[Translated article] Vancomycin powder in the prevention of infection in primary knee and hip arthroplasty: Case-control study with 1151 arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vancomycin powder (VP) has been positively used in spinal surgery to reduce the rate of infections. Hardly any data have been published on hip and knee joint replacement surgery, and its usefulness is questioned. Our objective was to investigate the effectiveness of VP in reducing prosthetic infection and its possible complications. METHODS: Primary hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasties were reviewed, performed by five surgeons in one hospital centre, between 2017 and 2018. One gram of VP was used on the implant prior to surgical closure based on the surgeon's preferences. With a 5-year follow-up in which the infection rate and local complications were analysed. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and fifty-one arthroplasties were performed, 748 were TKA and 403 were THA. Nine patients were diagnosed with prosthetic infection, of which five received VP and four did not (p=0.555). Likewise, another 15 patients suffered wound complications, of which 11 received VP and 4 did not (p=0.412). There were no differences, either, in the rest of the complications depending on the use or not of VP (p=0.101). Likewise, the number of patients who needed reintervention was similar (p=0.999). No systemic complications were detected due to the use of VP. CONCLUSIONS: It has not been possible to demonstrate that the use of VP reduces the rates of prosthetic infection in the hip and knee, so we cannot recommend its use.

Vancomycin powder in the prevention of infection in primary knee and hip arthroplasty: Case-control study with 1151 arthroplasties. / Vancomicina en polvo en la prevención de la infección en artroplastia primaria de rodilla y cadera: estudio de casos y controles con 1.151 artroplastias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vancomycin powder (VP) has been positively used in spinal surgery to reduce the rate of infections. Hardly any data have been published on hip and knee joint replacement surgery, and its usefulness is questioned. Our objective was to investigate the effectiveness of VP in reducing prosthetic infection and its possible complications. METHODS: Primary hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasties were reviewed, performed by five surgeons in one hospital center, between 2017 and 2018. 1g of VP was used on the implant prior to surgical closure based on the surgeon's preferences. With a 5-year follow-up in which the infection rate and local complications were analyzed. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and fifty one arthroplasties were performed, 748 were TKA and 403 were THA. Nine patients were diagnosed with prosthetic infection, of which five received VP and four did not (P=.555). Likewise, another 15 patients suffered wound complications, of which 11 received VP and 4 did not (P=.412). There were no differences, either, in the rest of the complications depending on the use or not of VP (P=.101). Likewise, the number of patients who needed reintervention was similar (P=.999). No systemic complications were detected due to the use of VP. CONCLUSIONS: It has not been possible to demonstrate that the use of VP reduces the rates of prosthetic infection in the hip and knee, so we cannot recommend its use.

Total knee arthroplasty for treatment of osteoarthritis associated with extra-articular deformity.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to review senior author results of TKA in patients with extra-articular angular deformities (correction of mechanical axis was performed without an additional procedure for osteotomy). METHODS: Results of TKA in nine knees with osteoarthritis and associated extra-articular angular deformity of femur were reviewed retrospectively. This group was compare with a with a control group of 20 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis that underwent TKA without extra-articular deformity. Angulation of deformity in patients was 19° in coronal plane (range 15°-25°) and 12° in sagittal plane (range 8°-5°). Knee Score (KS) and Functional Score (FS) were measured pre and post-surgery, likewise arc flexion was reported. Results in KS and FS were correlationed with extra-articular angulation. RESULTS: Duration of follow-up averaged 55 months (range, 48-63 months). KS Average and FS increased from 50.5 and 38.4 points, preoperatively, to 96.5 and 84.4 points, respectively, at time of following-up. No statistically significant differences in any postoperative parameters were found between the postoperative group of extra-articular deformities and the control group were found. Positive correlation was obtained between deformity degrees and KS. Arc of motion averaged 86° preoperatively and 118° at time of following-up. No total knee arthroplasty was revised. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, best management for extra-articular deformities associated to osteoarthritis is to carry out a knee replacement without corrective osteotomy on condition that planification allow to us avoid ligaments insertions, using an extensive soft-tissue balancing in conjunction with a minimally constrained TKA.

