Unilateral hip osteoarthritis: can we predict the outcome of the other hip?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to define, in unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA), factors predicting the outcome of the other hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis of 95 white patients with unilateral idiopathic (56 patients) or secondary to congenital hip diseases (39 patients) OA. The other hip was free from symptoms (pain or limping) at the initial examination and without radiographic evidence of OA; it was what we call a "normal" hip. Two parameters were evaluated: (1) the type of osteoarthritis of the involved hip and (2) the range of four radiographic indices of the contralateral hip: the sourcil inclination (weight-bearing surface), the acetabular angle, the Wiberg's center-edge angle, and the neck-shaft angle. Follow-up radiographs for the hips that remained OA-free were available for 10 to 35 years and for those that developed OA, at the time of initial symptoms, range 2 to 31 years. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of idiopathic OA in one hip had a statistically significant effect on the development of OA on the other hip (p < 0.001). Minor deviations of radiographic indices of the contralateral hip is not a predictive factor for its outcome. When the radiographic indices are examined together with the pathology of the involved hip, only WBS was shown to have a significant effect to the development of OA and its type (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The following conclusions can be drawn from this study: 1. Patient with idiopathic OA of one hip is at increased risk of developing OA in the other hip. 2. The outcome of the other hip cannot be predicted only on the basis of the evaluation of its radiographic indices. 3. Among the different indices, WBS seems to have a strong influence toward the development of OA.

Reducing the pain associated with local anaesthetic infiltration for open carpal tunnel decompression.

This prospective, randomized study assessed the effectiveness of buffering lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate for reducing the pain associated with local anaesthetic infiltration for open carpal tunnel decompression. Twenty-one patients undergoing bilateral open carpal tunnel decompression received, in a randomized manner, lidocaine 1% with adrenaline (1:200,000) in one hand and the same local anaesthetic buffered with 8.4% NaHCO3 at a 5:1 ratio in the other hand. Pain, especially its burning element, was evaluated on a visual analogue scale and was significantly reduced with the buffered solution. The buffering was effective for all patients and no adverse effects were noted. This is a safe, easy and quick method for making open carpal tunnel surgery less uncomfortable to patients.

The external fixator compared with the sliding hip screw for pertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

In a prospective, randomised study we have compared the pertrochanteric external fixator (PF) with the sliding hip screw (SHS) in 100 consecutive patients who were allocated randomly to the two methods of treatment. Details of the patients and the patterns of fracture were similar in both groups. Follow-up was for six months. Use of the PF was associated with significantly less blood loss, a shorter operating time, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalisation (p < 0.001), earlier mobilisation (p < 0.001) and a reduced rate of mechanical complications (p < 0.01). Superficial infection was significantly more common with the PF (p < 0.01), but without long-term adverse consequences. There were no differences in the healing of the fracture, mortality or final functional outcome. Our results indicate that the external fixator is an effective and safe device for treating pertrochanteric fractures and should be considered as a useful alternative to conventional fixation with the sliding hip screw.

Management of pertrochanteric fractures in high-risk patients with an external fixation.

In 44 surgical high-risk patients (ASA grade 3 or 4) pertrochanteric fractures were treated with a newly developed external fixator; all fractures healed within 14 weeks. Seven patients had a superficial pin tract infection and in 12 patients the fracture united with a shortening of 18 (5-30) mm. No implant failures or limitation of knee movements were recorded. Nine patients died during the first 6 months. The "pertrochanteric fixator" is a valuable alternative for treating high-risk, elderly patients.