young patients with pathology other than primary osteoarthritis. In addition, the stem design facilitates cement within cement exchange and therefore preservation of proximal femoral bone stock at revision surgery.