Tratamiento de valgos severos de rodilla mediante artroplastia total no constreñida: estudio comparativo con seguimiento a largo plazo / Management of severe valgus knee by total unconstrained arthroplasty: a comparative study with long-term follow-up

Objetivo. Evaluar la utilización de implantes no constreñidos en la corrección de grandes deformidades en valgo mediante artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR). Material y método. Fueron analizadas retrospectivamente 817 ATR primarias intervenidas entre 1998 y 2006; 50 ATR en 49 pacientes fueron seleccionadas (grupo A) con una deformidad mínima del 15° en valgo; se incluyeron 41 casos; 50 ATR fueron seleccionadas en el grupo B, con una deformidad máxima de 15° en varo, incluyendo finalmente 44 casos en 42 pacientes. El mismo cirujano realizó todas las ATR. El tiempo mínimo de seguimiento fue de 10 años. Fueron evaluados el Knee Society Score (KS y FS), el Oxford Knee Score (OKS) y el rango de movilidad (ROM), tanto preoperatorios, como postoperatorios tras 1, 5 y 10 años, así como la evolución radiográfica y las complicaciones. Resultados. Los valores preoperatorios del KS, FS y OKS fueron inferiores en el grupo A (p<0,0001; p<0,01 y p<0,05, respectivamente), no así el ROM. Postoperatoriamente, KS, FS, OKS y ROM no fueron diferentes entre los grupos, ni al año, ni a los 5, ni a los 10 años. Tampoco hubo diferencias radiológicas ni de complicaciones entre ambos grupos. Discusión. La utilización de implantes no constreñidos en los valgos graves no fue inferior a los varos leves, suponiendo, además, un ahorro anatómico para el paciente. Conclusiones. Corregir deformidades graves en valgo puede llevarse a cabo con implantes primarios no constreñidos, sin obtener por ello peores resultados a los obtenidos en deformidades leves (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the use of unconstrained implants in the correction of large valgus deformities using total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Material and method. A total of 817 primary TKA operated between 1998 and 2006 were retrospectively assessed. 50 TKA were selected (group A) in 49 patients, with a minimum deformity of 15° of valgus, 41 cases were included. Another 50 ATR were selected (group B), with a maximum deformity of 15° of varus, finally including 44 cases in 42 patients. The same surgeon performed every operation. The minimum follow-up time was 10 years. The Knee Society Score (KS and FS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Range of Mobility (ROM), both preoperative and postoperative at 1,.5 and 10 years, as well as radiographic evolution and complications were evaluated. Results. Preoperative values of KS, FS and OKS were lower in group A (P<.0001, P<.01 and P<.05, respectively), but not ROM. Postoperatively, KS, FS, OKS and ROM were not different between the groups, neither year, nor 5, nor 10 years. There were also no radiological or complications between the two groups. Discussion. The use of non-constricted implants in severe valgus was not inferior to the mild varus, implying, in addition, a saving in economic terms, with excellent postoperative results. Conclusions. Correction of severe valgus deformities can be performed with non-constrained primary implants, without obtaining worse results than those obtained in mild deformities (AU)

Management of severe valgus knee by total unconstrained arthroplasty: A comparative study with long-term follow-up. / Tratamiento de valgos severos de rodilla mediante artroplastia total no constreñida: estudio comparativo con seguimiento a largo plazo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of unconstrained implants in the correction of large valgus deformities using total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 817 primary TKA operated between 1998 and 2006 were retrospectively assessed. 50 TKA were selected (group A) in 49 patients, with a minimum deformity of 15° of valgus, 41 cases were included. Another 50 ATR were selected (group B), with a maximum deformity of 15° of varus, finally including 44 cases in 42 patients. The same surgeon performed every operation. The minimum follow-up time was 10 years. The Knee Society Score (KS and FS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Range of Mobility (ROM), both preoperative and postoperative at 1,.5 and 10 years, as well as radiographic evolution and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative values of KS, FS and OKS were lower in group A (P<.0001, P<.01 and P<.05, respectively), but not ROM. Postoperatively, KS, FS, OKS and ROM were not different between the groups, neither year, nor 5, nor 10 years. There were also no radiological or complications between the two groups. DISCUSSION: The use of non-constricted implants in severe valgus was not inferior to the mild varus, implying, in addition, a saving in economic terms, with excellent postoperative results. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of severe valgus deformities can be performed with non-constrained primary implants, without obtaining worse results than those obtained in mild deformities.

Efecto de la retirada del manguito de isquemia sobre las necesidades transfusionales en el paciente intervenido de artroplastia primaria de rodilla / Effect of removing the ischaemia tourniquet on the transfusion needs of the patient undergoing primary knee arthroplasty

Objetivo. Conocer la influencia del momento de la retirada del manguito de isquemia en la necesidad de transfusiones sanguíneas en las artroplastias primarias de rodilla y su influencia en las complicaciones postoperatorias. Material y método. Fueron analizadas 201 artroplastias primarias de rodilla retrospectivamente. Se dividieron en 2 grupos: el grupo A (101 pacientes), en el que se retiró el manguito antes del cierre quirúrgico, y el grupo B (100 pacientes), en el que se retiró tras el cierre. Se compararon las transfusiones sanguíneas (medidas en concentrados de hematíes) llevadas a cabo por ambos grupos, contrastándolas con el tiempo quirúrgico, así como las complicaciones posquirúrgicas. Resultados. La media de concentrados de hematíes transfundidos en el grupo A fue de 0,62, mientras que en el grupo B fue de 0,61 (p = 0,831). El tiempo medio quirúrgico en el grupo A fue de 111 min, y en el grupo B, de 98 min (p < 0,05), no existiendo relación entre el tiempo quirúrgico y los concentrados de hematíes transfundidos (p = 0,055). Las complicaciones posquirúrgicas en el grupo A fueron 8, y en el B, 10 (p = 0,69). Discusión. No hubo diferencias entre retirar el manguito de isquemia antes o después del cierre quirúrgico, ni en las necesidades transfusionales ni en las complicaciones posquirúrgicas. Tradicionalmente las mayores pérdidas sanguíneas al retirar el manguito antes del cierre han sido explicadas por el mayor tiempo quirúrgico que se requiere; sin embargo, este hecho no se relacionó con mayores necesidades transfusionales en nuestro estudio, ni con mayores complicaciones posquirúrgicas (AU)

Objective. To determine the influence of the timing of the removal of the ischaemia tourniquet on the transfusion needs in primary knee arthroplasty and its influence on post-operative complications. Material and method. A retrospective analysis was performed on 201 primary knee arthroplasties. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (101 patients), where the tourniquet was removed before surgical closure, and group B (100 patients), where the tourniquet was removed after the surgical closure. A comparison was made of the blood transfusions (pools of red corpuscles) received by both groups, along with the surgical time, and the post-operative complications. Results. The mean number of packed red cells transfused in group A was 0.62, while in the group B it was 0.61 (P = .831). The mean time in the surgery in group A was 111 min, and in group B it was 98 min (P < .05), with no significant difference between the surgical time and the number of packed cells transfused (P = .055). The post-operative complications in the group A were 8, and in the B were 10 (P = .79). Discussion. There were no differences between removing the tourniquet before or after surgical closure or in the transfusion needs or in the post-operative complications. Traditionally, the greater blood loss due to the removal of the tourniquet before surgical closure has been explained as due to the longer surgery time required. However, in the present study, this fact was not associated with greater transfusion needs, or with more post-operative complications (AU)

[Effect of removing the ischaemia tourniquet on the transfusion needs of the patient undergoing primary knee arthroplasty]. / Efecto de la retirada del manguito de isquemia sobre las necesidades transfusionales en el paciente intervenido de artroplastia primaria de rodilla.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the timing of the removal of the ischaemia tourniquet on the transfusion needs in primary knee arthroplasty and its influence on post-operative complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed on 201 primary knee arthroplasties. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (101 patients), where the tourniquet was removed before surgical closure, and group B (100 patients), where the tourniquet was removed after the surgical closure. A comparison was made of the blood transfusions (pools of red corpuscles) received by both groups, along with the surgical time, and the post-operative complications. RESULTS: The mean number of packed red cells transfused in group A was 0.62, while in the group B it was 0.61 (P=.831). The mean time in the surgery in group A was 111 min, and in group B it was 98 min (P<.05), with no significant difference between the surgical time and the number of packed cells transfused (P=.055). The post-operative complications in the group A were 8, and in the B were 10 (P=.79). DISCUSSION: There were no differences between removing the tourniquet before or after surgical closure or in the transfusion needs or in the post-operative complications. Traditionally, the greater blood loss due to the removal of the tourniquet before surgical closure has been explained as due to the longer surgery time required. However, in the present study, this fact was not associated with greater transfusion needs, or with more post-operative complications.